It has been over a month since I wrote about the death of Charlie Kirk, and I’ve been able to think more about what that event really did in the big picture. I compared him to other figures, including those here in the Philippines, and thought of what it all really meant in the grand scheme of things. It was both significant and irrelevant at the same time. It should’ve been more obvious from the start that just like many popular social commentators, all he peddled was slop. (more…)
This is not something I usually write about, but I’ve been reading a particular set of books that had me thinking about what may happen in the future. Being able to project what may happen in 5 to 10 years can be useful in planning ahead for one’s life. Whether you care about politics or not, it’s worth looking into models that can help make that process more comprehensible and perhaps even more precise. After all, it’s still worth a few brain cells to have some awareness of current events — thinking you’re not affected by them is foolish at best. (more…)
On the eve of Monday, 22 May 2023, smoke billowed from the basement of the Manila Central Post Office in Lawton, Manila. Shortly after, the flame that made the smoke became fire. The fire then spread and crawled its way up the building. Paper, wood, and other materials in the post office served as kindling to feed the fire, which grew it into a roaring blaze. For the next 30 hours, one of Manila’s great landmarks stayed alight, to the horror of eyewitnesses and the citizens of Manila. (more…)
The last two weeks have been rather weird for me. I came out with that vlog for Retro Gaming Expo on the Facebook page and got a good number of positive reactions to it, which is gratifying. However, my desire to record more AVDRshows was hampered by indecision and anxiety as I planned to have one on current events (from three weeks ago). Unfortunately, I sat on it for too long and it’s no longer relevant, so I now salvage what I had by putting it all here. (more…)
These are indeed interesting times, and it’s doubly so here in the Philippines. I felt that I had to write something in order to get my thoughts in line with what’s been going on and what I can do to make the most of it. This goes beyond my own prejudices, biases, political leanings, and religious beliefs. I’m not one for political commentary as I’m neither smart, driven, nor qualified enough to do it well. But perhaps it’s now time for it’s open season. (more…)
![Muhammad Ali and How Manila Ain't Vanilla [Vlog] | Avoiderdragon](https://i0.wp.com/avoider.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/thumbnail_muhammad-ali-manila-aint-vanilla-vlog.jpg?fit=200%2C200&ssl=1)
On the very day of Muhammad Ali’s passing, I knew I had to come out with a vlog on his legacy and his influence on me. However, what came out wasn’t just a straight-up video of me talking about him. I connected the dots between him, The Thrilla in Manila, and local politics then and now since it involved Ferdinand Marcos. I figured that since Muhammad Ali wasn’t shy with talking about socio-political issues in his day, then I give it a bash myself. (more…)
As the very first video blog I’ve ever posted online that’s of this particular format, I launch my personal vlog channel in the hopes of having more avenues for editorial and narrative content. Writing everything down into a readable format does take quite a bit of time, so I’ve taken to recording my thoughts on video to supplement that. Somehow, hitting it off with the whole Manny Pacquiao gay slur issue like this seems apropos as it would immediately bring some attention to the channel. (more…)
It seems that since the beginning of 2013, I have not posted a personal or editorial piece of any sort, which is supposed to be the reason why I put this website up in the first place. I don’t claim to have any authority that makes my thoughts and opinions the most credible stuff you’ll ever read, most likely far from it. However, I see this as an exercise to write more outside of work, especially about relevant issues. For this first full-blown editorial of the year, I talk about a particular bill that has caught quite a bit of attention recently concerning “Cybercrime.” (more…)
The Philippines is now under Republic Act No. 10175, more commonly known as the Cybercrime Act of 2012. It’s an unusual law that was enacted in lieu of various online incidents that may have had some politicians scrambling for solutions. Since it seems that the law will become a big part of life in Manila, here are a few suggestions on how to survive the new online badlands. (more…)
Independent Spirit
I have my share of political opinion, although I seldom make them due to not being interested enough in these things. I did upload some stuff like this badly-made typography and a hipster-style blog post about this holiday that I had since deleted, which were made during my younger and more pretentious days. To commemorate the occasion, please let me indulge in some nostalgia with this pretentious new-age banter just so that I can post something in this blog after such a long time. (more…)