Fostering the Spanish language in the Philippines

A way of consistently fostering the conservation of our Spanish heritage, particularly the Spanish language, is to use Spanish loanwords.

I had a good laugh watching this clip from a Dolphy movie where Babalu interrogated Yoyong Martirez. In response to the Martirez doubting that he's a real cop, Babalu replied, "O, heto ang tarheta ko". I also remember my father using tarheta or tarjeta (to refer to smaller cards) as well, but I don't remember any other adults using it growing up, so I was surprised to see that Dolphy movie clip with Babalu. Tarheta is rarely used nowadays because, first, it is regarded as an old word, second, business cards are rarely used nowadays.

I moved some furniture to my parents' house while I was on vacation in the Philippines last December. I was helped by a nephew who referred to it as "purnityur". I told him that's English and it doesn't sound right tagalized. Try saying muebles instead of "purnityur". He did and found it easier.

Our local languages are losing more and more Spanish loanwords as time goes on. Those of us who champion preserving our past should start using these old loan words in our daily lives and encourage the young to do the same. - A

10 spending habits to break before you turn 30

1. YOLO lifestyle The "You Only Live Once" (YOLO) lifestyle emphasizes living in the moment, often without much consideration for the future. It prioritizes experiences and immediate gratification over long-term planning and stability. While adopting a YOLO mindset can lead to adventurous and memorable experiences, it can also result in financial recklessness and neglect of important responsibilities.
2. Impulse buying. It refers to making unplanned purchases based on sudden desires or emotions, rather than careful consideration of needs or budget. It often leads to overspending on items that may not be essential or even practical. Impulse buying can be fueled by advertising, peer pressure, or emotional triggers, and it can undermine financial goals and budgeting efforts.
3. Borrowing money. It involves obtaining funds from a lender with the promise to repay the amount borrowed, usually with interest, at a later date. While borrowing can provide short-term financial relief or facilitate major purchases, such as homes or education, it also comes with financial obligations and risks. Excessive borrowing can lead to debt accumulation, interest payments, and potential financial strain if repayment becomes challenging.
4. Spending to impress others. It involves making purchases with the primary goal of gaining social status or approval from peers. It often leads to conspicuous consumption, where individuals prioritize material possessions and lavish experiences to project a certain image or lifestyle. However, this behavior can result in financial insecurity, as it may encourage overspending and neglect of personal financial goals.
5. Failing to track expenses. It refers to not monitoring or recording personal spending habits and patterns. Without accurate tracking, individuals may underestimate their expenditures, overspend in certain categories, or overlook opportunities for saving. Tracking expenses is essential for maintaining a balanced budget, identifying areas for cost-cutting, and achieving financial goals.
6. Spending first before saving. It involves prioritizing immediate consumption over setting aside money for future goals or emergencies. This approach can lead to a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, with little to no savings for long-term financial security. Saving should ideally precede spending, with a portion of income allocated towards savings and investments before discretionary expenses are considered.
7. Paying for convenience all the time. It involves opting for products or services that offer convenience or time-saving benefits, even if they come at a higher cost. While convenience can be valuable in certain situations, relying excessively on convenience-based purchases can inflate expenses and strain financial resources. It's important to weigh the trade-offs between convenience and cost-effectiveness when making purchasing decisions.
8. Credit card debt. It arises when individuals borrow money through credit cards and fail to repay the full balance by the due date. Credit cards typically charge high interest rates on unpaid balances, making it easy for debt to accumulate if payments are not made in full and on time. Carrying credit card debt can result in financial stress, lower credit scores, and long-term interest payments that hinder financial progress.
9. Never say "no". It refers to the tendency to indulge in spending without setting limits or boundaries. It involves saying yes to every impulse or request, whether it's dining out, shopping, or participating in costly activities. Failing to exercise restraint can lead to financial overextension, strained relationships, and difficulty achieving financial goals. Learning to say "no" when necessary is essential for maintaining financial health and prioritizing long-term objectives.
10. Spending too much on vices. It involves allocating a significant portion of income towards indulgent or addictive behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, or excessive entertainment. While vices can provide temporary pleasure or relief, overspending on them can have detrimental effects on both physical and financial well-being. It's important to balance indulgence with responsible budgeting and prioritization of essential needs and long-term goals.

From Ilagan to Manila or Baguio

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Photos provided by Ma. Lancel Mendoza, used with permission.

Himno nacional de Filipinas (Español)

Tierra adorada

Hija del sol de oriente

Su fuego ardiente en ti latiendo está.
Patria de amores
Del heroismo cuna,
Los invasores
No te hallarán jamás.
En tu azul cielo, en tus auras,
En tus montes y en tu mar
Esplende y late el poema
De tu amada libertad.
Tu pabellón, que en las lides
La victoria iluminó
No verá nunca apagados
Sus estrellas y su sol.
Tierra de dichas, del sol y amores,
En tu regazo dulce es vivir.
Es una gloria para tus hijos,
Cuando te ofenden, por ti morir.

The music of the original Spanish version entitled "Macha Nacional Filipina" which was composed by Julian Felipe in 1898 and its lyrics adopted from the poem "Filipinas" written by Jose Palma in 1899.

Truth to be told

People may not recall the intricate details of your facial features, although it's often a concern for many. What they do remember, however, is your smile, the warmth in your eyes as they engaged with you, and the way you made them feel. They remember your kindness, your gentle demeanor, and the comfort your words provided. Your willingness to listen, understand, and offer compassion leaves a lasting impression.

While physical beauty may capture attention, it's the beauty of the heart that truly resonates with people. A beautiful face may mask an ugly heart, but a beautiful heart radiates genuine warmth and kindness. Whether others perceive this beauty depends on what they seek and value. Ultimately, it's the goodness within that leaves a lasting impact on those around you.

Why you can't please anyone no matter how much effort you make?

It is impossible to please everyone since different people have different expectations, tastes, and points of view that frequently clash. No matter how hard you try, it's difficult, if not impossible, to please everyone for the following reasons:

Diverse Preferences: People's interests, values, and tastes vary widely. What makes one person happy might not make another one happy. For instance, one person may love a given musical genre while another may not.

People frequently have expectations that are in conflict with one another. Attempting to satisfy one individual's demands may result in falling short of another's. This is especially true when there are conflicting interests or priorities at play.

Subjectivity: Perceptions and preferences are personal. Something pleasant or fulfilling to one person may not be to another. It is challenging to produce anything that appeals to everyone because of this subjectivity.

Changing Tastes and Preferences: Over time, tastes and preferences might vary. Something that made someone happy in the past might not make them happy now. Because of this, it is difficult to continuously satisfy everyone over a long period of time.

Limited Resources: Time, money, and energy are examples of limiting resources. Due to the limitations of these resources, it might not be possible to satisfy everyone's tastes.

Contradictory Feedback: Individuals offer a variety of sometimes incongruous comments. What is considered a stride forward by one person may be considered a regression by another. It's difficult to bring these disparate viewpoints together.

Unreasonable Expectations: There are those who hold unreasonable or unrealistic expectations. It could be impossible for you to live up to these expectations, no matter how hard you work.
Personal Bias: People frequently have preconceived notions that color their opinions and views. Even in cases where attempts are made to unbiased satisfy everyone, this prejudice can give rise to disputes and discontent.

In conclusion, even though it's normal to desire to satisfy other people, it's critical to understand the complexity and inherent restrictions involved. Doing what feels right for oneself and one's principles, along with sincerity and integrity, can lead to more significant and rewarding outcomes than aiming for universal approval.

Unveiling the philosophy of history: exploring Plato's allegory of the cave

Deep within the confines of a cave, dwellers are ensnared in a world of shadows, their backs turned to the flickering light emanating from the entrance. To them, these fleeting shapes—of animals, people, and objects—are the only reality they've ever known, their true forms obscured by the darkness.

Yet, one fateful day, a soul breaks free from the cave's grasp, emerging into the blinding brilliance of the outside world. Initially overwhelmed by the radiance of truth, this seeker's eyes struggle to adjust to the newfound clarity.

As time unfolds, the veil of illusion begins to lift, revealing the shadows for what they truly are: mere reflections, devoid of substance or authenticity. Armed with this newfound understanding, the enlightened soul returns to the cave, eager to share the revelation with fellow captives.

However, met with incredulity and resistance from those confined within, the truth-bearer's attempts at illumination are met with hostility. Like Plato's allegory, this timeless tale serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle to convey enlightenment to those entrenched in ignorance.

Even in our modern era, this metaphor rings true, reflecting humanity's propensity to embrace only what lies within the bounds of comprehension, rejecting that which lies beyond.

Indeed, the courage to confront the blinding truth—to step out of the shadows and into the light—is a rare and daunting endeavor. Yet, it is through this brave confrontation that liberation is found, and true enlightenment attained.

May we all find the courage to venture beyond the confines of our own caves, embracing the light of truth and the boundless freedom it offers.