- Not Everyone is Watching You: Most people are busy with their own lives. It's okay! Just focus on what makes you happy.
- You Can't Control Everything: Some things are beyond your control. Deal with what you can and don’t worry about the rest.
- Money Doesn’t Equal Happiness: After you have what you need to live, having more money doesn’t always make you happier.
- You Are Like Your Friends: The friends you choose can lift you up or hold you back. Choose wisely!
- Time is Precious: You don’t have endless time. Spend it on what really matters to you.
- You Can’t Change Other People: You can only change how you act. Work on becoming a better version of yourself.
- Perfect Isn’t Possible: Trying to be perfect can stop you from making progress. It’s okay to take risks and grow.
- Your Thoughts Aren’t Always True: Just because you think something doesn’t mean it’s real. Be kind to yourself and challenge bad thoughts.
- Happiness Takes Practice: You can learn to be happier by being thankful, staying present, and taking care of yourself.
- Mistakes are Normal: Everyone makes mistakes while learning and growing. Be gentle with yourself.
- Your Value Isn’t What Others Think: Don’t let other people’s opinions decide your worth. Focus on loving and accepting yourself.
- Today is What Matters: Live in the present moment. Don’t get stuck worrying about the past or future.
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Saturday, September 27, 2025
12 Important Truths People Often Forget Until It's Too Late
The world of spirits
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
ON the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, celebrated on September 29, we are reminded of this mostly overlooked world of spirits, mainly composed of angels and demons. What is even more disturbing is the personal impression that more people seem to be more aware and concerned about demons than about angels.
We need to strengthen our belief and awareness of the great help angels can offer us. They actually are powerful and very benevolent beings who play a very significant role in our life, providing us with protection, guidance and even communication with the divine. They make themselves effective intermediaries or messengers who carry out the divine will for our own good, offering us support in our earthly sojourn.
Angels are always attentive to our needs, even when we are unaware of them. They help us to face challenges, trials and difficulties in our life. They can inspire acts of love, compassion and forgiveness, especially in those moments when we find it hard to do them.
Regarding the archangels, our Christian faith considers them as powerful intermediaries between God and man. They are made as messengers of God for a specific purpose, playing a crucial role in guiding, inspiring and safeguarding individuals and the world in general.
The Archangel Gabriel, for example, was made to deliver a very important message of God to the Blessed Virgin that occasioned the very conception of the Son of God, our Redeemer, in the virginal womb of Our Lady.
The Archangel Michael is made as our powerful protector against evil spirits. He is actually seen as the warrior who leads the heavenly hosts against the forces of evil. He is considered a protector of the Church. He is also regarded as the angel of death who guides souls to the afterlife.
The Archangel Raphael, whose name means “God’s remedy,” was the one who helped the youth Tobias to carry out the errand of his father and to meet his wife and rid her of demonic possession, as well as healed the blindness of Tobit, Tobias’ father. (cfr. Tobit 12) We can just imagine what he can do for us! Thus, he is often associated with healing and often invoked for physical and emotional well-being.
It’s important that we be aware of the existence of these very powerful archangels who, for sure, would be most willing and most happy to help us in their own way. We just have to enliven our faith in them and develop the appropriate devotion.
Many great saints have benefited from the help of these archangels. For one, St. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei, entrusted to them the tremendous apostolic work he and the faithful of Opus Dei have to carry out till the end of time.
It would be good if we train ourselves to develop an intimate relationship with them. To be sure, only good things can come out of such a relationship! They definitely would be a great help in our most important duty of seeking holiness and of cooperating with Christ in the on-going work of human redemption.
We cannot overemphasize the tremendous challenges we face in these areas and we should just seek the help of these very powerful allies who are all too willing to help us. We should just grow in our faith in them, supporting it with the appropriate acts of piety and devotion.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Miley Cyrus on the harmony between makeup and music
By Jane Kingsu-Cheng and Jessica Pag-iwayan
Her recent appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards proved just how effortlessly she transforms, walking the red carpet with “Powerful Goddess” makeup by James Kaliardos. Using all Maybelline products, he delivered smoky lined eyes, sculpted cheekbones, and glossy peach lips—a striking statement that balanced drama with understated elegance.
By contrast, her Met Gala look showcased a completely different vibe. Kaliardos described it on Instagram: “Clean skin, quiet confidence, sculpted yet subtle glam, finished with her signature twist: a sideways swipe of mascara that mimics liner (yes, that’s all Miley).”
Since these collaborations, Miley has taken things further, becoming Maybelline New York’s newest global ambassador. “This partnership brings together two core parts of me. You can’t erase makeup from music,” she said. “Within music, there’s performance and honesty—makeup enhances both. It’s how I tell my truth without saying a word.”
“I remember singing the Maybelline jingle as a kid and imagining it was me on the screen. Now, it is,” Miley continued. “To take something so iconic and make it mine—it’s powerful and personal.” And that’s exactly what she did, putting her own spin on the classic “Maybe She’s Born With It” song.
From reimagining the jingle to revealing her favorite products—Super Stay Vinyl Ink, Sky High Mascara, and Instant Age Rewind Eraser—Miley makes beauty feel personal, expressive, and effortless.
“Miley is more than a global icon; she is a muse of modern beauty. Her creativity and artistry dance between strength and sensitivity,” said Sandrine Jolly, global brand president of Maybelline. For Miley, the campaign is a statement: Beauty is fluid, confidence takes many forms, and it’s all inherently yours.
“I think this campaign shows that confidence can look a million different ways, and that you were born with it all along,” the multi-awarded singer concluded.
Alex Eala clashes with Japanese rival in second round of Jingshan Open
By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar
At A Glance
- Alex Eala is expected to build on her opening-round victory when she clashes with Mei Yamaguchi in the Round of 16 of the Jingshan Tennis Open in China on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Alex Eala is the only Top 100 WTA player in the Jingshan Tennis Open. (File Photo/AP)
Alex Eala is expected to build on her opening-round victory when she clashes with Mei Yamaguchi in the Round of 16 of the Jingshan Tennis Open in China on Thursday, Sept. 25.
The top-seeded Eala is coming off a 6-3, 7-5 triumph over Belarusian Aliona Falei the other day to kick off her campaign in this WTA125 tournament.
The only Top 100 WTA player in the event with a No. 58 ranking, Eala is favored against her 26-year-old Japanese rival as the Filipina boasts of having won her maiden WTA title at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico early this year.
Yamaguchi, meanwhile, advanced to the next round after routing Hong Kong’s Hong Yi Cody Wong, 6-4, 6-1. Ranked No. 268 in the WTA, the Japanese has two International Tennis Federation (ITF) singles titles under her belt.
She last competed in the WTA circuit last August, where she lost in the first qualifying round of the W100 Monterrey in Mexico.
A victory for Eala would book her a quarterfinals meeting with local bet Lu Jia-Jing and Indian Riya Bhatia.
Lu, 35, bucked an opening set stumble and turned back Ekaterina Reyngold, 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4, while Bhatia stunned Chinese fifth seed Gao Xinyu, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.
Mariah Carey enters 'the era of me' with her first album in seven years
By Associated Press
Published Sep 26, 2025 07:40 am
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Seven years after her last album and 35 years into a powerhouse career, Mariah Carey continues her reign as the queen of pop and R&B with “Here for It All.”
If good things come to those who wait, fans are about to audibly feast on Carey’s evolution with this musically layered project.
Carey’s 16th studio album, out Friday, brings fans into what she’s calling “the era of me” — leaning into her now-familiar, unapologetically confident energy. “I’m D-I-V-A, that’s MC … I ain’t checked a price since Emancipation Mi … I’m the movie and the muse/and you couldn’t walk a mile in my shoes,” she sings on the first track, “Mi.”
The 11-track album includes singles “Type Dangerous,” sampling Eric B. and Rakim, and “Sugar Sweet,” featuring vocals from Kehlani and Shenseea. Anderson .Paak and the Clark Sisters join in the fun.
Carey recently sat down with The Associated Press to discuss her collaborations, the spirituality woven into her music and her most liberating era. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
AP: What comes first in the songwriting process for you? And has it become almost like a spiritual discipline in a way where whenever you need to enter a space of healing or process emotions, you immediately turn to songwriting?
CAREY: It’s really interesting. I have all different ways of going about it. Sometimes I’ll just have to say this happened in the past and sometimes it happens again, you never know what it’s going to be. But I’ll suddenly be like — I hear a melody and a lyric at the same time, and I’ll go, you know, put it in my notes and sing it into the notes and also just write down what I’m hearing, what I am feeling. I think songwriting has definitely been my outlet for what I need when I’m ever going through something, you know, whenever I’m feeling like the need to express myself. It’s definitely songwriting.
AP: You get to work with The Clark Sisters on this project. I know in the past you’ve listed them as an influence. What was it like to have this full circle moment where you’re both collaborating on “Jesus I Do”?
CAREY: It was amazing. I was so thrilled to be able to work with the Clark Sisters. ... I never could have imagined that it would have happened that I would be able to work with The Clark Sisters, but we did. So, it was major ... definitely butterflies coming into it. And also just like, you know, shaking a little bit like, “This is really happening.”
AP: You’ve mixed in your faith through different gospel tracks on different albums. We see it in this one as well with “Jesus I Do.” Why is it important for you to say, “I’m not necessarily making a gospel album with this one, but I want to make sure that I bring my faith into this a little bit?”
CAREY: Well, it was interesting. Also, the title track, “Here for It All,” kind of has a spiritual tonality to it, and interestingly enough, I put “Jesus I Do” right before that. ... Since the past few albums that I’ve done, I’ve kind of had to put something spiritual in there because it’s for me, it’s not like a “Let me impress this one or that one with this.” That was, you know, always just for me to really feel like that spiritual side of who I am ... it’s definitely almost like a dedication to faith.
AP: I feel like you’re one of the few icons who is so connected to their fans and invites them in any chance that you get. What is it about that love that is so important to you and how much do they play into the decision-making of what goes into the album?
CAREY: I love my fans, like we have this whole thing with the Lambily, it’s a long story, but we love the Lambs. And I think the fact that they really study the albums, you know, like it’s not just like, “Oh, I’ll just throw this out.” I know they’re going to really be focused on what I’ve written about, what type of musical selections I’ve made, so, yeah, I don’t know, we just have an incredible connection.
AP: “Here for It All” so beautifully ties everything together. What led you to say this is the one that’s gonna be representing the album, but it’s also gonna be the one that really ties it all together at the end?
CAREY: Well, I knew it was going to be the one that ties it all together at the end. But then I also, when listening to the album that I had sequenced, I said I have to put “Here for It All” at the end because I want people to take the time to listen to it. I want my fans to take time to listen it and just to know that it’s, in a way, it’s kind of for them. It’s interesting. It’s got a vibe to it that just happened.
AP: You’re embarking on a new creative chapter for this. I’m curious, did the album unfold as you were organically making new music?
CAREY: Yeah, I was working on this album for so long, and I didn’t even know, like, was I going to put it out? What was it going to be? And it just became something that I then sort of focused on and said, I’m going to make this my 16th album, which I can’t even believe it is. But yeah, I am so thankful for where we are at with this album, and I can wait for people to hear it. We’re calling it the era of me.
AP: I know you’ve mentioned that “Butterfly” era was the first time that you felt free in your music. What does that mean to you to feel free, and how have you continued to feel free throughout all of these different eras that you’ve gone through?
CAREY: Well, the “Butterfly” era was amazing and also a scary moment because I was going through like a breakup of a relationship that I really couldn’t get out— it was a whole thing. I don’t want to go into it because I hear people are saying that I won’t let it go so I’m like, “It’s just one person, we don’t care about them.” But yeah, “Butterfly” was definitely my first time feeling fully free and just, yeah, loving the moment. Even though I was a little bit stuck in a moment, I got through it.
12 Signs of Intelligence
1. They never reveal their next move.
2. They are curious.
3. They have high self-control.
4. They speak less but listen more.
5. They have a great sense of humor.
6. They never spread rumors.
7. They choose simplicity over unnecessary complications.
8. They are true to themselves.
9. They love to go with the flow.
10. They are not easily distracted.
11. They aren't afraid to ask for help.
12. They never stop learning.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Over 100 foreign delegates to compete in Mrs. Universe 2025 in Manila
Published Sep 25, 2025 09:11 am
From left: Mrs. North Philippines 2025 Susan Chin, Mrs. Universe Philippines Western Philippines 2025 Angelica Villanueva, Mrs. Universe Pacific Philippines 2025 Jenny Mercado Ortega, and Mrs. Universe Philippines National Director Charo Laude.
Actress and beauty queen Charo Laude, national director of Mrs. Universe Philippines, has announced that 127 candidates are expected to compete in the 2025 Mrs. Universe pageant, which will be held at Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Oct. 7.
"There are 127 candidates expected to join the competition. Last 2023, I also hosted the international pageant. There were 100 delegates. However, this year we are expecting no more than 130 candidates," said Charo during a media conference at Simon's Place in Quezon City recently.
Charo added, "It's not a joke. It's a significant preparation effort, so we're reviewing the logistics and security of the candidates. There's pressure, but it's also challenging. Hosting the international event for the second time, I can say it's a big opportunity to showcase the best of the Philippines. I am honored to be trusted to host the event. I am happy that the organizers are at home in the Philippines."
Additionally, Charo stated that she is excited to showcase the beauty of the Philippines to foreign delegates.
"The Philippines is not just home to a beautiful culture. But the most important part for me is for them to know the beauty of Filipinos inside and out. The Philippines is known for being hospitable, so that's important to me. We welcome foreign visitors," Charo said.
The pre-pageant activities for the Mrs. Universe 2025 pageant will kick off on Oct. 1. "We will visit some of the beautiful places in the Philippines." The grand coronation will be held at Okada Manila on Oct. 7.
During the pageant, the delegates will compete in national costume, evening gown, and forum. "We don't have the swimsuit segment."
On why it's necessary to stage a pageant for married women, Charo said, "Women of today gain more learning than before. I think many women have unfinished missions in life. Many of them want to become beauty queens. I'm thankful for Mrs. Universe, which encourages women to showcase not only their beauty and talent but also share stories that inspire people. Their stories are their power."
Charo said that the main advocacy of the Mrs Universe pageant is prevention against domestic violence. They are empowered women when it comes to their families and careers, she also said.
National costume, evening gown, and forum. "We don't have the swimsuit segment."
The three beauty queens who will represent the Philippines at the Mrs. Universe pageant are Mrs. Universe Philippines Western Philippines 2025 Angelica Villanueva, Mrs. Universe Pacific Philippines 2025 Jenny Mercado Ortega, and Mrs. North Philippines 2025 Susan Chin.
Angela is a proud mother, grandmother, and empowered businesswoman. "My life is a blend of family, enterprise, and a deep-seated love for the Philippines. I run a thriving petroleum business and a new pastry shop in South Cotabato, where I pour my heart into crafting croissants that can rival the patisseries of Paris."
Jenny is a modern Renaissance woman, a Filipina who has successfully combined art, fashion, business, and service to others. A graduate of architecture from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Jenny expanded her talent and creative vision beyond buildings and design into the broader realm of visual and fashion arts. She founded Art Jenerations Studio, where she creates colorful and meaningful works, from paintings to couture gowns that carry messages of empowerment
Susan is an entrepreneur, influencer, and a fashion model. "My journey has been filled with painful experiences, but through it all, I have seen God's hand at work. One of my dreams is to be a blessing to many people, to show them that there is a loving God who gives life and abundance. He is not an angry God but a compassionate one. God promises never to fail those who believe and have faith in Him."
Charo also shared her advice to the three women representing the Philippines in the contest.
"I always tell them the crown is just a crown, but the most important part of being a beauty queen is your heart. You're the leader, the voice, and the inspiration of many women.
"Win or lose, you must never forget your role as a beauty queen: you can be a good mother to your children or the mother to everyone. You can also be a sister to all the women around the world," Charo said.
Jessica Sanchez wins America's Got Talent Season 20 finale
Jessica Sanchez (Instagram)
Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, who was nine months pregnant, won season 20 of the NBC reality competition series "America's Got Talent."
The Southern California native's victory, which included the coveted $1 million prize, was announced during the finale on Sept. 24.
It was an emotional moment for Jessica, who made a triumphant return as a contestant on 'America's Got Talent' after 20 years. In 2012, Jessica finished second on the popular singing contest 'American Idol' in 2012.
Now 29, Jessica told the audience that she joined the first season of "AGT" when she was a little girl. She only reached the semis. The singer said she was devastated when she got eliminated, but the experience pushed her to sing more. But now she's back.'
"It took me 20 years, but I know exactly who I am and I know exactly what I want. I. I'm excited to be back," she told judge Simon Cowell during an audition for the show.
In July, Jessica also told the judges that she's now married and pregnant.
The Manila Hotel receives Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards
By MBrand
The Manila Hotel has been honored with the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. The recognition highlights outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, with a focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.
A landmark in Philippine history, The Manila Hotel was cited for its enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. The accolade underscores the hotel’s commitment to preserving its storied heritage while evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveler.
“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we accept this award from the Department of Tourism,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that true hospitality lies in creating unforgettable experiences, from a warm welcome at the door, to impeccable service at every touchpoint, to the genuine attention extended to every guest. This award belongs not only to The Manila Hotel, but to the legacy of Filipino hospitality we strive to share with the world.”
The Manila Hotel is honored to receive the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the Department of Tourism’s 1st Philippine Tourism Awards
The Philippine Tourism Awards—the first of its kind—aim to honor institutions and individuals that elevate Philippine tourism on the global stage. This platform paid tribute to enterprises that laid the foundations of Philippine tourism—pioneers and establishments that have significantly contributed to the industry’s growth over the years.
For The Manila Hotel, the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award stands as both a celebration of its rich heritage and a testament to its unwavering commitment to service excellence. For over a century, The Manila Hotel has stood as a symbol of Filipino pride, service, and hospitality. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy as the true heart of the Philippines.
Keine Rente im Oktober? Rentenversicherung stellt Dinge klar
Stand:
München – Im Netz kursieren aktuell besorgniserregend klingende Meldungen. „Ab Oktober 2025 droht Rentnern ein Zahlungs-Chaos“, heißt es etwa in einem Facebook-Beitrag. Schuld daran soll angeblich PSD3 (Payment Services Directive 3), eine neue Zahlungsrichtlinie der EU, sein. Ein Detail der neuen Regelung soll den Gerüchten zufolge dafür sorgen, dass Banken die Zahlungen an Rentner blockieren müssen. Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) meldet sich nun zu Wort und erklärt, warum kein Grund zur Sorge besteht.
Die PSD3 gilt ab Oktober, soll Betrügereien erschweren und die Sicherheit bei Online-Zahlungen erhöhen. Eine dahingehende Maßnahme ist, dass Banken dann bei jeder Überweisung nicht nur die IBAN, sondern auch den Namen des Empfängers exakt mit den Bankdaten abgleichen müssen. Gibt es hier Unstimmigkeiten, darf die Bank die Überweisung ablehnen, informiert buerger-geld.org.
Falschmeldung über blockierte Rentenzahlungen kursiert – DRV beruhigt Senioren
Genau dieser Aspekt soll Rentnern angeblich zum Verhängnis werden. „‚Hans-Peter Müller‘ auf dem Rentenbescheid, aber ‚Hans Müller‘ bei der Bank? Zahlung blockiert“, nennt der Facebook-Beitrag als vermeintliches Beispiel. Doch das stimmt nicht, wie die Deutsche Rentenversicherung klarstellt.
„Diese Meldung ist eine Falschbehauptung!“, macht die DRV deutlich. Die Behörde macht nämlich von einer Sonderregelung Gebrauch, die es Unternehmen und Behörden bei Sammelüberweisungen erlaubt zu entscheiden, die IBAN-Namensprüfung nicht durchzuführen.
„Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung hat im Rahmen des vorgesehenen Opt-Out-Verfahrens entschieden, bei den Rentenzahlungen auf die IBAN-Namensprüfung zu verzichten“, erklärt die Rentenkasse. Es muss also niemand um seine Rente fürchten. Sie wird auch im Oktober ganz regulär ausgezahlt.
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