Never rely too much on anyone in this world

 Never rely too much on anyone in this world — because even your own shadow can leave you when you’re in darkness. And your own shadow vanishes when in the dark. This says to us that we have to come to stand alone, to learn how to be strong for ourselves. There is nothing wrong with loving and trusting and depending on others, but don’t forget to build a strong relationship with yourself. In the end, the first person you owe it to is yourself, because the only person who will be with you at every turn, through bright lights and dark shadows, is you. Keep going my love, stay rooted, trust the journey is yours.

Neena Gupta.

ⓒ Love Is An Emotion of Strong Affection

From beauty queen to recording artist: Michelle Dee drops Pride-themed music video for Reyna

 

Photo from Michelle Dee’s Facebook page and courtesy of ABS-CBN PR

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

From the world of pageantry to now music, Michelle Dee admits that she has always imagined herself recording a song someday. After all, she was active in school theater and a member of a Glee Club when she was in high school.

As an ode to the LGBTQIA+ community, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Sparkle artist Michelle Dee has just dropped a Pride version of the music video for her debut single Reyna, in celebration of Pride Month this June.

The track, a collaborative project between ABS-CBN Music and GMA, was released last March under Star Music.

She rendered a vibrant, surprise performance of the song during the music video launch that took place recently at the Dolphy Theatre in ABS-CBN Studios.

“When we came together to create a song, our objective was really, really straight. It’s clear. This is for every single queen — whether you’re a woman, man, or anything in between. It’s for you to find your strength, to be who you are, and this is just a product of so many people being able to relate to that,” she shared at a mediacon that followed.

Michelle talked about how close the LGBTQIA+ community is to her heart. As she elaborated, “I only came out, I think, around 2023 after I won Miss Universe Philippines. But even before then, I was a loud and proud ally of the LGBT community. I really credit my mom (Melanie Marquez), because ganun ako mag-isip. Bata pa lang ako, she’s so vocal about her love for the gay community, for the whole community.”

In a magazine interview, she identified herself as bisexual.

A scene from the Pride version music video for her debut single Reyna as part of the Pride Month celebration. The track is a collaborative project between ABS-CBN Music and GMA.

“But if you remember, I was the most-bashed Miss Universe Philippines queen. And it was because they were trying to take that against me — my identity against me. And when I came out, I finally mustered up the strength to come out because I didn’t want to come out in competition.”

It could be recalled that the beauty queen’s pageant advocacy was about autism awareness and not the LGBTQIA+ community. “And I just knew, knowing the pageant community, that if I came out in competition, everything else that I was fighting for might have been clouded. But everything happens for a reason because when I came out after, grabe talaga yung reception and how it really turned the table for me — my confidence and the kind of love I received through the community.”

Resembling a Barbie doll, Michelle’s new music video conveyed the sentiments of the ditty, melded with her sparkling performance and a colorful display of costumes. Her mom appeared in the video, as well as her pet dog — before she got bitten in the face.

“Nakakaawa kasi bina-bash na siya ng maraming tao. Hindi naman niya sinasadya,” she commented, referring to her pet.

Nonetheless, Michelle described her experience filming the music video as something “fun, light and empowering.”

“And it just means a lot. And hopefully, it resonates with a lot of people. It’s really meant to celebrate the song and all of it,” she added.

“It such an amazing time to celebrate your pride and to celebrate who you are. And it’s more than just being out. It’s about loving your own and everybody around you.”

From the world of pageantry to music, the other side of Michelle as a recording artist was something she had imagined way back. She was active in school theater and a member of a Glee Club when she was a freshman in high school.

Michelle renders a vibrant, surprise performance of the song during the music video launch at the Dolphy Theatre in ABS-CBN Studios.

“It’s just that na-highlight lang talaga yung pagiging adrenaline junkie ko and being part of a varsity. And of course, when I started my career, I started with acting and of course (pageants). You’re not fighting for yourself in your career — you’re fighting for the country. It’s not a selfish battle, it’s a battle for the country.”

After her Miss Universe stint, she felt like “it was the right time to finally expose a side of me that I’ve been itching to do,” which is performing music.

So can fans expect more songs from Michelle after Reyna? “Actually, hindi po, ito lang po ang only kanta ko. Charot!” she quipped. “Of course, marami pa pong aabangan.”

She is actually prepping for the launch of her full album. “It’s just a matter of releasing it at the right time. Marami pa po kayong aabangan. A lot of genres. I’m actually very, very excited for songs that we’re going to release — some anthemic, also taking inspiration from a lot of my idols that matter to me. Of course, this is dedicated especially to all of you, to everyone who helped me on my journey. Tuloy-tuloy po ‘yan ‘cause music is forever.”

Queried about her thoughts on the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) bill, she said, “It starts the right conversations, even if it doesn’t get passed now. I believe that eventually, when the political landscape is better or if it’s more accepting, then who knows? But it’s important because it voices out what we need — what is important for us. It acknowledges every single person that doesn’t feel heard and what they feel like they deserve as well.

“And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with acknowledging every sector. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with starting that conversation and asking yourself, ‘Why can’t we, or why shouldn’t we?’ You have to see it from both ends of the spectrum, both sides of the coin. But at the end of the day, naniniwala naman ako na we’ll get there.”

SOME HARD FACTS ABOUT THE WORKPLACE

1. Your boss is not your friend. Regardless of how close you both are, learn to set PROFESSIONAL boundaries.

2. Walls have ears. Be careful who you confide in at work. A listening ear could also be a flippant mouth.

3. Your employer is now concerned about RESULTS. How you get the JOB done is up to you. No excuses.

4. There is always that one person/ group of persons feeding the boss with happenings in the office. Some employees brief go beyond the official ( except in work cultures where such act is expressly frowned upon). Be guided.

5. When you get withdrawn from PROJECTS or someone is asked to understudy you or you get demoted without cogent reason(s), that may be a cue you'd soon be shown the exit door.

6. As much as you can, keep your private life away from COLLEAGUES. You might be under INVESTIGATION for achieving some personal great feat without you even knowing.

7. Somebody your colleagues may not even like you, it could be the way you LOOK, DRESS, SPEAK, your capabilities, accomplishments at work, your aura or for some weird reasons and that is fine. Everybody cannot like you, so accept that.

8. Pay attention to body language, tone, pitch and pace of voice from your team members, colleagues or your boss. They may provide important cues to what isn't expressly said. Studies have shown that emotions,likes and dislikes are communicated via 38% para- verbal and 55% non verbal. Only 7% are communicated via verbal communication.

9. There will always be that " exceptional colleague" who gets the job done, gets the recognition and praises. Don't let that feeling of DISDAIN or inadequacy set in. See what that person is doing differently, how they do it and learn. You'll become a better person. Be open to LEARNING.

10. While the workplace should foster POSITIVE VALUABLE RELATIONSHIPS, your primary aim is to get the job done and go home. Don't forget that.

Rafa Nadal praises Alex Eala after historic WTA final finish in Eastbourne

 

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines with the runners up trophy after the Women's singles Final during day six of the Eastbourne Open at Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club, Eastbourne, England, Saturday June 28, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Jun 29, 2025 01:04 pm

At A Glance

Alex Eala received one of the biggest pats on the back from none other than tennis legend Rafael Nadal following her runner-up finish at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in Great Britain last Saturday, June 28.

Alex Eala received one of the biggest pats on the back from none other than tennis legend Rafael Nadal following her runner-up finish at the Lexus Eastbourne Open in Great Britain last Saturday, June 28.

“The first of many finals, @AlexEala05!” wrote the retired former world No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion on X (formerly Twitter). The post was accompanied by a video of Eala’s emotional post-match speech at center court.

Before that message, the 39-year-old Spaniard had already praised Eala’s milestone achievement—becoming the first Filipina to reach a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour final.

Eala is a proud alumna of the Rafa Nadal Academy (RNA) in Mallorca, Spain, where her current coaches are also based.

The 20-year-old rising star is now looking to regroup and quickly return to the drawing board as she prepares for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships this week. She came heartbreakingly close to capturing her maiden WTA Tour title but fell just short in a thrilling final against Australia’s Maya Joint, losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-7 (10).

“It’s only the first, so I’ll definitely work hard to do more,” said an emotional Eala in her post-match interview.
“Wimbledon is next week, so hopefully I’ll forget about this match soon,” she added with a light laugh.

Eala is expected to bring the experience and lessons from this breakthrough performance into her Wimbledon campaign.

She’ll need all of it, as she is set to face a tough opening-round opponent in defending champion Barbora Krejcikova on Tuesday, July 1 (Philippine time).

Krejcikova, from the Czech Republic, is a former world No. 1 in women’s doubles and the 2021 French Open singles champion. She is also a multiple Grand Slam winner in both women’s and mixed doubles.

For Eala, this will mark only her second main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam. Last year, she narrowly missed a spot in the Wimbledon main draw after losing in the third round of qualifying to New Zealand’s Lulu Sun.

Much has changed since then. Eala has broken into the WTA Top 60, reaching a career-high No. 56 following her impressive run in Eastbourne.

“It’s been a crazy year. I’ll remember this week,” said Eala, who also showed grace in defeat.
“I want to congratulate Maya for a great match and a great tournament. I think you did really well, and if I was to lose to anyone this week, it would definitely be to you,” she added.

Bridges to better lives

 

By Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, PhD

Published Jun 30, 2025 12:05 am

FROM THE MARGINS

As graduation season sweeps across the country, thousands of young Filipinos are stepping off the stage and into a world filled with hope, uncertainty, and possibility. Some are chasing dreams in the cities. Others are weighing offers or waiting for doors to open. But for those seeking not just a job — but a purpose — there is a quiet but powerful path worth considering: the world of inclusive finance.

Across the Philippines, ordinary individuals are doing extraordinary work — connecting with rural communities, helping families rise from poverty, and empowering women to build livelihoods. They are microfinance workers — people like Sheila, Khristian, Ricson, and Jaya, whose journeys remind us of everyone’s potential to change people’s lives.

A leap of faith

At 33, Sheila Mae Jolero of Bacolod City never imagined she’d find purpose in her job. After bouncing between short-term cashier jobs, she was invited by her cousin to apply at Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), where she began her journey as a loan officer in 2012.

From riding horses to reach far-flung areas, to conducting meetings in dialects she barely understood, Sheila embraced the unfamiliar. What inspired her most were the clients themselves: women in remote areas who never missed a payment, despite life’s challenges. “They’re more responsible, more committed—even if they live at the edge of the mountains,” she shares.

Thirteen years later, Sheila has not only built a stable career, but also her own small business. “I’m so blessed,” she says. “This job gave me the chance to help others and grow myself.”

Coming home to serve

After working in Laguna for years, Khristian Lajo longed for home and returned to La Carlota, Negros Occidental. In 2016, he became a Loan Officer at NWTF, driven by the idea of serving his own community.

The job wasn’t easy. One of his earliest challenges was dealing with a client who fled with a loan. “The threats scared me,” he admits. “But I chose to stay.”

Khristian patiently explained the program to skeptical families and stood firm through difficult days. What made it worth it were clients who treated him like family. “Some of them were like mothers to me,” says Khristian, who lost his own. “When I help them, it brings joy to my heart. This job gives me a new chance to lift someone up.”

Braving the waters

In Bantayan Island, Cebu, Ricson Sombreno’s work with CARD for over a decade has taken him across seas—literally. He takes pump boats to other islands, sometimes through stormy weather and towering waves, just to reach members. “There are days when the waves are bigger than the boat,” he recalls. “It’s scary, but we go, because someone is waiting.”

Despite accidents, exhaustion, and separation from family, Ricson stays grounded. He tailors loans carefully, encourages struggling clients, and offers counsel when needed. For him, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about restoring dignity.

“To work here, you need humility, sacrifice, and prayer,” Ricson says. “We’re instruments of change. If we don’t go to them, who will?”

From client’s daughter to leader

At just 18 years old, Jaya Dela Cruz began her career with ASHI, a microfinance institution where her mother was a member. Starting as a Development Officer, she worked tirelessly—walking through floods and late nights—to ensure payments were collected and that the mothers she served understood the value of their membership.

Now an Accounts Officer managing three Development Officers, Jaya balances paperwork and fieldwork. She validates member applications and trains new aspirants to uphold the institution’s mission.

“I’m a product of ASHI,” she says. “I came from hardship, and seeing others like me improve keeps my passion alive. This isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. We really care for our clients, who are mostly mothers.”

Jaya’s dedication was recognized when she received an award as Outstanding Accounts Officer. Even now, she pursues leadership skills to better serve her team and community.

Why this work matters

From mountain barangays to coastal islands, microfinance workers do not just deliver loans — they deliver hope. They do not just process applications — they build trust, walk with empathy, and stay long after office hours to help someone believe again in their potential.

Their work shows that inclusive finance is not just about numbers — it’s about dignity, compassion, and hope.

An invitation to new graduates

To the graduates donning caps and gowns this season: consider the road less traveled.

A career in microfinance or financial inclusion may not be glamorous—but it is meaningful. It offers a front-row seat to real impact, a chance to help communities rise, and a deeply fulfilling way to serve the country. Whether in a fishing village, upland farm, or coastal barangay, you can be a bridge to better lives.

If you're looking for work that matters—this is your invitation.

* * *

“Don’t just follow a career, build a life that matters.”

(Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip is a poverty eradication advocate. He is the founder of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually-Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of 23 organizations that provide social development services to eight million economically-disadvantaged Filipinos and insure more than 27 million nationwide.)

Neck-deep flood hits Navotas due to high tide, broken river wall

 A 2.1-meter high tide and a broken river wall caused floodwaters to rise to neck level in Barangay San Jose, Navotas City on Saturday, June 28.

By Richielyn Canlas

Published Jun 28, 2025 03:19 pm

The Navotas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) immediately launched rescue operations to evacuate affected families, with support from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Navotas, Navotas police, fire volunteers, and boy scouts.

As of 2 p.m., the local government reported that M. Naval Street in front of Navotas City Hospital was not passable to small vehicles due to high floodwaters.

Motorcycles, e-bikes, tricycles, and other light vehicles coming from C4 toward Tangos were being rerouted to turn left at A. Santiago Street, where temporary counterflow was allowed.

As of 3:30 p.m., the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) reported that 14 families were evacuated to Navotas Elementary School-1, while two families were temporarily sheltered at the Barangay Hall.

What languages are spoken in surprising places?

 

John Knettle

 · 

Geography teacher

There are German speaking Mennonites in Paraguay’s Chaco (“Green Hell”) region. Their main city is Filadelfia.

There are still Basque speakers in parts of Nevada. They were adept at the lonely profession of sheepherding, so many settled here and some other parts of the west. We had a nearby Basque restaurant in my area of California’s Central Valley when I first moved here.

Main area of Basque communities in the United States.

The dominant language of South Tyrol is a German dialect.

Honorable mention: While the attempt to set up a society to preserve Welsh language in Patagonia failed, there are still distinctive Welsh place names as remnants.

Splendid Isolation

 

From the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English in splendid isolation used to emphasize that something is not with other things The house sits in splendid isolation on top of a steep hill.

"Splendid Isolation" refers to a British foreign policy of the late 19th century, particularly during the Conservative governments of Lord Salisbury, where Britain aimed to remain aloof from the traditional European balance of power system, focusing instead on its global empire. This policy involved avoiding permanent alliances and entangling commitments in European affairs, while still maintaining a strong naval presence and protecting its imperial interests. The policy was ultimately abandoned due to the rise of Germany and the need for allies to safeguard Britain's position. 

Social anxiety is the single most common psychological problem according to innumerable survey results worldwide. The magnificent, gorgeous and excellent isolation, resulting from being nervous when meeting people is really the opposite. The state of being isolated reminds me of being in a hospital with an infectious disease.

Does the project of giving a speech or going to a social gathering give you the willies?

Relax, there are always ways and solutions to help you by teaching you "never to be nervous again".

During the last weeks, I experienced several situations meeting new people, asking questions, replying to questions and delivering speeches.

I have always been the most silent pupil in elementary and high school. I was ashamed even to talk to or with my teachers. Several terrible school records have been the result. But, I wanted to become a journalist. I am still one. And, I am teaching in Davao at the University of Southeastern Philippines, as some of you might know already.

During college times and while writing my first articles, I learned from my first boss, a daily news publisher, to avoid being nervous while meeting people. I was always prepared. Preparation for any communicating situation is a must. I have been invited to many parties and gatherings. I always asked for the guest list. I scanned all the newspapers and browsed the net.

"In your opinion, who..." or "What do you think of....?" kept the momentum going. That was sometime during the 1960's. Since that time I was just very lucky to always meet the right people at the right time and place, which kept on teaching me how to avoid splendid isolation. Whether you're delivering a speech, approaching your boss, or joining an important social occasion, do your homework first.

The most polished, smoothly delivered and spontaneous sounding talks are the result of many hours of work and years long experiences. The memorable one-liners and moving phrases that went down in history didn't come from the last minute bursts of inspiration.

I also learned from Harvard University historian Richard Marius, "that good writing is a kind of wrestling with thought". Or, as New York Times columnist William Safire expressed before: "To communicate, put your thoughts in order, give them a purpose, use them to persuade, to instruct, to discover, to seduce!"

Let's not forget that everyone has something to be proud of, and that everyone enjoys talking about it. But, you have to make it happen!

Uncommon Sense

 

"Uncommon sense" refers to ideas, insights, or perspectives that deviate from what is widely accepted or considered "common sense." It often involves challenging conventional wisdom and thinking outside the box. This can be applied to various fields, from marketing to teaching, and even to the way we perceive the natural world.

As I ponder the back and forth and up and down in my surroundings and the whole world, a book from my library falls into my hand: Peter Cochrane's Uncommon Sense with the subtitle Out of the box thinking for an in the box world.

"Peter Cochrane is one of our most far-sighted visionaries, and brings brilliant clarity and focus to our understanding of ourselves and our technologies, and of how profoundly each is transforming the other." describes Douglas Adams, author of  The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

In Uncommon Sense, Peter Cochrane's follow up to the radical 108 Tips for Time Traveller.  Peter explains how very simple analysis allows the prediction of such debacles as the 3G auction and the subsequent collapse of an industry, whilst simple-minded thinking is dangerous in the context of a world that is predominantly chaotic and out of control.

People balked when Peter suggested a wholesale move to eWorking, the rise of email and text messaging, and the dotcom regime mirroring the boom and bust cycle of the industrial revolution. His predictions of the use and growth of mobile devices and communication, or use of chip implants for humans to replace ID cards, passports, and medical records, or iris scanners and fingerprint readers - were all seen as unlikely. Today they are a reality.

Ours is an age when optimism about politics is hard to come by. Ian Shapiro explains why this is so and, without minimizing the daunting challenges, spells out an appropriate response. Written in the indomitable spirit exemplified by Tom Paine, Uncommon Sense is a rich source of insight and inspiration in dark political times.

 

The Enlightenment commitments to reason and science are under assault from the Postmodern Left and the Authoritarian Right. Shapiro explains why the attacks are misguided and politically destructive. He agrees with the critics that there are no universal principles of justice that transcend political battles and no fair, impartial rules to govern the distribution of income, wealth, rights, or opportunities. But abandoning the search for them as futile does not mean junking the Enlightenment’s core political goal: to deploy the tools of reason and science to fight domination.

 

Democracy is essential to vindicating that goal, yet citizens in many democracies are profoundly alienated and many democracies are in danger of failing. Shapiro explains what has gone wrong, debunks ill-considered remedies, and spells out better ones—deepening and extending his previous writing on political theory and democratic politics.

I don't know how you feel nowadays, my dear readers. As christian the bible -and here especially Proverbs help me a lot. As I mentioned in one of my previous write ups, Proverbs is probably the most down-to-earth book in the bible. Its education prepares you for the street and the market place - somehow out of the box thinking for an in the box world, too.

Proverbs offers the warm advice you get by growing up in a good family and for successfully making your way in the world. It covers small questions as well as large ones: talking too much, visiting friends and neighbors too often or being unbearably cheerful too early  in the morning. Proverbs simply tell how life works most of the time.

People, and count me in, love to quote Proverbs, which often express the truth about life in an elegant, witty kernel. You'll find more humor in Proverbs than anywhere else in the bible. And humor often seems to have passed in this day and age.

Road Safety Action Plan: It should be a promise, not just a document

Published Jun 28, 2025 12:05 am

The launch of the Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (MMRSAP) 2024–2028 marks a turning point in how our cities respond to the worsening road crash crisis. Introduced during the Metro Manila Road Safety Summit 2025 held Thursday, the MMRSAP is a comprehensive, locally driven, and data-informed roadmap for reducing road traffic injuries and deaths.

The timing of this action plan could not be more urgent. In recent weeks alone, disturbing road crashes have made headlines and gone viral. Just two days ago, a dump truck reportedly lost its brakes, resulting in a 10-vehicle collision that injured nine people along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo. Earlier this month, a senior high school graduate —reportedly intoxicated—crashed into another vehicle in Tagaytay, killing three people, including a pregnant woman.

These are not isolated events. From 2013 to 2023, the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) recorded over one million road crashes in the region. On average, 445 people have been killed by road accidents every year, with thousands more injured. According to MMDA data, Metro Manila logs nearly 93,000 crashes per year—numbers that represent real people, real losses, and real tragedies that ripple across families and communities.

Recognizing the need for urgent, coordinated action, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in partnership with all 17 Metro Manila local government units, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Department of Transportation, developed the MMRSAP. Its goal is ambitious yet necessary — a 35 percent reduction in road fatalities by 2028.

The MMRSAP revolves around five key pillars: One, road safety management to improve governance, leadership, and coordination across sectors. Two, safer roads that will be created by road design, signage, lighting, and infrastructure upgrades to prevent accidents. Three, safer vehicles through stricter inspections and regulations to ensure that vehicles meet safety standards. Four, safer road users through education, law enforcement, and behavior change. And five, post-crash response enhanced by emergency care, data systems, and support for victims and families.

The action plan is not a stand-alone effort. It aligns with the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023–2028 and supports President Marcos’ broader socio-economic agenda, which emphasizes the safety and well-being of all Filipinos.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes acknowledged the depth of the challenge, citing reckless driving, distracted motorists, and “kamote” behavior as daily dangers on the road. But he also stressed a collective duty: “Each loss is not just a number. They represent real people whose lives we vow to protect. We owe it to our people to act now.”

Beyond the plan itself, Metro Manila has rolled out support programs, including the Motorcycle Riding Academy, Children’s Road Safety Park, traffic infrastructure improvements, solar-powered streetlights, and specialized training for traffic enforcers. These must be strengthened further.

However, even the best-designed plan will fail without strong implementation. Road safety depends on the synergy of the “three E’s” — Education, Engineering, and Enforcement. All stakeholders—drivers, commuters, policymakers, private sector partners—must commit to sustained effort and accountability.

The MMRSAP is not just a document; it should be a promise. It must not gather dust. It must be revisited, refined, and realized with urgency and seriousness.

Let the names of those lost in past crashes be our reason to stay vigilant. Let every accident avoided be proof that we are doing better. Road safety is not a luxury. It is a right—and it is time we treat it as such.

FASHION PULIS: Mr. Romantico

By Mike Lim

Published Jun 28, 2025 11:54 am

Mr. Romantico (MR) falls in love deeply but his response to a breakup is even deeper.

When Mr. Romantico (MR) revealed he was falling in love with his Love Interest (LI), friends and fans were delighted. They very well know that when MR falls for someone, it is often quite serious. MR was always proud of his target and it is no different this time, with him subjecting LI to accolades.

Their social media posts showed how much MR and LI were in love as manifested in their feed.

LI reciprocated the gestures of MR, making followers happy, expectant they’d be each other’s forever.

Several months after the confirmation of their relationship, the grapevine claimed MR and LI have allegedly broken up. Neither party said anything.

During their time together, LI had become a subject of a malicious rumor. However, no one dared to claim such with ample unimpeachable proof.

MR and LI didn’t bother to react to the same. The rumor died down and their followers assumed all was fine. Besides, MR had steady projects and there was no indication that he was bothered about it.

Then someone noticed MR was no longer wearing a valuable item that LI gave him as a gift. It was then that his fans and friends started to worry.

Their concern had basis as they knew MR could be all-too transparent with his emotions following heartbreak. MR falls in love deeply but his response to a breakup is deeper.

‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ —Winston Churchill

Healthier option

Intrigues will not stop hounding Non-showbiz Personality (NP).

A celebrity in his own right, NP has tons of captive fans. He excelled in his field after all, and many admire him for it.

However, even as he tried to live a private life, social media denizens are relentless in finding and exposing his dirty linen – among them a failed relationship that became a focal point at a certain time in his career.

Nonetheless, NP was able to move on from the debacle eventually finding love in the arms of Female Celebrity (FC), a hard worker who takes pride in finding success through sheer determination.

FC wanted to give her family a good life without relying on anyone else, subsequently making her dreams a reality.

FC had several heartbreaks prior but when NP came along, her heart slowly healed. It was as if the two were destined to be together for good.

Now, a nasty claim against NP has surfaced. Allegedly, he chooses a partner based on the material comforts he stands to acquire from the union.

Though he has his own career to speak of, being with FC is seen by most as part of NP’s effort to have a dependable financial wall to fall back on.

Well, NP could simply be practical in life as in love.

‘Your mindset matters. It affects everything - from the business and investment decisions you make, to the way you raise your children, to your stress levels and overall well-being.’ — Peter Diamandis

Thank you very much for loving www.fashionpulis.com. Till next Sunday...

14 UNSPOKEN RULES

 

Be kind With your Mind (psychology)

 ·

Posted by 

Ali Nawaz

 

Jun 15

14 UNSPOKEN RULES

1. Don't ask someone their salary, age, or weight.

2. Let people exit before you

3. Return what you borrow in enter. the same condition.

4. Don't interrupt when someone is speaking.

5. Don't use speakerphone in public.

6. Respect personal space-physical and emotional.

7. If someone is wearing headphones, they don't want to talk.

8. Don't show up empty-handed to someone's home.

9. Don't ask couples when they're having kids.

10. Say "thank you" even for small gestures.

11. Keep your phone away during meals.

12. Don't make fun of someone's appearance.

13. Don't stare-it's rude.

14. Respect the "Do Not Disturb" sign-literally and figuratively.

Thanks for Reading and Following

Rising star Jess Martinez recalls the first day of taping for TV series: 'Nanginginig ako nun'

 

Jess Martinez (Images courtesy of Instagram)

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 27, 2025 03:57 pm

Everything is looking up for rising star Jess Martinez, who has shifted her focus from being a social media influencer to pursuing a career in acting.

After spending some time concentrating on TikTok, Jess seems to have discovered what truly brings her joy and fulfillment.

'I'm not testing the waters. I want to go full-time now. I love showbiz,' said Jess during an interview in Boro, Quezon City recently. Portraying different characters allows her to showcase her talent.

'I'm not in showbiz for fame, but what I like about it is that I get to express my emotions. I love acting because it allows me to showcase my diverse personalities. Being an influencer is routine-based. However, in show business, I get to portray different characters,' she said.

Her love for acting started when she started watching TV series. It was then that she told herself she wanted to try showbiz.

'My family is in business. It is my personal decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. When I watched different series like Marimar, I told myself I want to be a star one day, or be seen on television,' said Jess.

Jess currently appears in the Kapuso series 'Sanggang Dikit' starring Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado. But her first acting gig was for the popular afternoon series 'Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.' Then she also guested in Regal Studios and Pepito Manaloto. 'Memorable ang 'Abot-Kamay' dahil four weeks ako roon. Whenever I have scenes with Wilma Doesnt, who is my Tita there, she helps me out.'

She excitedly recalls her first taping day with versatile actress Carmina Villaroel. 'My first taping day ever was a scene with Carmina Villaroel. Nanginginig talaga ako nun. Isa lang ang line ko noon pero kabado talaga ako. Natutunan ko talaga dapat mabilis ka sa catch up and meron kang presence of mind kasi minsan kung may binigay sa'yo na script, hindi assurance na yun na talaga ang sasabihin mo. Pwede siyang tanggalin or baguhin. Dapat, you have to be in the moment. You have to be fast. (My first taping day ever was a scene with Carmina Villaroel. I was nervous then. I only had one line then, but I was nervous. I learned that you have to be quick to catch up and have presence of mind, because sometimes, even if you are given a script, it doesn't guarantee that you will say it. It can be removed or changed. You have to be in the moment),' said Jess. 

Having a recurring role as a policewoman in 'Sanggang Dikit,' Jess said she feels comfortable working on the set of the new series.

'Super bait nila Jennlyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo. I'm comfortable with them because we had workshops before the taping. In that training, nakabulo na kami ng friendship. (Jennlyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo are super nice. I was comfortable with them because we had workshops before the taping. In that training, we have developed a friendship.)'

Before acting, Jess was heavily immersed in social media, particularly in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. 'Through TikTok, I get to express who I am. I get to dress up and get a glimpse of how my family is.'

However, Jess wanted to explore other fields, so she decided to venture into the entertainment industry. She's one of the exclusive talents of the Artist Circle, headed by its President and CEO Rams David.

''They are family to me because they accept me for who I am. I'm happy I chose Artist Circle because I'm not only improving as an artist, but also as a person,' Jess said.

Born in Cotabato City, Jess grew up in Davao City. Then Jess and her family moved to Manila in 2020. Since then, Jess hasn't returned to the province.

At 23, Jess admitted she only had crushes. 'Wala pa akong pinapakilala sa parents ko. I've never been in love, but I have crushes.'

Jess admires celebrity siblings Atasha and Andres Muhlach, Alden Richards, Kyle Echarri, and Heart Evangelista.

On love teams, Jess said: 'I'm not closing my doors to love teams. But if I had the chance, gusto ko iba-iba ang partner.'

Actress Shyr Valdez is also guiding Jess in her journey in show business. Asked what she learns from Shyr, Jess said: 'Always stay grounded. Kahit ano ang maabot mo sa showbiz, dapat grateful ka sa mga tumutulong sa iyo sa industry. (No matter what you achieve in showbiz, you should be grateful to those who help you in the industry.)'