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Angels and Demons: A Foreigner’s Take on Love and Life in the Philippines
Angels and demons aren’t just abstract beliefs in the Philippines. Live there long enough and you’ll sense their presence in everyday life, especially in intimate relationships. The enduring influence of Spanish colonialism helped shape a culture where deep devotion and emotional intensity often go hand in hand, creating dynamics that…
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Why You Should Visit my Hometown, Davao
I have been to many places in the Philippines but am always happy returning home. Of course, this is natural; “away is good, but home is best.” This old truth applies to me, but there is a lot more to it than that. Davao has become a safe and clean…
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The Shadow of an Eagle
“Elected officials must serve the greater good no matter what it takes, like a father protecting and disciplining his family”. (Provincial Governor in Davao from 1959 to 1965, Vicente Duterte). A small and harmless sparrow, the Red Maya, was, up to 1995, the national symbol of the Philippines. However, the…
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Six Ways to Deal with Cultural Differences
As a kid, I dreamed of marrying someone from another culture. My interest stemmed from growing up reading pocketbooks featuring handsome Vikings who find great love in the middle of their sea voyages. I read with great fascination how these characters evolved, and as always, ended happily ever after. Just…
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Mentality is Destiny
Mentality is Destiny is the first article on this website. I have asked my husband to write it and include the best general advice he can think of, drawing on his long life as a sailor, actor, film director, film producer, and author. The result thrilled me; it’s so crystal-clear…
