Creamline meets Chery

Joey Villar - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines —  Michele Gumabao proved that Creamline is not just about having its top players around.

“Creamline isn’t just one player, it’s really the whole team and we’re really one big family, same program, same training and our coaches treat us just the same,” said Gumabao, who is expected to step up anew as shorthanded Creamline tangles with Chery Tiggo in today’s PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

“Sa coaches namin hindi nila hinahanap kung sino wala. We just need to really step up para sa mga hinihintay naming bumalik,” she added.

Gumabao has been providing not just strength but also leadership in the absence of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza, and has averaged 16.5 points in its first two outings.

Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel wears fan letters in 'Drag Race Philippines' appearance

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2022 and Filipino-American designer R'Bonney Gabriel appeared on reality competition show "Drag Race Philippines" in an outfit made from letters sent to her by fans and supporters.

The second episode of "Drag Race Philippines" Season 3 carried a sustainability theme where the competing queens had to make two outfits: one from sari-sari store products and one from recycled material provided by production.

R'Bonney, an advocate for sustainable fashion, was the special guest judge for the episode and joined in on the challenge's theme.

The beauty queen-designer stitched together fan letters to cover her shoulders, legs, and hair.

"Kept all my fan letters from last year and incorporated it into my guest judging look I designed for 'Drag Race Philippines' because I love y'all," R'Bonney said in one Instagram post, and in another said, "I had a feeling that hoarding all my fan letters would come in handy one day."

R'Bonney is the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss Universe and since her coronation has made frequent visits to the Philippines.

Drag queen Myx Chanel won the episode's maxi challenge and badge with their superhero-villain concept while contestants Angel and Tita Baby were dramatically spared from elimination by host and main judge Mama Pao Ballesteros.

Style Weekend forum: What’s your favorite Filipino book?

Here are the top picks of some book influencers

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

  

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The month of August is a significant period where we celebrate the beauty and history of our language in a celebration called Buwan ng Wika. With the theme  “Filipino: Wikang Magpalaya,” this year’s celebration is highlighting the role of our language in promoting peace and unity. 

To mark this celebration, Style Weekend asked some book influencers what their favorite Filipino books are. 

‘Cave and Shadows’ by Nick Joaquin

On the surface, it’s about a man who returns to Manila to solve the mysterious death of his stepdaughter. It’s a crime thriller and mystery, but Joaquin goes deeper and explores themes like identity, history, religion, and colonialism.

This is a meaningful recommendation as this year marks Joaquin’s 20th death anniversary. There is a renewed interest in the National Artist’s body of work, including the reprinting of his books, the launching of the Nick Joaquin Foundation, and the theatrical staging of Kisapmata, the Mike de Leon film adapted from the author’s “The House on Zapote Street.”—Koji Arsua, writer and book content creator.  

‘Of Flowers That Bloomed in Fire & at Night’ by Jerico Silvers

In the midst of the pandemic, this book illuminated my darkest days and helped me find solace and understanding during challenging times. This book has been an unwavering friend, aiding me as I journey through the toughest stages of my life.

This book is truly special and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of comfort. It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve come across, blending self-help and poetry in a way that feels like a warm embrace.—Jucelle Garcia, BookTok influencer.

‘Desaparesidos’ by Lualhati Bautista 

This book delivered everything I hoped for and more—a heart-wrenching story set during a defining moment in Philippine history, written with boldness and courage, yet strikingly relevant to today’s society. It’s graphic, raw, honest, and deeply moving all at once. I’d go so far as to call it Bautista’s best book of all time.—Kat Leonorio, professional teacher and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024. 

‘Si’ by Bob Ong

Sinimulan ni Bob Ong ang librong ito sa dulo at tinapos sa pinakasimula. Isasama ka ng librong ito sa buhay ng karakter na busog sa pag-ibig at mga pagsubok sa buhay. Manipis lang ang libro, pero pakikiligin, patatawanin, at paiiyakin ka. Ipapakita rin ng kwento ang kahalagahan ng pamilya, pagpapatawad, at pagkakaibigan. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat– parang hinihele ka ng mga salita. Bubuuin ang puso mo para lang durugin ng huling pahina (Bob Ong started the story at the end and ended it at the beginning. This book will take you on a journey about the character’s life—full of love and challenges. It’s a short read but will make you feel the love, laugh, and cry. It shows the importance of family, forgiveness, and friendship. It was beautifully written. It’s like a lullaby; it will make your heart complete, only to shatter it in the end).—Gerald, The Bookworm, Book content creator.

‘Lalani of the Distant Sea’ by Erin Entrada Kelly

Released in 2019, this middle-grade fantasy novel follows the story of a young girl, Lalani Sarita, from Sanlagita. When an overlong drought came upon Sanlagita, Lalani decided to go beyond the island and find both the solution and the truth.

Powerful and imaginative, Lalani is a highly-recommended read for readers of all ages. What made it more accessible to Filipino audiences are the references scattered all throughout the book, coded and reimagined from different Filipino mythology and folklore. We have a nunso (nuno sa punso), fei (diwata), and mindorens to name a few. It also delivered a fresh perspective about childhood thinking while also highlighting classic Filipino traits such as generosity and bravery even in the most challenging times.

Lastly, one of the many takeaways from ‘Lalani’ that spoke to me is about taking risks even when no one believes in you and challenging the system.— Saimon or Sai, petroleum engineer and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024. 

ANYTHING IS ACCEPTABLE

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?

Since 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!

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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or X - (Twitter) or visit www.germanexpatinthephiilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

Cayetano: Faith-driven vision key to personal and national transformation

 

PRESS RELEASE

“Ang iyong sense of purpose ay magandang bagay sa iyong vision.”

This was the message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in his inspirational speech at the 42nd anniversary celebration of Mandaport Apostolic Pentecostals (MAP) on August 18, 2024 in the City of Taguig.

Drawing inspiration from the recent triumph of Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo and other Filipino athletes, Cayetano emphasized that their clear vision propelled them to success and continues to drive them forward.

“Dahil klaro sa kanila na gusto nilang maging champion athlete, may vision sila. Ngayon, nagkakaroon sila ng purpose kapag may laban [tulad ng Olympics],” he said.

The senator stressed that a clear vision, purpose, and identity are crucial to achieving success as these elements cultivate the discipline needed to fulfill one's goals.

“Kapag klaro po ang iyong vision at mayroong plano, purpose, at identity, babantayan ka Niya. Kung nandiyan ang tatlong ‘yan, magkakaroon ng disiplina patungo sa iyong vision,” he said.

Cayetano noted that some people struggle to find their vision because they let the negative influences of the world cloud their judgment and obscure their path.

 “Marami tayong mga kapatid na hindi umaabot sa vision kasi nauunahan ng kasinungalingan na ikaw ay hindi special. ‘Pag ikaw ay may identity sa Panginoon, alam mong mahalaga ka sa Panginoon,” he said.

 He also emphasized that a strong foundation – rooted in the Word of God – significantly impacts not only an individual’s vision but also the country's vision toward true transformation.

 “Marami tayong darating na magagaling na politiko at sistema galing sa ibang bansa, pero kung wala ang salita ng Diyos, walang transformation,” he said.

“Ang mas mahalaga po nating task ay ayusin ang pundasyon sa ating sariling pamilya, sa sariling community, sa sariling church,” he added.

In closing his remarks, Cayetano urged the members of MAP to continue inspiring the public, much like Filipino athletes do, saying that preaching becomes more effective when it also inspires.

“Success inspires; your church will inspire. Pero ano ang mag-i-inspire sa’yo? Is it the gold medal, or is it the Word of God? Mas maganda kung both,” he said.

“Sa lahat ng ating ginagawa, dapat ginagawa natin para sa Panginoon,” he concluded. ###