In the olden days, China was largely an agricultural country. People did not know how to keep count of years or months, and so, they asked the Jade Emperor (玉帝) for guidance. The emperor mused that the lives of men are linked with that of animals. If 12 kinds of animals were selected to represent […]
I join child advocates in the outcry against a proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 9 years old. That it is raised to age 12 years old on the bill’s third reading in the House is no consolation. The first time this issue came out was in 2016, when my elder […]
Chinese New Year 2019 marks the Year of the Pig, the 12th animal sign, who answered late to the call of the Jade Emperor for the animals to assemble. The pig symbolizes luck according to Chinese culture. Globally, however, the pig is a domesticated animal and is a common food source. Among Filipinos, there are […]
What comes to mind when pigs are mentioned? For most of us, it is probably food. Lechon and chicharon are always part of our celebrations, and we can prepare so many dishes out of pork. Think of sisig and crispy pata. We share this preference for pork with many other cultures. Think of sausages, hot […]
Starting Feb. 5, the Earth Pig will reign until Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve on Jan. 24, 2020. According to Chinese astrology, 2019 is a year of fortune and luck; a great year to make money and to invest. Also, 2019 will be full of joy, a year of friendship and love for all the […]
I am saddened that someone of Manong Frankie Sionil Jose’s stature could misunderstand the Tsinoys and their role, influence and impact in all aspects of Philippine life (The STAR, “Can we trust America,” Hindsight column, Jan. 19, 2019). I don’t doubt Jose’s love of our country, but he’s been misinformed and misguided about our intense […]
This is about the journey of one of my roots-finding clients. His background mirrors mine: our mothers are both from the Chan (曾) lineage in Fujian. Like me, he too was at first oblivious of his Chinese roots, did not go to a Chinese school and learned the Hokkien language through Saturday classes and self-study. […]
Most people expect to grow old. But many are unprepared for the realities of life as one of the elderly. For many, incomes shrink because of retirement, while failing health pushes up medical expenses. Ahmas and angkongs complain of loneliness. Many are housebound, often with only a helper to keep them company while the rest […]
People are living longer. Statistics from the World Health Organization confirm this. Within the growing population of elderly, many continue to enjoy active lifestyles. Yet, all of them are increasingly frail and need more care. My father is 93. On weekends, he takes my son with him to go to a golf driving range to […]
It is not just in the South China Sea region that China comes into conflict with other countries when it comes to border disputes and territorial claims. India has its own contentious issues with China. The Doklam plateau, an area claimed by both Bhutan and China, is one such area. There are many reasons behind […]