In 1946 like USA, the Philippines, too, had a baby boom.
Low, middle income Filipinos, mostly teachers and government employees educated in English, bountifully reproduced.
My friend Che and I have parallel lives. In all our many life changes, sometimes we lost track of each other and somehow serendipitously will touch each other.
We first met in high school. Our parents sent us to the same high school they went. We live on opposite end of the island. I transferred to a catholic high school on my third and fourth year. We met again in nursing school. She got me a job after graduation in the hospital she work. She insisted that we both apply for immigrant visa instead of exchange student visa. She stayed single but I married waiting for our third preference visa. She is the godmother of my first born son.
My friend Che and I have nine siblings each. She had seven brothers and two sisters. I have two brothers and seven sisters. All our siblings immigrated to USA. Two sisters of mine, one older and one after me resettled back after Marcos exited. All her brothers and sisters live around her. My siblings scattered in CA, NM and NJ.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Sunday, January 08, 2006
a light in the narrow tunnel of Reduced Taxes for Filipinos
Posted on www.bworldonline.com, 01/07/06
Minimum wage earners exempted from withholding taxes. It's a start...
Any chance Flat Tax will be implemented in my lifetime?
Minimum wage earners exempted from withholding taxes. It's a start...
Any chance Flat Tax will be implemented in my lifetime?
Saturday, December 10, 2005
brain stuff
http://pr.caltech.edu/media/Press_Releases/PR12778.html
Brain activity of Risk taker entrepreneur and non risk taker, of course.
Brain activity of Risk taker entrepreneur and non risk taker, of course.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Capitalism and Democracy, Filipino style
Capitalism like Democracy did not originate in America but capitalism and democracy fits American individualistic psyche. One adjunct the other and vice versa. Leash and brake is God. Profound belief in Almighty God's power over all, the one and only source of authority in natural laws.
The three islands Spain relinquished to the USA after the Spanish-American War were Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Blessed by Pres. McKinley, USA paid $20m for the Philippines, kept it a colony with promise of independence sometime, gave immediate independence to Cuba and kept Puerto Rico a commonwealth colony.
Today, Filipinos ably rid itself of a dictator, a corrupt, gambler actor president and tries every year to impeach or overthrow the elected president. Independence granted Cuba had dictators for about the same timeline. Cuba imports medical personnel but only if the dictator want to. Filipino doctors and nurses with their private interest, self-interest, enlightened self-love immigrated and still immigrating to the US and overseas since the 60's. Puerto Rico is still a commonwealth with no personality of it's own, unable to decide whether to become a state of the United States of America or an independent nation. Capitalism and Democracy, Filipino style, in God's mercy, independent and self sufficient.
The three islands Spain relinquished to the USA after the Spanish-American War were Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Blessed by Pres. McKinley, USA paid $20m for the Philippines, kept it a colony with promise of independence sometime, gave immediate independence to Cuba and kept Puerto Rico a commonwealth colony.
Today, Filipinos ably rid itself of a dictator, a corrupt, gambler actor president and tries every year to impeach or overthrow the elected president. Independence granted Cuba had dictators for about the same timeline. Cuba imports medical personnel but only if the dictator want to. Filipino doctors and nurses with their private interest, self-interest, enlightened self-love immigrated and still immigrating to the US and overseas since the 60's. Puerto Rico is still a commonwealth with no personality of it's own, unable to decide whether to become a state of the United States of America or an independent nation. Capitalism and Democracy, Filipino style, in God's mercy, independent and self sufficient.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
'rubber barons'
In 1800's America,'rubber barons' were Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan or Carnegie. Some capitalist may not be in Adam Smith's classic model. They were important in the economic progress of USA in 19th century. Not much written in American history books by elite academics and liberal leaning writers. All started a business from meager beginnings to business empires. Today's 'rubber barons' are Gates, Buffet and Walton.
19th century Filipinos 'rubber barons' names like Lopez, Soriano, Osmena, Durano and today...
Capitalism works and it will work for Filipinos. Everyone work to increase three fold our God given talent and coin, in faith and God's mercy.
Increase profit and capital stock in each one of us increases the prosperity of the Philippines as a nation.
God Bless the Philippines...
19th century Filipinos 'rubber barons' names like Lopez, Soriano, Osmena, Durano and today...
Capitalism works and it will work for Filipinos. Everyone work to increase three fold our God given talent and coin, in faith and God's mercy.
Increase profit and capital stock in each one of us increases the prosperity of the Philippines as a nation.
God Bless the Philippines...
first stage Filipino capitalist
In my book, all Filipinos that landed in the shores of USA are first stage capitalist. A few are on the second stage of reinvesting the Profits they acquired through their Labor, Money they spent acquiring knowledge in the Philippines or US and Pricing their God given talent in whatever endeavor suits the competitive market in the USA. The third stage is the hardest. By nature, we work as hard as what our needs and wants are. If you want a Lexus or a Humvee, you will work double to afford it. But a Lexus or a Humvee do not generate Profit unless the market value increase in the future. That Profit did not generate any Labor on your part, only Money and Price. Thus not an Adam Smith capitalist endeavor. However, if you work on that Lexus or Humvee to improve it in some way better than when you bought it, it is a capitalist endeavor. Sell it and buy another one with your original capital and part of the profit, then you are a capitalist.
God Bless Filipinos.
God Bless Filipinos.
Capitalism in Filipino life
Attention: Filipinos exposed to good consequence of capitalism! First, be capitalist in the Philippines. Be entrepreneurs and employers in the Philippines with Capitalism as model.
Capitalism is contrary to what is natural. Man by nature only wants to earn enough to satisfy his want and need whatever that maybe and that's contrary to what capitalist do.
Capitalism is contrary to what is natural. Man by nature only wants to earn enough to satisfy his want and need whatever that maybe and that's contrary to what capitalist do.
True and classic Capitalism
True and classic Capitalism never live in the Philippines. Filipinos and Philippines as a nation stagnate or digress in prosperity as a result. Capitalism principles are opposite to what is natural for us, catholic, guilt ridden, family honor priority, patriarchal, tradition bound and dependent Filipinos.
The good news is, many work and live abroad, since the 60's, exposed and assimilated to multi-cultures away from family influence and grew up - independent, self-reliant and self sufficient.
'To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.'
1 Corinthians, 11:7
The good news is, many work and live abroad, since the 60's, exposed and assimilated to multi-cultures away from family influence and grew up - independent, self-reliant and self sufficient.
'To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.'
1 Corinthians, 11:7
Capitalism promotes individual responsibility
Individuals, left alone will find ways to improve his situation. Filipinos has been doing and are doing exactly that. Filipinos migrating outside the comfort and familiarity of the Philippines for their own need and want. From major professional brain drain of the 60's to present OFW. No Catholic guilt, a patriotic and Christ like endeavor. Bible verse provide rationale and needed critical thinking skill. Matthew 25:29, The Parable of the Talents For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. By itself, Matthew 25:29 is incomprehensible. To understand it's meaning one has to read the whole chapter 25. Reading the whole chapter, each one understand or absorb into heart different meaning. The knowledge you acquire reading 'The Parable of The Talents' will merge with what you already has stored in your cerebral system. Basic critical thinking.
For me 'The Parable of The Talents' is individual moral responsibility to increase what is given by the Lord.
Capitalist according to Adam Smith is not about accumulating money but individual passion to produce Profit by Labor, Money and Price. Each principle need the other to produce Profit. Profit is wealth not only to the capitalist but also to the community he lives in and the nation as a whole.
For me 'The Parable of The Talents' is individual moral responsibility to increase what is given by the Lord.
Capitalist according to Adam Smith is not about accumulating money but individual passion to produce Profit by Labor, Money and Price. Each principle need the other to produce Profit. Profit is wealth not only to the capitalist but also to the community he lives in and the nation as a whole.
Capitalist Filipinos can change the culture of corruption
I am an optimist and I am optimistic of Filipinos and the Philippines as a nation. I see a cup half full not half empty. I am a realist and believe that the only behavior I can change is my own. Whether others believe and follow what I say and do is God's mercy. I believe that risk taker entrepreneurs are the real people power engine for real economic prosperity. People preoccupied in an economic business activity do not have time to subvert or be part of a useless rally and demonstration. A business undertaking is an all consuming endeavor especially the first 5 years. As Entrepreneurs organize as a group, their self interest will dictate those corrupt officials behavior and laws, for there will be more of them than government officials.
Capitalism for Filipinos
Filipinos are right for Capitalism. Filipinos have several capital. We need to revive and resuscitate dead capital.
Dead capital are properties not earning any rent, money in mattresses not earning interest or not circulating as a business capital and highly educated brains with no independence and self confidence to take risk starting a business. Capital is not only money or financial assets. The most important capital is your head, your brain, your thoughts, ideas, creativity in putting thoughts and ideas together for a business venture and 'lakas loob'. Starting a business is taking risk.
Filipinos are literate enough to educate themselves to minimize risk. Filipinos are Christian enough to curb the evil of capitalism - greed and prayerful enough to ask for God's mercy.
A capitalist in Adam Smith's mold look after his self interest. He make a profit from his capital, then spend the capital and a portion of the profit to improve his business. Filipinos understand the number one mantra of Adam Smith - Division of Labor. Finer definition of division of labor is specialization or repetitive work. Machines invented to relieve the boredom or burden of repetitive work. Filipinos must learn and apply the finer definition of division of labor.
Dead capital are properties not earning any rent, money in mattresses not earning interest or not circulating as a business capital and highly educated brains with no independence and self confidence to take risk starting a business. Capital is not only money or financial assets. The most important capital is your head, your brain, your thoughts, ideas, creativity in putting thoughts and ideas together for a business venture and 'lakas loob'. Starting a business is taking risk.
Filipinos are literate enough to educate themselves to minimize risk. Filipinos are Christian enough to curb the evil of capitalism - greed and prayerful enough to ask for God's mercy.
A capitalist in Adam Smith's mold look after his self interest. He make a profit from his capital, then spend the capital and a portion of the profit to improve his business. Filipinos understand the number one mantra of Adam Smith - Division of Labor. Finer definition of division of labor is specialization or repetitive work. Machines invented to relieve the boredom or burden of repetitive work. Filipinos must learn and apply the finer definition of division of labor.
Capitalism in a Federalist government
Capitalism is the engine toward middle class prosperity.
'Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.'
The Federalist No.51, 1787-1788. The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments
For a nation to feel progressive and prosperous, majority of individuals living in the nation, must be economically middle class in thought and action.
A Capitalistic mind is the engine toward middle class prosperity.
A Capitalistic mind think of profitability not money or asset accumulation.
'Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.'
The Federalist No.51, 1787-1788. The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments
For a nation to feel progressive and prosperous, majority of individuals living in the nation, must be economically middle class in thought and action.
A Capitalistic mind is the engine toward middle class prosperity.
A Capitalistic mind think of profitability not money or asset accumulation.
Capitalism, Filipino style
Capitalism as define by a dictionary is an economic system, characterized by a free market and open competition, in which goods are produced for profit, labor is performed for wages, and the means of production and distribution are privately owned.
Capitalist Filipino is the 'invisible hand' instrument for peace and prosperity.
"For democracy to achieve lasting and sustainable success, it must also be nurtured by a vibrant economy and an ever growing middle class," Condoleeza Rice, US Secretary of State.
Capitalist Filipino is the 'invisible hand' instrument for peace and prosperity.
"For democracy to achieve lasting and sustainable success, it must also be nurtured by a vibrant economy and an ever growing middle class," Condoleeza Rice, US Secretary of State.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Jeepney
Jeepney is a symbol of Filipino creativity and resourcefulness.
The original Jeep was an American war equipment left over after liberation. The soul of the original jeep remains in the jeepney - Inventiveness and Creativity.
The history of Jeep as a car is as American as can be. During WW2, through US government bid and competition, a group of individuals developed an all terrain car that carried a tank of gasoline and transport more than the driver and ammonitions. But the mass development of the Jeep was awarded to a big manufacturer.
American GI's after the war raved about the Jeep and jumpstarted American's fascination with cars.
Filipinos too would have progress that fascination with cars post Jeepney but for the nearsightedness of government past with high tariff and restriction on imports.
Today, with a slight openness and reduction of tariff on foreign goods, maybe the Jeepney's history of creativity and resourcefulness will be recreated through Competition and create jobs for the creative.
The original Jeep was an American war equipment left over after liberation. The soul of the original jeep remains in the jeepney - Inventiveness and Creativity.
The history of Jeep as a car is as American as can be. During WW2, through US government bid and competition, a group of individuals developed an all terrain car that carried a tank of gasoline and transport more than the driver and ammonitions. But the mass development of the Jeep was awarded to a big manufacturer.
American GI's after the war raved about the Jeep and jumpstarted American's fascination with cars.
Filipinos too would have progress that fascination with cars post Jeepney but for the nearsightedness of government past with high tariff and restriction on imports.
Today, with a slight openness and reduction of tariff on foreign goods, maybe the Jeepney's history of creativity and resourcefulness will be recreated through Competition and create jobs for the creative.
Personal Mission
Love God as First Principle and Love my Neighbor as myself.
Promote Independence and Self Reliance in Filipino heart and soul.
Preach less Government, free Market of Ideas, free Trade and
Private Property Rights in the Philippines.
Work to strengthen Rule of Law - Natural, Moral and human laws.
Promote Independence and Self Reliance in Filipino heart and soul.
Preach less Government, free Market of Ideas, free Trade and
Private Property Rights in the Philippines.
Work to strengthen Rule of Law - Natural, Moral and human laws.
Patriotism or Nationalism
Patriotism from patriot, dictionary definition is one who loves, supports and defends his country.
Nationalism dictionary definition is 'Devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation or aspiration for national independence'.
Patriotism is not the same as Nationalism. Patriotism is not equal to Nationalism. Patriotism is good for you and the country. Nationalism can led to isolationism, false pride of one's culture and bigotry.
Patriotism is new world, nationalism is old world.
In 18th century New world Americans call themselves Patriots. 18th century Americans had no century old culture to be proud of. Today, 21st century Americans still calls themselves Patriots. American culture is an immigrant mix from all over the globe, from every continent, from different arrival times and includes non immigrant, native Americans.
Nationalism is anthema to a nation's economic prosperity. Nationalism can restrict the most important factor for prosperity, trade and exchange of goods outside the nation's borders.
Nationalism dictionary definition is 'Devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation or aspiration for national independence'.
Patriotism is not the same as Nationalism. Patriotism is not equal to Nationalism. Patriotism is good for you and the country. Nationalism can led to isolationism, false pride of one's culture and bigotry.
Patriotism is new world, nationalism is old world.
In 18th century New world Americans call themselves Patriots. 18th century Americans had no century old culture to be proud of. Today, 21st century Americans still calls themselves Patriots. American culture is an immigrant mix from all over the globe, from every continent, from different arrival times and includes non immigrant, native Americans.
Nationalism is anthema to a nation's economic prosperity. Nationalism can restrict the most important factor for prosperity, trade and exchange of goods outside the nation's borders.
Edsa1 People Power
Edsa1 People Power had global consequences!
Berlin Wall came stumbling down without guns and tanks. West and East Germany became one.
Soviet Russia's break up born several small countries as independent and democratic as the Philippines.
Communist China open it's economy and traded openly with Americans.
Today, some previously communist controlled countries have identical political history of pre-Edsa1 Philippines.
Today, Filipinos should look at Estonia's economic climate since split from Russia.
Estonia's contribution to globalization is Flat Tax, originally at 28%. Flat Tax enhanced Estonia's prosperity, it is reduced to 20% recently.
Berlin Wall came stumbling down without guns and tanks. West and East Germany became one.
Soviet Russia's break up born several small countries as independent and democratic as the Philippines.
Communist China open it's economy and traded openly with Americans.
Today, some previously communist controlled countries have identical political history of pre-Edsa1 Philippines.
Today, Filipinos should look at Estonia's economic climate since split from Russia.
Estonia's contribution to globalization is Flat Tax, originally at 28%. Flat Tax enhanced Estonia's prosperity, it is reduced to 20% recently.
People Power @ Micro level
Real and lasting People Power is establishment of Jury System in the Philippines!
Grand Jury - 24 jurors hears and ask witnesses questions to determine whether a case has broken laws.
Criminal Petit Jury - for criminal cases, with emphasis in 'reasonable doubt'.
Civil Petit Jury - for civil cases like embezzlement and corruption. 12 people, chosen at random, given the power to judge their peers guilty or not.
Real People Power with benign and powerful effect to all, even those who never been called to be a juror. Filipinos with time in their hands can watch Criminal and Civil court proceedings instead of protesting needlessly on the streets, learning nothing. Jury Trials are the best educational tool for non lawyers to learn critical thinking skills use by prosecutors and defense attorneys to plead their case.
Grand Jury - 24 jurors hears and ask witnesses questions to determine whether a case has broken laws.
Criminal Petit Jury - for criminal cases, with emphasis in 'reasonable doubt'.
Civil Petit Jury - for civil cases like embezzlement and corruption. 12 people, chosen at random, given the power to judge their peers guilty or not.
Real People Power with benign and powerful effect to all, even those who never been called to be a juror. Filipinos with time in their hands can watch Criminal and Civil court proceedings instead of protesting needlessly on the streets, learning nothing. Jury Trials are the best educational tool for non lawyers to learn critical thinking skills use by prosecutors and defense attorneys to plead their case.
Amend the Philippine 1986 Constitution
A Constitution cannot be too specific.
It will remove the ability of Filipinos to think for themselves. Too specific a constitution will remove the creativity of Filipinos to be self reliant.
A constitution must provide for Filipinos to think about their needs and laws to curb the excesses of those needs.
Too specific a constitution will remove the creativity of a LGU to govern specifically to the needs of the region. What Bohol need is not the same as Neuva Ecija's as well as what Central Visaya need is not the same as Metro Manila.
God Bless the Philippines...
It will remove the ability of Filipinos to think for themselves. Too specific a constitution will remove the creativity of Filipinos to be self reliant.
A constitution must provide for Filipinos to think about their needs and laws to curb the excesses of those needs.
Too specific a constitution will remove the creativity of a LGU to govern specifically to the needs of the region. What Bohol need is not the same as Neuva Ecija's as well as what Central Visaya need is not the same as Metro Manila.
God Bless the Philippines...
Economic optimism
For the first time in at least 3 decades, I am optimistic about us, Filipinos and the Philippines as a nation.
Adam Smith in 1776 wrote in 'The Wealth of Nations' that the source of wealth of a nation are it's people -their skills, dexterity and judgment- not gold and silver.
I went to Bohol, Cebu City, Ozamis and Manila last May. Visible signs of economic activity in every place I went.
At Bohol Tropics, there was a Math Competition for kids including several Asian countries. The hotel was full almost everyday. Internet access was free but dial up slow at the hotel. Internet cafe was a tricycle ride to downtown Tagbilaran and allowed me to use my laptop.
Took an air conditioned 'van-for-hire' from bus terminal instead of a clunky big bus or a private car to my hometown.
Few weeks before, the top floor of the market building burned down yet people were going about the business of exchanging goods. Enterprising Boholanos taking care of themselves for their own self interest.
A knowledgeable entrepreneur in Tagbilaran unlock my US cameraphone and installed a SIM card. I text and blend with everyone everywhere. Text messaging is cheap globally.
We went to Terra Azul beach one afternoon. The one lane unpaved road to Panglao was rough but worth seeing the ocean beach and the economic activity in that quiet island that I last visited in 1966. Dinner at beautiful and deliciously healthy Bee's Farm capped the night. Every dish had honey in it.
Economic competition terminated the supercut ferry services between Tagbilaran and Cebu. It is cheaper to go via Tubigon to Cebu. Demand will improve and increase flights to Tagbilaran airport soon.
Adam Smith in 1776 wrote in 'The Wealth of Nations' that the source of wealth of a nation are it's people -their skills, dexterity and judgment- not gold and silver.
I went to Bohol, Cebu City, Ozamis and Manila last May. Visible signs of economic activity in every place I went.
At Bohol Tropics, there was a Math Competition for kids including several Asian countries. The hotel was full almost everyday. Internet access was free but dial up slow at the hotel. Internet cafe was a tricycle ride to downtown Tagbilaran and allowed me to use my laptop.
Took an air conditioned 'van-for-hire' from bus terminal instead of a clunky big bus or a private car to my hometown.
Few weeks before, the top floor of the market building burned down yet people were going about the business of exchanging goods. Enterprising Boholanos taking care of themselves for their own self interest.
A knowledgeable entrepreneur in Tagbilaran unlock my US cameraphone and installed a SIM card. I text and blend with everyone everywhere. Text messaging is cheap globally.
We went to Terra Azul beach one afternoon. The one lane unpaved road to Panglao was rough but worth seeing the ocean beach and the economic activity in that quiet island that I last visited in 1966. Dinner at beautiful and deliciously healthy Bee's Farm capped the night. Every dish had honey in it.
Economic competition terminated the supercut ferry services between Tagbilaran and Cebu. It is cheaper to go via Tubigon to Cebu. Demand will improve and increase flights to Tagbilaran airport soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)