Honoring excellence: Enduring value of TOFIL

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Jan 27, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jan 26, 2026 06:22 pm     

At a time when public discourse is weighed down by cynicism and despair—much of it fueled by recurring scandals of corruption and abuse of power—the annual recognition of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) awardees stands as a quiet but resolute counterpoint. The 2025 TOFIL honorees remind us that integrity, excellence, and selfless service are not relics of the past, but living values embodied by Filipinos who continue to uplift the nation through their work.

Each year’s TOFIL awardees come from diverse fields—education, science, business, culture, public service, and community development—yet they share a common thread: an unwavering commitment to the greater good. The 2025 awardees exemplify this tradition of merit and meaning. Their achievements are not merely personal milestones but contributions that have enriched institutions, empowered communities, and expanded the country’s capacity to meet complex challenges. In honoring them, we affirm that excellence still matters—and that it is attainable without compromise of values.

TOFIL’s significance lies not only in celebrating individual achievement, but in building a collective narrative of what Filipinos can aspire to be. Since its establishment in 1988 by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati, TOFIL has recognized men and women whose lives reflect professionalism anchored in ethics and service. Past laureates include towering figures in medicine, jurisprudence, the sciences, education, arts, and enterprise—individuals who quietly shaped national life, often outside the glare of politics or celebrity.

Names such as Dr. Fe del Mundo in pediatrics, Washington SyCip in business and institution-building, Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. in law and democratic governance, and National Artists and scientists who elevated Filipino creativity and innovation, form part of TOFIL’s distinguished honor roll. These laureates demonstrate that lasting national impact is built patiently—through competence, credibility, and character.

At crucial moments in Philippine history—during political transitions, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval—TOFIL awardees serve as moral anchors. They remind us that while institutions may falter and leaders may disappoint, the nation’s moral capital resides in its people. Their lives stand as proof that one can succeed without surrendering principle, and lead without exploiting power.

This message is especially resonant today. Public trust in governance has been eroded by persistent reports of corruption and impunity. Many Filipinos, particularly the youth, grapple with a sense of disillusionment, questioning whether honesty and hard work still have a place in public life. In this context, honoring TOFIL awardees becomes more than ceremonial; it becomes restorative.

We salute the 2025 TOFIL awardees, namely: Senator JV Ejercito, Public Service; former DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Government; Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag, Academic Community, Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari, NGO and Civil Sector; and Rene Meily, Private Sector.

By shining a light on exemplary Filipinos, TOFIL helps recalibrate our collective compass. It reminds citizens that the narrative of the nation is not defined solely by its failures, but also by its quiet victories—won in classrooms, laboratories, courtrooms, hospitals, boardrooms, and communities. These are victories that steadily shape a more humane and hopeful society.

The 2025 TOFIL awardees deserve not only applause, but emulation. Their stories affirm that nation-building is not the exclusive domain of those in power, but a shared responsibility carried out through vocation and service. In honoring them, we honor the best of the Filipino spirit—and, in doing so, renew our faith that integrity and excellence can still light the way forward.

Between deadlines and daydreams

 

I used to think that love and career existed on opposite ends of a seesaw—when one goes up, the other has to go down. It is what I often heard growing up: “Focus on your studies first.” “You can’t build a future if you’re distracted.”

Adults uttered them with the conviction of people who had been burned before. So, I followed the rule. I buried myself in schoolwork, chased grades, collected certificates, and convinced myself that love could wait—that it was something to be earned after success.

But as I grew older, I realized that life does not unfold as neatly as we plan it. Some of the most important things happen when we least expect them—not in the spaces we reserve for them, but in the moments we do not see coming.

I met someone who did not arrive as a distraction but as a quiet constant—the kind of person who did not ask me to choose between ambition and affection, but taught me that love could exist alongside the grind.

We were both in the middle of building our own worlds. There were deadlines, exams, and the endless pressure to “make it.” Yet in between the rush, we found time for simple things—coffee before class, late-night conversations about where we wanted to be five years from now, or how tired we both were but still hopeful. Love was not a grand event. It was the calm we returned to after a long day of trying to prove ourselves.

Adulthood has a way of testing that calm. Somewhere between job applications and responsibilities, I began to understand what growing up truly means—not just paying bills or showing up to work on time, but carrying both dreams and doubts in the same pocket. It means learning that success does not come all at once. It arrives slowly, sometimes disguised as exhaustion, sometimes as quiet progress no one else notices.

There were nights when I questioned everything. Was I doing enough? Was I falling behind? I would scroll through social media and see people my age already “there”— building careers, traveling, achieving things that made me wonder if I had missed a turn somewhere. It is so easy to compare, especially when everyone seems to be moving faster. But then I would remember something my partner once said: “You are not late. You are just on your own timeline.”

That sentence grounded me. It reminded me that life is not a race—it is a collection of moments, and each person has their own rhythm. Some people bloom early; some take time to grow roots. The important thing is to keep growing.

I have learned that love and career are not enemies. They are, in many ways, reflections of the same pursuit—the desire to build something lasting, to pour ourselves into something that gives meaning to our days. Love teaches patience, empathy, and resilience—the very qualities that make us better in our work. A career teaches discipline, purpose, and perseverance—the very traits that keep love grounded when life gets tough.

There are days when I still feel lost. When the future seems like an endless question mark, and the path ahead blurs with uncertainty. But I have stopped seeing uncertainty as failure. It is simply the space where growth happens. To grow up is to realize that not everything has to be figured out; sometimes, it is enough to keep trying, to keep showing up, and to keep believing that we will get there eventually.

Love helps with that. It is not the fairytale kind—not always fireworks or grand gestures—but the kind that holds your hand through the quiet, tired parts of life. It is knowing that even when things do not go as planned, there is someone who believes in your “someday.”

As I look ahead, I no longer see love and career as a balancing act but as two parts of the same story. The deadlines and daydreams can coexist. The person I love does not pull me away from my goals; she reminds me why those goals matter. And when life gets heavy, when work feels endless and the world feels too loud, it is love—steady, patient, and real—that brings me back to center.

Maybe that is what growing up really is: learning to live in the middle—between ambition and affection, between where we are and where we hope to be. It is understanding that fulfillment does not come from choosing one over the other, but from letting both shape us.

Someday, when I look back, I hope I remember these years not as the time I had it all figured out, but as the time I learned how to keep going. To build a life not just of achievements, but of meaning. To chase success without losing softness. To love without losing myself.

Between deadlines and daydreams, I am still learning—and that is enough for now.

Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

 

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 14, 2025 03:31 pm

(PHOTO: DOH)

Scammers are targeting the public with fake text messages claiming to be from the Department of Health (DOH) and promising refunds for alleged hospital overpayments, the agency warned on Thursday, August 14. 

Recently, there have been reports of individuals receiving text messages claiming they had received over P8,000 from the “DOH zero billing plan” and urging them to click a suspicious link to claim the refund.

“Ang transaksyon sa larawan ay isang uri ng SCAM. Ito ay hindi galing sa DOH o sa anumang sangay ng gobyerno (The transaction in the image is a type of scam. It did not come from the DOH or any government agency),” the agency said in an advisory.

The DOH said neither the agency nor its hospitals send links to the public, and urged people not to click suspicious links in scam messages.

According to the agency, legitimate benefits under the Marcos administration’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or “No Balance Billing” program are free of charge for basic services and accommodation in all DOH hospitals nationwide.

The DOH reminded the public to remain vigilant against text scam messages, stressing that these schemes often use official-sounding names and false promises to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.

The health department encouraged Filipinos to verify health information through its official website and social media accounts before believing or acting on it, as a safeguard against scams.

A traveler’s guide to affordable and fun adventures

From take-off to touchdown, make your next travel worry-free with BDO

Going on vacations is one of life’s greatest joys—from exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, to creating unforgettable memories with friends and family. It should not be derailed by unexpected mishaps and last-minute changes.

That’s where BDO Insure Travel Insurance steps in, ensuring your trip is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Whether medical emergencies, baggage delays, or flight disruptions, BDO Insure expertly selects packages from different insurance partners to provide only the best options tailored to your needs.

Affordable options are available for travelers aged up to 75 years.

Planning a four-day visit to Asia? Coverage for emergency medical treatment benefits of up to Php500,000 starts at Php350. Want more protection? Boost your coverage to Php1.5 million for just Php463. That’s a small price to pay for a big peace of mind.

Heading to the United States for 15 days? Enjoy up to Php1.5 million in emergency medical treatment for as low as Php917.

Planning to explore the Eiffel Tower in France? We’ve partnered with an accredited insurance provider whose plans are fully Schengen visa-compliant which is Php2.5M in Emergency Medical Treatment for as low as Ph1,749 for a 15-day trip.

Apart from these benefits, travelers can now opt in for a more comprehensive cover which includes emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions and extreme activities, reimbursement of rebooking fees, and additional benefit for first 4-hour delay and baggage delay for return flights.

For a more seamless experience, purchase your travel insurance in the Philippines at least four hours before your departure.

Next time you pack, remember to include peace of mind with an insurance package that lets you travel safely and enjoy every moment worry-free. BDO Insure Travel Insurance includes COVID-19 coverage, travel inconvenience benefits, and access to a 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Hotline.

Rente mit 70: Für diesen Jahrgang könnte die Änderung kommen

Stand:07.05.2025, 21:26 Uhr

Von: Max Schäfer

Das Rentensystem erfordert Veränderungen. Eine Möglichkeit wäre die "Rente mit 70", obwohl sie politisch kontrovers diskutiert wird. Welche Geburtsjahre wären hiervon betroffen?

Hamm – Die Rente ist Dauerthema der Politik, doch bisher traut sich niemand an die weitere Erhöhung des Rentenalters. Derzeit steigt es schrittweise bis 2031 auf 67 Jahre an. Wer 1964 oder später geboren ist, kann regulär erst dann in Rente. Es sei denn, die Betroffenen haben 45 Jahre gearbeitet und Beiträge gezahlt. Dann können sie mit 65 Jahren in den Ruhestand gehen. Ansonsten ist ein früherer Ruhestand nur mit Abschlägen möglich. 

Rente mit 70: Ökonomen machen Druck

Zudem wollen etwa Union und SPD, dass die Menschen freiwillig länger arbeiten. Das wollen sie etwa durch die Aktivrente erreichen. Wer neben der Rente arbeitet, kann bis zu 2000 Euro steuerfrei dazuverdienen. Eine feste Rente mit 70 ist jedoch nicht in Aussicht. Da fehlt der politische Wille. Doch einige Ökonomen drängen auf ein höheres Rentenalter. Dadurch soll die Zahl der Beitragszahler im Verhältnis zu den Rentnern stabil bleiben. 

Im Alter noch am PC: Nach Forderungen einiger Ökonomen soll das Rentenalter an die Lebenserwartung gekoppelt werden. (Symbolfoto) © Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

Als eine der Maßnahmen zur Stabilisierung der gesetzlichen Rente sieht der Sachverständigenrat Wirtschaft – umgangssprachlich Wirtschaftsweise – die Kopplung der Regelaltersgrenze an die Lebenserwartung vor. Auch das Ifo Institut in Dresden unterstützt diesen Ansatz. In einer Mitteilung von 2024 haben die Ökonomen die Niederlande als Vorbild genommen.

Rente mit 70 könnte in einem Modell ab 2070 kommen

„Wenn die Menschen drei Jahre länger leben, müssen sie zwei Jahre länger arbeiten und bekommen ein Jahr länger Rente“, heißt es in der Ifo-Mitteilung zur Methode in den Niederlanden. „Das Verhältnis von Rentnern zu Erwerbstätigen würde damit auch nach dem Jahr 2040 stabil bei rund 40 Prozent liegen und nicht auf fast 50 Prozent steigen, wie derzeit prognostiziert.“ 

Damit das Rentenalter von 67 Jahren ab 2031 auf 70 Jahre steigt, müsste die Lebenserwartung nach dieser Regel um 4,5 Jahre ansteigen. Das kann dauern.

Welche Jahrgänge wären zuerst von einer Rente mit 70 betroffen?

Derzeit liegt die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung in Deutschland laut Statistischem Bundesamt bei 78,17 Jahren bei den Männern und 82,99 Jahre bei den Frauen. Damit ist sie zwischenzeitlich gesunken – zuvor war sie bei 78,33 und 83,18 Jahren. Dennoch: Abseits der Jahre der Corona-Pandemie zeigt die Entwicklung nach oben. Grob geschätzt steigt die Lebenserwartung um 0,1 pro Jahr.

10.342 Personen haben bereits teilgenommen

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Fotostrecke ansehen

Damit würde die Lebenserwartung in 45 Jahren um 4,5 Jahre steigen. So könnten Personen aus dem Jahrgang 2003 zuerst von der Rente mit 70 betroffen seit, leitet das Portal Ruhr24 ab, das zuerst darüber berichtet hatte. Je nach Ausgestaltung könnte auch schon der Jahrgang 2000 betroffen sein. Für die heute 40-Jährigen, dem Jahrgang 1985, würde sich demnach erst bei einem Zuwachs der Lebenserwartung von 0,2 pro Jahr eine Rente mit 70 ergeben. Steigt die Lebenserwartung sogar um 0,3 Jahre, würde die Rente mit 70 demnach etwa 2040 eingeführt werden – somit wären Jahrgänge ab 1970 betroffen.

Anstieg der Lebenserwartung	Rente mit 70	Frühstmögliche betroffene Jahrgänge
0,1 Jahre	ca. 2070	2000
0,2 Jahre	ca. 2048	1978
0,3 Jahre	ca. 2040	1970

1 Schluck (vor dem Schlafengehen) reinigt die Leber und reduziert Bauchfett

Hier weiterlesen...

Rente mit 70 könnte auch erst 2091 kommen – Jahrgang 2021 wären dann die ersten

Eine Alternative haben die Wirtschaftsweisen vorgeschlagen. Demnach würde das Rentenalter alle 20 Jahre um ein Jahr steigen. Ausgehend von 2031, wenn die Altersgrenze wirklich 67 Jahre erreicht, würde eine Rente mit 70 erst 2091 erreicht werden. Damit wäre der Jahrgang 2021 zuerst von der Rente mit 70 betroffen.

Der Rente-Newsletter: Wege in die Frührente

Wichtige Entwicklungen rund um Ihre Rente erhalten Sie wöchentlich am Mittwoch

Mit Klick auf den Button "Zum Newsletter anmelden" stimme ich den Datenschutzbestimmungen und dem Erhalt weiterer Medienangebote zu.

Das hängt jedoch von der konkreten Ausgestaltung ab, also ob beispielsweise die Anhebung im Vorfeld beschlossen wird. Zudem gibt es bei der Lebenserwartung Unsicherheiten, wie etwa Dämpfer durch Pandemien.

Star Magic launches new talents, including Janine Gutierrez's brother Diego

 

Star Magic launches new talents, including Janine Gutierrez's brother Diego, Esang, James Philippe, Jarlo Base and Diego Gutierrez

Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

March 13, 2025 | 10:32am

MANILA, Philippines — Star Magic introduced a new roster of emerging artists, including Esang, James Philippe, Jarlo Base and Diego Gutierrez, in a contract signing and concert held early this week in Noctos Music Bar, Quezon City.

The event marks a new chapter in their careers as they officially join the country's premier talent management agency. Attended by family, friends, and ABS-CBN executives, the four singer-songwriters expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to hone their craft and showcase their talents on a bigger stage. 

The event titled "Magical Vibes: Star Magic Music Room Contract Signing" was graced by the presence of ABS-CBN TV Production and Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN Music Head Roxy Liquigan, Head of Digital Services and Business Development Ms. Elaine Uy-Casipit, Head of Star Magic Special Events and Digital and Senior Talent Manager, Love Almazan-Capulong, ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Sir Raymond Dizon, and Creative Director of ABS-CBN Music Jonathan Manalo, who all expressed their confidence in the new batch of Star Magic artists.

Best known for her vocal prowess and stage presence, Esang joined “The Voice Kids Philippines” Season 2 where she was mentored by the Tony Award award recipient Lea Salonga. During the launch event, it was Salonga who introduced her, recognizing her as a promising talent. 

PILYA BLOG - the Filipino_German Lifestyle Magazine

 

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