Opinion
Trophies and Tombstones
Five youth fatalities within a short timeline demonstrate that systemic negligence is frequently mislabeled as an unavoidable accident to shield institutional managers.
3000
Ethel Mae Gabutina
Ethel Mae Gabutina is a compelling voice in Mindanaoan social commentary, known for her incisive analysis and a deeply rooted commitment to civic discourse. As a columnist and social critic, she moves beyond the headlines to explore the underlying currents of local governance, public policy, and the cultural shifts shaping Northern Mindanao. Her writing is characterized by a balance of sharp scrutiny and community empathy, often challenging established narratives to advocate for transparency and marginalized voices. Whether dissecting the intricacies of legislative probes or reflecting on the evolving identity of the modern Kagay-anon, Ethel Mae provides a platform for critical thought and meaningful dialogue. Through her opinion pieces, she invites readers to look closer at the world around them, making her one of the region’s most consistent and thought-provoking commentators.
187 stories
Opinion
The Degree I Never Really Left
I never became a psychologist, yet I’ve spent 34 years studying people. From the bank to the boardroom, I realized my degree wasn't wasted—it was the foundation for understanding the human behavior that drives business.
1800
Opinion
Who Decided Fifty Was Old?
Ambition doesn’t expire. A look at why society treats adult education at 55 as an anomaly instead of a milestone.
1500
Opinion
The Performance Behind the Curtain
This commentary exposes the machinery behind social media troll armies, exploring how anonymous accounts and curated images are used to fake public outrage and hide malicious intent.
1800
Opinion
IRRELEVANCE
True influence is defined by dignity, not performance. This column explores why insecure figures struggle with irrelevance and the inability to lose gracefully.
1900
Opinion
The Dayig-Dayig Club
Exploring the cultural phenomenon of "dayig-dayig," this column dissects how excessive flattery functions as social currency, emotional support, and tactical manipulation.
2000
Opinion
Let Him Cry
Addressing the alarming rise in male suicide, this column explores how the "tough" machismo culture silences men and why embracing vulnerability is essential for survival.
2100
Opinion
We Clap Louder When It’s Far Away
We admire efficient governance from afar but interrogate it when it's local. This piece argues that true public service should be boring, repetitive, and accessible.
1500
Opinion
Between Book Smarts and Real Smarts
This editorial explores why intelligence collects answers while wisdom questions them, challenging the cultural obsession with degrees, fluency, and the illusion of academic certainty.
1400
Opinion
Stop Applauding the Bruises
This editorial challenges the glorification of resilience, arguing that celebrating survival often distracts from interrogating the systemic failures and lack of accountability that cause hardship.
1400
Opinion
Pandora’s Photo Album
Unlocking a "dangerous" photo album, this column explores a childhood of compliance without agreement—from "strategic" haircuts to the refusal to stage happiness for the camera.
1800
Opinion
Managed, But Not Exactly Straightened
A spontaneous pixie cut leads to a profound realization about adulthood: we often spend so much time looking managed that we forget we are unaligned.
1500