When life gets tough

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

GIVEN our human condition, marked always by all kinds of weaknesses, limitations, mistakes and other negative things, we should be ready to face and bear them, never by our lonesome, but always with Christ who is always around, ever ready to help us in many and often mysterious ways. We should develop the instinct to do this, training ourselves to always go to Christ especially when times get tough. 

We are somehow reminded of this piece of advice in that gospel episode where a leper, despite his condition and the big crowd he had to contend with, managed to approach Christ asking for healing. And true enough, without further ado, he was healed. (cfr. Mt 8,1-4)

There is just one thing we have to bear in mind when we carry out this advice. We should see to it that our plea for help from Christ should not just be in pursuit of some personal convenience or advantage. 

While that may be the immediate motive, the constant and ultimate motive should be that we would like to be like God, sharers of his life and nature, as he wants us to be. When God gives us what we ask, our sense of gratitude should make us progress in our pursuit to become like God.

We should always remember that every event and circumstance of our life, whether good or bad in human terms, is meant to test us if we want to be like God as we should or we would simply want to be by ourselves.

The same is true when we ask for forgiveness for our sins which in the end is more important than just healing of some health issues. The contrition or repentance we have to make for our sins should be the perfect one, not the imperfect type. 

In the latter, we would be sorry for our sins because of the ugliness of our sin. We would be sorry for our sins so we can feel good about ourselves. In the former, we would sorry for our sins out of love of God, out of our desire to be more and more like God as we should.

While we would always be forgiven even if our contrition is imperfect, that kind of repentance would sooner or later spoil us and would not give us the grace to avoid the same sins for which we are asking forgiveness. It may even lead us to a subtle kind of spiritual pride and vanity that is worse than the material or external one.

We should try our best to make a perfect contribution that will keep us humble and in need of God always, never daring to be simply on our own. With perfect contrition, we continue to make our journey toward heaven. With imperfect contrition, we somehow make a stop along the way which can open us to some dangers.

It’s important that we purify and rectify our intention when we ask for forgiveness for our sins. For this, we need to do some practical and relevant exercises, since we have to contend with subtle enemies that can undermine our desire to make a perfect contrition.

Nowadays, those of us who simply make imperfect contrition when we go to confession, cannot help but fall to the same sins again and again. That’s because the grace of real, deep and thorough conversion has not been received properly.

DdO celebrates the gains of collective resilience and unity – insurgency free province

 

“Davao de Oro has emerged as a shining example of resilience and unity. Through the collaborative efforts of our brave citizens, dedicated public servants, committed men and women in uniformed personnel, we have successfully eradicated the menace of insurgency that once plagued our land”, message of Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga during the ceremony of 1st anniversary of the insurgency-free province on June 22, 2023, at the Capitol Lobby, Nabunturan.

The one-day celebration kicked off with a motorcade followed by the soft opening of “Kalayaan Village” situated in Barangay Libasan, Nabunturan, the release of livelihood and financial assistance to friends rescued and people’s organizations, and the signing of a manifesto of support on sustaining peace and development in the province.

 Aside from commemorating the significant milestone, Gov Gonzaga also underscored the importance of protecting the hard-earned gains by remaining to be vigilant, engaging in constructive dialogue, and reinforcing the determination to combat all forms of insurgency, including those that originate from within.

Joy James “Ka Amihan” Saguino and Kurt Russel “Ka Ugnay” Sosa, friends rescued who have chosen the path of peace and unity, pay tribute to the sacrifices made along the way and honor the bravery of those who against all odds, and choose to stand up for what is right, even in the face of grave challenges.Both are a living testament to the transformative power of hope, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change.

“May this anniversary be etched in our hearts as a symbol of our collective triumph over darkness; we rejoice in the transformation of our province; the families reunited, the communities rebuilt, and the dreams reignited,” Joy said.

 Sosa heartened his former comrades to channel their passion and idealism into constructive endeavors that uplift the communities and create lasting change.

Davao de Oro, a province that was once a hotbed of communist insurgency, hosting 7 of the 18 guerrilla fronts in the Davao region, has 133 barangays identified as conflict-vulnerable areas, now celebrating the fruits of all the government’s unwavering efforts and determination. (R. Hortizano, Photos by A. Dayao & R. Naval)

BJMP pours social services to IP communities in Montevista

 

A total of 1,485 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Barangay Camantangan, New Sibolan, and New Dalaguete, all in Montevista, have benefitted various social services today (June 20, 2023) during the conduct of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) community outreach program.

BJMP District Jail Warden, JCINSP Jul Akbar L Jamiri, said the program is part of their annual celebration of community relations service month, which focuses on bringing government services closer to the people, especially those residing in vulnerable areas in the province.

He also expressed gratitude to the concerted efforts of the partner national government agencies, provincial and local government units, and private sectors for extending their profound support throughout the program.

Among the services offered are the following: feeding program, school bags and slippers for students, free civil registration of PSA, medical check-ups, legal consultation and document drafting, operation tuli, hair cutting, distribution of seedlings, animal healthcare, one-day free skills training of TESDA, and others.

In response, Municipal Tribal Chieftain, Maniguon Herminio T. Opao said “Kini nga kalihokan usa ka pinasahi nga ang BJMP dili lang ahensya para sa mga ginatawag nga PDL apan naa sad diay silay programa nga makadasig sa katawhang tribo ug sa tanang lumulupyo sa benepisyaryong barangay”.

Chieftain Opao added that the whole IP community is full of heart for reaching out and pouring the much-needed services, informing the public about the bureau’s program, and playing as an agent of change in society.

This year’s 12th CRS bags the theme: “Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pamayanan at Piitan, Daan tungo sa Ligtas at Maunlad na Bayan”.

The activity was attended by Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga represented by Fr. Nick Consencino, Mayor Cyrex L. Basalo, Atty. Nicole Batingana of NCIP XI, Montevista District Jail Personnel, 25th Infantry “FIREBALL” Battalion, Philippine National Police, and Barangay Officials.

 (R. Hortizano, Photos by R. Naval)

Isolated rain showers with thunderstorms may prevail over most of PH this weekend

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 30, 2023 12:43 PM

  

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The entire archipelago may experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather in the coming week, with the possibility of isolated afternoon or evening rain showers or thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its weekly weather outlook released on Friday, June 30.

From Saturday to Sunday, July 1 to 2, PAGASA said the “whole archipelago will generally have fair weather condition aside from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.”

From Monday to Friday, July 3 to 7, Visayas and Mindanao may experience cloudy weather with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the prevalence of the intertropical convergence zone—a convergence of winds from the northern and southern hemispheres where rain-bearing clouds form.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with afternoon rain showers or thunderstorms are possible in Luzon.

PAGASA said updates through weather advisories will be issued if there are significant changes in the weather scenario.

Potential unleashed

SoFA’s ‘METRO333’ exhibit showcases rising designers and creatives among the youth

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 30, 2023 01:38 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘This is an avenue for our students to learn to navigate different perspectives and challenges, strengthening their resilience and adaptability.’

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DESIGNS OF THE YOUTH SoFA Design Institute's SHS graduation exhibit "METRO333" showcases the promising future of the Philippine design industry

SoFA Design Institute recently hosted their highly-anticipated senior high school graduation exhibit “METRO333,” showcasing the future of the Philippine design industry.

Headlined by nine of the rising designers and creatives from SoFA, the artists come from SoFA’s prestigious senior high school program, one of the country’s very few design-specialized high schools.

The exhibit featured the artists’ creative journey in various creative mediums, including painting, digital art, multimedia installations, and fashion pieces, taking the audience into an immersive  retro-futuristic atmosphere that sports a “maximalist utopian metro atmosphere.”

Held on the illustrious stage of Clubhouse at The Palace Manila, the event offered a transformative experience that left some of the country’s art enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the wider community spellbound.

Amina Aranáz-Alunan, co-founder and president of SoFA Design Institute, expressed her excitement for this event. “We are excited to open doors to a world of possibilities, allowing our SHS students’ creativity to shine before a wider audience,” she said. “This event is a catalyst that connects young artists and designers with industry professionals, inspiring them to reach new heights of innovation and self-discovery.”
Angelique Castro, SoFA’s SHS principal, enthusiastically shared the positive impact the event could have on the SHS students’ growth and development. “This is an avenue for our students to learn to navigate different perspectives and challenges, strengthening their resilience and adaptability,” she said.

MEET THE ARTISTS From left: Nev dela Merced, Carla Louise Peña, Bianca Torres, Senna Purugganan, Chaitanya Labayog, Icha Logaring, Summer Villaluz, Christine Callahan, and Maximhari Sales

SoFA SHS student Summer Villaluz expressed her gratitude for this experience, “This experience helped me grow as a student and as a creator. I grew up not knowing that I could be capable of something like this. Knowing that SoFA was able to expand my skills, and gave us so many opportunities is something that I’ll always be grateful for,” she said.

The exhibitors, SoFA SHS students Bianca Torres, Icha Logaring, NEV dela Merced, Summer Villaluz, Chaitanya Labayog, Carla Louise Peña, Christine Callahan, Senna Purugganan, and Maximhari Sales, showcased their remarkable talents and artistic vision, leaving an indelible mark on the art and design landscape of the Philippines.

LOOK: CEU MedTech alumna is Miss Earth Philippines 2023

A true embodiment of character and competence

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Jun 30, 2023 00:07 AM

  

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Centro Escolar University (CEU) Makati’s alumna Yllana Marie Aduana was crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2023 and will represent the country in the upcoming international pageantry in Vietnam.

The 24-year-old stunner from Siniloan, Laguna, Yllana Marie was a crowd favorite. Her beauty, intelligence, and deep passion for environmental advocacy made her stand out among the 28 other candidates. Her undeniable charm and graceful demeanor effortlessly captivates the hearts of many. 

During the final question-and-answer portion, Yllana was asked: "What do you think people in the future would say about your generation?"

Yllana Marie Aduana crowned as Miss Philippines Earth 2023 (Image from her Facebook account) 

"I would definitely say that our generation, although misconstrued as very ardent, I would have to say that we use our voices for a reason and that is to always speak up for the things that we know are right and for the things that we know we deserve. That is why we are very ardent about them,” she confidently said. “That is why I’m also conducting colloquiums on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their interconnectedness to nature in hopes to precipitate people’s eco-consciousness because our future is the linebackers and the pioneers of environmental amelioration, and we should always take advantage of it at all costs."

True enough, her beauty comes with a purpose by being an environmental ambassador and green advocate. Yllana has actively participated in various environmental initiatives such as her advocacy dubbed as “E.A.R.T.H. Education.” where E.A.R.T.H. stands for Environmental Awareness and Action to Restore and Transcend Home through Education. She is also the founder of Edukasyon for Every Juan, a non-profit organization that aims to contribute in combating climate change and raising awareness about climate change. 

This is the second time that Yllana participated in the same pageantry. In 2021, she represented her hometown and finished as a runner-up. The same year, she was named Miss FIT Philippines, then proceeded to join Bb. Pilipinas in 2022 where she was among the Top 12 candidates and Face of Binibini Awardee.

Before conquering the Miss Earth stage, Yllana Marie is a licensed Medical Technologist. She obtained her degree in Medical Technology in 2018. She was also a former Ms. CEU candidate and represented the Makati campus.

Issa Pressman marks Pride Month with coming out story

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

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Issa Pressman shared an inspiring message to social media followers to mark Pride Month.

On Instagram, she noted how she has been "blessed" to experience "love" from both men and women.

"Blessed to be seeing who they are & how they loved me. Seeing beyond the physical," she said.

According to her, it’s the "heart, personality, dreams, and the connection" that becomes the basis of these relationships.

Issa shared that she first came out to sister Yassi via phone call.

"At 16, I was living alone. One night, I couldn’t sleep, I decided to come out to her. It was surprising news for her but she accepted me. If any, it was a start of us being solid,” she said.

“A couple of years after, I told my dad. He was honest he wasn’t for it, but said, ‘If this is what makes you happy, then be it,’ and he was there for me all the way.”

Issa reiterated that point of her post is that everything could have gone south if it weren’t for her loved ones.

"So may I inspire each household, friend group & work environment to accept & respect a loved one who wishes to or is too scared to come out," she said.

"At the end of the day, we should be on the side of happiness. We want to see the people we love glow. Let them be PROUD.”

In 2018, Issa made headlines making public her relationship with a girl.

She was in the news most recently, being romantically linked to James Reid.

The Gilas Pilipinas women achieve a milestone

The Gilas Pilipinas women achieve a milestone.  (Fiba Asia)

By Philippine Daily Inquirer

 

Hey there sports fan,

Here's a perfect way to start this newsletter. The Gilas Pilipinas women proved the rightly belong in Division  A of Fiba Asia with a milestone victory over Chinese-Taipei in the Women's Asia Cup recently. We'll have more on them as the tournament progresses.

In another victory of sorts for Filipino women athletes, the Premier Volleyball League opened in a flood of anicipation and excitement after a busy offseason. In case you missed it, several new players—and old hands playing for new teams—really heightened everyone's eagerness for the Invitational Conference.

If you want to brush up on how big this conference is, check out this wonderful cheat sheet and this list of players to watch in the current PVL tournament. 

It's also a season of transition for a lot of players, aside from those who jumped to the pros early and those who signed up with new squads. There are also players who will take on new roles, like F2 Logistics' Ivy Lacsina, and those who will return to the comfort of their old positions, like Creamline star hitter Tots Carlos.

And then there's another kind of transition, the one where standouts like Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons take their beach volleyball talents back to the indoors.  

There's no reason anymore to skip your usual dose of PVL action, especially with the league expanding the platforms that fans can stream games on when they can't go to the venues. 

Madonna home from hospital following illness: source

BY AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Jun 30, 2023 08:54 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The 64-year-old pop superstar had fallen ill with a "serious bacterial infection" that landed her in an intensive care unit, her manager Guy Oseary had said in a statement on Wednesday.

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Madonna (Facebook)

NEW YORK (AFP) - Madonna has gone home after a several-day stay in the hospital and was "feeling better," a source close to the matter told AFP Thursday.

The 64-year-old pop superstar had fallen ill with a "serious bacterial infection" that landed her in an intensive care unit, her manager Guy Oseary had said in a statement on Wednesday.

She is expected to make a full recovery, he said but had to delay her 84-date "Celebrations" tour due to start on July 15.

Her global, nearly sold-out tour was billed as paying homage to Madonna's more than four-decade long career.

Stops in the United States were to include Detroit, Chicago, Miami and New York, the city where her storied rise to superstardom began.

She was then slated to continue in Europe, with dates in London, Barcelona and Paris, as well as four dates in Mexico City.

The Grammy-winning icon behind classics including "Like A Virgin" and "Material Girl" has asserted incalculable influence over her stellar career as one of music's top stars.

Her manager had vowed to provide more information when available, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows.

In 2020 Madonna underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained on her "Madame X" tour.