Category Archives: Family
Uncle Gerry
I ALWAYS tell my students, almost all of them in their teens that, at this point in their lives, they probably enjoy spending more time with their barkada—with whom secrets are shared, ‘happenings’ are enjoyed, and brave youthful explorations are … Continue reading
Filed under Church, Family, Filipino Youth, Marcos
Tina, Helen, Christian, and Mary
FOUR human beings pervade my consciousness these days, and they happen to be all mothers. First is Tina Tan, whose recent appointment as Tourism Officer of Ilocos Norte made me so happy, I almost had permanent cramps on my facial … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Filipino, Filipino Youth, Government/Politics, Heroes, Ilocos, The Good Life, Tourism
Thank you, Ramos Family
THE ILOCOS TIMES turns half a century plus two years in the service of the Ilocano, and it is fitting that we thank the family behind the institution. While this paper is a family business, I don’t think its continuous … Continue reading
Honest janitor hailed in world wide web
I USED TO HAVE a great disdain for government employees. I always imagined them as inept, inefficient, corrupt, and good only in petty gossiping. Your karikna also considered them as insensitive, arrogant and proud, what with clerks acting like the … Continue reading
Filed under Education, Family, Heroes, Ilocos, PinoyPride
Seafarer’s son tops CFAT, takes up nursing
(I am tempted to write about my grandniece Ananda’s very first day in school but the euphoria of seeing our beloved baby begin her educational sojourn is yet to subside, and I lack coherence when I feel euphoric, so I … Continue reading
Most Meaningful Christmas Greeting
My Uncle Erning, an Iglesia ni Cristo diakono, visited our home today. Conscious about being sensitive to the religious beliefs of others, I would usually say ‘Happy Holidays’–a greeting more safe. (For those who don’t know yet, INCs don’t celebrate … Continue reading
Mom’s reaction
My mother’s reaction: You were very disrespectful to the bishops. You should respect them because they have sacrificed their lives. I am not going to buy any copy of the Ilocos Times anymore. Herdy’s Riknakem: 1) I don’t think I … Continue reading
Love sealed on a balikbayan box
“Roughly speaking, one loves not because one wants gifts, but because one wants their meaning.” -Niklas Luhmann PARALLEL to something big happening in Manila, the MMSU Graduate School organized recently a Research Forum on Migration and Development where this columnist … Continue reading
Uncle Gerry Writes
[I ONCE WROTE a piece on Ferdinand Marcos and mentioned there my dear Uncle Gerry (Labayog), an anti-Marcos activist who later on became, and ironically so, a Marcos Loyalist. Here are excerpts from my favorite uncle’s email who has embraced … Continue reading
Filed under Family, Government/Politics, Marcos
