It’s unfortunate to see Makati’s city government being in a state of mess and confusion these past few months. With its former mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay headstrong in his intent to capture the presidency in 2016, everything about him is fair game, especially among critics and political rivals, especially with regards to the controversies involving him and his family who have been running the city for almost 30 years now. Take for instance the controversy behind the construction of the Makati City Hall Building 3, which involves his son, the present mayor, Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay. Charges have been filed against him and other city officials for the alleged…
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Saint Patrick’s Day in the City: A Bit of Ireland at Murphy’s
For Irish blokes around the world, there’s no better occasion to celebrate their Irish heritage than Saint Patrick’s Day. Essentially a Catholic feast day (given the majority of the Irish belong to this particular faith) honoring the missionary who helped bring Christianity to Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day evolved into becoming an Irish celebration that we know today, one filled with grand parades, themes of greens and clovers all over, and of course, lots of alcohol consumption, despite the fact that this holiday falls within the Lenten Season. (the Catholic Church actually has made an exception such that abstinence from alcohol is lifted for that day) Even non-Irish fellas can’t help but be enamored…
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The Urban Roamer’s Guide to Davao City (first of a Davao City series)
So much has been said about Davao City, most especially about its colorful mayor and his policies that has made the city safe and admired. But, wonderful as those achievements may be, there are other facets of Davao that tend to be overlooked. More than just a city being run by a strong-willed mayor, Davao City offers some surprises of its own which has contributed to the city’s unique character. The Urban Roamer was fortunate to discover some of these bits in a trip recently to this wonderful. And since this time happens to be 78th anniversary of the founding of Davao City, this is an opportunity for a new…
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Sining Saysay: Art and History at Gateway Tower
History can be such a challenging thing to discuss as it requires an understanding of beyond knowing the dates, places, and events that figured in the past. As our elders would say, we cannot move forward to the future if we do not look back at our past. That is why any medium that helps people understand our history even a little better is very much welcome. Which is what the recently-opened exhibit at the Gateway Tower in Araneta Center, Cubao called Sining Saysay aimed to accomplished.