That’s the mantra of tour operators and tour guides to visitors who go to either of the Unesco World Heritage sites. Indeed, with over 3,000 limestone outcroppings spread over an area of 4,810 hectares, Zhangjiajie in Hunan province in China is a mystical glimpse into times long past. Looking down into the tangled spaces between […]
During ancient times, letter writers were called scribes. Nowadays, with improved literacy, it’s hard to imagine why letter writers were necessary a century ago. My first encounter with the profession was at the Bahay Tsinoy, a museum of Chinese in Philippine life. One prominent life-sized figure depicted a late Spanish or early American era man […]
Hokkien, on the tongues of Tsinoys, has grown and evolved, taking on a life of its own. Sometimes words simply fail us. With some creativity, Tsinoys have strung together words to form colorful phrases that simply hit the bull’s eye. Here are some expressions unique to Hokkien as favored by Tsinoys. 唐山婆 téng suan po […]
For many parents involved in their children’s schooling, annual rites include buying school supplies. With so many goodies available from large retailers at the mall, children tag along with parents to shop for supplies and all have a grand time. All, that is, except the wallet. On average, the price markup at large chains is […]
Around 200 St. John’s Institute student volunteers in Bacolod City helped pack fortified rice meals for displaced families in Marawi City. In total, 250 boxes were packed, each containing 36 rice meals, which will be sent to Mindanao for the evacuees. SJI student council president Angela Terese Yu said this is how they show their […]
In October 1681, Zhao Shen Qiao (趙申喬 1644-1720) was appointed mayor of Shang Qiu (商丘) municipality in Henan province. At the time, Shang Qiu was frequented by calamities. The taxes levied were high that the people unceasingly rebelled. The place was difficult to govern that any official was hesitant and afraid to assume a position […]
I am writing this in the car while caught in traffic on a rainy day. Nothing new and, as Doc Jim always advises us, it’s pointless to be angry about something you cannot change or control. Those are wise words from an accomplished physician. Among the many hats he wears, Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan is a medical […]
The Abu Sayyaf group executed three of its remaining Vietnamese captives in a Sulu village. Troops recovered the bullet-riddled body of Tran Khac Dung, alias Tran Viet Van, in Buhanginan village, Patikul, Sulu on July 8. The Abu Sayyaf group on July 5 beheaded Vietnamese nationals Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Va Hai in Barangay […]
Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order pledges its full support to the Anti-kidnapping Group in the nuisance habeas corpus case filed against them by kidnap-murder suspect, former Bulacan mayor and current barangay captain Apolinario Policarpio Marcelo Jr. of Angat. “We at MRPO will give our full support to the AKG officers and help them […]
Homegrown Jollibee fastfood chain now ranks third best among places to go for fried chicken in the United States. Food writer Constantine Spyrou rated only two other fastfood joints higher than Jollibee: Chick-fil-A and Popeye’s. “What makes it stand out beyond the rest, however, is a gravy packed with flavors of onion and celery that […]