“IT’S the most wonderful time of the year” blasts through the speakers as the holidays roll by. On paper and through social media, plastered with wide smiles on family portraits, it truly seems as if it were true. But is it truly the most wonderful when people are forced to reconnect and tolerate abuse?
CHRISTMAS is a time that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. As stated in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believed in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” This verse represents how God chose to be present among humanity — not through wealth or power but through humility and love.
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.
“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.
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 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.
“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.
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.
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.
“’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.