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Literature matters

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April arrives with barely a whisper, and yet it carries a weight many forget to notice: it is National Literature Month. This is not a token observance but a reminder that a people’s soul is embedded in the stories they tell. Without literature, a nation may exist in body but never in spirit.

Literature is not a decorative art in every society—it is a necessity. It records what history cannot always remember: the laughter of children under nipa huts, the silence of widows after the war, the chants of farmers calling rain into their fields. No census, legal archive, or ordinance can contain the fragrance of memory as literature does. It is where our idioms are safe, where our grandmothers’ lullabies are never lost, and where the deepest fears and wildest hopes of a people can be spoken without shame. And so, to neglect it is to erase ourselves while still breathing.

When one speaks of literature in Eastern Visayas, Waray literature must be mentioned—not as a footnote, but as a living, breathing force. For too long, it has remained in the shadows of more dominant regional languages, often dismissed, underestimated, or forgotten altogether. And yet, its value lies not in how many people speak it today, but in the universe that it contains—one shaped by tidal surges, coconut groves, whispered prayers in the dark, and the endless rhythm of people who endure. Waray literature doesn’t just tell stories—it safeguards the collective consciousness of a people who have been battered by storms, both literal and historical.

But the tragedy is this: most Warays themselves are unfamiliar with their own literary heritage. Ask a young student in Tacloban about Iluminado Lucente or Eduardo Makabenta, and you may be met with a shrug. Worse still, many schools continue to privilege foreign texts and Tagalog or English classics while giving only a passing glance at regional literature, if at all. It’s as if our own voices are too small to be worthy of the page. In our own classrooms, our words remain guests, never hosts. That should alarm us more than we admit.

It’s important to realize that literature is not merely for the literary. It is not just for those who write in broadsheets or win national awards. Literature is the unpaid teacher of the community. It helps a grandmother remember the song she sang while fleeing during the war. It gives a young writer in Borongan permission to write about their small town without apology. It allows the fish vendor, the tricycle driver, the housemaid to find parts of themselves in print, not as metaphors for misery, but as central figures in a story that matters.

When literature is neglected, culture becomes ornamental. We end up parading costumes in festivals without understanding the myths behind them. We perform courtship dances but forget the metaphors in the old love songs. Without written and oral literature, our cultural presentations risk becoming entertainment with no soul. We become fluent in mimicry but illiterate in meaning.

This is why National Literature Month must be more than a ceremonial branding on a calendar. It should be the moment we ask difficult questions about the cultural priorities of our schools, LGUs, and even ourselves. How many barangay libraries carry even a modest collection of Waray books? How many local government events make space for storytelling, poetry readings, or creative writing workshops for the youth? Without intentional action, we are letting a treasure rot quietly in the attic.

Literature, especially the regional kind, is not an afterthought to development—it is its foundation. People who know their stories are harder to manipulate, more resilient in crisis, and more daring in imagination. This April, may the observance of National Literature Month compel not just remembrance but recovery: of texts, of language, of identity. For a culture that cannot write itself down is a culture waiting to disappear.

Stay sweet amid bitter conflicts

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THAT’S the ideal thing to do whenever we find ourselves in some difficult conflicts, especially in the area of politics. Let’s not make things worse by following the urges of the flesh, the ways of the world, and much less, the game of the devil. If water is what extinguishes fire, it is also sweetness that can overcome bitterness.

By not only staying calm but also choosing to be sweet with the parties involved, always showing affection and respect for the others, we facilitate the resolution of any conflict we have with them, we can even learn something from the differences we can have with them.
There will always be some wonderful changes that will take place in all the parties involved. There will be some polishing and refining of all the views and position at play. Most of all, we can remain brothers and sisters, friends and lovers of each other, keeping intact the charity that should always rule our life.

We have to remind ourselves that when we find ourselves in some conflicts with others, we should see to it that we avoid going through it by our lonesome. That would make these occasions of bitter conflicts a useless and purely negative event.

Truth is our conflicts with others can have tremendous meaning and positive effect on us if we go through them always with Christ. If we go by our Christian faith, we are sure that Christ is ever willing to suffer the bitterness for us and with us, and to convert that bitterness into the very means of our salvation, in fact.

There is no human bitterness that Christ is not willing to make also as his own. And he does it because he loves us, he wants to save us, he wants to bring us back to him. Let’s remember that his love is first of all gratuitous. He loves us first before we can learn to love him in return.

Christ loves us even if, according to our human standards, we do not deserve to be loved. Let’s never forget that because of this love, he, being God, emptied himself to become man, and still went further by assuming all our sins by going through his passion and death on the cross and by his resurrection.

We should therefore lose the fear of bitterness when we find ourselves in conflict with others, and learn how to convert it into a means and occasion to gain a greater good for all of us. If we believe in Christ and follow what he has taught and shown us, we will realize that there is nothing to be afraid of bitter conflicts, and all the other negative things that can mark our life.

So, we just have to be sport and cool when we find ourselves in some bitter conflicts with others. In fact, the ideal attitude would be to welcome these occasions of bitter conflicts, since in the first place, it cannot be avoided no matter how much we try. We have to cultivate a more positive outlook toward it and relish its inherent benefits for us.

For this, we need to discover and appreciate the link between the suffering caused by these bitter conflicts and loving. The two need not go against each other. In fact, they have to go together if we want our suffering to be meaningful and fruitful. And we have a way to do that. Go through them with Christ in his passion, death, and his resurrection!

The Art of Persuasion: Winning Customers with Reason

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In the competitive landscape of today’s marketplace, persuasion is no longer a mere tactic; it’s a vital skill. While emotional appeals and clever marketing strategies can grab attention, true persuasion lies in appealing to reason, in building a compelling case that resonates with customers on a logical level. This approach, rooted in facts, evidence, and clear communication, fosters trust and builds lasting relationships, ultimately leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.

Understanding the Customer’s Perspective: The Foundation of Reason

The starting point for effective persuasion is understanding your customer’s perspective. What are their needs, wants, and pain points? What are their values and priorities? By truly understanding their perspective, you can tailor your message to resonate with their specific needs and desires.

Building a Compelling Case: The Power of Logic and Evidence

Once you understand your customer’s perspective, you can build a compelling case that appeals to their reason. This involves:

– Presenting clear and concise information: Avoid jargon and technical terms that might confuse customers. Employ plain language for optimal comprehension.

– Supporting claims with evidence: Don’t just make claims; back them up with data, testimonials, case studies, or other credible sources. This builds credibility and trust.

– Addressing potential objections: Strategically address potential objections.

– Highlighting the benefits: Exceptional customer service isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about exceeding them. It’s a proactive approach that prioritizes the customer’s needs and leaves a lasting positive impression.

The Power of Storytelling: Connecting with Emotion

While reason is essential, don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Stories have the ability to connect with customers on an emotional level, making your message more memorable and impactful.

– Use relatable stories: Share stories that your customers can connect with, highlighting how your product or service has helped others overcome similar challenges.

– Focus on the customer’s journey: Tell stories that illustrate the customer’s journey, from their initial need to their ultimate satisfaction with your product or service.

– Emphasize the “why”: Go beyond the “what” and “how” to explain the “why” behind your product or service. What is the underlying purpose or mission? What problem are you solving?

The Importance of Transparency and Honesty

Trust is paramount in any persuasive effort. Be transparent and honest in your communication, acknowledging any limitations or potential downsides of your product or service. This builds credibility and fosters a sense of authenticity that customers appreciate.

Building Relationships: The Long-Term Approach

Persuasion is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process of building relationships. Focus on providing exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations. This builds loyalty and creates a positive brand experience that customers will remember.

Examples of Persuasion Through Reason

– A financial advisor: When presenting investment options, a financial advisor might use graphs and charts to illustrate historical performance, explain risk tolerance, and demonstrate the potential benefits of different investment strategies.

– A software company: A software company might showcase customer testimonials and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of its product and its ability to solve real-world problems.

– A sustainable fashion brand: A sustainable fashion brand might highlight the environmental and social benefits of its ethical sourcing practices and use data to demonstrate the impact of its choices.

Conclusion

Persuading customers with reason is about building a compelling case that resonates with their needs, values, and priorities. It’s about providing clear, concise, and evidence-based information, addressing potential objections, and highlighting the benefits of your product or service. By focusing on logic, transparency, and building lasting relationships, you can create a persuasive experience that leads to increased sales, brand loyalty, and a thriving business.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Tons of political noise, less substance

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When elections focus on fights and fame,
voters lose the chance to hear real ideas and solutions

These days we are being shown the gutter-level political skirmishes. The Senate Run in 2025 is nothing short of circus where popularity driven, and political dynasty bandwagon detonates backward reality. Too much political noise no statesman traits are displayed, the mounting problems are hurting us all and yet our political discourse are dominated by personal views, loyalty to the political tribe and very less good platforms.

Elections are supposed to be about choosing leaders who can solve problems and make life better for everyone. But lately, it feels like they’ve become more about arguments and drama than real solutions. Instead of talking about their plans, many candidates spend their time attacking each other or creating a spectacle to grab attention.

This is especially frustrating when some candidates rely on their family name or popularity to win votes, even if they don’t have the experience or knowledge to lead. It’s like choosing someone for a job just because they’re famous, not because they’re qualified. This can lead to leaders who don’t know how to handle the country’s challenges, leaving important issues unresolved.

When elections focus on fights and fame, voters lose the chance to hear real ideas and solutions. It’s harder to make informed choices, and the country ends up with leaders who might not be the best for the job.

To fix this, voters need to demand better. They should look for candidates who have clear plans and a proven track record. It’s also important to push for changes that make elections fairer, like limiting campaign drama and encouraging new voices to run for office.
In the end, elections should be about finding leaders who can make a difference—not just the loudest or most popular ones. By focusing on plans instead of fights, we can build a future that works for everyone.

Exposing daftness (First of two parts)

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The probe surrounding the arrest of former and now detained president Rodrigo Roa Duterte by the senate committee of foreign relations headed by senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Romualdez Marcos-Manotoc who happens to be the sister of the incumbent magical president. The explications given by the police, chiefly, Police General Nicolas Deloso Torre III since the start of the senate committee hearings had consistently been contested by the lady senator who chairs the committee of foreign relations posing as counsel for the former and now detained president. It appears that the discussion is repetitive as the senate committee on foreign relations chairperson insisted on her own interpretation of the law, rules and the circumstances.

As had been explained by the arresting officers, there indeed was a plan to arrest the former and now detained president upon his return to the country. The arrest of any suspect has really to be planned in accordance with legal procedures. Verily, arresting a suspect could not be left to any chances as the subject of the arrest may put resistance or even exert force against the arresting officers. The suspect may even be armed that may put the arresting officers’ lives in danger. Time and again, there had been many instances that the arresting officers’ lives were put in peril.

What is seen in the video is taken as basis by the investigating senators. The lady chairperson of the committee on foreign relations kept on repeatedly questioning why the arresting police general exerted force and handcuffed former executive secretary, lawyer Salvador “Bingbong” Campo Medialdea did not obstruct the arresting police officers from arresting the former and now detained president. The police general politely explained that the former executive secretary was actually obstructing the police officers from performing their job of arresting the former and now detained president.

The lady senator retorted that as she sees in the video, the former executive secretary was just sitting beside the former and now detained president. She continued her narrative that such act is not obstruction to her view as mere sitting is not a violation of any law. The police general explained that the former executive secretary sitting in between him and the former and now detained president is effectively obstructing the police officers from performing their task to arrest the president. That forced him to handcuff the former executive secretary who eventually cooperated by accompanying the former and now detained president to the private jet bound for the Hague, Netherlands. Such action is deemed by the police general as within his authority and in accordance with law.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Gov’t employee nabbed in drug bust in Palo

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PALO, Leyte – A 29-year-old government employee was arrested on Saturday evening, April 19, 2025, after authorities seized suspected marijuana and shabu from his possession during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Arado,this town.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “EJ,” is considered a high-value individual (HVI) by authorities. He resides in Palo with his common-law wife.

The operation was conducted by the Palo Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Police reported that the estimated weight and value of the confiscated illegal drugs are still being determined as of press time.

All seized evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the site of the arrest in the presence of required witnesses, in compliance with legal procedures.

Criminal charges are currently being prepared against the suspect.

(RONALD O. REYES)

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