Tropical storm Washi [also known as ‘Sendong’] unleashed its wrath in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically on Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas on December 16, 2011. It destroyed entire villages built on sandbars and on riverbanks. The count of fatalities was at 1,259 but many more…
One of the well-known religious celebrations in the Philippines, and one of the grandest annual festivals in Cebu, is the Sinulog. Sinulog commemorates the arrival of the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he planted a cross on the shores of Cebu and presented a statue of the…
After a number of rehearsals with our Director/Producer/Mentor/friend, Mars Cavestany, we finally got to the recording at the SBS studios on Sunday, November 20. I was with the group which was doing Mars’ radio deconstruction and adaptation of Dr Severino Montano’s original play, A Parting at Calamba. Our part was…
Little did I expect that a ‘routine’ Filpress Radio Cell meeting at the Dooley’s Club in Lidcombe would make me an overnight ‘accidental radio drama queen’ (kuno). The Radio Cell is comprised of broadcasters and producers of Filipino-Australian community radio programs. Jimmy Pimentel provides the energy and motivation behind this…
Ang Konsulado sa Sydney ay nag-anyaya sa pamunuan ng mga samahang komunidad at mga taga-balita nuong Sabado, Nobyembre 5 upang ipakilala ang bagong sugo ng Pilipinas sa Australya, ang Kagalang-galangan Belen F. Anota. Si Ambassador Anota kakaiba sa lahat ng aking nakilala at nakapanayam na sugo para sa mga Pilipinong…
“What is there to do on a rainy and cold day when a sightseeing tour was cancelled?” I asked myself miserably as I conveniently ignored pile of clothes to be ironed, paperwork to be sorted out, furniture to be dusted and other similar mundane tasks that are begging to be…
We have recently seen how unethical and illegal practices by journalists led to the demise of a part of the media empire owned and operated by Rupert Murdoch. The scandalous practices included phone tapping, 'doctored' footages [...]…
There was an extra spring in my steps as I made my way to work as it was the day before I leave for a much-awaited holiday. I cheerily greeted “good morning all” as I found my way to my desk. Little did I know that I would…
Natatandaan ko rin na wika niya ay may mga alagad ng kadiliman na higit ang kasamaan. Ang tawag niya sa kanila ay mga ”demonyo”, na ang mga ito umano ay mainam manghikayat sa pamamagitan ng pangako [...]…
I envy my friends in the New York City area. They enjoy two things which are not available to us here in Sydney; at least, not presently. Firstly, they have an array of musical shows on offer all year round in Broadway. One could even get to see top quality…
Commentaries on Philippine Studies
Violi Calvert is a freelance writer, and Radio Sandigan Broadcaster 88.1FM; community organisations supporter. She is also Media & PR of the Nenad Bach Music (Australia & Asia).