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Monday, January 6, 2025
PROBLEMS MAKE A PERSON GROW
Growing as a person involves a continuous process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-transformation. It encompasses learning from experiences, expanding your knowledge and skills, improving your emotional intelligence, and developing healthier relationships with others and with yourself.
Struggle helps us to build resilience. This process helps us to develop mental and emotional toughness, enabling us to bounce back from setbacks and continue to move forward despite challenges. As a result, we become more resilient individuals who are better equipped to handle challenges in the future.
Difficult struggles force us to confront our fears and overcome obstacles, ultimately making us stronger individuals both mentally and emotionally. It is through these adversities that we develop important life skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and adaptability, which can be applied to future challenges.
Do hard times help you grow? Research has found that up to 70 percent of people experience positive psychological growth from difficult times, such as a deeper sense of self and purpose, a greater appreciation for life and loved ones, and an increased capacity for altruism, empathy and desire to act for the greater good.
How can I challenge myself to grow? Try new things: Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. This could be exploring a new hobby, traveling to a new destination, or learning a new skill. By exposing yourself to new experiences, you broaden your perspective and open doors to personal growth.
All I can say, dear reader, is that much of what I write is something I have experienced "first hand" and "learned" in the past.
Feast of the Three Kings: The enduring values of kindness, generosity, love
Today, Filipinos mark the culmination of the Christmas season with the celebration of the Feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany. It is a day of symbolism, tradition, and spiritual meaning. It invites us not only to honor the journey of the Magi but also to reflect on the enduring values of kindness, generosity, and love.
The Feast of the Three Kings recalls the journey of the wise men—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—who followed the Star of Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not mere tokens of wealth but deeply symbolic offerings. Gold represented Jesus’ kingship, frankincense His divinity and His willingness to sacrifice Himself, and myrrh His mortality and the promise of eternal life. The Magi’s journey signifies humanity’s recognition of Jesus as the universal Savior, transcending boundaries of culture, race, and status.
Historically, Jan. 6 marks the 12th day of Christmas, traditionally ending the season. Known as the “Epiphany” (from the Greek word epipháneia, meaning “manifestation”), it celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, first to the Magi and, by extension, to the world.
In many Christian traditions, the Feast of the Three Kings officially concludes the Christmas season. For Filipino Catholics, this marks the end of a months-long festive period that began in September. Also known as Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), it is a time to honor senior citizens, acknowledging their wisdom and contributions to society.
While the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated on Jan. 6 in other countries, the Philippines had adjusted the feast day to Sunday to ensure that more people could attend Mass and partake in the celebrations, according to the reforms in the liturgical calendar promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
Around the country, the observance of the feast will include parades featuring men dressed as the Magi, gift-giving to children, and family feasts. Many families still practice the hanging of stockings for the Three Kings to fill with small gifts on their way to visit the infant Jesus.
Beyond its historical and religious context, the Feast of the Three Kings carries timeless lessons. The Magi is a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and offering our best to others. Their journey was one of faith, courage, and selflessness—qualities we are called to emulate.
While the day signifies the end of the Christmas season, it should mark the beginning of another year of commitment to the values of kindness, generosity, and love in our lives. The spirit of the Magi—welcoming strangers, giving selflessly, and honoring the sacred—can inspire us to make a difference in our communities throughout the year. There are many opportunities to make a difference – start by attending community events, volunteer to teach new skills, help a neighbor.
Let us not turn off the spirit of Christmas when we turn off the thousands of lights that have lighted the streets, churches, houses and buildings. Let us carry forward the light of Christmas to ensure that its message of hope and compassion continues to guide our journey. Just as the Magi followed the star, may we follow our own guiding lights toward acts of goodness and unity.
As one anonymous reflection puts it: “May the wisdom that guided the Magi guide you to your own light.”
Happy Feast of the Three Kings!
What fashion will be like in 2025, according to today's movers and shakers
From eco-conscious movements and different takes on femininity to what’s next for menswear, here’s what the experts think we will be wearing this year
For the past couple of seasons, we have seen a dominance of classic colors and pieces in womenswear. I personally feel that in 2025, buyers will start to invest in key pieces with statement elements to add a pop to their pulled-back wardrobes. Statement bags and accessories will also make a comeback.—Bessie Besana, fashion designer
Looking ahead to 2025, I believe we’ll see a shift toward embracing “Main Villain Energy”—a celebration of female rage and empowerment. Think Mia Goth in Pearl or Margaret Qualley in The Substance. While feminine elements will still be present, they’ll be infused with a darker, more intense edge, creating an intriguing contrast. When I think of female rage, the color red instantly comes to mind, so I expect to see more of it in 2025, replacing the pinks of last year. In terms of textures and silhouettes, I foresee a mix of delicate, light materials paired with structured, sharp lines, capturing the tension between softness and power. It’s all about the collision of vulnerability and strength, a visual reflection of the complexities of modern womanhood.—Jenni Contreras, fashion designer
Shoes and jewelry
Footwear designs for 2025 blend intrinsic advancements, such as personalization, color trends, retro-futurism, and collaborative aesthetics, with extrinsic trends focused on inclusivity and sustainability. With up to 22 billion shoes ending up in landfills annually, eco-conscious consumers are demanding gender-neutral designs and environmentally responsible practices, making inclusivity and sustainability essential for the industry's future.—Maco Custodio, shoe designer
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I feel like we’re heading into a resurgence of punk, grunge, and a handmade, DIY aesthetic. We’ve already been primed by bag charms and “anik-anik,” and we’ve seen our favorite P-pop stars like Bini and Maki serve visually interesting outfits with their unique mix of accessories. I think it’s cool to collect little things you like—even if they’re not popular—and use them to personalize your look. I’m talking about found objects like safety pins or everyday hardware used as accessories, or wearing necklaces in unconventional ways, like on your hair or shoes. It won’t just be for maximalists. A statement bag or quirky ring that you love can showcase your personality and make a minimalist outfit more impactful. The paradox of fashion is that the more you lean into your individuality, the faster you’ll find your community.—Kat Reyes, accessories designer behind Elementari
Fine jewelry that showcases unparalleled design, style, and craftsmanship will dominate. It’s about the experience of wearing something unique—not mass-produced in a commercial run of 500 pieces and seen on everyone else. Jewelry enthusiasts who appreciate and understand this distinction will set themselves apart. In 2025 and beyond, it’s about showcasing your individuality and refined taste by choosing pieces that resonate with you. It could be a particular gem, a uniquely colored stone, exceptional craftsmanship, or a thoughtfully designed piece that reflects your personal style.—Kristine Dee, jewelry designer
Menswear
I think menswear in the Philippines in 2025 will become more explorative. I see many men experimenting more with their fashion choices, and I believe this year will be all about discovering what works best for each individual.—RJ Santos, fashion designer behind Randolf Clothing
Menswear techniques and tailored styling will continue to thrive in 2025. Structured silhouettes will play a key role in fashion this year. There will be a significant shift, however, toward a more active and conscious lifestyle (e.g., the rise of activewear) and more experimental fashion, such as prints and layering. While the market will still favor classic and classy pieces to complement a more 'sustainable' lifestyle, more people are gravitating toward unique, slow-fashion items. These pieces may be pricey for beginners, but they are valued for their “exclusivity” and the conversations they spark—representing the new definition of “luxury.”—Vin Orias, fashion designer
Trends and beyond
Suede is a standout trend in 2025, offering a vintage-meets-modern vibe with its soft texture and boho-chic appeal. From fringed jackets and tailored trousers to statement bags and boots, suede is being reimagined in both earthy tones and bold hues. This year, sustainable and faux suede options are also gaining popularity, aligning with the growing eco-conscious fashion movement.—Myrrh Lao To, stylist
I feel like people are fully realizing their individuality and sense of style. This is the time for individuals to embrace themselves completely and dress in a way that gives them a certain “cool,” that distinctive “vibe,” or a sense of ease and freedom in self-expression and fashion. Minimal or maximal? Whichever direction you choose, fashion is so inclusive that you can go bold or keep it understated. I truly feel this is a season of self-expression.—Cheetah Rivera, fashion designer
I envision that fashion accessories in 2025 and beyond will connect deeply with our hearts, inspired by the everyday moments that shape who we are. Rather than following trends, these accessories will celebrate the beauty of all shapes and colors of life. They will express our individuality and reflect the experiences that unite us, creating a meaningful connection to our personal journeys.—Zarah Juan, accessories designer
Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and X and let’s talk about it.
Rihanna shuts down a troll who insulted her on social media
AT A GLANCE
The Barbadian musician has not released an album since 2016's Anti, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Pop superstar Rihanna responded to a troll who demanded new music and insulted her on Instagram on Jan. 1.
According to billboard.com, the exchange went down on Ri’s latest post, a video she filmed of herself celebrating with friends as the clock ticked down to midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Rihanna excitedly told the camera in the clip: "Y'all, I didn’t drink all year. I didn't drink all year." She captioned her post: "New year, new me."
A netizen wrote in the comments section: “We want an album forehead."
The “Umbrella” singer quickly shut him down. She replied: “Listen, Lorenzo! You ain’t cute enough to be calling me by my black name you dizzy f–k!”
The Barbadian musician has not released an album since 2016's Anti, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Since then, Rihanna has appeared on a few remixes and contributed “Born Again” and “Lift Me Up” to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Rihanna has hinted for years that a new LP is coming, but fans have learned to take her updates with caution, billboard.com reported.
Bravo, ‘Before Brabant’: A new operatic form
Anew operatic form, whose action is expressed through animation rather than acting done on stage by the main characters, was recently savored by Manila’s music lovers at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) celebration of the Children’s Biennale in 2024.
It is a novelty that combines the live performance of singers on stage in collaboration with a symphony orchestra and animation, complete with texts projected on the screen. Written by the indefatigable composer Jeffrey Ching, this year’s Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) composer in residence, the opera “Before Brabant” is based on a European folklore that tells about medieval romance and chivalry.
In an introductory note the composer himself delivered in lieu of program notes, he narrated what to expect in the four scenes that made up the entire opera. Central to his narration is the information about the title itself: the story of Helyas, the “knight of the Swan,” the main protagonist, who sailed on a “shell-shaped boat” to the city of Brabant, where another opera was written to tell about Helyas’ new adventures. Richard Wagner, of course, wrote about this new adventure in his opera “Lohengrin.”
Prequel
Ching’s opera, therefore, is aptly titled “Before Brabant,” a fitting “prequel” to the Wagner opera.
Ching further informed the audience that a decade ago, this opera was performed in Hong Kong, as a commissioned work by the Hong Kong Arts Festival. But the performance centered only on the music, with only the orchestra and the singers on stage.
This performance in Manila is therefore a historical feat, as it is presented in its entirety, as a “cartoon opera.” Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney’s “Fantasia,” it blended an animated cartoon projected on screen with serious music performed live by a symphony orchestra, together with classical singers who sang as animated action unfolded on the screen.
Making up the cast were soprano Stefanie Quintin as Queen Beatrice; mezzo soprano Andion Fernandez-Ching as the midwife, who later on sang the heroic role of Helyas; baritone Byeong-in Park as King Oryant and Markes; and Ervin Lumauag as Eremite and Matabrune. They stood before Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, who led the PPO.
Armed with scores, these singers more than read their lines as they sang with great enthusiasm and energy their specific parts, which completely departed from the operatic lines they used to sing, Ching’s music being scored in a contemporary vein.
The singers displayed the rich texture of their voices, honed to sing challenging operatic roles. Soprano Quintin’s voice soared with vibrant sheen. Tenor Lumauag, on the other hand, hurdled his demanding roles with versatile ease. Park was impeccable with his brilliant baritone, and Fernandez-Ching shimmered in her earthy mezzo that she fully revealed as she sang Helyas’ heroism in a latter scene.
All of them convincing, they brilliantly essayed their roles, which departed from the strains of bel canto operatic roles they are more familiar with. They all sang with a commanding projection, rising above the orchestra to be appreciated. Above them, the animation took place, so dynamic and debonair. One does not have to be a child to appreciate its appealing charm. The projected texts also helped in the easy understanding of the action going on.
Mexican animator
It is through the singular talent of the Mexican animator, Alberto Chino Rodriguez, director of Toon City Manila, that this new form in operatic presentation was realized. One’s attention was glued to the screen as the action was presented in cartoon form, reminding one of Walt Disney, with, however, different music being heard, not culled from the pens of known classical composers, but original music composed in a new form and style.
The musicians of the PPO had a grand time playing the music and collaborating with the singers. Nowak stood on the podium with knowledgeable ease, conducting both the singers and the musicians with dynamic precision. He showed his versatility as he wielded the baton, savoring the intricacies of a different musical genre and new music, making him truly a giant on the podium.
The orchestra members not only enjoyed playing but even made some huffing or wheezing sounds, which they enjoyed doing.
Off stage, talking with Ching about this work was a great opportunity to congratulate him in person. Manila is privileged to watch the complete unfolding of this opera in its present form. This writer believes a repeat performance is in order before a bigger audience. This could very well be Manila’s contribution to the evolution of a new operatic form.
Ching acknowledged the help given by his “generous supporters,” which ensured the opera’s successful production. They are Milagros Ong How, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Miguel del Rosario and Rene de Guzman of Toon City Manila, and Dennis Marasigan of the CCP.
Bravo!
Jetzt kommt die Eisregen-Rutsche
Fahrzeuge sind bei starkem Schneefall auf einer Hauptverkehrsstraße unterwegs
Es schneit. Es friert. Und jetzt kommt der Eisregen. Es wird glatt! Deutschland muss sich ab der Nacht zum Sonntag auf gefrierenden Regen einstellen.
Warmfront bringt Glatteisgefahr
Zunächst falle Schnee, dann gehe dieser in gefrierenden Regen über, heißt es in einer Vorhersage des Deutschen Wetterdiensts (DWD). Eine aus dem Südwesten über das Land ziehende Warmfront bringe die Glatteisgefahr mit sich.
Die Wetterkarte zeigt für Sonntagmorgen Schnee (blaue Symbole), Regen (grüne Symbole) und Eisregen (rote Symbole)
Ersten Hinweisen nach wird die Glätte laut DWD wohl zwischen Schwarzwald, Bodensee und Bayerischem Wald am gefährlichsten. Der meiste Neuschnee sei am Südrand der westlichen Mittelgebirge zu erwarten, bis zu zehn Zentimeter könnten dort binnen weniger Stunden fallen. Andernorts sei mit zwei bis fünf Zentimetern zu rechnen.
München und Frankfurt streichen Flüge
Und das Winter-Wetter zieht nicht spurlos an den Flughäfen im Süden vorbei. Einige Flüge, die am Sonntagmorgen vom Münchner Flughafen starten sollten, wurden bereits gestrichen. Das betrifft insbesondere Inlandsflüge, aber auch Ziele in Österreich und in der Schweiz. Auch an den Flughäfen in Nürnberg und Memmingen fallen Flüge aus.
Am Flughafen Frankfurt wurden am Morgen bereits Flüge annulliert. Fluggäste werden auf der Homepage gebeten, mehr Zeit für die Anreise zum Flughafen einzuplanen und sich vorab über den Status ihrer Flüge zu informieren.
What do non-Filipinos like about the Philippines?
John Williams, an Ordained Minister, a USAF Persian Gulf War Veteran, writer for more than twenty years, and published author. John has since published thirty books to date. After reading hundreds of books and living a challenging but amazing life, John has a lot of wisdom to share. John Williams Author
I have visited the Philippines four times. I have many friends that are Filipino. I love the weather, the beaches and some of the foods. Most of all, I love the Filipino people. They have such great spirits and are relentlessly resilient. The Philippines could be a fantastic country if they only knew the real power that they possess.
Many people say that the Philippines is a poor country. That is not true, but it is the lie they are continually being told, and unfortunately many believe it. In fact according to the International Monetary Fund, the Philippines rank number 38th in the world just below Singapore and above Columbia. Their ranking tops countries like Romania, Egypt, Vietnam, and Finland. Unfortunately, much of the wealth created there does not trickle down to the local economy. In my humble opinion, the government could do more to develop the infrastructure. They are already addressing the security concerns of the Mindanao area. These are important to attract more foreign business.
I see the Philippines as a diamond that is on the verge of becoming one of the most brilliant diamonds in Asia. They just need a little help. I am called there to do just that. Those of you who need an invitation to do something exciting and miraculous, here it is. The greatest natural resource of the Philippines are the amazing people. That is why I love going there.