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Deconstructing the mythologeme of the contemporary

One of the most contentious points in navigating the terrain of contemporary Philippine politics is how we should approach the seeming polarization of the Filipino public space brought to the fore by Duterte’s unexpected ascent to power. Entered into the fray by an assembly...

“Make Orwell fiction again”: Deconstructing the Arroyo Charter

It was one of those rare occasions where I took some time off politics to delve into that one thing I’ve nearly forgotten: the writing of short fiction. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. My fingers had already grown numb from beating numerous...

Altering the anthem and flag is a lousy idea

“Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi, Ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo” These are the last two stanzas of the Philippine National Anthem in the Filipino language. The official English translation reads: “But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged, For us, thy sons, to suffer and...

Should Christians believe Pacquiao?

Just this once, please allow me to write something I rarely tackle in political discourse: the Bible and Christian history. Before I proceed, let me remind believers that it’s only proper to read the books of the Bible as a whole, not in loosely...

Paedophilia is child rape—period

Remember the time when dystopian novels written by George Orwell and Ray Bradbury—1984 and Fahrenheit 451, respectively—were but fantasy books to be read within the thrill of teenage solitary confinement? Apparently, the dystopia referred to in these books is the here and now. True enough,...

In the Neighborhood of ‘Suspects’: a closer look at what could be the New Inquisition

Imagine an ordinary day. You drag yourself dutifully out of bed towards the nearest light rail station, hoping to get to your destination not a minute longer than expected. You force your way into the throng thinking what could be the worst thing...

Random Pickings

When God becomes just another joking matter

  Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will reap.—Galatians 6:7   Rarely do I give myself the chance to...

The language of aesthetics as the language of power

Shakespeare had his Queen Elizabeth. Michelangelo his Lorenzo de’ Medici. Leonardo da Vinci his Ludovico Sforza. Artists and their powerful patrons captured as still-life...

Lessons from a ‘fantaserye’ controversy

Three weeks ago, ABS-CBN released promotional campaigns for its newest “fantaserye” Bagani, a speculative, coming-of-age story of a male protagonist, utilizing the indigenous...

Jeepney phaseout: Modernization for whom?

by Michelle Lado Last March 17, various jeepney drivers and operators in the country conducted a transport strike to protest the PUV modernization program of...