Good bye uso-uso na ba ni? 
While the full-scale bus system is planned to be partially operational by 2027, the transitional phase caused a vacuum: jeepney franchises have been reduced or not renewed in expectation of the new system.
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Saturday, August 30, 2025
FASHION PULIS: Expected reality
By Mike Lim
Published Aug 30, 2025 10:39 am
Handsome Groom (HG) had just come from a recently ended relationship, while Lovely Bride (LB) herself was caught off guard by how quickly everything unfolded.
No one enters marriage with the intention of ending it later. When this couple exchanged vows a few years ago, many were surprised. Handsome Groom (HG) had just come from a recently ended relationship, while Lovely Bride (LB) herself was caught off guard by how quickly everything unfolded. The proposal, wedding, and settling into married life all happened in rapid succession, yet seemed to fall into place perfectly.
Early on, skeptics predicted the marriage wouldn’t last. The secrecy surrounding their wedding only fueled speculation. But HG’s desire for privacy prevailed—there were no unwanted incidents, and both the couple and their guests were overjoyed with how the ceremony turned out.
Married life after that was blissful. The couple traveled together, sharing photos and videos that radiated genuine love. As they began stepping back from showbiz commitments, their fans understood that family had become their priority. Still, rumors and intrigues inevitably followed.
Rather than dwell on negativity, HG and LB focused on building their life together. Occasionally, they would clap back at critics, but most of the time they simply ignored the noise. Then, whispers of separation suddenly surfaced. According to rumors, LB had packed her bags and checked into a nearby hotel—perhaps to put some distance between herself and HG.
But instead of giving in to the speculation, LB returned home. Maturity and commitment guided her back, and the couple chose to work things out. Were the early doomsayers right after all? Not this time.
‘A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.’ – Unknown
Ruined relationship
These days, money often brings temptations that overshadow true necessities. A false sense of security can arise from believing finances will never run out. But when the truth emerges, trust can crumble and relationships may shatter.
For years, Versatile Actress (VA) built her career from the ground up. Discovered for her undeniable talent, she was nurtured and supported by a management team that recognized her potential. Their investment paid off—VA worked hard, remained cooperative, and trusted their guidance. Her loyalty was rewarded, and soon it became clear to the bosses that she was a gem they would never let slip away.
While her career flourished, VA’s personal life revealed a different side. Vulnerable in matters of the heart, she stumbled more than once, but always found the strength to rise again. In time, she realized her love life had to take second place to her family. Everything she worked for, every sleepless night, was for them. VA’s dedication bore fruit—her family enjoyed beautiful homes, thriving businesses, and financial stability. Her dream of securing their future had come true.
Yet, just when everything seemed steady, VA’s world was shaken. She suffered a heartbreak when she and Close Relation (CR) had a falling out. Their bond had appeared unbreakable, which made the split all the more devastating. Rumors spread that CR had betrayed her trust, and whispers of an eight-figure sum gone missing only deepened the wound. Allegedly, VA had also been struggling with betting habits, and the lost money raised troubling questions.
Before matters could spiral further, VA made a painful decision. She severed ties with CR, choosing to protect herself and the family she had worked so hard to provide for.
‘You can't change yesterday, you can't predict tomorrow but you CAN control today.’ — Anonymous
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Friday, August 29, 2025
Shuvee Etrata is on a roll
Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star
August 29, 2025 | 12:00am
With the way things are going in her career after ‘Pinoy Big Brother,’ young artist Shuvee Etrata has had a glimpse of fame. To her, she knows that it comes with a responsibility and has a lot to learn and experience. The Femme brand endorser will soon appear and act alongside Dingdong Dantes and Max Collins in the action series ‘Master Cutter’ on GMA. She’s also part of the lead cast of the GMA-Mentorque horror film, ‘Huwag Kang Titingin,’ with some of her fellow ‘PBB’ housemates.
Shuvee Etrata has been on a roll after her stint in “Pinoy Big Brother” for its latest “Celebrity Collab Edition,” with the prospects and projects to host and endorse brands.
One could attribute it to her amiable personality and authenticity, or being true to herself.
“I actually just did our storycon (story conference) with ‘Master Cutter,’ starring Dingdong Dantes, Max Collins and yours truly,” answered Shuvee when The STAR inquired about her current and forthcoming projects on TV in a recent press conference that announced her as the brand ambassador of Femme.
“Yun po yung pinaka-abangan ng lahat (it’s something everyone can look forward to). And of course, my daily shows like ‘Unang Hirit’ and ‘It’s Showtime,’” added she.
According to GMA News Online and the Kapuso publicity team, “Master Cutter” is an action series, and Shuvee also has a role in “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.”
“It’s a dream come true,” said she of being part of the noontime variety show. “‘Showtime’ is really a family. You know, how I feel when I’m there, it’s like I don’t feel different at all. They treat me as their family. It’s just fun to do ‘Showtime’… it’s so fun, it’s very raw, natural and you’re just being yourself.”
Since she’s privy to the “Master Cutter” storyline, Shuvee shared she felt nervous. With that, one may consider that her role is meaty: the character is important and interesting.
These days, she has her hands full, and it’s safe to say that she has had a glimpse of what it’s like being known and popular at this early part of her promising career.
“It’s a big responsibility,” said she about fame. “Actually, kasi sinabi ko na (I’ve mentioned it before) I don’t wanna consider myself as someone who is already there. Ang dami ko pa pong kakainin na bigas (there are many things I have to learn or experience in this industry).”
“I would say I’m still learning. I’m still yearning (or wishing) and still growing. With all the things that have happened in my life right now, I just wanna be a good inspiration to everybody, now that I know that I hold so much responsibility,” continued she, taking it as a challenge to display courage and grace under pressure.
Her family in the entertainment business is growing with the artist’s supporters and brands that believe in her.
“However, I also have to go back to my core. Fame is nothing po if you don’t know yourself. So, with me, I’m just happy that (with) my journey in ‘PBB,’ I was really loved for who I am. So, I really don’t need to put a mask on every single day, and I just need to be me, and that explains (why) I’m happy every single day kasi I don’t need to pretend,” said she. “They love me for who I am. With that, I just need to be an inspiration and a good role model for them, you know, to share (with) them values that I have (and) the advocacy that I have. There’s more to me than just a ‘PBB’ housemate. So, I’m glad I’m just sharing that journey now with them.”
Being confident, practical and wise are traits that Shuvee has, and the young should also emulate.
During the media call, she shared that she has a financial advisor and her goal is to purchase a piece of land, where a house for her family will be built. Shuvee spends money on the essentials and necessities. She is also practical when it comes to her choices.
The local hygiene brand Femme, on the other hand, offers affordable, quality products such as sanitary napkins, cosmetic and cotton buds, cotton rolls and pads, paper towel, pocket hankies, kitchen towel and facial tissue.
Given her experience of having nothing in the past, Shuvee knows how to value hard-earned money, and maybe she believes in the traditional saying, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” as one may add.
For this fashion expert, clothes start with the farmer
By Yvette Tan
Published Aug 29, 2025 12:05 am
AVANT GARDENER
I’m in Tabuk, Kalinga as part of Masda Aw, a cultural exchange between Kalinga weavers and Manila creatives.
Last week, I wrote about Florence Amily Ao-wat, known as Manang Astrid, owner of Kinwa Etnika Handicrafts and founder of the Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association, who hopes that reviving the use of natural dye and Philippine cotton can increase the economic and cultural potential of her weaves. This week, I’d like to focus on the person instructing the Kinwa weavers on the process.
Diana Katigbak is a natural dye artist, fashion designer, and university professor who teaches textile science, natural dyeing, and surface design techniques. She majored in fashion design, gravitating toward its blend of business and art. It was here where she was exposed to textiles and dyeing techniques. “Clothes come alive through textiles. So different treatments, different kinds of textiles, it's part of the soul of our clothes,” she said.
“My first introduction to natural dyes was in my undergrad textiles class. My teacher taught us how natural dyes work, and I saw that there are many sources of plant dyes in the Philippines and I appreciated that.”
This appreciation further deepened when she took her Masters in Clothing Science in Japan. “Japan has a living tradition of natural dyeing… they took us to a natural dyeing studio, and this indigo dyer was already fifth generation, and I was really amazed at how it lasted so long and how the craft was passed down. My experience there really made me realize that craft should also be practiced in the Philippines because we have our own [dyeing practices].”
She details the Japanese method of indigo dyeing, a very long process which begins with the farmer and involves several artisans. “There, I realized that everything starts with agriculture and the life of [clothes] start from farming.”
After graduating, she apprenticed under a Tokyo-based indigo dye master for a year and a half. “He told me that the variety we had in the Philippines is one of the best varieties of indigo there was, and it really excited me that it had so much potential.”
While it was challenging to find a source of indigo at first, Katigbak eventually connected with Abra indigo farmers, which led her to Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP), a non-government organization who sourced their indigo from Mindoro.
“I’m quite happy with the result,” she said. “I don't work from leaves because the communities they work with already process this as pigment. The pigment is still natural and it's processed in a natural way.”
One of her first big projects was a partnership with a friend who ran a fashion label in Hong Kong. He would ship her fabrics and she would dye them in indigo. The pieces were shown in both Hong Kong and Shanghai Fashion Weeks. “The reception was nice,” she said. “Because it was done in a way that the designs of the clothes were modern, natural dyeing created a deeper story.”
Though she specialized in indigo, Katigbak also works with other plant material. In Masda Aw, she used indigo, which is readily available since it is cultivated in Abra, as well as other pigments that can easily be found in Kalinga. “Indigo makes… several different shades of blue. Anatto seeds create different shades of orange. Mango leaves create yellow. Talisay is very interesting because you can achieve a yellow green and a dark grey. We're also working with mahogany.”
Her aim in Masda Aw is to give participants a basic overview of the dyeing process with the hope that they will use it as a jump-off point for more product experimentation.
“I hope [this sparks] their creativity to develop new weaves, creating new culture, and also reviving their craft.”
Interest in natural dyes and fabrics is growing as consumers become more aware of the materials used to create synthetic fabrics, (which are essentially plastic), as well as the hidden toll the fashion industry is taking on the environment.
“In the fashion industry, where I've been exposed for so many years, everyone is very concerned about the price of things, how standard it is, how it costs, but it comes with many hidden risks like environmental destruction or inequality or loss of quality of life. For me, natural dyes present an alternative way of thinking about value.”
Purchasing a handmade piece may be expensive, but it carries with it the stories of the people who made its creation possible, from farmer to weaver. Plus, with proper care, it lasts longer than the average fast fashion piece.
“It's value and storytelling. It gives a deeper meaning into what you use or what you wear,” Katigbak said. “It also could be a new source of income [for the weavers]. The effort it takes to create this and also the value of it creates the circular supply chain. It can introduce new ways to earn or new upward opportunities to a certain community.”
The opportunities for success aren’t limited to the weavers. There is also the hope that the demand for natural dyed fabrics and natural fibers, in this case, cotton, will revive the local cotton industry. If this goes well, even farmers and other community members stand to gain.
“Going back to my experience of analyzing the indigo supply chain in Japan, a whole community can be involved. And the craft has no gender. Everyone can help out. Everyone has a role in it.”
What do non-Filipinos like about the Philippines?
Bob Wuest
Lives in The Philippines
Filipino women are not only the world's most physically beautiful (IMJ), but also the sweetest, most compassionate and loyal. Age, for them, is a sign of maturity rather than a disqualifier for relationship. It's very common to see young Filipino women with older men. And, personally speaking, I feel blessed to be in relationship with one of the best of the best ❤. I would not want to go back to relationship with a western woman.
Many parts of the Philippines are blessed with amazing natural beauty - beaches, mountains, coconut groves. The large variety of fruits here are inexpensive and plentiful. I had no idea there were so many varieties of bananas, avocados and mangoes!
Everywhere, Filipinos I've met are nearly universally friendly and respectful. I'm accustomed to being called “Sir Bobby” here. And when children are introduced to me, it's common for them to take my hand and put it to their forehead as a sign of respect for an elder. That's simply a beautiful tradition! I have rarely felt less than completely safe, even at night.
Scuba diving and snorkeling is relatively inexpensive and spectacular in many (not all) places here. Huge variety of coral and wildlife!
I've heard there are scorpions and fire ants here, but I have yet to encounter any after 18 months. (Having lived in Mexico, that's a bonus!)
Air travel is relatively inexpensive, as is the cost of living in general. Visa options for foreigners are many, and pretty simple relative to other countries.
There are some downsides to life in the Philippines too… but I'll stick to responding to the question.
Mabuhay!
So kam es zur Milliarden-Panne bei Paypal
Sparkassenverband erklärt
So kam es zur Milliarden-Panne bei Paypal
Laut Paypal ist die Panne behoben. Man arbeite nun daran, alle Konten zu aktualisieren, hieß es
Berlin – Millionen Paypal-Nutzer in Aufregung: Durch eine Sicherheitslücke stoppten Banken in den vergangenen Tagen Lastschriften in Milliardenhöhe. Das enthüllte die „Süddeutsche Zeitung“ (SZ) am Mittwoch. Insgesamt blockierten deutsche Geldhäuser demnach Transaktionen in Höhe von zehn Milliarden Euro. Aber wie konnte es eigentlich zu der Bezahl-Panne kommen?
Der Deutsche Sparkassen- und Giroverband (DSGV) erklärte, in den vergangenen Tagen sei es „zu Vorfällen mittels unberechtigter Lastschriften von PayPal gegenüber verschiedenen Kreditinstituten gekommen. Diese Vorfälle hatten erhebliche Auswirkungen auf den Zahlungsverkehr in ganz Europa und insbesondere auch in Deutschland. Dies war am vergangenen Montag für einige Stunden auch für Kundinnen und Kunden von Instituten der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe zu spüren.“ Kriminelle versuchen immer wieder, Banken und Finanzdienstleister wie Paypal auszutricksen und mit gefälschten Lastschriften Geld von Bankkonten ihrer Opfer zu erbeuten. Das Paypal-Sicherheitssystem, das diese Betrugsversuche erkennen und herausfiltern soll, war nach Informationen der „Süddeutschen Zeitung“ Ende vergangener Woche „offenbar komplett oder größtenteils ausgefallen“. Dadurch habe Paypal offenbar ungeprüft sämtliche Lastschriften bei den Banken eingereicht.
Paypal: Problem ist behoben
In der Mitteilung des DSGV heißt es weiter. Paypal habe die Störungen im Geschäftsbetrieb eingeräumt und versichert, dass das Problem mittlerweile behoben sei. „Der Zahlungsverkehr von und zu Paypal läuft auf Seiten der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe seit Dienstagmorgen wieder normal, steht aber weiter unter Beobachtung.“
Eine Sprecherin von Paypal bestätigte, dass es Probleme gegeben habe, die aber inzwischen behoben seien: „Paypal hatte eine vorübergehende Serviceunterbrechung, die bestimmte Transaktionen unserer Bankpartner und möglicherweise deren Kunden beeinträchtigte. Wir haben die Ursache schnell identifiziert und arbeiten eng mit unseren Bankpartnern zusammen, um sicherzustellen, dass alle Konten aktualisiert wurden.“
So sind Kunden geschützt
Betroffen waren von dem Vorfall vor allem Händler, die ihr Geld mit legitimen Lastschriften verspätet erhalten. Paypal-Kunden sollten ihr Paypal-Konto auf unberechtigte Abbuchungen überprüfen, empfahlen Verbraucherschützer.
Die Deutsche Kreditwirtschaft wies darauf hin, dass die Kunden umfassend geschützt seien: So könnten sie sogenannte SEPA-Lastschriften innerhalb von acht Wochen ohne Angabe von Gründen widerrufen. „Wenn die Zahlung nicht durch ein Lastschriftmandat genehmigt (autorisiert) wurde, gilt für die Rückgabe eine Frist von 13 Monaten.“
Mehr Rentner, höhere Ausgaben: Neue Zahlen zum Ruhestand
Menschen sind heute beim Renteneintritt im Schnitt gut zwei Jahre älter als noch zur Jahrtausendwende. Die Zahl der Empfänger steigt. Der Jahresbericht der Rentenversicherung liefert aktuelle Daten.
Berlin - In Deutschland gehen Menschen im Schnitt mit 64,7 Jahren in Rente. Auf diesen Wert stieg das durchschnittliche sogenannte Renteneintrittsalter im vergangenen Jahr weiter an, wie aus dem Jahresbericht der Deutschen Rentenversicherung für 2024 hervorgeht.
Ein wesentlicher Grund ist die schrittweise Anhebung der Altersgrenze für den Renteneintritt auf 67 bis zum Jahr 2031. Zum Vergleich: Im Jahr 2000 lag das Durchschnittsalter beim Renteneintritt noch bei 62,3 Jahren.
Rente mit 70 kein Thema
Angesichts der demografischen Entwicklung im Land wird immer wieder auch über eine Anhebung der Altersgrenze auf 70 Jahre diskutiert. Im Koalitionsvertrag von Union und SPD ist aber festgehalten, dass es keine weitere Erhöhung des gesetzlichen Renteneintrittsalters geben soll.
Geplant ist stattdessen eine „Aktivrente“: Wer nach Erreichen des gesetzlichen Rentenalters weiter arbeitet, soll bis zu 2.000 Euro seines Gehalts im Monat steuerfrei bekommen. Zu grundsätzlicheren Reformen, wie das Rentensystem auf Dauer bezahlt werden soll, soll eine Kommission ab 2026 Vorschläge erarbeiten.
Aktuell bewertet die Rentenversicherung selbst ihre Finanzsituation als solide. „Dank der relativ guten Situation am Arbeitsmarkt bei der sozialversicherten Beschäftigung und einer positiven Lohnentwicklung bleibt die Finanzsituation weiter stabil“, sagte Anja Piel, eine der beiden Vorstandsvorsitzenden der Deutschen Rentenversicherung.
Im Schnitt 1.154 Euro Rente
Der Jahresbericht der Rentenversicherung enthält weitere Zahlen: Im Schnitt erhielten Altersrentner demnach im vergangenen Jahr eine Rente von 1.154 Euro monatlich (2023: 1.102 Euro) - Männer bekamen durchschnittlich 1.405 Euro und Frauen 955 Euro.
Die Rentenversicherung gab 2024 rund 402,8 Milliarden Euro aus (2023: 380), bei Einnahmen von rund 402 Milliarden (2023: gut 381). Etwa jeder Vierte im Land ist Rentnerin oder Rentner. Den Angaben zufolge waren es zum Stichtag 1. Juli 2024 insgesamt 21,4 Millionen - rund 200.000 mehr als im Jahr davor. dpa
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