THE VIEW FROM RIZAL Dr. Jun Ynares “If you ever leave me, I’ll die.” No, that was not a quote from a letter from one whose lover left and who now threatens to take his or her own life. Those words are the last line of a song which made it in the top 100 hits of 1968 and popularized by...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion In spite of the massive financial contribution of overseas Filipinos to the country’s economy, this incontrovertible fact is seldom acknowledged in major speeches. The magnitude of their contribution is amply shown in key statistics in 2021. Their total US$31.4 billion...
THE VIEW FROM RIZAL Dr. Jun Ynares We join our fellow Rizaleños and Antipoleños in greeting Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, the leadership and the members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) as it marks its 108th anniversary today. On this occasion, we reflect on the valuable role and contribution...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion More often than not, overseas Filipinos are in a much better position than their local counterparts to acquire their dream house while earning double or even quadruple what they used to earn back home. Remy M., 45, a single mother of three, and who now works as a domestic...
THE VIEW FROM RIZAL Dr. Jun Ynares “Do you think they have what it takes to succeed?” That was the question my wife, Andeng asked me recently. We were watching the replay of the livestreaming of a university graduation ceremony, and she had earlier been admiring “the wonderful look of hope...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion Newly-appointed Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said all the right things during an early morning interview with DZRH anchor Deo Macalma on July 11. Inclusivity in OFW deployment, dialogues with different labor and labor recruitment groups, support for the government...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion Which government agency offers the most substantial and helpful livelihood assistance to OFWs or overseas Filipinos?Is it OWWA’s stand-alone “Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay” program that provides a maximum ₱20,000 as start up or additional capital for a livelihood...
Presidents on canvas Not only is the Malacañang Palace home to the President of the Philippines, it is also a space full of great masterpieces. Among its prized collection are the portraits of the country’s leaders. What others may not know is that art has a role in a President’s journey. It...
THE VIEW FROM RIZAL Dr. Jun Ynares “Is history really nothing more than gossip?” This was the question that crossed my mind when I saw some posts in social media last week which were going viral. It had to do with a remark made by a young local celebrity. The actual remark was confusing, and...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion After years of toiling abroad, most overseas Filipinos yearn not simply to go back home, but to operate their own business while enjoying getting reunited with their children, parents and other loved ones. For many, replacing an exceptionally good income abroad while...
THE VIEW FROM RIZAL Dr. Jun Ynares Pilgrims and local folks who attended mass at the cathedral of Antipolo City last Sunday were among the first to hear a piece of joyful news. In his homily, Antipolo Bishop Francisco de Leon announced that the Holy See has approved the diocese’s petition to have...
OFW FORUM Jun Concepcion While many overseas Filipinos or OFWs are hopeful that their general welfare will be significantly improved and uplifted by the newly-created Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), some prominent OFW rights advocates are skeptical. Saudi Arabia-based Eli Mua is among them....
