What comes on your mind when you hear the word “Philippines”?

Bisaya

https://barokandtakya.com

To some, the word "Philippines" will mean hope for tomorrow. There are people in this world who stay positive even when their environment dictates otherwise. I am one of them ‍and I plan on staying that way. My home country is just like me - bright, with many talents ‍but also plagued by poverty ‍still, there is always hope that things can get better in time ‍we might not be perfect right now, but at least we're still trying.

Other people might think about sun-drenched beaches and sari-clad girls who move to create a beat so irresistible you feel you could dance all day ­— not because it's what they want to do, but because it's in their blood to move when music plays. To others, the Philippines means family and friendship; when times get hard, they lean on each other to stay strong when they're close to falling apart. There are still others who regard the country as a land full of history, rich with natural resources and where every event is marked by tradition.

To me, the Philippines means many things: courage, strength and resilience ‍because as long as we have those qualities, anything is possible. This country has been through a lot, but her people have always persevered through thick and thin ‍the only way forward now is up. Let us take inspiration from those who came before us and stand tall in the face of adversity. So, even if you're struggling, even if the world is against you, ‍take heart in knowing that there are others out there just like you who have faced --and are facing-- difficulties. We may not be perfect, but at least we are willing to do what's necessary to succeed. You can do it, too, just like you always have. Just like the Philippines.

The Philippines are unique because of its diversity in both natural and cultural resources. There are many things to discover about this country, so you better get started! Lastly, rest assured knowing that your home country is on your side. Don't forget that you have a home in the Philippines.

PLGU-Davao de Oro adds school amenities for Tagugpo public schools in Pantukan

 

 The eradication of conflicts in far-flung communities prompted the increasing population of school children province-wide. Even in the middle of the pandemic, PLGU-Davao de Oro strongly supports the Department of Education in providing quality education for the younger generation.

On September 24, 2021, the provincial government headed by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy officially handed the newly built school amenities to Tagugpo Elementary School, and National High School in Pantukan.

Tagugpo Elementary School officially received the new Teacher’s Cottage, while Tagugpo National High School received the multi-purpose covered court. These infrastructure projects were funded by the provincial government and was made possible thru the initiatives of the officials.

The blessing and ceremonial turn-over were attended by Governor Tyron Uy, Mayor Roberto M. Yugo of Pantukan, Brgy. Captain Ulyses B. Alcosero of Tagugpo with his Brgy. officials, and functionaries, and the teachers and staff of the primary and secondary school.

“Priority nato ang mga lagyo nga lugar ilabi napod nga kinhanglan gyud sa mga teachers ug kalidad nga kasilungan o teacher's cottage. That's why naka decide mi sa probinsya nga magpa buhat ug mga teacher's cottage alang sa atung mga magtutudlo. Education is very important, maskin pa anaa kita sa pandemya, dili gyud nato kalimtan nga supportahan atung mga kabataan kutob sa atung makaya kay kami sa gobyerno, andam perme mutabang.” said Governor Uy.

PLGU-DdO plans to establish more cottages for the teachers assigned in rural communities. Around 21 school sites will be given with teacher’s cottage, identified first by DepEd.

 (Jasteen Abella, Information Division, Davao de Oro, photos by Jonie Cadiz)

Angels are real

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

          ON the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

(September 29), we are presented with that amusing gospel episode

about the calling of Nathanael. (cfr. Jn 1,47-51) We might be

wondering how Nathanael’s vocation is related to the existence of

angels.

          My personal take on this question is that Nathanael, whom

Christ described as a man without guile, must have been enabled to

recognize Christ as the Son of God, the King of Israel, through the

help of the angels.

          When Christ told him, in response to Nathanael’s question

about how Christ knew him, that Christ saw him under the fig tree

before Philip came, some angels must have been involved in that event.

          We can somehow support that speculation by referring to the

fact that at the end of gospel episode, Christ told Nathanael, “Amen,

amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God

ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” What Nathanael was doing

under the fig tree must have something to do about who the Son of Man

is, and about heaven and angels.

          In any event, our faith tells us that angels are real and

that they are our great ally, helping us in all our needs, from the

most trivial to the most important. Yes, angels exist. They are real.

We need to say this now since angels, if they are ever referred to

nowadays, are often considered as mere figments of our imagination

that at best can be used as literary and sentimental devices.

          Obviously, faith is needed to believe in angels. They are

creatures whose presence goes beyond what our senses can perceive.

They can however assume bodily forms as mentioned several times in the

Bible. But essentially, they are pure spirits. As such, they are

readily available to help us, since they are not limited by time and

space.

          We have to develop and popularize a devotion to angels,

especially to the archangels. They are great allies that we can count

on especially during our difficult moments. They are so close and so

identified with God that we can refer to them as God’s organic or

vital extensions of his own self, if we may describe them that.

          Remember what Christ said about angels in general? It was

when he talked about the angels of little children whom the disciples

wanted to shoo away from Christ for being a disturbance. “See that you

do not despise one of these little ones,” he said. “For I tell you

that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in

heaven.” (Mt 18,10)

          Our guardian angels, for example, are very helpful to us in

our task of navigating the most tricky spiritual and supernatural

realities. When there are strong temptations, or when some unknown

evil spirits seem to bother us, or when we are undertaking a spiritual

and supernatural project like coming up with an apostolic initiative,

our guardian angels make themselves available to help us in any way.

          It’s important that we be aware of the existence of these

very powerful angels who, for sure, would be most willing and most

happy to help us in their own way. We just have to enliven our faith

in them and develop the appropriate devotion.

          Many great saints have benefited from the help of the

angels. It would be good if we train ourselves to develop an intimate

relationship with them. To be sure, only good things can come out of

such relationship!

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Cebu Pacific launches special 25th anniversary credit card

Cebu Pacific surprises everyJuan on its 25th anniversary with the launch of the new Cebu Pacific Gold and Platinum Credit Cards, in partnership with Go Rewards, UnionBank of the Philippines, and Visa.

Using this card will enable everyJuan to earn Go Rewards points to fly faster as cardholders will get one point for every PHP 100 spent with Cebu Pacific. If used anywhere else, one point will be earned for every PHP 200 spent. As a valued cardholder you are eligible to be a Black Card member of Go Rewards. When flying as a Black card member, you can get the preferential earn rate of 1 Go Rewards point for every PHP20 spent (for the base fare and some ancillaries) when flying with Cebu Pacific.

Cardholders will also get early alerts for CEB promo fares, and other Go Rewards, UnionBank and Visa exclusive offers.

Platinum cardholders will also gain exclusive access to Pacific Club Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 on top of a worry-free travel insurance of up to P10 million.

“We are very happy to announce this partnership with Go Rewards, UnionBank, and Visa. Through this, everyJuan will now have easy access to endless value-for-money deals and rewards – whether for booking those much-awaited trips, or just buying day-to-day needs,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and customer experience at Cebu Pacific.

To make it even more special, those who sign up for a card starting today, September 27, 2021 until December 31, 2021, will receive Go Rewards bonus points which can be used to book a CEB flight online conveniently. A Gold cardholder will receive 5,000 points, while a Platinum cardholder will get 10,000 points.

All these points can be redeemed not just for your dream flight, but even to purchase those essentials you’ll want to take with you. These credit cards are also accepted worldwide through the accredited merchants of Visa.

 

CEB continues to offer the lowest fares on flights across its widest domestic network. To date, it operates regular flights to 32 domestic destinations which include Boracay, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Siargao.

CEB has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures. Its jet fleet are equipped with hospital grade HEPA air filters, keeping viruses at bay.

BB