People use speechless in these cases to show how stunned or moved they were, even though they were probably still capable of speech. "I'm speechless" often really means "I'm shocked!"

If you are speechless, you are temporarily unable to speak, usually because something has shocked you. 

Is speechless positive or negative? Oftentimes, "speechless" has a negative connotation, because of its connection to anger, jealousy, etc. For example, "My mom was speechless when she heard me cuss out my grandmother." In such a sentence, "tongue-tied" wouldn't be appropriate.

Anyway,  sometimes there is no sense in crying, but we feel paralyzed. A good friend of mine told me that a couple of days ago. Words cannot describe it and words fail me, but I wouldn't be a writer, if I couldn't express the right words at the right moment.

After the long talk with my friend, I must confess that, many times, I also felt speechless and paralyzed.

Look at this: follow ups seem to become the new national character. Indifferent people in our surroundings let us feel like that every day. Indifference seems to become one of the varagies in today's new society.

We try to get an appointment, but the other side seems to be very busy - every day of the week! Of course, we don't want to encroach on other people's time. Let's try again tomorrow! How do you feel, if you observe certain employees, who should be in service of the people, instead of reading a magazine, doing private telephone calls, doing (important!) text messages and getting down-right cheeky, if we started uncounted follow ups. Then, suddenly, we have to learn that "the boss is out of town" or so... . GRABE!

Yes, I might fall out of favor with some readers with today's column, but guys, what's the difference between being busy, making a good deal of money out of something and just being indifferent or "not in the mood" to entertain people.

I can tell you frankly: Many people feel paralyzed and experience a terrible loss of power of movement or sensation while dealing with uselessness, if indifference, arrogance and ignorance determine the different situations in our daily life.

If the promise has been given to help or support someone, it shouldn't be broken by endless excuses and terrible stalling tactics. A "YES" is a "YES" and a "NO" should be a "NO" and not "MAYBE", if a promise can't be held understandable and comprehensive.

I don't like to let somebody wait for an answer or during an appointment. I try to look after it or take care of it. If I have been informed that somebody tried to contact me, but missed me, I really do everything to find him or her. What's bad about it? Sorry, I really don't like being late or "remaining silent"... .

How many good ideas and highly appreciated business deals had gone with the wind because of uncomprehending, unsympathetic and unappreciated everyday deals between fellow creatures? Can you get the hang of it?

Yes, sometimes I also feel uncomfortable while observing lost chances. Remember; we don't get anything for nothing in the whole word - sure! But first, we should learn how to keep promises, to help each other, to be honest and to be one of the leaders of national stabilization and consolidation.

Half of world's population endured extra month of extreme heat due to climate change, experts say

 

By Associated Press

Bathers cool off in the water while others sunbathe on a Barcelona beach, Spain, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti,File)

Scientists say four billion people, about half the world's population, experienced at least one extra month of extreme heat because of human-caused climate change from May 2024 to May 2025.

The extreme heat caused illness, death, crop losses, and strained energy and health care systems, according to the analysis from World Weather Attribution, Climate Central, and the Red Cross.

"Although floods and cyclones often dominate headlines, heat is arguably the deadliest extreme event," the report said. Many heat-related deaths are unreported or are mislabeled by other conditions like heart disease or kidney failure.

The scientists used peer-reviewed methods to study how much climate change boosted temperatures in an extreme heat event and calculated how much more likely its occurrence was because of climate change. In almost all countries in the world, the number of extreme heat days has at least doubled compared with a world without climate change.

Caribbean islands were among the hardest hit by additional extreme heat days. Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, endured 161 days of extreme heat. Without climate change, only 48 would have occurred.

"It makes it feel impossible to be outside," said Charlotte Gossett Navarro, chief director for Puerto Rico at Hispanic Federation, a nonprofit focused on social and environmental issues in Latino communities, who lives in the San Juan area and was not involved in the report.

"Even something as simple as trying to have a day outdoors with family, we weren't able to do it because the heat was too high," she said, reporting feeling dizzy and sick last summer.

When the power goes out, which happens frequently in Puerto Rico in part because of decades of neglected grid maintenance and damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017, Navarro said it is difficult to sleep. "If you are someone relatively healthy, that is uncomfortable, it's hard to sleep ... but if you are someone who has a health condition, now your life is at risk," Gossett Navarro said.

Heat waves are silent killers, said Friederike Otto, associate professor of climate science at Imperial College London, one of the report's authors. "People don't fall dead on the street in a heat wave ... people either die in hospitals or in poorly insulated homes and therefore are just not seen," he said.

Low-income communities and vulnerable populations, such as older adults and people with medical conditions, suffer the most from extreme heat.

The high temperatures recorded in the extreme heat events that occurred in Central Asia in March, South Sudan in February and in the Mediterranean last July would have not been possible without climate change, according to the report. At least 21 people died in Morocco after temperatures hit 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius) last July. People are noticing temperatures are getting hotter but don't always know it is being driven by climate change, said Roop Singh, head of urban and attribution at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, in a World Weather Attribution statement.

"We need to quickly scale our responses to heat through better early warning systems, heat action plans, and long-term planning for heat in urban areas to meet the rising challenge," Singh said.

City-led initiatives to tackle extreme heat are becoming popular in parts of South Asia, North America, Europe and Australia to coordinate resources across governments and other agencies. One example is a tree-planting initiative launched in Marseille, France, to create more shaded areas.

The report says strategies to prepare for heat waves include monitoring and reporting systems for extreme temperatures, providing emergency health services, cooling shelters, updated building codes, enforcing heat safety rules at work, and designing cities to be more heat-resilient.

But without phasing out fossil fuels, heat waves will continue becoming more severe and frequent and protective measures against the heat will lose their effectiveness, the scientists said.

Just breathe

 

BY FATIMA GIMENEZ

JUNE 2, 2025

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Targeting big-time smugglers, cartels

So when are you going to take a break?” I looked her squarely in the eye and replied, “I will, after I finish my commitments.” She shook her head and said, “That was your line the last time we had a reunion. When are you going to learn how to incorporate the word ‘no’ in your vocabulary?”

Her words echoed those of a well-meaning sibling, who on more than one occasion pointed out that my schedule was so stretched and the accompanying stress experienced was self-inflicted. She ended the early morning conversation with, ”Shouldn’t you be rethinking about what needs to be prioritized?” That piece of advice was welcomed. I was starting to feel less optimistic, easily irritated and impatient, losing a little bit of my sense of humor, and worst of all, feeling dangerously close to being resentful that with an overflowing plate, there was no room to pause and breathe. Acknowledging that being in that particular frame of mind was definitely unhealthy, it was time to practice saying that all-important word and make peace with the decision to do so.

Analyzing how I got to this point, I realized that saying yes to all the things thrown my way came from a place of guilt and not wanting to disappoint people who needed a helping hand. After all, what they were asking was aligned with what I was doing and fueled my sense of purpose. I failed to realize the all-important point that if people value and respect you, they will understand why you may need to decline certain requests.

‘Marites’ in the workplace

BY ELEANOR PINUGU

JUNE 2, 2025

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Irecently had coffee with a friend who heads a business news outlet. He shared how his website crashed after publishing a story about how a famous local celebrity is rumored to be dating the son of a prominent businessman. While he saw the incident as a “good problem” to have, it also felt like a sobering reminder of the power of gossip to draw and hold people’s attention more than any other type of content.

The act of gossiping has existed for centuries as a way for people to build social bonds while exchanging information. In the Philippines, our brand of gossiping culture is best embodied by how the term “Marites” has become a part of the Philippine lexicon. Popularized around 2020, it began as a lighthearted label for someone always “in the know.” It is interesting to note that the term is not necessarily derogatory, but is even seen as a badge of honor that can signal access to social capital or information.

While it often frames gossiping as a form of storytelling and amusement, the normalization of Marites culture carries more serious implications, especially when it spills over into institutional settings like the workplace. For instance, when left unchecked, having a Marites culture in the workplace can significantly affect an employee’s morale and professional growth. When coaching public school teachers, one of the common frustrations I receive from younger employees is that they are afraid to assert themselves and voice out new ideas because they do not want to be the subject of informal scrutiny. It leads to a form of intellectual shaming, wherein people who are perceived to be too ambitious, too eager, or too close to the principal are criticized and talked about. As a result, many teachers said that they just choose to conform rather than deal with all the intrigue and negativity.

Mrs. EURO Philippines Universe 2025 Coronation Night

 A Celebration of Culture, Confidence & Empowerment

By Dalia  Oswald

The stage is set, the crowns are ready, and anticipation is building for one of the most empowering intercultural events of the year — Mrs. Euro-Philippines Universe 2025, happening on June 7 in Van der Valk Hotel Melle-Osnabrück 

More than just a beauty pageant, Mrs. Euro-Philippines Universe is a powerful platform that brings together married women and women of substance from across Europe and the Philippines. With a strong mission of empowerment, cultural pride, and leadership, this prestigious event is affiliated with the globally respected Mrs. Universe Organization.

Founded and directed by Dalia Oswald the event has become a symbol of unity, elegance, and purpose. This year’s pageant promises to showcase extraordinary women who are not only beautiful but also committed to creating positive change in their communities.

Contestants will proudly represent their respective countries and regions, competing in segments such as:

      • Production number & Introduction 

      • Swimsuit competition 

• National Costume / Cultural Wear

• Evening Gown Competition

• Advocacy Presentations

• Question & Answer

Each delegate brings a unique story and a powerful message — from promoting women’s rights, mental health awareness, education, to environmental sustainability. The pageant is a celebration of their strength, resilience, and individuality.

“Mrs. Euro-Philippines Universe is more than a crown — it’s about giving women from all walks of life a voice and a platform to inspire others,” shares Dalia Oswald of Dollglam Production the visionary organizer behind the event.

The winners will not only receive titles and honors but also the opportunity to represent the Euro-Filipino community on the global stage at the Mrs. Universe competition.

Stay tuned for this unforgettable night of beauty, brains, and cultural brilliance on June 7!

For More Information:

• 📍 Event Date: June 7, 2025

• 📌 Location: Van der Valk Hotel Melle-Osnabrück 

• 📱 Facebook: Mrs. Euro-Philippines Universe Page

• 📞 Contact:  +4917674701652

Filipino films leave an impact at the Cannes Film Festival

Creating cinematic milestones between France and the Philippines

By Rica Arevalo

Published May 31, 2025 08:18 am

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing.

Last month, we were at the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival in France to meet film industry professionals from 140 countries, attend conferences, and watch films with passionate cineastes all over the world.

The highlight for us Filipinos was the co-production agreement between the Philippines and France, the world premiere of Lav Diaz’s “Magalhães (Magellan),” starring Gael Garcia Bernal, and the Filipino entry in the short film competition entitled “Agapito,” from directors Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing. Their co-produced films are recognized as national productions in both countries, as well as qualifying for incentives from both the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'ImageAnimée (CNC).

France has been at the forefront of film preservation and heritage, and sees the Philippines as a key partner in co-production collaboration between Europe and Asia.

In the last 25 years, only three short films from the Philippines have been selected in the competition: “Animo” by Raymond Red in 2000, “Imago” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez in 2016, and this year’s “Agapito” by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

At the Philippine Pavilion, we met Arvin, and he shared how his Cannes experience was marred by challenges. “Sa akin sobrang divine intervention (It was divine intervention),” said Arvin. He erroneously got a rejection letter from the organizer stating that his short film did not get in. On the way to Cannes, his luggage was stolen too. “Ginawa lang naming siya to test the actors kasi si Nour (Hooshmand) din ang ‘Ria’ ko (We made this short film to test the actors because Nour is the lead in ‘Ria’),” he confessed. “Ria” is Arvin’s much-awaited full-length directorial debut, which will start filming on June 9, 2025. “It’s just for me to have this relationship at work because it’s a full-length.” They submitted “Agapito” to different festivals. “Dito (Cannes) kami lumanding (We landed in Cannes).”

At the Cannes Premiere section, “Magalhães (Magellan)” was well-applauded at the Debussy Theatre. After the end credits, Lav Diaz said to the crowd, “Thank you very much.” The mic was given to Gael Garcia Bernal, and he replied, “Muitoobrigado (Thank you very much), obrigado, Lav.” There was mutual respect between the two accomplished men.

“Magalhães (Magellan)” follows Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his marriage to Beatriz Barbosa, before traveling on the Spanish crown's expedition to Southeast Asia, propagating Christianity, and scouting for spices and treasures—Lav’s ending questions the existence of Lapu-Lapu based on his seven years of research.

Actor Bong Cabrera, who plays Rajah Kolambuwas, was educated in independent filmmaking by watching the Gael-starrer, “Y tumamá también,”“Amores Perros,” and “Bad Education.” “‘Yung films ni Gael, iyon ‘yung mga first independent films na napapanood ko (Gael’s films were the first independent films I saw,” said Bong. “He’s (Gael) a cool guy, mahilig siya sa karaoke.” The first time they met, they sang Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan.” “Sobrang nakakatawa siya kasi after naming kumanta, sabi ba naman niya (He is so funny, after singing he said), ‘This is sacrilege! Mother, mother I am sick.’”

The Cannes experience for Bong was surreal. “From shooting sa mga mapuputik sa Pilipinas, tapos bigla kasama si Gael, tapos nandito na kami biglang nag walk sa red carpet in Cannes, medyo nakakataba ng puso (From shooting in the muddy areas of the Philippines, being joined by Gael, then walking down the red carpet in Cannes, it’s heartwarming) with all the support from Filipino community.”

For “Magalhães (Magellan),” we hope for Filipinos to see it in local theaters before the year ends. Nour Films acquired the distribution rights of the film in France. “For one, there is this statement in the film that is very controversial,” said Bong. “But I think the purpose of Direk Lav is to create a discourse with what’s going on.”

While at the airport on our way back to Manila, Lav cornered us to say that the film will go on a festival run tour, and he hopes to finish a nine-hour-long director’s cut. We wish him all the best as he is one of the innovators of the slow cinema movement.

BINI marks anniversary with more shows abroad, surprises for Blooms

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 1, 2025 07:49 am

BINI has just concluded a successful month of May and is now diving headfirst into an even more exciting June as they celebrate their 4th anniversary. 

Fans can look forward to a variety of engaging activities and surprises, including new music, thrilling events, collectible merchandise, and, of course, fresh content from the group.

As part of the month-long celebration, fans of Blooms can look forward to eight exciting surprises specially curated for them. Following their global debut, BINI has performed at some of the most sought-after venues around the world. Highlights include their sold-out concert at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on May 18, as well as packed shows at the Ovo Arena in London on May 25, the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto on May 30, and The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 31. More shows are planned for the future.

BINI is the first Filipino girl group to travel from city to city aboard a touring bus to reach BINIverse World Tour’s next 10 legs: The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Washington, DC (June 3); Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont (June 6); 713 Music Hall in Houston (June 9); The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Dallas (June 10); The Theater at Las Vegas Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas (June 13); Peacock Theater in Los Angeles (June 14); The Summit at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula (June 15); Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco (June 17); The Paramount Theatre in Seattle (June 20); and Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center in Vancouver (June 21).

Between rehearsals and shows, the girls are also busy with various guest appearances, interviews, and courtesy calls. Building on the success of their performance video for "Zero Pressure," the girls are preparing to release another hit, “Shagidi,” a special single for their upcoming tour, on June 5. The song originated from a spontaneous round of the game Shagidi Shapopo, quickly transforming into a lively chant and dance session. This fun and upbeat track combines cultural pride with global pop appeal.

Four episodes of BINI’s variety show, BINIversus of Maloi, Gwen, Aiah, and Stacey, are lined up this month. The BINIversus Episode 1: Tanggal Colet Course is also officially out on BINI Official’s YouTube channel, with new episodes premiering every Wednesday at 8 p.m. PHT.

BINI in London

Another first for BINI is the BINIverse and Chorus—a songwriting festival themed “BINI Music for Blooms, by blooms”—which opens the door for aspiring songwriters to become part of BINI’s musical journey.

Mark the date, June 11, for Happy Blooms Day: BINI 4th Anniversary - a celebration of BINI and their avid supporters at the Ayala Trinoma Mall, filled with treats for Blooms who have supported the Nation’s Girl Group since they started. 

The event promises exciting and interactive activities, from the appearance of BINIkada and the staging of Blooms Got You Covered Talent Competition, to more surprises in store. Indeed, it will be a day to remember for the BINI fandom.

After the recognition of BINI Chapter 1 Documentary as a finalist at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards for Best Documentary in the Biography and Profiles Category, fans will be provided VIP seats to be the first ones to see the Bini Docu Chapter 3 at the Happy Blooms Day ahead of its official release on iWant on June 12. 

Produced by iWant and ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, the one-and-a-half-hour documentary captures BINI’s US and Canada tour journey. It highlights the girls’ struggles and their relentless efforts to make a name on the international stage— all while discovering more about themselves along the way. Through this project, BINI continues to expand its reach and connect with an even wider global audience.

BINI in Dubai

Blooms can look forward to even more exciting reveals, including BINI’s newest passion project—BINI Cosmetics, to be officially announced on June 29, a beauty line personally designed and curated by the girls to celebrate self-expression, confidence, and their unbreakable bond with Blooms. 

More than just performers, the BINI members are true beauty enthusiasts. Their love for makeup inspired them to create a line that reflects their styles and personal connection with their supporters, with each product thoughtfully developed by the girls themselves. Rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and self-love, the debut collection will feature five must-have products to watch out for.

An anniversary merchandise line and a special photobook titled "Journey through the Biniverse" will also be unveiled, composed of eight chapters filled with photos of the girls chronicling their journey and growth individually and as a group, as well as unforgettable moments and milestones in their careers—a keepsake for blooms to cherish.

After making waves on the global stage, BINI returns to where it all began—not just to the Philippines, but to the hearts of their day ones, Blooms. Here with You: The BINI Homecoming Fan Meet, slated for June 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena, is a free event and gathering for BINI Global members. 

The homecoming event serves as the culminating activity of BINI’s month-long anniversary celebration, honoring a journey built on gratitude, growth, and the unshakable sisterhood that defines them.

FAMILY AS SACRAMENT

 

Living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, I found out about this. I learned so many things being a part of a Philippine family.  I was born in a parish house in Germany  but experienced years later how to survive in a broken family.

My Philippine mentor, Hermogenes E. Bacareza, former Chaplain of the Philippine community in Berlin and author of German-Philippine Relations,  taught me in 1988: The Christian family is also called to be a sacrament. They are called, like the Church, to be Christ to one another, as well as to the broader community. By becoming what they are called to be, the family lives the sacramental life, and the sacred can bubble up through the ordinary things of everyday life.

What on earth can be more of a sign of God’s grace than the authentic self-giving love of a fully committed married couple whose love for each other brings life and spills out upon their children and with them onto those beyond the family? This, I believe, is the new vision of the Christian family for the 21st century. 

Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom.

Families are central to God's plan for His children. They are the fundamental building block of strong societies. Families are where we can feel love and learn how to love others. Life is tough, and we need people we can lean on.

What's the purpose of family? These bonds are important because family helps us get through the most disastrous times and the best times. Family is important because they can offer support and security coupled with unconditional love; they will always look to see and bring out the best in you even if you cannot see it for yourself.

Since residing in the Philippines, I experienced that family is important to Christians because family is about witnessing to the Lord’s faithful love for the Church and for the whole of humanity; family is about making present, in a concrete and daily manner, the reciprocity and beauty of the love that characterises God’s life. Family is a rich school where we learn to be humane and generous, to be patient and steadfast, to be just and merciful, to be faithful and committed, to be together and to connect.

The concept of the family as a sacrament, while not one of the seven traditional sacraments, is a powerful idea within Christian theology. It highlights the family as a visible sign of God's grace, love, and presence in the world. 

Single parented or mother-father; childless or fertile; in big cities or in the countryside; in harmony or in conflict/domestic violence; in home country or refugees; at peace or at war, married or cohabitating, separated or remarried; healthy or in illness/addiction, free or in prison, in a house or homeless, able or disabled, working locally or away from home, with or without pets; whatever the family… all families are precious in the eyes of God.

In his letter Familiaris Consortio, Saint John Paul II points out that Christian marriage is a sacramental sign that reveals God's love for human beings. The family, then, becomes a “little sanctuary” where divine love and grace are shared between spouses and between parents and children.

Unconditional love

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THERE is no doubt that this is the kind of love that Christ is showing us and is commanding us to also live. “Love one another as I have loved you,” he said. (Jn 13,34) And we know that he went all the way by offering his life on the cross for all our sins, offering us mercy even if we have not yet asked for it.

He not only became a man to identify himself with us all the way to our worst condition. Not only did he proclaim the Good News to us. Not only did he work wonderful miracles that alleviated and continue to alleviate our wounded condition here on earth. 

He had to offer his life in the most ignominious way, not minding the worst injustice that can be committed in this world, since he was completely innocent and sinless and yet was given the worst punishment.

We should meditate often on the passion and death of Christ if only to be inspired as to what real love is, the love that we also are supposed to live also. We know that Christ’s love has a universal scope. It covers everyone, the saintly and the sinful, the friendly and the hostile, the likeable and the hateful, the hero and the villain, etc.

This is, of course, a tremendous, if not an impossible, challenge for us. But we should not waste time agonizing over the thought of how this can be tackled. If we have faith, one that is operative, we know that what is impossible to us can be made possible because Christ himself has assured us of his grace.

We have to realize that this kind of love is first of all supernatural. It is not simply human and natural love, depending only on some natural conditions and forces. And Christ is ever eager to share this kind of love with us. Things would just depend on how receptive and responsive we are to God’s grace.

On our part, we should just try our best to develop the appropriate virtues needed for this kind of love to be lived by us. This will take time, of course. In fact, it will involve our whole life. But we should just go through the discipline required, developing the appropriate requirements gradually and at one step at a time.

This will obviously involve times when we succeed and also times when we fail. But however things go, we should just move on, rectifying and growing in that kind of love. To be sure, we need to be tough. And it would also be helpful if we equip ourselves with a healthy sporting spirit and a good sense of humor. Whether we win or lose in a particular battle of love, we should just go on.

We have to learn how to be understanding and compassionate with everyone, always taking the initiative to reach out to others. We have to learn how to be adaptive to everyone, to be all things to all men as St. Paul once said. (cfr. 1 Cor 9,22)

We have to learn how to give ourselves to everyone without expecting any return, eager to offer mercy to those who may have done us wrong, and to ask for forgiveness once we ourselves can offend others.

There should never be the dregs of whatever resentment and critical thoughts in our hearts. On the contrary, we should always show affection to everyone, irrespective of how they are to us. We should be willing to suffer for others.

RJ shares stage with rising artists on 80th birthday

 

The Philippine Star 

May 31, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s rock n’ roll pioneer and icon, Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, is turning 80 on June 3.

The businessman-musician will mark the occasion with a special birthday show in his Bistro RJ at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati. It features young rising stars in the music industry, who will pay tribute to classic artists.

Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé will be interpreted by 33-year-old Milo Ibrado; Elvis Presley interpreted by 29-year-old young Elvis sensation Bam Angping; Dean Martin interpreted by 18-year-old David Young; Pavarotti and Josh Groban interpreted by 17-year-old Nathan Randal; Karen Carpenter interpreted by 21-year-old Aquila Packing; and Amy Winehouse interpreted by 28-year-old popular influencer Mix Fenix.

RJ will have a duet with each one of the young performers and will do a dance set after the show.

RJ Bistro, the home of rock n’ roll, is going on its 40th year and is the longest-lasting music lounge, featuring live music catering to three generations of rock n’ roll lovers.

In his 65-year journey as a musician, record producer and broadcaster, his pioneering radio station DZRJ’s mission is to discover or give exposure to rising stars. Many became icons of our music industry such as Sampaguita, Juan dela Cruz band, Apo Hiking Society, Florante, Andrew E, Father and Sons and many other rock bands.

DZRJ was founded in his backyard in 1963 with a bunch of third-year college Ateneo de Manila classmates. It revolutionized music by being the first to feature the latest US hits giving first exposure to the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Beachboys and many others.

DZRJ also received two Presidential Awards: the first for being the voice of freedom during 1986 People’s Power Revolution and the other for Edsa 2.

RJ has also made huge contributions by establishing RJ handcrafted guitars in 1988 which is now a leading supplier of guitars for local customers as well as the only Philippine guitar maker that exported to Japan and other parts of the world.

As is its practice through the years, RJ Guitar Center with 10 branches will hold its legendary birthday sale on May 31 and June 1. All items are discounted in all the stores as well as online, Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok with increasing discounts every few hours climaxing in a 50-percent discount on every item in the store from 9 p.m. to mall closing.

For reservations to RJ’s 80th birthday special show, call 0906-2211524 or go to Facebook.com/rj bistro.

I am speechless

 

People use speechless in these cases to show how stunned or moved they were, even though they were probably still capable of speech. "I'm speechless" often really means "I'm shocked!"

If you are speechless, you are temporarily unable to speak, usually because something has shocked you. 

Is speechless positive or negative? Oftentimes, "speechless" has a negative connotation, because of its connection to anger, jealousy, etc. For example, "My mom was speechless when she heard me cuss out my grandmother." In such a sentence, "tongue-tied" wouldn't be appropriate.

Anyway,  sometimes there is no sense in crying, but we feel paralyzed. A good friend of mine told me that a couple of days ago. Words cannot describe it and words fail me, but I wouldn't be a writer, if I couldn't express the right words at the right moment.

After the long talk with my friend, I must confess that, many times, I also felt speechless and paralyzed.

Look at this: follow ups seem to become the new national character. Indifferent people in our surroundings let us feel like that every day. Indifference seems to become one of the varagies in today's new society.

We try to get an appointment, but the other side seems to be very busy - every day of the week! Of course, we don't want to encroach on other people's time. Let's try again tomorrow! How do you feel, if you observe certain employees, who should be in service of the people, instead of reading a magazine, doing private telephone calls, doing (important!) text messages and getting down-right cheeky, if we started uncounted follow ups. Then, suddenly, we have to learn that "the boss is out of town" or so... . GRABE!

Yes, I might fall out of favor with some readers with today's column, but guys, what's the difference between being busy, making a good deal of money out of something and just being indifferent or "not in the mood" to entertain people.

I can tell you frankly: Many people feel paralyzed and experience a terrible loss of power of movement or sensation while dealing with uselessness, if indifference, arrogance and ignorance determine the different situations in our daily life.

If the promise has been given to help or support someone, it shouldn't be broken by endless excuses and terrible stalling tactics. A "YES" is a "YES" and a "NO" should be a "NO" and not "MAYBE", if a promise can't be held understandable and comprehensive.

I don't like to let somebody wait for an answer or during an appointment. I try to look after it or take care of it. If I have been informed that somebody tried to contact me, but missed me, I really do everything to find him or her. What's bad about it? Sorry, I really don't like being late or "remaining silent"... .

How many good ideas and highly appreciated business deals had gone with the wind because of uncomprehending, unsympathetic and unappreciated everyday deals between fellow creatures? Can you get the hang of it?

Yes, sometimes I also feel uncomfortable while observing lost chances. Remember; we don't get anything for nothing in the whole word - sure! But first, we should learn how to keep promises, to help each other, to be honest and to be one of the leaders of national stabilization and consolidation.

relax in the Philippines

 

The priest as agent of unity

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS is the ideal condition for clerics to be in, when controversial issues, especially in the area of politics, are involved. Though they can have their own views and opinions, they should see to it that instead of insisting on their own views and even on their beliefs, they should listen to all parties and try, in a charitable way, to sort things out. Everyone always has a valid point to make even if at the end they can be wrong.

Let’s remember that no error or anything evil can stand on its own. It always has to stand on something true and good that may not be fully appreciated or understood. Everyone should be made to realize that no one has the monopoly of what is true and good. We should try our best not to project ourselves as having that monopoly. Otherwise, we would only cause division among ourselves.

Let’s hope that we can persuade our politicians to go slow on their views and positions regarding certain issues. They should always be open to having courteous dialogues with the different parties involved.

Only God has that monopoly since he is the author of all that is real. And if we study how he handles that monopoly, as shown to us by Christ, who is the fullness of God’s revelation to us, we would know that while he was clear about what is right and wrong, what is good and evil, he was open to all kinds of views and beliefs even as he made clarifications and corrections, sometimes quite strongly, but in the end always with mercy. 

We have to be wary of our tendency to have some kind of exclusivism or monopolistic mentality, which is part of our wounded human condition. This is due mainly to our tendency to use merely human or worldly standards, instead of the sense of unity that comes from God and is what is truly proper to us, children of God as we are.

We also tend to stereotype people, to box them in, practically straitjacketing a person as if that person cannot change for the better. We seldom give others second chances. We end up being stricter than God who always blends his strictness with mercy.

Priests should promote the culture of respectful dialogue in the world of politics. That is truly how they can humanize and Christianize politics, rather than allowing it to go to the dogs where all sorts of uncharitable and unfair means are used just to hold on to some political power.

Here a lot of prudence and discretion are needed. It’s indeed a tall order that should not be used as an excuse to completely be indifferent to the goings-on in the political world. And priests should realize that this is part of their pastoral duty toward the faithful.

It’s about time to apply the brakes on the free-fall toward utter chaos that our politics in general, here and abroad, is clearly heading for. We should avoid at all costs any temptation of bullying just to make our point.

Truth is, politics has to be humanized and Christianized through charity. It just cannot be left alone, fully at the mercy of our passions, brute force and worldly elements. It too can and should be a way to our sanctification. 

Politics ought to be pursued always in charity. It cannot be any other way, since charity is the mother of all virtues and good values. If we want justice, truth and fairness, charity has them all. If we want competence, order, discipline, etc., again charity has them. If we want objectivity, charity has it. Charity covers all our needs.

'Habagat' is back; rainy season may be declared soon — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 30, 2025 05:59 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has confirmed the return of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” as of Friday, May 30.

The weather bureau said this development may lead to the official start of the rainy season within the next two weeks.

“Recent weather analysis over the past several days has shown the persistence of low-level southwesterly winds over the western section of Luzon and the frontal system over extreme Northern Luzon. With the weakening of the easterlies, these developments indicate the beginning of the southwest monsoon (habagat) in the Philippines—one of the precursors of the onset of the rainy season,” PAGASA said in a statement.

The start of the rainy season is declared when the southwest monsoon becomes the dominant wind pattern and at least 25 mm of rain is recorded for five consecutive days in at least seven monitoring stations in western Luzon.

The agency added that as the habagat becomes more dominant, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, especially over the western parts of the country.

It also noted that while the rainy season may be declared soon, periods of “monsoon breaks” or temporary pauses in rainfall activity may still occur.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant as increased rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in the coming weeks.

Why Spirituality Matters in the Digital Age

 

A modern society is defined as a social structure characterized by a market-based economy, a democratic political system, and autonomous knowledge-producing institutions that develop empirical-analytical sciences.

However one looks at this range of dates, a considerable tension between any historical description of a rupture and conceptual understandings of modernity comes immediately to the fore.

The conceptual imagery of a ‘modern society’ characterized by a market-based economy, a democratic polity, and autonomous knowledge-producing institutions developing empirical-analytical sciences sits in an uneasy relation to these historical dates.

Were one to insist that the full set of those institutions needs to exist before a society can be called modern, social modernity would be limited to a relatively small part of the globe during only a part of the twentieth century.

This tension between conceptuality and historicity was resolved by introducing an evolutionary logic in societal development.

Based on the assumption of a societally effective voluntarism of human action, realms of social life were considered to have gradually separated from one another according to social functions.

Religion, politics, the economy, and the arts all emerged as separate spheres in a series of historical breaks—known as the scientific, industrial, democratic revolutions, etc.—that follows a logic of differentiation.

Money is one of the most essential in today’s world.

Money allows us to meet our basic needs: buy food, shelter, and pay for health care.

Meeting these needs is essential, and if we don’t have enough money to do so, our individual happiness and the well-being of the community as a whole will be severely affected.

Why are values important in today’s world?

Our values inform our thoughts, words, and actions.

Every individual and every organization is involved in making hundreds of decisions every day.

The decisions we make are a reflection of our values and beliefs, and they are always directed towards a specific purpose.

Values are the fundamental beliefs that govern our lives.

They inspire how we act and speak.

They guide our decisions about everything from career to personal growth.

They embody the person we want to be, influencing how we treat others and how we interact with the world.

What is the most important thing in the world?

Health—without health, there is nothing worth it.

Physical and mental health go hand in hand; if we don’t give importance to our physical health, it will have consequences for our mental health and vice versa.

Human life is the means to get rid of the cycle of birth and death, old age and travel.

Devotion and liberation are possible in this life.

Only in the human body can a person reach God by knowing His form.

We have forgotten the purpose for which life was given.

It’s important to prioritize making space for quiet, for real connection, and for reflection—both psychological and spiritual—in order to feel more grounded in ourselves and more open to a deeper, richer experience of life beyond the screen.

How Thinking About the Future Makes Life More Meaningful

During these awful and negative minded times all over the world, thinking about the future keeps me not really positive.

Well, mindfulness is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Focusing on the moment can improve our well-being, foster compassion, and help our relationships. What about going beyond the present moment? Yes, thinking about the future can trigger anxiety—but a growing body of research suggests that it can also make our lives more meaningful.

Humans aren’t alone in having some ability to consider the future, a process that scientists call “prospection.” After all, your dog gets excited when they see you holding a leash because they anticipate a walk is imminent; your cat may show similar excitement at the sound of a can being opened. There’s even evidence that some animals—like bonobos and ravens—can choose and save tools that they plan to use in the future.

But prospector's unique benefits to humans extend beyond that of other animals. Not only do we fantasize about our next vacation or decide whether it would be better to take the stairs or the elevator, but our perspective can cast far into the future: We might save for our children’s education or plan for our retirement decades from now. We can make predictions about our own futures based on what we’ve learned about other people’s experiences and even from characters in books and movies. And we can consider multiple directions our futures might take.

It is this remarkable ability to simulate our possible futures that makes prospection special. Just like gold prospecting may literally make you rich, studies suggest that prospecting about your future can enrich your life in at least four ways.

Perhaps one of the most fundamental and important functions of prospection is that it helps us decide how to act: Thinking about what the future likely holds helps us decide what course to take in the here-and-now. Several studies have examined how thinking about the future shapes our decision-making.

Researchers have been particularly interested in the psychology that drives our process of deciding between receiving something now versus receiving something of greater value later. In general, people tend to choose smaller but more immediate rewards over larger rewards that they have to wait for, a phenomenon known as “delay discounting.”

But they don’t always choose short-term rewards over long-run gains. For instance, studies have shown that present-day connection to a possible future event can counteract delay discounting. 

Another study showed that participants who felt closer to their future selves were more willing to wait for a larger reward than those who anticipated changing; the same was true when they were asked to make decisions on behalf of a fictional character who they knew would go through a life-changing event (like a religious conversion or returning home from war).

While interesting in its own right, this research could have important personal ramifications. If people could be made to feel a more immediate connection to their eventual retirement (and consequent drop in income), they may be more motivated to make prudent decisions.

In fact, one experiment found that manipulating how people think about the time until their retirement—in days rather than years—caused them to plan to start saving for retirement sooner, because the shift in time perspective made the participants feel more connected to their future selves. A 2014 study found that viewing realistic computer-generated images of what they may look like in the future decreased their discounting of future rewards and led them to contribute more to a hypothetical retirement account.

Prospection has another important application: It motivates us to achieve our goals. But the relationship here is not a simple one. Work by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen and colleagues shows that whether thinking about the future helps us actually reach our goals depends on how we think about the future.

In fact, research has found that positive thinking about our future can backfire. The more people positively fantasize about successfully reaching their goals, the less effort they actually put into realizing them. For example, in one study, the people who fantasize more about successfully losing weight actually lost less weight. Another study found that students who fantasized about their transition into a professional career were less successful in their job search and students who dreamed more about their crush were less likely to start a relationship with their crush.

Importantly, both of these studies found the opposite effect for having positive expectations (“judging a desired future as likely”). People who expected to lose weight were more likely to actually lose weight; students who expected they would find a job were more likely to actually land one; and students who expected to enter a relationship with their crush were more likely to actually do so.

It makes sense that having positive expectations—optimism, essentially—could increase our ability to achieve our goals, but why might fantasizing about the future actually decrease the chance of achieving what we want? Because, write Oettingen and Klaus Michel Reininger, positive fantasies “lead people to mentally enjoy the desired future in the here and now, and thus curb investment and future success.”

But often our goals come from our fantasies. We want to excel at work, find Mr. or Mrs. Right, or run a marathon. How do we turn these fantasies into behaviors that can help us reach our goals? Research suggests that while optimism is important, it is also helpful to draw a contrast between our fantasies and our current reality, which allows us to see barriers that must be overcome.

Results from a later study suggest that the effectiveness of mental contrasting is due to “energization”—meaning that, when people have high expectations for succeeding at something, considering what might impede their goals gives them energy to try to overcome those barriers. In other words, it helps to stress yourself out a little bit.

Mental contrasting, particularly when used in conjunction with “implementation intentions”—making plans to help move past potential barriers—has been shown to help people reach their goals. To describe this process, Oettingen and colleagues use the acronym WOOP : Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. In studies, WOOP-type interventions have helped people break a bad snacking habit, get more exercise, and improve academic performance.

Thus, research suggests that thinking about the future can motivate us to take the steps necessary to reach our goals—but only if we take obstacles into account.

Discover the four stages of change. Find out how to set up the right environment for changing your habits.

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Besides helping us make decisions and reach our goals, there is evidence that prospection may improve psychological health more generally. It might even help people who are struggling with depression and those recovering from trauma.

Indeed, some researchers pose a link between poor prospection and certain psychological disorders such as depression.

“We see faulty prospection as a core underlying process that drives depression,” write psychologists Martin Seligman and Anne Marie Roepke in the book Homo Prospectus. In particular, they note that people with depression imagine possible futures that are more negative than people without depression. Moreover, people with depression tend to overestimate risk and to have more pessimistic beliefs about the future.

One way to engage in anticipatory savoring, suggested by Roepke and Seligman in a recent review article, is to modify the “three good things” gratitude exercise. Instead of writing three good things that happened today, you can write three good things you anticipate happening tomorrow and what you can do to make it more likely that those things actually happen. For people who are struggling, they suggest also writing down three methods that could be used to mitigate disappointment if the good things do not actually happen. These could include coping strategies (exercise, reaching out to a friend, etc.) or alternative strategies to making the good thing happen (e.g., if a friend canceled lunch, you could suggest lunch next week).

While there’s a lot left for researchers to discover about prospection, you don’t need to wait for their published studies. You can try your own experiments right now, to see if prospection helps you to live a more generous, happier, and more meaningful life.

Live for the moment

 Live for the moment 

That means: SLOW DOWN! You/we are trying to make too many decisions NOW about which we don’t have enough information yet to make a good decision, and too many of these decisions are dependent on things which haven’t actually happened yet – and may never happen at all.

Let’s take a deep breath and step back a bit, and consider what MUST be done now, and what DOES NOT HAVE TO be done now (no matter how urgently we may WANT to do it).

Take it ‘one day at a time’: make decisions today, on what should be done TODAY. The things we are worrying about may never happen at all – and if they do, we will decide THEN.

Slow down.

Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what’s happening now and living for today. Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, but it also robs you of truly living.

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” One of the best, unforeseen consequences of simplifying our lives is it has allowed us to begin living our lives in the present moment.

Eliminating non essential possessions has freed us from many of the emotions associated with past lives that were keeping us stuck. And clearing our home has allowed us the freedom to shape our lives today around our most important values.

Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, but it also robs you of truly living. The only important moment is the present moment. With that goal in mind, consider this list of ten tips below on how to live in the moment.

Remove unneeded possessions: Minimalism forces you to live in the present. Removing items associated with past memories frees you and allows you to stop living in the past. Once the past no longer has power, you can begin to live in the moment.

Smile: Each day is full of endless possibilities! Start it with a smile. You are in control of your attitude every morning, keep it optimistic and expectant. Be intentional about it and you’ll find yourself doing it every day without even realizing it.

Fully appreciate the moments of today: Soak in as much of today as you possibly can – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow. These are in our daily lives but we often forget to take them in and truly appreciate them.

Forgive past hurts: If you are harboring resentment towards another human being because of past hurts, choose to forgive and move on. The harm was their fault, but allowing it to impact your mood today is yours. Let go and choose to be present in the moment instead. That was one of the most difficult points for me.

Love your job: If you just “survive” the workweek constantly waiting for the next weekend “to get here,” you are wasting 71% of your life (5/7 days.) There are two solutions: find a new job that you actually enjoy, or find something that you appreciate about your current career. By the way, I love my jobs until now at the age of 71.

Dream about the future, but work hard today: Dream big. Set goals and plans for the future. But working hard today is always the first step towards realizing your dreams tomorrow. Don’t allow dreaming about tomorrow to replace living in the moment. Dreaming about the future is only productive when combined with action taken today.

Don’t dwell on past accomplishments: If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today. There is still plenty of time to build upon past successes and create more memories and achievements for the future-you. In the future, you’ll be cherishing the memories of today.

Stop worrying: You can’t fully appreciate today if you worry too much about tomorrow. Realize that tomorrow is going to happen whether you worry about it or not. And since worry has never accomplished anything for anybody, redirect your mental energy elsewhere.

Think beyond old solutions to problems: Our world is changing so fast that most of yesterday’s solutions are no longer the right answers today. Don’t get locked into a “but that’s how we’ve always done it” mentality. Yesterday’s solutions are not today’s solutions and they are certainly not tomorrow’s solutions.

Conquer addictions: Addictions in your life hold you hostage. They keep you from living a completely free life and remove your focus from the moment. Find some help. Take the steps. And remove their influence over your life. Allow yourself to live in the moment addiction-free.

Learning how to live in the present moment is an essential ingredient in a happy life.

If you can only live one moment at a time, you might as well make it the present.

Living in the Philippines with my family for more than 28 years, I learned everything here. That’s why I feel at home. And ONLY in the Philippines!