ABACALERO

The Philippines supplies almost all of the world's abaca needs. This should make every abacalero in the country a baron. Unfortunately, abaca farming is not without issues: calamities, pests, and the insatiable desire called innovation. For example, the BSP, just recently, shifted into using polymer for the country's banknotes instead of abaca-made peso bills. Leaving …

THE FLAGMAN

Evalore Rafan, 70, reporting for duty as volunteer 'flagman' directing traffic at the deadly "Bitukang Manok" in Pagbilao, Quezon. Earning a living from loose change tossed by passing motorists — since 1971.

HOPE FOR THE MOUNTAIN

Anacleto this one's for you and your tribe. Today and every 26th of September of each year is "Save Sierra Madre Day." By virtue of Proclamation No. 413. This is for everyone's continuing awareness in the restoration, rehabilitation, protection and conservation of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Coincidentally, Super Typhoon "Karding" has been battering us as …

THE WOMEN WEAVERS OF SITIO BALABAG

Deep in the interiors of Barangay Gulayon in Dipolog city, Zamboanga del Norte, an old craft is kept alive: "nito" weaving. Where nito vines are used to produce handicrafts such as pouches, bags, hats, baskets, and many others. The customary trade continues to exist today courtesy of a small band of women of the Balabag …

THE FORGOTTEN ART OF SHOE SHINING

I met Benny Rubosin on Labor Day, 2022 at the Malcolm Park in Baguio City, busy in his business of shoe shining. Unknown to many from the Millenial batch, a shoe shine boy does exactly just that: cleans, buffs, and waxes shoes. The last shoe shine boy I know is Elvis — a young man …

RETROSPECT: TRAILING THE LENISTERIA

I would rather have a government run like hell by Filipinos, than a government run like hell by social media. May 7, 2022. My brother offered me a a pair of carpet slippers as I stepped in to his hotel room the night Leni Robredo's Miting de Avance was in full swing down below along …