A view of Switerzland's Aletsch Glacier, the Alps' largest glacier

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 21, 2025 | 4:53pm

MANILA, Philippines — Between the Bern and Valais cantons in Switzerland, one can find the largest glacier in western Eurasia and among the biggest in the world.

The Aletsch Glacier (Aletschgletscher in German) is about 23 kilometers long and covers over 81 square kilometers of the Bernese Alps, making it also the largest glacier in the famous mountain range.

The entire glacier and other portions of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site over twenty years ago, but it continues to lose some of its ice due to global warming.

The upper part of the Aletsch Glacier can be directly accessed through the Jungfrauoch railway station, the highest station in all of Europe at 3,454 meters earning it the title "Top of Europe."

Better views however can be seen in the lower part of the glacier near the mountain village of Bettmeralp.

From there, individuals can also have a glimpse of other peaks like the Dom, the iconic Matterhorn, and Europe's highest mountain the Mont Blanc.

The Mont Blanc however is not in Switzerland but situated along the Franco-Italian border.

There are 48 mountains in Switzerland higher than 4,000 meters — and 40 of them can be seen from the Bettmerhorn viewing point of the Aletsch Glacier.

Advanced hikers are able treak on and around the glacier, even spend the night in one of the huts found along it, but must be wary of the crevasses which can go as deep as 900 meters.

Editor's note: The trip to Switzerland was hosted by Switzerland Tourism. At no stage does the host organization has a say on the stories generated from the coverage, interviews conducted, publication date, and story treatment. Content is produced solely by Philstar.com following editorial guidelines.

Fyang Smith releases debut EP, caps off album launch with PBB batchmates

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

June 24, 2025 | 9:34am

MANILA, Philippines — "Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11" winner Sofia "Fyang" Smith opens a new chapter in her career after launching her five-track debut extended play "Forever Fyang." 

The EP include the singles "Mishu (Nasaan Si Fyang?)" and "Tayo Hanggang Dulo" which recently claimed the top two spots of iTunes Philippines' songs chart.

The lyric videos for both songs featuring her fellow "PBB Gen 11" housemate JM Ibarra have each accumulated over 100,000 views. 

"Mishu" was composed by Trisha Denise and Dennis Campaner, while "Tayo Hanggang Dulo" was written by ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and Perry Lansigan.

"Forever Fyang" produced by StarPop label head Roque "Rox" Santos brings feel-good vibes as it celebrates different forms of love from playful flirtation to long-lasting connections. 

Completing the extended play are the tracks "Clingy AF" composed by Gabriel Tagadtad, "Kaya Mo Ba" by Jeremy G and Jarea, and "Para Shoot" by award-winning songwriter Jungee Marcelo.

Last Sunday Fyang delivered exciting performances during the extended play's launch held in the New Frontier Theater.

Joining her onstage were Ibarra, other "PBB Gen 11" housemates Kai Montinola, Kolette Madelo, Rain Celmar, and "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

MY PRAYERS AND ME

 

Prayer is how we as Christians draw close to God as well as a necessary condition for us to be moved by the Holy Spirit, and enlightened and illuminated by God. If we genuinely pray to God, and understand the principles and practices of prayer, when we encounter difficulties or dilemmas in our life, we’ll be able to face them in a relaxed way.

"The Power of Prayer" is a 2020 song by Bruce Springsteen from his album Letter to You. It was only released as a radio single, and a promotional video was released on November 23, a month after the release of the album.

The song has a spiritual language. Springsteen was born in a Roman Catholic household, and that turned him off religion, but he didn't lose his faith. The video features archival footage from his youth and clips of Springsteen and the E Street Band working on the song in the studio. The message of the video is about old friends he’s lost and the optimism of that era, reflected in the footage of Jersey Shore in the summertime during Springsteen’s youth. 

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... .

Nowadays, I live a wonderful life in my second and last home, the Philippines. I never regretted moving here for good. I have everything I could ask for. I can do everything I wish to do. Thank you Lord for all the blessings.

CLAIMS TO LEADERSHIP

I am 72 now and have retired in the Philippines for good since 1999. I traveled all around the world. I met innumerable leaders in different companies and institutions. I experienced "good" and "bad" leaders.  My "good" leaders, just a handful - maybe, became my mentors. Each one in his or her own very special way. The others I sorted out. Forgot them... . 

Quitters never win and winners never quit! Basta! That was my first leader's motive -  a publishing house director, whom I met during my college time. This saying has been imprinted in my mind and heart till today. As a result, when I started teaching German language in the Institute of Languages and Creative Arts at University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City almost 19i years ago, I used this and other sayings helping my students to remember these key points.

As I said before: just a handful of awesome leaders crossed my path. In Germany, in the U.S. and lately also here in the Philippines. I learned a lot from them and their behavior. I also learned from negative leaders, those catching people doing things wrong. Why don't leaders spend at least an hour a week wandering around their operation catching people doing things right AND wrong? My first boss, a publisher in Germany, really did it this way. One could talk to him.  Well, nowadays situations have changed our business lives. 

Many leaders wait to praise their people until they do things exactly right. Problem: mostly, one waits forever. 

Up to now, I see a lot of unmotivated people at work or students at school, but I have never seen them after work or school! When office is done and school is over, people race to do such things that provide them with positive feedback on results.

My former students were getting tired many times. I tried to tell them that learning is more important today than ever before. Especially in pandemic times. Especially during online classes. 

In the past, if a person was loyal and worked hard,his or her job was secure. Also during my time in the 1960's and 1970's or even early 1980's. Today, the skills you bring to the party constitute the only available form of job security. When you stop learning, you stop growing. Albert Einstein once said: Never stop learning and ask questions. A perfect leader should be included. It really depends on how you talk to the people!

In one of my previous write-ups, I mentioned: Dream hard but work harder. I have to rethink this. How about this: Don't work hard - work smarter. This saying is common sense but not common practice as America's best-selling business author Ken Blanchard voiced it out. If you don't take time out to think, strategize, and prioritize, you'll work a whole lot harder, without enjoying the benefits of a job smartly done. As an ordinary worker or as the Big Boss.

Leadership and communication are two areas in  which we can continue to develop virtually forever.

Rizal as timeless role model for Filipinos

 

By Former Senator Atty. Joey D. Lina

Published Jun 24, 2025 12:05 am

FINDING ANSWERS

As I contemplated on Dr. Jose Rizal on the 164th birth anniversary of our national hero last June 19, the more I was convinced that enlightenment is crucial in attaining prosperity for our country.

In today’s world where misinformation spreads rapidly and where apathy often drowns out civic engagement, Filipino sought to emulate Rizal whose life shined with three key elements: power of education, love of country with action, and courage to stand for what is right.

He believed that acquiring knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. Rizal was a polymath who did not merely acquire educational degrees. He sought wisdom. In this present age of quick answers and short attention spans, we can learn from Rizal who valued extensive learning and cultivated a lifelong search for more knowledge and truth.

Whether by formal education or self-study, we can be inspired by Rizal in mustering the discipline to think critically and independently, especially in confronting the complex issues at present — prevalent corruption, widespread poverty, glaring inequality, even climate change.

Rizal’s love of country was phenomenal, yet his nationalism was not blind loyalty. It was informed devotion. He loved our country enough to criticize its flaws and to challenge both abuse and complacency of Filipinos.

His critique of Filipinos was profoundly expressed in his four-part essay, The Philippines a Century Hence, first published in La Solidaridad on Sept. 30, 1889 to Feb. 1, 1890, in which he portrayed Filipinos as “broken” during the centuries of Spain’s domination of the Philippines.

“They gradually lost their ancient traditions, their recollections – they forgot their writings, their songs, their poetry, their laws, in order to learn by heart other doctrines, which they did not understand, other ethics, other tastes, different from those inspired in their race by their climate and their way of thinking,” Rizal wrote. “Then there was a falling-off, they were lowered in their own eyes, they became ashamed of what was distinctively their own, in order to admire and praise what was foreign and incomprehensible: their spirit was broken and they acquiesced.”

But although broken, the people’s spirit was not shattered altogether. In fact, the “lethargic spirit woke to life” when the people realized their misfortune amid all the abuses and mistakes of the colonizers, Rizal said.

“The spirit of the people was not thereby cowed, and even though it had been awakened in only a few hearts, its flame nevertheless was surely and consumingly propagated, thanks to abuses and the stupid endeavors of certain classes to stifle noble and generous sentiments. Thus, when a flame catches a garment, fear and confusion propagate it more and more, and each shake, each blow, is a blast from the bellows to fan it into life.”

The awakening of Filipinos can, therefore, be sparked by just a few. These enlightened few must be agents of change to influence and lead others to transform and uplift the nation to a higher level in moving forward.

Thus, an enlightened citizenry is crucial to nation-building and in attaining prosperity for all Filipinos. Such enlightenment is best when matched with courage, the courage to do the right thing. Rizal faced martyrdom at age 35 when he dared to speak out against oppression.

Rizal’s courage was not reckless; it was rooted in deep conviction. Today’s generation of Filipinos ought to also muster courage to confront what is wrong in Philippine society, to reject disinformation and call out fake news, to resist a prevailing culture of fear and silence in many communities.

The lessons that can be gleaned from the life of Rizal can inspire Filipinos to complement our love of country with decisive action. Our patriotism ought to go beyond flag-waving and social media posts. Patriotism should mean voting wisely, engaging in community work, speaking out against injustices, rejecting fraud and corruption when faced in our daily lives, even obeying traffic rules.

We can honor the legacy of our national hero through our civic responsibility, moral courage, and never-ending pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In honoring Rizal who certainly is a timeless model for Filipinos, let us not only contemplate on what he did for us — but what we must do for our country in pursuit of prosperity for all Filipinos. (finding.lina@yahoo.com)

Philippines joins the list of leading Muslim-friendly destinations

 

WHAT A SIGHT Dmaukom Mosque in Maguindanao stands out for its pink facade, which symbolizes peace and love.

How these notable trends are shaping halal travel

Published Jun 19, 2025 11:33 pm

The surge in Muslim tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2024 highlights the growing success of the country's inclusive travel initiatives, such as expanding Halal-certified dining and accommodations. —Judith Marie Dayrit, vice president, account management, Philippines, Mastercard.

Halal tourism in the Philippines is showing promising results as more international Muslim travelers enter the country. Recent data from the 2025 Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) reveals that last year saw over 176 million international Muslim arrivals. By 2030, it is expected that this number will grow to over 245 million arrivals.

Another key achievement is our country’s rank rising up as the eighth most Muslim-friendly non Organization of Islamic Cooperation destination. To keep up the momentum, here are some trends listed by the GMTI that help shape halal travel and could bring the Philippines even higher in the coming years.

Muslim-friendly facilities

Prayer facilities, alcohol-free environments, and halal-certified dining options are essential in forming a Muslim-friendly destination. We already see this being applied in many of our malls, hotels, and airports. Prayer rooms are best placed in convenient and easy-to-spot locations while providing adequate space and resources, such as prayer mats, to allow for a seamless experience. A clear Qibla (a marker pointing to Mecca) should be present in the room. There should also be easy access to clean water for ablution. When dining, menus are best presented with halal-certified designators to make choosing meals easier.

Smart apps for halal journeys

Digital tools providing faith-aligned services are now readily available for Muslim travelers. Often, these apps allow the tracking of halal-certified dining areas, as well as options in meal-order apps for ordering halal dining choices. As the rise of AI continues, this opens the door for creating an AI service to assist in ensuring a Muslim-friendly travel experience.

Solo travel surge

Younger Muslim travelers are starting to embrace embarking on solo adventures. Making things easier for solo travelers can benefit even non-Muslim travelers. We can do so by prioritizing accessible public transportation, promoting destinations that highlight Islamic culture, and strengthening our local tourism sectors through diversity programs and tourism promotions.

QC gov't to launch RainbowQC Pride film festival

 

By Allysa Nievera

Published Jun 23, 2025 02:39 pm

The Quezon City government will launch the first-ever RainbowQC Pride Film Festival featuring nine powerful films that center on LGBTQ+ stories and voices on Wednesday, June 25.

The festival is a special edition of the acclaimed QCinema International Film Festival.

“QCinema is one of our city’s most anticipated cultural events—bringing together film lovers and creatives alike. This year, we proudly introduce RainbowQC, a special edition that celebrates not just the art of cinema, but the spirit of Pride and inclusion,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Curated by QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, the festival features a blend of local and international titles.

Highlights include The Wedding Banquet (USA), Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (Italy, Philippines, Singapore), Cocoon (Germany), and Consequences (Slovenia).

The festival concludes on Friday, June 27 with a free screening of short films under the Rainbow QCShorts section, curated by Jason Tan Liwag.

Other featured works are the following:

- Abutan Man Tayo ng House Lights by Apa Agbayani

- A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Angeline Soriaso

- The river that never ends by JT Trinidad

- Microplastics by Lino Balmes

- Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren

“Film is a powerful tool for empathy and understanding,” Mayor Belmonte said.

“By amplifying the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, we promote visibility, break barriers, and advance our shared goals of equality and inclusion,” she added.

Mother Nature's Gift to Man

 For centuries, the 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 (𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐋.) has been described as “𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧” because of the countless uses that the palm can offer from its roots to tips. What’s more, growing coconut palm is easy and sustainable.

The 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬, supplying high-quality coconuts mainly from endemic varieties to markets in Europe, the USA, Japan, and China.

More than just a crop, 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧. Aside from its commercial value, 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 which evolved through science backed up with experience. It supports vegan, ketogenic and natural diets that one may need for longevity.

Keep in mind that the best coconuts make the best products for your health and wellness!

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DOE, oil companies agree to staggered fuel price hikes

 

DOE, oil companies agree to staggered fuel price hikes; senators back move to extend fuel subsidies

(File photo)

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Monday, June 23, that the government has reached an agreement with oil companies for the staggered implementation of domestic petroleum price adjustments. In a statement, DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin said this measure was taken in response to rising global oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel and overall market volatility. Read more

In a related development, Senators Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe have expressed strong support for the government’s fuel subsidy program amid Middle East tensions, urging the DOTr and LTFRB to ensure timely, fair distribution to affected transport workers and calling for swift aid to farmers and fishers impacted by rising fuel costs.

AUDIOJUNKIE: The glittering ladies of Pinoy pop

 Clockwise (from top): Aubrey Caraan, Ena Mori, Janine Berdin, and Dana Paulene (Images courtesy of Facebook)

By Punch Liwanag

Published Jun 23, 2025 11:10 am

The ladies are in the spotlight this week. Starting with Janine Berdin, who returns with an upbeat new single in “tayo lang (may alam).” Smooth synth chord dabs butted against a Latin-tinged groove with hints of trap beats is what’s under the hood of this dance-driven track from the “Sitwasyonship” singer.

Along for the ride are Illest Morena and R&B singer Fana to provide vocal harmonies (Fana) and the rap break (Illest). Berdin has proven to be an effective singer-interpreter of whatever she’s dipping into, and apparently, this fit-for-the-club jam is also one of the styles she’s good at. Berdin’s trajectory reminds me of Yeng Constantino’s, who had a good run during her time a decade or so ago.

Speaking of, the “Hawak Kamay” singer likewise makes her return with a new song, “Lumulutang Nahuhulog.” Anthemic choruses are the order of the day for this one-sided love affair-themed cut. Easily belting out the chorus “Kinikilig sa malabo, tumataya kahit matatalo / bakit ka ginusto, lumulutang-nahuhulog / Pinipigilan pero di makahinto” pretty much sums up the ‘pulot-ka-ng-batong-ipupukpok-mo-sa-ulo’ sentiments which is at the heart of this song.

Time flies. Yeng Constantino was once the Janine Berdin of her time, being open to various music styles and excelling in everything she did. Or maybe it’s the other way around, Janine Berdin is today’s Yeng Constantino, a one-size-fits-all figure that you can throw into any music situation and always comes out golden.

Former Pop Girl Aubrey Caraan has got a full plate. The singer recently released the R&B-inflected ballad “How You Feel,” wherein she sings a tuneful Earl Agustin-written song and does well by it. Also an actress, multi-talented Aubrey is the female lead opposite Lance Carr in the new Viva One series, “Avenues of the Diamond,” which features “How You Feel” as part of its official soundtrack. Always the pop-girl, Aubrey also recorded and released the catchy pop-rock themed single “Salo” that also ended up being part of her new series soundtrack. Also check out Aubrey’s “Hindi Hihiwalay,” released early this year.    

Who else is infatuated with Ena Mori’s music? If you are, then you have another reason to fawn over this quirky solo music act on her new single “Sink.” I can hear some Kate Bush in the arrangements, and the heavily processed vocal effects also recall Imogen Heap. And I won’t be surprised if EM weaned herself on a steady diet of music from these artists, because it just fits her sonic profile. “Sink” is not at all pop and is the exact opposite of what everybody else is doing. Which is to say that Ena Mori is the art-y side of ‘Pinoy pop’, and it's there where she shines.      

Newcomer Dana Paulene, who released her late 2024 single debut “uod love story” follows it up with her new excellent-sounding original “akong ako.” Dana Paulene, who was “discovered” while doing her ‘busking set’ just outside the food places of Uptown Mall in Taguig, is sounding like a proper alt-rock chick with a cool swagger to boot on this glittery, rising, yearning mid-tempo rocker.

Also staking a claim on the fields of alt-pop is dwta (read as Diwata, real name Jhasmine Villanueva), whose new single “Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya” is a play on the old nursery ditty but updated for Gen Z. This acoustic-guitar driven bop is all feels and is perfect for those of a certain mood and vibe.

Check out all this music compiled on the Pinoy Pop Playlist 2025.