Beware of the problem of over-familiarity

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

“AMEN, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” (Lk 4,24) With these words, Christ is telling us to be wary of our usual tendency to take the very important things related to God, our faith, our spiritual life, for granted. Especially these days when we are bombarded with a lot of distractions, we need to be doubly guarded to avoid falling into this anomaly of over-familiarity.

That’s when we can give an appearance of piety when there is hardly anything in it, because we may just be going through the motions of praying and availing of the sacraments, and still we fail to be in touch with God and to show that fact with our deeds.

Over-familiarity is a common and usual danger to all of us. It is due to the limitations of our human condition that can lead us to take many things, even the important ones, for granted. 

Instead of seeing God in everything and being amazed and excited about it, we only see the externals and go through some routine that usually has the bad trait of deadening our sensibilities, if not our faith, then our hope and charity.

We need to see to it that no matter how we are physically, emotionally or otherwise, we have to be spiritually and morally amazed at God in all situations of our life. This is always possible, though it may require some effort, even heroic, extraordinary effort sometimes.

It would be good if we develop the attitude of simply having to begin and begin again in our spiritual life, not allowing whatever difficulty and challenge we have to tackle to dominate us. Neither falling into anger, bitterness, self-pity and sadness, nor just drifting into familiarity, complacency and routine could properly handle those difficulties and challenges.

What we need to do is to continue, without letting up, having to begin and begin again. This is a practical law of life that we should apply in our daily affairs. Let’s not get too sentimental and wait for some strong inspiration before we move. With a simple act of the will, let’s just do it—that of having to begin and begin again.

We have to be more aware of this danger of over-familiarity and install the necessary defenses against it. More than that, we have to aggressively cultivate the art of always being amazed at God and at all his works. That should be the proper state for us to be in.

We have to understand, though, that this abiding state of amazement that we should try to develop is simply not a matter of sensations. Of course, it would be good if we can always feel amazed and in awe. But given the limitations of our bodily organisms, we cannot expect that to happen all the time.

The ideal abiding state of amazement is more a matter of conviction, of something spiritual, moral and supernatural. It should be the result of grace that is corresponded to generously and heroically by us.

It is a state of amazement that sooner or later, of course, will have some external manifestations like an aura of serenity and confidence even in the midst of great trials and suffering. It will most likely show itself in the lilt in one’s voice, optimism in his reactions to events, a smile, a warm word of praise and encouragement to others, etc.

THE WAY OF THE WORLD

Sometimes, we might ask ourselves: What is the sense of doing this and that? What is the meaning of life? I am sure, each and every one of us looks for a good life. 

When you're struggling in life, take assurance in the fact that everyone else struggles like you do. We may not have similar struggles, but it's still a struggle nonetheless. If struggles didn't exist, we'd have no way to appreciate the beauty and wonders of life.

Sometimes, we seem to remain very optimistic. We think it's easy to always find a good life. Most of the time, we are in doubt or, we even choose to be unhappy without any reason at all. To wake up in the morning with pessimism and fall asleep at night, dissatisfied and unhappy - yes, that makes life miserable.

Face it: Living a good life is not living a life without problems. Living a good life comes from acknowledging, facing, and then transcending each problem as it comes. If you let the problems get you down, you'll always be down. Choose instead to let the problems get you up, get you going, and get you working on solving them

On the other hand: Without happiness and satisfaction there is indeed no space for peace in our hearts and minds. Therefore there is no domestic harmony and logically, no peace on earth. The meaning of happiness is trying to manage life even with big problems, difficulties and trials. I learned this from Filipinos after staying in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999.I was really surprised to experience mutual happiness, friendship, love, unity and communal spirit with relatives  in my surroundings. Even during the really not easy last three years.

Of course, I also found myself in very negative situations. I observed people, who seem to live an easy go lucky way of life. But, they were like actors and actresses on stage, wearing incredible masks and pretending to be what they are not. 

Hence, in Greek, they are the so-called hypocrites. Maybe also you and I belong to them from time to time. Fear of rejection or displeasure of other people are becoming our daily friends. In society, it's called "good public relations". Politely greeting and smiling with a set of purpose: to win them there for business.

William Congreve (1670-1729), English dramatist  shaped the English comedy of manners through his brilliant comic dialogue, his satirical portrayal of the war of the sexes, and his ironic scrutiny of the affectations of his age. His major plays were The Old Bachelor (1693), The Double-Dealer (1693), Love for Love (1695), and The Way of the World (1700).In his "Preface to Dryden", he wrote: No mask like open truth to cover lies as to go naked is the best disguise. 

So, what really counts for us in life? Success? Power? Strength? Money? Is it contentment? Is it peace on earth? Is it peace in our homes? Zest for life?

Let us go through life's journey: From time to time, we have been babies bubbling like a brook on the first blush of spring. We hurried up, unaware of problems and troubles, being unconscious of time, as adults we worried and became conscious of money. Then, suddenly, we looked at our faces, the first wrinkles, and the bald patch on the forehead, the first grey hair. We observed our teeth falling out and our eyeglasses got thicker and our bones crack here and there. 

We start the familiar line: "When I was young... ." And we realize our mortality. Death could knock at our door any time. We feel humbled. We have mellowed. 

Have I done no wrong? Have I been selfless or selfish? Have I been mission-oriented since then? Have I lived a life worthy in God's eyes? What really counted for me? Ano ang mahalaga? Paniniwala? Pag-asa? O kaya pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan?

City sets up booths for vax certificate

By Maya Padillo -SunStar Davao

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said Dabawenyos can now access their vaccination certificate at the VaxCertPH booths set up at the different malls in Davao City.

The VaxCertPh booths were opened at SM Lanang Premier, Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall Bajada, SM Ecoland, and Gmall of Toril.

The opening of booths aims to give Dabawenyos the convenience of accessing their vaccination certificate because back then it was difficult for them to download their vaccination certificates online for international travels and travel to other LGUs.

Before we had had mga concerns asa nila kuhaon ang ilahang mga vaccination certificate for those who want to travel abroad and to other LGUs na nanginahanglan ug certificate. I would like to announce na ang atoang mga VaxCertPh booth is already available sa atoang mga different malls Wala na’y rason na maglisod sila ug download sa online ug avail sa online,” Schlosser said.

The vaccination certificate can be availed by those planning to travel abroad since countries are now requiring people entering their territory to be fully vaccinated. It will also serve as proof that an individual has completed the required doses.

“I hope this will serve as our answer sa inyong concerns before na puwede namo maka pa-print or maka-avail sa inyong vaccination certificate which will be needed sa mga international travels and other LGU travels,” Schlosser said.

Davao City has been chosen for the pilot implementation of the digital vaccination certificate which can be done only online in October last year. However, the booth only catered to those Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are required to secure a digital vaccination certificate.

Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that set up the VaxCertPH information technology system for the issuance of vaccination certificates was reported updating the system with added security features and information on booster shots received.

 

Philippines' Kathleen Paton crowned Miss Eco International 2022

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines' bet Kathleen Paton won the 2022 Miss Eco International crown held in Triumph Luxury Hotel in Egypt earlier today. 

During the first question and answer round, Kathleen talked about water pollution. 

Kathleen Paton shows Philippine flag backwards in departure for Miss Eco International 2022

"Water pollution is a huge issue in the Philippines. A lot of Filipinos actually don't have access to clean drinking water. And I believe it is a right for every single human being, especially to my [fellow] Filipinos, to have access to clean water," she said. 

"Therefore I aim to work with a company called 100 for All to give free access to water by giving out water filtration systems not just to one family, but to the whole community," she added. 

In the final round, Kathleen was asked: “As a titleholder, you're a public figure. Do you think it's important to stay neutral on controversial social issues or to use your title to promote your own belief, and why?”

"It is a very tough question in all honesty because we are at the forefront of opinions and negativity every single day, especially on social media. I do believe as a leader and as someone who is very influential in society, we sometimes have to use our voice in a very neutral state of mind because we have a very influential position. But in doing so, we also need to use our voice in order to motivate other people to stand up for what is right, and I think that takes a lot of good moral compass," she answered. 

Kathleen is the second Miss Eco International winner from the Philippines after Cynthia Thomalla won the crown in 2018.

Mauree Montagne and Kelly Day won first runner-up in 2009 and 2021, respectively.

Germany warns against Russian anti-virus use

 IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES

By BBC-news

Germany's cyber-security authority has warned against using anti-virus software from Russian headquartered company Kaspersky. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) issued the statement in light of the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian information-technology businesses could be spied on or forced to launch cyber-attacks, it said.

Kaspersky told BBC News the warning had been "made on political grounds" and it had no ties to the Russian government.

The BSI made no allegation of current problems with Kaspersky's products but said the conflict in Ukraine and Russian threats against the European Union, Nato and Germany brought with them the risk of cyber-attacks.

"A Russian IT manufacturer can carry out offensive operations itself, be forced against its will to attack target systems, or be spied on as a victim of a cyber operation without its knowledge or as a tool for attacks against its own customers," the warning said.

The BSI recommends Kaspersky anti-virus products are replaced with alternatives - but carefully, to avoid weakening defences.

In 2017, President Donald Trump signed legislation banning Kaspersky software's use within the US government

The same year, UK's National Cyber Security Centre announced it would write to all government departments, warning against using Kaspersky products for systems related to national security.

Following the BSI's warning, Eintracht Frankfurt football club spokesman Axel Hellmann told Bloomberg: "We have notified Kaspersky management that we are terminating [our] sponsorship agreement effective immediately.

Kaspersky said it would seek clarification from the BSI on its decision, which was "not based on a technical assessment of Kaspersky products", and how to address its concerns.

As a private global cyber-security company it "does not have any ties to the Russian or any other government".

Its data-processing infrastructure had been relocated to Switzerland in 2018.

And "the security and integrity of our data services and engineering practices have been confirmed by independent third-party assessments".

"We believe that peaceful dialogue is the only possible instrument for resolving conflicts," it said. "War isn't good for anyone."

Similar remarks by founder Eugene Kaspersky two weeks ago attracted strong criticism.

Gratitude connects us always with God

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THE parable about the ungrateful tenants (cfr. Mt 21:33-43,45-46) somehow reminds us about the importance of being thankful by reciprocating what we receive from God and from others. It keeps our relation with them alive and vibrant. Taking this duty for granted would actually alienate us from them, and thus suffer the consequences.

IT'S really for our own good. To be thankful to God for all his blessings to us, including especially his mercy, and to everyone is really for our own benefit rather than for any good we can give to them.

God does not need anything from us. What he wants is that we learn to be with him always since we are his children, created in his image and likeness. He wants to share his life with us. God loses nothing if we choose not to be with him. But without him, we are the ones who would lose everything.

A heart that is not thankful is an isolated heart. It’s a lonely heart that thinks it can live and do things simply by itself, in violation of our nature and what we actually feel deep in our hearts. It has no other way but to be unhappy.

A thankful heart will never be alone and sad. It recognizes the many blessings and good things that it continues to receive. And it knows where they come from, and also for what purpose they are given. It will always be happy.

To be grateful is a necessity for us. It does us a lot of good. It keeps alive the reality that we depend on God and others for everything. It strengthens our intimacy with him, and our awareness that whatever happens in our life, God is always in control.

It makes us keenly aware of the all-powerful and merciful providence of God. With that providence, we would know that even the dark, negative things in life have meaning and purpose. They, at least, give excitement and beauty in life, because life, without these elements and when it only has all things bright and rosy, would be boring.

It keeps us humble and simple, otherwise we start inventing things and distorting reality. It keeps our feet on the ground even as we let our mind and heart soar to high heavens.

We have to make sure that thanksgiving comes pouring out from our hearts everyday. In the Gospel of St. John, there’s a little expression that can serve as a spur for us to be thankful, words Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you only knew what God is offering…” (4,10)

It might be worthwhile to remember these words, if not to say it often during the day, to remind us about God’s loving providence over us. To be sure, he continues to intervene in our life. He can never be detached from us, indifferent to our needs.

This is our problem. We tend to take all the goodness of God for granted. We are notoriously short-sighted and narrow-minded. We hardly consider anything beyond what our senses can perceive, what our intelligence can understand. We fail to be guided by faith that allows us to see the spiritual and supernatural reality of our life.

We have to see to it that everyday, we are conscious that we are always thanking God and others. In fact, we need to continue lifting our hearts in thanksgiving all throughout the day, as a Latin phrase beautifully puts it: “Ut in gratiarum semper actione maneamus.” (May we always be giving thanks.)

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

DOT: PH receives almost 100,000 inbound tourists since February

by Faith Argosino, Manila Bulletin

Almost 100,000 tourists have arrived since the Philippines reopened its borders to 157 countries visa-free countries, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Thursday, March 17.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said they expect the number of inbound tourists to increase starting April 1 when the country further eases the restrictions to all foreign tourists based on the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

“From Feb. 10 to March 15, we’ve already received 96,096 tourists. We’re pleasantly surprised […] this was only from visa-free countries,” Puyat said in an interview with TeleRadyo.

Puyat said freight tourist still need to present a negative result of the RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before their departure for fully-vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries.

She added that the exact requirement applies to tourists from visa countries, but the IATF included an alternative option for passengers to submit a negative laboratory-based antigen test result taken 24 hours before departure.

For local and foreign tourists planning to travel this summer season, Puyat reminded them to follow the minimum health and safety protocols.

“Palagi namin pinapaalala even you’re fully vaccinated, boosted or negative kayo sa RT-PCR please still follow minimum health and safety protocols lalo na yung pagsusuot ng mask (We always remind that even if you’re fully vaccinated, booted, or received a negative result of RT-PCR test, please still follow minimum health and safety protocols, especially wearing a mask),” she said.

Bangus as a saving grace to these three women

by Nina Daza-Puyat, Manila Bulletin

A family in crisis recovers by dint of hard work, prayers, and a new food business.

Selina’s Inihaw na Bangus was born, as most success stories evolve, out of the family’s need to earn a little extra income on the side. Months into the pandemic, Ginger Hilario’s business of distributing dermaceutical skincare products to dermatologists suffered. Her eldest daughter Celery, a law associate at a Makati firm, experienced a major setback when she failed to pass the bar exams. Youngest daughter Parsley had just completed her internship at a major food corporation when Covid-19 and the lockdown happened. With tensions rising and the future uncertain for all, the three women put their heads together and considered their options. More important, they prayed for divine guidance and providence.

Ginger, Celery and Parsley Hilario had perfected the Pinoy grilled stuffed bangus

Sometime in October of 2020, Ginger came home with an order of Inihaw na Bangus for lunch as she was too busy to cook. The trio ate their meal but were not truly satisfied. The bangus flesh wasn’t meaty, the stuffing was scant, and the overall flavor was mediocre. We can do better than this, they decided. Ginger also realized that this particular dish was a favorite among Filipinos, but not many have the patience to season and stuff the fish, and then grill it over live charcoal. It was just too tedious a task!

What if they could fill the gap in the market for a Filipino fish favorite as a quick and heart-healthy alternative for home cooks to serve their families or bring to pot-luck parties? It could be the antithesis for all the unhealthy fried chicken, pizza, and burgers on food ordering apps, couldn’t it?

Buoyed by their idea, the three Hilario women immediately buckled down to work. For four straight weeks, they literally ate inihaw na bangus for lunch and dinner, tweaking and refining their recipe until they could no longer take another bite. Thankfully, their patience and determination paid off. 100 percent satisfied with their product, they proudly called it Selina’s.

The bestseller, Selina’s Special Sinugba, is not your ordinary stuffed grilled milkfish though. This one surprises with salted egg slices and sweet ripe mango slivers tucked inside, like a hidden treasure buried in the juicy mélange of onions and tomatoes, packing with an extra flavor dimension of salty and sweet. Inihaw na Bangus may be a simple Filipino dish, but Selina’s ups the ante by selecting milkfish that’s completely deboned, its tender meaty flesh surrounding thick, fatty, translucent bangus belly. Grilled on-site upon order only, the bangus arrives on your table steaming hot and ready to be devoured.

Ginger chose the brand name Selina (Celery’s baptismal name) because it sounds like a loving tita or doting lola, who fusses over you and makes sure you’re eating well. Fired up by excitement, they intensified the search for store spaces to rent and immediately hired employees for back-of-the-house kitchen prep work and front-of-the-house store managers. By December, they had two stores up and running in Quezon City and one in Makati.

Selina’s is a story about three strong women who did not allow obstacles and adversities to get in their way. It is about women who held fast to their faith in God and believed that He would provide and sustain them. It is about the comforting knowledge that if one worked hard and forged on, they would be rewarded.

More than one year and a half into the business with many lessons learned along the way, Selina’s now has four branches, which operate seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parsley credits their team of five female employees namely Thess, Ethel, Ana, Lilia, and Mona for the business’ steady growth. As a nod to Women’s Month, the Hilario women talk about how their employees are all mothers who are naturally caring, “masipag at may malasakit.” They are now experts in the proper techniques of seasoning and stuffing, as well as grilling. They are also now quite adept at managing orders on online delivery apps.

How do they keep their employees motivated? Parsley and Celery say they are treated like family. As the business grew, so did their relationships with each one of their staff members. They sometimes treat them to lunch, dinner, or merienda, and make sure they have food to take home to their families on special occasions.

Through Selina’s hotline, Parsley is able to monitor customer feedback, which she takes very seriously. It warms her heart when loyal customers tell her about picky eater kids who ate so much of Selina’s bangus. Once, a young man was recovering from surgery requested to have Selina’s bangus as his first meal. Parsley has also gained many “suki” who treat her like a daughter or granddaughter. They know that Parsley (also known as Patricia) takes care of their orders and makes sure that the quality of the bangus dish is consistent as they day the perfected their recipe.

Aside from the all-time favorite Sinugbang Bangus and Special Sinugba (sinugba is the Visayan word for “grilled”), Selina’s also offers Fried Bangus in two flavors: Garlic and Salted Egg. Selina’s adds another twist to the uber-garlicky fried bangus with a topping of pineapple tidbits, giving an extra layer of flavor and texture. The Salted Egg variant is mildly sweet and salty, appealing to those looking for a non-traditional flavor in fried milkfish.

Selina’s is a story about three strong women who did not allow obstacles and adversities to get in their way. It is about women who held fast to their faith in God and believed that He would provide and sustain them. It is about the comforting knowledge that if one worked hard and forged on, they would be rewarded.

Today, Ginger is now finally able to restart her business. Celery just took the bar exam, hoping to pass this time around. Parsley plans to revive her sideline of baking cream puffs and decorated cakes for The Good Carrot, which was put on pause. As for their pandemic baby Selina’s, they hope to open more branches by the end of the year.

To order Selina’s, text Patricia 0977 027 5929 or visit Selina’s on Facebook and IG. Also available on Grabfood and Foodpanda.

𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

Only a few Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) are left to be established with a DepEd school according to Governor Tyron Uy during his message on the turn-over ceremony of the newly constructed one (1) unit, two (2) classroom buildings at Sitio Tagbawi, Brgy. Rizal, Monkayo, Davao de Oro on March 16, 2022.

The deterioration of red strongholds in the province is instrumental for government interventions to reach even the farthest corners of the valleys. From farm-to-market roads, health centers, water systems, sitio electrification, solar dryers, daycare centers, and integrated schools accredited by DepEd, government services now provide ease for the uplands.

Barely after a month of “Bayanihan” construction, the newly constructed building with complete amenities from school chairs, tables, boards, and comfort rooms can readily be used by two more neighboring sitios of Tagbawi; Sitio Little Depot and Upper Pasian.

Traversing the kilometers-long path down to the barangay proper of Rizal will no longer be a burden for the children as the school was now accessible and only a few meters away from their homes.

Sitio Tagbawi was once a guerilla-infested sitio in Brgy. Rizal, and in the year 2017, the community fully withdrew from supporting the communist group and became a beneficiary of the Oplan Pagbabago Program of the provincial government of Davao de Oro. 

Further, a Solar Dryer project of the provincial government can now be used by the residents as a pavement for drying farm produce such as corn and coffee. The project was funded by the development fund of the province, and it's multi-purpose. A road-concreting project is also underway in Tagbawi. In no time, Tagbawi can be a whole new Sitio like no other.

The turnover ceremony was attended by Governor Tyron Uy, Vice Governor Maricar Zamora, Congressman Manuel Zamora, LTC Michael Aquino of the 25th Infantry Battalion, Rommel Jandayan OIC-SDS DepEd DdO, SGOD Ruben Reponte, Barangay Functionaries of Rizal, teachers, and staff of Rizal Memorial Elementary School, and Provincial employees. (JA, PAO-IPRD, photos by J. Cadiz)

Be truly poor to be truly rich

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

“THERE was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores…” (Lk 16,19-20)

With this parable, Christ is telling us about the problem of the rich and the blessedness of the poor. As the parable unfolded, both died and the poor man was carried to the bosom of Abraham while the rich man was buried in the netherworld, tormented.

We have to be wary of the big problem of the rich. Christ spelled it out when he said, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mt 19,24)

The big problem of the rich, in short, is his attachment to his wealth such that he cannot give himself fully to God. He may give the appearance that he is giving a lot, but if it is not the whole of himself, then it is not the total self-giving which God deserves and expects from each one of us.

Let us always remember that God wants the whole of ourselves. He wants our entire heart, not a divided heart. He wants to be everything to us, the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega. He wants to be given priority over everything else, including our own life.

This is not selfishness on his part, an act of ego-tripping. It is simply in recognition of the basic truth that everything, including our life, comes from him and also belongs to him. We have no right whatsoever to expropriate as our own what actually comes and belongs to God.

We need to remind ourselves constantly that even if we can say we are the owners of great wealth, resources, talents, power, fame, and indeed of our whole life, we actually are at best only stewards who have to give account to the absolute owner of all these things that we possess.

We have to continually fight against the tendency and the constant temptation to think that all these things are simply our own, that we are their absolute owners. This is not going to be easy, of course, because even within ourselves we have the villain that will always push us to think that way.

To be truly poor in order to be truly rich means that even if we are in possession of great wealth and all that, and yes, we use them and to a certain extent, enjoy them, we should be entirely detached from them so that our love for God is never compromised or diluted even if it is just a bit.

To be sure, a certain detachment from the things of this world and even from people is required of us if we want to be a true and effective disciple of Christ—and to be like Christ as we should.

He himself said it quite clearly: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Lk 14,26-17)

Let’s be reassured of what Christ promised us if we observe the proper priorities in our life. “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19,29)

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com