TO me, freedom means doors — a lot of doors. Too much, in fact, that we drown in all these open possibilities that promise us fulfilling lives, so long as we choose the “right” one. Endless choices, endless paths, and endless versions of ourselves living seemingly different lives. And yet, these innumerable doors leave us with no sense of purpose; where every step feels like a loss, and this so-called freedom instead becomes a slow death of indecision.
Category: Opinion
Dying, Decaying & Skeletonizing
“PHILIPPINE Cinema is dead!” said Filipinos who are fanatics of foreign films over local movies. Well, I can’t blame them. Admittedly, there are many Filipino films that have nonsensical plots, actors without stagecraft, and cinematography that lacks direction and intention. Despite these failures in technicalities, a reeking and unpleasant smell seems to be lurking, waiting to get loose. Truth be told, I am no expert, but as an enthusiast of classic and a wide variety of genres, I might have learned a thing or two.
Enough With the Lie That the Year Defines Us
AS 2025 comes to an end, overthinking feels like it’s unavoidable. We rethink our decisions and remember the missed chances we never took.
How DTI Stole Christmas
HOW do you bring life to a lifeless feast? With the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s P500 Noche Buena guide, Christmas, which is supposedly an ever joyous, anticipated celebration, becomes hollow — a grim reminder of the country’s financial crisis.
Free speech to free excuses
“YOUR feelings are valid.” This statement has received growing popularity in today’s digital age, especially with the help of social media and content creators. While freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, it loses its moral value when it becomes a tool for spreading misinformation, hatred, or ignorance under the immunity of opinion or expression.
Coloring Contest
IN the political landscape of the Philippines, certain individuals vested with power are often associated with colors to amplify their history, name, and position. Politics in the country has, as some say, bled into a narrative of hues, shadows, and color — rather than one of truth, accountability, and integrity.
Cult of Politics
Across the globe, fanaticism is a complex behavior evident in various forms and activities. In the realm of politics, fanaticism plays a crucial role, especially in modern media — where stories are often manipulated and crafted to lead fanatics.
Peaceful Flames
“’DI mo ba naririnig? Tinig ng bayan na galit?” is how the Filipino version of the popular song “Do you hear the people sing?” from Les Misérables goes as the play recounts the French Revolution. The Filipino version of the song was produced in 2017, not only translating the message of strengthened democracy in the country’s political landscape. To this day, the song remains relevant, especially at times where the government is abusing their power and committing atrocities that leave the citizens bare to face the consequences.
When Memory Fails, Justice Fails
AS a Filipino, I sometimes feel both amazed and disappointed at how fast the Philippines forgets. Every time a scandal or controversy sparks, everyone talks about it. News channels cover it non-stop, and social media explodes leading to eventual backlash. People act like it is the most important issue in the country, but in a few weeks, days, and months, it all disappears, the noise suddenly goes quiet. We all move on to the next controversy, may it be on an artist or another political issue, even if the previous one was never resolved. It makes me wonder, do we care about change, or do we just enjoy drama?
When the watchdogs stop watching
IN the field of journalism, the directive is clear: speak truth to power, expose those who remain hidden, and hold those comfortable in their seats accountable. Yet, in practice, these concepts remain an afterthought. Too often, some reporters and media practitioners “turn the other cheek”—not in the biblical context of avoiding conflict, but in a more grim sense of ignoring the injustices and choosing silence when truth begs to be told.