Filipino shopping habits, the “tingi” culture and plastic pollution
When I first wrote a blog post about the “tingi” shopping habits of Filipinos in 2013, I was only focused on the bad …
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The Vietnam War through the eyes of the Vietnamese
On the fourth day of our Saigon trip, we walked from our apartment to the War Remnants Museum. I saw tanks and took photos. …
In my eyes, Japan is still beautiful and the Japanese are still a lovely people, but…
Last year’s trip to Japan was a whirlwind; this time, it’s a two-week trip. When you travel more slowly, you get …
The Hanoi hop-on-hop-off bus tour and the white man who refused to wait
Several months ago, I was reading up on Grindelwald, checking out accommodations and wondering how long I could vacation …
How to cross the streets of Saigon without getting killed nor maimed
One afternoon in Saigon, Alex asked if we could go to the Museum of Vietnamese History. And, if there was time before it …
Solving the puzzle of Alfonso Ossorio and The Angry Christ mural
Except for the architecture, I’m really not into churches. But, during last month’s visit to Negros Occidental, …
It is a grievous mistake to call The Ruins the Taj Mahal of Negros
The Filipinos’ penchant for drawing parallelisms between a foreign phenomenon and a perceived local version is mind-boggling. …
Oro, plata, mata: the house, the stairs, the superstition
In 1982, Peque Gallaga directedOro, Plata, Mata(Gold, Silver, Death), a multi-awarded film about the lives of two families, …
Singapore’s integrated resorts: some thoughts on gambling and casinos
Last November, while taking a “duck tour” around Singapore’s Marina Bay, the Filipino tour guide, Chris, pointed to three …
Singapore’s penal system may be harsh, but…
When you walk the streets of Singapore, prowl the malls or ride in the train, it isn’t unusual to overhear conversations in …
The legend of Mount Mayon
The first thing that struck me when I first saw Mayon Volcano was how awesome it was. Awesome in its immensity, awesome in …
The haunted house in San Ildefonso
The last time my father brought me to San Miguel, Bulacan for pastillas shopping, he pointed out a house that was some kind …