Exorcism in the Philippines: From Yahoo News, "Philippine Priest in Ancient Battle with Demons"

"There is a great dramatic increase of possessions right now," said Father Jose Francisco Syquia, Head of Manila Archdiocese's Office of Exorcism. "More and more the demons are gaining a foothold into this society" he added.

Father Syquia's statement reminded me of the 2010 movie "The Last Exorcism". The film's tagline says "If you believe in God, you must believe in the Devil".

You Call This Entertainment and Hope? Humiliation of 6 Year-Old Boy on Willie Revillame's Willing Willie

My jaws dropped on the floor when I saw this video and article about the child abuse that took place on Willie Revillame's "Willing Willie". I was appalled not only because of the boy's humiliation but from the cheers and applause of Willie and his audience. It just show how desensitize many are on poor taste, sexuality and the false hope of prosperity on TV. If this is what many Filipinos find entertaining, then many should take a deep breath and a good look at the mirror.

Not Gaga Over "Born This Way"

According to Vogue magazine, Lady Gaga’s song “Born This Way” is more than “an unbelievably great dance song”; it is “destined to be the anthem of every gay-pride event for the next 100 years.” It only took the well-known pop star 10 minutes to write the song and its explanation of same-sex attraction. At least that’s what Lady Gaga told Vogue.

Can True Democracy Emerge in Egypt Now that President Mubarak is Gone?

The events in Egypt reminded me the Philippine's peaceful People Power revolution in 1986. Filipinos should be reminded that we must keep the spirit of people power alive.

But who will replace Mubarak? Can democracy emerge in Egypt now that President Mubarak is gone? Filipinos were blessed to have former President Cory Aquino as a new leader after Marcos. She was for and aimed to restore democracy back into the hands of the Filipino people. Unfortunately, Egypt may be a different story because the regime that will take over is still uncertain.

Willie Revillame Hope for Poor Filipinos?

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

The image that TV shows like Willie Revilliame’s Willing Willie (ABC TV5) and formerly Wowowee (ABS-CBN) like to portray is that they rescue people from poverty. An industry that is bent on making money through TV ratings tries to add a facade of respectability by saying it stands for helping the poor. However, the reality about these shows is that it indirectly creates a culture of dependency in the Philippines.

When Do You Know That Enough is Enough?

Thought I'll post this letter from an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). The writer shares her thoughts as she discovers what's more important in her life and for the family she left behind in the Philippines. God meant families to stay together. But in the Philippines where majority of citizens consider themselves as God-fearing, separated families due to overseas employment are very common. It makes you wonder if the sacrifices of these parents to give up their influence to their children in exchange for affluence are all worth it.  God bless the OFWs and their families. You can read the complete version of the letter here.

Philippines Adobo is Featured in NY Times Magazine

There are as many recipes for adobo as there are Philippine islands, thats how NY Times food columnist Sam Sifton describe our favorite dish in his article The Adobo Experiment. He also writes,

Too Many Filipino words for "Corruption"

Interesting blog post from my friend Tony.  Notice how many words Filipinos use to describe "bribe" or "corruption" in the Philippines? Suhol, lagay, padulas, tongpats, kotong, regalo, Christmas gift, pamasko, delihensya, pangyosi, love gift, pang-almusal, pang-tanghalian, pang-merienda, pang-hapunan, pang-birthday, pakimkim, kickback, porsyento, just to name a few.

Two Top Filipino Botanists Passed Away - Dr. Dan Lagunzad & Dr. Leonard Co

Two of the top and world-renowned botanist and conservationist in the Philippines passed away within a week, Dr. Dan Lagunzad and Dr. Leonard Co. Dr. Co while in the field, died in a crossfire between the Philippine Army and of communist guerrillas. Dr. Lagunzad died a few days later.

Survey says, Family is No. 1 Source of Happiness for Filipinos

According to a recent survey conducted by the NSCB, both Filipino men and women ranked families as their primary source of happiness. Health ranked second and religion ranked third. Income or financial security only ranked 9th and politics, technology, sports, community and cultural activities made it to the bottom five (see embedded video below and survey results here).