3 Potential Ripples of the Duterte Phenomenon in Asia and the Pacific

The May 9, 2016 national elections in the Philippines that saw the rise of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to power drew the active participation of the electorate in the intense debates, thanks in large measure to social media. Exchanges were so passionate at all levels that relationships were strained even among families and friends. When Duterte was vocal to his displeasure to statements from foreign observers, some fear the country's relationship with other countries would be strained as well.

But first, who is Duterte and why is he popular?

Presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte
Photo taken from the video by Matt Wilkie

Many analysts agree that the so-called Duterte phenomenon has been brought about by the gnawing dissatisfaction among the Filipinos about the current administration, most specifically the Aquinos. In the past 30 years, two members of the Aquino clan have led the country -- Corazon "Cory" Aquino (1986 to 1992), the wife of Ninoy Aquino who was gunned down at the Manila International Airport in 1983, and Noynoy Aquino (2010-2016), their son.

Homeschoolers Are a Fraternity of Sort

If ever there is any consolation in the challenges we encounter in homeschooling our kids, it is the beauty that we see in the last 7 years, particularly back to the time when it all began, 2 years further back in time.

Our son during a homeschoolers' common activity back in June 2009. We were homeschooling our son for a year already when this photo was taken.

Having read up what we could about homeschooling nine years ago (that was in 2006, when our son was only 3 years old) and after having prayed hard about it, my wife and I said, "This is it!" We stuck to that decision unwaveringly since. We crafted our life and career decisions around it.

The Honor Code of the Philippine Military Academy: An Outsider's Perspective

I've never been to PMA. But I'm told, and so are you, that they have an Honor Code that says: "We the cadets do not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those who do."

PMA Cadets stand at attention during Saturday Inspection.
Image by Angel Ramos

That sounds like something taken straight from a Student's Handbook that gathers dust somewhere around the house or dormitory, right? That's because most of us have never been to this institution. It's why we look at the "Honor Code" from the space of our own experience.

A Slice of Working at Home

I work at home. Many people still couldn’t get what that means. I’m tired of explaining. Now, I just let them think whatever they want to think and not give a damn. Oh, how life has become simpler since then.

Working at home, in squatting position, in front of TV and with kids running all around

Neighbors thought I work nights somewhere. That’s because they see me at home during the day, wearing shorts and tending my garden. My eyes go up each time someone mentions I work nights. But I have learned to cope with the punishment by saying, “Yeah! See you around.”

I’ve blogged passionately about parenting stuff in 2008 and 2009. Then it stopped.

Today, 30 months later, the blog’s still here and I’m not. Well, until a few moments ago, that is.

The stillness of chaos by Darwin Bell

What happened in between was a story by itself. We long for the day when we would tell the world about it. Suffice it to say at this moment that never had our marriage and family been as strong, oozing with love and full of adventures.

That was a wake up call, indeed ...

A homeschool colleague named Oliver was following this blog and I didn't realize it. I ran across him in a homeschool gathering. Then he asked, "What's up? I've not read anything new in your blog."

Aluminum Apple Keyboard by Andrew*

That was a wake up call. I had not updated this blog regularly as I used to. For a time, I thought that was, "Ok." Deep inside me, something said, "No, Marvin, that's not Ok. You're out of integrity here."

Bloggers like me put up blogs like this with a vision. In my case, I've been envisioning this blog to be read by fathers like me. There's just a lot of stuff out there that fathers could munch during breaks, to make them better parents of Filipino kids, especially in the information age.

Our Fantastic 2011 Family Vacation

The last two weeks have been hectic and exciting for my family. Sponsors in my big family took me, my wife and my kids to a two-week big family vacation that included trips in Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City.

Some of the places we visted

I have summarized the places we visited in the diagram above. It was a mix of air, land and sea travel. There were lots of sight-seeing, fun photos, swimming and snorkeling. I'll be blogging about each of them in greater detail in future posts.

Jump! And the Net Will Appear

"Jump! And the Net Will Appear" -- That's the title of a book I read a few years back in time. It's also a title that roughly describes what I just went through the last two months. That explains a pause in my posting.

"Star Jump" by Stuart Anthony

To cut my recent story short, I have seen that a business venture that I have spent time on has not been working. It has been either that the business concept has been the problem, or our marketing approach has failed or perhaps I simply wasn't suited for it. I don't know. I have simply acknowledged that I need to move on.

Parenting Tips and the Ways to Bring Up an Awesome Grownup

Parenting Tips and the Ways to Bring Up an Awesome Grownup
By Chloe Bilboa Platinum Quality Author

It might look like a classic Western flick, but tots will involve you in standoffs, OK Corral-style. Effective parenting advice for youngsters 2 to 12 years of age would include you bringing up excellent children who'll succeed during their grownup lives, along with you surviving to tell the tale. It is a difficult task with no instruction manual, but seeing your toddlers mature into wonderful individuals will provide you with profound happiness in the long run.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lomoholga/

Raising Kids -- Surprisingly Smart Parenting Tips for Dads and Moms

Hats off to these smart parenting tips for new mums. Here they go (emphasis mine):

1. You won't need half the crap that you bring to the hospital with you. And it will be a pain in the butt to carry it all home.
2. There are tons of stupid baby gadgets out there. Don't get suckered into things like baby wipes warmers, knee-pads for crawlers, etc.
3. It will be much harder than you ever expected, and so much more rewarding than you ever expected.
4. Let your partner help. Insist that your partner helps.
5. Even with a newborn, you need time alone. Give the baby to your partner, a grandparent, anything, and get out of the house for an hour, ALONE! Get a pedicure, buy a book, or just go grocery shopping by yourself, at least once a month.

Source: What advice would you give to a new mum about raising kids? at Yahoo! Answers

What I like most about these tips is that it says, "Let your partner help. Insist that your partner helps." This is a cool call for husbands (like me) to help in parenting, isn't it?