Author: Michael Angelo Cortez, DBA
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Opening Doors for Inclusive Education in Southern Leyte
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, to dream, and to thrive. Yet in many communities, the simple tools and opportunities that make learning possible remain out of reach. My vision for inclusive education is built on the belief that no child should be left behind simply because of where they live or the resources…
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I Am Not Afraid of Artificial Intelligence
Nope, I’m not afraid of AI. Not one bit. By the time it fully takes over the world, if it ever does, I’ll probably be retired, enjoying slow mornings, sipping my coffee, and tending to my small garden while humming 80s New Wave hits. But here’s the thing: I’m not worried about me. I’m worried…
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Do You Read The Recommendations and Further Research?
Well I do. If you’re like most people skimming through research articles, you probably head straight to the abstract, maybe the conclusion, and then glance at the tables. But for me? I gravitate toward the last part that most people skip: Recommendations and Further Research. That small, often overlooked section tucked at the end of…
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The Habits That Shaped My World
Inspired reflections from the lens of a sensei, mentor, and lifelong learner. When I first encountered Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People during my MBA years, I read it like a textbook,highlighting sections, memorizing definitions, and moving on to the next required reading. But decades later, I’ve come to realize something: I…
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Honored for Impact, Inspired to Do More
This Academic Year 2024, I have received the School of Management Excellent Impact Award from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. It is a humbling recognition of my lifelong commitment to inclusive education and empowerment. More than a personal milestone, this moment is a quiet affirmation that work grounded in service, equity, and community truly matters. My…
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Sustainable Tourism in SOCCSKSARGEN: An Unforgettable Cultural Adventure
Are you ready to explore hidden treasures and vibrant cultures through responsible and sustainable travel? From May 28 to June 3, 2025, I led 14 enthusiastic YouTube subscribers—affectionately known as Team Baleleng—on an unforgettable journey across the scenic and culturally rich SOCCSKSARGEN region. Our immersive adventure combined breathtaking natural beauty, authentic cultural interactions, and exciting…
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Understanding Capital Structure in the Philippine Stock Market: Strategic Insights from Leading Corporations
Capital structure decisions remain central to corporate finance strategy. In the Philippine stock market, where access to long-term capital is limited and borrowing costs remain elevated, understanding how leading corporations manage their capital structure is essential for sustaining financial performance and competitive advantage. This article presents insights drawn from a rigorous empirical study examining the…
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Me, Myself, and My AI Companion (and Basha too!)
I never gave it a name. I never treated it like a person. But over the past year, artificial intelligence has become a silent fixture in my daily life. Sometimes helpful, often frustrating, always there. What began as curiosity has turned into something more routine. AI now sits quietly at the corner of my academic…
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When the System Breaks: On Precision, Patience, and the Limits of AI
AI is not human. It does not think. It does not feel. It does not understand consequences. While it may serve as a companion in the academic process, no researcher should ever entrust their life’s work or professional reputation to a machine. We must remain grounded in reality. AI does not carry the ethical burden…
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In Restrospect and the Journey forward
My research journey spans more than two decades of academic inquiry, traversing complex intersections of economics, corporate finance, sustainability, and development policy. From the early 2000s to the present, my scholarly work has evolved across three distinct yet interconnected phases. Each phase responds to both empirical realities and the theoretical demands of a changing world,…