What are 20 things absolutely worthwhile in life?

 

Adam Bissmire-Mullen

 · 

Marketer, Photographer, Writer & Thinker

1. Learning to play an instrument. A highly rewarding experience that'll frustrate and delight you in equal parts.
2. Taking risks. If you don't try, you'll never know. Plus, those who never made a mistake never made anything…
3. The newspaper crossword. It'll help to build your vocabulary and, more importantly, your patience.
4. Learning to drive. It'll give you independence and allow you to travel. If you can afford to do it, it's a no brainer.
5. Playing video games. Video games get a lot of bad press, but I've had some incredibly enriching experiences and learnt a lot along the way, too.
6. Watching live music, sports, etc. There's nothing better than supporting your home town team or feeling the buzz of singing your favourite songs along with thousands of like-minded people.
7. Falling in love. We all know the deal with this one. It comes to most of us in one way or another and at various points in life. Just go with it.
8. Having your heart broken. Yep, numbers 7 and 8 go together hand in hand, pretty much. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, eh!
9. Pursuing new hobbies. If something interests you, give it a go! You never know where it might take you. It could even end up being your new career.
10. Reading. We constantly see this mentioned on Quora, and for good reason, too! Knowledge is power, and the more you have, the better off you'll be.
11. Taking a walk. It helps to clear your mind and, in the right environment, it can reconnect you with nature. Plus, it functions as good exercise.
12. Doing something random. I heard in a talk recently that if you stay in on a Saturday night, chances are, your dream girl isn’t going to knock on the door. You don’t say?! So, get out there. Give yourself a chance, and do something different!
13. Writing. It doesn't have to be War and Peace, but try writing a blog, an answer on Quora, or a post on LinkedIn. Get good at expressing yourself, as communication is key in all aspects of life!
14. Travelling. Staying in the same town / city you were born in does you no favours! Get out there and see the world, even if it’s just to other towns and cities in your own country.
15. Indulging in a guilty pleasure. And by indulging in a guilty pleasure I mean having a bar of chocolate or your favourite treat now and then. Keep it clean!
16. Getting out of your comfort zone. We all get stuck in ruts from time to time. Sometimes, you've gotta get out of your cage, to semi-quote The Killers. You’ll do just fine. ;)
17. Making mistakes. I know I alluded to this in no.2, but it really is important. If you don't make mistakes then you'll never try anything new.
18. Taking time to recharge. Modern life is fast-paced and can be overwhelming at times. Take frequent breaks and rest your body and mind.
19. Learning to let go. Does this one really need explaining?
20. Taking a moment to appreciate the small things. When you think about it, so many events had to happen for us to even exist here on this small speck of dust called Earth. Take a moment to look up and appreciate the moon and stars; your family members around you, and the little things that make life worth living.

TYPHOON DANTE AND POTENTIAL TYPHOON EMONG TO STRENGTHEN THE #HABAGAT

Typhoon Dante and the potential Typhoon “Emong” will work together to pull and intensify the southwest monsoon (#Habagat), bringing heavier rains and stronger storms across different parts of the country.

Stay alert and follow warnings from PAGASA and local authorities for your safety.

#TyphoonDante #TyphoonEmong #PHWeather #FloodAlert #PAGASA

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Trump lowers PH tariffs from 20% to 19%; senators express disappointment

 

President Marcos Jr. (left) meets with President Trump at the White House (July 22, 2025) to strengthen the enduring PH-US partnership. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

Following a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Tuesday at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would impose a 19 percent tariff rate on the Philippines, down from a 20 percent tariff. In return, the Philippines would have an open market and the U.S. would not pay tariffs. Read more

Some senators on Wednesday, July 23 are disappointed over the Philippines’ failure to get a much lower tariff with the United States. Read more

On the other hand, private-sector economists said that the tariff reduction is still a step forward. Read more

 

Manila and other areas placed under state of calamity

Motorists and commuters wade through floodwaters along España Boulevard in Manila following heavy rains on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso declared a state of calamity in Manila due to persistent flooding on Tuesday, July 22, caused by continuous southwest monsoon (habagat) rains. Read more

The Malabon City government has declared a state of calamity following continuous heavy rains and severe flooding, worsened by high tide and damage to the Malabon-Navotas River Navigational Gate. Read more

The Quezon City government also declared a state of calamity during a special session of the 23rd City Council, to expedite the release of emergency funds and allow for faster and more coordinated disaster response across the city. Read more

Mayor Lem Faustino on Tuesday, July 22, declared a state of calamity in Calumpit, Bulacan, due to widespread flooding brought about by the monsoon rains, dam discharges, and high tide. Read more

Padilla bill seeks to institutionalize civil partnerships for same-sex couples

by Dhel Nazario

Published Jul 21, 2025 02:25 pm

At A Glance

Senator Robinhood Padilla filed a bill seeking to institutionalize civil partnerships for same-sex couples in the Philippines, granting them rights and protections similar to marriage while exempting religious groups from solemnizing such unions.

Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla has filed a bill seeking to institutionalize the civil partnership of same sex couples.

Once enacted, the unnumbered bill shall be known as the Civil Partnership Act.

Under its Declaration of Policy, it says that the State shall recognize the need to protect its citizens who are in a relationship with the same sex, accord the same rights and obligations similar to married couples and ensure that they are not discriminated against.

It states that any person who complies with the requirements provided shall be allowed to register and enter into a civil partnership, and shall be bound by the obligations and responsibilities and enjoy protections and benefits afforded by this Act.

Under it, the following are the requisites for civil partnership:

Legal capacity of the contracting parties:

At least 18 years of age;

Not prohibited to enter into civil union by reason of public policy;

Free from any previous bond of marriage or civil partnership.

Consent freely given in the presence of the administering officer;

Authority of the administering officer;

A valid license to contract or enter into a civil partnership issued by and obtained from the local civil registrar of the city or municipality where either party habitually resides; and

A civil partnership ceremony which takes place with the personal appearance of the contracting parties before the administering officer and their personal declaration, that they take each other as legal partners in the presence of not less than two witnesses of legal age.

According to the bill, no specific religious rite or form shall be required for purposes of this requirement.

It also enumerates the benefits, protections, and responsibilities of civil partnerships:

All benefits and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage under existing laws, administrative orders, court rulings, or those derived as a matter of public policy, or any other source of civil law;

Laws on marital relations, including donations by reason of marriage, legal separation, adoption, child custody and support, property division and maintenance, and spousal support;

Rights of civil partnership couples with respect to a child of whom both become the parents of during the terms of the civil partnership, shall be the same as those of a married couples with respect to their child;

All contracts made between persons in contemplation of a civil partnership shall remain in full force after such civil partnership takes place;

A certified true copy of the record of the civil partnership from the local civil registrar having custody of the record shall be presumptive evidence of the civil partnership for all legal purposes;

Laws relating to intestate succession, survivorship, or other incidents of the acquisition, ownership or transfer, inter vivos or at death, of real or personal property, as affecting parties to a marriage, shall likewise be applicable;

Causes of action related to or depended upon spousal status, including torts or actions under contracts reciting, related to, or dependent upon spousal status may be availed of;

Couples shall automatically have insurable interest over their respective partners and may avail of benefits relating to insurance, health and pension benefits provided to married couples;

Labor standard benefits, privileges, restriction and prohibition accorded to employees based on marital status shall likewise be accorded;

Benefits under tax laws relating to marital status shall be applicable;

Coverage of laws relating to immunity from being compelled to testify against the other and bound by the marital communication privilege;

Hospital visitation rights and the authority to give consent to any medical treatment in behalf of his/her civil partner whenever required;

Visitation rights in detention facilities; and

Decision making in burial arrangements.

It also penalizes those who knowingly or willfully refuse to issue civil partnership licenses or certificates despite being authorized to do so; denies rights and benefits entitled to civil partnership couples; commits unlawful, discriminatory employment practices or commits discriminatory practices to children of civil partnership couples.

These offenses are punishable by a fine of not less than P500,000 but not more than P1 million, or imprisonment for 10 years.

"This proposed measure therefore seeks to recognize the civil partnership between two (2) persons of the same or opposite sex to be able to enjoy the rights, protection, and privileges afforded in this bill while respecting the religious sensibilities abound in our society," Padilla said in the bill's explanatory note.

"Under this proposed measure, religious organizations shall not be compelled to solemnize same-sex unions and such will only have legal effect when solemnized by the administering officers identified in this Act," he added.

Padilla stated it's "high time" that the Philippines provides equal rights and recognition for couples of the same sex.

He added that providing equal rights and privileges for same-sex couples will in no way diminish or trample on the rights granted to religiously solemnized married couples.