LOST IN TRANSLATION

by Earlie Doriman
Although the movie in 2003 by the same title which starred Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson did not deeply engage in the challenges of language barrier and issues concerning two cultures, it certainly depicted the reality that every country, wealthy or poor; big or small, is distinctively characterized by its own language and set of idiom – an element to cultural history, attitude, and identity. Strangely enough, language creates division amongst nations and yet it also helps bridge this division and converge diverse people together to value each other and appreciate their presence. There are many people who are deeply passionate exploring and become skillful at different languages which indicate that these tongues are not impossible to learn after all.

THE WILDS AT CHESTER ZOO

 by Earlie Doriman

One irresistible attraction at Chester Zoo,
the life-size and life-like Animatronic
Dinosaurs

     My eldest son Matthew could not simply contain his excitement, when I woke him up around 7:00 in the morning last Tuesday his first question was “Are we going to the zoo today?” Understanding my gesture, he quickly jumped off his bed and grabbed his jeans and shirt which I prepared the other night and started to ask series of questions about what he could possibly see. He was talking about rhinos, dinosaurs, lions, and elephants, and he asked if he could bring his water gun to shoot the monstrous dinosaur which he became quite familiar at the Jurassic Park movie that we watched time and again. His mom and I just answered all his queries with ‘Yes’ while engaging ourselves to get all the stuffs that we needed sorted. His younger brother Thomas was already ready for the day; he woke up earlier and was right downstairs watching his favourite Cbeebies show.

SUMMER FAMILY DAY

by Earlie Doriman

Children who enjoyed so much
of the face painting session with Anna Richings

What a day to keep in mind. Bursting with fun, games, prizes, food, fellowship, and memories. The Rochdale Filipino Anglo Community’s (RFAC) summer family day provided a significant experience and fun-filled activities at St Patrick’s School. Filipino families in Rochdale, England as well as many invited friends enjoyed a get together to commence the school holidays with a summer fiesta and indoor games. Together with their respective parents, the kids took delight by playing various Filipino games and enjoyed the company of other kids after a long school term that ended late last month. 

ZUBIRI’S HONOURABLE EXIT

by Earlie Doriman

According to Mark Twain; ‘It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.’

Senator Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri

The unexpected yet intrepid resignation of Migz Zubiri as a Philippine senator demonstrates the honourable display of moral courage that politics and politicians nowadays rarely possess. It is a truly remarkable gesture of respect and deference to an institution that should always be faultless and decent not only in the eyes of the Filipino people but also to the world. His example would surely leave a historical significance in the political life of the country which is over and again flawed by massive embarrassment of scandals and corruption. Mr Zubiri’s valiant act would, for a long time possible, create a revolutionary paradigm of morally sensible governance and leadership.

THAT BARBECUE SMOKE

by Earlie Doriman

It should never be an offense to be different; should it? Diversity, in general terms, is supposed to provide a harmonious intertwining of culture, way of life, and customs which ought to build a more cohesive and productive community. A community that is based on impartiality, respect, understanding, and love; and a society that regards others as persons who possess similar rights and dignity, except when one exhibits an unacceptable behaviour or extreme roughness towards others and his character exposes an impending danger to the security and peace of the many. In the absence of any uncivilized acts, no one is superior above others and obviously no one has the right to dictate how anyone else celebrates and be happy in his very own dwelling. Even to an immigrant.