Timeless values: Children mirror the kind of society we have

Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” offers numerous lessons for us. In this book, he reveals a wealth of wisdom that children learn during their kindergarten years. These are timeless values—if we have learned them as we build up the structures of society that nourish and sustain our humanity. If we fail to do so, then these lessons will help redeem our sense of humanity. Some of them came from Fulghum’s context, but Filipinos can adopt or adapt them to their own.

The idyllic, wonderful, and dignified environment for our children is what structures and systems can create. It seems that systems and structures in society have not only failed to serve as role models for our children and youth, but also lack the will and determination to look into their welfare. It starts with the recognition that children mirror the kind of society we have. The situation of children reflects both the present and future of any society.

The development of children is the primary responsibility of the Philippine state as a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It must ensure that children have access to social services and are given opportunities to develop their potential. They should be protected from harm, abuse, and violence.

Lolo and Lola

 

Bad Days

 

By Mindanao Daily News -July 20, 2026055

Having a rough one? Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and remember: it is just a bad day, not a bad life. Even your worst days only have twenty-four hours.

Change your surroundings: Take a short walk. In Davao City, you can head to a calm spot like the People’s Park on Palma Gil St, or grab a quiet cup of coffee at Blue Hat Cafe or Kanto Coffee along Marfori to get a change of scenery. Practice a quick “brain dump”: Write down what went wrong, then focus on what you can control next.

Turn off social media for a few hours and avoid Daniel Powter’s classic “Bad Day” song on YouTube if you need a break from feeling overly sentimental.On Reddit, opinions are mixed regarding whether days can be “bad” objectively or if it’s just about your mindset. Regardless of the philosophy, it is completely normal to feel frustrated. Take things one hour at a time!

A bad day means things aren’t going well for you on that particular day or maybe that week. Maybe you got demoted or fired. Maybe your dog died. Maybe the doctor gave you bad news.

People have a bad day because they are stressed out. Overwhelming situations, such as a heavy workload or personal issues, can lead to stress and anxiety, resulting in a bad day. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it is critical to take a break and prioritize tasks. Sleep deprivation can also contribute to a bad day.

Well, one of my expatriate friends here in the Philippines admired the “Five Tibetans Monks”. I mean – not the personalities… . Every morning, my friend does these exercises entitled “Five Tibetans Monks”. Since my friend started with that, he hasn’t become sick any more. He also felt mentally balanced. I can’t guarantee it. He kept on swearing it to me. SoutheastAsians & Pacific Islanders

Another (German) friend, meanwhile 85 years “young” can’t enjoy his breakfast without first jogging for an hour or even more starting at 5 a.m. If he’s not able to practice it, he becomes moody, intolerable, aggressive and frustrated. Bad days…!

Others have to swim three times a day. Good for those, who have a swimming pool or live near a beach or sea shore.

I love a glass of red wine (don’t get me wrong: I said ONE glass!), a good book (whatever that means for you, my dear reader!), and relaxing (old!) classical music. So, each one of us is looking for his or her special ways of being comfortable.

But, some of our dear fellow creatures can’t really get some peace. They heave a sigh and utter a groan all day long! The Five Tibetans Monks have been blurred. Jogging is unhealthy; green tea is putting out and forces ill-feeling; swimming in a pool supports logical ring worms! Heaven forbid!

I’m sure, my red wine is never digestible and instead reading a good book while listening to relaxing music weighs heavily upon our minds. 

A couple of years ago I met an expatriate who loved to swing a pendulum to and fro. Billy occupied himself with astrology and the esoteric. I will never forget one of his first questions regarding my birth time. He warned me immediately: “Days followed by full moon periods are very bad for you!” This was something new for me. To be honest, I really don’t care about such stuff. Sorry! I messed up with Billy. Sayang! He was a really good friend.

I travelled a lot. I stayed in more than 80 countries. I experienced in some Western countries that travel agencies recommended trips to Mexico for “Leos” or to Turkey for “Capricorns”.  I went to both countries and didn’t feel anything wrong or bad. I estimated roughly, which dramatic  mis-judgments, accidents, and sickness outbreaks or losses have happened in my life during days followed by full moon periods. 

Having a bad day means experiencing a stretch of time where you are dealing with emotional discomfort, mental stress, or a series of unfortunate events. It is a temporary negative state characterized by frustration, sadness, or a general feeling that things are simply not going your way.

What day is today?  I always write most of my columns for this daily and my websites on Sundays. It’s really a great day.  Joking apart: allow me to quote Th. Campell (Lochiel’s Warning), “Coming events cast their shadows before”. Bad days for most places on this globe and its people right now. “Mourning becomes Elektra!” –  as E.O. Neill entitled his drama stage play… .But, we should never stop praying for peace!

What surprising cultural differences should I expect when visiting Germany for the first time, especially regarding everyday interactions and habits?

Your first culture shock in Germany will likely happen in total silence: a stranger locking eyes with you on a train and refusing to look away.

This phenomenon, frequently dubbed the "German Stare," involves locals maintaining eye contact for slightly longer than people from many other Western cultures find comfortable. While it might feel judgmental or confrontational to a newcomer, it is simply a culturally accepted way of observing the environment. No malice is intended; staring is just not considered rude in the same way it is elsewhere.

Once conversations actually begin, the differences in social etiquette become even more apparent. In German culture, directness is highly valued. While an American or British person might wrap a critique in several layers of complimentary padding, a German will likely deliver feedback with unapologetic clarity. This is not a sign of hostility, but a mark of respect. Wasting someone's time with superficial pleasantries is often seen as inefficient. Consequently, casual greetings like "How are you?" are taken literally. If a tourist asks a shopkeeper this question, they should be prepared for a genuine, detailed answer about the person's day, rather than a brief, reflexive "Fine, thanks."

Another major adjustment for travelers is navigating the concept of Sonntagsruhe, or Sunday rest. In contrast to the 24/7 convenience culture found in many countries, Germany practically shuts down on Sundays. Supermarkets, clothing stores, and most pharmacies (except for designated emergency ones) are entirely closed.

[1]

 Aside from restaurants, museums, and a few convenience shops located inside major train stations or airports, retail commerce halts. Sunday is legally and culturally reserved for family, hobbies, and quiet relaxation.

Dining out also comes with its own set of distinct habits that surprise first-time visitors. Free tap water is almost never offered or served in restaurants. If a patron asks for "water," the server will universally bring a bottle of carbonated mineral water and charge for it. To get uncarbonated water, one must specifically order stilles Wasser. Additionally, despite a recent global shift toward digital payments, cash remains deeply ingrained in daily German life. Many bakeries, small cafes, and outdoor market stalls still prefer or exclusively accept physical euros, making it essential for travelers to keep a few banknotes and coins in their pockets at all times.

Footnotes

[1] Edited with thanks to ANDY DRAGOMIR for the correction.

Everything is political

 

By Angelika Del Carmen-Emeterio 

At dinner back home, everything is on the table, except for politics. It’s the elephant in the room. We keep the peace because a little niceness after the proverbial chaos of life doesn’t sound too bad an idea. Each side thinks it’s more right than the other. Each thinks the other is stupider than the rest. Nobody wants to give. But politics is shelved for regular dinner conversation.

It is, however, inescapable. See, around us, hiding in plain sight, are the vestiges of political will. Food we had delivered, made and brought to us by criminally underpaid workers from the kitchen to the ports is by our hands. The rice is harvested by farmers who have a hard time sending their kids to school. No one wants to bring this up because no one can confirm or deny any of this. In fact, it comforts us to not know. But looking at the trends of the world, it’s hard to look away from the ugliest truths we have.

A lot of times, in those nuances, is where we can see the larger scope of politics come into play.

Most people are uncomfortable with topics like politics or religion because they can’t confront their own biases. Outside the actual physical government, politics is embedded in our daily lives. As long as something is protected by the interests of a select group of people, politics is involved and, perhaps, needs to be dismantled. Politics creates a society’s frameworks for thinking, which, in a broader sense, leads to the assumption that the act of thinking itself is political.

From the schools where we study and the jobs where we work to the food we eat, the art we see, and the books we read, there is a careful intersection of politics that happens upon their creation and sustenance. Education, in itself, can be viewed as a politicizing agent of a people, so it’s no surprise why subjects are modified and books are banned. Our employers, at the end of the day, will only pay us what “legally” is our worth. How many underpaid, overexploited employees have the service industries gotten away with? Artists carry the weight of politico-historical narratives on their shoulders. Books should always speak truth to power. Works of art should always reflect the times.

Limiting our politics to just partisanship is never productive. When someone tells us that everything is political, the sentiments of some, if not most, are automatically taken from partisan cues. The way we’ve been taught to understand and conduct politics outside the academic sphere is just awful. We can clearly see a rise in radical utopian politics, only magnified by the social media age and indifferent tech giants.

Partisanship ebbs and flows, depending on the political climate. But the power dynamics of the times and the harrowing conditions our people are subjected to in the class divide are forever. That’s what people get wrong about this conversation. The “everything is political” slogan pertains to the social ills of power, deception, and corruption, not the figures we “democratically” elect or the parties we support. Anybody who disagrees with this needs a reality check. We all live in our own bubbles, but that shouldn’t mean we should turn a blind eye to other people’s misfortunes and struggles. It’s not their fault to begin with, and those who have more in life should give more and know more.

Politics can never be a separate entity from life. It is engraved into our birth rights. Politics gives us access to our actualization, from the commodities we can afford to the things we can dream of and make possible. That’s what decides a society’s capacity for truth and dissent. We can never make things too political because the fact that we exist is political. Everything is more politicized because politics is as pervasive as it has ever been. Man, ultimately, is a political animal.

These things don’t exactly make for good banter. It’s going to sound way too preachy, heated, and repetitive. And maybe it is. But while these conversations can be difficult, they’re essential to how we can collectively process and engage with our current affairs. The real challenge, however, is addressing people’s gross reduction of our politics.

Maybe it starts by listening more to people outside our echo chambers. Maybe it starts by creating more safe spaces for the disenfranchised in our communities and giving them more avenues to speak. Maybe it starts by us being more honest, too. Of all things, maybe it can start in something as simple and seemingly inconsequential as the dinner table. Talk about it. Or don’t talk about it. It will consume us either way.

A MOST DOWN-TO-EARTH BOOK

 

By Klaus Döring

Down to Earth (2008) is a Canadian literary collection by high school students in Montreal.[ The book focuses on environmental issues through creative writing. The collection features introductions by Roberta Bondar and Justin Trudeau as well as endorsements from David Suzuki and Robert Bateman. The book was edited and published by Michael Ernest Sweet.

The book is a student anthology of poetry, fiction, non-fiction and drama. It was written to express concerns about global warming and environmental destruction. The book has two strands: the first warns about environmental destruction, and the second promotes a new awe of nature. It was launched by Justin Trudeau in 2008. Mark Garneau, first Canadian in space, wrote that the writing overwhelmed him, and made him realise that we must act now.[

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything went smoothly, we would not even think a minute about praying... .

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason why Jesus spent many hours praying.

Unquestionable, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer.

Let me ask you: How long has it been since you've brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings?

In his very interesting book "People in Prayer", Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White writes: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God.

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen to my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. Will all my wishes be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in his answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment" How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to god? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that a long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Talking about prayer, we also have to mention the probably most down-earth book in the bible which is  Proverbs. Its education prepares you for the street and the marketplace, not the schoolroom. The book offers the warm advice you get by growing up in a good family. It covers small questions as well as large ones: talking too much, visiting neighbors too often, being unbearably cheerful too early in the morning. Proverbs simply tell how life works most of the time.

I always love to quote proverbs, which express the truth about life in an elegant, witty kernel. You should not hunt through it for proverbs you might like. You should study the whole book to get its overall point of view. This takes time, for Proverbs covers dozens of subjects in subtle detail.

Did BLACKPINK's Jennie soft-launch a romance? Instagram post sparks speculation

 

By Neil Ramos

Published Jul 19, 2026 04:49 pm

BLACKPINK member Jennie has sparked online speculation after sharing an Instagram Story featuring herself leaning on the shoulder of an unidentified man, prompting fans to wonder whether the K-pop star was subtly introducing a romantic partner.

The photo, posted on July 19, shows Jennie smiling while resting her head on the man's shoulder. His face was concealed with a white heart emoji, leaving his identity unknown.

The post quickly circulated across social media, with some fans describing it as a possible "soft launch," a popular internet term for subtly revealing a romantic relationship without making an official announcement.

Jennie has not commented on the speculation or identified the person in the photo.

Dating rumors involving K-pop idols often attract widespread attention because South Korea's entertainment industry has traditionally kept artists' personal lives private, with many agencies declining to confirm or deny reports unless necessary.

Over the years, Jennie has been linked to several high-profile names, including BIGBANG's G-Dragon and BTS member V. Neither relationship was publicly confirmed by Jennie.

The Instagram Story comes as Jennie remains active with both BLACKPINK and her solo career.

BLACKPINK recently returned with the "Deadline" EP and is currently on its "Deadline" world tour, which included stops in the Philippines earlier this year.

Jennie also continues to promote her solo music following the release of her album "Ruby," which features tracks including "Like Jennie," "Love Hangover," and "Handlebars."

UST completes flawless Juniors National Invitationals conquest

 University of Santo Tomas displayed grace under pressure to prevail over St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 18-25, 19-17 in a thrilling winner-take-all final to rule the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals Saturday, July 18, at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.    

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 19, 2026 10:40 am

The Junior Tigresses flirted with disaster after squandering a 2-0 match lead. Still, they found the resolve to come back from a five-point deficit in the deciding frame before pulling off an incredible escape.

Most Valuable Player Nicole Pelaez unloaded 27 points on 24 kills, two kill blocks and an ace as UST finished the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea unbeaten in eight games.        

The sign of Jonah [and Jesus]

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 20, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 19, 2026 03:51 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

It is often said that to someone who refuses to believe, no sign or proof is enough, but to someone who believes, no sign or proof is necessary. Jesus’ exasperation with the Jewish authorities demanding signs is not so much that they are asking for signs in the first place. Naturally, Jesus would have understood their desire for signs. For throughout their whole history, God has been showing them signs of his liberating or salvific love for them. What Jesus makes issue of is that no matter how many signs he has already performed in their midst, they continue to demand for signs. They refuse to look at or marvel at the signs Jesus has already performed. So what would another sign do, Jesus would have asked in his mind. And why is the sign of Jonah singled out as the sign? Because it alludes to the identity of Jesus and what he would undergo; namely, that just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days (then spewed out), so also will Jesus remain in the womb of the earth for three days and rise again. Ultimately, the problem lies in the hardness of their hearts to accept and believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised by God to them. And so, they fail to see not just the many signs performed by Jesus before their eyes but also the very SIGN himself.

Gospel • Mt 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Hopping or love and care?

 By Klaus Döring -Monday, July 20, 2026

RELATIONSHIP hopping means jumping quickly from one partner to another, while care is the steady, intentional effort to support someone else. Love goes even deeper, building on care, trust, and commitment. Unlike relationship hopping, which often serves as an escape from pain, genuine love requires us to confront loneliness, disappointment, and emotional vulnerability.

Plastic money — better known as credit cards — combined with loneliness and relentless advertising can be a dangerous mix. Increasingly, people are being drawn into shopping frenzies in search of emotional satisfaction.

Recently, the sun was blazing, and despite the sweltering heat, we found ourselves heading to a shopping mall. Shopping centers have an undeniable way of tempting us with endless promotions and irresistible bargains. Credit cards came out one after another, as if money were no object.

Suddenly, we convince ourselves that our clothes are no longer good enough and that our shoes are outdated or even embarrassing. The latest fashion is available for just a few pesos more — or so it seems. Surely, we can afford it… can’t we?

Women especially — or is that merely a stereotype? — often arrange shopping trips with friends. What begins as harmless fun can easily turn into a competition over who finds the trendiest outfit or the biggest bargain. Ironically, many participants can hardly afford these purchases. Despite strained finances, unnecessary spending provides a temporary feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and relaxation.

Could shopping be a substitute for the love, care, and appreciation that many people feel they are missing? Perhaps. For a brief moment, shopping seems to fill the emotional void created by unmet needs for affection, recognition, and human connection.

That brief shopping high is often followed by a sense of euphoria. A new dress feels like a lucky charm, promising happiness and renewed confidence. But before long, the excitement fades — and the addiction quietly takes hold.

The real tragedy is that many of the items purchased are not needed at all. The thrill lies not in owning them but in buying them. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics are worn only occasionally before being hidden away in closets. Then comes the guilt. Depression follows, and an inner emptiness returns — until the next shopping spree promises another temporary escape.

It is a dangerous vicious cycle that can eventually lead to financial ruin. Experts have long warned that the boundaries between ordinary shopping, emotional spending, frustration, and compulsive buying are often blurred. I remember seeing a woman yesterday trying to pay a huge bill with three different credit cards, only to hear the cashier repeatedly say, “Excuse me, Ma’am, there is a problem with your credit card.” As she walked away empty-handed, she simply remarked, “Okay lang, actually I don’t need all this stuff!” What an ironic realization.

Let me make one thing clear: I do not want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of visiting shopping malls. Not everyone who enjoys shopping is addicted. Occasional retail therapy or reward shopping can be perfectly normal. It is only when shopping becomes an uncontrollable and recurring compulsion that it demands serious attention.

By the way, love and care are fundamental human emotions that lie at the heart of every meaningful relationship. Care reflects concern, compassion, and a willingness to help others. Love encompasses all of these qualities while reaching even deeper, creating lasting bonds built on trust, understanding, and selflessness.