I’m still not over Jay Bounce’s death. Cathy says I’ve gone past denial, anger, and bargaining, and now into acceptance, but this morning, on the way to work, the facade didn’t take, and I found myself once again fighting back tears. Jay would’ve hated me moping like this, but last night – Danny, Mic, S, Cathy and myself celebrating Jay’s legacy at Tazza Cafe, one of our favorite hangouts – really...

Thanks to all those who’ve sent birthday text messages and email greetings. I love you guys for all your support and well wishes. Sandy was joined in heaven yesterday afternoon by one of my best friends. John Julian Mendoza Tan III – his full name is forever etched into my memory – died yesterday afternoon. Jay was only 32. In honor of his friendship, I’d like to dedicate my birthday post to him. (Please forgive the lack...

My half-brother Sandy was murdered last week. The entire family is in shock. My mother and Cathy, in particular, are extremely disturbed about the circumstances surrounding his death – I, for one, am not very pleased with the Sun Star article – and we’re just in a total state of denial right now. Sandy was a very sensitive soul. He was extremely talented and so incredibly funny. He had so much life in him, and I can’t...

Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos said, in a speech delivered at an activity organized by the office of and attended by current Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, that greed, apathy, and corruption are once again making themselves felt, and constituted problems that the nation needs to address. “Around the world,” said he, “there are new tyrannies in the form of self-serving leaders, immoderately greedy...

I recently joined Team RP, a college students and young professionals-led initiative that advocates truth, accountability, and reform in Philippine government. (What a surprise that I received an invite, given that I am neither a college student nor a young professional. Ah, the joys of not looking, sounding, or acting one’s age.) Team RP is one of the many groups seeking truth, accountability and reform in government. I’m not...