AI is Taking Over the World—And the Philippines is Still Teaching Stenography?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The AI Revolution is Here—Are We Ready?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies, industries, and societies at an unprecedented pace. While global superpowers like China and the United States are pouring billions into AI development, the Philippines lags dangerously behind, clinging to outdated educational practices that fail to equip students for the digital age.

Let’s break it down:

China has committed over $50 billion to AI development, aiming to become the global leader in technology.

The United States is investing $500 billion+ into AI infrastructure, building mega-centers to push the boundaries of innovation.

The Philippines? Schools are still teaching stenography—a skill that AI can now perform in two seconds.

While other nations future-proof their workforce, the Philippine education system remains trapped in the past. And make no mistake—this isn’t an accident.

A System Designed to Keep Filipinos Behind

The problem isn’t that the system is broken. The problem is that it’s working exactly as designed:

Teach obsolete skills – Ensure students graduate with knowledge that the modern economy no longer values.

Create an outdated workforce – Keep workers cheap and replaceable instead of innovative and competitive.

Sustain oligarch control – Make sure the ruling elite continues to profit from a population that lacks the skills to challenge them.

The Hard Truth in Numbers

The numbers paint a grim picture of why the Philippines struggles to compete in the digital era:

Top 10 families control 56% of the country’s GDP ($216.8B in 2024).

85% of Congress is dominated by political dynasties (234 seats).

Education budget for 2025: ₱897B—only half of what UNESCO recommends.

78% of public schools lack basic computer labs.

Only 23% of schools have stable internet access.

₱1.3T lost annually due to traffic inefficiencies.

6-8 hours of power outages still plague many provinces.

Yet, while ordinary Filipinos struggle with outdated education and poor infrastructure, the country’s oligarchs raked in ₱427 billion from power companies alone last year.

The Ultimate Hypocrisy

While our kids are stuck learning stenography, their children are studying AI, robotics, and quantum computing in Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.

They don’t want Filipino students to learn how to code, automate, or innovate—because educated citizens are harder to control, manipulate, and exploit.

The Cycle of Control

A modern education fosters critical thinking. And critical thinkers:

Question authority

Demand transparency

Refuse to accept corruption and exploitation

This is why the ruling elite has no interest in upgrading education. They spend billions on political campaigns but refuse to invest in a single modern computer lab.

Breaking the Chains of Ignorance

Despite this bleak reality, we are not powerless.

Every Filipino who learns to code, use AI, or automate instead of taking shorthand notes is a direct threat to those who profit from our ignorance.

That’s why we must:

✔ Demand better education policies that prepare Filipinos for the AI-driven world.

✔ Push for government accountability in using public funds for real educational reforms.

✔ Encourage innovation by investing in modern skills like programming, data science, and automation.

✔ Support movements and organizations fighting for quality education and technological empowerment.

The Future Belongs to Us—If We Fight for It

We are not meant to be just cheap labor.

We are meant to lead.

The Philippines has some of the brightest minds in the world. Our youth deserve an education that equips them to build the future, not just take notes about it.

The fight for a better system starts now.

RT if you believe in Filipino potential.

Let’s wake up. Let’s demand better. Our future depends on it.

LASIK Surgery in the Philippines: The Ultimate Guide to Clear Vision

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly—without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses. Thanks to the advancements in LASIK surgery, this dream is now a reality for thousands of Filipinos. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right LASIK center for your needs?

This guide will take you through everything you need to know—from the latest technologies in vision correction to the best LASIK centers in the Philippines. Whether you're considering LASIK for the first time or looking for the most advanced treatment available, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose LASIK?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular procedure that corrects vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. It reshapes the cornea using a precision laser, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.

The benefits of LASIK include:

✔ Fast Recovery – Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours.

✔ Pain-Free Procedure – The surgery takes about 10-15 minutes per eye with minimal discomfort.

✔ Long-Lasting Results – Once corrected, your vision remains stable for many years.

✔ Freedom from Glasses & Contact Lenses – Enjoy clear vision without the daily struggle of wearing corrective eyewear.

Latest LASIK Technologies in the Philippines

Technology in LASIK surgery has evolved significantly, offering safer and more effective treatments. Here are some of the latest innovations:

1. CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction)

A groundbreaking procedure introduced in 2024, CLEAR is an alternative to traditional LASIK and SMILE surgery. It uses the FEMTO Z8 NEO laser to correct vision with less corneal damage, resulting in faster healing and a more comfortable experience.

✔ Faster recovery time compared to traditional LASIK

✔ Reduced risk of dry eyes

✔ More precise and minimally invasive

2. SmartSight™ Technology

This minimally invasive lenticule extraction procedure offers a gentler approach to LASIK. Patients benefit from a quicker recovery time and a more natural healing process, making it an excellent option for those with thin corneas.

✔ Gentle and precise vision correction

✔ Reduced risk of complications

✔ Less disruption to the corneal surface

Top LASIK Centers in the Philippines

Choosing the right LASIK center is crucial for a successful procedure. Here are some of the best clinics in the country that offer world-class eye care:

1. Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics

📍 Makati City 

Shinagawa is one of the largest LASIK providers in the world and offers SMART LASIK, ULTRA LASIK, and Z PRIME LASIK using cutting-edge laser technology. Many public figures and professionals trust Shinagawa for their vision correction needs.

✔ State-of-the-art technology

✔ Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care

✔ Offers aesthetic and preventive care services

2. The Medical City LASIK Center

📍 Pasig City

Known for its highly skilled ophthalmologists and personalized LASIK procedures, The Medical City provides a safe and comfortable environment for vision correction.

✔ Advanced diagnostic and laser technology

✔ Highly trained medical professionals

✔ Personalized LASIK treatments

3. The LASIK Surgery Clinic

📍 SM Megamall, Ortigas 

A pioneer in SmartSight™ and SmartLASIK, this clinic offers minimally invasive laser procedures designed for faster healing and more precise vision correction.

✔ Specialized in SmartSight™ and SmartLASIK

✔ State-of-the-art laser equipment

✔ Affordable financing options

4. Borough LASIK Center

📍 Multiple Locations (Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod) 

A premier Filipino-owned LASIK center, Borough Lasik Center provides personalized vision correction plans using world-class Swiss technology.

✔ Over 7,600 successful LASIK procedures

✔ Latest FEMTO Z8 NEO technology

✔ Excellent patient care and consultation

5. ROQUE Eye Clinic (St. Luke’s Eye Institute)

📍 Bonifacio Global City 

Specializing in FemtoLASIK, ROQUE Eye Clinic ensures stress-free and affordable LASIK treatments using the latest technology.

✔ State-of-the-art FemtoLASIK procedures

✔ Thorough patient screening for suitability

✔ Trusted by medical professionals

6. Asian Eye Institute

📍 Rockwell, Makati City 

A leading vision correction center that provides customized LASIK treatments tailored to each patient's eye structure. Their team of experts ensures comprehensive eye care services beyond LASIK.

✔ Highly trained ophthalmologists

✔ Offers advanced LASIK and PRK procedures

✔ State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

7. American Eye Center

📍 Mandaluyong & Quezon City 

Known for patient-centered care, the American Eye Center provides a wide range of laser eye treatments, including LASIK and PRK surgery.

✔ Advanced technology and expert surgeons

✔ Strong focus on patient education and aftercare

✔ Affordable LASIK packages

8. Eye Republic Ophthalmology Clinic

📍 Manila 

Eye Republic offers affordable and quality LASIK surgery across multiple branches, ensuring accessibility for Filipinos nationwide.

✔ Wide network of eye care clinics

✔ Experienced team of ophthalmologists

✔ Offers both LASIK and non-LASIK vision correction treatments

9. Borough Lasik Center (SM Mall of Asia Branch)

📍 Pasay City | Website

A leading provider of life-changing LASIK procedures, Borough Lasik Center uses cutting-edge technology to ensure precise and safe treatments.

✔ Trusted by thousands of satisfied patients

✔ Latest laser technology available

✔ Multiple branches for easy access

How to Choose the Best LASIK Center for You

With so many options available, how do you pick the best LASIK center? Here are key factors to consider:

✅ Technology & Equipment – Choose a center that offers the latest LASIK technology for safer and more effective treatments.

✅ Surgeon Experience – Research the qualifications and experience of the LASIK surgeons.

✅ Patient Reviews – Check online testimonials and reviews to gauge patient satisfaction.

✅ Cost & Financing Options – Some clinics offer flexible payment plans, making LASIK more accessible.

Final Thoughts: Is LASIK Worth It?

LASIK is more than just a vision correction procedure—it’s a life-changing experience. With today’s advanced technology, patients can achieve clearer vision with minimal discomfort and faster recovery. If you’ve been considering LASIK, now is the perfect time to consult a reputable eye center and start your journey toward crystal-clear vision.

Ready to see the world in HD? Schedule a consultation with a LASIK center today!

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing the Philippines’ Bullying Epidemic

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippines has earned the unsettling title of the "bullying capital of the world," a grim distinction underscored by alarming statistics. In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a staggering 65% of Filipino students reported experiencing bullying at least a few times a month—far exceeding the 23% average across OECD countries.

This issue, however, is not confined to school grounds. Bullying is a deeply ingrained social problem, affecting children at home, employees in workplaces, and even professionals in academic institutions. It’s a learned behavior, often picked up not just from peers but also from family members, media exposure, and a society that sometimes normalizes aggression as a way to exert power.

Where Bullying Begins: Home, School, and Society

Children absorb behaviors from their surroundings. When they see aggression at home, whether through verbal abuse, harsh discipline, or dismissive attitudes, they learn that dominance and intimidation are ways to handle conflicts. This behavior translates into school settings, where bullying becomes an avenue for power and control.

Meanwhile, excessive exposure to social media, TV dramas, and streaming series that glorify bullying, abuse, and discrimination only fuel this cycle. When aggressive behavior is constantly depicted in entertainment without consequences, it becomes subconsciously acceptable to the younger generation.

The Silent Epidemic in Schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has long recognized bullying as a major issue. The passage of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627) mandated all schools to implement anti-bullying policies. However, as of late 2023, a shocking 10,018 public schools still lacked localized anti-bullying programs—a glaring gap in policy enforcement.

Despite DepEd's efforts, bullying has only grown worse over the years, contributing to the increasing number of youth suicides, depression, and school dropouts. Unfortunately, bullying does not always present itself in obvious forms. It can be subtle, systemic, and institutionalized, where even teachers, professors, and deans become perpetrators, making it nearly impossible for victims to speak up.

Why Bullies Don’t Stop: The Misconception of “Losing Interest”

Many believe that ignoring bullies makes them lose interest. However, this assumption is dangerously flawed. Bullies are not necessarily looking for attention; many are simply “killing time”—using others as their emotional punching bags to deal with their own frustrations. Ignoring them doesn’t make them stop; in fact, it can embolden them to escalate their behavior.

The best way to combat bullying is not silence but intervention. Schools need to train teachers to properly educate students on how to respond when bullying occurs. Instead of retaliation, which only fuels the problem, students should be encouraged to speak up and report incidents to trusted authorities.

In 2024, we once reported some teachers at Pasig City Science High School for bullying our daughter, who is actually their fellow teachers and this was done through their group chat. They asked for an incident report from our daughter to get a better overview of what transpired, however the principal never replied to that letter in similar written format and only instructed their English department head teacher to reconcile the teachers involved and did not initiate any other activity to address the bullying.  It was not considered a big thing. Imagine our disappointment knowing it was the teachers who does the bullying themselves. It is not a surprise if the students themselves bully each other since the teachers themselves are bullies.

The Overlooked Crisis Beyond Schools

Bullying doesn’t stop at the classroom. It extends into workplaces, government institutions, and even online spaces, where people use their positions of power to intimidate, harass, and manipulate others. In many cases, employees endure workplace bullying because of the fear of losing their jobs, much like students who remain silent to avoid worsening their school environment.

Adding to the crisis, bullying is just one of many deeply rooted issues in the Philippines' education system, alongside corruption, mismanagement, and teenage pregnancy. These problems have been left unaddressed for too long, creating an environment where students are not just unsafe but also unprepared for the real world.

Breaking the Cycle: The Path Forward

The fight against bullying requires a nationwide shift in mindset, policies, and actions. The Philippines needs a more aggressive, multi-layered approach to tackle this crisis head-on:

1. Strengthening Anti-Bullying Policies

Every school, public or private, must strictly implement the Anti-Bullying Act. Policies shouldn’t just exist on paper; they must be actively enforced with clear consequences for violators.

2. Training Teachers, Parents, and Students

Educators should be properly trained to detect, prevent, and handle bullying. Schools must also conduct regular awareness campaigns for students and parents to recognize and address signs of bullying early.

3. Providing Mental Health Support

Victims of bullying often suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma—sometimes leading to suicide. Schools and workplaces should provide easily accessible mental health support and counseling services.

4. Regulating Harmful Media Influence

The government and entertainment industry should take greater responsibility in monitoring content that glorifies bullying and violence. Social media platforms should implement stricter measures to prevent cyberbullying.

5. Encouraging a Culture of Accountability

Whether in schools, workplaces, or homes, there must be zero tolerance for bullying. Encouraging open discussions, creating safe spaces for victims, and holding bullies accountable are crucial in stopping the cycle.

A Call to Action: The Time for Change is Now

Bullying is not just a phase—it is a systemic crisis that has been left unchecked for far too long. It is too late for many who have already grown up with deep-seated trauma, but it is not too late for future generations.

The Philippines must make a conscious, collective effort to stop normalizing bullying, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a safer, more respectful society—before more young lives are lost to a culture of silence and inaction.