Thoughts and Ramblings of Life in US and the Philippines(Marinduque) and other miscellaneous topics close to my Heart.
Welcome to Marinduque-My Island Paradise
If this is your first time in my site, welcome! If you have been a follower, my heartfelt thanks to you, also. Help me achieve my dream, that someday, Marinduque will become a world tourist destination not only on Easter Week, but also whole year round. You can do this by telling your friends and relatives about this site. The photo above is Mt Malindig in Torrijos. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!
Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Mainland Marinduque from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on Photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You
Reminiscing Our Pleasant Years in Marinduque, Philippines- Our Second Home
MARINDUQUE ISLAND, OUR SECOND HOME: Even today, the island’s silhouette remains a favorite sight for travelers passing through Barangay Tungib–Lipata, where visitors often stop to take photos with Bellarocca gracing the horizon. Though its doors are temporarily closed, the island’s allure endures, its white structures glowing against sea and sky, a reminder of the luxury and tranquility that once awaited on Marinduque’s own slice of paradise. This resort was once a 5 Star luxury haven, only about 30 minutes drive from our beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Amoingon, Boac.
During Bellarocca's few years of successful operation, it has been compared to Santorini, Greece. Macrine and I stayed at this resort for 3 Days at $400 per night. For Details and more photos of Bellarocca, read the the three related article at bottom of the page.
On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010
Today, January 21, 2026, President Trump made several major announcements regarding his bid to acquire
Greenland
during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Key Developments from Davos
Rules Out Military Force: In a significant shift in rhetoric, Trump explicitly stated he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland. He previously refused to rule out military or economic force but now claims he "doesn't have to" because the U.S. is "unstoppable" regardless.
Suspension of Tariffs: Trump announced he will not move forward with a 10% tariff on eight European nations that was scheduled to begin on February 1. These tariffs were previously threatened as a pressure tactic against countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of the island.
"Framework" Deal Reached: Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed they have formed a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region. He did not provide specific details but stated the solution would be "great" for both the U.S. and all NATO nations.
Ultimatum to Allies: Despite dropping the immediate threat of tariffs, Trump issued a warning to allies: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember".
Is Filipino food finally getting the global spotlight it deserves? Michelin Guide hails Philippines as most exciting food destination for 2026.
The Philippines has been named one of the MICHELIN Guide’s “Most Exciting Food Destinations” for 2026, becoming the only Southeast Asian country to receive the distinction.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco credited the recognition to the successful launch of the MICHELIN Guides in Manila and Cebu in 2025, which brought Filipino cuisine to the global stage. She said the honor supports efforts to promote sustainable tourism while celebrating authentic Filipino food, traditions, and the people behind them.
MICHELIN inspectors praised Filipino cuisine for blending time-honored traditions with modern innovation, noting the rise of young local chefs shaping a dynamic food culture. Iconic dishes like sisig, sinigang, adobo, and inasal were highlighted for gaining international recognition.
The 2026 MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu recognized over 100
establishments, including one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand picks, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected dining spots, along with special awards for sustainability, service, young chefs, and mixology.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview
Yes, Filipino food is finally getting significant global recognition, marked by the Michelin Guide naming the Philippines a top food destination for 2026 and the launch of Michelin Guides in Manila and Cebu, highlighting rising chefs and unique flavors like sisig, adobo, and sinigang. This follows successes by Filipino restaurants worldwide earning Michelin stars and nods, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern techniques and solidifying its place on the international culinary map.
Key Indicators of the Global Spotlight:
Michelin Guide Recognition (2026): The Philippines was chosen as one of the "most exciting food destinations," signaling a major moment for Filipino cuisine.
Launch of Michelin Guide Philippines: The inaugural guide for Manila and Cebu in late 2025 brought Filipino food to the global stage, celebrating local talent.
International Success: Restaurants like Chicago's Kasama (first Filipino Michelin-starred restaurant) and London's Donia (Bib Gourmand) prove Filipino food's fine-dining viability.
Emergence of Young Chefs: A new generation of Filipino chefs is blending traditional recipes with international techniques, pushing culinary boundaries.
Why Now?
Culinary Evolution: Chefs are confidently presenting their unique flavors and stories, moving beyond historical perceptions.
Food Tourism: The recognition is boosting culinary tourism, encouraging global foodies to explore the Philippines.
Unique Flavor Profile: Filipino food's distinct blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences offers a unique taste.
In essence, Filipino food is transitioning from a niche cuisine to a recognized global player, with recent Michelin endorsements marking a significant milestone in its long-overdue international appreciation.
Meanwhile, here's a list of Places Nearby, Where You Can Enjoy Filipino Cuisine
Tropa Bistro in Lafayette and FOB Kitchen in Oakland, I highly recommend;
The SeaFood City Mall 💚in Concord has several fast food Filipino restaurants serving authentic Filipino Food. Every time I visit the Mall, I feel I am in the Philippines. There is also a supermarket selling all imported goodies/groceries from the Philippines.
My Cravings For the Week: Adobo Na Pusit:(Calamari)
Finally, the top five News of the Day:
1) Geopolitical tensions escalate at Davos over Greenland and US-EU ties Controversy grew at the World Economic Forum as President Trump pushed for negotiations over Greenland’s future, criticized NATO and EU policies, and drew strong reactions from European leaders — even freezing work on a key EU-US trade deal.
2) Trump gives provocative speech at Davos At Davos, Trump ruled out taking Greenland by force but reiterated that negotiations should begin immediately on U.S. strategic interests — sparking global commentary and heightened scrutiny of his foreign policy remarks.
3) Trump makes controversial comments about Canada in Davos In comments at Davos, President Trump said Canada should be “grateful” for U.S. support and characterized bilateral benefits as “freebies,” intensifying diplomatic friction between the two countries.
4) Analysis of Trump’s marathon press briefing on his one-year term A detailed fact-check surfaced following President Trump’s extended press briefing marking the one-year anniversary of his second term, examining claims and media narratives.
5) Federal attorney Lindsey Halligan resigns after criticism Trump-appointed U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan stepped down following sharp criticism from judges over her performance and handling of high-profile cases.
Norway has just reimagined how the world experiences the Northern Lights. The country has unveiled the world’s first panoramic night train designed specifically for aurora viewing, turning a once-chilly chase into a warm, unforgettable journey beneath a living sky. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, dimmed interiors, and climate-controlled comfort, passengers glide through the Arctic night as waves of green, purple, and shimmering light dance overhead.
Instead of standing in the cold or waiting on forecasts, travelers relax in quiet cabins while the train routes through regions with the strongest aurora activity. It’s part moving observatory, part sustainable tourism milestone, bringing life to remote regions while respecting the fragile Arctic environment.
The Northern Lights have always been magical. Norway just gave them a front-row seat on rails.
Meanwhile,
Insane auroras over Stonehenge right now.
Tonight’s auroras are the strongest and brightest in more than 20 years.
In the coming hours, extreme auroras could be visible across all 50 U.S. states.
If skies are clear, step outside and look up. This is rare.
Meanwhile, Here's the List of the top 25 most influential persons in History:
Finally, here are Foods ( from Different Countries) That Bring Good Luck:
Does Generative AI Weaken Critical Thinking? A Blogger’s Reflection After 15 Years Online
A couple of weeks ago, I read an article by Larry Maguid asking a timely and unsettling question: Does generative AI weaken critical thinking?💚 It is a question many educators, parents, writers, and professionals are now wrestling with and one that resonates deeply with me as someone who has been blogging for more than 15 years.
When I started blogging in the late 2000s, the process was slow, deliberate, and sometimes uncomfortable. Writing meant wrestling with ideas, checking facts manually, revising drafts repeatedly, and occasionally publishing something imperfect. But that struggle was the point. It sharpened my thinking, clarified my values, and forced me to ask: What do I really believe, and why?
Thinking Before Tools
For most of my blogging life, technology assisted after thinking happened. Spellcheck corrected errors. Search engines helped confirm facts. But the core work forming an argument, telling a story, drawing connections remained stubbornly human.
Generative AI changes that sequence. Now, the tool can appear before the thinking. With a single prompt, a full article can appear in seconds, polished and confident. That efficiency is impressive but it also raises the concern Maguid highlights: If we outsource too much of the thinking, do we risk weakening the mental muscles that make thinking possible?
The Temptation of Convenience
As a long-time blogger, I understand the temptation. Writing regularly is demanding. Some days the words don’t come easily. AI can feel like a lifeline, an always-available assistant that never tires.
But I’ve also learned that the hardest posts to write are often the most meaningful. They come from reflection, uncertainty, lived experience, and sometimes even doubt. Those are not just writing challenges; they are thinking challenges. If AI removes that friction entirely, we may gain speed but lose depth.
AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute
From my perspective, the danger is not generative AI itself, but how passively we use it. Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance critical thinking rather than weaken it. It can:
Offer alternative viewpoints we might not have considered
Help organize complex ideas after we’ve formed them
Act as a sounding board, not a decision-maker
The key difference lies in authorship of thought. Am I using AI to clarify my thinking, or am I letting it do my thinking for me?
After 15 years of blogging, I know that my readers don’t come to my site for generic perfection. They come for perspective shaped by time, experience, and reflection, things no algorithm can genuinely replicate.
A New Responsibility for Writers
Generative AI forces writers and bloggers to take on a new responsibility: to be more intentional than ever about thinking first. The voice, judgment, and moral compass must remain human. Otherwise, we risk flooding the world with content that sounds smart but means very little.
Critical thinking has never been easy, and it was never meant to be. As bloggers, educators, and citizens, we should be cautious of any tool that promises to make thinking effortless. Effort, after all, is where understanding is born.
Final Thought
Generative AI is here to stay. The real question is not whether it weakens critical thinking, but whether we allow it to replace thinking instead of supporting it.
After more than a decade and a half of blogging, I remain convinced of this: tools may evolve, platforms may change, but the value of a well-thought-out idea earned through reflection and experience never goes out of date.
And that, perhaps, is the most critical thinking lesson of all.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:
💚The main argument of the blog post "Does Generative AI Weaken Critical Thinking? A Blogger’s Reflection After 15 Years Online," likely authored by Larry Maguid
, is that the impact of generative AI on critical thinking is nuanced: it can act as a substitute for rigorous thought, but also as a tool to enhance it by offloading mundane tasks.
The author draws on personal experience and existing research to present a balanced perspective on the issue, highlighting both potential pitfalls and benefits:
Potential for Weakening: The primary concern is "cognitive offloading," where relying heavily on AI for complex reasoning can diminish a person's ability to solve problems independently. Studies suggest a negative correlation between high AI usage and critical thinking scores, as users may focus less on deep analytical work and more on merely refining AI outputs. This reliance is often driven by a desire for efficiency and convenience.
Potential for Enhancement:When used intentionally, AI can free up cognitive resources from lower-order tasks like data gathering or basic writing, allowing users to focus on higher-order critical thinking activities such as evaluation, synthesis of conflicting information, and strategic reflection.
Shifting the Nature of Thinking: The use of AI shifts the user's role from a primary content creator/problem solver to a "task steward" or "editor". Critical thinking is still required, but it involves new skills like effective prompt-writing, verifying AI-generated content for accuracy and bias, and integrating the results into a final, reliable product.
A Broader Trend: The author suggests that the decline in critical thinking is not solely caused by AI but is an acceleration of a longer-term trend, partly driven by the superficial engagement encouraged by social media and other digital technologies.
The Importance of Intentional Use: The ultimate impact depends on how individuals and educators choose to use the technology. Intentional strategies, such as structured assignments that require human evaluation and the cultivation of "slow cognition" habits like sustained reading, are necessary to harness AI's benefits while preserving human analytical skills.
1) Trump’s Greenland Push and Rising Geopolitical Tensions
President Donald Trump is escalating controversy over his bid to take control of Greenland, linking it in private messages to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize — fueling U.S.–Europe tensions, sparking diplomatic pushback and market jitters.
2) Severe Geomagnetic Storm & Global Auroras
A strong G4-level geomagnetic storm hit Earth (from a coronal mass ejection), producing spectacular auroras visible far from the poles and impacting technology and satellite systems.
3) Wall Street Near Three-Week Low Amid Greenland Dispute
U.S. markets slid as concerns about tariffs and geopolitical fallout from the Greenland tensions pressured stocks, dragging major indexes close to a three-week low.
4) Controversial ICE Home Arrest Reported in Minnesota
An AP report says ICE agents forcibly entered a U.S. citizen’s home in Minnesota without a warrant, detaining him at gunpoint — part of broader disputes over immigration enforcement tactics.
5) Anti-ICE Protester Disrupts Church Service
A Minnesota man accused of disrupting a church service to protest ICE also reportedly harassed congregants previously — adding to local tensions around immigration activism.
