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A tribute to my parents on their 79th wedding anniversary if they are here today
Originally posted on Subli: With the war going on in Ukraine, I thought of the war in the Philippines when I was a baby. War is a terrible thing, and in memory of my parent’s 79th wedding anniversary, I’m reposting this story of how Dad’s decision saved our lives from the massacre. Otherwise, my three…
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Happy Valentine’s Day
Here’s looking at you, kid. A Grande Amore Rose for you! I wish I could remember that first day,First hour, first moment of your meeting me,If bright or dim the season, it might beSummer or Winter for aught I can say;So unrecorded did it slip away,So blind was I to see and to foresee,So dull…
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So, what now?
Originally posted on Subli: IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 15 and last of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party We need the right leader to make the many programs articulated in this Commentary Series happen. Unfortunately, we cannot find that person from the present cohort of political leaders.…
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How Filipinos Welcome the New Year
Originally posted on Subli: Filipinos have a unique way of welcoming the New Year. Many of these superstitions have been passed down through generations, and they become part of the Filipino customs and traditions in the belief of ushering in a prosperous New Year. To prepare for New Year’s Eve, Filipinos spend the last days…
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A Soldier’s Christmas Eve
I got this poem from a mailing from the Disabled American Veterans. Please take a pause and remember our armed forces who gave us our freedom. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and…
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Acculturating essential values
Originally posted on Subli: IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 14 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party In the earlier parts of this Commentary Series, I dwell on the more important reforms and actions that the government must do to make the lives of the Filipino people much…
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Reforming the frontline institutions
Originally posted on Subli: IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 13 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party The first dozen parts of this commentary series dwell essentially in the exercise of powers of the presidency to make the necessary reforms and take appropriate actions to propel the Philippine…
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Happy Thanksgiving 2021
Thank you, Lord, for my health, my family, and my friends near and far that I hold dear to my heart and all the blessings I received this year and years past. I’m grateful for the strength and courage you gave me during these difficult and uncertain times. Please protect all of us and keep…
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Combating Corruption
Originally posted on Subli: IF I WERE THE NEXT PRESIDENT (Part 12 of a series) By BEN R. PUNONGBAYAN Founder, Buklod National Political Party Corruption, sadly, has become endemic in the Philippines. It is a big obstacle to economic growth and the reduction of economic inequality. The huge amount of money that leaks out is…
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“Saving Wentworth Hall” Launch Today
Originally posted on Long Island Past and Present: It is my great pleasure to announce the launching of my new historical novel, “Saving Wentworth Hall,” today. Peek behind those fancy gates into the life of the rich and famous of Long Island Gold Coast during the glory days of the Roaring Twenties. “Saving Wentworth Hall”…
Writer's Musings 