Former Senate President Manny Villar
How to be happy (Part 2)
April 08, 2025 4:03 pm
The World Happiness Report for 2025 was released by the United Nations last March 20, 2025, which was also International Day of Happiness. The report does not only rank countries by their average levels of life satisfaction but also explored “the impact of caring and sharing on people’s happiness.”
What makes you happy?
April 01, 2025 6:54 pm
A few days ago, March 20 to be exact, the World Happiness Report 2025 was launched. That day, March 20, was International Day of Happiness. The United Nations website described the report as a document that “features a ranking of countries by their average levels of life satisfaction…followed by six chapters looking at ‘caring and sharing’ from different angles.” And yes, to all the cynics out there, the World Happiness Report and the International Day of Happiness are not flimsy gimmicks concocted by some people wanting to take advantage. They were actually based on a United Nations General Assembly Resolution (66/281) adopted in 2012.
Should government regulate social media?
March 25, 2025 4:02 pm
It is a very controversial question. Should government regulate social media? On one hand, we know, and some of us have experienced first-hand the dangers of social media that is completely unfettered. I have been a victim of this. Most recently, I had to post a proof of life photo to counter the misinformation on social media that I had died. And mind you, this was not the first and only time social media posts have “killed me.” Many times in the past, anonymous and untraceable social media accounts have variously claimed that I have contracted a fatal disease or actually died. Numerous fake Facebook account bearing my name have been activated and some bitcoin companies have falsely used my name as endorsement of their products. Others have had worse experiences—cyberbullying, misinformation, depression, anxiety, privacy concerns, among others. So the case for regulating social media seems airtight. Right?
Always a 'palengkero'
March 11, 2025 10:59 pm
When are we going to get rid of the negative connotations attached to the word “palengkera.” In its literal form, “palengkera” simply means someone who engages in the market. I really do not understand why people use the term in a pejorative manner, that is, referring to someone who is ill mannered, loud, or always looking for a fight or argument. It is probably the early version of the modern “Karen.”
Fighting for mothers
March 04, 2025 4:30 pm
“Helping mothers is really my advocacy. As a mom, I know the difficult and multiple roles we have to play. I want to fight for Filipino moms.” This was from Camille, my daughter. I have heard her talk about this when meeting with her campaign team and they were discussing messaging and her platforms.