Being Here, Now.

November 22, 2012

Archives and Power over Memory

I never gave a single thought on “institutional memory” before the Archives Congress (November 17-18, 2012) in Ateneo de Davao University. I was living with the illusory notion that we live in a static present, never minding the collective (and collected) memory that supposedly informs who we are as a people – in the realm Continue reading

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Anthropology, archives, qualitative
November 3, 2012

Paghahanap ng Pagkakakilanlan sa Makabago at Hayag pang Nagbabagong Panahon at ang Tungkuling Gabay ng Agham Tao

Malawak ang mga diskursong sumasaklaw sa pagkamit, pag-aangkin, at pag-unawa sa etniko at pambansang pagkakakilanlan o identity. Nariyan ang paniniwalang ang pagkakakilanlan ay isa lamang konseptong umuusbong mula sa mga abo at kaganapan ng kasaysayan at mga kwento ng mga nagagapi at nagwawagi sa daan-daang digmaan sa martsa ng kasaysayan. Isang halimbawa ang nangingibabaw Continue reading

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agham tao, Anthropology, identity, pagkakakilanlan, post modernism
October 31, 2012

Rain, Now

the rain is not in F today. rather, it sounds like a snip, snip on our roof. i look out. look up. and only a mocking, tangerine sky drips unwashed memories on my brows. Continue reading

photography, poetry
October 15, 2012

To the Vines on the Spines of EDSA

dream now, brave leaves, of dark earth and clear sky, of brooks rhyming and dew sighing. dream of the still night after a storm and the priestess-rain chanting on rocks. dream of innocence, dream of sleep, dream of weakness, dream of fear: the space of fields, expanse of oceans and frightful heights of skies. Continue reading

photography, poetry

EDSA, highway, infrastructure, poetry, vines
October 12, 2012

Matung (Abortion), Moral Claims and the T’boli Woman Or More Questions Thereof

“The T’boli have no compunction performing matung or abortion. A woman resorts to abortion for various reasons, such as: her husband has abandoned her and refuses to give support; she has more children than can be fed adequately; her honor has been stained; she merely wants to be spared the difficulties of delivery. The Continue reading

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abortion, feminism, gender, morality, morals, sex, T’boli
October 10, 2012

Pagpapakabuluhang Ekolohikal sa Talinghaga ng Lemlunay

May umiiral na diin patungo sa makaluntiang kamalayan at makakalikasang kalinangan na nagaganap sa bayan. Ito ay pinatutunayan ng mga nagsisisulputang batas na nagbabawal sa plastik, paninigarilyo, o ‘di kaya’y ang mainit na pagtutunggalian (sa lebel ng propaganda, adbokasiya, o sa lakas ng ingay) ng mga pabor at hindi pabor sa pagmimina. Nagsimulang umusbong noong Continue reading

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Anthropology, ecological, indigenous people, lemlunay, T’boli
September 28, 2012

Extricating Meanings in the Story of Boi Henwu and the Creation of Lake Sebu

I am quite aware of the power of myths. Growing up with my nanay telling us biblical stories – of Jonah being swallowed by a giant fish, of the Red Sea parting, of food falling from the sky – all kindled in my young mind a desire to read all kinds of mythology and bask Continue reading

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Anthropology, boi henwu, lake sebu, levi-strauss, myths, structuralism, T’boli
September 26, 2012

Carnivorous Hearts

he opened his heart and out flew a vulture. clawing on rotten flesh, breaking white bones and screeching for its brothers with their hungry mouths. slowly, methodically, answering the call, poking their bald heads out of carnivorous hearts. cautiously scanning the alien air, unfamiliar with freedom or maybe the new Continue reading

photography, poetry

carnivorous, dark, heart, negative, poetry, vulture

About Me

My work and writing revolve around the intersections of community, culture, and education, with a particular interest in the social and cultural landscapes of Mindanao. This space brings together my academic reflections, occasional poetry, and inquiries shaped by anthropology and lived experience.

I explore questions about learning, identity, place, and the ways people navigate their worlds. If you’re interested in thoughtful analysis, grounded perspectives, some creative nonfic, you’re welcome to join me here.