There are no rules for behavior, dress and more 

By

 Mindanao Daily News

 -

September 25, 2026

0

105

 It means “I am flexible” or “I don’t mind.” For example, if someone asks where to eat and you reply, “Anything goes for me,” you mean you will happily eat anywhere.Complete Openness: It shows you have no strict rules, judgments, or demands regarding a situation.Combined Idiom: It merges the general phrase “anything goes” (no rules/anything is allowed) with the expression “goes for me” (applies to me / I agree).

There are no rules for behavior, dress, etc. Today, in terms of clothing, almost anything goes, but they recall when the dress code was strictly formal.

If people say ‘anything goes’, they mean that anything people say or do is considered acceptable, and usually they mean that they do not approve of this. [disapproval] In the 90s, almost anything goes. See full dictionary entry for go.

Well, you see, in olden days, a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking, but now, God knows, anything goes.

Good authors too who once knew better words now only use four-letter words writing prose, anything goes.

The world has gone mad today, and good’s bad today, and black’s white today, and day’s night today, when most guys today, that women prize today, are just silly gigolos.

And though I’m not a great romancer, I know that you’re bound to answer when I propose, because anything goes.

Originally used in the 19th Century as ‘Everything goes’, it simply means that one can do whatever one likes, without rules or consequences.

Anything goes? Yes, it seems so: illegal logging, natural disasters, improper disposal of garbage, climate change, melting icebergs, “my neighbor goes on burning rubber and plastic” (GRABE!), poisonous waste products … !

Guys, when will you stop doing this? Or, are you waiting for the next tsunami and taifun taking away your family and all your belongings and properties?

For years, I have on my desk a wonderful brochure entitled “Q&A Questions and Answers on YOUR ecosystem” – mentioning and explaining 365 (!) reasons to stand up for Mother Nature. And to be counted as “Barkada ng Kaliksan”! It’s really a primer on environment care, produced by the Kinaiyahan Foundation, Inc. and BARog KA likupan DAbaw, Inc. (BARKADA) with a foreword by Elisea G. Guzon, former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Even having the fumes of burned poison garbage in my nostrils (I usually enjoy writing my columns somewhere outside in my tropical green garden!) I still study this valuable brochure.

Yes, anything goes! It really seems true! Why should one think about the ecosystem and its structures? Or, solar-energy and life on earth and why should it be protected? The effects of global warming can be seen more and more, but deforestation and profits kill the thoughts and deeds about the value of forests and how to protect them!
Fertilizer and its problems are known, but who really cares? Pesticides and their problems are very well known too, but who really cares? Anything goes? How do we handle major consumers of water managing water resources? Are we overusing groundwater?

Climate change, greenhouse-effect, gases that pollute the atmosphere, acid rains, and biodiversity are foreign words to these people, who continue to destroy our globe and provoke the next natural disaster. The above-mentioned brochure, mentioning the Top 30 Environmental Issues in the 21st Century, is not the only written examination or rebuke. I wish and pray for many followers. For our next generations!

El Niño is coming: Is gov't ready for rising food prices?

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

The government has to take action before food shelves become empty.

The warning is already here. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said early this month that El Niño is firmly established, is expected to intensify into a very strong event toward the end of 2026 and has a nearly 100 percent likelihood of persisting through February 2027. Its climate effects could extend well into 2027.

And experts say this may cause severe drought that is a threat to food security and therefore may trigger rising prices.

That should set off an urgent concerted national action—not only about heat, drought and water, but about food prices.

El Niño does not automatically dictate how severe its effects will be in every province. WMO itself cautions that local impacts vary by region, season, and other climate drivers. But the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the phenomenon increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells, and drought in parts of the country, with potentially serious consequences for agriculture.

How would this impact the economic chain? Less water can mean lower harvests; lower harvests can mean tighter supplies; tighter supplies can mean higher prices. For poor families already stretching every peso, another increase in the cost of rice, vegetables, fish, or other staples is a threat to both nutrition and household survival.

The government therefore cannot afford a wait-and-see policy.

First, protect production now. Irrigation systems must be repaired and expanded where feasible. Farmers need timely access to drought-tolerant seeds, crop insurance, affordable credit, weather information and technical advice. Water harvesting and storage must move from isolated projects to a serious component of agricultural planning. Where traditional crops become impractical, farmers should receive support to shift intelligently rather than being left to absorb the losses alone.

Second, protect the food supply chain. The government should establish a real-time system connecting weather forecasts, farm conditions, inventories, transport costs, and retail prices. The purpose is not merely to monitor inflation after it happens, but to identify shortages before they become price shocks. Strategic imports, when necessary, should be timely and transparent—not rushed into action after prices have already surged.

But addressing this should not be left on the government alone.

Food companies, traders, supermarkets, logistics firms, and banks can help by investing in cold storage, efficient transport, water-saving technologies, climate-resilient production, and better supply forecasting. Businesses should also examine where waste and unnecessary costs can be removed before passing higher expenses to consumers. The private sector's role through resilient supply chains can help cushion the impact and are good business, as well.

There is also a role for every Filipino. Households can reduce food waste, conserve water, buy responsibly and support local producers. Communities can organize food-sharing, urban gardening, and assistance for vulnerable families. Small actions will not stop El Niño, but millions of responsible choices can reduce pressure on scarce resources and household budgets.

The World Food Programme estimates that the current El Niño could push at least 49 million additional people into acute food insecurity globally by the end of 2027, with South and Southeast Asia among regions expected to experience significant effects.

That number should change how we think about preparedness.

The Philippines has something priceless that a failed harvest cannot provide: advance warning.

With El Niño most likely to occur, it is now our choice whether we will act while there is still time—before drought reaches the farms, before supplies tighten, before food prices climb, and before Filipino families are forced to pay the highest price for government inaction.

We have to prepare now, or pay the hefty price later.

BOC officials inspect seized P3.2-B smuggled cigarettes in Agusan del Norte

By Philippine News Agency

Published Sep 24, 2026 06:25 pm

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte – Top Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials on Thursday inspected a record P3.2-billion shipment of imported cigarettes seized in this town, described by authorities as the largest cigarette-smuggling haul in the country's history.

BOC Deputy Commissioner Emmanuel Luis Licup, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Thomas Narcise, and CIIS Northern Mindanao and Caraga Field Station chief Redford Surposa led the inspection at the Gothong Private Wharf here.

They were joined by Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon, director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13).

Surposa said that authorities seized 54 container vans loaded with smuggled cigarettes during a joint operation by the BOC and the 1st Agusan del Norte Mobile Force Company on May 8, 2026 in Barangay Talisay, Nasipit.

"This is, so far, the biggest haul of smuggled imported cigarettes," Surposa said.

He said authorities spent several months conducting an inventory of the seized goods in preparation for filing appropriate charges.

"The case remains under investigation, and we are not yet disclosing certain details to the public. Even the names of the supposed recipients of the container vans appear to be fictitious," Surposa said.

In his remarks, Licup said the BOC, in coordination with PRO-13, will continue its investigation until the seized cigarettes are finally condemned and destroyed.

"Our presence here today underscores the bureau's continued focus on enforcement operations and ensuring that all procedures are strictly observed," Licup said.

He said a successful seizure becomes truly meaningful only when the goods remain secure, properly documented, and fully accounted for until their final disposition.

"Every stage, from inventory and safekeeping to condemnation and destruction, must be conducted with transparency," Licup said.

He added that the illegal cigarette trade causes significant harm by depriving the government of revenue, creating unfair competition for legitimate businesses, and exposing consumers to unregulated products.

"To our officers and personnel, remain vigilant and continue performing your duties with integrity. The leadership expects accountability from everyone while recognizing the challenges faced by those on the frontlines," Licup said.

He emphasized that the BOC leadership, headed by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, along with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., remains committed to supporting officers who carry out their duties lawfully and honestly. (PNA)

'Filipiñana' actress Jorrybell Agoto seeks financial help amid cancer treatment

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Sep 24, 2026 11:18 am | Updated Sep 24, 2026 05:04 pm

Jorrybell Agoto (Facebook)

Actress Jorrybell Agoto, who stars in the Filipino film "Filipiñana," is seeking financial assistance as she undergoes treatment for cancer and remains confined in a critical care unit at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Agoto’s colleagues, Kamill Lipnica and Jane Dating, shared an appeal for assistance on social media, saying the actress is currently in critical condition.

In a Facebook post, Lipnica said Agoto is experiencing a buildup of fluid in the pleural area of her lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe. She said Agoto is currently using a Blake drain to manage the fluid.   

“Our beloved Jorrybell is currently admitted to the Critical Care Unit at St. Luke’s Hospital, bravely fighting through a difficult chapter in her battle against cancer,” Lipnica wrote.

The posts did not provide further details about Agoto’s current medical condition or treatment.

Agoto is part of the cast of "Filipiñana," which has been selected as the Philippines’ official entry for Best International Feature Film consideration at the 98th Academy Awards.

What should I know about German culture before going to Germany?

 

Theodore Exete

I lived and worked in Germany from 2012 to 2021

I can only write about my personal experience, but I have been living and working in Germany for four years now, so that makes me a four year expert - at least in Southern and Central Germany - although I have wandered into Schleswig-Holstein, Dresden, and Berlin in the North.

Germans are very practical in general - although they tend to be very genial in my experience, they can also be very direct. This has led to misunderstandings on both sides of the equation.

An example that drives me crazy is my American approach to customer service.

Americans tend to be concerned about how we are perceived, so we don’t like to say “no” to a request. We go with softer responses:

• “We’ll look into it for you.”
• “Let me check around to see if we can get it at another store…”

Germans, like their Northern European counterparts, prefer to be told “no.” I have been told my request is “impossible.” In my opinion, nothing is really impossible - unlikely maybe, but not impossible. So that response raised my hackles.

Our reluctance to “tell it like it is” comes across as insincere at best. It makes us look a bit superficial. It can lead to confusion if the vague response is taken at face value. So a typical American comment, “We need to get together sometime!”, may bring out day planners to ink in a specific date.

Also beware of casually asking “How are you?” You will be told exactly how the German is - colds, break-ups - a whole raft of TMI that an American may not be prepared to handle in the morning greeting to friends and co-workers.

Meantime, Germans are seriously concerned about their environment. Americans recycle - we do. Others (I won’t mention any European countries specifically, but you know who you are) are more casual about recycling.

Germans keep their streets mostly free of litter (you will find it in the larger cities, but it isn’t on the same scale as other countries), tend to be vigilant about hand pulling weeds, scrutinizing the exterior appearance of their homes, and diligently recycling.

Brown, clear, and green glass have their own separate containers. Plastics and packaging go in the yellow bag. Organic waste goes in the brown bin. Paper products go into the blue bin. Everything else into the black bin - a lot of work initially, but eventually you catch on. Don’t even think of putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin - it will not be collected. Of course, batteries go to their collection points, as do light bulbs. Everything in its place, and a place for everything …

One thing Americans don’t realize is that Germany was a confederation of little city-states until 1871. There is more than one Germany - as seen in dialects which, as often as not, are unintelligible outside the immediate geographical area where the dialect is spoken.

Clothing

Also, and this is really important - lederhosen and dirndls are not - I repeat not - worn all over Germany. They are Bavarian. Wearing them outside Bavaria draws peculiar looks (unless you are going to an Oktoberfest event).

Food

Beer, while undeniably popular in Germany, is not the only beverage consumed. In the wine growing regions (and I am a big fan of the Mosel and Rhine wines), more wine is consumed. Around Frankfurt you might find that people enjoy the apple wine (ebbelwoi) more than the very good white wines and beer. However, I am convinced that apple wine is an acquired taste…

While Germany has a reputation for consuming sausages - wurst - the ubiquitous dish to me is schnitzel - either plain (wiener schnitzel) or with sauces (lots to choose from.) However, the real joy of German cooking to me is the seasonal produce that is not only embraced but celebrated: white asparagus (spargel), fresh strawberries, chanterelles, the new wine (federweißer) of the fall. Don’t overlook the ubiquitous döner kebaps as a fast food meal on the go.

Another German specialty that I have learned about since being here is the green (grün) sauce found in Frankfurt - served on many things, it was a wonderful discovery, as was Handkäs mit Musik - a local cheese served with caraway seeds, and dripping oil and onions. The music comes later…

Of course, touring around there is the culture - some of the greatest scientists, philosophers, musicians, artists of every stripe have come from Germany. And, in spite of the damage from World War II, there is a huge amount to visit, explore, and enjoy

COAST GUARD DAV OR, LAUNCHES RESCUE OPS IN MATI CITY FLOODING

 

The Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental quickly responded to families affected by heavy rainfall in several areas of Mati City.

The CGS Davao Oriental coordinated with local disaster response offices and other government agencies to speed up the response to the affected communities.

The Coast Guard personnel remained alert and on standby to respond to additional needs and to send more personnel and equipment if needed.

Residents were also reminded to be cautious and follow the warnings of the authorities for their safety.| via RadyoMaN Kareen Beltran

#RMNRoadTo75

#DiamondInTheMaking

#PowerOfHyperlocal

#RMNNetworks

#TatakRMN

  

May be an image of text. May be an image of one or more people. No photo description available.. May be an image of one or more people and kayak. May be an image of one or more people, crowd and text

+2