By Kate V. Pedroso
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Family, health and religion are the three most important sources of happiness among Filipinos, while sex, sports, politics and cultural pursuits rank among the least important, according to a recent study by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

But sounding incredulous, the NSCB official, who released the results of the study Tuesday, observed: “Could it be that the respondents were just too shy to reveal their true feelings about sex? Or (is it) time to shift stories away from the birds and the bees?”

Romulo Virola, NSCB secretary general, reported that Filipinos ranked family as the most important source of happiness, with a score of 9.45 on a scale of 10. Health came next with 8.95, while religion ranked third with 8.59.

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By Jocelyn Uy
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–This 77-year-old retired home economics teacher has come up with simple and real recipes for peace in her troubled little town in Sulu province.

Wobbly from arthritis, Norma Abdulla was never fettered from helping couples resolve fights or calling the attention of authorities whenever there’s trouble in her neighborhood.

“Peace should start with solving petty conflicts in the community, especially in the family so it will not escalate into a full-blown clash that could involve the entire town,” Abdulla, convener of the first Muslim Women Peace Advocates in Sulu, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Friday.

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By Gabriel Cardinoza
Inquirer

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines–It’s now a lot easier to spot the bangus (milkfish) grown in Pangasinan.

They are now labeled either “Dagupan bangus” or “Pangasinan bangus.” Those without these labels are considered “alien bangus,” or grown somewhere else, according to city agriculturist Emma Molina.

“We have to act fast because we cannot ignore and set aside the perception of our consumers,” Molina said.

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By TJ Burgonio
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Despite his name, he is no potato patch mailman.

Floro “Pol” Camote is a modern-day postman who continues to make his job relevant in the age of the Internet.

Camote, a letter-carrier of the Quezon City Central Post Office, enters seedy slums peopled by pickpockets and robbers, and puts up with threats from thugs just to bring letters, checks and bills to the residents.

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HERE’S an interesting documentary on the importance of jeepneys in Filipino culture, directed by Jeric Sevilla. This was actually a school project — pretty cool, huh?

Here’s Part 1

Part 2

And Part 3

By DJ Yap
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–She has literally seen the growth of Makati City from the time it was still known as San Pedro Makati to its rise as the financial capital of the country.

Today, 101-year-old Paula Garcia-Samarista will be honored, along with two of her slightly younger peers, in a special ceremony at the Makati City Hall celebrating their longevity.

To mark the beginning of Senior Citizen’s Week, the city famous for pampering its elderly residents will pay tribute to Garcia-Samarista, Melchora Oria-Ancheta, 97, and Mercedes Sarmiento-Belandres, 95.

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