FROM THE MARGINS Movies are not just for entertainment. They reflect the world we live in, portraying the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals and communities. A powerful medium, movies could shape public opinion, educate, and even drive social change. This is why I am very excited...
FROM THE MARGINS Last month, I visited Vietnam with my wife and her high school friends. My purpose was not just to enjoy their delightful company, but to see how much Vietnam has changed since I lived there many years ago. I was an expat in Vietnam in the 1990s, at the height of the...
FROM THE MARGINS My wife and I, unbeknownst to many, love the arts. We both hail from San Pablo, the City of Seven Lakes, known for its rich culture and scenic beauty. Many renowned artists hail from San Pablo: Patis Tesoro, fashion designer, lifestyle icon, and social activist; Lito...
FROM THE MARGINS I recently had a chance to touch base with Emeteria Quijano, the general manager of the ASKI Mutual Benefit Association. ASKI MBA is a founding member of the microinsurance resource center Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (RIMANSI), which later became the Microinsurance...
FROM THE MARGINS The Philippine microinsurance industry is experiencing a surge. According to the report released by the Insurance Commission (IC) last Jan. 22, microinsurance premium production grew to ₱10.16 billion in the third quarter of 2023, a 19.6 percent jump from P8.49 billion in 2022....
FROM THE MARGINS In another historic win for financial inclusion, the first conventional bank granted an Islamic banking license had opened a branch in Cotabato City last Jan. 22. This is CARD Bank, which is one of two domestic players that have applied for a license to operate an Islamic...
FROM THE MARGINS I have fond memories of Guimaras, although I have not had an opportunity to visit this beautiful island province for many years. Renowned for its pristine beaches and the world‘s sweetest mangoes, Guimaras is a thriving community with an interesting history, incredible landmarks...
FROM THE MARGINS It is sad that poor people, who need insurance the most, are also the least likely to have it. Insurance is important to poverty reduction because the poor are vulnerable to many risks and economic shocks. Unexpected losses, such as death in the family, joblessness, loss of...
FROM THE MARGINS I am a proud citizen of San Pablo City, Laguna, one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. San Pablo’s historical records date back to pre-Spanish times, from the village of “Sampaloc” which later became the town of “San Pablo de los Montes” – named after its...
FROM THE MARGINS Over the holidays, I came across a fable that teaches valuable lessons about work, perseverance and overcoming adversity. Aesop’s “The Crow and the Pitcher” tells the story of a thirsty crow that flew far and wide in search of water during a spell of dry weather....
FROM THE MARGINS Last night, as I watched the usual New Year revelry, I remember Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match Girl” — the story of a poor girl selling matches in the street on New Year’s Eve. She was hungry and cold, but nobody paid her attention and no one bought her...
FROM THE MARGINS Every Christmas, J.R.R. Tolkien’s children would receive a letter from “Father Christmas.” Each letter came in an envelope with North Pole stamps and postage marks designed by Tolkien. He sent these letters for over 20 years, starting in 1920, when his oldest son was only...
