21st Century Literary Acumen

"Filipinos have a unique way of giving directions. It's not left or right, it's 'sa may tindahan ng sari-sari, tapos kaliwa nang konti.' Good luck finding your way!"  Francesco Londonio Shepherd Pointing Out the Direction to a Shepherdess, 1762 This plays on the tendency of Filipinos to use landmarks or familiar places as reference points when giving directions, rather than relying on street names or numbers. While this can be confusing for outsiders, it is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Filipinos in navigating their surroundings. However, it can be problematic in situations where precise and accurate directions are necessary, such as in emergency situations or when traveling to a new and unfamiliar place. Using landmarks or familiar places as reference points can also be confusing for outsiders who may not be familiar with the area, or the landmarks being referred to. This can make it difficult for visitors or tourists to navigate their ...

              Caravaggio,  Judith Beheading Holofernes , ca. 1598–99. Photo via Wikimedia Commons. The song "Mad Woman" by Taylor Swift doesn't specifically talk about cheating, but it resonates the theme of betrayal dishonesty, and revenge that could certainly apply to a situation involving infidelity just like what Nenita experienced in the story "Preludes" by Darryl Delgado.   Generally, the song is a commentary on how women are often unfairly labeled as "crazy" when they react to mistreatment or injustice. It speaks to woman who has been hurt by a man's lies and infidelity and encourages her to channel her anger into action. The lyrics include lines like "What did you think I'd say to that, does a scorpion sting when fighting back?" , and "What a shame she went mad, no one likes a mad woman, you made her like that".  It has a dark and brooding sound, with haunting vocals and an atmospheric production that reflects the i...

               A timelessly well-known prose poem of Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata", written in 1927 that provides a set of principles for leading a fulfilling and contented life. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, compassion, and inner peace, and encourages us to focus on the present moment while striving for excellence in our pursuits. The word "desiderata" means " desired things " in Latin dictionary. The poem also urges us to avoid comparing ourselves to others and to develop resilience and strength to overcome life's challenges. https://www.oshonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Max-Ehrmann.jpg               I can clearly remember the first time 'Desiderata' was introduced to us by our Advanced English teacher, Mrs. Marycel Ocon. She instructed us to perform the poem as a whole section in a verse choir. That night, after hearing the poem, I began to read and tried to comprehend its significance. It wa...

              Kutsinta is a popular Filipino snack made from a mixture of rice flour, brown sugar, and lye water. It is typically steamed and served with grated coconut, or a sweet sauce made from brown sugar and water. Kutsinta is an important part of Filipino cuisine and culture for several reasons. https://images.app.goo.gl/Tzgtvhi6wor1ZJ8P9                Firstly, it is a favorite snack among Filipinos of all ages. It is widely available in local markets, bakeries, and street food stalls, and is often eaten as a midday or afternoon snack. Filipinos enjoy its chewy texture, mild sweetness, and unique flavor, which comes from the use of lye water.               Secondly, It is an affordable and easy-to-make snack that can be prepared with simple ingredients. This makes it accessible to people of all socio-economic backgrounds, and it has become a staple snack for many Fil...