By Virginia Jasmin Pasalo I’M in Pozorrubio with the sound of the crickets. Or is it just the ringing in my ears? I think of you, inside a car, driving to the north, cellphone in hand. I also see my sister Lydia in a yellow flowing dress, with a…
By Farah G. Decano THE collision between a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel—while they were busy chasing a “puny” Philippine skipper—was a global spectacle. Unfortunately for China, the impact was more than a fender-bender at sea; it was a full-blown face-plant heard ’round…
Mangled Mianzi
By Eva C. Visperas AT a time when the West Philippine Sea is often a theater of intimidation, coercion, and calculated aggression, rare moments of tactical brilliance remind us of the courage and skill of our defenders. These are moments that not only lift the nation’s spirits but also…
Salute to the guardians of the West Philippine Sea
By Rex Catubig ARELLANO-Bani was not always bustling. In the past, it was merely the route that led to Bonuan Catacdang and onwards. In the ‘70s, aside from the honky tonky joints, the only identifiable establishment in the area was the Dawel seafood restaurant, whose name derived from the…
The Drowning of Arellano St.
By Gonzalo Duque IT’S been two weeks since I last wrote my column here. The weather has not been kind to us. We saw how the entire province of Pangasinan, including Dagupan, was flooded for many days. Then came the sad news of the death of our dear friend,…
Missing my dear friend Ermin
By Leonardo Micua THE recent actions of Dagupan City’s lone opposition councilor, Librada “Dada” Reyna, have sparked considerable discussions and scrutiny within political circles, particularly given the current composition of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. With an overwhelming “Super Majority” of 11 members allied with Mayor Belen Fernandez, many are questioning…
Reyna wants documents, a driver et al
By Virginia Jasmin Pasalo THROUGHOUT history, the written word, including poetry, has proven to be a powerful weapon for change. It has been used to “express dissent, inspire action, and preserve the memory of those who have been silenced or forgotten.” Poetry can challenge injustice, encourage reflection, and eventually…
Smelling jasmines
By Farah G. Decano THE popularity of shows like Encantadia Chronicles and the classic Maria Clara at Ibarra on GMA TV is good for our culture. It is not just entertainment but education for younger Filipinos on the rich, traditional form of our language. The old Filipino, with its archaic…
The Elegance of Old Languages
By Eva C. Visperas ONE chapter closes, another one begins. In Dagupan City, leadership transitions can be more than just changes in designation — they become moments of gratitude, reflection, and renewed hope. This was felt strongly during the send-off and welcome ceremony held on August 4, as the…
Hello and Goodbye
By Rex Catubig I always threw it a glance but never really acknowledged its presence so that it might as well be non-existent. The edifice has always stood there—conspicuous yet unobtrusive. It stands unperturbed amid the cacophony and chaos of the marketplace, the Malimgas market being its next-door neighbor….




