I finally got my authographed “Blas F. Ople: As We Remember Him” book today! Signed by no less than Ms. Susan “Toots” Ople herself (daughter of the late Sec. Blas F. Ople). I won this book at the FilipinoVoices.com Philippine Issues Writing Project through this article.

Ms. Toots is as I have expected her to be — warm, relaxed and amiable. Her nephew Carlo Ople (blogger of waukster.com) was with her — equally notable in character as evident from his cheery personality and witty comments. Continue Reading

It brings me so much joy to win the “As We Remember Him” book – a collection of essays and writings of the late Sec. Blas Ople donated by no less than his youngest daughter, Ms. Susan “Toots” Ople. I won this at the FilipinoVoices.com “Philippine Issues Writing Project” of which I’ve also written a separate post here asking for other bloggers’ support. If you are curious as to how I have won, let me tell you right now that I Continue Reading

This is in response to and in support of Nick’s call for blogswarm to stop Sulpicio Lines.

The events and developments surrounding the tragic capsizing of the MV Princess of the Stars have been told, reported, printed and blogged many times already. One might think that we’ve heard enough. But the truly affected — the families of the victims of this tragedy know better. It isn’t enough. Continue Reading