From within the man, from his heart

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Feb 11, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Feb 10, 2026 05:58 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

People are often judged by their external behavior. However, Jesus focuses his attention to the primacy of the “heart”— the interiority of intention and volition.

The Scriptures figuratively use the “heart” (Greek kardia) as the seat and center of human life, since it is the center of man’s personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. It is not the external things that make us holy or unholy, but the heart which expresses our intentions, our choices, and the will to do all for the love of God. External behavior is the result of what we decide in the heart, and not the other way around.

The standard between good and evil starts from within us and not from outside of us, that is, from the beginning motives/intentions and not just at its ending goals. But the intentions and the desires of the heart are not often holy; in fact, a lot of mundane cravings spring from the heart. The prophet Jeremiah declares: “More tortuous than anything is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9). That is why the heart needs purification and conversion. Furthermore, the Lord declares, “I, the Lord, explore the mind and test the heart, giving to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their deeds” (Jer 17:10).

It is God who judges the real motives and value of things. The heart is the repository of what we hold dear. Jesus declares, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Mt 6:21).

Gospel • Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

GOSSIP GIRL: Starstruck at the booth - DJ Angelica's night with Ina Raymundo at the Don Bosco Victorias Alumni Homecoming

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Feb 10, 2026 10:41 am

Last Saturday in Victorias, Negros, the energy at the Don Bosco Victorias Grand Alumni Homecoming was already electric — until it got an extra jolt of star power. Spinning the night into a full-on celebration was DJ Angelica (@angelica_20dj), whose set became the soundtrack to a memorable reunion. What didn’t she expect? Sharing the moment with two award-winning actresses—Ina Raymundo and yours truly, and yes, I am an award-winning actress as well.

Giselle Sanchez, Ina Raymundo, and DJ Angelica

I caught up with DJ Angelica after her set, and the glow on her face said it all. “Starstruck po ako. I have always idolized Ina Raymundo as a kid. Look at my outfit, it’s giving Ina Raymundo vibes as a Sabado Nights Girl!" she laughed, still buzzing from the night. But what stayed with her wasn’t just the celebrity aura—it was the kindness. She shared how accommodating and genuinely warm Ina was. No diva energy, just real human warmth—the kind that makes you forget you’re talking to a screen icon and remember you’re among fellow women who love the work.

I must agree with Dj Angelika, working with Bench endorser Ina is so easy and anxiety-free. Ina has an aura and demeanor that makes you feel that you are not in the presence of a superstar. Maybe it’s the warmth of a mother Ina possesses. She really lives up to her name, Ina, which means mother. Angelica shared that Ina invited her to sit, eat, and take photos with her- simple gestures that meant the world to a working DJ who had come to deliver vibes, not chase selfies. “Parang barkada mo lang siya. Some actors, although I won't name names, will even tell me to leave the tent, saying that the tent is exclusive to them. But not you and Ina.” She said, describing how easy the conversation flowed. That’s the magic of events like these: when generations and roles blur, and everyone just shows up as themselves.

For DJ Angelica, the night was more than just another gig. It was a reminder that presence matters. I was thankful for kasi may ‘star presence’ yung event,” she admitted, “pero mas thankful ako sa kindness.”

In a scene where clout can feel louder than character, she walked away, reminded that the best stories come from shared tables, not just shared stages.

From the booth, Angelica kept the dance floor alive—reading the crowd, weaving nostalgia with modern beats, and giving the alumni a soundtrack worthy of their homecoming. It’s a skill DJs quietly master: to hold space for joy while being invisible enough for the spotlight to belong to the moment. That night, she did both.

As a performer who’s seen the industry from stage, screen, and backstage chaos, I’m always rooting for the ones who do the work with heart. DJ Angelica is one of those. She shows up prepared, plays with generosity, and carries gratitude in her pocket. That’s the kind of energy that travels far—long after the last track fades and the lights come up.

So here’s to nights where the music hits right, the company feels kind, and the memories linger.

Victorias Negros felt the love last Saturday—and DJ Angelica took home a story she’ll spin for years. DJ Angelika will spin at the BGC Manila House on Feb 14, for their Valentine's Night.