‘Kuripot’ economics

BY MAHAR MANGAHAS

DECEMBER 6, 2025

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The power of ‘place’ in the Filipino story

The recent claim by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque that a family of four can prepare a noche buena meal for only P500 was immediately attacked as detached from reality, unrealistic, and insensitive. “What planet is she on?” asked several party-list representatives. Not enough for even a simple spaghetti and cheese, said economic watchdog Ibon Foundation. Insulting to Filipino workers, said labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Roque fought back, saying, based on a DTI price guide released in November, a total budget of P374.50 would buy the following: Christmas ham, P170 for 500g; spaghetti sauce, P48.50; spaghetti noodles, P30 for 250g; fruit cocktail, P61.75 for 432g; all-purpose cream, P36.50 for 110ml; and pandesal, P27.75 for 10 pieces, leaving P125.50 of the P500 DTI budget for other items (“DTI stands pat on ‘insulting’ P500 noche buena budget,” News, 11/29/25).

The P500 would provide 10 sandwiches with 50g (half a “guhit”) of ham per pandesal bun. The spaghetti and fruit cocktail are half-size, just enough for one meal for a small family. There is no queso de bola, which costs from P210 to P470, according to DTI, and would already break its budget.

Philippines uses mangrove buffer zones to protect its coastlines

 

A couple plants a mangrove tree in San Jose town, Palawan province, western Philippines, February 14, 2010. (Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)

By

 Mariejo Ramos via Reuters

 -

 June 4, 2025 - 5:08 PM 

MANILA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) — Often battered by typhoons and floods, protecting the coastline is a priority for the sugar-producing Philippines province of Negros Occidental.

But instead of man-made defenses, local leaders have turned to reviving natural barriers with 100-metre-wide strips of vegetation, including coastal mangroves and beach forest species to counter erosion and protect from storms.

Negros Occidental began setting up its “coastal greenbelt” network in 2022, the first of its kind in the Philippines. 

It led to the establishment and protection of more than 1,000 hectares of mangroves, beach forests and wetlands across Negros Occidental, which now serve as living buffers against typhoons, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion, directly contributing to the province’s disaster risk reduction strategy.

The Negros Occidental coastal greenbelt could become a model for the country’s thousands of miles of coastline, which are threatened by climate change, urban expansion and deforestation. 

“Local government units are already aware of the benefits of coastal greenbelts in terms of saving lives and properties from destruction,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of ocean conservation group Oceana Philippines.

More than 90 local government units have since passed their own policies or ordinances designating parts of their areas as greenbelt zones, according to her organisation.

Negros Occidental is also home to the 89,000-hectare Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, which hosts several endangered species, such as turtles and dolphins, and was declared as wetland of international importance in 2016.

A 100-metre strip of mangrove can reduce the energy of waves, by up to 66%, a 2012 study by British scientists said.

With 60% of Filipinos living in coastal areas and vulnerable to climate disasters, wetland experts are now pushing for a similar measure nationwide and lawmakers have introduced legislation to establish national coastal greenbelt zones.

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a coastal management bill in 2023 that would require coastal towns and municipalities across the country to create 100-m greenbelt zones similar to Negros Occidental.

But the bill is still waiting approval by the Senate as it has not been considered a priority for debate.

Threats to coastal ecosystems 

Millions of Filipinos benefit from coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, mud flats and corals in both rural and urban communities, according to Wetlands International Philippines.

But these coastal protections have suffered for decades.

By the 1990s, Philippines had already lost nearly half of its 450,000 hectares of mangroves. Kisha Muana, policy and advocacy offer of Wetlands International Philippines, said mangroves had been cut down due to “destructive projects along the coasts like reclamation”.

Muana said the bill would help the government monitor where the current greenbelts are and identify areas it could restore.

“There are areas in the Philippines where the stretch of mangroves from the coast to open waters do not reach the 100-metre requirement to block wave energy, so the law can compel territories to supplement them with beach forests,” she said.

Julie Ann Bedrio, the provincial environmental officer of Negros Occidental, said proposed developments in coastal areas such as land reclamation and wind power projects had a bigger impact than individuals cutting back vegetation.

“Cutting mangroves wasn’t really our biggest concern, but the conversion of mangrove areas to fishponds and infrastructure that are being proposed in the mangrove areas without proper planning,” Bedrio told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Aside from development projects, Bedrio said coastlines had also suffered from weak enforcement of coastal laws and pollution from marine litter, including plastics that wrap around mangrove stems and trunks.

Bedrio said establishing a network of greenbelt zones in Negros Occidental also helped encourage dialogue among local leaders, NGOs and environmental experts to monitor, and block if needed, projects that could harm the coastal environment.

First line of defense

As early as 2007, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a conservation group, recognised the importance of greenbelts as a natural solution for some coastal problems, including sea and wind erosion.

In disaster-prone Philippines, the proposed national policy would mandate the designation of coastal greenbelts based on vulnerability to storm surges, tsunamis and other threats, as well as creating a plan to protect coastal biodiversity.

As the Senate sessions resume in June, Oceana’s Ramos said she was confident the bill would be passed soon, with Oceana invited to the technical working group that would look at the current version of the bill.

With local governments using their own limited funding to implement coastal greenbelt policies, Bedrio said it would help them sustain the initiative if the national government supported them with funding or technical assistance.

Still haunted by the thousands killed by the 2013 super typhoon Yolanda, or Haiyan, the environmental officer hopes coastal greenbelts will become a priority for legislators.

“We don’t want another Yolanda to happen again and waste lives of Filipinos living in coastal communities because we failed to protect them by putting up greenbelt zones,” said Bedrio.

I Love you !

Mindanao Daily Mirror

I LOVE YOU!

This week, it's time again for Valentine's Day. Expensive flowers, sweets, lunches, hotel overnight stays ... .

Do you know something about the legend of St. Valentine? The history of Valentine's Day – and the story of its patron saint – is indeed shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

From February 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. ... Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

Being married since almost 35 years now, Valentine's Day lets me always recall lovely moments from the past.

In a very old issue of PHILADELPHIA NEWS, which is still on my desk, columnist Larry Fields confessed: "I lead a life of wine, women and song (by the way, a wonderful waltz by the Austrian king of waltz Johann Strauss!) - it's cheaper than petrol, food and rent!"

Well, some marriages are mad in heaven. You know some? I do. The best of the rest are down-to-earth. Maybe also yours? I am blessed and happy celebrating my  wedding anniversary next month.

Maybe you remember this: "Then the prince swept the lovely young maiden into his arms and carried her home to his castle. And they live happily ever after!" Indeed, they did.

What I would like to see is an autonomous in home affairs study of all these title of nobility bearers seven years after their happily-ever-after marriages. or even earlier, because the so-called darned and tricky seventh marriage year could be even the first one already.

The truth is that life isn't made up of the continual highs found in the initial stages of courtship. Of course, flirting is fun and a wide groove existing. But after a while our system needs a rest. Unanimously we're in the second stage sooner or later and our marriage life needs badly a new outside coating.

All of a sudden, the partner prefers day and night watching all the sports channels, falls asleep while you're revealing your innermost secrets and even forgets the anniversary for the first or even second time . Just bear in mind: You've won each other's acceptance  and sometimes even feelings terrible gloomy. This acceptance shouldn't be undervalued.

Even we see a house that has to be cleaned, many other things have to be organized, and the partner, who looks as fatigued and bored as you feel. Logical question: "That's it? That WAS it?"

And suddenly, we experienced the third stage and learned, why it's worth the ups and downs. Maybe we men don't mention any more, how incredible she looks, but we enjoy bleating and grousing at her spending innumerable hours putting her together. But then, suddenly, we men are to unload the garbage without being asked for.

Although no marriage is continually blissful - it can be pretty good most of the time. When we lasted through arguments, money worries, and kid's problems or slowly but surely coming up mid-life crises, we should face reality that our relationship is not always a big day celebration.

It's because the fundamental  reason for a marriage has outlasted the craziness of day-to-day living: we love each other. That's MY idea of "Happily ever after, indeed!"

And one thing more: in my opinion, Valentine's Day shouldn't be only on February 14. It doesn't matter, if one is married or not.

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

October 31, 2025 | 12:00am

Emerging artists Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez come together for their first-ever concert, “The Next Ones,” on Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum. Isha is a singer-songwriter, while Andrea is a singer. Pop is the former’s choice of genre, and bossa nova is the latter’s.

Isha and Andrea promise music enthusiasts a showcase of their strengths and potential as performers and not a showdown.

Although both have already recorded and released songs, Isha and Andrea will introduce themselves and their music to the public. The show’s director is Calvin Neria, while the musical director is Adonis Tabanda.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said Andrea of her initial reaction upon learning of such a career endeavor in a recent chat with The STAR. “Siyempre, may takot po kasi first time namin gagawin ‘to and then siyempre, happy and thankful (of course, there’s fear because we will be doing this for the first time and then there are feelings of happiness and gratefulness).”

As for Isha, she agreed to the idea because it’s “like a way for us to pave (the) way for other artists because we started out as front acts and guests. Sila naman po yung i-ni-encourage ngayon (they are the ones being encouraged to share and show their talents this time).”

Isha was referring to their singer-friends who, like them, carry on in chasing their singing dreams.

The two Pinay singers got to know each other when they attended voice lessons. They also participated in the same singing competition, “Asia’s Best,” and became grand champions. Years ago, they met again and graced shows of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists such as Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga. And another OPM legend and songwriter, Rey Valera, will also grace their concert.

“There are duets and production numbers,” said Andrea about what the audience can look forward to aside from the solo segments. “And the songs that we haven’t sung before, we’ll get to do them.” As front acts, their choices of songs were limited and based on the show’s theme.

Isha added that they’re “more on modern” songs, but old tunes are also part of their repertoire. They will give them a contemporary touch.

According to director Calvin, the concept for “The Next Ones” is to showcase the artists’ versatility, “but I also want the people or their audience to get to know them through their music and genres.” With that, the show will be somehow story-driven, which means “there’s a takeaway” after one watches it, added he. “The main focus is their artistry and the repertoire. There are more than 17 songs.”

They might also sing songs of their music influences. Isha said she has grown up listening to the records of Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Nina, Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta. Andrea likes Lani Misalucha and Sitti, the local recording scene’s Queen of Bossa Nova.

Andrea has recently launched the ditty, Mestizong Gwapo. The most recent singles of Isha, on the other hand, are Dyahe and You Loved Me First. She has two more to release this year: They are Kabanata and Kung Maalaala Mo Ako.

After “The Next Ones,” they see themselves recording new songs, releasing an album and topbilling shows, plus content on their social media platforms.

“I do my storytelling when it comes to the songs I write, the lyrics I write,” Isha gave her two cents on singers as storytellers. “With the sounds, you can feel the emotions through sounds. When you like interlock all of them, it becomes (or they produce) a whole story that people can interpret and they can feel a lot of emotions, a lot of meaning behind it.”

“From there, I’d also see myself as a storyteller. I feel like it’s because of the way other artists deliver their performance or music (that also makes them a storyteller),” added she.

That’s why Andrea needs to “feel the emotions, the story (of the song). Minsan, diba, kapag na-a-areglo, nawawala yung essence nung song (sometimes, the song arrangement affects its essence). I want to feel the lyrics and the story.”

Since their show is timed during Christmas season, they consider it their gift to family, friends and fans and those people who believe in and trust them.

As they unwrap the musical gift, Isha and Andrea will show what they’ve got as artists in “The Next Ones.”

They are also game to the idea of guesting in the OPM countdown show, “Vibe,” on TV5, which airs weekdays, weeknights and weekends. They can talk about their songs, music and journey as artists in the segment “Uprising.”

For ticket inquiries, visit https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=NEXTONES25.

Dawn Zulueta enjoying her life away from showbiz: 'I am happy'

By Robert Requintina

Undoubtedly, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo possesses one of the most radiant and enchanting faces in Philippine showbiz, capturing the hearts of many. At this moment, she has gracefully stepped away from the spotlight, dedicating her time to the warmth and joys of family life. However, she has not entirely closed the door on her illustrious career, leaving the possibility of a triumphant return to the limelight.

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and daughter Ayisha Madlen Lagdameo (Marie France Facebook)

When asked what would encourage her to return to showbiz, Dawn replied, "I think it's a nice project. There have been offers, but no script has really excited me."

It seems that Dawn is currently enjoying her time away from showbiz, bonding with her family, traveling, and exploring new things.

"I'm very happy. I like it. I was able to explore my other interests. I have time with my kids. I have time to travel because my son is studying abroad. So I get to see him and also attend Ayisha (Madlen Lagdameo). I am happy," said Dawn, during the 40th anniversary of Marie France at Uma Nota in BGC,  Taguig City, recently. This is the first time Dawn and her daughter, Ayisha Madlen, have appeared together in an endorsement.

The last time Dawn appeared in a movie was in "Family History" opposite comedian Michael V. in 2019.

Lately, Dawn shared that she and her daughter have become immersed in the vibrant world of K-pop. She said her daughter was six when she fell in love with K-pop. They are both fervent admirers of the electrifying beats and dazzling performances of BTS and Blackpink, reveling in the energy and artistry that these iconic groups bring to the stage.

"Noong time na yun hindi ko pa naiintindihan. Then naging uso na sila with the dances, natuwa ako sa daughter ko and nakisabay talaga ako sa kanya. Before I knew it, nagustuhan ko na rin ang mga K-pop. (At that time, I didn't understand it. Then they became trendy with the dances. I was happy for my daughter, and I really kept up with her. Before I knew it, I also liked K-pop)," Dawn said.

Dawn crossed her fingers that she and her daughter could secure tickets for the BTS concert, tentatively scheduled for March 2026.

“I enjoy K-pop because it brings me back to when I was a teenager. I remember what it was like then, so much energy. And it's their music, the artistry, I think they are killing the choreography. They are so popular, everywhere they go," said Dawn when asked why she loves K-pop.

The teen ballerina also said that she was excited to watch the Blackpink concert in Bulacan last weekend.

"I really love spending time with my mom. She's a fun person to be with. I see her as someone I could talk to about anything. She's a cool mom," said Ayisha.

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and daughter Ayisha Madlen at Marie France's 40th anniversary bash in Taguig City.

Responding, Dawn smiled and said, "I try to be cool."

Growing up, Ayisha said she would accompany her mom to shoots. "I thought it was fun. I like watching her act. It inspired me to pursue the arts."

Ayisha mentioned that while showbiz seems exciting, she is more interested in dancing.

"Her priority right now is her studies. But it's up to her what she wants to do after college," the celebrity mom said.

Dawn, now in her 50s, admits she is a strict mom. "Pretty much."

On young men trying to court Ayisha, Dawn laughed and said, "I don't deal with that. Anton (Lagdameo) deals with that. Sa mga manliligaw, si husband ang bahala d'yan. (For suitors, my husband will take care of that.)"

Dawn said she prayed for a daughter who would be interested in dancing like her.

"I've always dreamed of a daughter who could dance. When she was still in my stomach, I was saying, 'I hope she likes to dance the way I want to dance. Fortunately, she does. She's so much better at doing it than I am," she said.

Dawn shared her enjoyment with her daughter on TikTok, although she clarified that she doesn't have an account.

"I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I don't have a TikTok account. Ayisha has an account, but I love the dances on TikTok," she also said.

On aging gracefully, Dawn remarked, "Aging gracefully, I stay away from toxic people or stress. I try to keep my private life really private. I focus on my family. We all know about eating well and drinking water. But I think it's more internal. It's what happens in your mind."

My 26th Christmas in the Philippines in 2025

  By Klaus Döring

In the Philippines, Christmas is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. It is celebrated as a public holiday in the country on December 25, concurrent with other countries.

As one of the two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), the Philippines celebrates the world's longest Christmas season spanning what it refers to as the "ber months". With Christmas music played as early as August, the holiday season gradually begins by September, reaching its peak in December. 

The celebrations of Christmas in the Philippines have deep influences of Catholicism, tracing their roots back to Spanish colonial rule from 1521 to 1898. Currently, the Philippines holds the longest running festivity of the Christmas season in the world, which begins on September 1.

Christmas Day in the Philippines is primarily a family affair. The Misa de Gallo is celebrated on December 25 and is usually one of several Masses that all family members (including non-churchgoers) are present and is often celebrated between 10 pm and midnight, a schedule preferred by many Filipinos who stay up late on Christmas Eve for the night-long celebration of the Noche Buena. Fireworks and most merrymaking devices are sometimes used at the start of Christmas.

Preferably in the morning, Filipinos typically visit their extended family, especially to pay their respects to senior relatives. This custom of giving respect is enacted through the "Págmamáno". A supplicant takes the back of an elder's hand and presses it against the forehead while giving the greeting, Máno, pô (lit. "[Thy] hand, please"). The elder often responds by reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture, and in return gives "Aguinaldo" or money in the form of crisp banknotes, often placed in a sealed envelope such as an ang pao. Godparents, in particular, are socially obligated to give presents or aguinaldo to their godchildren, to whom they often give larger amounts compared to other younger relatives.

A festive lunch may follow the "Págmamáno". The menu is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family, with richer families preparing grand feasts while poorer families choose to cook simple yet special dishes. Some families choose to open presents on this day after lunch.

When nighttime falls, members of the family usually return home or linger to drink, play parlor games, and chat. Some may opt to have another feast for dinner, while a minority spend the entire day at home to rest after the previous days' festivities.

The song "Christmas in Our Hearts", released by Jose Mari Chan in 1990 has become the most famous song for Christmas in the Philippines. It is synonymous with the start of the Christmas season, often played in homes, shopping malls, and on radio stations as early as September.

For many Filipinos, simply being with friends and family is the essence of Christmas. It's the time when Balikbayan relatives come home and barkada reunions abound. Busy students and office workers take breaks to stay home with their parents.

Christmas in the Philippines became the most touching event for me since I am living here as an expat.

Christmas in the Philippines is a big deal. Unlike in most other parts of the world, Filipinos begin celebrating Christmas in September. The “ber” months, as they are called, herald the start of the Christmas season with traditional lanterns being made, carols heard in shops, and Christmas gifts stacked high on shelves. Many people ask: “Do they celebrate Christmas in the Philippines?” and the answer to that is a resounding “Yes!”

Why Is It Called Pandesal? The True Story Behind the Philippines’ Most L...

Why is it called pandesal? 🤔 In this video, we dive into the surprising history behind the Philippines’ most iconic breakfast bread. From its Spanish origins and linguistic evolution to its cultural impact on Filipino homes, discover the full story behind pan de sal — the “bread of salt” that became a symbol of family, comfort, and tradition. If you grew up waking to the smell of warm pandesal, this deep dive will make you appreciate it even more. 🇵🇭🥖 Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction 0:50 — History & Origin of the Name 1:51 — How Pandesal Became the Everyday Filipino Bread 2:54 — Cultural Significance and Daily Life 3:54 — Modern Variations and Evolution 4:48 — Linguistic Transformation 5:35 — Economic and Social Impact 6:24 — Modern-Day Appreciation 7:20 — Conclusion

Übersetzerdienste - Translation Services

Even after retiring as German Consul, I am still accredited as a German translator and interpreter for the German, Swiss and Austrian Embassy as well as for Regional Trial Court Davao City and all courts nationwide. Please pm for via doringklaus@gmail.com further information. I'll be answering your messages as soon as possible. Please be patient. Auch nach meiner Pensionierung als deutscher Konsul bin ich weiterhin als deutscher Übersetzer und Dolmetscher für die deutsche, schweizerische und österreichische Botschaft sowie für das Regional Trial Court Davao City landesweit akkreditiert. Für weitere Informationen senden Sie bitte eine PN an doringklaus@gmail.com. Ich werde Ihre Nachrichten so schnell wie möglich beantworten.

Vacation / Ferien

 Unser Übersetzungsbüro ist geschlossen: vom 20. Dezember 2025 bis  7. Januar 2026.

Our translation agency will be closed: from December 20, 2025 to January 7, 2026.

Half of Filipinos seen not ready for retirement

 

BY NYAH GENELLE C. DE LEON

NOVEMBER 27, 2025

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Retailers upbeat about Christmas despite headwinds

Only half of Filipinos feel financially prepared for retirement, even as a broader Asian trend shows that most prioritize quality of life over living longer, according to a survey by Manulife.

In its 2025 Financial Resilience and Longevity Report, Manulife found that just 52 percent of Filipinos believe they have enough funds to retire comfortably, placing the Philippines third out of four countries least likely to have sufficient retirement savings.

The finding highlights a gap between retirement aspirations and financial preparedness, as fewer than one in 10 respondents across Asia said they want to live longer regardless of circumstances, with the majority prioritizing independence, health and a meaningful life instead.

“Despite believing that financial well-being can affect health span and lifespan, people aren’t taking sufficient action to prepare,” Manulife said.

Planning

Even so, Manulife said the Philippines was showing signs of an optimistic transition in retirement planning, with 73 percent of respondents now preferring income-generating investments over property.

“Those who have de-prioritized property as an investment have done so because they’ve discovered it’s not the safe, low-downside investment they believed it was. They also feel property keeps them from being able to take advantage of other investments,” Manulife said.

Compared to Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia, the Philippines had the highest share of respondents (55 percent) who believe that owning property could eat into their future savings.

With this, 66 percent of Filipino respondents rely on cash and fixed deposits for retirement, rather than alternatives such as pensions, property or mutual funds.

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However, Manulife warned that relying on cash alone could leave retirees exposed to financial risks. It added that three to four in 10 Asians are not knowledgeable about investing.

“Holding too much cash and relying solely on property can leave people vulnerable to inflation and income shortfalls,” Calvin Chiu, head of Asia Retirement Manulife and chief executive officer of Manulife Hong Kong, said.

“Building financial resilience means diversifying across income-generating and inflation-protected assets—and doing so early,” he added.

Manulife surveyed over 9,000 respondents aged at least 25 years old across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan region, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines between January and February 2025.