Give without expecting any return

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

CHRIST somehow makes us understand that we have to learn to give ourselves to others without expecting any return by telling a host who invited him to invite those who would be unable to return the invitation. (cfr. Lk 14,12-14)

“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,” he said, “do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

It’s not that we should not care for our friends and relatives, since Christ told us to love everyone. But we should give special or preferential treatment to those who are in greater need, for this would clearly show the kind of charity we are living, the charity that would merit to “be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

In this regard, we have to exert special effort because given our wounded human condition, prone to fall into self-indulgence and the like, we always tend to invite and to deal only with those who can give us some worldly honor, glory and pleasure. And we can do this in the most subtle ways by appearing as if we are being very magnanimous when, in fact, we are indulging in our pride, vanity and conceit.

To be able to live by this indication, we should make sure that whatever we do should be done with utmost rectitude of intention. That means that everything should be done for the glory of God. As a Latin maxim would put it, “Deo omnis gloria!”

St. Paul expressed it this way: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31) Such motive never undermines our true joy. On the contrary, it heightens our joy and sense of fulfilment, and affirms our true dignity. We have to be wary of the deceptive thought that giving glory to God in all that we do detracts from our true joy.

We have to give all the glory to God because being the Creator, God is the standard for everything. And more than the standard, he is, in fact, the very substance of what is good, true and beautiful, what is fair and just, what is perfection itself.

             

             Nothing is good, true and beautiful, nothing is fair and just, nothing is perfect if it is not done with God and for God. In short, we need to refer all our acts to God. We have to make this affirmation very clear in our mind and do everything to make that ideal a reality.

             

             And so, a lot depends on our intention, because our intention is the very expression of who and where in the end we want to be. Do we choose God, or do we simply choose ourselves, or the world, in general? It’s actually a choice between good and evil.

                

             We need to realize then that we have to take care of our intention, making it as explicit as possible, and honing it to get engaged with its proper and ultimate object, who is God. We should try our best to shun being simply casual or cavalier about this responsibility.

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

             

Oil firms to lower prices this week

By Eireene Jairee Gomez October 31, 2022 

OIL companies will implement a minimal price rollback on Tuesday, November 1.

In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell and PetroGazz said they will cut the prices of gasoline by P0.25 per liter and diesel by P0.60 per liter.

Shell said it will also bring down the price of kerosene by P0.25 per liter.

Other oil firms were expected to follow suit.

Last week, oil companies reduced the cost of gasoline by P0.35 per liter, kerosene by P0.45 per liter and diesel by P1.10 per liter.

Faithful to observe All Saints Day on Nov. 1

by Christina Hermoso

The Catholic faithful will observe All Saints Day on Tuesday, November 1, in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.

All Saints Day (Catholic Online)

Now that cemeteries and columbaries are open to the public unlike in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and friends of the departed will be able to visit their loved ones who had passed on although many had planned on visiting earlier or much later to avoid the expected crowd. 

As in the past years, Church officials remind the faithful “to commemorate All Saints’ Day solemnly as it is meant to enrich the faith of all who observe it. As we honor the saints and remember our departed loved ones, we actually give glory to God,” Church leaders said.

According to an old tradition, prayers for the intercession of saints are as old as Christianity itself, while the veneration of saints goes back to the beginning of Christianity. Catechism 2683 said, “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask for them to intercede for us and for the whole world.”

Originally known as the Feast of All Martyrs in memory of the martyrs of the early Church who died for their faith in Christ, All Saints’ Day has since evolved into a solemn observance during which the Church remembers all who have died in the faith. Pope Gregory (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, Italy to all the saints and fixed the observance to Nov. 1. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration to the Universal Church in 837.

GMA Network drops lyric video for 2022 holiday anthem ‘Love is Us This Christmas’

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The Kapuso Network recently released the lyric video for “Love is Us This Christmas” – the newest LSS-worthy holiday anthem of the year.

Uploaded on the Network’s Facebook and YouTube pages, the Kapuso jingle encourages viewers to discover the true meaning of love this Christmas by giving our hearts to make others happy. “Ibahagi natin ang liwanag at pag-ibig sa ating kapwa at sa buong mundo,” as stated in its social media caption.

The lyric video for the 2022 GMA Christmas Station ID (CSID) jingle was performed by the powerhouse line-up of Kapuso singers with a mix of upbeat music and some chorale singing complementing its inspiring message. 

The Kapuso singers were led by no less than Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose, Mark Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, Christian Bautista, Zephanie, ‘The Clash’ Grand Champions Jeremiah Tiangco and Mariane Osabel, and The Clash alumni Anthony Rosaldo, Garrett Bolden, Thea Astley, Vilmark Viray, as well as XOXO’s Lyra Micolob, Mel Caluag, and Dani Ozaraga.

The heartwarming jingle was composed and arranged by Ann Margaret Figueroa with lyrics by Emman Rivera and Jann Fayel Lopez.

Netizens also shared how much they appreciated this year’s jingle. A YouTube user commented, “This song is giving hope to every Filipino. Another thing I like about this is that their smiles are so genuine. Kudos to all the brilliant minds and talents behind every year’s jingle. Way to go, GMA!”

Some also praised how the song was beautifully composed. “Ang ganda na upbeat ‘yung 1st part ng song then nag-iba sa 2nd part like choral which we all know na GMA singers are really good in blending and it makes the CSID a balance of classical and pop. You will really feel the Christmas season!” 

Just like how we all anticipate the holiday season, watching GMA Network’s Christmas station IDs has also been a part of viewers’ yearly tradition.

While we wait for the release of the full-length 2022 GMA Christmas Station ID, let’s watch “Love is Us This Christmas” lyric video on Facebook and YouTube.

‘Paeng’ maintains strength; TD east of northeastern Mindanao to enter PAR Monday morning

Published October 31, 2022, 12:28 AM

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

Tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) maintained its strength while moving east southeastward away from the Philippine landmass, said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Sunday evening, Oct. 30.

The latest bulletin released by PAGASA showed that Paeng was last seen 255 kilometers (km) west of Iba, Zambales, packing winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 105 kph.

Due to this weather disturbance, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is still in effect over the following areas in Luzon: Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Metro Manila, the western and central portions of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, the northwestern portion of Oriental Mindoro, the northwestern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, and the northern portion of Quezon. 

“Paeng may exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) [on Monday afternoon, Oct. 31] or evening,” said PAGASA.

(PAGASA)

Cyclone east of northeastern Mindanao

Another tropical cyclone will enter the Philippine boundary on Monday morning, Oct. 31, PAGASA warned. 

The cyclone was last spotted 1,055 km east of northeastern Mindanao.

“It will enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) [on Monday] morning as tropical depression Queenie. Inside the PAR region, this tropical cyclone will begin turning generally northwestward by late tomorrow or on Tuesday while heading towards the sea east of Caraga region or Eastern Visayas,” said the state weather bureau.

This tropical depression, however, is unlikely to directly affect the country until Tuesday, Nov. 1. It may weaken into a remnant low by Wednesday, Nov. 2.

How many cloves of garlic should a person eat per day?

 

Lucia Garcia

My name is Lucia Garcia, 36 years old. I was graduated from the Pritzker School of Medicine at University of Chicago, my major is clinical medicine. I have been working at Hospitals. I am fully committed to helping people take control of their health and realize their potential as human beings. As a doctor, my motto is “Knowledge not shared is wasted”.

Garlic is good, but don't eat too much. WHO recommends eating 1 to 2 cloves of garlic a day.

Garlic is a pungent food, and consuming too much can cause symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and bad breath.

Garlic is nutrient-dense, with a clove of raw garlic containing 15 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 0.58 grams of protein, 2.85 mg of vitamin C, 1.29 mg of selenium, and 0.15 mg of iron.

Scientific research proves that only eating raw garlic can maximize the health benefits of garlic.

Garlic contains alliin and alliinase. Crushed or mashed garlic, under the action of oxygen in the air, these two substances will synthesize allicin.

Allicin, the main active ingredient in garlic, has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can boost the body's natural defenses, boost the immune system and improve overall health.

Garlic is considered a longevity food. In the ranking of longevity foods in the world, garlic ranks second.

Germans especially like to eat raw garlic, they eat 8000 tons of garlic every year.

Germany is one of the longest-lived countries in the world, with an average lifespan of more than 80 years. Germans believe that their longevity is closely related to the consumption of garlic.

How do you preserve the Filipino culture for the next generation?

 

Bisaya

Proud Bisaya Ko

It is essential to preserve Filipino culture for the next generation. The Filipino culture is unique and has a lot to offer. It is a rich culture with a long history. Many things make Filipino culture unique and worth preserving. For example, the Filipino language is lovely and expressive. It is a significant part of Filipino culture, and it should be kept. The Filipino people are also very hospitable and friendly. They have a strong sense of family and community. These are just some reasons why the Filipino culture is worth preserving. There are many ways to preserve Filipino culture. One way is to teach the younger generation about Filipino culture

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 . This can be done by sharing stories, traditions, and values. Another way to preserve Filipino culture is participating in cultural activities and events. This helps to keep the culture alive and vibrant. Finally, another way to protect Filipino culture is to support businesses that promote and sell products related to Filipino culture. By doing these things, we can help to maintain the Filipino culture for the next generation.

Footnotes

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No threat in Davao City – military

Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren Comia. PNA file photo

By Ruth Palo October 30, 2022 

DAVAO CITY: Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia said on Friday, October 28, that there was no monitored direct security threat in Davao City during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Comia made the confirmation during the send-off ceremony of security and safety personnel who will be deployed to provide the maximum security coverage, including traffic and direction control, and public safety services in all private and public cemeteries beginning October 30.

Comia, however, said the security sector will not lower its guard down and must not be complacent. Instead, they will continue to be vigilant and alert.

Comia assures Task Force Davao is fully committed to performing its tasks in support of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to ensure the safety and security of the entire city.

He urged all units, all safety and cluster members to do their share in protecting the city against criminalities during Undas.

Thousands of personnel deployed on All Saints' Day.

Public Safety and Security Command Center head Angel Sumagaysay said the city is aiming for a zero crime incident during Undas.

Sumagaysay, who also read the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said that the city is expecting a strengthened collaboration among the security sector for top-quality security services for the Kalag-kalag.

"May you continue to empower your units and enhance their competencies in order to serve and better protect our constituents," Duterte said.

DCPO Deputy Director for Administration LtCol. Jed Clamor, meanwhile, said that he hopes the security plan for Undas will be followed to achieve the zero incidence.

'Paeng' to exit Monday

By Arlie O. Calalo 

The weather bureau on Sunday lowered storm signals as Tropical Storm Paeng exited Luzon although it has yet to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that "Paeng" will leave PAR on Monday.

Signal No. 2 remains hoisted in Pangasinan, La Union, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur (City of Candon, Banayoyo, Galimuyod, Sigay, Suyo, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Alilem, Tagudin, Sugpon, Cervantes, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Salcedo, Lidlidda, San Emilio, Santiago, Burgos, Santa Maria, San Esteban), Benguet, Tarlac, Zambales, the western portion of Bataan (Morong, Bagac, Dinalupihanullet and Hermosa), the western portion of Pampanga (Floridablanca, Mabalacat City, Magalang, Angeles City and Porac), and the northwestern portion of Nueva Ecija (Guimba, Cuyapo, Talugtug and Nampicuan).

Signal No. 1 is still up in Metro Manila, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Ilocos Norte, the rest of Ilocos Sur, Aurora, the rest of Nueva Ecija, the rest of Pampanga, Bulacan, the rest of Bataan, Laguna, Rizal, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon including Pollilo Islands, Marinduque, the northwestern portion of Romblon (Concepcion, Banton and Corcuera), Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Calamian Islands, Camarines Norte, and the northwestern portion of Camarines Sur (Lupi, Ragay, Del Gallego and Sipocot).

"Tropical Storm Paeng has exited the landmass of Luzon and it will track generally westward until this Sunday afternoon before turning north-northwestward," Pagasa said. "Paeng will likely exit PAR Monday morning or afternoon," it added.

In the next 12 hours, moderate to heavy rain may prevail in Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Pangasinan, Batanes, and the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands while light to moderate with at times heavy rain is likely in Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Camarines Provinces, Western Visayas, the rest of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

Except in areas with significant antecedent rainfall or those still experiencing persistent heavy rainfall, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely to slowly subside, Pagasa said.

Town in Cotabato hit by worst flooding in history

Published October 29, 2022, 1:48 PM

by Keith Bacongco

DAVAO CITY – The agricultural town of Pigcawayan, Cotabato has experienced the worst flooding in recent history, with 28 out of 40 barangays inundated, Mayor Juanito Agustin disclosed. 

RESIDENTS wade through a flooded road in Pigcawayan, Cotabato on Friday, Oct. 28. Pigcawayan has experienced the worst flooding in history due to severe tropical storm ‘Paeng.’ (Photo courtesy of Lerry Tan Cabalinan)

“It is the first time in the history of this town that we experienced this severe flooding. Because even town proper was also swamped by floodwaters, this has never happened before,” Agustin said.

Agustin added that floodwater was at least chest-deep in Poblacion 2 on Friday morning, Oct. 28.

He added that a portion of the Davao-Cotabato national highway in Barangay Manuangan was closed to traffic early Friday morning when floodwater rose to over six feet, making it impassable even for bigger trucks.

Thousands of motorists were stranded in Pigcawayan after the highway was closed to traffic. 

“In the past, when that portion of the highway is flooded, motorists could still pass. But this time, it was really deep and the current was very strong,” the mayor recalled in the vernacular.

Does marrying a Filipina mean marrying her family, too?

 

Philippine Deep Dive

Everything about the country

Nowadays, most Filipinas won’t force you to get close with their family. This is based on my experience and perspective as a Filipino.

I have married a man from a different culture and country as well.

During the entirety of our relationship, I have learned to understand how we are way too different when it comes to handling family matters.

He adores my family and my parents consider him as their son. But when it comes to things and decisions revolving around our marriage, both parties understand that some things are meant to be handled on our own and vice versa.

It is a popular belief among Western people that Asians have really strong family ties and that most Asian parents are highly authoritative and demanding of their children’s personal lives, even during adulthood. However, I believe that for most of us, we have moved past that.

Even though we still highly regard them with respect and would try to help the family as much as we can, we are now making decisions for ourselves. In fact, it is not new for a Filipina today to move out from her parent’s house as early as in her 20’s, without her family expecting anything from her.

The world is evolving and so are some of our beliefs and upbringing. While the point of the question is not necessarily the case right now when dating a Filipina woman, it won’t hurt if you take the extra effort to get close with her family.

Read this article: What to Expect From The Family of a Filipina Woman

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PNP suggests early visit to graves of loved ones

By Francis Earl Cueto , Christian Crow Maghanoy  and Red Mendoza, Manila Times

PEOPLE planning to visit the graves of their loved ones on All Saints' Day or All Souls' Day were advised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief to do it this weekend instead.

"This coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday are the best days to consider when planning to visit cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and other holiday places of convergence to avoid crowding," Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said after making the rounds of cemeteries, bus terminals and seaports on Friday.

"So far so good. All deployments are in place according to our security plan tailored on the situations expected," he said.

All Saints' Day this year falls on a Tuesday, and All Souls' Day on a Wednesday, creating a rare four-day holiday.

It will be the first time in two years that cemeteries and similar sites will be fully reopened, after they were closed or had restricted access because of the Covid pandemic.

PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo earlier reminded residents who will be leaving their homes for the long weekend to secure their homes not only against thieves but from possible flooding due to Storm "Paeng."

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended the expanded number coding scheme from October 29 to November 1.

MMDA spokesman Mel Carunungan said the suspension was part of the preparations of the Metro traffic bureau for the long weekend.

Carunungan also said at least 1,500 traffic enforcers will be fielded in major transport terminals to manage the expected swarm of travelers. The enforcers will be backed up by 300 personnel from the MMDA's clearing operations group, she said.

The MMDA and North and South Luzon Expressways were also working closely to ensure a smooth flow of motorists, Carunungan said.

Vehicles with license plates ending in one to four will be able to travel within the National Capital Region (NCR) within coding hours during the long weekend.

The number coding scheme aims to reduce traffic volume in Metro Manila by 20 percent during peak hours.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of 405,000 vehicles plied EDSA daily.

7 roads in Quezon City to be closed for weekend repairs

The MMDA also said at least eight major roads in the National Capital Region will be temporarily closed during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day for reblocking and repairs.

It said the Department of Public Works and Highways will close the following roads starting Sunday, October 30, until November 2:

1. EDSA Northbound, Quezon City after Boni Serrano flyover to before P. Tuazon flyover third lane from the sidewalk (fast lane), after P. Tuazon flyover to before EDSA/Aurora Boulevard tunnel first lane from the center island (fast lane/ Bus Carousel), after Aurora Boulevard to near New York Street second lane from the center island (fast lane)

2. Cloverleaf NLEx NB to segment of EDSA NB (inner lane)

3. Cloverleaf (Chainage 000- Chainage 234) going to NLEx SB

4. Roosevelt Avenue corner EDSA SB

5. Payatas Road, Quezon City near Amlac Ville Subdivision

6. Along C-5 Service Road, Barangay Bagong Ilog (in front of Corazon Funeral Services), along Lanuza corner D. Julia Vargas near Valle Verde, along Pasig Boulevard, Barangay Bagong Ilog near Rizal Medical Center

7. C-5 Road SB (2nd lane) Makati City

8. Along EDSA SB Quezon City (Balingasa Creek to Oliveros Footbridge)

The roads will be fully passable by 4 a.m on November 2.

Motorists were advised to take alternate routes

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its medical assets and services for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day amid the threat of Storm Paeng.

In a statement, the PRC said it has mobilized 1,104 trained personnel and 222 staff nationwide, as well as 217 first-aid stations and 67 ambulances in 235 cemeteries nationwide.

It has also deployed personnel on major highways in Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Northern Luzon Expressway, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Sur and in Valenzuela McArthur Highway, as well as in bus stations, seaports and airports.

The mobilization began on Friday and will continue until November 2 to provide medical care to motorists and commuters visiting cities and provinces.

The PRC reminded the public to strictly follow health protocols and minimum health standards, such as wearing masks, physical distancing and hand washing.

It said most cemeteries will only allow entry for fully vaccinated individuals over 12 years old.

It urged the public to contact the Philippine Red Cross operations center at 143 or 02-8790-2300 for any emergency.