A JUDAS AND A LITTLE BIT HOPE

Exploring the story of Judas reminds us that human weakness is common. While he is known for his ultimate betrayal, his story teaches us about forgiveness. Both Judas and Peter made huge mistakes, but the difference was that Peter accepted grace, while Judas let shame and doubt take over.

It’s easy to dismiss Judas as a villain or a victim, but I’m struck by the fact that, in many ways, he was just like me.

Judas was a follower of Jesus and a preacher of the gospel, but there was a double mindedness about him. In the end, he abandoned the faith he once professed.

The apostle Judas, probably also called Thaddeus or Jude, being a brother of James and Jesus, started as a fervent follower of Christ. Then, suddenly he changed. He felt that Christ didn't  satisfy his worldly expectations. The church, like Christ, is always loved by its true followers and is always hated by its apostates.  Till today - no matter what belief you are in... .

Judas didn't leave the apostolic community to become a Pharisee or a critic  of Christ. He  leaves to become a traitor! Such a traitor will always find fault or a misinterpretation of human teaching. Judas gathered reasons that he, himself, had heard  and witnessed  to justify  his betrayal. Yes, we all also know such people who betray us and sometimes a whole country.

A Jewish mob tried to throw Christ down a cliff, but nothing happened. Soldiers tried to arrest Him, but nothing happened. The Pharisees tried to entrap Him to no effect. It needed a friend to betray Him. He escaped from all, but not from the treason of a friend. "It would have been better for that man if he had not been born!" No such sentence was hurled, for example, to Pilate or Herod.

The lesson for all of us is very clear. A bad politician or one of our neighbors can be the foulest thing on earth. A bad pagan cannot be 1/10 corrupt.

"Do not betray another man's confidence!" the bible teaches us. But Judases can be found everywhere. Just as fire is not born from snow, so is the seeker after worldly honors not seeking heavenly ones. or have you ever seen the snow catch fire?

The maladroit politician named Judas betrays his voter and elector through beautiful soft promises while corrupting a whole nation. The peace conference member or peacemaker named Judas just gives double standards while allowing at the same time his jackals and accomplices to kill and injure his own countrymen. The neighbor, who declares how much he loves his family while going on unhindered destroying the environment is also named Judas... .

Judas' sins are really not rare. We commit it every day. Someone who has changed his ideals away from the ideals of the church and declares it to the world, anyone who leaves the church or the religious order and proclaims it to the world, "night had fallen on his soul"!

When Julius Caesar was being assassinated what hurt him was not the stabs of Caius but the presence of his friend Brutus. We might never know it, but we could be carrying on our lips the kiss of Judas!

Many times I do voice out people's longing for advice and actions through the institution's church. There are many. Please allow me to quote former Rev. Mariano C. Apilado, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, who had done a first important step already many years ago by saying:

"Christian hope does never shield people, much less  Christians  from disappointments, hardships and betrayals, nor does it provide neat and ready answers to the world's problems. Christian hope empowers Christians to take responsibility in the establishment of a government that respects the law and protection of the people and their rights in the struggle for justice and development. ... Christian hope is not peanuts for it assures us: there is always a future looking forward to it. Without hope, Christian faithfulness is suspect and without foundation. with this hope, we sing, celebrate and work faithfully and courageously, believing, 'that we shall overcome'!"

Loneliness in today's society

Loneliness is a distressing feeling that happens when you do not have the social connection you want. In today's society, it is considered an epidemic. Experts report that nearly one in six people globally feels lonely. People of all ages suffer from this lack of deep, meaningful bonds.

To understand the cause of loneliness, we must first recognize that it is a modern malady. Previous generations did not have the problem on the same scale. Why? Sociologists have collected some interesting data to help unravel the mystery.

In the United States in the 1950s, about one in every 10 households had one person living alone. By the 1990s this figure had jumped to one out of four households. New Census Bureau figures show that “just me” homes are 27 percent of U.S. households today. These figures are similar for most countries throughout the Western world.

So we can see there has been a marked change in our social landscape. More and more people live alone. The startling truth is, single-person households are the fastest growing segment of our 21st-century populations.

No wonder loneliness has risen so dramatically. Some predict that this century will be known as the lonely century.

Heavy social media use often increases loneliness. People who spend more time online or check apps frequently are more than twice as likely to feel isolated. This happens because digital connections lack the warmth and deep trust of real human presence.

The three-hour rule: Experts from HelpGuide.org state that adolescents who spend over three hours a day on social media double their risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.Sleep loss.

Social media can help us find like-minded people and form supportive online communities. Whether through mental health forums, hobby-based groups, or fandoms, users can develop a sense of belonging that reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Research shows a strong link between heavy social media use and higher rates of depression, especially in teens and young adults. Spending too much time on these platforms can harm mental health by disrupting sleep, isolating you from real-world friends, and fueling a cycle of negative thoughts.

Seeing friends or influencers post only their "perfect" moments causes jealousy and low self-esteem.

Use built-in phone tools to check your daily screen time. Limiting app use to a short period each day can reduce depression.Set Boundaries: Turn off notifications to stop constant interruptions.Device-Free Bedtime: Do not use your phone for an hour before sleeping to help your brain rest.

THE WORRIER TAKES IT ALL

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

“THE WARRIOR takes it all” reflects a mindset of total commitment, where a warrior (or a “Warrior of Light”) embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and act, rather than acting as a victim of fate. This perspective emphasizes living with absolute discipline, turning obstacles into stepping stones, and accepting one’s life — challenges and all — with humility and purpose.

“The warrior takes it all” is a clever twist on the famous song title of ABBA – The Winner Takes It All. It perfectly captures how worry “takes over” your mind and steals your peace. Everyone worries, but letting a specific concern or anxiety rule your day does not help you win or feel better.

Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life. It’s natural to worry about an unpaid bill, an upcoming job interview, or a first date. But “normal” worry becomes excessive when it’s persistent and uncontrollable. You worry every day about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, you can’t get anxious thoughts out of your head, and it interferes with your daily life.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school.

You may take your negative feelings out on the people closest to you, self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or try to distract yourself by zoning out in front of screens.

Chronic worrying can also be a major symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder that involves tension, nervousness, and a general feeling of unease that colors your whole life.

If you’re plagued by exaggerated worry and tension, there are steps you can take to turn off anxious thoughts. Chronic worrying is a mental habit that can be broken. You can train your brain to stay calm and look at life from a more balanced, less fearful perspective.

Really? Do you let the worrier take over your life and your present situation? A pessimist, a worrier, an alarmist, a license dodger, name it whomever you like. Call some, they are all between us. Maybe her or she or even you?

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don’t have to do all that counting – computers do it for us. Information is easily had. Especially during these terrible times of pandemic.

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn’t just knock – it jiggles the doorknob. And “your friend” – the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right?

We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven’t we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special unique way – but we’re still our old inferior selves.

The job is boring. Even at the present home office. I don’t get a good job. The house is an unpleasant mixture of tidy and dirty things. It’s a mess. I’m not in the mood to arrange my garden. I can’t afford a gardener. That’s life. How sad. No, it’s not my fault; or course not.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Right now because of the pandemic. Yes, I confess, I’m also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to dominate and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier who claims to be a friend. But he or she isn’t. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I’ll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe?

Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let’s seek out the worries but avoid the worriers because they try to avoid liberty.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works. And in my opinion: Let Jesus take over.

It is important to note that while this phrase can describe an intense, focused, and disciplined life, it is sometimes confused with the lyric “the winner takes it all” from the ABBA song.

No, I don’t give up. And you shouldn’t give up too!

***

Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Linkedin Facebook or X – Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

THE WORRIER TAKES IT ALL

"The warrior takes it all" reflects a mindset of total commitment, where a warrior (or a "Warrior of Light") embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and act, rather than acting as a victim of fate. This perspective emphasizes living with absolute discipline, turning obstacles into stepping stones, and accepting one's life—challenges and all—with humility and purpose.

"The warrior takes it all" is a clever twist on the famous song title ABBA – The Winner Takes It All Lyrics. It perfectly captures how worry "takes over" your mind and steals your peace. Everyone worries, but letting a specific concern or anxiety rule your day does not help you win or feel better.

Worries, doubts, and anxieties are a normal part of life. It’s natural to worry about an unpaid bill, an upcoming job interview, or a first date. But “normal” worry becomes excessive when it’s persistent and uncontrollable. You worry every day about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, you can’t get anxious thoughts out of your head, and it interferes with your daily life.

Constant worrying, negative thinking, and always expecting the worst can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. It can sap your emotional strength, leave you feeling restless and jumpy, cause insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension, and make it difficult to concentrate at work or school. You may take your negative feelings out on the people closest to you, self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or try to distract yourself by zoning out in front of screens. Chronic worrying can also be a major symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder that involves tension, nervousness, and a general feeling of unease that colors your whole life.

If you’re plagued by exaggerated worry and tension, there are steps you can take to turn off anxious thoughts. Chronic worrying is a mental habit that can be broken. You can train your brain to stay calm and look at life from a more balanced, less fearful perspective.

Really? Do you let the worrier take over your life and your present situation? A pessimist, a worrier, an alarmist, a license dodger, name it whomever you like. Call some, they are all between us. Maybe her or she or even you?

We hardly count our blessings. We enjoy counting our crosses. Instead of gains, we count our losses. We don't have to do all that counting - computers do it for us. Information is easily had. Especially during these terrible times of pandemic.

Just remember this: Opportunity doesn't just knock - it jiggles the door-knob. and "your friend" - the worrier, is with you day and night, at every corner, following your every step. Complaining and grumbling are good excuses, right? We have time and opportunities to do almost anything. So why haven't we done it? We have the freedom of bondage or restraint, every one of us in his or her very special unique way - but, we're still our old inferior selves.

The job is boring. Even at the present home office. I don't get a good job. The house is an unpleasant mixture of tidy and dirty things. It's a mess. I'm not in the mood to arrange my garden. I can't afford a gardener. That's life. How sad. No, it's not my fault; or course not.

The whole world is an awful place filled with dreadful and horrible negativism. Right now because of the pandemic. Yes, I confess, I'm also surrounded by many worriers who put their fears into me. Politicians, i.e., many times love to search for some grave alarm that will cause individuals to abandon their separate concerns and act in concert, so that politicians can wield the baton. Calls to fatal struggles and fights are forever being sounded.

The overbearing person, who tyrannizes the weak, who wants to dominate and to bluster, is simply nothing else than a worrier, who claims to be a friend. But he or she isn't. Really not! The bullying of fellow citizens by means of dread and fright has been going on since Paleolithic times. The night wolf is eating the moon. Give me silver and I'll make him spit out.

Well, when will we start counting our courage and not our fears, or enjoy instead of our woe? Worrying itself is pointless. Of course, no society has achieved perfect rules of law, never-ending education or unique responsible governments. Let's seek out the worries but avoid the warriors, because they try to avoid liberty.

If you are still worrying right now about something, try to read Jeremiah 29:10-14 or Revelation 21:1-8, just to mention these two. It works. And in my opinion: Let Jesus take over.

It is important to note that while this phrase can describe an intense, focused, and disciplined life, it is sometimes confused with the lyric "The winner takes it all" from the ABBA song. 

No, I don't give up... .And you shouldn't give up too!

IF EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

 

By

 Klaus Döring

 -

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

TAKE a deep breath. When everything collapses, pause to stop the spiral. Anchor yourself by focusing on what you can control right now, triage only the immediate next steps, and let go of the long-term for a moment. Don’t look too far ahead into the future. Break down the big stuff into smaller tasks.

Sometimes, it seems that everything goes wrong despite our best efforts to make things right. We can do everything in our power to make something work, but life might have different plans.

Many of us feel as though we have no control over our lives, and while that might hold some truth to some extent, we do have the power to control how we react to situations.

So are all of us. You wake up in the morning and open your eyes. One mishap follows the other. And then the radio plays Jason Collett too: “When everything goes wrong.”

Accept it, stay calm, and most important, stay motivated during these tough times. Maybe easier said than done. I also had to learn it first and to pull myself up on it every time.

Of course, sometimes life’s rough patches feel like they’re going to last forever. Keep in mind: whether you’re dealing with work-related issues, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last for a lifetime. So remind yourself that things won’t be this bad forever.

When things are going wrong, it’s hard to recognize what is going right. It’s easy to screen out the good things and only focus on the bad things. Remind yourself that some things are going right. Purposely look for the positive even if it is something very small.

One of the most important things to remember is that you have some control of the situation. Even if you aren’t in complete control of the situation, one thing you can always control is your attitude and reaction. Focus on managing what is within your control.

Asking for help can be hard sometimes. I tried to avoid it as long as I could. Big mistake.

Asking for help is one of the best ways to deal with tough situations. Tell people what you need specifically if they offer to help. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family and ask them for help, whether you need emotional support or practical help. The present flood victims in Germany and its surroundings are so very thankful for this.

A lack of confidence in handling tough times can add to stress. It happened to me when COVID-19 changed my life and my business. One of the best things to remember is that you can handle tough situations. Even though you might feel angry, hurt, disappointed, or sad, it won’t kill you. You can get through it.

No matter how bad a situation is, it’s almost certain that something good will come out of it. At the very least, it’s likely that you will learn a life lesson. Perhaps you learn not to repeat the same mistake in the future or maybe you move on from a bad situation and find something better. Look for the one good thing that can result when bad things happen.

Many cannot get used to the idea that there are many things that aren’t within your control. You can’t change the past, another person’s behavior, or a loved one’s health issues. Don’t waste time trying to force others to change or trying to make things be different if it isn’t within your control. Investing time and energy into trying to do things you can’t will cause you to feel helpless and exhausted. Acceptance is one of the best ways to establish resilience.

Remember this: one of the things to remember when you’re facing difficulties is that you’ve handled problems in the past. Don’t overlook past difficulties that you’ve dealt with successfully. Remind yourself of all the past problems you’ve overcome and you’ll gain confidence in dealing with the current issues.

Besides everything: think about yourself too. When everything seems to be going wrong, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, get some exercise, eat healthy, and spend some time doing leisure activities. When you’re taking better care of yourself you’ll be better equipped to deal with your problems.

Everything is temporary, even everything which goes wrong. Happiness is a result of your approach to life, not what happens to you.

Sometimes we need to take one step, then another. Even if they’re just baby steps, keep moving. Rather than focusing on the worst case, think instead of what else is possible.

Look for the lesson. Challenging situations can often teach us what we have left to learn. Keep a positive attitude by remaining focused on solutions, skills, and strengths.Start small. Spend time with the people who support you.

Maybe, together with the light at the end of the tunnel: choose one big goal to work on in order to make a lasting change.

“If anything can go wrong, it will…” This tongue-in-cheek principle, known as Murphy’s Law, is cited by economists, sports teams, and big politicians. Human nature somehow guarantees that nothing turns out quite the way it’s supposed to.

RAISING LOW SELF-ESTEEM

WE ALL experience moments when we lack confidence and do not feel good about ourselves. However, when low self-esteem becomes a long-term problem, it can seriously affect our mental health and daily lives.

Self-esteem refers to the opinion we have of ourselves. When we possess healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about who we are and about life in general. It also helps us cope better with life’s ups and downs.

On the other hand, when our self-esteem is low, we often see ourselves and our lives in a negative and overly critical way. We may also feel less capable of facing the challenges that life brings.

Low self-esteem often begins during childhood. Teachers, friends, siblings, parents, and even the media can send both positive and negative messages about who we are.

Unfortunately, for many people, the message that they are “not good enough” is the one that stays.

Perhaps you found it difficult to meet other people’s expectations or even your own. Stressful and painful life experiences, such as serious illness or the loss of a loved one, can also damage self-esteem.

Personality may also play a role. Some individuals are naturally more prone to negative thinking, while others set unrealistically high standards for themselves.

If you have low self-esteem or lack confidence, you may withdraw from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid challenges altogether. In the short term, avoiding difficult situations may make you feel safe.

However, in the long run, this behavior can backfire because it reinforces your fears and self-doubt. It teaches you the unhealthy belief that avoidance is the only way to cope.

Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and may lead to problems such as anxiety and depression. Some people also develop unhealthy coping habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking.

To improve your self-esteem, you first need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself and then challenge them.

For example, you may tell yourself that you are “too stupid” to apply for a new job or that “nobody cares” about you.

Begin by noticing these negative thoughts and writing them down in a diary or on a piece of paper. Then ask yourself when you first started believing these things.

After that, write down evidence that contradicts those negative beliefs. You might remind yourself, “I’m really good at solving cryptic crosswords,” or “My sister calls me every week just to chat.”

List other positive qualities about yourself as well. You may write things like, “I am thoughtful,” “I am a great cook,” or “I am someone people can trust.”

You should also include positive comments that other people have said about you. Try to list at least five good things and continue adding to the list regularly.

Place the list somewhere visible so you can remind yourself each day that you are worthy and capable.

You may struggle with low confidence now because of difficult experiences while growing up, but it is never too late to grow, heal, and develop a healthier way of seeing yourself.

Here are some simple techniques that may help improve your self-esteem:

Build Positive Relationships

If certain people constantly bring you down, try to spend less time with them or honestly tell them how their words and actions affect you.

Instead, build relationships with people who are positive, supportive, and appreciative of you.

Be Kind to Yourself

Being kind to yourself means treating yourself gently, especially during moments when you become overly self-critical.

Think about the kind of advice you would give to a friend facing the same situation. Very often, we are kinder and more understanding toward others than we are toward ourselves.

Being assertive means respecting the opinions and needs of other people while expecting the same respect in return.

One useful technique is to observe people who communicate assertively and learn from the way they carry themselves.

This does not mean pretending to be someone you are not. Rather, it means learning valuable habits and allowing the best version of yourself to emerge.

Start Saying “No”

People with low self-esteem often feel obligated to say yes to others, even when they truly do not want to.

As a result, they may become overworked, resentful, angry, or emotionally exhausted.

In most cases, saying no will not ruin relationships. Sometimes, it simply helps people understand your limits and respect your boundaries.

Give Yourself a Challenge

Everyone feels nervous or afraid at times. However, people with healthy self-esteem do not allow fear to stop them from trying new experiences or taking on challenges.

Set a realistic goal for yourself, such as joining an exercise class or attending a social gathering.

Each achievement, no matter how small, can help build your confidence and strengthen your self-esteem.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or visit him on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter). You may also visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

EMERGING ILONGGA DESIGNER YSA DAN MARI FAJARDO IMPRESSES AT MASS EXODUS 2026

By

 Panay News

 -

Monday, April 20, 2026

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City & Local Guides

TORONTO — Emerging Ilongga fashion designer Ysa Dan Mari Fajardo delivered a confident runway presentation at Mass Exodus 2026, the annual showcase of graduating students from the School of Fashion at Toronto Metropolitan University.

YSA DAN MARI FAJARDO
DESIGNER     

as served as a key platform connecting emerging designers with the broader fashion community. The annual event combines runway presentations with multidisciplinary exhibitions, offering students an opportunity to present their final capstone projects to both in-person and online audiences.

Held on April 11, with an accompanying exhibition running from April 12 to 14 at the Sheldon & Tracey Levy Student Learning Centre, the event featured more than 60 student collections and over 40 design projects. The showcase drew an audience of more than 900 attendees, highlighting the next generation of Canadian fashion talent.

Fajardo’s collection, “Dioscuri,” was presented during the 1 p.m. runway show 2 and explored themes of duality, balance, and mirrored identities. The collection stood out for its cohesive visual language and conceptual clarity, earning a strong audience response and closing the segment on a confident note.

Following her presentation at Mass Exodus, Fajardo was invited to showcase her collection “Dioscuri” at the annual charity fashion show organized by the U of T Charity Fashion show. The event, scheduled for May 14, supports the SickKids Centre for Brain & Mental Health and brings together emerging designers and creative talent in support of mental health advocacy. The charity’s theme is “Nocturne”. The charity show is expected to feature more than 400 runway guests and draw over 1,000 attendees throughout the evening. Organizers discovered Fajardo’s collection during Mass Exodus and extended the invitation in recognition of its strong narrative and visual impact.

A graduating student of Toronto Metropolitan University, Fajardo is part of a new wave of designers who use fashion as a platform for storytelling and social reflection. Her work underscores inclusivity and diverse representation—values that continue to shape the direction of the industry.

Fajardo’s continued recognition beyond the showcase signals her emergence as a designer to watch in contemporary fashion.