Not a PR firm By Leonardo J. Galvez Investigation of so-called alleged anomalies in the city government is now “kaput” with five councilors kowtowing with the present administration. I never expect that the “transferees” lacked moral ascendancy. What they did is both political and economic convenience. No more, no less….

What Do You Think? By S. Bill Jimenez THINK! What do you think? Our perspective in life is always colored by what we think. As the wise man says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). And Rene Descartes also said, “I think, therefore I am.”…

The Power of Words By S. Bill Jimenez   WORDS.  Words.  Words.  Words are powerful.  They can do much good or cause much harm.  Whether expressed in Pangasinan, Pilipino or English, words greatly affect human relationships. Most of us, if not all, are guilty in one time or another of…

Smooth Interpersonal Relationships   By S. Bill Jimenez   FILIPINOS are mostly friendly and respectful.  As they converse, we notice that they address people, especially the elderly, “Sir” or “Ma’am.”  To them, “SIR” stands for Smooth Interpersonal Relationships. Courtesy is usually expressed in such terms as “Lolo, Lola, Kuya, and…

“Bahala na” By S. Bill Jimenez THIS IS what Filipinos say when they give up struggling and put everything in God’s hands: “Bahala na” (derived from Bathala, the God of early Filipinos). It may be the secret of why Filipinos are pliant, resilient and flexible like the bamboo.  We surrender…

The Samaritan Heart By S. Bill Jimenez A RETIRED FILIPINO from Pangasinan went to a San Francisco bank one Monday morning to deposit a check.  Being early he was second to the front in a long line of customers.  Suddenly, an old white lady came in and announced, “I’m in…

Divine GPS By S. Bill Jimenez TRAVELING by car from New Mexico to San Francisco, we were advised to use the portable GPS Navigation System.  My wife and I flew to Albuquerque to help our daughter pack and ship her stuff as she moved to a new assignment. Coming back,…

Why am I being called a Pangasinense? By Virginia J. Pasalo DURING my dad’s time people asked each other, “Pangasinan ka?” to refer to your ethnic group. They also ask, “Taga-Pangasinan ka?” to refer to the place of your origin. Or “Antam so man-Pangasinan?” to ask if you speak the…

Disagree Graciously By S. Bill Jimenez SOMETIME in 1968 an article appeared in the Philippines Free Press entitled, “Should Priests Marry?”  The author wrote a scholarly rationale on the doctrine of celibacy.  I wrote a rejoinder, “Yes, Priests Should Marry,” citing some scriptures like Matthew 8:14; 1 Corinthians 7:9; and…

Positive stroke in life By Bill Jimenez RECOVERING from stroke, I have now realized and learned to accept this as a positive stroke in my life.  Instead of thinking negatively, blaming myself and even God, I have learned to think of it as a positive force and a blessing. With…