BEST WISHES AND GOODBYE

By Klaus Döring 

WHEN letters were the only form of written correspondence, signing off was obvious. Actually, I still follow that old tradition, whether it comes to letters or emails. It is simply a matter of respect and good manners.

If addressing a sir or madam, the convention was unambiguous: you concluded with “Yours faithfully.” When writing to a specific person — for example, a Mr. or Ms. (hey, ladies first!) — it was equally simple: your letter would always be signed off with “Yours sincerely.” Only missives to family members or close friends would ever end with “Love from” or “With much love, yours.”

For many people, there seems to be a weird status thing when it comes to how blunt you can be in emails. I ask myself: Why? An email is still a letter — just an online one.

Sad to say, the arrival of email has disrupted this etiquette, making the rules far less obvious. Indeed, for many of us, there are no rules anymore. A whole subculture of personalized email sign-offs has emerged, ranging from “TTFN” to “peace out.” And, of course, it is not just what we say but why we say it. This is true not only in English but in other languages as well. I encounter the same thing in German emails, letters and even text messages.

“Emails have become the medium of business, leisure, family, love and everything,” says children’s author Michael Rosen. When we sign off emails, we try to give off the “right vibe,” he adds. He says it is all about how we want to come across to the recipient: “Thoughtful, grateful or just very, very busy?” Oh sure, we are all so very, very busy….

Some of the most successful business people are notoriously blunt in email communication — if they even bother with a sign-off at all.

“There’s a weird status thing when it comes to the more blunt you are in emails, the more you can be (blunt) because you’re senior in the company,” says author Emma Gannon, recalling the editor of a famous newspaper whose response to pitches was often just a curt “yep” or “nope.”

Although being succinct can convey a certain authority and status, it can also communicate a dose of self-importance or arrogance. And we have all dealt with bosses who fire off email edicts such as “Is this done?” or “Update me on that.”

Even if they are not quite so direct, many emailers like to convey a sense of being busy by using or adapting abbreviations. Thus, “kind regards” becomes “KR,” while “yours” may dispense with those pesky vowels and become “yrs.” Heaven forbid!

“When someone signed off ‘BR’ for ‘best regards’, I just thought they were cold, brrr,” says Gannon. In my opinion — sorry to say — I sometimes do not even reply anymore after receiving such correspondence. Oh sure, we are all busy, but there should at least be a minimum level of respect when communicating with someone, whether in business or in our personal lives, and whether by letter, email or text message.

Then there are those who pare things down to the absolute minimum, signing off simply with their name or even just the initial letter of their first name. Others might omit a sign-off altogether. While this may come across as peremptory or rude, at least it avoids misinterpretation.

Emails are nearly formal, but not totally formal. At the same time, they are not quite as informal as “CU in a MNT on bus OMW.”

Some people swing the other way and end their emails on an altogether friendlier note. While most would consider kisses to have no place in a business environment, they often creep into emails — sometimes from people the recipient has never even met. For some, an “x” at the end of an email is a friendly endnote; for others, it is totally inappropriate.

Even simply calling someone by their first name is not always the way it should be in business.

What is clear is that some British terms used to end emails simply do not translate well. A casual “cheers” is frequently used as a sign-off in UK emails but can be utterly perplexing to other nationalities. That is hardly surprising when a hearty “cheers” can also accompany the clinking of glasses at the pub or be used to thank a checkout person at the supermarket. Here, too, we have to deal with the differences between British and American English.

For author Michael Rosen, emails now occupy a halfway house between text messages and traditional letters.

“The key thing is that emails aren’t the same as letters. I position them in my mind as a sort of halfway place between texts and hard copy letters: nearly formal but not totally formal, but they’re not as informal as ‘CU in a MNT on bus OMW’,” says Rosen. I strongly agree with him.

And, he adds, given their place in this ambiguous no-man’s-land of communication, it follows that there will continue to be a whole raft of ways to say “goodbye.”

Perhaps that is the point. To say goodbye with deeper meaning, use words that honor the bond you share, acknowledge the sadness of parting, or simply wish someone peace and happiness on the road ahead. Sometimes, a thoughtful farewell can say far more than a simple “bye.”

Television's A-listers glitter on Emmys red carpet

Frederic J. Brown, Susan Stumme - Agence France-Presse

September 15, 2026 | 10:36am

AFP / Lisa O'Connor  

LOS ANGELES, United States — The brightest stars in television hit the red carpet Monday for the Emmy Awards, television's equivalent of the Oscars, and they certainly gave fashion fans something to talk about.

The women of Hollywood know that under the bright lights, a bit of shimmer goes a long way.

Zendaya, who often turns heads with her red carpet flair, glistened in a custom silver Prada gown featuring a plunging neckline and plenty of bling — crystals embroidered into the dress and diamonds in her ears.

A sassy short haircut completed the look for the actress, a past winner who is again a nominee for her work on "Euphoria."

Selena Gomez, a nominee for best comedy actress for "Only Murders in the Building," oozed glamour in a strapless gold column gown from Louis Vuitton, her hair long, loose, and curly.

Host Mariska Hargitay, already a two-time Emmy winner this year for her documentary "My Mom Jayne," looked radiant in a glittering fire engine red, curve-hugging Monse gown that cascaded to the floor in a fringed train.

Her daughter Amaya wore a matching look, with both appearing to channel the spirit of Hargitay's mother, late movie icon Jayne Mansfield.

Other stars at the Peacock Theater opted for softer looks, in dreamy hues of green, lavender, and pale blue.

Elle Fanning, the star of Apple TV's quirky "Margo's Got Money Troubles" who is nominated alongside Gomez, rocked a sleeveless sparkling green Ralph Lauren slip dress with a shoulder tassel that trailed to the floor.

Katherine LaNasa, last year's winner for best drama supporting actress for "The Pitt," and a nominee again this time around, was a vision in a simple sky blue Louis Vuitton gown with spaghetti straps.

And Sarah Pidgeon, a nominee for the much-talked-about limited series "Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr & Carolyn Bessette," stunned on the peacock blue carpet — in celebration of NBC's 100th anniversary — wearing a purple Chanel slip dress with silver bead and pearl accents.

The Emmys usually does not deliver an adventurous red carpet, especially for the guys, but a few stood out.

Colman Domingo, a double nominee for his work on "Euphoria" and "The Four Seasons," is always raising the fashion bar for Hollywood's men, and he did not disappoint.

He wore a soft brown Valentino jacket with a Mandarin collar and knob buttons, a sassy fuschia sash belt fastened with an elaborate silver brooch and fluid cream trousers.

Noah Wyle, who won for the second year in a row for best drama actor for his gritty medical drama "The Pitt," donned a tan tuxedo jacket with silky lapels and black trousers from Brunello Cucinelli.

If you want to win an Emmy, you need to...dress like an Emmy?

For Meg Stalter, a nominee for best comedy supporting actress for "Hacks" who is known for zany red carpet takes, that appears to be the plan.  

BY WEDNESDAY UNTIL FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 16-18)

SOUTHWEST MONSOON WILL PREVAIL OVER THE WESTERN SECTIONS OF VISAYAS AND MINDANAO CAUSING CLOUDY SKIES WITH SCATTERED RAINS AND THUNDERSTORMS OVER ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, NORTHERN MINDANAO, BARMM, WESTERN VISAYAS, AND NEGROS ISLAND REGION.

May be an image of text that says '.- B13 15.SEP. 5. 2026 00 40UTC'

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Anatomy of resistance

 

Inside Jeho Bitancor's studio and exhibit 'Sa Pagitan ng Bangungot at Bahaghari'

By S.C. Fojas

Published Sep 13, 2026 01:13 pm

At A Glance

• The painting resembles an image that explodes, like a volcano or a bomb. Only this time, exploding particles are actually composed of human figures in various poses, contortions, and seeming acts of defiance.     Behind the striking socio-political tableaus of Jeho Bitancor's latest exhibit, “Sa Pagitan ng Bangungot at Bahaghari” at Art Cube Gallery, lies a physical space of intense labor. Describing his workspace as “where all the magic happens,” Jeho views his studio as “the witness for countless hours of struggle and eventual victory.” This raw, tangible energy pulses through his current collection, where meticulously layered acrylic textures and luminous oil glazes give form to the heavy duality of human survival and political oppression.

MEET THE ARTIST Jeho Bitancor

The exhibit’s thematic weight is deeply rooted in a duality of opposing forces—trapped between truth and fallacy, dominance and submission, and compassion and indifference. This tension is physically manifested in works like “Tatag ng Tindig and Sa Panahon ng Ligalig,” where precarious scaffolding, wooden structures, and makeshift nests serve as both shelters and traps. Figures are woven tightly into these architectural frames, using their bodies to prop up collapsing systems or construct fragile spaces of sanctuary amid systemic turmoil.

‘SALUNGAT NA LANDAS,’ 4x8 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

‘BALIKWAS,’ 4x5 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

Jeho’s technical mastery drives this narrative forward, shaped by a deliberate evolution of mediums. Reflecting on his process, he shares: “Since my student days, the medium’s properties and behavior have allowed me to achieve the effects I needed to deliver the message with impact. The use of acrylics as a base also presented opportunities to explore texture, color, and other abstract qualities. The moment I discovered oils’ flexibility in terms of achieving transparency and opacity at the same time, it has been my medium of choice.”

This material approach anchors his creative workflow, which begins long before paint touches canvas: “I let the idea float over my head over time and wait until it’s ripe enough to be recorded on paper as a thumbnail study. It will undergo different stages of reworking until the final composition takes form.”

‘KALIGTASANG BAGWIS,’ 4x5 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

‘PUGAD NG PAGTUTOL,’ 4x5 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

Once the structural foundation is set, Jeho builds his distinct surfaces: “I will start with textures and effects using acrylic. I will then add oil on top, from glazes to the final touch of opaque paint. I want to create noise in the surface by employing different techniques of handling the paint.”

This tactile chaos translates directly onto the gallery walls, perfectly embodied by “Balikuwas.” Describing the piece, Jeho notes: “The painting resembles an image that explodes, like a volcano or a bomb. Only this time, exploding particles are actually composed of human figures in various poses, contortions, and seeming acts of defiance.”

Similarly, works like “Kaligtasang Bagwis” and “Sandalang Kapanalig” introduce recurring motifs like wings, vines, and ladders, offering threads of redemption and spiritual resistance. The figures do not succumb to despair; instead, they organize, gather, and hold their ground, transforming pain into an active, collective stance against oppression.

‘TATAG NG TINDIG 2,’ 4x5 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

‘SA PANAHON NG LIGALIG,’ 4x5 feet, oil on canvas, 2026

By bridging the chaotic physicality of his studio with the soaring, desperate architecture of his compositions, Jeho ensures his exhibit resonates far beyond the gallery walls. His final words on the collection serve as both a warning and an enduring ethos for the viewer: “This is a wake-up call. Let us be more discerning and vigilant. Our plight is a result of our (in)action.”

“Sa Pagitan ng Bangungot at Bahaghari” runs until Sept. 26 at Art Cube Gallery, OPVI Centre, 2295 Chino Roces Ext., Makati City

Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos score legal win as Makati prosecutor dismisses complaints

By Neil Ramos 

Published Sep 15, 2026 10:06 am

At A Glance

• Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, and Samantha Panlilio are no longer facing complaints for alleged physical abuse and unlawful detention after the Makati City Prosecutor's Office found insufficient evidence to support the cases.

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office has thrown out the complaints filed against Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, and Samantha Panlilio over allegations of physical abuse and unlawful detention.

The dismissal was based on insufficient evidence, according to the prosecutor’s resolution dated Sept. 1.

The complaints were filed by a man identified as alias “Totoy,” who accused the three celebrities of slight physical injuries, maltreatment, and unlawful arrest.  

Among his allegations was that he had been kept inside a condominium unit against his will. The prosecutor, however, found that Totoy failed to establish that he had been forced to remain there.

The dispute dates back to January, when Totoy accused Michelle, Rhian, and Samantha of assaulting and mistreating him. He also alleged that the incident was connected to an “angpao” he had reportedly taken, which was said to contain private and sensitive photographs.

The three celebrities have denied the allegations.

The latest development does not end the legal dispute between the parties. Separate complaints involving theft and perjury filed by Michelle and Rhian against Totoy remain pending.  

Meanwhile, the group assisting Totoy has indicated that it intends to challenge the prosecutor’s dismissal.

THE COLORS OF MY LIFE

SOME people view life as a complex mixture of every human feeling, while others reduce it to simple dualities. Violet stands for joy, indigo for knowledge, blue for peace, green for love, yellow for tranquility, orange for sanctity, and red for strength. The union of all these rays creates energy within human beings and guides us through life with seven precious qualities from God.

The Ups and Downs of Our Life. We all live our lives through the prism of our experiences and emotions. And, naturally, we all want to live a happy life.

Therefore, the colors of life that we discover throughout our journey on Earth represent the different ways in which we see and interpret the world around us.

I have always been fascinated by Celine Dion’s song “The Colour of My Love”: “I’ll paint my mood in shades of blue; paint my soul to be with you…” and “I’ll paint the truth, show how I feel…” The colors of love are also the colors of life.

Passion and ignorance — our intense emotions and our uninstructed or unlearned behavior — are not always justifiable reasons for pardoning the guilty. Those words may sound rough and unpleasant, but sometimes they need to be expressed clearly and directly so that they reach our minds and hearts.

However, the weight of evidence may point to the fact that failure to see the different colors of life can lead to unnecessary death and injury. We may be barreling down the tracks of life with plenty of people in tow. Our decisions can influence friends, relatives, colleagues, and others in our daily surroundings. I don’t like your style? Still, you belong to the colors of my life…!

The colors of life are not always colorful. Many times, we may also find ourselves going through black-and-white periods.

What makes your life colorful? Be curious; make it your mission to discover new ideas, places, people, and interests. Be expressive; don’t be afraid to speak your mind and communicate your feelings to others. Take the initiative; don’t sit around waiting for permission to do what you love.

Life is full of colors. In our lives, we see bright colors — the happy, hopeful, and positive moments that make life beautiful. But life would not be complete without challenges and problems. Just as a picture needs contrast, the colors of life would not be complete without the darker ones.

Here is another important person. He was born in a stable. His friends were fishermen. He never traveled far beyond his homeland. He died in disgrace while he was still a young man. And yet, through the centuries and around the world, Jesus of Nazareth, through his life and teachings, has inspired more people than anyone else who ever walked this earth. He, too, became one of the most important colors of my life!

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn, or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN