EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

 Jan. 4, 2025 (IN SOME PLACES): EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Today the Church celebrates the Epiphany of the Lord or the “manifestation” of Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah, Savior of the world. In the wise men (magi), all people of every nation, language and race who set out, called by God, to adore Jesus, moved by their innate desire in search for the Truth, are represented. It is also popularly known as the Feast of the Three Kings, referring to the three Wise men /Magi who searched and found Baby Jesus brought about by the prophecies they have heard.

For more, read the homily for today's solemnity in our website. Link in the comment below.

#epiphanyofourLord #homily #gold #frankincense #myrrh

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8.8KSteven Mark Belleza-Parado, Dahlia Benemerito and 8.8K others

SexBomb Girls confirm 3rd reunion show date with 360-degree stage

The SexBomb Girls during the second show of their "Get, Get, Aw!" reunion concert

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

January 3, 2026 | 12:24pm

MANILA, Philippines — After two sold-out shows last December, the SexBomb Girls are preparing for one final reunion show for this coming February.

Fans have clamored for another show date following the conclusion of the second "Get, Get, Aw!" reunion concert on December 9, itself an added show following the popular demand of the initial December 4 concert.

While the iconic girl group teased the possibility of a third show, the act's former leader Rochelle Pangilinan finally confirmed SexBomb's "rAWnd 3: The Finale" will indeed take place on February 6, a Friday.

The show will be at the Mall of Asia Arena, the site of the second reunion concert, only this time it will utilize a 360° stage.

"rAWnd 1 was a hit. rAWnd 2 was a blast. Saving the best for last," Rochelle said on social media. "Lahat ng seats, center row ang experience. Mas malapit. Mas ramdam. Mas marami."

 

Tickets for the upcoming third concert to be helmed by Paolo Valenciano and Nico Faustino will be available soon via SM Tickets.

The two previous shows saw SexBomb perform iconic hits like "The Spageti Song," "Bakit Papa?," "Di Ko Na Mapipigilan," "Daisy Siete," and "Pretty Little Baby."

Fans will be hoping for more surprises given the 360° stage plus the return of guests like Dingdong Dantes, the SexBalls (the male parody group consisting of Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, Wendell Ramos, and Antonio Aquitania) or Jose Manalo with Wally Bayola.

One highlight of the December 9 show was Mayonnaise performing their hit song "Jopay" with SexBomb member Jopay Paguia, the original inspiration for the track.

Make time for health: Investing time in wellness is essential

By Manila Bulletin

Published Jan 4, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jan 3, 2026 06:17 pm

The first Sunday of 2026, just before we start the first workweek of the new year, is a good moment to reflect on a truth – our health matters. In the rush of work, chores, errands, and digital distractions, it’s easy to postpone exercise and self-care as luxuries for “later.”

But evidence from health experts around the world shows that caring for our bodies isn’t a fleeting preference — it’s a foundation for a longer, more fulfilling life.

Regular physical activity does more than build muscles or improve appearance – it prevents disease. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity significantly reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke, while improving mental health, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing. Physical inactivity increases the risk of death and poor health outcomes, while moving more can lower these risks significantly.

Scientific studies have repeatedly stated that being active boosts good cholesterol, reduces unhealthy triglycerides, combats obesity, and even enhances mood and energy throughout the day.

But many of us struggle not because we don’t want to be healthy, but because our environments and routines don’t make it easy. When city planning prioritizes cars over people, healthy activities such as walking becomes a chore and cycling feels risky. That’s why government investment is a commitment to healthier, happier citizens.

Take New Zealand, for example. The government funds the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides network, a system of cycle trails and walking routes that attracts millions of users and contributes over $1.28 billion annually to local economies while encouraging outdoor activity and healthier lifestyles. These trails — like the scenic Queenstown Trail or Otago Central Rail Trail — are more than recreational assets; they are living infrastructure that invites people of all ages to move, explore, and connect with nature.

Cities in Europe have set similar examples. In the Netherlands, extensive cycling infrastructure — from protected lanes to widespread bike parking — contributes to high bicycle use and tangible health benefits. Research suggests that Dutch cycling levels prevent thousands of premature deaths each year and add years to life expectancy, translating into significant economic gains as well.

These are not fringe strategies. Countries like Germany, Denmark, and Ireland actively promote walking and exercise through public programs, upgraded walking paths, and community events aimed at broad populations.

Public health policy increasingly sees preventive care — including exercise — as a long-term investment in national wellbeing, not a short-term cost.

So what can our government do to encourage citizens to care for their health? The government could expand safe walking and cycling networks in cities and provinces, paired with public campaigns that normalize daily movement. Local governments can convert under-used spaces into parks, walking loops, or community exercise hubs. Schools and workplaces can integrate short activity periods into daily routines.

For individuals, a simple yet powerful place to start is walking. Unlike specialized gym routines or expensive equipment, walking is accessible, low-impact, and can be woven into daily life. A brisk 30-minute walk most days of the week improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and helps regulate weight. It also opens the door to greater activity — from cycling and hiking to group sports — building not just fitness, but community and joy.

In a world that prizes productivity, we must redefine what it means to be productive. True productivity isn’t measured only by tasks completed, hours worked, or targets met, but by the richness of our lives — how well we can move, breathe, laugh, and engage with the world and people we love. Investing time in our health isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

IN PICTURES: SM Mall of Asia Arena Broken Hearts Club concert on Jan. 7

By MBrand

Published Jan 2, 2026 02:48 pm

Handa na ba kayong magrelapse nang malala?

Start the year right and join the Broken Hearts Club Music Festival on Jan. 7, 2026 at the SM MOA Arena.

Demo Power brings a lineup of the greatest OPM artists who will make you feel all kinds of emotion—from your first heartbreak to your biggest breakup recovery stage.

Get your tickets now at smtickets.com!

#BrokenHeartsClubAtMOAArena

#ChangingTheGameElevatingEntertainment

Ebe Dancel reminisces on feelings of love during the Denial stage of the Broken Hearts Club with hit songs 'Burnout' and 'Halik sa Hangin'.

Kamikazee is here to bring out your inner inhibitions for the Anger Stage of the Broken Hearts Club with iconic songs 'Huling Sayaw' and 'Halik'.

This Band makes the Bargaining Stage of the Broken Hearts Club an uphill experience with hit songs 'Kahit Ayaw Mo Na' and 'Hindi Na Nga'.

Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren Nina makes the venue shake during the Depression Stage of the Broken Hearts Club with melancholic songs such as 'I Love You Goodbye' and 'Someday'.

Rico Blanco makes every Stage of Grief worth the pain at the Acceptance stage of the Broken Hearts Club with songs like 'Kisapmata' and 'Wag Mong Aminin'.

'Lahi' to bring the many faces of Filipino identity to the global fashion stage

By John Legaspi

Published Jan 2, 2026 09:11 am

When we talk about Filipino fashion, what often comes to mind are visions of the terno and barong. In many cases, contemporary iterations of these traditional garments also surface. But the thing is, Filipino design is an ever-evolving medium—it often reflects the style dialogue of the present while also celebrating the materials, hands, and craftsmanship that bring these creations to life.

Pieces from 'Lahi' collection

That’s exactly what the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), is presenting early this year with “Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi.” Crafted by noted Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel, the 30-piece couture collection explores every facet of Philippine identity, history, community, and geography, culminating in a grand display imbued with cultural pride.

“‘Who is the Filipino?’ This is the question I explore in this collection, ‘Lahi,’” Rajo reflects. “Being Filipino can mean many things. There is no single definition of our culture. With ‘Lahi,’ my perspective bridges who we are and who we can become. Understanding our roots empowers the future.”

Set to be staged on Jan. 30, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, this grand Philippine fashion showcase is part of the landmark partnership PCIDC established with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA)—a milestone alliance that not only enhances cross-border collaboration but also provides a platform for strategic trade.

Arnel Papa, Maxine Santos Tuaño, Rajo Laurel, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, and Monchét Olives

Rajo is not alone in taking on the herculean task of presenting Filipino fashion on the international stage. Joining him are some of the country’s most celebrated creatives, such as Arnel Papa, Celestina Maristela Ocampo, Cholo Ayuyao, Monchét Diokno Olives, and MX Studios by Maxine Santos Tuaño. Together, they complete the design narrative with head-to-toe looks that crystallize the collection’s vision.

Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to preview the initial looks of the collection before it heads overseas. During an event last December, the creatives spotlighted several key ensembles. First is the “Mestiza,” a reinterpretation of the traditional palma and camisa/blusa ensemble using woven and dyed jusi from Iloilo, paired with a skirt in raw silk and abaca from Abra. The look is accentuated by black silk royal blooms with coq feathers crafted in Pampanga by Cholo Ayuyao.

"Paradiso"

"Manileña"

“Mestiza”

“Bagong Barong”

"Datu"

"Kadayawan"

"Ugnayan"

Inspired by Mindanao’s festive celebrations, the “Kadayawan” highlights the country’s regional weaving heritage. Its bodice is made of handwoven straw from Sorsogon, paired with cropped culottes using a “jut”-inspired technique crafted from rayon and silk woven in Ilocos.

An ode to the T’boli tribe, the “Datu” ensemble combines paper silk with ramie linen trousers and the traditional malong, accented with a tampipi from Benguet and a giant bead tassel from Dumaguete—a true celebration of indigenous craftsmanship.

“Manileña” and “Bagong Barong” offer fresh takes on the barong tagalog, crafted in jusi and styled with farmer-inspired silhouettes and jute bibs. The ensembles are completed with handmade stampitas by Cholo Ayuyao and lanyard abaniko by Monchét Diokno Olives of Casa de la Mercedes, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and regional craftsmanship of Filipino artisans.

Inspired by world-renowned Baguio weaver Nada Capunan, “Ugnayan” brings together the earthy hues of the Mountain Province and storytelling through weaving techniques. It is paired with a crocodile bag by Masbate-born Celestina Maristela Ocampo, creating a multidimensional visual showcase of texture, color, and Filipino creativity.

Lastly, “Paradiso,” developed in collaboration with Arnel Papa, pays homage to the natural beauty of Palawan. The gown incorporates the province’s world-class pearls with capiz shells from Bacolod and is paired with an oversized raffia straw clutch, creating a striking, ethereal effect.

“‘Lahi’ is a storyboard of Philippine fashion developed through collaboration,” Rajo muses. “Bayanihan is a core Filipino value. There is strength in creating a point of view together with other Filipino creatives. This dialogue opens up, deepens the conversation, and allows us to experiment, direct, and define new ideas and voices. The process was truly exciting and enriching.”

See the collection in motion:

Deep and solid trust in God’s providence

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT’S what we need in our life here on earth. Given our limited, not to mention wounded, condition, we should see to it that whatever happens in our life, we should have a deep and solid trust in God’s providence. We are always in his hands, and even in situations where we cannot find any more solutions in this world, we should never doubt that God has assured us that everything would just be all right as long as stick with him.

This was once dramatized in that gospel episode where Christ’s disciples were buffeted by big waves while they were in a boat. Christ appeared to them, walking on the sea, reassured them that it was he and not a ghost, and miraculously the tumultuous water became calm. (cfr. Mk 6,45-52)

God will always provide for our needs and limitations. He will, in fact, do everything to snatch us from the worst evil that can happen to us through the most effective and wise redemptive work of Christ.

God always provides for our needs. He is a very compassionate God who cannot tolerate to see people suffer. That gospel story has a very happy, uplifting ending.

And yet, if I may, we can ask the question—that if God is that compassionate and generous, then why is there so much suffering, poverty and misery around? It would even look like God is completely indifferent to this sad condition worldwide. It would look like many people are left to rot in their miserable condition.

The answer, of course, is that, yes, God is always compassionate. He cannot tolerate seeing people suffer. He will always provide for all our needs. He even went to the extent of becoming man in Christ who had to offer his life to attain the greatest need of mankind—our salvation. With that supreme act of compassion and generosity freely done, what other need do we have that would not be taken care of by God?

The truth is that God has provided us with everything. From our life with all its natural endowments to the air and water, to the abundant food from plants and animals and other resources, he has given them all for us to use and to live with the dignity of being children of God.

The problem is that we do not know how to manage them, how to care and help one another. There is so much indifference and self-indulgence, the germs that would develop into a worldwide pandemic of social injustice and inequality.

And when we are faced with our limitations and a state of helplessness, we should just be ready for them and know not only how to deal with them but also how to derive something good from them. In these instances of the hard predicaments, for example, when we seem to be at a loss as to what to do, we should just see what God does, after we have done all things possible to solve our problems.

We need to trust in God’s providence and mercy. We have to learn to live a spirit of abandonment in the hands of God. Yes, if we have faith in God, in his wisdom and mercy, in his unfailing love for us, we know that everything will always work out for the good. If we are with God, we can always dominate whatever suffering can come our way in the same manner that Christ absorbed all his passion and death on the cross.