I write the torment I felt watching this movie 1521.

In 1986, Marcos and his family fled the country, upon the intercession of President Reagan, and lived luxuriously in exile in Hawaii. Meanwhile, the Philippines regained its political freedom – exemplified by the vigorous press freedom (the freest again in Asia) and the constitutional representation of invisible sectors in Congress through the party list system.

These were the immediate prize of freedom. Otherwise, everything else was chaotic in the Philippines – political contests, corruption, economic crises, and poverty. The educational system remained archaic, lacking in history and human rights education that could have harnessed the gains of the EDSA uprising.

I lost my only child to colon cancer three years ago. I grieve to this day, and I realize that a mother never stops grieving over the loss of her child. Leani Alnica’s memory sustains me. Prayers and writing strengthen me as well.

Writing makes for clear thinking and a way to see yourself from within, in the midst of grief.

As producer and host of Conversations with MM, I am humbled by the well wishes and feedback that boost me to continue with this amazing media work. In the time of digital manipulations and fake news, I have reaffirmed my commitment to be the platform of #narrativesoftruth in the local and global community.

Martin Luther King Jr. was America’s gift to humanity. leadership. In the parlance of Maxwell, he has reached the pinnacle of leadership, the epitome of non-violent, visionary, and servant leadership.

It took a decisive woman to push for a single document that enshrined the universality of human rights: Eleanor Roosevelt. She thrived in a male-dominated HR drafting committee with the work ethic of active listening, rigorous self-study on cultures, and an astute skill of facilitation and focus that made her larger-than-life as a leader. Indeed, the UN Declaration of Human Rights is Roosevelt’s lasting legacy.

I was excited to see the reopening of The Lion King because it is one of Broadway's finest and multi-awarded shows. I was sad too - because Nikki would have been so happy to watch it with me! We never got to watch it because the ticket was prohibitive, like Hamilton and Wicked.

These days, my heart cradles the twin emotions of grief and glee in remembrance of Nikki.

He spoke gently during his sermon, so beautifully, that I listened to him, instead of playing on the pew. What I clearly recalled was the confusion I had in my mind when he said which was something to this effect: So I am telling you to try to catch our heart. Learn to be able to catch your heart. 

That message stuck in my mind all throughout my growing years. What does he mean by catching my heart? It is inside my chest. Why will I catch it?