Global pilgrimage of Christmas: Home is where the heart is

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 22, 2024 06:37 AM 

 

Today, millions of people around the world are on their way home to join their families for Christmas.

From bustling airports to crowded bus terminals, the desire to reunite with loved ones transcends borders, religions, and cultures, reflecting humanity’s shared yearning for connection, tradition, and celebration. In our culture, this is the time when the extended family comes to life, adding close friends to the clan.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects some seven million passengers to flock to bus terminals, airports and sea ports around the country to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with their families.

To ensure public safety, nearly 40,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide to secure bus terminals, ports, places of worship, tourist destinations, and other places of convergence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Christmas, for many, is a time of reflection and joy, symbolizing love, gratitude, and togetherness. These universal values draw people back to their roots. 

Globally, billions of people participate in this seasonal migration. In the United States, a record for holiday travel will be made with 120 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day in 2024, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted. 

In the Philippines, holiday travelers plus the influx of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) create a surge in air travel and domestic transport systems.  In response, 956 special permits were granted for public utility vehicles (PUVs), especially passenger buses, in anticipation of the increased number of passengers from this weekend to Jan. 10 next year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Dec. 19.

The holiday season’s dramatic movement of people places immense pressure on transportation systems worldwide. Airports operate at full capacity, airlines add extra flights, and roads become congested.  Although the government responds with measures deploying additional personnel, and enhancing traffic management, private citizens should do their part to ensure safe and efficient travel.  Road courtesy will help make travel safer and smoother.

What awaits these travelers at home are cherished traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among these is the traditional Noche Buena, a grand Christmas Eve dinner where families gather to feast on a traditional menu. This meal is not just about food but about the warmth of togetherness, laughter, and storytelling.

Gift-giving is another strong element of the season, symbolizing thoughtfulness and love. Filipino children do not only wait for gifts from Santa Claus and their parents, but also from their ninongs, ninangs (godparents), and relatives.

Beyond material traditions, the deeper reason for the journey home lies in shared experiences and making memories. For Christians, the center of the Christmas celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ, a time to reflect on faith and gratitude. Many memories will be made in churches where traditions of Christmas celebration are performed – like the Simbang Gabi and the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

From the Philippines to other parts of the world, the annual pilgrimage home shows humanity’s shared values of love, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether it’s for a grand feast, or simple meal, exchanging gifts, or simply sitting around the table laughing, Christmas reminds us all of one thing: Home is where the heart is, and family – which also includes friends as adopted members – is what makes it a whole family.

Invite a friend to join your family for Christmas Eve. Be extra courteous to a motorist and pedestrian. Reach out to a stranger with a kind act. 

Arch. Royal Pineda on redefining Filipino identity and inspiring the next generation

BY REY ILAGAN

Dec 21, 2024 04:27 PM 

Arch. Royal Pineda (Photo courtesy of Royal Pineda/Facebook)

During the launch of “Ugnayan,” Genteel Home’s latest collaboration with Arch. Royal Pineda at Manila FAME 2024, the spotlight wasn’t just on the stunning furniture collection—it was on the dialogue surrounding Filipino creativity. Renowned for his forward-thinking approach to design and architecture, Arch. Pineda shared insights on his partnership with designer Katrina Blanca de Leon, the local creative industry, and his vision for modern Filipino design.

One theme consistently emerged: Arch. Pineda’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Filipino identity in design, always aiming for global recognition without losing authenticity.

Katrina de Leon and Arch. Royal Pineda (Photo courtesy of Genteel Home)

Culture of betterment

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For Arch. Pineda, every collaboration is an opportunity to inspire creatives to embrace and refine their unique Filipino identity. Reflecting on his work with de Leon and Genteel Home, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in creativity. “As I collaborate and work with any creatives as a naturalist, I always say, just be yourself. I am not here to tell you to follow my ways or my approach, but to understand the principle of how to become you and a better Filipino,” he explained.

This philosophy translates into a mindset of continual improvement—a rejection of mediocrity. “When I see a creative digging for that identity, I help them. Because I always tell them, you will not just be Filipino—you will be a better Filipino, a modern Filipino,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of creating designs that contribute to a broader narrative. “The culture of betterment—where we keep saying better, better, better—is actually created to cancel out ‘pwede na.’ You see a version, so there’s a contribution, because it cannot be the same. Otherwise, there’s no point; there’s no creativity.”

(Photo courtesy of Royal Pineda)

Local design, global market 

Pineda believes that Filipino design has the potential to thrive in a global market, not by competing with mass-produced pieces but by embracing its exclusivity. “Philippine furniture stands out because we are not about mass production. That’s why I also challenge [designers]. Your exclusivity is not just about limiting it to a few people. Your exclusivity is in being able to create a design exclusively for a person,” he said.

This approach requires a clear understanding of what makes Filipino design unique. “The Philippines will have its authentic market because it will always prepare and present a very specific identity and quality of the Philippines. We’re not here to compete… But again, my question is: What makes ours Filipino? That’s the challenge—to always know,” Arch. Pineda explained.

He added that authenticity in Filipino design can command its value. “Why would I buy a table from the Philippines that’s exactly like a table from Vietnam, but Vietnam’s is cheaper? But if you, as a Filipino table, bring something to the world that makes it better Filipino, then you cannot compare the price.”

Modern Filipino identity

For Arch. Pineda, modern Filipino design is an evolving identity. “For the longest time, there was a colonial mindset that left us confused as architects. Some colleagues of mine, 20 years ago, when I asked them, ‘Can you define Philippine architecture?’ they said it was a long discussion because we were colonized,” he recalled.

But Arch. Pineda has moved beyond that mindset. “I believe I’m doing Philippine architecture of our time. The bahay kubo was Philippine architecture of its time, as was the bahay na bato. We are in a constant evolution, but my challenge to every creative—not just architects—is this: Are you contributing to the chain of history?” 

His design philosophy is deeply rooted in identity and purpose. “Why should a Filipino be forced to live in a Mediterranean house? Why do the French live in a French house? And yet, suddenly, when you come to the Philippines, you’re telling me I’m Filipino and I cannot live in a Filipino house?”

For Arch. Pineda, the challenge is clear: “If you don’t dare to find your own identity, if you don’t have that itch, you will always be a follower. You’ll remain in the status quo. But I challenge the status quo all the time.”

Next generation

Pineda is optimistic about the younger generation of Filipino creatives. “I’m happy to see the younger generation becoming more confident about who they are. They look for what’s Filipino,” he said.

While some criticize younger designers for being overly confident or entitled, Pineda sees this as an asset. “That’s not necessarily bad. Use that confidence to say, ‘We are Filipino.’ Graduate from the inferiority. That’s what makes the Philippines really exciting now, especially in creative fields.”

Winter solstice 2024: Philippines to have longest night on Dec. 21

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Dec 20, 2024 01:13 PM

  

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Photo from Pixabay

As the world turns and the year draws closer to its end, the Philippines will soon experience its longest night of 2024. 

This year’s December or winter solstice, which falls on Dec. 21, marks a moment when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, signaling the start of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year during the December solstice. 

While the difference in day length is less noticeable in tropical countries like the Philippines, the solstice still offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the Earth’s journey around the Sun.

In Metro Manila, on Dec. 21, the sun will rise at 6:16 a.m. and set at 5:32 p.m., giving the region 11 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.

After the December solstice, the nights will slowly get longer, and the days will start to get shorter, bringing more darkness as we move toward the new year.

Say goodbye to paper: Philippines' new banknotes are here!

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 19, 2024 05:44 PM 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has introduced the First Philippine Polymer (FPP) Banknote Series featuring enhanced security and durability, which will be available in circulation starting the first quarter of 2025.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the unveiling of the FPP series in a ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace. The polymer banknotes are in denominations of P500, P100, and P50. 

 

The BSP previously announced that these polymer banknotes will circulate alongside the existing paper banknotes. The new series boasts "smarter, cleaner and stronger" features.

"Unlike the current paper banknotes, which showcase the country’s heroes and natural wonders, the polymer series highlights the Philippines’ rich biodiversity," the BSP said in a Facebook post.

"This shift reflects the BSP’s commitment to promoting national pride through numismatic artistry while fostering an appreciation of Filipino identity,” the central bank added. 

The BSP added that the polymer banknotes offer several practical benefits, including enhanced resistance to counterfeiting and improved durability.

"These features ensure that the new notes are not only aesthetically significant but also cost-efficient and secure," the BSP noted.

The best gift we can give the next generation: A better future

BY ANNA MAE LAMENTILLO

Dec 20, 2024 00:54 AM 

NIGHT OWL

I’m writing this far away from home, sitting in Oxford, still carrying the awe of last night’s Advent carols at University College. It started in complete darkness—a deliberate reminder of the darkness in the world and the need for Christ. The first notes of “The Advent Prose,” drawn from traditional Advent liturgical texts and paired with Judith Weir’s hauntingly beautiful music, filled the space. Then came the familiar and stirring  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “This is the Truth” by R. Vaughan Williams. It was solemn, uplifting, and deeply moving.

Being at Univ, as University College is affectionately called, added another layer of reflection. This college has seen centuries of history, starting small with just four theology Fellows. Over time, through benefactors and determination, it grew into one of Oxford’s leading institutions. From its medieval roots to admitting women in 1979, Univ’s journey is one of perseverance and progress. It’s a powerful reminder of how legacies are built over time—a theme that resonates with what we can leave for future generations.
 

A world worth inheriting

What does it mean to leave a better future? For me, it’s imagining a world where clean air is a given, where the oceans aren’t choked with plastic, and where forests thrive alongside human progress. It’s about creating societies where education, healthcare, and opportunity are not privileges but rights—regardless of where you’re born. It’s a future where diversity is celebrated, justice is upheld, and collective well-being takes precedence over personal gain.

This might sound idealistic, but it’s not out of reach. The choices we make today—big and small—can shape the trajectory of the world we’ll pass on.
 

Investing in sustainability

If there’s one thing we owe the next generation, it’s a livable planet. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s here. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and the loss of biodiversity are realities impacting millions. Tackling this starts with prioritizing sustainability.

That might mean embracing renewable energy, reducing waste, or choosing businesses that prioritize green practices. It means rethinking the way we consume and advocate for policies that put the planet first. Even small actions—walking instead of driving, cutting down on single-use plastics—add up when multiplied across communities. Together, these choices can secure a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.
 

Nurturing education

Education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer the next generation. But it’s not just about traditional learning; it’s about equipping young people with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and an understanding of how interconnected the world is.

Innovation, too, has a central role. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy systems, and biotechnology hold incredible promise. But they must be guided by ethics and inclusivity. When innovation serves the greater good and not just a privileged few, it can truly transform societies.
 

Championing equity and justice

A better future is one where everyone has the chance to thrive. That means addressing inequalities rooted in gender, race, and socioeconomic status. It means amplifying voices that have long been ignored and crafting policies that reflect the needs of all communities—not just the elite.

Equity and justice aren’t just moral imperatives; they’re the bedrock of stable, peaceful societies. By fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can build communities that stand strong in the face of division and conflict.

The role of hope and action

Hope is powerful. But hope without action is just wishful thinking. The greatest gift we can give future generations is not just the vision of a better world but the tangible steps to achieve it. This means taking responsibility—for our consumption, our votes, our voices. It means holding leaders accountable and inspiring others to join the cause.
The path forward isn’t without challenges. But it’s a journey worth taking. By planting the seeds of change today, we can nurture a future where the next generation looks back with gratitude, knowing we chose to act when it mattered most.
 

A gift beyond measure

As we exchange gifts this season, let’s remember the one that can’t be wrapped or placed under a tree. It’s a legacy of hope, progress, and possibility. A better future isn’t just a gift for the next generation; it’s a responsibility we all share.

So let’s give generously—not just to those we know, but to those who will inherit this world. Together, we can create a future that is brighter, kinder, and more just. And that, above all, is the ultimate gift.

Ensuring ample, affordable rice supply for all Filipinos

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 17, 2024 05:34 AM 

Determined to ensure the stability of the price of rice at the retail level, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has been doing the rounds of Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks where the staple is selling at ₱40 per kilo.

This comes on the heels of latest projections made by the US Department of Agriculture. The USDA  eyes a looming increase in rice imports, spurred by production declines caused by La Niña and a series of natural disasters that have hit the country’s rice-producing areas, drastically reducing yields at a time when demand is on the rise. This confluence of factors presents not only economic but also social ramifications, particularly for the lowest income classes, who are most vulnerable to price hikes and food insecurity. 

According to the USDA, the Philippines is set to become the world’s largest rice importer for three consecutive marketing years. This marks a troubling shift, as the country moves from a self-sufficient producer to a net importer, relying increasingly on foreign rice to meet domestic demand. While rice imports have historically played a role in balancing supply shortages, the sheer scale of expected imports — projected at around 5.4 million metric tons in 2024-2025 — highlights the growing gap between production and consumption.
This gap is widening due to a surge in rice consumption. Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and for many, it is the primary source of sustenance. From 14.8 million metric tons (MT) in 2020-2021, rice consumption in the Philippines is expected to rise to 17.4 million MT in the 2024-2025 marketing year. This increase is driven by several factors, including population growth, changing dietary habits, and the socio-economic realities faced by millions of Filipinos. As consumption continues to climb, the supply side struggles to keep pace, further exacerbating the need for imports.

Rice is not just a food item. It’s a cornerstone of economic stability for many Filipino families. The lowest-income classes, particularly those living in rural areas where rice is grown, are most exposed to the fluctuating prices and availability of the commodity. Typhoons and extreme weather events have already driven up production costs, and now the anticipated increase in imports will likely push domestic rice prices higher due to a combination of market dynamics and logistical challenges.

The impact on low-income families could be devastating. With rising rice prices, these households will spend an even larger proportion of their income on food. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, food accounts for more than 40 percent of household expenditure among the lowest 30 percent of income earners. A rise in rice prices would, therefore, have an out sized effect on their purchasing power, further entrenching poverty and inequality. With cheaper imports flooding the market, many small-scale rice farmers are likely to be pushed into even deeper poverty.

To mitigate the impact of these changes, the government must adopt more comprehensive measures. First, improving domestic rice production through investments in irrigation, farming technology, and disaster-resilient crops could help reduce the need for imports in the future. Second, addressing the rising cost of rice through targeted subsidies or price controls can help protect the most vulnerable populations from the worst effects of inflation. Lastly, creating more robust social safety nets for farmers, including income support and disaster relief, would provide a cushion against market volatility.

What Julia Barretto learned about her past life

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 17, 2024 08:45 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Julia is set to make waves again as she returns to the big screen with‘Hold Me Close,’Viva Films’ official entry to the 50thMetro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

Julia Barretto

Actress Julia Barretto admired individuals who could read minds or sense different energies. 

Julia highlighted her deep respect for those who can intuitively grasp the thoughts and emotions of others. She acknowledged the fascinating skill of perceiving unspoken feelings and energies, which can significantly influence interpersonal connections.

During a media conference for the upcoming movie "Hold Me Close" at Viva Cafe in Araneta City, Julia shared a forecast that left a significant impression on her. 

"I've met some people who claim to be an energy or palm reader. I am open to it, although I am a religious person. Maka-Diyos akong tao. Above everything else is my faith. I have the utmost respect for them.

"I don't think may recent ako na reading or forecast pero in the past, ang tumatak talaga sa akin is nangyari sa Cebu, a decade na yata. 

"My mom and I we're together. Sinasabi ng reader in my past life, best friends daw talaga kami ng mommy ko and I believe in that. My mom and I have a special bond. Kaya pala because we were best friends in our past lives," recalled Julia.

The girlfriend of actor Gerald Anderson hopes to receive a forecast about her lifetime partner. "Maybe I'll give it a try soon."

Julia is set to make waves again as she returns to the big screen with ‘Hold Me Close,’ Viva Films’ official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 

The romantic-fantasy film marks Julia's second collaboration with Carlo Aquino and director Jason Paul Laxamana, and fans are excited to see her take on the role of Lynlyn, a clairvoyant girl. 

Not only is this Julia’s much-anticipated return to MMFF after her 2016 appearance in ‘Vince and Kath and James,’ but it also signals a fresh chapter in her already illustrious film career. 

Julia Barretto poses with loyal fans

Filmed in Japan, audiences can catch ‘Hold Me Close’ this Dec. 25 in cinemas nationwide.  

Asked about how the MMFF project came about, Julia said: "We have a group chat for the cast of 'Expensive Candy' that's been going for three years. Biglang nagparamdam si direk (Jason Paul Laxamana) ng what's the next? Right away, Caloy (Carlo Aquino) and I were on board. 

"So we're excited to be in Direk Jason's mind: no story, material, or script. We just knew he wanted to do a reunion project, and we were on board. It took him a while to write the entire script. 

"Caloy told Direk that he hoped to do a project similar to 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' So, Direk Jason got the inspiration for that movie. 

"And then tuloy-tuloy na. We didn't know the movie was submitted for the Metro Manila Film Festival. It's a beautiful film about trying to erase memories pero may underlying message naman yung movie. That's how it came about. So, at some point, we will do something together," said Julia.

Safety consciousness is rooted in mindfulness

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 16, 2024 00:01 AM 

‘Be prepared,’ the Scout motto, is both a timely and timeless reminder. 

Oxford Dictionary’s definition of mindfulness offers a comprehensive concept of being prepared: “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while amply acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.”

It is difficult to avoid commentary on the death from electrocution of three scouts last Thursday, Dec. 12,  at a campsite in Mount Abong-Abong, Barangay Pasonanca, Zamboanga City.

According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), “the scouts were among a group of 10 who accidentally moved a canopy into contact with a live electrical wire.” Forthwith,  the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) has ordered a moratorium on all outdoor scouting activities nationwide, while expressing their grief over the incident. The PNA also reported that “the fatalities were senior scouts aged 22, 18, and 17” while the other victims included children “aged nine, 11, and 12, now in stable condition and under observation.”

A book on Global Disasters: Inquiries Into Management Ethics by Robert E. Allinson provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes of four major disasters — and how lessons from these could be applied to similar events of lesser magnitude.

The first step is to debunk monocausality, or the fallacy of a single cause that brings about a major disaster. Unless this is done, according to Dr. Allinson, there will be no further due diligence efforts to uncover or understand what really happened. Instead, attention will be focused on one or a few “culprits” who will invariably invoke the fallacy of “human error.” 

He declares that every disastrous event needs to be viewed wholistically, or, as  the outcome of a confluence of several causes. Asserting that disasters can be prevented, he emphasizes the imperative to create a humanistic organization that acknowledges the primacy of people.

According to Merriam-Webster, the word ‘safety’ entered the English language in the 14th century; “it is derived from Latin salvus, meaning uninjured, or in good health.  Safety implies protection from harm or danger. From a management perspective, it involves the “control of recognized hazards” in order to achieve “an acceptable level of risk.”

In the Civil Code of the Philippines, Article 1163 states that when someone is obligated to give or take care of something, they must exercise the diligence of a good father of a family, or the principle of bonus pater familias.  If this is reckoned in terms of the Filipino family concept, this implies leaving no stone unturned in efforts to ensure maximum safety and care of children.

In the case of the Zamboanga scout jamboree, the participation of young children — three of those who survived electrocution were aged nine, 11, and 12 — clearly signaled the imperative of applying extraordinary diligence.

The Law Insider Dictionary’s definition of operational safety is instructive. Operational safety means “the absence of unreasonable risk under the occurrence of hazards resulting from functional insufficiencies of the intended functionality (e.g. false/missed detection), operational disturbances (e.g. environmental conditions like fog, rain, shadows, sunlight, infrastructure) or by reasonably foreseeable misuse/errors by the driver, passengers and other road users (safety hazards — without system faults).”

Indeed, the recent events at the opening of the Zamboanga scout jamboree constitute a teaching and learning experience that is beneficial to all.