EDITORIAL COLUMN PAGE

Politics in the Philippines, like in many countries, is a double-edged sword. While democratic institutions exist and elections occur regularly, the persistent presence of corruption and self-serving political practices has tangible negative effects on governance and the economy. When politicians prioritize personal gain over public service, it undermines trust in institutions and slows down policy implementation. Infrastructure projects, social programs, and essential services may be delayed, mismanaged, or underfunded, directly affecting citizens’ quality of life.

Economically, corrupt politics discourages investment and slows growth. Both local and foreign investors are wary of opaque processes, bribery demands, and political favoritism. This creates an uneven playing field where businesses compete less on merit and more on connections, raising costs and reducing efficiency. Public funds that could have been used for education, healthcare, or economic development are diverted into the pockets of a few, creating both short-term inefficiencies and long-term structural problems.

Moreover, corruption erodes social cohesion. Citizens lose faith in the rule of law, which can fuel discontent, protests, and political polarization. It also discourages civic participation, as people feel their voices do not matter in a system dominated by entrenched political families or patronage networks.

However, the story is not entirely bleak. The Philippines still has vibrant civil society organizations, an active media, and a populace increasingly aware of governance issues. When citizens speak out, demand transparency, and hold leaders accountable, they create pressure for reform. Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, improving accountability mechanisms, and promoting merit-based governance are essential steps toward reversing the corrosive effects of bad politics.

In short, bad and corrupt politics drain resources, weaken institutions, and hampers economic development. Yet, a vigilant citizenry, transparent systems, and committed reformers can gradually restore trust and create a more accountable, effective government — and a healthier, more resilient economy.

Jun B. Bragais

In a world filled with noise, distraction, and endless demands, the mind often becomes a crowded place—rushing, racing, and rarely resting. Yet within every person lies a beautiful mind: a space capable of clarity, wisdom, creativity, and quiet strength. This column explores how nurturing our inner thoughts, guided by spiritual insight, can transform not only how we see the world but how we see ourselves.

The morning sun spilled softly through the windows of Lea’s small room, warming the wooden floor and brushing her cheeks with gold. It was her favorite moment of the day—a sacred silence before the world fully awakened. She sat with her journal open, listening not just with her ears but with her heart.

For months, Lea felt overwhelmed by school pressures, responsibilities, and the weight of expectations she carried silently. Her mind had become a whirlwind—thoughts pulling her in different directions, each one louder than the last. But today, she chose to slow down. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, letting herself settle into stillness.

It was in that quiet moment that she felt something she hadn’t in a long time—peace. A gentle assurance, like a whisper from within, reminded her that clarity often comes when we pause, listen, and allow ourselves to be guided by something greater than our fears.

Her grandmother used to tell her, “The mind becomes beautiful when the heart becomes still.” Lea never fully understood it until now. She realized that her thoughts weren’t the enemy; they were simply echoes searching for direction. When she let her spirit lead—through faith, reflection, and intentional calm—the storm inside her softened.

Throughout the day, Lea carried this new sense of presence. She approached her challenges with quiet courage, no longer rushing to meet every demand but trusting that wisdom would come when she grounded herself in purpose. Her friends even noticed the difference—her smile seemed lighter, her voice steadier, her eyes brighter.

Lea’s journey wasn’t about emptying her mind, but about centering it—guiding her thoughts with gratitude, grounding her decisions in intuition, and listening to the soft spiritual nudges that often go unnoticed. She discovered that a beautiful mind is not one free from problems, but one anchored in peace despite them.

And as she ended her day, she wrote a single sentence in her journal:

“A beautiful mind grows when we make space for the light to enter.”

Dr. Rene L. Morfe

Experts often say that travel cultivates resilience, and I personally experience echoed that truth. From navigating unfamiliar transport systems to communicating through hand gestures and smiles, we can learn to trust our instincts and embrace uncertainties. new versions of themselves. My first journey abroad reshaped her understanding of life in unexpected ways.

I had lived my entire life in one quiet town in the Philippines, where predictable days offered comfort but little challenge. For years, I dreamed of seeing the world beyond the streets she knew by heart. When I finally booked a solo trip across Asia, I admitted feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. I wasn’t just leaving home, I was leaving who I used to be.

My travels took me through bustling markets, serene temples, and vibrant communities. What struck me most, was not just the beauty of the places I visited, but the people I encountered along the way. Fellow travelers shared stories of overcoming hardships, building dreams, and seeking meaning—stories that widened her view of what life could look like.

It was humbling!. You realize that your problems are only one small piece of a much bigger world.

Experts often say that travel cultivates resilience, and I personally experience echoed that truth. From navigating unfamiliar transport systems to communicating through hand gestures and smiles, we can learn to trust our instincts and embrace uncertainties.

Through this journey, she discovered key benefits that many travelers report:

When I returned to the Philippines weeks later, friends noticed a shift in my demeanor—calmer, bolder, more grounded. I credit my travels for teaching others to appreciate life’s small moments and to see challenges as part of the adventure rather than obstacles.

Travel doesn’t just change the way you see the world. It changes the way you see yourself.

This story mirrors that of countless individuals whose lives have been shaped by the simple act of stepping beyond our comfort zones. In every plane ride, bus trip, or walk through an unfamiliar street lies the potential for transformation.

As this travel column highlights, travel is more than movement—it is growth, courage, and discovery. And for those willing to take the first step, the world remains an open invitation.

Rhodora Gonzales

Rhoda The Traveler