Guardians of democracy: A salute to our teachers

By Manila Bulletin

Published May 22, 2025 00:01 am | Updated May 21, 2025 16:29 pm

As the nation reflects on the results of the recent midterm elections which offer hope for real change, we pause to honor the public school teachers who served as members of Electoral Board. They are the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in upholding our democratic process.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara praised them as “not just public servants” but “frontliners of democracy.”  “Mula simula hanggang matapos, and’yan kayo—hindi bumitaw (From start to finish, you were there—you never let go),” he said in a statement issued the day after the elections.

Over 660,000 public school teachers and DepEd personnel were among the 758, 549 poll workers who were mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections on May 12, 2025. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere facilitation; they were the custodians of electoral integrity, managing polling precincts, assisting voters, and safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Saludo po kami. Dahil sa inyo, naging maayos at safe ang proseso. Kayo ang tunay na ka-team sa Bagong Pilipinas—laging handa, laging para sa bayan (We salute you. Because of you, the process was orderly and safe. You are the true teammates of Bagong Pilipinas—always ready, always for the nation),” Angara said.

The commitment of these educators was evident in the extensive hours they dedicated. With early voting commencing at 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, many teachers reported to their precincts as early as 2 a.m. Even when regular voting concluded at 7 p.m., they remained on duty until the early hours of the following day. That’s over 24 hours of continuous work, mostly under hot conditions, without adequate rest, to ensure every vote was counted accurately.

Beyond the physical toll, teachers faced various challenges, including technical issues with voting machines, logistical delays, and, in some regions, security threats.

In recognition of their invaluable service, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved a ₱2,000 increase in honoraria for poll workers. An additional ₱1,000 across-the-board honoraria for teachers and poll workers was announced a week after election day.  Comelec said that full election compensation, including the newly approved increases, will be received by workers within 10 days after election day. 

However, concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of these measures. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) emphasized the need for overtime pay, citing the extended hours teachers worked beyond their regular duties. They also advocated for the tax exemption of honoraria, citing that deductions significantly reduce the net compensation teachers receive for their election service.

As we commend their efforts, it is crucial for relevant agencies to address the concerns raised by these educators. Ensuring timely and fair compensation, providing adequate support, and recognizing the challenges they faced are essential steps in valuing their contributions.

The dedication exhibited by our teachers during the elections underscores their unwavering commitment to public service. Their role transcends the classroom, as they become pillars of our democratic system during electoral exercises.

Our public school teachers exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. Their involvement in the electoral process is a testament to their commitment to the nation. As we move forward, let us ensure that their sacrifices are met with the respect, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve.

Why is German so different than English?

 

Joseph Foster

Ph. D. in Linguistics. Professor emeritus, U of Cincinnati

Has German been influenced by some distinct languages such as Hunnic, Hungarian, Turkish or any other Ural-Altaic language?

No / Nein. And for grammatical idiomatic English, you want different from, here, not *than.

Old English ( also called Anglo-Saxon) was a lot more like German is, and still more like Old High German was. But OE was so much like Old Saxon that in mid to mid-later 1st Millenium, they were probably to some extent mutually intelligible. Even today Low German and ordinary common English are surprisingly rather alike.

But English changed more from OE to New English than German did. The final vowels that carried case suffixes were lost (also in German) but English also collapsed the indefinite and definite articles and lost adjectival final syllables. So the English noun has lost the case and gender marking systems. English’s common everyday vocabulary is heavily Germanic but it has also borrowed heavily from Norman French, later French and also Latin.

THOU ART THE ONE

 

The faults we see in others often reveal our own imperfections. We frequently criticize our own shortcomings when we see them in others.

Very often, we hear from friends and others things they seem to hate. They even criticize others about their looks or activities during weekends, vacations or off days.

In social networks, we are able to read comments and posts in a very bad manner about other people's houses and gardens.

Most of the time, gossiping ruins one's life. Gossips come about because of envy.

I know it's not that easy. But why not try to love the unlovables instead of giving them so many negative comments. And one step further: why not examine ourselves first before criticizing others?

Upon examination of my own life, I am annoyed when others are late for an appointment and keep me waiting. I feel angry when parents speak harshly and treat their children cruelly. I feel upset when individuals in a meeting monopolize the conservation. I could give you more and more examples, my dear readers.

But, at such times when I look inward, I hear the words, "Thou are the one"! I realize that imperfections I see in others are often my own.

When the Lord looks at us, He sees not only what we are but what He enables us to become. Very important - we can learn not to expect  too much for ourselves that we become discouraged. The grace of God does not change us unless we respond. It can change our outlook and with our outlook, our attitudes. With changed attitudes, we can become whatever we would never be.

Kindness, helpfulness, hospitality, obligingness, ready to do favors - and our moment of virtue  will not be destroyed by time's storm. Love and mercifulness from the bottom of our heart shared with people who will cross our path - and nobody will forget us,

Worrying has Never Helped Anyone — Stop Wasting Your Time

 

Life is better than ever, so why does everybody seem to be unhappy? As a regular reader of this column, you surely remember this topic which I already raised several times. 

I often find that keeping myself busy and working out helps me relieve stress, worry & frustrations, allowing me to:

Think about the true significance of issues in the long run with a clear mind. 

Rationally think about next steps/action plans to reduce stress (which in turn reduces worry).

Give myself realistic timelines to complete tasks. Hold myself accountable for execution

Whenever I hear people saying that things turned so bad nowadays, I think of my late LOLA, born in 1899 (!) into a really awful world in Germany and its surroundings. Also the so-called "Golden Twenties" between two World Wars have been everything but golden for her and my former relatives. Lola never complained, even during the sorrowful times in the former East German, the "German Democratic Republic". Lola reached the ripe old age of almost 86.

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don't have to do all that counting - computers do it for us. Information is easily had.

Facebook to and fro, back and forth, there and back - how many posts and comments have been posted already with sadness, loneliness, boredom strikes, problems, worries ... .

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn't just knock - it jiggles the door-knob. and "your social media online-friend" - the warrior is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right?

Is social media bad for us? Three billion people, around 40% of the world’s population, use online social media – and we’re spending an average of two hours every day sharing, liking, tweeting and updating on these platforms, according to some reports. That breaks down to around half a million tweets and Snapchat photos shared every minute. Stress, mood, anxiety, depression, sleep (or better non-sleep), self-esteem - Overall, social media’s effects on well-being are ambiguous, according to a paper written last year by researchers from the Netherlands. However, they suggested there is clearer evidence for the impact on one group of people: social media has a more negative effect on the well-being of those who are more socially isolated.

Imagine, we have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven't we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special unique way - but, we're still our old inferior selves.

The job is boring. I don't get a good job. The house is an unpleasant mixture of tidy and dirty things. It's a mess. I'm not in the mood to arrange my garden. I can't afford a gardener. That's life. How sad. No, it's not my fault; or course not.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Yes, I confess, I'm also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person, who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to domineer and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier, who claims to be a friend. But he isn't. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I'll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe? Worrying itself is pointless.Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let's seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school.

 

A merging of flavors

BY NIÑO ANGELO COMSTI

MAY 22, 2025

Read Next

The winners of the 1st Inquirer Lifestyle Food Awards

Food had such a strong impact on Tiana Gee’s life that she decided at an early age to find a career in the kitchen. “I grew up really closely with my two lolas. I was used to making, mixing, and mashing food up with them as a kid. By the time I was five, I knew I wanted to be a chef. I’d always known,” Gee said.

She enjoyed the best of both worlds—her mother is from Makati and her father from Alabama, United States. “I come from a broken home and didn’t grow up with my dad and my mom in the same place. I ate Filipino food at my Lola’s and soul food at my dad’s. But I never grew up eating them together.”

SoulPhil “Boodle” —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Los Angeles native initially earned her training in middle school where she took her first food class. In high school, she joined a competition where she bagged a culinary scholarship. From there, she worked in some of the best restaurants in LA before moving to New York to be the sous chef in Harlem’s Red Rooster, owned by Marcus Samuelson who she considers to be her mentor.

She then ventured on her own and started a YouTube channel called “Cookin’ with Tee” where she has shared her Lola’s pinakbet, ube suman, and chicken adobo. Her name became more prominent especially with the help of features in publications like Bon Appetit and Epicurious, as well as Food Network shows like “Chopped Next Gen” and “Beat Bobby Flay.”

Tiana Gee

These days, she is busy honing her culinary point of view which celebrates her roots. “I thought that if ever I open my own restaurant, I would want it to identify with who I am.” That’s how her pop-up dinner series SoulPhil was born. It took a couple of years of refining the concept and getting the menu together before the project came into fruition.

Tiana in the pass

Pop-up options

“When I did my first pop-up, it was received so well. Everyone loved it and many said that it needs to be a thing.” And so that’s what she exactly did.

“I have yet to decide if I want to open a brick and mortar. I love a pop up concept because I can travel the world. And I can build brand awareness as well as connect and meet people from everywhere versus just being stuck somewhere. I’m a very free person.”

Calamansi tart

She has brought her SoulPhil all over the US, including Virginia and Aspen. She recently did her first international gig in Manila at Japonesa in Poblacion, Makati. “The first [pop-up] had to be at home, of course.” Gee said.

SEE ALSO

LIFESTYLE, TOURS, LEISURE & CHOW

Hop into April Fun at F1 Hotel Manila BGC

“It was the most incredible collaboration since I had my family there and I got to show them what I’ve become. It’s just special. Also because I haven’t been back to the Philippines in eight years.”

Crab Bagoong Hush Puppies with Crème Fraîche & Caviar

Tasting menu

Her tasting menu was composed of five courses that started with a macapuno cornbread with coco butter, then progressed to a kinilaw na mackerel with blackened spice and avocado, collard greens salad with tamarind vinaigrette, adobo short ribs with creamy corn grits, and a coco nana pudding with sago and banana leche flan.

Prior to this, she also held a Sunday afternoon tea party at The Lounge in Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC where she prepared six bites: three savory and three sweet. Along with the hotel’s merienda cena buffet, which already included shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, waffles, and parfaits, were Gee’s bbq-spiced pork rillette tea sandwich, crab bagoong hush puppies, crispy veggie cigar with spiced Southern greens, calamansi curd tart with a buttermilk meringue crust, sweet potato ensaymada, and her macapuno cornbread with coconut butter.

Desserts during the ‘Tea with Tee’ Pop-Up included Calamansi Curd Tart, Sweet Potato Ensaymada, and Macapuno Cornbread

Marrying Filipino food with Southern flavors comes naturally to her since she finds both cuisines to be comforting and nourishing. “Honestly, they’re not that different. Another reason I built SoulPhil is because I noticed the similarity in the ingredients. To me there’s a lot of similarities in the nostalgia and comfort of it. It’s the food that fills my soul.”

6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space

 6 Easy Indoor Plants That Purify Air and Brighten Your Space

1. Pothos Plant

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is famous for its heart-shaped, variegated leaves and trailing vines.

Why it’s great:

Thrives in low light

Tolerates neglect

Cleans indoor air

Tip: Let it trail from a shelf or hang in a basket for a stylish look.

2. Lucky Bamboo

This plant symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, often used in Feng Shui. It grows well in water or soil.

Why it’s great:

Grows in water

No direct sunlight needed

Elegant and sculptural

Tip: Use pebbles and a clear vase to show off its roots.

3. Snake Plant

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, it’s almost indestructible.

Why it’s great:

Tolerates low light and irregular watering

Releases oxygen at night

Sleek, vertical leaves perfect for corners

Tip: Water sparingly—this plant hates overwatering.

4. Peace Lily

A beautiful flowering plant with white blooms and lush green leaves.

Why it’s great:

Purifies air

Blooms indoors

Prefers indirect light

Tip: Droopy leaves mean it’s thirsty—just water and it’ll perk up.

5. Areca Palm

Adds a tropical vibe with its feathery, arching fronds.

Why it’s great:

Non-toxic to pets

Improves humidity

Needs bright, indirect light

Tip: Mist occasionally to keep it fresh and vibrant.

6. Spider Plant

Known for its long, arching leaves with white stripes and baby plantlets.

Why it’s great:

Very easy to grow

Great for hanging baskets

Air-purifying and fast-growing

Tip: Clip off baby spiderettes to grow new plants!

Conclusion

Bringing plants indoors doesn’t have to be hard. These six plant varieties offer beauty, cleaner air, and a calming atmosphere—without demanding much care. Whether you want a modern look, a tropical touch, or just something green to liven up a room, these plants are perfect starters.

All reactions:

33