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Iran has assured the Philippines that it will allow the safe, unhindered, and expedited passage of Philippine vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) bared. Read more |
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Friday, April 3, 2026
Iran assures PH of safe, unhindered passage of Filipino vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Thursday, April 2, 2026
The empty tomb
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
IN the gospel of the Mass on Monday within the Easter Octave (cfr. Mt 28,8-15), we are given a vivid description of the immediate aftermath of the empty tomb that gave
rise to different reactions.
When some holy women discovered the empty tomb where Christ was buried, they immediately went to inform the disciples, joyful yet also fearful. But along the way, they were met by the risen Christ himself who made them literally ecstatic, overwhelmed with joy.
But the guards of the tomb were deeply disturbed by what took place. They also went to report to the chief priests who bribed them to fabricate the story that the disciples stole the body while they slept.
All this simply shows that the things of God will always cause different if not conflicting reactions of belief and unbelief with disbelief playing in the middle. It shows how this supernatural gift of faith can be received by us.
We just have to know where and who to believe and who not to. The episode of the empty tomb is actually a test of where to base our faith. Would it just be anybody who can appear to us as reasonable, or would we look for the one with real authority?
We know that the authentic authority to teach the truths of our Christian faith belongs to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church which is the living teaching office entrusted by Christ to the apostles and their successors, the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Pope.
This authority ensures the faithful transmission of the Gospel, guarding against error and providing definitive interpretations of Scripture and Tradition. No individual or community can claim this mandate for themselves. It comes from Christ through the sacrament of Holy Orders, empowering the ministers to “in persona Christi” (in the person of Christ).
The Pope, when he speaks “ex cathedra” (from the chair), that is, in fulfillment of his office as pastor and teacher of all Christians, possesses the infallibility promised to Peter when defining a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the whole Church.
That is why, we should always make it a habit to refer ourselves to this teaching office of the Church to see if we are truly dealing with a truth of faith, and not something that is just a human invention.
Nowadays, we have to be wary of the flurry of false prophets and demagogues who make their own interpretation of the truths of Christian faith. They can appear and sound credible through a smart use of words and persuasive techniques. But if their teaching on truths of faith does not channel what the Church Magisterium teaches, then they can only be false.
A false doctrine can sound good and can come up with fair promises and assurances, but they actually lack the power to make things happen. They can contain many theoretical truths and can also be supported by a lot of data, facts and other so-called scientific findings, but they lack the most crucial element—the proper spirit.
A true doctrine is not some clever human wisdom that can yield at best some worldly results. It goes far beyond that, though it can be accessed and lived quite easily if one simply has faith. A true doctrine always requires faith!
Thus, in Psalm 119,100, we read these consoling words: “I discern more than the elders, for I obey your precepts, Lord!”
ARA, the P-Pop girl group from Davao City
Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star
April 1, 2026 | 12:00am
Meet HARA, the P-Pop girl group from Davao City
HARA, composed of Blythz, Ai, Ckhy, Tashi, Lory and Yani, is a P-Pop girl group from Davao City. Their group name is derived from a pre-colonial term, meaning ‘beauty’ and ‘strength.’ The pre-debut single titled My Love marks its entry into the local music and recording scene. The song focuses on empowerment as well as self-worth and value.
What makes the local music scene thriving and thrilling, too, is the emergence of new artists and acts. One of them is the P-Pop girl group named HARA from Davao City. It is managed by Unique Music Management and has joined Sony Music Entertainment.
The public and music enthusiasts can listen to the group’s pre-debut single, My Love, on digital music platforms, and watch the music video on its YouTube channel.
This paper had a recent brief virtual chat with HARA, composed of Blythz, Ai, Ckhy, Tashi, Lory and Yani, whose group name, a pre-colonial term, means “beauty” and “strength,” yes, “ganda” and “lakas” in the vernacular.
Asked how the six-member group came about, Ai recalled that an audition was held in Davao and they saw the announcement online. Part of it was an elimination round, trimming down the participants into a small number that would eventually form the group. It tested their mettle when it came to dancing and singing. Their audition experience could be compared to participating in a reality talent show.
She added that members Yani and Ckhy were scouted to complete the crew.
Before they heeded the call to be a part of a P-Pop group, each was busy pursuing her own interests and priorities.
“I was a dance coach, a choreographer, and also part of a choir group,” said Blythz, while
Ai was “a professional cosplayer and streamer,” also doing K-pop covers as a side hobby.
Ckhy shared that aside from schooling, she would join “pageants, singing and dance competitions.”
Tashi was also attending her studies and doing K-pop dance cover competitions and cosplaying.
Lory worked as a professional model and tried her luck at auditioning for artista shows.
Yani, who also joined beauty pageants, was a volleyball player for her school. She would sing and dance at home.
Whether some of them discovered the passion to entertain and engage audiences through music and dance at a young age or later in life, what matters is that the girls of HARA finally have the chance and the platform to do so. Their career as a collective has taken off with the pre-debut single My Love.
A piece of information given to this paper describes the song as a “Eurohouse-flavored pop track” that brings one “into clubland fantasia, where suave, confident vocals and magnetic dance-pop production create a mesmerizing sonic experience.” The lyrics were written in English and Tagalog with a touch of Bisaya.
“Our music focuses on empowerment and knowing your worth, especially for us, women.” said Blythz. “It talks about realizing your value and having the courage to walk away from someone who doesn’t respect you. Through our music, we want to remind everyone, especially us, that you deserve love that respects and values you.”
Ai recalled that they first heard My Love during the audition phase and when the members of the group were completed.
“Pinarinig na agad yung song (They played it and let us listen to it) and they did ask us how do we feel about the song. But for us, it was perfect already,” said she.
Blythz added they fell in love with it, at first listen, as one may put it.
To further describe their genre, Ai shared that their song “sounds really feminine,” but generally, it’s upbeat and pop.
When asked about the idea behind releasing a pre-debut single instead of having the usual first-ever song, Lory said it was a way to introduce HARA as a group.
My Love may be viewed as a starter or a preview to the songs that listeners can look forward to from them.
During the interview, HARA was also asked for its two cents on the trend among artists to release one single after another rather than go for an album.
“For us, mas maganda din yung paisa-isa (we find it nicer to record and release one song at a time),” said Ckhy. “I think each song represents like, (yung) ibang kaya po naming gawin (what else we can do).”
Yani, on the other hand, shared that it also shows the evolution of them, sound- and genre-wise.
Ckhy added that they want to try different music genres. With that, they can surprise their followers, and offer something new every time, if one may add.
HARA will grace festivals, mall shows and school events. Hopefully, they will also have live performances for Metro Manila audiences and share the center stage with other established and promising P-Pop artists.
As HARA, Ai said that they want to connect with fellow P-Pop groups and take their music nationally and internationally.
Give HARA’s My Love a listen on all digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.
Brace for ₱164.5 diesel
Brace for ₱164.5 diesel: Hefty price hike looming | ||
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Based on the first two-day estimates in the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the cost of diesel is projected to climb by ₱11 to ₱12 per liter during the first week of April. Gasoline prices are also expected to rise by ₱3 to ₱4 per liter, a reversal from the price freeze observed this week. Read more |
Rentenalter steigt: Wer künftig nicht vor 70 aufhören darf
Die deutsche Rentenpolitik steckt in der Sackgasse. Während das Renteneintrittsalter bis 2031 schrittweise auf 67 Jahre steigt, reicht diese Maßnahme längst nicht aus, um das System zukunftsfähig zu machen. Die viel beschworene „Rente mit 63“ entpuppt sich bei genauerer Betrachtung als Privileg für wenige – mit hohen Hürden und empfindlichen finanziellen Einbußen für die meisten.
Hinzukommt, dass laut einer aktuellen Studie nur ein geringer Bruchteil der Rentenempfänger überhaupt eine Rente über 3.000 Euro erreicht. Diese Statistik bezieht allerdings ausdrücklich Beamten nicht mit ein, die oftmals als Staatsdiener von höheren Renten profitieren.
Das niederländische Modell als Vorbild
Europäische Nachbarn haben längst radikalere Lösungen implementiert. Dänemark hat sich eben für die Rente ab 70 entschieden. In den Niederlanden, Schweden und Finnland gilt ein simples, aber effektives Prinzip: Die Lebenserwartung bestimmt das Renteneintrittsalter. Das Ifo Institut Dresden beschreibt die niederländische Formel prägnant: „Wenn die Menschen drei Jahre länger leben, müssen sie zwei Jahre länger arbeiten und bekommen ein Jahr länger Rente.“ Diese Kopplung würde den Anteil der Rentner an der Erwerbsbevölkerung bei etwa 40 Prozent stabilisieren – statt der prognostizierten 50 Prozent.
Wen trifft es zuerst?
Nach dieser Rechnung wäre ein Renteneintrittsalter von 70 Jahren gerechtfertigt, sobald die Lebenserwartung um 4,5 Jahre steigt. Prognosen zufolge könnte dies bereits 2070 der Fall sein – betroffen wären dann alle ab 2003 Geborenen. Während die „Generation Z“ noch studiert oder ins Berufsleben startet, zeichnet sich für sie bereits ein deutlich längeres Arbeitsleben ab.
Gratis für Sie: Der große Renten-Ratgeber
So holen Sie das meiste aus Ihrer Rente. Versteckte Fehler vermeiden. Dies und viele Tipps von Renten-Profis finden Sie in unserem kostenlosen Ratgeber.
Laden Sie sich HIER den Ratgeber kostenlos als PDF herunter
Die Aktiv-Rente als Testballon
Als Vorbote einer generellen Rentenerhöhung könnte die aktuell diskutierte „Aktiv-Rente„ dienen. Das von Union und SPD favorisierte Modell würde Rentnern ermöglichen, steuerbegünstigt weiterzuarbeiten. Tatsächlich sind bereits heute 13 Prozent der 65- bis 74-jährigen Rentner erwerbstätig – teils aus finanzieller Not, teils aus persönlicher Motivation.
Der Elefant im Raum: Generationengerechtigkeit
Die demografische Entwicklung zwingt zu unbequemen Entscheidungen. Während die Politik um kurzfristige Lösungen ringt, bleibt die grundsätzliche Frage unbeantwortet: Wie kann ein Rentensystem nachhaltig funktionieren, wenn immer weniger Beitragszahler immer mehr Rentenempfänger finanzieren müssen? Die Kopplung an die Lebenserwartung erscheint als logische Konsequenz – auch wenn sie für jüngere Generationen bitter schmeckt.
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Davao del Norte governor: No direct Petronas deal for 44 M liters of fuel
DAVAO CITY – Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib clarified on Tuesday that he has had no direct communication with Petronas Malaysia regarding the supposed purchase of 44 million liters of crude oil and gasoline he earlier announced.
On March 25, Jubahib disclosed plans to source fuel from Malaysia to help cushion rising oil prices in the province amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, Petronas issued a statement on March 29 denying involvement in any such transaction.
"Petronas wishes to clarify that it is not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement, and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment," the company said, stressing that its current priority is ensuring a steady and reliable fuel supply in Malaysia.
Jubahib explained that his pronouncement was exploratory in nature.
"My statement to the media was clear – that our economic cooperation with the Malaysian Highness is purely negotiation. It is exploratory, meaning our initiative to seek help with them may or may not prosper," he said.
He added that the continuing conflict in the Middle East has prompted governments worldwide to respond to the global fuel crisis.
"As governor of the province, I felt the urgency that something has to be done within my capacity to help remedy the situation and prevent an impending economic catastrophe," Jubahib said.
According to him, the initiative stemmed from established ties with Malaysian officials and was aimed at exploring the possibility of sourcing at least 44 million liters of diesel fuel to augment the province's dwindling supply.
"The engagement is not intended to undermine any legal process or regulations set forth by both our national governments. Any development from this international partnership, should it prosper, will be properly coordinated with the Department of Energy as the appropriate governing agency, following procurement procedures – whether through a government-to-government arrangement or via the private sector," he added. (PNA)
'Rosario' cast confess they never grew up with local superstitions
Gen Z stars Aubrey Caraan, Lance Carr, Yumi Garcia, Rose Van Ginkel, and Jairus Aquino admitted they know little about the superstitions tied to wakes and funerals.
The cast of 'Rosario.' From left: Suzette Ranillo, Rose Van Ginkel, Bernadette Allyson, Aubrey Caraan, writer-director Roni S. Benaid, Yumi Garcia, Jairus Aquino, Meg Imperial, and Lance Carr.
In one of the popular Filipino traditions, a rosary is placed inside the coffin to guide the soul toward heaven — but it must be cut before burial. Leave it whole, and legend holds that death will follow death.
The young cast opened up about their relationship with funeral superstitions at the media conference for Viva Films’ upcoming horror film "Rosario," held at Viva Cafe in Araneta City.
Lance: "I had no idea about the pamahiin sa rosaryo until this film came along. I'm not really one to follow superstitions — but if something were to happen to someone in the family, knock on wood, I'd probably just go along with it. Wala namang mawawala. Nothing is lost."
Jairus: "Hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang dapat gawin sa rosaryo kapag namatayan. Growing up, the beliefs I heard most were pagpag after a wake, no sweeping at night, and no cutting nails after dark. Honestly, pagpag lang talaga ang sinusunod ko — I still cut my nails at night, and I'm fine. But if there's nothing to lose, why not follow them for peace of mind?"
Yumi: "The only superstitions I really know are shaking off spirits after a wake and not sweeping at night. After one wake, I actually stopped by a store on the way home just to shake off any spirits."
Aubrey: "I'll just add to what they said—in our family, looking at a broken mirror is forbidden. But honestly, we don't really practice those things anymore. The rosary belief was completely new to me, but I think the same logic applies: there's nothing to lose if you follow it."
Rose: "Of the superstitions, the only ones I follow are the positive ones—like jumping on New Year's for good luck or tossing coins to multiply your money. I don't believe in the negative ones anymore, because the more you believe, the more likely they are to come true."
About 'Rosario'
Viva Films unleashes a curse like no other in “Rosario,” the latest horror film from writer-director Roni S. Benaid (Poon; Mary Cherry Chua; Marita; Nanay, Tatay).
Rooted in Filipino superstition, the film plunges viewers into a chilling nightmare where grief becomes a death sentence. The movie opens in cinemas on April 22.
‘Rosario’ is brought to life by a talented cast led by Aubrey Caraan as Beth, a loving sister desperate to save her family; Yumi Garcia as Ave, the estranged sister pulled into the curse; Lance Carr as Caleb, Beth’s past lover who returns to help break the chain; Meg Imperial as Magda, the strong-willed eldest burdened by responsibility; Jairus Aquino as James, the caring brother trying to keep everyone grounded; and Suzette Ranillo as aunt Anne, whose actions unknowingly set the deadly chain in motion.
The film also features Bernadette Allyson and Rose Van Ginkel portraying crucial characters in the family’s turmoil.
Half-day work for gov’t agencies on April 1
Half-day work for gov’t agencies on April 1; PNP on full alert for Holy Week | ||
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Malacañang has ordered a half-day work in government offices on Wednesday, April 1, a day before the three-day Holy Week holiday. Read more | ||
Meanwhile, police forces across the country were placed on the highest security alert status starting Tuesday March 31, to ensure maximum security coverage as millions of Filipinos travel and observe the Holy Week. Read more |
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