New friends, new partners

(The Russian Navy anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributz, as photographed, docked in Manila for a four-day goodwill visit. Photo courtesy of CNN Philippines.) One of the first major stories of the year is the  four-day goodwill visit of the Russian Navy in Manila in an effort to expand contact and relations. This has culminated a long-standing

New look, and stories in store

Before this year ends, I have decided to unveil a new look for the blog, which reflects the seriousness in our approach and to further attact readership. Coupled with that, we will improve our content. For our domestic (Filipino) audience, here are posts you will expect from us for the coming days or perhaps next

Why not a new trade bloc with Latin America?

(Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte shaking hands with Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kucyznski during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru last November 18-20, 2016. Photo credits: Philstar) As part of the Philippines’ ongoing push to pursue a foreign policy independent from the West, we would like to suggest why don’t we consider establishing stronger

Long-distance flights from Manila to Latin America?

(A Boeing 777-300ER plane. Photo credit: http://www.philippineairlines.com) Has anyone thought of direct flights from the Philippines to countries in Latin America? We may share something in common when it comes to culture, traditions, heritage, among others, but why isn’t there such a thing? Considering the long distances (17-18 kilometers, 17hrs of flying, and the need

Russia-Philippines relations

Lately we’ve been hearing reports that the Philippines intends to sign defence cooperation agreements, enhance economic relations, and even send workers to the Russian Federation, all of these as a result of a long-term effort to diversify our foreign relations and reduce dependency on the United States. You may remember that our relations with the

The Singaporean model and its applicability in the Filipino setting

(Apologies for the quite low-quality capture of the iconic Merlion.) In most political forums (most especially those advocating for a shift to a parliamentary form of government), you’ll see how the Philippines is being compared to Singapore, from internet speeds, implementation of laws, how disciplined the people are, how modern the infrastructure is (road, rail,

The People’s Broadcasting Corporation under the Duterte administration

(Excerpt from the State of the Nation Address. Credits: Presidential Communications) One of the key points of President Rodrigo Duterte’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) is the creation of a new public broadcasting company which shall adhere to, among other things, modern international standards, and a truly independent broadcasting network. We have discussed

The lack of regional presence among our national broadcasters

Our major television broadcasters are known for their wide reach influence, that their programs are seen throughout the country via relay stations or satellite transmissions, their programs gets the large chunk of audience shares and advertising revenue, but there is one noticeable problem, that is the lack of presence in the regions as mostly all programs

Taiwan-PH relations in 2016: A possible thawing?

There could be a potential thawing of relations between the Philippines and Taiwan this 2016, given the fact that both countries held presidential elections, won by Rodrigo Duterte and Tsai Ing-wen, respectively, and the overall situation in the region which was marked by increased Chinese activity in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, thus straining

”Aking adhika, makita kang sakdal laya”

“Ibon mang may layang lumipad kulungin mo at umiiyak, Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag ang di magnasang makaalpas, Pilipinas kong minumutya, Pugad ang luha ko’t dalita, Aking adhika, makita kang sakdal laya” -Bayan Ko Ito ang mga titik mula sa makabayang awiting “Bayan Ko”. Baka pinagtataka ninyo bakit ito ang tema ng post na ito?