CBCP: Filipino La Salle brother Armin Luistro appointed by Pope Leo XIV to key Vatican post

 

By Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Published Jun 25, 2025 04:47 pm

During a Vatican audience held on May 15, 2025, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the De La Salle Brothers, formally known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The delegation, led by Superior General Br. Armin Luistro, gathered to honor the 75th anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s proclamation as the patron saint of Christian teachers. (Photo: Vatican Media / CBCP News)

During a Vatican audience held on May 15, 2025, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the De La Salle Brothers, formally known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The delegation, led by Superior General Br. Armin Luistro, gathered to honor the 75th anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle’s proclamation as the patron saint of Christian teachers. (Photo: Vatican Media / CBCP News)

Filipino De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro, FSC, has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as one of the newest members of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced on Wednesday, June 25.

Luistro, who currently serves as Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers, joins 18 other newly appointed members of the Vatican office.

The dicastery oversees matters related to religious congregations and societies of apostolic life within the Catholic Church, according to CBCP News.

Consolata Missionary Sister Simona Brambilla currently heads the dicastery—the first woman to lead a major Vatican department.

Luistro’s appointment comes a month after he led the De La Salle Brothers in a special audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 15, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle being declared the patron of Christian teachers.

Other new members of the dicastery include prominent figures such as Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero of Rabat, Morocco; Cardinal Giorgio Marengo of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem; and Cardinal Jaime Spengler of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is responsible for guiding and regulating the global practice of consecrated life.

Its mandate includes approving religious constitutions, establishing and merging religious orders, and handling disciplinary matters involving vowed members.

According to Vatican data, the Catholic Church is home to nearly 600,000 women religious, about 128,500 religious-order priests, and approximately 50,000 religious brothers.

Luistro was elected Superior General of the De La Salle Brothers in 2022, becoming the 28th successor to the congregation’s founder—and the first Asian to hold the highest post in the global Lasallian community.

Prior to his current role, he served as President of De La Salle Philippines and as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines.

Luistro's Vatican appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to Catholic education and religious life, and marks another milestone for Filipino leadership in the global Church.

La Salle Global, in a Facebook post on June 24, also announced Luistro’s appointment and noted that this “is a clear sign of the synodal path that we, as Lasallians, are called to walk in communion with the Church.”

“We extend our best wishes to Brother Armin in this new mission, trusting that his service will be a valuable contribution to the entire consecrated life of the Church,” it added.

De La Salle University (DLSU), in a separate Facebook post on June 24, also congratulated its former president on his new role as a member of the Vatican dicastery. 

Do Filipinos enjoy eating chicken feet, heart, liver, kidney, etc. cooked with vinegar and onions? If so, what is the reason for their preference for these offal parts?

 

Ghemma Marie

 

Philippines

Is it only the Filipinos? Almost our neighboring Asians eat animal parts that are considered by other nations as discard.

I think it's not about preference. It is about survival that makes people eat something that is considered taboo to other nationalities. The Filipinos in the past had experienced extreme hunger because of war, famine, natural calamities and mostly survived on fruits, root crops, grains than can be easily found in the sorroundings. It is unlikely that meat is a common part of the diet as during those days people live like a nomadic lifestyle (fleeing from place to place). Before the introduction of raising animals for food consumption, they hunt wild animals and fish as a source of protein, and from there, they consider every part of the carcass as edible because, come on, it's rare and it is a part of a tasty meal as well.

In regards to the mentioned “vinegar and onion" with the addition of ginger, and black pepper, salt to taste and also birds eye chillies. Literally it is not common to only add vinegar and onion to cook Filipino dishes. There are dishes or appetizers as we called, that uses native vinegar and onion, with the addition of other ingredients of course, like fish ceviché jumping salad, and paksiw dishes.

A jumping salad is pouring a mixture of vinegar, salt, onion, chili, ginger into a bowl of fresh (moving) small shrimps making the animals to jump while they're eaten alive.

Back to the main topic, yes, almost every part of the slaughtered animal are eaten. Balls, brain, eyes, nose, ears, tonque, heart, gizzard, kidneys, intestines, trotter, knuckles, blood, snout. These are meat discards but Filipinos, along with other Asian countries have a unique way of preparing it and transforming it into an exotic and tasty dish.

Let's take a look;

1. India's Rakti or blood fry.

2. Singapore's pig organ soup.

3. Japan's Horumon Yaki

4. Taiwan's Milkfish deep fried and soup intestines.

5. China's stewed lung and intestines.

6. Indonesia goat liver Satay and fried pig tongue Padang

7. Philippines’s meat and pig brain dinakdakan

Chicken intestine isaw

Blood stew dinuguan

Goat/ cow meat and intestine pinapaitan. (Using bile as a one of the flavourings to attain that slightly bitter taste, the name came from the root word “pait” means bitter.

Chicken gizzard and liver adobo.

Bopis, a spicy dish of minced pork, heart, kidney and lungs.

Braised chicken feet

6. Arab’s Pacha (grilled sheep's eyeballs).

Now, have you heard of placenta? Just kidding.

PAL cancels, Cebu Pacific flies on Dubai route amid Mideast conflict

 

By Manila Bulletin and The Associated Press

Published Jun 24, 2025 01:26 pm

Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced on Tuesday, June 24, that all its flights to and from Dubai will continue to operate as scheduled, assuring passengers that its flight routes do not traverse conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.

Despite continuing operations, the Gokongwei-led airline stated that Cebu Pacific is actively monitoring the situation.

“We understand that some travelers may still have concerns,” Cebu Pacific said in an advisory. “We continue to actively monitor the situation and will share further updates as necessary.”

To address potential passenger concerns, Cebu Pacific is offering flexible options for those booked on Dubai flights scheduled for June 24, 2025.

These options include free rebooking and conversion of tickets to a travel fund. Passengers can avail of these flexible options online up to two hours before their scheduled departure time.

The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating that the current routes for Dubai flights are clear of any conflict zones in the Middle East, allowing for safe operations.

Passengers are encouraged to regularly check their flight status on the official Cebu Pacific website, and to update their contact details via the Manage Booking portal to ensure they receive timely flight notifications regarding any changes or advisories.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the cancellation of several flights to and from key Middle Eastern destinations on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25, 2025, due to the developing situation in the Middle East.

The cancelled flights for June 24, 2025, include PR 684 Manila-Doha, PR 658/659 Manila-Dubai-Manila, and PR 654/655 Manila-Riyadh-Manila. Additionally, PR 685 Doha-Manila, originally scheduled for June 25, 2025, has also been cancelled.

Lucio Tan-led PAL advised affected passengers not to proceed to the airport, instead urging them to utilize the provided rebooking and refund options.

PAL said passengers have three main choices: rebook to another flight with available space within 60 days from the original flight date, convert their ticket to travel credits equivalent to the unused base fare with a one-year validity from issuance, or request a refund without penalties (excluding ticketing service charge).

The United States’ (US) entry into Israel’s war with Iran has caused travel disruptions to pile up globally.

As deadly attacks escalated between Israel and Iran, sections of airspace and airports throughout the region have temporarily closed. And airlines canceled more flights in recent days, with some halting select routes through the middle of the week—particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just across the Persian Gulf from Iran.

The Middle East carriers were severely affected with cancellations and delays.

Such disruptions have snarled travel, particularly as central hubs in the Middle East often connect flights worldwide—but experts stress that these kinds of airspace closures and flight diversions are critical to ensuring safety, especially if future escalation emerges suddenly.

“It is the responsibility of states, countries to ensure that their airspace is safe for passage of aircraft,” Hassan Shahidi, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Flight Safety Foundation.

Ivana Alawi breaks silence via polygraph test: 'I respect families'

 

The actress offered a pointed denial—via a lie detector test, no less.

By Neil Ramos

Published Jun 24, 2025 06:22 pm

Ivana Alawi has yet to directly address rumors of a supposed affair with producer-politician and Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez but in her latest YouTube vlog posted Monday, June 23, the actress offered a pointed denial—via a lie detector test.

Hooked up to a real polygraph machine and questioned by her sister Mona, Ivana was asked, “Ikaw ba ay nanira ng pamilya?” Without missing a beat, she answered, “No.”

The machine operator gave a thumbs-up, signaling a truthful response.

“Hindi ako pinalaking manira ng pamilya,” Ivana said, doubling down. “I respect families kasi kami nga broken family. Ano ’to, tapos maninira ako ng family? Sira ulo ka pala e.”

Throughout the vlog, the actress emphasized that she’s a “private person” and chooses not to share everything with the public.

Ivana’s name was dragged into controversy back in May, when screenshots of a complaint reportedly filed by Dominique “Nikki” Lopez-Benitez—then wife of Albee Benitez—circulated on social media.

The complaint cited violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), with Dominique claiming she suffered mental and emotional distress over Albee’s alleged infidelity.

Though she admitted she had no concrete proof, Dominique reportedly named Ivana as the “other woman.”

Albee, through his legal counsel, has denied the allegations.

Ivana, for her part, has stayed relatively mum, though she had already denied any romantic involvement with Albee as early as 2024.

For now, the actress appears to be letting the lie detector—and her vlog—do the talking.

Campuses, diversity, stories, lives

 

Campuses, diversity, stories, lives Diversity, perhaps, is one of the greatest strengths of any institution, academic or otherwise. It shows that the doors of knowledge have been flung open for all to partake, where all involved have the chance to witness the lives and learn from the stories of those who are unlike them.

Steuererklärung nötig durch Rentenerhöhung?

 Stand:

24.06.2025, 06:31 Uhr

Rentnerinnen und Rentner sollten wissen, dass schon allein die Nichtabgabe der Steuererklärung eine Straftat darstellen kann. © Marijan Murat/dpa/dpa-tmn

Anfang Juli steigen die Renten. Das heißt für einige Menschen im Ruhestand, dass sie nun womöglich eine Steuererklärung abgeben müssen. Sind damit automatisch auch Steuern zu zahlen?

Neustadt - Auf einmal wird eine Steuerklärung fällig - und damit doch bestimmt auch Steuern? Diese Sorgen von Rentnerinnen und Rentnern ist in vielen Fällen unbegründet, heißt es von der Vereinigten Lohnsteuerhilfe (VLH). Und selbst wenn durch eine Rentenerhöhung Abgaben gezahlt werden müssten, seien diese zunächst eher gering.  

Ab wann Steuererklärung?

Wer muss in Rente überhaupt eine Steuererklärung abgeben? Das sind diejenigen, deren gesamte Einkünfte den Grundfreibetrag überschreiten. Dieser liegt für das Jahr 2025 bei 12.096 Euro. Zwar ist ein Teil der Altersrente steuerfrei, allerdings zählen zu dem Gesamtbetrag auch noch Einkünfte wie Mieteinnahmen, Witwenrente oder betriebliche Altersversorgung.  

Wer mit allem zusammen also auf zum Beispiel 13.000 Euro kommt, liegt über dem Grundfreibetrag und muss eine Steuererklärung abgeben. Wer sich nicht sicher ist, kann sich das online mit dem Rentenbesteuerungsrechner der VLH ausrechnen lassen.

Wann werden Steuern fällig?

Das heißt laut VLH aber nicht automatisch, dass er oder sie dann auch Steuern zahlen muss. Denn auch Rentnerinnen und Rentner können in ihrer Steuererklärung Ausgaben geltend machen, die die Steuerlast drücken. Liegt das steuerpflichtige Einkommen nach diesen Abzügen dann wieder unter dem Grundfreibetrag, fallen trotz Steuererklärung keine Steuern an.  

Absetzen können Menschen in Rente Beiträge zur gesetzlichen Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung, ebenso haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen oder Handwerkerkosten bis zur entsprechenden Höchstgrenze. Auch Werbungskosten können sie ansetzen - wer keine benennt, für den zieht das Finanzamt 102 Euro pauschal ab. Anführen können Rentnerinnen und Rentner zudem außergewöhnliche Belastungen, hier wird eine individuelle zumutbare Eigenbelastung errechnet.

Steuererklärung einfach gemacht

Das Online-Portal Elster bietet mit „einfachELSTER“ einen Service speziell für Rentnerinnen und Rentner sowie für Pensionärinnen und Pensionäre an. Diese können darüber ihre Einkommensteuererklärung vereinfacht und schneller abgeben.  

Allerdings: Die vereinfachte Steuerklärung kann nicht nutzen, wer Kapitaleinkünfte oberhalb des Sparerpauschbetrags oder mehr Einkünfte als aus einem Minijob hat. Auch bei zusätzlichen Einkünften zum Beispiel aus Vermietung oder einem Gewerbe ist die einfache Variante nicht möglich. dpa

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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