The Rift Between Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Former President Rodrigo Duterte: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Photo(s): Reuters

You might have heard about the recent rift between Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte - both belong to prominent political family dynasties in the Philippines. But what does this all mean, and why does it matter?

2024 Is The Year Of Celebrity Showbiz Breakups in the Philippines?

PHOTO/S: TIM MOSSHOLDER ON UNSPLASH

According to PEP.ph, more and more Philippine showbiz couples are breaking up these days and more are predicted to come in 2024. We can only speculate on the many reasons that probably played a role in these highly-publicized breakups. But should we care that relationships are getting shorter? Well, it depends on why we date in the first place. What's the whole point of relationships anyway? If you think life is all about making yourself happy, then there's no "right" or "wrong" way to live. However, if life's meaning comes from appreciating the good things around us and making the world a little better, then activities like dating, relationships, school, hobbies, friendships, having kids someday, or even just being yourself take on more purpose.

You Wanna Be On Top? Philippines Ranks 115th In Corruption index

Photo source: Philstar.com

Hey everyone! Guess who's back to blogging after five years? Yep, that's right – and what better way to dive back in than exploring the perceptions of corruption in the Philippines and hope for a brighter tomorrow. It's good to be back! (A big thank you to Ruth Dalman for checking in and asking me when I'll be back blogging).

I stumbled upon this article from The Philippine Star talking about how the Philippines is doing in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). The score went up a bit from 33 to 34 in 2023, but we're still below the global average of 43. We're hanging around 115th out of 180 countries, just a bit better than 2022's 116th place. The index looks at how people see corruption in the government, and a lower score is not good news. What's interesting is that lots of countries around the world are struggling with corruption, and most of them are scoring below 50. The Philippines has been stuck in this not-so-great ranking for a while.

So, what can we do about it? It seems like the Philippines need a big plan. It's not just about numbers; it's about leaders showing Filipinos how to do the right thing. Maybe we should start learning about good morals and ethics early on, like in school. Local communities, like local churches, could help band together and fight against corruption. We need the government to be more open about what they're doing and be accountable for it. And you know what? Prayer and thinking about the right thing to do should be part of making decisions too. It's time for us, the regular Filipinos around the world, to stand up and say no to corruption, with the help of groups who care about our country. And businesses? They need to be fair and ethical too, no room for cheating in the business and capitalists world. Let's team up and make the Philippines a place where doing the right thing is just how we roll to the top of the list.

Living Homeless in San Diego

Last February, I was living as a homeless man on the streets of San Diego, California. Check out the homemade slide show above using the video editing app, Splice.

It was a thoughtful conscious choice to plunged into homelessness for one week because of my friend Ed Pelzner. Originally from Reston, Ed has been missing since 2014. The last confirmed information about him was he was living on the streets of San Diego and he's a meth addict. Ed's best friend Will Cravens, has been on a journey to find Ed since he disappeared. He would fly out of Northern Virginia to San Diego at least twice a year and would live on the streets to have closer access, gain trust and built street credibility among homeless people. He serves and volunteers at the different institutions that help the homeless at the same time. When I heard Ed's story one Sunday morning, I knew right away that I want to get into action and be part of a meaningful mission. (Check out this ABC 10 News report from 2015 on the search for Ed)

National Geographic Takes a Closer Look at the War on Drugs in the Philippines

CBS News interviewed National Geographic correspondent Ryan Duffy whose recently aired film takes a closer look at President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly war on drugs. In this video, Duffy shares what he learned in the controversial war.

I support the war on drugs in the Philippines but the extra-judicial sheds a bad light on the President Duterte's positive cause to bring change in the Philippines. The killings are cruel and go against the Biblical principle that every life is sacred and endowed with inalienable dignity.

This reminded me of a good advice I heard from a friend, to not trade cruelty for another. Because if we think we can remain the good guys while giving up our principles, the odds of winning a cause aren’t in our favor.

Next Mission: Help Find Ed

Joining some friends this week to look for Ed in San Diego and serve the homeless along the way.
Just as I want others to do if I were lost.

   

(Leviticus 25:35)

Greg’s Story – Most Successful Male P*rn Star Of All Time Speaks Out On P*rn

In the 1980's, Greg moved to California to become an actor. When the writer's strike hit, Greg was forced to find other work. Starving and broke, Greg had no idea that one business card would lead him to becoming "the most popular, most decorated male p*rn star of all time. 

He said it well... "if I can change my heart, anybody can." Thanks for sharing your story.

Learn more about the harms of p*rn at: http://www.fightthenewdrug.org

On the Burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani

As an Alumni of UP Integrated School, which is celebrating its Centennial Homecoming on Dec. 10th, I echo their statement on the burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Coming Soon: Revised Edition of Controversial Book on Martial Law, "The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos" by Primitivo Mijares

Since I posted the blog post, Remembering Primitivo Mijares and His Message to Maguindanao, in 2009, the article is still getting good traffic and comments from people asking where they can read and find copies of the book. A member of the Mijares clan reached out to me and shared this good news. One of the most controversial book on Martial Law, The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos is available as a free PDF ebook here (a paperback or printed PDF can be purchased at Amazon). 

The bigger news is that an updated version of the book will be released this September. The new version will still be the original book but will be updated with additional references, citations and new content. Something I will very look forward to. If you want to receive updates or notifications of the revised and updated version of the book every Filipino should know and read, The Conjugal Dictatorship, please express your interest by signing up at   ConjugalDictatorship.com. 

Dear Christians, Don't Celebrate the Murder of 49 Gay People in Orlando

(GREGG NEWTON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

As a Christ-following Christian, I do not celebrate the murder of nearly 50 gay people in Orlando. Instead, I mourned the loss of life and I grieved with their families and friends. It was not a time to blame or speculate but a time to seriously talk to my family and friends on how to love Christianly and live peacefully with people including the LGBT community.