NIGHT OWL I was still in college at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) when I first met Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. Little did I know that a few years after that meeting, I will not only be able to cross paths with her again, but also be mentored by her. In 2012, I...
The book that details the Build Build Build program of former President Rodrigo Duterte is now available in Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, and Bikolano, according to its author, former Build Build Build Committee Chairperson Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo. Titled "Night Owl: A Nationbuilder’s Manual," the book...
NIGHT OWL The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries with a very high level of endemism. Almost half of terrestrial wildlife is not found anywhere else in the world. Many of these rare species are found in the country’s forests. The Philippines’ forest cover is 7.2 million...
NIGHT OWL In a tropical country like the Philippines, it is a waste if we cannot fully utilize the benefits of the sun, including in supplying our energy needs. It’s a welcome development that more Filipinos are now seeing the light on the need for more renewables. In a Pulse Asia Survey...
NIGHT OWL When we talk about the climate crisis and its catastrophic impacts; when we realize the magnitude of the problem, and how hard it is for countries to keep even their self-imposed commitments to climate change mitigation, it is easy to feel helpless as individuals — as if none of our...
NIGHT OWL The UAE Consensus that was adopted by almost 200 parties during the 2023 climate change conference or COP28 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last December, was hailed as a significant agreement that could signal the beginning of the end for fossil fuels. The UAE Consensus gives us...
NIGHT OWL How can we create a barrier-free environment? One that is accessible to anyone, regardless of age, ability or other mobility factors. Oftentimes, a place is seen as accessible to persons with disabilities (PWD) when there is presence of ramps, handrails, and elevators. But there are...
NIGHT OWL The signing into law of Republic Act 11106 in 2018 was a milestone for the Deaf community in the country. Foremost, the law recognizes the unique needs of citizens who are deaf and hard of hearing, which is why there is a need to have the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign...
NIGHT OWL It would seem ironic to find an ally of inclusive capitalism in the person of a self-made magnate, especially when the system that needs to be changed is the one that helped them succeed. But for Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, accepting that something is flawed is a crucial step...
NIGHT OWL Every time we welcome the new year, we all have our hopes and expectations for a better year ahead. And while these may be mostly personal or within our families, friends and immediate community, there has been a conscious effort in recent years to include the Earth’s health in our...
NIGHT OWL Prior to nations agreeing to transition away from fossil fuels as expressed in the historic United Arab Emirates (UAE) Consensus, the 28th climate change conference or COP28 held in Dubai already provided a milestone decision on its first day — gathering commitments of at least $700...
NIGHT OWL Recently, I had the chance to watch “Maestro” at the British Film Institute and I believe it is one great gift from Bradley Cooper, who is both the director and lead actor of this biopic that focuses on the relationship between American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein—who...
