Noise culture

Do Loudspeakers Prove Anything? The Culture of Noise in Public Spaces

We’ve all experienced it: riding a bus or sitting in a jeepney, when suddenly someone decides the entire vehicle needs to hear their music or watch their TikTok videos at full volume. No earphones, no consideration—just raw sound blasting through a phone speaker like the rest of us are background extras in their personal music video.

It begs the question: what exactly are they trying to prove?

Noise as a Misplaced Badge of Confidence

For some, loud music in public is a way of saying, “Look at me! I’m here! I matter!” It’s a substitute for presence, a kind of noisy self-assertion. The irony? Instead of respect, it usually breeds irritation.

Much like corruption in government or vote-buying during elections, loudspeaker behavior is a symptom of something deeper: a system of tolerance for inconsiderate actions. Because people rarely get called out, the bad habit thrives.

The Illusion of Power Through Volume

Blasting music in a confined space doesn’t make one powerful or cool. It makes one inconsiderate. True confidence doesn’t need to intrude on others’ peace.

And if we look closer, this mirrors larger cultural problems in the Philippines:

Politicians amplify slogans but not solutions.

Officials make noise during campaigns, then go silent on accountability.

Citizens, frustrated with systemic issues, sometimes channel the same “noise first” attitude in daily life.

Noise becomes a metaphor for pretending to matter without truly contributing value.

Respect is the Real Flex

Just like how good governance requires systems that reward accountability, good public behavior requires social norms that reward respect.

Wearing earphones instead of blasting speakers is not just about courtesy—it’s about recognizing that your freedom ends where another person’s begins.

In the same way, our politics and economy need boundaries that prevent the powerful from trampling over ordinary people.

When we normalize inconsiderate behavior—whether in buses or in politics—we allow “noise” to replace genuine progress.

Reform Starts with Small Things

If we want systemic reform in governance, we should also start demanding reform in everyday behavior. That means:

• Speaking up when noise intrudes on public spaces.
• Modeling respect instead of tolerating selfishness.
• Understanding that “pakisama” doesn’t mean silence in the face of inconsiderate acts.

Because when we let the small forms of disrespect slide, it’s easier to let the bigger ones pass too.

Final Word

So the next time someone blasts their phone speaker on the bus, ask yourself: Is this confidence, or just noise?

In life and in politics, it’s the same lesson: volume is not value. Respect, accountability, and consideration are.

Real maturity is not about how loud you can be—it’s about how much peace you allow others to have.

The future with a lousy 1987 Constitution

How to Secure a Future with a Crumbling 1987 Constitution for the Philippines

The birth of the 1987 Constitution directly shows the passion of revolution and democracy emerging from the People Power Revolution. It was something like an infallible promise, the promise of liberty and governance anchored in justice and fairness. However, it has now betrayed cracks that do not allow the country to realize its growth. Understanding how to protect this country's future, yet operating within a constitution many believe is archaic, presents both a challenge and a necessity. 

Photo: Manila Bulletin

Acknowledgment of Constraints

First, it is pertinent to understand what makes the 1987 Constitution "broken" from several perspectives of people. Criticisms are aimed at rigid economic provisions, an overly centralized structure of government, and inability to stand changes surrounding the Philippines in the light of quick technological innovations and global economic shifts. Sometimes, these limitations constrain economic progress, hamper decentralization, and fail to address pressing issues of society.

Strategies to Protect the Future

1. Advocacy for Constitutional Reform

The constitutional revision or amendment process is the most direct mechanism for securing the country's future. Many dread the prospect of opening up the Constitution for revision as they fear this will lead to abuse, but a managed form of reforms geared toward key areas of economic liberalization and political structure may help break open growth potential together with a setting that fosters inclusivity.

2. Strengthening Democratic Institutions

This is done easily enough by strengthening the institutions tasked with ensuring democratic rule, even if it threatens to empower independent bodies such as COMELEC, CHR, and the judiciary to function both as checks against the constitutionally possible evil of abusing constitutionally provided gaps.

3. Civic Education and Participation

An enlightened citizenry is what should secure the future of the nation. Civil education and public awareness about the Constitution and its implications will build a more intense demand upon public authorities for meaningful reforms. If one knows what is at stake, then she or he is far better equipped to compel, or call to account, leaders to make changes that really benefit the common good.

4. Empowering Local Government Units (LGUs)

The 1987 Constitution can centralize much power at the national level, and LGUs can become very important in reaching the lower governance levels closer to community needs. In this scenario, empowerment of LGUs within this constitutional framework can serve as a model for participatory governance and localized solutions against issues that national policy could easily pass over.

5. Building a Culture of Accountability

The weaknesses of the current constitution must be improved. For such, an accountability and transparency culture should be established. This is implemented through the enforcement of extant laws against corruption. The freedom of information must strengthen, as well as protecting whistleblowers. With this step, the imperfect constitution still finds alignment with public interests.

6. Leadership and Vision

Leadership under the current constitutional regimes plays a crucial role in protecting the future. Accountable leaders with vision, operating within the boundaries of the broken system, can advocate for the much-needed change. This will further mean that elections favor the election of nationalists who respect democratic values, dialogue about constitutional amendment, and policies about issues both at the moment and long term ones.

7. Inclusive Dialogue

Engaging in an inclusive national conversation is one of the most pivotal steps toward a protected future. The reflections, probably one will hear are diverse voices that cut across different sectors: the youth, marginalized communities, leaders in business, and policymakers, which are more likely to highlight the diverse implications of constitutional limitations and suggest feasible futures of their review.

There is nothing to fear about reforms. Reforms should be some sign of a healthy democracy.

Conclusion

The 1987 Constitution was also a child of its time, born with the purpose of assuaging the nation's concern over the face of dictatorship. It has kept the country on its feet, but sadly, it is not fit to drive the nation forward to meet the needs of Filipinos in the present and future. Safeguarding the future of the Philippines requires a balance of constitutional literacy, civic engagement, strong democratic institutions, and responsible leadership offering change that matters. By acknowledging the limits and taking proactive measures in that direction, the nation can work towards a resilient, inclusive, and progressive future-even within the constraints of a "broken" Constitution. If the senate doesn't want to pass the RBH 6, the future generations of Filipinos to come will be hopeless and drug addicts, while the county's oligarchs and elites will continue to enjoy the broken system.

Self-maintenace

The Best Investment You Can Make Is in Yourself


Your phone battery? You charge it every night without fail.
Your car? Serviced every six months like clockwork.
Your appliances? Safely covered by a multi-year warranty.


But what about you?


Your skills—last updated when you graduated.
Your mindset—still running on the same limiting beliefs you had five years ago.
Your knowledge—stopped growing the day you started binge-watching Netflix.


We maintain everything we own… except ourselves.


Why We Upgrade Things but Not Ourselves


We’ll spend ₱50,000 on the latest phone without blinking. But we hesitate to spend ₱2,000 on a book or seminar that could protect our career and future.


We’ll happily pay ₱279 monthly for Netflix, but think ₱500 for an online course is “too expensive.”


We protect, maintain, and upgrade our gadgets and possessions, yet we let our most valuable asset—our mind—run on outdated software.


The Harsh Truth About Priorities


That shiny phone? It’ll be outdated in two years.
That trendy appliance? Eventually replaced.
But the knowledge, skills, and mindset you invest in? They’ll serve you for a lifetime, making you adaptable, competitive, and irreplaceable.


In a rapidly changing world, skills are the new currency. Technology evolves. Industries transform. The only way to stay relevant is to keep learning, adapting, and growing.




The ROI of Self-Investment


When you invest in yourself, the returns compound:


Skills make you more marketable and open new opportunities.


Mindset helps you face challenges without fear.


Knowledge gives you the power to make smarter decisions in career, finance, and life.




Every peso you spend on personal growth today saves you thousands—or even millions—tomorrow by increasing your earning potential, opening doors, and helping you avoid costly mistakes.


How to Start Investing in Yourself


1. Read daily – Even 15 minutes a day can transform your knowledge base.




2. Take online courses – Affordable, flexible, and skill-focused.




3. Attend seminars/workshops – Build skills and connections at the same time.




4. Upgrade your environment – Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.




5. Invest in health – A sharp mind needs a healthy body to perform at its best.


The Bottom Line


We often treat our devices better than ourselves.
We protect them from viruses, update their software, and replace them when they slow down. But when was the last time you upgraded your own “operating system”?


Your mind is your most valuable tool. Your skills are your most important assets. Your mindset is your ultimate power source.


Invest in them relentlessly—because unlike gadgets, you can’t just buy a newer version of yourself.


The best investment you can ever make… is in you.

Let it go

Maturity Is Letting Go Without a Scene

"Maturity is when you stop asking yourself why someone isn't calling or texting anymore. You just realize the change, and you accept it, no drama, no fights. You just walk away smiling."

It's easy to say, too easy in fact—but believe me, in truth this is one of the toughest things in life. 

We are raised believing when something doesn't feel right in a relationship—whether romantic, friendly, or even professional—there is something we must do to fix it, ask questions, or fight to get answers. Although communication is key, maturity schools us in something more profound: the silence is sometimes the answer. 

Google Photo

Not Every Ending Requires a Fight

When someone stops initiating contact, our natural reaction is usually to wonder:

• Did I do something bad?
• Are they angry with me?
• Why won't they just say it?

And yet, in most situations, their reasons have nothing to do with us. Life gets busy, priorities change, feelings dwindle, and some relationships simply run their course. Pursuing explanations can sometimes cause more suffering than solace.

Acceptance Over Resistance

Maturity is knowing when to stop fighting for a spot in someone's life when they no longer make room for you. It's understanding that:

• You can't command attention at the cost of dignity.
• Others tell you where you're at in their world by how they treat you.
• Your energy is better spent on those who decide to keep you around.

Exiting with grace doesn't mean you don't care—mean you care enough about yourself not to beg for attention or presence.

No Drama, No Fights—Just Peace

By selecting acceptance over confrontation, you spare yourself unnecessary emotional exhaustion. You are spared the vicious cycle of blame, guilt trips, and apologies that seldom alter the result.

Instead, you opt for peace. You see the transformation, you adapt your expectations, and you move on without bitterness. You wish them well in your heart—though you never dare say so out loud.

The Smile That Means Freedom

That grin you flash when you walk away isn't artificial—it's a badge of freedom. It declares:

• I respect myself enough to release what no longer respects me.
• I don't require closure from you to end this book in my life.
• I am capable of moving on without bitterness.

In a world where bridges are burned with elaborate farewells, steadily walking away is a badge of real strength.

Ultimately, maturity is a matter of selecting dignity over desperation, peace over chaos, and self-respect over coercive attachments. You don't shut the door—you just cease banging on it. And that's the type of development that leaves you grinning.