The vagus nerve ...

, or cranial nerve X, is the longest cranial nerve, running from the brainstem to the abdomen and playing a crucial role in the brain-body connection. As a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, it regulates many involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and breathing, and is essential for actions like swallowing and coughing. It also transmits sensory information from organs like the heart, lungs, and gut back to the brain.  

Function

• Regulates involuntary functions: 

  It controls a wide range of automatic processes, such as heart rate, respiration, and digestion. 
• Facilitates communication: 

  It serves as a two-way "superhighway" between the brain and the body, sending sensory information from organs back to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the organs. 
Supports essential reflexes: 
It is involved in critical reflexes like swallowing, coughing, and gagging. 
Influences mood: 
Emerging evidence suggests a role in regulating mood and stress response, partly through the brain-gut axis. 

Anatomy and pathway

Origin: 
It originates in the brainstem and exits the skull through the jugular foramen. 
Course: 
It travels through the neck and thorax into the abdomen, passing through or connecting with the heart, lungs, and a large portion of the digestive tract. 
Name: 
Its name comes from the Latin word "vagus," meaning "wandering," due to its extensive pathway. 

Clinical significance

A sweet, simple twist for the Christmas table

Gulaman brings color, nostalgia and creativity to Filipino holiday feasts

By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Filipino Christmas gatherings are built on memory, passed down through handwritten recipes and stories told in warm kitchens. Among those traditions, gulaman has always had a quiet but cherished presence. I remember making brightly colored jelly with my late mother, the two of us stirring patiently as red and green liquid thickened in a pot. We cut them into shapes once they cooled, a simple holiday ritual that felt like an activity and a treat all at once. Those moments taught me that food need not be elaborate to carry meaning.

That sentiment continues today, especially with pantry staples like Mr. Hat Gulaman finding new life during the holidays. With seven flavored and six unflavored variants, it offers room for creativity, whether one prefers familiar desserts or something new. It sets quickly and requires no baking, which suits the season when the oven is full and the table is already heavy with lechon, roast chicken and pasta. A no bake dessert becomes an easy win for busy hosts.

Classic dishes such as Cathedral Window Jelly still anchor dessert spreads, but more modern ideas are gaining space beside them. Some home cooks now prepare Coffee Delight Jelly Cake or Coconut Langka Jelly, bringing lighter textures after a rich noche buena. Others serve No Steam Chocolate Pudding Cake, smooth and indulgent without extra steps. Even drinks are evolving, with Mango Tapioca Jelly or Thai Iced Milk Tea studded with soft cubes for a refreshing finish.

Families with young children may enjoy Merry and Bright Ornaments Jelly, made with strawberry and pandan flavored gulaman simmered with sugar then molded into festive shapes. After chilling, the jellies unmold like glass ornaments and brighten any Christmas table without much effort.

For a more refined option, Lychee Brulee blends lychee flavored gulaman and condensed milk before chilling in ramekins. A thin layer of sugar on top caramelizes under a flame, giving a delicate flavor and the satisfying crack of brulee without the need for baking.

These desserts travel well, store easily and can be prepared ahead. They are ideal for potlucks and family visits, staying intact even after long drives. Adjusting water measurements changes the texture from firm to gentle wobble, depending on preference.

Gulaman may be modest, but it carries memory, color and joy. On a table filled with tradition, it adds something light and festive. It honors the past and leaves room for new rituals, one jewel toned slice at a time.

Dawn Zulueta enjoying her life away from showbiz: 'I am happy'

By Robert Requintina

Undoubtedly, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo possesses one of the most radiant and enchanting faces in Philippine showbiz, capturing the hearts of many. At this moment, she has gracefully stepped away from the spotlight, dedicating her time to the warmth and joys of family life. However, she has not entirely closed the door on her illustrious career, leaving the possibility of a triumphant return to the limelight.

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and daughter Ayisha Madlen Lagdameo (Marie France Facebook)

When asked what would encourage her to return to showbiz, Dawn replied, "I think it's a nice project. There have been offers, but no script has really excited me."

It seems that Dawn is currently enjoying her time away from showbiz, bonding with her family, traveling, and exploring new things.

"I'm very happy. I like it. I was able to explore my other interests. I have time with my kids. I have time to travel because my son is studying abroad. So I get to see him and also attend Ayisha (Madlen Lagdameo). I am happy," said Dawn, during the 40th anniversary of Marie France at Uma Nota in BGC,  Taguig City, recently. This is the first time Dawn and her daughter, Ayisha Madlen, have appeared together in an endorsement.

The last time Dawn appeared in a movie was in "Family History" opposite comedian Michael V. in 2019.

Lately, Dawn shared that she and her daughter have become immersed in the vibrant world of K-pop. She said her daughter was six when she fell in love with K-pop. They are both fervent admirers of the electrifying beats and dazzling performances of BTS and Blackpink, reveling in the energy and artistry that these iconic groups bring to the stage.

"Noong time na yun hindi ko pa naiintindihan. Then naging uso na sila with the dances, natuwa ako sa daughter ko and nakisabay talaga ako sa kanya. Before I knew it, nagustuhan ko na rin ang mga K-pop. (At that time, I didn't understand it. Then they became trendy with the dances. I was happy for my daughter, and I really kept up with her. Before I knew it, I also liked K-pop)," Dawn said.

Dawn crossed her fingers that she and her daughter could secure tickets for the BTS concert, tentatively scheduled for March 2026.

“I enjoy K-pop because it brings me back to when I was a teenager. I remember what it was like then, so much energy. And it's their music, the artistry, I think they are killing the choreography. They are so popular, everywhere they go," said Dawn when asked why she loves K-pop.

The teen ballerina also said that she was excited to watch the Blackpink concert in Bulacan last weekend.

"I really love spending time with my mom. She's a fun person to be with. I see her as someone I could talk to about anything. She's a cool mom," said Ayisha.

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and daughter Ayisha Madlen at Marie France's 40th anniversary bash in Taguig City.

Responding, Dawn smiled and said, "I try to be cool."

Growing up, Ayisha said she would accompany her mom to shoots. "I thought it was fun. I like watching her act. It inspired me to pursue the arts."

Ayisha mentioned that while showbiz seems exciting, she is more interested in dancing.

"Her priority right now is her studies. But it's up to her what she wants to do after college," the celebrity mom said.

Dawn, now in her 50s, admits she is a strict mom. "Pretty much."

On young men trying to court Ayisha, Dawn laughed and said, "I don't deal with that. Anton (Lagdameo) deals with that. Sa mga manliligaw, si husband ang bahala d'yan. (For suitors, my husband will take care of that.)"

Dawn said she prayed for a daughter who would be interested in dancing like her.

"I've always dreamed of a daughter who could dance. When she was still in my stomach, I was saying, 'I hope she likes to dance the way I want to dance. Fortunately, she does. She's so much better at doing it than I am," she said.

Dawn shared her enjoyment with her daughter on TikTok, although she clarified that she doesn't have an account.

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I don't have a TikTok account. Ayisha has an account, but I love the dances on TikTok," she also said.

On aging gracefully, Dawn remarked, "Aging gracefully, I stay away from toxic people or stress. I try to keep my private life really private. I focus on my family. We all know about eating well and drinking water. But I think it's more internal. It's what happens in your mind."

My 26th Christmas in the Philippines in 2025

  By Klaus Döring

In the Philippines, Christmas is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. It is celebrated as a public holiday in the country on December 25, concurrent with other countries.

As one of the two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), the Philippines celebrates the world's longest Christmas season spanning what it refers to as the "ber months". With Christmas music played as early as August, the holiday season gradually begins by September, reaching its peak in December. 

The celebrations of Christmas in the Philippines have deep influences of Catholicism, tracing their roots back to Spanish colonial rule from 1521 to 1898. Currently, the Philippines holds the longest running festivity of the Christmas season in the world, which begins on September 1.

Christmas Day in the Philippines is primarily a family affair. The Misa de Gallo is celebrated on December 25 and is usually one of several Masses that all family members (including non-churchgoers) are present and is often celebrated between 10 pm and midnight, a schedule preferred by many Filipinos who stay up late on Christmas Eve for the night-long celebration of the Noche Buena. Fireworks and most merrymaking devices are sometimes used at the start of Christmas.

Preferably in the morning, Filipinos typically visit their extended family, especially to pay their respects to senior relatives. This custom of giving respect is enacted through the "Págmamáno". A supplicant takes the back of an elder's hand and presses it against the forehead while giving the greeting, Máno, pô (lit. "[Thy] hand, please"). The elder often responds by reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture, and in return gives "Aguinaldo" or money in the form of crisp banknotes, often placed in a sealed envelope such as an ang pao. Godparents, in particular, are socially obligated to give presents or aguinaldo to their godchildren, to whom they often give larger amounts compared to other younger relatives.

A festive lunch may follow the "Págmamáno". The menu is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family, with richer families preparing grand feasts while poorer families choose to cook simple yet special dishes. Some families choose to open presents on this day after lunch.

When nighttime falls, members of the family usually return home or linger to drink, play parlor games, and chat. Some may opt to have another feast for dinner, while a minority spend the entire day at home to rest after the previous days' festivities.

The song "Christmas in Our Hearts", released by Jose Mari Chan in 1990 has become the most famous song for Christmas in the Philippines. It is synonymous with the start of the Christmas season, often played in homes, shopping malls, and on radio stations as early as September.

For many Filipinos, simply being with friends and family is the essence of Christmas. It's the time when Balikbayan relatives come home and barkada reunions abound. Busy students and office workers take breaks to stay home with their parents.

Christmas in the Philippines became the most touching event for me since I am living here as an expat.

Christmas in the Philippines is a big deal. Unlike in most other parts of the world, Filipinos begin celebrating Christmas in September. The “ber” months, as they are called, herald the start of the Christmas season with traditional lanterns being made, carols heard in shops, and Christmas gifts stacked high on shelves. Many people ask: “Do they celebrate Christmas in the Philippines?” and the answer to that is a resounding “Yes!”

 

Makabayan slams DTI over claim that ₱500 is enough for Noche Buena

(Photo from Unsplash)

Members of the Makabayan bloc went off on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)--and the whole Marcos administration for that matter--after DTI Secretary Cristina Roque claimed that a budget of ₱500 was ample budget for a Noche Buena meal of ham, macaroni, and spaghetti. Read more