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Friday, January 10, 2025
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THE STANDS - An INQUIRER Sports Newsletter
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Classes suspended in Davao City on Jan. 13 due to Iglesia rally
BY IVY TEJANO
Jan 9, 2025 10:10 PM
The city government announced on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9, that face-to-face classes on levels in Davao City are suspended on Jan. 13 due to the National Rally for Peace by the Iglesia ni Cristo.
The city government issued Proclamation No. 1, Series of 2025, suspending classes and mandating a skeletal workforce in all national and local offices, including government-owned and -controlled corporations.
The suspension aims to maintain public order, safety, and convenience for the people of Davao City as 10 significant streets in the Central Business District will be temporarily closed during the rally at Rizal Park.
The Davao City Council passed Resolution No. 04022-25 on Jan. 7 requesting city Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to issue a skeletal workforce arrangement for city government employees to help ease traffic.
Minister Eraño “Bong” Estudillo, regional legal officer of the INC, confirmed during the 20th City Council regular session on Tuesday that around 500,000 INC members from Regions 11, 12, and Bukidnon will attend the rally.
However, the city government requested INC to reduce the number to 300,000 to enable the city to accommodate participants.
“Due to the large number of participants in the upcoming rally, it is essential to ensure residents' and visitors' safety and well-being. It is also duty-bound to safeguard the public and undertake measures to avert any untoward incidents or disasters during the event,” the city government said.
Public Safety and Security Office head Angel Sumagaysay said class and work suspension will help manage traffic and ensure the convenience of the people, especially those working or studying within the event areas.
"The INC said that the event will push through, whether rain or shine. We expect over 300,000 participants on Monday to enter the city and converge within the downtown area, resulting in traffic and congestion,” Sumagaysay said.
Sumagaysay added that class and work suspension would also avoid inconvenience among students and employees and allow the assigned security for the rally to focus on the safety of the people directly participating.
The city government encouraged private offices and establishments in the areas affected by the peace rally to suspend their work or adopt a work-from-home arrangement for the convenience of their employees.
Filipino seafarers deserve support, dignity, and respect
Jan 10, 2025 07:10 AM
The signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers is a historic moment not only for the maritime industry but also for the countless Filipino families whose lives depend on their seafaring loved ones. With the landmark legislation now in effect, Filipino seafarers — whose courage, skill, and sacrifice are the backbone of global trade — finally have a legal framework to ensure their welfare and protection.
In the heart of every ship that sails across international waters, a Filipino seafarer is at the helm. According to the International Maritime Organization, Filipino seafarers make up a staggering 25 percent of the world’s maritime workforce. Every day, nearly 400,000 Filipino men and women work aboard commercial vessels, oil tankers, cargo ships, and cruise liners, ensuring that goods move across oceans and that vital supplies reach ports. Their work directly contributes billions to the Philippine economy, as remittances from seafarers are a major lifeline for millions of families.
The financial stability they provide has empowered countless Filipino families to break free from the cycle of poverty, enabling children to receive education and parents to build homes and businesses. Filipino seafarers are the unsung heroes whose sacrifice helps fuel the country’s economy and provides hope for future generations. Yet, despite their critical role, their lives at sea have often been fraught with risks and neglect — an injustice the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers seeks to rectify.
While Filipino seafarers are the embodiment of resilience, they have to go through a perilous journey at sea. Every day, they face the unpredictable challenges of the open ocean — violent storms, treacherous waters, and the constant threat of piracy. But beyond the physical dangers, they battle emotional and psychological tolls that most of us will never fully understand.
The isolation that comes with being away from loved ones for months, the strain on marriages, and the mental health challenges due to extended periods at sea are real, often invisible struggles. On top of that, the risk of injury, illness, or even death is an ever-present reality, with Filipino seafarers often exposed to hazardous working conditions. Accidents at sea, exposure to toxic substances, and the dangers of navigating war zones or pirate-infested waters are just a few of the harsh risks they face.
Many seafarers return home physically and mentally scarred, only to find that the support they need is often inadequate. Medical bills, rehabilitation, and post-trauma care are often out of reach for many families. These are the risks seafarers willingly shoulder for the sake of their families and for the good of the nation. Therefore, it is only fitting that the government extend a lifeline to them.
This is why the Magna Carta is a long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices seafarers make. The law ensures that seafarers will have access to fair compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation. It also guarantees better working conditions and provides for the creation of mechanisms to support their families during the periods when they are away. It also offers a legal structure for addressing issues such as harassment, abuse, and exploitation that some seafarers face in foreign waters. It calls for the establishment of a comprehensive insurance and benefits system, a protection program against unjust dismissal, and provisions for returning seafarers who may suffer from the long-term effects of their work.
But beyond the tangible benefits, the Magna Carta sends a message to Filipino seafarers that they are valued, they are protected, and they deserve the same rights and dignity as workers in any other field.
With the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, the government has taken a significant step toward recognizing these sacrifices and providing a measure of justice for those who brave the seas for the benefit of their families and their country. But this is just the beginning. It is now time to ensure that the seafarers who have given so much to the nation receive the support, dignity, and respect they deserve.
Celebrated musical 'Nasaan Si Hesus?' is now a movie
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
Jan 9, 2025 11:32 PM
AT A GLANCE
“Nasaan si Hesus?” was first staged in 1999 and re-staged in the 2000s.
Filipino production companies Balin Remjus Inc. and Great Media Productions, Inc. have announced that “Nasaan Si Hesus?, a play written by the late Nestor U. Torre with music and lyrics by Mrs. Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel, is now a major motion picture.
Its ensemble cast is composed of stars that have made a mark in the fields of singing and acting; these are Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Janno Gibbs, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Marissa Sanchez, with Tawag ng Tanghalan’s Rachel Gabreza, The Voice Kids’ Gianni Sarita, and many more talented performers from stage, recording and screen.
The story of “Nasaan si Hesus?” depicts the difficulties of the residents of a community during these modern times when pressures, temptations, distractions, and drastic changes in lifestyles and attitudes have put people’s spirituality to the test.
The interweaving lives of the characters are made more relatable and heartfelt through the songs created by Mrs. Pimentel, wife of the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.
Bing, as she is fondly called, is a civic leader who is a natural composer. She is also the lady behind the PasaLord Prayer Movement for the country.
She declares, “Our purpose in making this film is to disseminate information and inspiration. The film is a form of offering praise, thanksgiving, and petition. Salvation is near if we open our hearts and listen. We want to show everybody that God is always here.”
“Nasaan si Hesus?” was first staged in 1999 and re-staged in the 2000s. The play was mounted more than 80 times for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other audiences in different parts of the Philippines, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
The creative team led by Mrs. Pimentel, writer-director Dennis Marasigan, and musical director and arranger TJ Ramos have updated “Nasaan si Hesus?” for the digital age.
“The movie will tackle the complexities, difficulties, and temptations faced by different individuals and how individuals can maintain faith in today’s world,” explains Direk Dennis.
Filming is set to begin in January 2025.
Bituin Escalante hopes for a post-MMFF life for ‘Isang Himala’
Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star
When asked whether she feels disappointed about ‘Isang Himala's’ box- office results and limited screenings, seasoned thespian Bituin Escalante, who plays the character Aling Saling in the movie musical, admits she approaches such matters realistically.
Bituin Escalante, one of the stars of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Isang Himala,” is realistic yet hopeful about the movie musical’s potential to reach a wider audience even after the festival.
Directed by Pepe Diokno, co-written by National Artist Ricky Lee and topbilled by Aicelle Santos, “Isang Himala” is the film adaptation of the 2018 musical play, which was based itself on the 1982 classic film “Himala” starring National Artist Nora Aunor.
In an exclusive chat with The STAR for her 25th-anniversary concert in May at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, Bituin shared her thoughts on the challenges the film has faced since becoming one of the 10 official entries of the annual filmfest and even after winning awards during the Gabi ng Parangal.
At the awards night last Dec. 27, it was named fourth Best Picture apart from earning the Special Jury Prize, Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for Kakki Teodoro, Best Original Theme Song for Juan Karlos (Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso) and Best Musical Score for Vincent de Jesus.
“Ako, realistic akong tao eh. So, the mere fact na naging pelikula siya, big deal na sa akin ‘yun. The mere fact na mas malaki yung audience na na-reach niya, big deal na sa akin ‘yun,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the missed opportunities due to limited distribution.
“Could it have been better? Of course. Wala kami sa probinsya... Imagine niyo, wala kami sa Tacloban, wala kami sa Naga, wala kami sa Bacolod. Yung ganung discrepancy, sayang. If we had only reached them,” she said.
Despite these hurdles, Bituin pointed out the overwhelmingly positive reception from those who managed to watch “Isang Himala.”
“Every time umupo ako sa sinehan, napupuno naman. After the film, tinatayuan, pinapalakpakan. Tapos magto-talkback, and you have Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials saying, ‘This was the best thing I’ve ever seen.’ How can I complain?”
Drawing a parallel to the original Himala, Escalante expressed hope that the film adaptation would similarly find a dedicated following over time.
“Parang baby mo, it will have a life after the MMFF, na parang yung original ‘Himala’ which had a cult following. Hindi naman siya box-office hit when it first came out, but it had critical raves, and it had longevity.”
Bituin hopes to see “Isang Himala” in film festivals or streaming platforms. “Streaming, or maybe if dinala siya sa isang international festival... sa akin nga eh, dun pa lang sa talkback, ang daming nagtatanong, ‘Kailan niyo ire-restage?’ Now they wanna see it live. Parang it’s working as an advertisement for the original staging.”
The actress also praised the producers’ courage in casting thespians instead of established film celebrities despite its limited number of cinema slots being blamed on its lack of “star power.”
“Hindi naman kami movie stars. Totoo ‘yun. Aminado kami. Kaya bilib ako sa producers namin eh kasi hindi rin naman sila naïve. They also know the risk... But for them, they already said the rewards… that they were responsible for bringing something as beautiful as this.”
As the MMFF is now being extended until Jan. 14, Bituin encouraged audiences to watch the film in cinemas for the full experience. “They have to understand that this movie was shot for the full experience — na makita mo siya on the big screen. Iba talaga. Tapos yung sound, yung Dolby Atmos ng sinehan... Yung pelikula kailangan mong may kausap ka pagkatapos nun, naiintindihan yung dinaanan mo. It’s a social experience,” she said.
“You need someone to talk to about it. Sayang, sayang yung chance. Okay lang sana kung lahat tayo may home theater system na mare-repeat yung experience na yun at home. But no, some of us only have our cellphones. Some of us only have our laptops or tablets.
“If you’re gonna have money to spend… sulit yung experience na mapanood siya sa sinehan.”
For her, “Isang Himala” is more than just a movie — it’s a work of art deserving of longevity, much like its predecessors.
She wished for audiences and producers alike to continue supporting bold, original projects: “Sana tumangkilik pa rin kayo kasi ang dami ng nakapila na musicals na subok na maganda... You hope, in other ways, may mangyari. Kung hindi man kami yung bida sa office, (still) merong producer na maging matapang pa rin mag-invest sa something like this.”
The musical film “Isang Himala” is produced by CreaZion Studios, Unitel Straightshooters, Kapitol Films and CMB Production.
Love always asks for more
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
THAT’S the very nature of love, if it’s true love, one that is a vital participation and reflection of the very essence of God which is also meant to be our own essence, since we are God’s image and likeness.
It’s a love that never says enough in spite of our obvious limitations and weaknesses. When we reach those limits, like Christ we would just commend ourselves to God’s own ways that go beyond our natural powers, making the impossible possible. As God’s image and likeness, the supernatural powers of God are also shared with us.
We are reminded of this truth of faith about love in that gospel episode where Christ had to deal with an increasing number of people seeking favors from him by curing them of their various illnesses. And yet, in spite of this challenge due to love’s demands, Christ never forgot to pray. He went to an isolated place to pray. (cfr. Mk 1,29-39)
This can only mean that while love can ask of us anything, it always follows a certain order. That love should always be based on God whose help and power we always have to implore. That’s why we should never forget to pray if we want our love to the true love.
This love should always be pursued and lived everywhere. And one area where it should be lived in a more aggressive way is in the area of politics which is a big challenge today. How are we going to humanize and Christianize our politics that now is assuming a clearly toxic character? How can we keep our politics from going to the dogs?
A cursory reading of the comments in social media immediately indicate a tone of bitterness and acrimony. There's so much bashing and mudslinging that an objective and fair consideration of the issues has become all but impossible.
Many people are making themselves instant political pundits who seem to know everything about the issues at hand. They shoot from the hips, voicing out their opinions as if they are infallible dogmas.
Some political commentators present themselves as if they have the monopoly of what is right and proper, flaunting their so-called encyclopedic knowledge of the issues involved. Any differing position is immediately branded as wrong. And they can come out with what may appear as brilliant arguments that are nothing other than sophistries.
They confuse bullying tactics for conviction and righteousness. And they justify their behavior by saying that this is the political reality of the times. In other words, if they don't act the way they are acting nowadays, they are not being realistic.
If they happen to have the upper hand in any issue, they usually gloat over their opponents who often are regarded as idiots, completely bereft of reason. They consider those in the other side as entirely no good.
This is now the challenge of love. How can we instill the real love in this kind of environment? How can we humanize and Christianize today’s politics? Politics is in urgent and constant need for evangelization.
Aside from proclaiming what is absolutely moral and immoral, the evangelization of politics should foster an environment of frank and cordial dialogue among the different and even conflicting parties involved. It should foster among the different parties a keen desire with matching effort to pursue the common good. Moral principles should be followed on top of the adherence to agreed rules of engagement as articulated in our legal and judicial systems, etc.
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