I wouldn’t deny it. The results of the recent national elections in the Philippines left me stunned and broken-hearted. For a few days, I walked with a cloud hanging over my head. I feel better now so I am able to write about this matter. I am not being self-righteous. Neither am I naive to…
A Research on District 75 Toastmasters International
Yesterday, I met Mr. Joseph Adonis “Dodong” Baduel, District Governor of TI Philippines in 1983. He was one of my interviewees for a research I did on Toastmasters International almost a decade ago. We were supposed to meet after my research so I could give him a hardbound copy of the research, but I changed…
Petty
So it’s just two (2) days before the national elections in the Philippines, and people are still actively exchanging views on social media in support of their candidates and to attack other runners, and thoughts are swirling in my head. But instead of writing them down, I thought of writing something petty on a Saturday,…
What’s in it for me?
I remember in school, when speech writing and delivery was discussed, one of the things emphasized was “What’s in it for me?” According to our prof, you should think of the audience and what they can gain from your talk. In that way, she said, they will pay attention and listen more. After several years,…
Still Thinking of Taking the FSOE?
I wrote about this topic in two previous entries. But there were a few queries I received recently about FSO life; that’s why I thought of writing a few tips again. Also, I have an upcoming online career talk in a university, where I will share some insights to students about foreign service as a…
A Dash of Salt
It’s a weekend. You are in the kitchen wearing an apron, while the most delicious scent wafts in the air. You get a spoon, taste the sauce a little, wrinkle your nose a bit, add a dash of salt, taste the dish again, and smile. Yes! That’s what 1/8 of a teaspoon does. Now, imagine…
Dearest Young One,
Hi. Because of some circumstances in the past few days and weeks, I thought of penning you a letter. This is not to reprimand you but to share some life lessons learned from my many years in life. Do not be so impatient to be part of the daily grind and be in an adult’s…
#NeverAgain: EDSA Revolution 36th Anniversary
Today, 25 February 2022, the Philippines celebrates the 36th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. Almost four decades hence, this event is still significant to the country especially with the upcoming national elections in May 2022. Four decades hence, the issue is still a hot topic for debate and discussions, with both sides having…
Finding a Home in the City of Lights
Home is a feeling, not just a place. Author’s Note: This was my contest piece during the International Speech Contest Area Level Contest, Toastmasters International, Manila on 19 Feb. 2022. The last time I competed was in 2011 so it felt great joining the contest again. Honestly, I was thinking of backing out a few…
Beyond Routes 