President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with Liberal Party stalwarts, their smiles wide as old coconut palms bending in the wind. This unholy huddle between dynastic rivals reeks of pure convenience. It’s a laughable sham, cooked up to kneecap Vice President Sara Duterte before she even declares for 2028.

Picture the scene: Marcos, with his polished suits and aviator shades, cozying up to the same Liberal ghosts who once marched in yellow shirts, toppling his father in ‘86. These are the heirs of Cory Aquino, the ones who branded the Marcos name synonymous with plunder and People Power fury. Now? They’re swapping business cards and toasting “unity” over lumpia in some air-conditioned hotel ballroom. I can’t help but chuckle darkly—it’s like the cat and the dog teaming up because the mouse grew fangs.

They’re riding each other like jeepneys jammed bumper-to-bumper on EDSA, honking past the real traffic: Sara’s stardom. The Marcos camp needs the Liberals’ machine in urban strongholds—Quezon City, Manila—where Duterte’s brash style doesn’t always land. Liberals, meanwhile, smell a shot at relevance after years in the wilderness, post-Robredo flop. It’s mutual back-scratching, folks, with nails sharpened for one target: the woman whose family delivered Davao’s iron grip and Mindanao’s votes.

Flash back to 2022, and the joke writes itself. Marcos glued himself to the Dutertes like a barnacle on a bangka, borrowing their massive turnout to crush Leni Robredo by 16 million votes. Sara played a loyal VP, with her supporters cheering BBM as the prodigal son returned. What did he do once the throne was secure? Kicked her to the curb, sickening impeachments, budget slashes, and confidential fund probes on her like rabid askals after a stray.

That betrayal stings deep—ungrateful doesn’t cover it. Duterte voters, those tough southern folk with callused hands from fieldwork and fierce loyalty from the drug war days, handed Marcos his presidency on a silver salver. He spat it back as political demolition: stripping Sara’s office funds, grilling her on every peso, while his own allies skate free. It’s the classic Filipino elite move—use the masses’ muscle, then discard them like yesterday’s pandesal wrapper.

This alliance screams fear, plain and simple. Sara Duterte isn’t just a candidate; she’s a storm front rolling out of Davao, with polls already whispering early support. Marcos knows his grip slips without a united front; Liberals know solo they’d fade as old adobo left too long. So, they link arms, a mismatched parade of trapos grinning through gritted teeth, all because one woman’s momentum threatens their cozy carousel.

I see it for the farce it is—a temporary tango destined to trip. Once Sara’s sidelined or 2028 dust settles, these “allies” will claw at each other’s throats again, Liberals decrying Marcos’ excess, Marcos eyeing their enclaves. History’s littered with these flimsy pacts: Arroyo hugging Estrada foes, then stabbing backs. It’s Philippine politics at its most predictable, a cockfight where the handlers switch roosters mid-round.

Call it out loud and clear, neighbors—shine spotlights on every handshake, every backroom deal. Demand candidates stand on their own records, not propped up by yesterday’s enemies. Let the voters’ eyes stay sharp, picking leaders who build bridges that last, not rickety rafts for crossing one river. That’s how we flip this circus into something tangible.

The human mind is a complex tapestry of thoughts, emotions, and ingrained habits. Changing behavior, whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, improving work habits, or breaking a bad addiction, is often a monumental task. Yet, research suggests that a seemingly insignificant element – a single word – can dramatically increase the likelihood of success. Studies indicate that the right word can boost the probability of behavioral change by a remarkable 30%. This article explores the science behind this phenomenon and delves into the practical applications of this powerful tool.

The key lies in the framing of the message. Our brains are wired to respond to certain cues and stimuli more effectively than others. Words, with their inherent connotations and emotional weight, exert a significant influence on our decision-making processes. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a behavior, such as the dangers of smoking or the drawbacks of procrastination, a more effective approach is to highlight the positive outcomes associated with change. This is where the power of a single, strategically chosen word comes into play.

One particularly effective word is “yet.” This seemingly innocuous term subtly reframes perceived failures as temporary setbacks rather than permanent defeats. Consider the difference between “I can’t solve this problem” and “I can’t solve this problem yet.” The addition of “yet” introduces an element of hope and expectation, suggesting that a solution is attainable in the future. This subtle shift in perspective can significantly impact motivation and persistence.

Another powerful word is “easily.” This term taps into our innate desire for effortless achievement. By suggesting that a task is “easily” accomplished, we reduce the perceived difficulty and increase the likelihood of initiating the desired behavior. This is particularly effective when dealing with tasks that are perceived as daunting or challenging. For example, instead of saying “It’s difficult to exercise regularly,” a more motivating message would be “It’s easily possible to incorporate short bursts of exercise into your daily routine.”
The choice of words also plays a crucial role in shaping our self-perception. Words like “capable” and “strong” can empower individuals and bolster their self-efficacy, the belief in their ability to succeed. Conversely, negative self-talk, filled with words like “weak” or “incapable,” can undermine motivation and lead to self-sabotage. By consciously choosing empowering language, we can create a positive feedback loop that reinforces desired behaviors.

Beyond individual words, the context in which they are used is equally important. A single word embedded within a larger narrative can have a profound impact on its persuasiveness. For example, a public health campaign promoting healthy eating might use the word “delicious” to associate healthy food with positive sensory experiences. This positive association can override pre-existing negative perceptions and encourage healthier food choices.

The 30% increase in behavioral change attributed to a single word isn’t merely a matter of chance. It’s a testament to the power of language to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By understanding the subtle nuances of language and strategically choosing words that resonate with our target audience, we can significantly improve the effectiveness of our communication and achieve better outcomes.

However, it’s crucial to understand that a single word is not a magic bullet. It’s a tool that needs to be used effectively within a broader strategy for behavioral change. This strategy should incorporate other elements such as clear goals, consistent reinforcement, and a supportive environment. The single word acts as a catalyst, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the change process.

In conclusion, the power of a single word in driving behavioral change is a compelling testament to the influence of language on human behavior. By carefully selecting words that emphasize positive outcomes, reduce perceived difficulty, and empower individuals, we can create more effective interventions that lead to lasting change. The 30% increase in success rates is not just a statistic; it’s a powerful reminder of the profound impact of language on our lives. Let’s harness this power to create a more positive and productive future.
————–
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!

Tacloban the prime example of urban life—traffic, noise, and the constant rush—and long for spaces where we can breathe more freely, reconnect with nature, and rediscover a slower rhythm.

The energy and the rigid realities make it harder, even if we are living in the City of Happy People.

Leaving Tacloban does not mean abandoning its vibrancy; rather, it means seeking balance. Just beyond the city’s borders lie destinations that offer peace and renewal:

* Samar Island Natural Park – A sanctuary of caves, waterfalls, and lush forests where one can hike, meditate, or simply listen to the sound of flowing rivers.

l Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte – Famous for its powdery sandbar and turquoise waters, perfect for a day of solitude or bonding with friends.

* Guiuan, Eastern Samar – A coastal town with pristine beaches and historical charm, reminding us of the Philippines’ deep maritime heritage.

* Apiton Island, Santa Monica (Tubabao) in Eastern Samar are two prime best kept secret, but now these real.

* San Pedro San Pablo Islas in Southern Leyte

Tacloban will always be our hub, but it should not be our cage. To step away is to acknowledge that life is richer when we allow ourselves to wander, to pause, and to appreciate the beauty beyond the city’s borders. In doing so, we return not only refreshed but also with a deeper appreciation for the city itself.Stepping away is temporary yet it’s healthy!

Pag relax gad anay, Pasko naman, pasalamat kita han Ginoo!

THIS is what we can gather from that parable about a man with two sons, asking them to work in his vineyard. (cfr. Mt 21,28-32) The first one refused but eventually went, while the second one said yes, but actually did not go.

That second son somehow personifies anyone of us who think that we are already ok because we do a lot of good things, we pray, we offer sacrifices and all the works, but feel that we do not need anymore to have another conversion, to make another step to get closer to God and to everybody else. We get trapped in our own self-righteousness.

This common phenomenon of self-righteousness can be considered as the irony of ironies. That’s because we can earnestly pursue the path of holiness, of what is good and right, and yet end up the opposite of what we want. We can practically have the trappings of goodness and holiness and yet miss the real root of righteousness who is God. It can be so self-deceiving that we become fully convinced we are righteous.

The main problem with self-righteousness is when our search for holiness does not go all the way. Our relation with God, our understanding of God’s will and ways only goes to a certain extent. Usually it stops at that point where we feel we already know everything. In other words, we make ourselves the ultimate judge of things, discarding the many other things of God’s will and ways that may still be hidden in mysteries, and for which we need to have another conversion.

This was well personified by the Pharisees, scribes and other elders during the time of Christ. They preferred to stick to their own ideas of goodness and holiness, their own laws and traditions, and went all the way not only to be suspicious of Christ, always finding fault in him, but also to finally crucify him.

This danger of self-righteousness usually affects people who are considered intelligent, gifted, talented. They often regard themselves, either in an open way or in a hidden way, superior to others.

If we are truly righteous with a righteousness that is a participation of the righteousness of God, then we should include in our idea of goodness and holiness the essential virtues of humility, compassion and mercy, for which we need to have conversion.

We cannot deny that all throughout our life we will always be hounded by our weaknesses and the many temptations around. We will always have a certain attraction to evil—what is otherwise known as concupiscence. But God knows this and is ever willing to welcome us back to him. Let’s try to be like St. Mary Magdalene and the prodigal son who, after wasting his father’s inheritance, decided to go back to his father.

God will always welcome us back, even if we appear to be already abusing the goodness and mercy of God. We should just put our mind and heart to this fact of life that we are all sinners and that we need to convert.

We are always in need of frequent and continuing conversions because very often our resolutions are fickle. We neither can deny that in spite of our best intentions and efforts, we still come out with ideas, words, deeds that are spiced with all sorts of imperfections, for which we have to repent.

We should be humble enough to acknowledge these, even if we also acknowledge the good things we have done.