One of the toxic Filipino cultures is the “utang na loob” mindset of some parents, where they treat their children as retirement plans or investments. For them, it's an obligation that a child must fulfill in return for the sacrifices the parents made. It is deeply ingrained in the culture thus many children find themselves continually falling into this trap, often giving until they have nothing left.    Now here I am, another Filipino child that is bound by the same cultural expectation, feeling obligated to repay every favor and sacrifice, often at the expense of my own dreams and...

In the Philippines, commuters have numerous difficulties on a daily basis, particularly in urban areas such as Metro Manila. One of the persistent issues in the Philippines is public transportation, which keeps getting worse despite efforts by both the public and private sectors to find a solution.An abundance of trafficThe issue of chaotic traffic is one of the commuters' issues. Millions of Filipinos are disturbed daily by the slow-moving vehicles. The journey took up a significant amount of time that could have been spent on their relationships or jobs. In addition to the large number of vehicles, bad roads and...

During the Senate panel on Finance’s hearing on the proposed budget on Tuesday, Arsenio Balisacan, Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said that 64 pesos a day for three meals, or 21 pesos per meal per person, is enough to survive the day.  This statement, dropped into the national discourse like a pebble being thrown in a calm pond has sent ripples of disbelief, anger, and bewilderment across the Philippines. The idea that 21 pesos per meal seems like a purely symbolic act by the government to present an image that we are economically well. Many people...

Education in the Philippines has been a cornerstone of national development, with the government and various stakeholders recognizing its vital role in shaping the country’s future. Despite significant strides made over the years, the Philippine education system continues to grapple with numerous challenges that hinder its ability to provide quality education for all. This article will explore the current status of education in the Philippines, highlighting its progress, challenges, and the necessary steps to improve it. Progress in the Philippine Education System One of the most notable advancements in the Philippine education system is the implementation of the K-12 curriculum...

We have gone through a lot of significant events in the past few years, and the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons for those major shifts in our lives. A lot of us have had to make drastic changes to our lives since no one can leave the house for fear of contracting the virus that could kill them or spread to others. Students who have studied using technological devices are among those who are most impacted. In this article, I’ll be talking a few differences between online and in-person learning environments:    Availability For those with hectic schedules...