Crystal Maze

I have a problem when people say that Manny Pacquiao does not deserve to be and should not be congratulated for his latest win in the ring because he has been a terrible lawmaker and a homophobic bigot. I have always had a problem when people refuse to recognize the many facets of an individual and judge that individual based solely on a standard that one arbitrarily sets and considers to be the only significant determinant of how that individual should be seen and treated. This refusal necessarily results in a failure to appreciate the complexities inherent in the very nature of human beings as creatures of independent thought, decision-making, and free will. People seem to forget that this refusal is, in and of itself, an act of bigotry, and the height of hypocrisy. 

Raising Harvey Weinstein

“Nanay, pinakita sa akin ni Harvey* ‘yong pututuy niya…” ("Mom, Harvey showed me his penis…")

Said my daughter, in all her 6-year old innocence. She just got home from school. These were her words the moment she saw me. I was shocked, angry, worried, and confused, all at the same time. I didn’t know what to say. I had one rule for myself whenever I was in front of my daughter: to never ever flinch, whatever negative thing she says to me. So I didn’t. I gave myself a long moment to regain my composure so I could calmly ask her: what did you say???