The Hodgepodge

  The moment I stepped through the doors of the Baguio Museum, I felt as though I was being transported into the heart of the Cordilleras. The museum, though modest in size compared to grand city museums, is bursting with a wealth of history and culture that feels almost palpable in the air. From the exterior, the building itself is unassuming, yet its simplicity reflects the understated charm of Baguio, the city known for its cool climate and pine-scented air. However, what awaited inside was far from simple. As I entered, I was greeted by a large open gallery that immediately commanded attention with its vibrant display of artifacts from various indigenous tribes of the Cordillera region. The museum’s layout was well-organized, with sections devoted to different aspects of life in the highlands. The first exhibit I encountered was a tribute to the various ethnic groups that make up the fabric of this region—the Ifugao, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Bontoc, and Kalinga, among others. Large ...

The image shows a breathtaking sunrise view from Mines View Park, a popular tourist spot in Baguio City, Philippines. The vibrant colors of the sky, ranging from deep orange to soft blues, contrast beautifully with the rolling mountains and the peaceful valley below. This scenic viewpoint is perfect for capturing the serene beauty of nature as the day begins, offering a moment of reflection amidst the hills and trees. The morning air in Baguio was crisp as I made my way to Mines View Park, eager to catch the sunrise. It was still dark when I arrived, the city quiet, with only a few early risers making their way to the viewpoint. The faint, cool breeze carried the scent of pine and freshly brewed coffee from nearby vendors. As I reached the viewing deck, the sky was a deep shade of blue, slowly transitioning to lighter hues. In the distance, the Cordillera Mountains stretched endlessly, their peaks barely visible in the pre-dawn light. The city below was still asleep, wrapped in a soft ...

  Pines Await: An Afternoon Departure to Baguio It was a warm afternoon in Manila as I boarded the Victory Liner deluxe bus for the 3:00 PM trip to Baguio. The city's familiar chaos slowly faded as the bus rolled out of the terminal, navigating through the bustling streets of EDSA. The skies above were overcast, and soon after we entered the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), raindrops began to splatter against the windows. The light drizzle quickly turned into a steady downpour. The bus cruised along the wet expressway, the rain blurring the views of passing fields and towns, while the road ahead shimmered under the glow of brake lights and reflections on the rain-soaked asphalt. Despite the weather, the ride felt calm, the rhythmic tap of raindrops creating a sense of tranquility as we made our way further north. By the time we reached the stretch of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the rain had eased and eventually stopped just before Tarlac. The clouds began to th...

Social media amplifies political discourse, enabling direct engagement, shaping narratives, but also spreading misinformation and deepening polarization. In the digital age, social media has become a dominant force that shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, including politics. What was once a tool for sharing personal updates has evolved into a platform where political discourse unfolds, campaigns are waged, and public opinion is swayed. But as with any powerful tool, the rise of social media in politics is a double-edged sword—while it democratizes access to information, it also creates new challenges that threaten the integrity of political systems. Gone are the days when politicians relied solely on traditional media like television, radio, and newspapers to reach voters. Today, a single tweet can set the political agenda for an entire day. Social media allows politicians to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to their audience. In this way, platforms like Fac...

  Respect seems to be fading in today's generation, with rising focus on self-interest, online conflict, and a lack of empathy in personal interactions      One of the fundamental principles of human connection that has long been used to build peace, empathy, and understanding is respect. However, it appears that this fundamental virtue is vanishing in today's fast-paced, technologically-driven world, especially among the younger generation. Although social media, technology, and changing cultural norms have brought about a lot of great improvements, they have also alarmingly contributed to the decline of respect. An Instant-Gratification Culture      The burgeoning culture of quick satisfaction is one of the main reasons for this erosion of respect. Patience has become rare in the age of smartphones and constant contact. It's getting strange to think that relationships need work and time, or that anything has to be earned. The way that young people ...

In a world of technological advancement, global connectivity, and abundant resources, it’s alarming to realize that millions of people still go to bed hungry every night. What’s even more unsettling is the juxtaposition of this reality with another pressing issue: food waste. Across the globe, staggering amounts of food are wasted daily, while countless individuals struggle to access even basic nutrition. This inconvenient truth points to a massive flaw in the way we produce, distribute, and consume food—one that reflects deeper systemic issues in both society and the economy. The Scale of the Problem Food waste is a global crisis of extraordinary proportions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of all food produced globally is wasted every year. That equates to roughly 1.3 billion tons of food, valued at nearly $1 trillion. While this waste occurs at every stage of the food supply chain—from farms and processing plants to supermarkets and househol...

How modernity changed the new Generation The world we live in today is a product of rapid technological advancement, globalization, and an ever-shifting cultural landscape. While these changes have propelled humanity toward unprecedented levels of convenience and interconnectedness, they have also brought with them challenges and complexities that are reshaping the minds of new generations. This modern evolution, though celebrated for its innovations, comes with an inconvenient truth: it is changing the way young people think, act, and perceive the world—often in ways that lead to disconnection, superficiality, and a loss of deeper values. The Shift Toward Instant Gratification One of the most significant transformations modernity has imposed on younger generations is the desire for instant gratification. In the past, hard work, patience, and perseverance were necessary for success. Today, however, the proliferation of social media, smartphones, and on-demand services has conditioned p...

  Introduction: The Call of Mount Napulak There are moments in life when the need for adventure strikes—a call to leave behind the mundane routines, to step outside the confines of comfort, and to connect deeply with nature. For some, it comes as a subtle whisper; for others, it’s a loud, insistent beckoning. For me, that call came in the form of Mount Napulak, a towering peak in Igbaras, Iloilo, known for its rugged trails and breathtaking views. A group of us had long talked about the idea of conquering this mountain, yet it was only in the crisp days of early autumn that we finally decided to make it happen. We were drawn not only by the challenge of the hike but by the promise of a night spent at the summit. Few things are as satisfying as laying down your head on the grass at the top of a mountain, with nothing but the stars above you. The prospect of watching the sunset, camping under a sky full of constellations, and waking up to a glorious sunrise was enough to get our boot...

  Chapter 1: Crossing Paths         The tanker "Neptune Star" lay anchored off the coast of Tramandai, Brazil, its vast hull swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. Jules, an able-bodied seaman (AB), stood at the aft of the ship, leaning against the rail as he stared out at the horizon. It had been a month since he’d come aboard, and the days had begun to blend into one long, monotonous stretch of routine. Work was repetitive, the isolation deep and the silence between tasks was something Jules had grown accustomed to.        A distant hum caught his attention as a service boat appeared on the water, cutting its way through the gentle waves toward the ship. Jules knew it was bringing fresh crew members. Rotations happened every so often, and while Jules didn’t typically concern himself with the arrivals, today he watched with a hint of curiosity. Maybe it was the need for a change—anything to break up the long days at sea.   ...

As the Philippines faces yet another powerful storm with Super Typhoon Enteng, the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. The recurring nature of these calamities reminds us that while we cannot prevent natural disasters, we can certainly mitigate their impact through proactive measures. This column explores the essential roles that individuals, communities, and the government must play, as well as the benefits of adopting modern approaches to typhoon readiness. Personal Preparedness: The First Line of Defense Individual and household preparedness forms the foundation of community resilience against typhoons. It begins with understanding the risks associated with living in a typhoon-prone area. This knowledge allows families to develop emergency plans that include: Evacuation Routes: Identifying and rehearsing safe routes to the nearest evacuation centers is crucial, especially in flood-prone areas. Emergency Kits: Every household should maintain a well-stocked emergency ki...

The bus departed from Laoag Farinas Bus Station at exactly 2100H, just as the deep indigo sky settled over the city. The familiar hum of the engine merged with the distant sounds of the night, creating a lullaby that soothed us weary passengers into a state of quiet anticipation. As the bus rolled out of the station and onto the highway, the lights of Laoag gradually faded into the distance, replaced by the gentle glow of headlights cutting through the darkened landscape. The first few hours of the journey were a blend of darkness and flickering lights as the bus navigated through sleepy towns. The silhouettes of trees, houses, and the occasional passing vehicle flitted by, half-seen but ever-present. Inside the bus, we settled into our seats—some drifting into a light slumber, while others stared out of the window, lost in thought. As the bus moved further south, the rhythm of the road became a steady companion. The stillness of the night was punctuated only by the occasional rustle o...