Dr. Purugganan and Brain Drain.*

Photo courtesy of nyu.edu

Its refreshing to read an article about a very distinguished Filipino in the US, Dr. Michael D. Purugganan, a scientist, biologist, evolutionary Geneticist, Professor of Genomics and Dean of Science at New York University. 

Before he joined, NYU Dr. Purugganan was the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University. As the world's leading authority on plant molec...ular evolution and genomics, he has published over 100 research papers. 

The Philippine Election Campaign……Olympics of Hypocrisy. (Part I)

Photo courtesy of www.news.nfo.ph

More than a week ago, the political campaign for the Philippines’ mid-term election on May 2013 has commenced.  By now, I would surmise to say that the campaign fever has increased its heat and expected to reach its steaming point a few weeks before the election date.

In retrospect, the most memorable election that opened my mind to politics was the national poll in November 1965, contested by then President Diosdado Macapagal and then Senate President Ferdinand Marcos, both gone to the beyond. That time, as a new college graduate, I have just started my employment with The Manila Times of the late Chino Roces and thus accessible to all information on political issues of the country, specifically the said election.

I can still vividly recall the intensity of the campaigns of both Liberal and Nacionalista parties, highlighted by the organization of the Blue Ladies of Imelda Marcos and the Lakambinis in Pink  of Eva Macapagal with their die-hard supporters who were ready to do everything to ensure the victory of their candidates.  

Corruption in the Philippines

Escolta-Jones bridge. Photo courtesy of www.livingincebu.com

Several  research studies have established that the Philippines was an economic power in the early 1960’s. The same likewise confirmed the fact that the island nation boasted one of the largest and developing economies in Asia, second only to Japan.

Today, while it maintains its important role as an  ASEAN member in particular and the world community in general, it is sad to say that those glorious days are way behind us and long over.

At the present time, when asked about the Philippines, economic struggle, political instability, increasing crime rate and corruption are what most likely come into the mind of the outsiders.

Crossing the Rubicon ! An Ancient Historical Milestone!

Credit to acapitolblog.com

The Rubicon is a shallow river in northeastern Italy about 80 kms. long running from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea through the southern Emilia-Romagna region. The Latin word “rubico” comes from the adjective "rubeus", meaning "red". The river was so named because its waters are colored red by and was strategic in the defense of Rome during the Civil War in 59 to 49 BC. .

The Doc is In!

Last year 2012, I finally decided to “call it quits”.  I mean definitively retire from employment.

After more than 48 years of working in both private and public sectors, I finally crossed my Rubicon to return to private life in full retirement. 

 After my college graduation in 1965, I worked in just 2 local organizations for more than 14 years.  My first employment with the biggest and most reputable newspaper company then , The Manila Times Publishing Co. of the late Chino Roces, was cut short   when the firm was forcibly closed on Sept. 23, 1972, upon the imposition of Martial Law by the late Strongman/ Dictator Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.