Rep. Paolo Duterte seeks unity in Christmas message

By Ivy Tejano

Published Dec 25, 2025 09:25 pm

DUTERTE

DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte has called for unity in his Christmas message.

Duterte said the holiday season serves as a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and solidarity, particularly during what he described as a period marked by trials, criticism, and disinformation.

He thanked the people of Davao for their continued support, stressing that such backing is not rooted in blind loyalty but in lived experience.

Duterte said the support reflects what he described as public service that is quiet yet produces tangible results.

The Davao City lawmaker thanked individuals who continue to stand by principles of courage, compassion, and discipline despite what he characterized as persistent attacks and distorted narratives.

He urged the public to choose hope over hatred, truth over distractions, and unity over division, noting that while Filipinos may face different circumstances, they share a common aspiration for a nation anchored on dignity, compassion, and moral courage.

The lawmaker added that the country’s strength, in his view, comes from the Filipino family, strong communities, and faith in God.

He encouraged them to remain steadfast and reiterated his call to persevere for Davao City and the Philippines.

Transmitters of tradition

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THE story of Anna, already advanced in years and a widow, and who “departed not from temple, by fasting and prayers serving night and day,” (cfr. Lk 2,36-40) somehow reminds of those good old women who spend a lot of time in churches doing all sorts of devout practices and even offering to carry out tasks, often gratis, in parishes.

The younger generation may have some cheeky attitude toward them, but we cannot deny that they, like Anna, actually do a lot of good to all of us. In their own way, they keep and transmit time-honored pious traditions that would truly help alive our spiritual life.

Especially these days when we are often swept away by modern things that tend to detach us from the sources of our religious faith, their example deserves to be given due attention and imitation. Obviously, these pious traditions also evolve in some ways. But they just cannot be ignored.

Traditions are important in our life. They are like structures that help us cope with the different necessities of life. They have been built up from the common experiences of a person and of a society and are passed on from generation to generation.

That’s what tradition means. It’s a matter of handing down certain shared attitudes, practices, lifestyles from one generation to the next. It’s a continuing process that parallels and supports life itself.

Traditions can be personal, family, social, political, historical, cultural, and of course, religious that are in fact the most important. In other words, they correspond to our human needs taken either individually or collectively, spiritually or materially. In short, they cover all aspects of our life.

Traditions help keep life going, facilitating the performance of certain duties and the attainment of certain goals and ideals. They give some consistency to our life, and a reassuring sense of direction and fulfillment. 

Since our identity as a person and as a people is often qualified by the traditions we practice, we need to make sure that we have good and healthy traditions, refining and polishing them along the way, or otherwise starting new ones as circumstances warrant. 

New traditions somehow are born spontaneously. A certain spirit or ethos must be behind its making after a number of factors and relevant elements come together. There are also those that are quite deliberately engineered. But no new tradition comes about unless it has at least the tacit approval of the majority of the people.

Traditions also form some kind of basis or ground on which a person and a society grows and develops. They can be part of the raw material used for growth. Practically no one and no society can live without some tradition in place in their system. No one starts to develop from absolute zero. He has to begin somewhere.

We should try, however, to adapt traditions to changing circumstances while preserving their essence and spirit, striking a healthy balance between preserving tradition and embracing progress, innovation and positive change.

We should also be respectful of the diverse traditions we can have around, ever mindful of the cultural sensitivities of different communities and avoid appropriating or misrepresenting traditions that are not our own.

We should also engage in open and respectful dialogue with people from different backgrounds to promote mutual understanding and appreciation. Ultimately, a balanced approach that combines respect, critical evaluation, and cultural sensitivity can help us navigate the complexities of tradition and its role in shaping our lives and communities.

Christ and the social media

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT beautiful prayer of praise by Zachary, father of John the Baptist, contains a message that, while directly meant for his son, is actually also meant for all of us, especially the Church leaders, who have the duty to “prepare the way of the Lord.” (cfr. Lk 1,67-79)

In this regard, while not neglecting the traditional means of evangelization, Church leaders should realize the importance and the currently and strongly felt need to avail of the social media where most people, especially the young ones, are actively engaged.

Yes, Christ should be made present in the social media in ways adapted to the temper and culture of the times. After all, Christ always tried to adapt himself to the ways of the people during his time by, for example, using literary devices like parables, metaphors, allegories, hyperboles, allusions, aphorisms, etc. We should continue the trend, this time, using our new and powerful technologies like the social media.

Definitely the social media can offer tremendous benefits for everyone. They enable Church leaders to have direct connection with the faithful, sharing ideas and building some kind of a very personalized link with the people. In a word, they foster a tighter communion among ourselves.

They definitely can amplify the gospel messages that are truly needed these days, what with all the complications and confusion around. They can easily spread gospel messages and other Church items of public interest. They also give us an effective feedback system where the faithful can easily raise whatever concerns they have with respect to their faith and the Church in general.

Of course, the recourse to the social media should be handled delicately and with due expertise. We cannot deny that messages can easily be misinterpreted and taken out of context. Things should be studied well before putting them out in the social media. In this regard, a system of reviewing the content by a competent body before it is put out should be put in place.

It’s important also that there be rectitude of intention in availing the social media. Just gaining popularity and feeding on one’s vanity should be totally put out of place. To put it bluntly, Church leaders should always remember that it should be Christ, not they, who should be known, loved and followed by the faithful.

To manage the use of the social media well, Church leaders should clearly define the goals they wish to pursue which is nothing other than to make Christ more known and loved. They also have to be clear about the specific target audience they want to reach. 

That’s because while Christ’s messages have a universal appeal, they definitely need to be expressed in ways that are attractive to the different sectors and in different conditions in life: young and old, intellectuals and workers, etc. The content, therefore, should be properly planned, considering the appropriateness of the tone, format and frequency.

And since the social media can facilitate feedback, Church leaders should also be quick to respond and to engage, showing genuine interest in the feedback of the people. This will help keep the engagement alive and hopefully lead to some welcome changes in the spiritual lives of the people.

It would also be good if there is also a way to monitor and track the performance of the use of the social media. There should be some clear standards set for this purpose.

Let’s hope that with the social media, Christ can truly be made alive, loved and followed by the faithful all over the place.

Giant lanterns light up Christmas in Catholic Philippines

 

This photo taken on December 14, 2025, shows people watching as the giant lantern lights up during the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga.FP / Jam Sta Rosa

Cecil Morella - Philstar.com

December 20, 2025 | 9:57am

SAN FERNANDO, Philippines — In the Christmas-mad Philippines, thousands cheer as hand-crafted lanterns towering six meters (20 feet) high light up the night sky in San Fernando, northwest of the country's capital.

The dazzling display of lights, accompanied by religious and festive imagery and soundtracked by Filipino rap and Christmas carols, is part of the annual Giant Lantern Festival.

Held mid-December each year, the festival acts as a platform to highlight the region's famed lantern industry, which first started more than 100 years ago.

Local designer Karl Quiwa, 31, told AFP it takes a team of 20 over a three-month period to build a light display, adding that he sees the effort as a "religious obligation".

Quiwa's ancestors built their first piece for the inaugural 1908 festival -- which has continued to this day and was only interrupted by war and the pandemic.

The giant lanterns, submitted for competition at the festival, use 12,000 50-watt bulbs synchronised by 15 kilometers (9.2 miles) of electric cables and symbolise the Star of Bethlehem.

The massive light pieces can weigh up to a tonne, with costs soaring to a million pesos ($17,000).

Smaller versions are also produced by the city's craftsmen and adorn lamp posts, office buildings and homes across the archipelago nation of 116 million which is home to Asia's largest Catholic population.

A sixth-generation descendant of San Fernando's pioneer lantern-maker, Quiwa said apart from religion, he was proud to carry on the family tradition of "cheering people up during Christmas".

'Cheer, light and hope'

Fellow designer Edmar David echoed this sentiment, telling AFP that his company sells thousands of lanterns each year -- including to the country's massive overseas worker community.

"Lanterns bring cheer, light and hope. Without them, life is sad," David, 41, whose 2024 entry won best in show, said of the craft.

The lantern-making tradition evolved from nighttime processions held by Spanish friars during the 300-plus years of Madrid's colonial rule, the city government said.

"It's really beautiful and shows the importance of our communities in making Christmas meaningful," local student Ria Hipolito, 16, told AFP as she and other members of her family watched the competition last weekend.

Her uncle, Rodel Hipolito, who was attending the festival for the first time since ending a 15-year stint working in the Middle East, told AFP "lanterns are symbols that light up people's lives".

As the light show unfolded, the lantern's blindingly bright facades concealed a flurry of activity behind, as teams of people turned large metal barrels called rotors by hand to produce a kaleidoscopic effect.

Firefighters carrying extinguishers could be seen patrolling the area, as sparks flew from the rotors of at least three lanterns, AFP journalists at the event saw.

"Almost all the lantern-makers here are related to each other or are friends with the others," said Florante Parilla, 55, who has been designing the giant lanterns for 30 years.

Despite their popularity, those involved in the festival worry technology and apathy could bring the tradition to an abrupt halt -- as fewer young people are learning the craft.

"We're always on the lookout for young people to train, because nowadays, most have not shown any interest," said Parilla.

Quiwa said that only one other lantern-maker at this year's competition was as young as him.

"Most of today's children are introverts who do not play outside and are attached to their cell phones and (computer) games. Maybe that's the reason they cannot appreciate lantern-making," Quiwa said.

"We may be the last of our kind."

Kayla Sanchez gets feet wet for SEAG action with relay gold

By Reynald I. Magallon

BANGKOK — A strong finish propelled the Philippine men's ice hockey team toward a convincing 7-2 victory over Malaysia in their opening match of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena on Wednesday night, Dec. 10.

BANGKOK — Kayla Sanchez may have already experienced the highest of competitions in the Olympics but the 33rd Southeast Asian Games brought a different level of pressure on the Filipina tanker.

The 24-year-old swimmer, who had already won a medal in the Olympics as part of the Canada’s women’s relay team, admitted that she was feeling the nerves heading into the competitions at the SAT Swimming Pool.

Good thing, she officially made her debut with the relay team, allowing her to be more relaxed as she got her feet wet with the SEA Games action.

“Very special. I love all my teammates. My whole family is here. I'm very excited to make the country proud,” said Sanchez who was joined by Chloe Isleta, Heather White and Xiandi Chua.

“My first race was a relay so it wasn't just me. It was a team. And they made me less nervous and it was much more fun as a first race to be with the relay,” she added.

Of course, it was also a huge boost that the women’s 4x100-meter relay team not only allowed Sanchez to test the water but also break the ice for the Philippine swimming team after bagging the federation’s first gold medal.

The PH tankers clocked 3:44.26, almost two seconds clear of silver medalist and swimming powerhouse Singapore which recorded 3:46.53. 

“I’m excited. I like the race, I like the chase so I was just really excited to get in the water and swim,” Sanchez said as she talked about the come-from-behind win.

Sanchez is expected to bag more medals for Team Philippines as he vies in nine more swimming events.

“The atmosphere is the same. It's a smaller competition, and meets go by really fast. I'm still learning, I have my teammates here to teach me and to keep me grounded. So I'm excited for the rest of the competition. And one for the rest of the team,” she added

900 senior citizens, PWDs join PPP Fun Run in Davao City

By Ivy Tejano

Published Dec 13, 2025 02:02 pm

MORE than 900 senior citizens and Persons with Disability participate in one of the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong Movement’s most inclusive events of the year—the PPP Seniors and PWD Fun Run 2025—on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, at the Talomo Coastal Road in Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)

DAVAO CITY – Nine-hundred eighteen senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities took part in one of the most inclusive community sporting events of the year, the PPP Seniors and PWD Fun Run 2025, organized by the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong Movement on Saturday morning, Dec. 13, at Davao City Coastal Road.

With the theme “Padayon Ta (Let’s Keep Moving Forward),” the activity promoted active aging, wellness, and social inclusion by providing senior citizens and PWDs a safe, accessible, and enjoyable running experience tailored to varying mobility levels.

Jay Villarica, chief of staff of Rep. Paolo Duterte, said the fun run reflects the office’s continued commitment to initiatives that prioritize health, dignity, and community solidarity.

“This event is about encouraging movement, confidence, and togetherness among our seniors and PWDs. Everyone deserves opportunities to stay active and feel included,” Villarica said.

Participants 73-year-old Merlyn Palabrica and 78-year-old Ligaya Petero, both residents of Barangay Duterte in Agdao, expressed joy and gratitude for being part of the event.

“This isn’t about winning,” Petero said in the local dialect. “What matters is enjoying an event meant for senior citizens and PWDs like us. We’re grateful and hopeful there will be more activities like this in Davao City.”

The race started at 5 a.m., with runners flagging off from several points, including Bago Aplaya Park, Talomo Junction, and Talomo Bridge.

Medical teams, ambulances, and wheelchairs were strategically deployed on the route to ensure participant safety and well-being.

All runners received free registration, race singlets, meals, souvenirs, and timing chip-enabled race bibs.

Participants were required to submit medical certificates and clearances from their doctors before joining.

Families, friends, and supporters lined the route to cheer on the runners, while non-runners participated in photo-and reel-making contests to document the event's highlights.

A visible message during the run, “Bring Rody, A True Dabawenyo, Home,” reflected continued public support for former President Rodrigo Duterte, whom Villarica said remains deeply connected to Davao City’s identity.

Davao City second district Rep. Omar Duterte, who attended the event, thanked participants for the strong turnout.

“Thank you for joining. Many more wanted to participate, and we will continue organizing activities that strengthen health and unity in our community,” Omar said.

Rep. Paolo Duterte said the initiative underscores the importance of uplifting vulnerable and often underserved sectors by giving them visibility, meaningful participation, and sustained support.

He expressed appreciation for the continued public support for the Duterte family, noting that former President Duterte regularly asks for updates about the people and the city of Davao.

The fun run featured multiple categories designed to accommodate different ages and mobility levels, including the Super Seniors 5K Run, the Super PWD 5K Wheelchair Division, the Seniors 3K, the PWD Able-to-Run 3K, and a 2K Assisted PWD/Senior category.

‘Silent Night’, and what’s the story of the Christmas carol?

4 December 2024, 16:56

'Silent Night' performed by St Paul's Cathedral Choir

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Simple but moving, ‘Silent Night’ is a perennial favourite among carollers. But who composed the carol, and what are the original lyrics?

‘Silent Night’ is one of the world’s most famous Christmas melodies. The story goes that the carol (originally ‘Stille Nacht’) was first performed on the evening of Christmas Eve in 1818.

Joseph Mohr, a young Catholic priest at St Nicholas Church, Oberndorf bei Salzburg in Austria, was in despair: the organ at his church had been incapacitated by mice, and the chances of fixing the instrument before the evening service were looking slim.

But young Joseph had an idea. A few years before, he had written a rather beautiful poem called ‘Stille Nacht’. So, he asked Franz Xavez Gruber, a schoolmaster and organist in a nearby town, to set his six-stanza poem to music.

That night, the two men sang ‘Stille Nacht’ for the first time at the church’s Christmas Mass, while Mohr played guitar and the choir repeated the last two lines of each verse. Good thing they didn’t call an engineer…

Classic FM     Making radio history! The first major radio broadcast with voice and music was by Canadian inventor and radio pioneer Reginald Fessenden on Christmas Eve, 1906, in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. During the transmission, he played a piece of music on his violin and followed it by reading the story of the nativity from the gospel of Luke. The song he played on the violin is often cited as being John Sullivan Dwight's 'O Holy Night', making it one of the earliest, if not the first, musical pieces ever transmitted and heard over the radio. The song has since been recorded by a number of musicians, including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Luciano Pavarotti, and has been voted No.1 in The Nation's Favourite Carol on Classic FM for nine years running.

Voting for the Nation's Favourite Carol 2025 closes on Sunday 14 December at 23:59. Have your say here: https://clssicfm.co/nationsfavouritecarol

Pictured: Reginald Fessenden

Kayla Sanchez bags 3rd gold in SEAG; San Beda reclaims NCAA crown

 

Kayla Sanchez (left), San Beda Red Lions celebrating after their victory over Letran (right)

Olympic swimmer Kayla Sanchez made sure to give her father a birthday to remember by winning her third gold medal in the women's 100-meter backstroke in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the SAT Swimming Pool on Saturday, Dec. 13. Read more

Meanwhile, San Beda climbed back to the NCAA summit after beating archrival Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 to reclaim the crown in Season 101 men's basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13. Read more

Quo vadis?

By Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid

Published Dec 13, 2025 12:05 am | Updated Dec 12, 2025 06:26 pm

PAGBABAGO

This Latin phrase which means “Where are you going?” aptly describes the state we are in today. Are we in a state of impasse because of slow response or inaction on our expectations? I hope not, and that we must not stop striving till we reach our goal. Let me share my own thoughts based on my experiences while facing a major crisis in our nation’s history.

I am fortunate to have been involved in two initiatives toward drawing a blueprint for national development in the country.

The first is the 1987 Constitution where I was one of the 47 members of the body and chaired the article on General Provisions. It was here where we were forced to envision priorities and strategies that had guided legislation in our country for the past 39 years. I had to refer to it again following the recent crisis over the flood control mess which again brought up the need to implement new laws, among them an acceptable anti-dynasty law, a party-list system, and freedom of information.

As we know, the constitutional provisions of accountability and transparency in governance, among others, provided guidance in restructuring critical systems in budgeting and brought to light the inadequacy of our current systems in keeping track of critical processes such as monitoring implementation of large-scale projects, malpractices and unlawful expenditures.

Now, we are again at a crossroad. The question on amending or merely implementing new laws as remedies have surfaced. While many including myself would disagree with Senator Lacson who recently stated that the Constitution has failed to serve national interest, we may have to think twice whether we need to amend the Constitution or shift to a parliamentary form of government and the like.

A reality that came out when I went through another review was that we had not truly taken advantage of the full strength of our Charter over past charters and over other Constitutions of the world. I am referring to the heart of the Constitution which is “social Justice.”

As former Supreme Court justice Reynato Puno pointed out, ours is not merely social justice in form like that of other countries, but one of “substance.” He meant that when we talk of social justice, it is not merely providing each man equal access and opportunity but in addition, providing him equal opportunity at the starting line. It means that there is considerable inequality in our society and therefore a boy from the hinterlands would find it difficult to compete with one from a family with adequate means at the starting line. This unique state provides our country a positive image of real democracy at work and could help us move forward.

Another area that could be re-examined is the priority we have given to our land resources. Despite being an archipelago, we have a Department of Agriculture but only a Bureau of Fisheries and thus, have given the former more resources. Today, we are still even in conflict over ownership of our own waters in the West Philippine Sea.

We are aware of our deficiencies but after the recent unpleasant mess, we shall perhaps be more motivated to turn these negatives just as long as we arrive at a consensus on where we ought to go and are confident support by the majority.

The other opportunity although limited, is having been a part of earlier initiatives on multi-sectoral consultations. This was 37 years ago when six of us, social scientists in economics, culture and communication, political science, public administration, and development studies, went around the country to gather what we described as “visions from below.”

We held focus group discussions with local government and nongovernment sectors, organized panel discussions on varied development issues with colleagues in the academe, government and business sectors. The need to focus on “the common good,” revitalization of indigenous cultural practices, creating spaces for greater participation of marginalized sectors, and decision-making based on an inclusive human development framework The two years of consultation yielded a comprehensive report, “The Philippines at the Crossroads: Some Visions for the Nation.”

Some of us who have had similar experiences could share their learnings on future directions. The difference between then and now is that while we need to act now, the outcome we desire can happen only within a time frame of two decades. Many are aware of the desired changes in the Constitution, laws to be amended and a radical restructuring of existing governance policies and practices.

It is now a matter of how we are able to sustain needed action so that we can reach our goal without getting sidetracked. It is identifying how each of us and each sector to which we belong can organize into a collective.

It means evaluating our current resources – advances in technology like artificial intelligence, and motivated human resources that can help us find the way towards 2045, at the rate of socio-political technological change, we are not able to imagine what to expect.

But we trust that the insights we have gathered over the years would help us navigate our way forward. (Florangel.braid@gmail.com)

TWICE to proceed with Hong Kong concerts

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Dec 4, 2025 12:19 pm

TWICE in Taiwan (X)

K-pop girl group TWICE will proceed with their two-day “This Is For” concert on Dec. 6 and 7 in Hong Kong, their agency announced on Dec. 4. 

“First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of the recent incident in Hong Kong, as well as to their families and loved ones. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” JYP Entertainment said in a notice. 

It added, “Regarding the TWICE This Is For Hong Kong concerts scheduled for December 6 and 7, we held many discussions and gave careful consideration to whether it would be appropriate to proceed under such heartbreaking circumstances.”   

TWICE in Taiwan (X)

“Together with our concert promoter, Live Nation, we have been closely monitoring the situation. After thoughtful deliberation, we have decided to proceed with the concerts at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong,” it said. 

The agency added, “Given the gravity of the situation, we will approach the performances with sincere respect and remembrance. We truly hope that these concerts can offer, even in a small way, comfort and strength to those finding their way forward after the tragedy. This hope guided our decision to move forward.”

“Once again, we express our deepest sorrow for the victims of this devastating incident and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and to all those affected. We sincerely hope for a swift and steady recovery,” it said. 

Fire hit the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po District in Hong Kong on Nov. 26.     

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced that as of Dec. 3, 159 died in the fire. 

Fixing firecracker industry: Be on the side of safety

By Manila Bulletin

Published Dec 10, 2025 12:05 am

Manufacturers and distributors, on the other hand, must understand that safety is not a bureaucratic hoop but a business imperative. An explosion does not merely injure workers—it destroys inventory, cripples operations, and permanently tarnishes the reputation of the industry. Companies must craft OSH policies tailored to the unique hazards of pyrotechnics work: chemical handling, heat exposure, combustible dust, storage protocols, and emergency procedures. Investments in proper ventilation, blast-resistant structures, personal protective equipment, and fire-suppression systems are moral obligations. Likewise, safety committees must be real, not symbolic—composed of empowered workers and managers who meet regularly, inspect actively, and intervene decisively.

Workers in the pyrotechnics sector also bear a shared responsibility. Compliance should be selective, especially in a field where one person’s shortcut endangers everyone. Workers must participate in training, report hazards without fear, and adhere to safety procedures even when production deadlines loom. But their ability to comply hinges on a culture of trust. They must be assured that reporting violations will not cost them their jobs, and that protective equipment will be provided, not deducted from their wages. Empowerment, not intimidation, is what turns workers into partners in prevention.

Citizens, too, play a role that is often overlooked. Every year, the demand for dangerously powerful—and often illegal—firecrackers pushes small manufacturers into unsafe, unregulated production. Consumers must reject products that are clearly unauthorized or suspiciously cheap, because bargain pyrotechnics often come at the cost of workers’ limbs or lives. Communities must also be vigilant—reporting unsafe factories, supporting local education efforts on firecracker safety, and favoring businesses known for compliance.

Ultimately, real safety cannot be enforced through fear—neither fear of explosions nor fear of corrupt inspectors. It is built on accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility. When the government regulates honestly, when businesses invest responsibly, when workers comply diligently, and when citizens choose conscientiously, the country can celebrate year-end traditions without sacrificing lives.

Han Lamarroza is PH bet for Mrs. Asia Pacific 2025 pageant

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Dec 4, 2025 09:07 am

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza has left for Singapore to compete in the Mrs. Asia Pacific 2025 beauty pageant.

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Before she left for the competition, Han met several members of the pageant press during a media conference where she enthusiastically answered questions on topics ranging from pageantry to current issues.

Media: If you could delete one thing from our world to make it a better place, what would it be?

Han: If I could delete one thing from our world, it would be indifference. When people start caring, injustice grows, inequality deepens, and compassion disappears, but when we choose to care, whether for our community, our environment, or for one another. We create a world where no one is left behind. And even small acts of care can spark extraordinary change.

Media: In your opinion, what makes a person beautiful?

Han: A person becomes wonderful when their character shines brighter than their appearance. Beauty is found in kindness, resilience, and the courage to rise after failure. It is the ability to inspire others through authenticity and compassion. For me, beauty is not just seen...it is felt through the goodness a person shares with the world.

Media: If you were the president of the Philippines, what would you do to corrupt officials?

Han: To those involved in corruption, I would ensure that justice is served, no extensions, no exceptions; every case must be investigated, and every guilty individual must be held accountable because true leadership means protecting the people, not the corrupt.

Media: If you were given the chance to teach children about something, what would it be and why?

Han: I would teach them resilience, because a child who believes in themselves can change their future and even the world.

Media: What qualities do you possess as the next Mrs. Asia Pacific title holder?

Han: I carry the qualities of resilience, purpose, and heart. I’m resilient because life tested me, yet I rise stronger each time. I have a purpose not just to represent beauty, but to inspire courage and hope. And I lead with heart, knowing that true leadership begins with compassion.

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza and family in Singapore.

Media: Why do you consider yourself an empowered woman?

Han: I consider myself empowered because I choose growth over fear and purpose over perfection. As a mother, professional, and advocate. I use my voice to uplift others, and when a woman empowers others, she becomes unstoppable.

Media: How do you balance humility with the confidence required to compete in a pageant?

Han: I balance confidence and humility by knowing who I am and why I am here. Confidence comes from preparation, and humility from gratitude. And together they let me honor my purpose while carrying the hopes of those who believe in me.

Media: If you could introduce one new category in pageantry, what would it be?

Han: I would introduce a 'community impact challenge' to show how candidates create real change. Pageantry should reflect action, compassion, and leadership because a crown shines brightest when it lights someone else's life.

‘Kuripot’ economics

BY MAHAR MANGAHAS

DECEMBER 6, 2025

Read Next

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.