To be authentically Christian

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS should be our constant concern. And to pursue it, we should try our best to be truly “alter Christus.” We have to identify ourselves with Christ in everything—in spirit, in thoughts, intentions and desires, in words and deeds. In other words, we have to develop a certain unity of life with Christ as the principle, end and guide of our life.

Let us remember what Christ said so clearly. He is the vine, we are the branches. We can only have life, let alone consistency and fruitfulness in our life, if we are united to him. Outside of him, we can only expect death, inconsistency and sterility.

Yes, only in and with Christ can we have the real principle of unity and fruitfulness in our life. We would be fooling ourselves if we fail to recognize this basic truth about ourselves.

This, of course, is a truth of faith, and not so much of science. And that’s where the problem lies. There is a crisis of faith in the world, especially involving those who rely more on their human abilities than on belief in Christ.

It’s a phenomenon that can call to mind two contrasting dramatic stories in the Bible. One is the story of the Tower of Babel, and the other is the story of Pentecost.

In the episode of the Tower of Babel, those who survived the flood have multiplied and have gotten so intoxicated by their powers and good fortune that they now want to reach heaven by their own efforts alone, by building a tower.

God intervenes, as he always does in our life, and confounds them by making them speak different languages so that they would not understand each other anymore. The project ends in total failure, and new troubles emerge for the people.

The story of Pentecost offers a counterpoint. We have different people speaking different languages. But since they believe, they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is how they get to understand each other.

 

They are not made into a uniformed mass. The differences are respected and even fostered. And yet there is unity among them, with a certain focus or attention that is a result of such unity.

We have to reiterate the truth that we need Christ who is our “way, truth and life” with God to have a solid, genuine unity of life and an unwavering focus even in the midst of so many things in our life.

We just have to learn how to strengthen our relation with Christ, overcoming our natural awkwardness and difficulties, knowing how to pray, studying and assimilating the doctrine, availing of the sacraments, rectifying our intention, developing the virtues, observing proper priorities, etc.

We need to be more aware of our duty to establish, build up and strengthen the unity in our life. We only have one life, made up of many parts, aspects, stages and levels, and subject to all sorts of conditions, big and small, favorable and unfavorable, etc. The challenge is how to put all these things together in harmony.

Strengthening that unity of our life insures us that we would be on the right track toward the goal proper to us, that we would be effective in what we are doing, and healthy and resistant to anything that can weaken us or lead us astray. With Christ, we can achieve that.

What is the importance of knowing the nature of Philippine mythology and folklore?

 

Everything FILIPINO!

Answered by 

Bisaya

 

Philippine mythology and folklore play an essential role in the country's history and culture.

 By understanding the nature of these stories, we can better appreciate the unique traditions of the Philippines.

Mythology can provide insight into how our ancestors viewed the world around them. It can also help us to understand their beliefs and values. Folklore, on the other hand, is often used to teach moral lessons or to entertain. Regardless of their purpose, these stories help to give us a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Philippine life. 

In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to hold onto our traditions. By studying Philippine mythology[1] and folklore, we can keep alive the spirit of our nation.

Footnotes

[1] 11 Scariest Filipino Mythical Creatures to Look Out For

From Earth to Universe: Celeste Cortesi is new crossover queen

 Celeste Cortesi was crowned as new Miss Earth Philippines in 2018 (left) and as new Miss Universe Philippines 2022 (right)

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 at the close of glitzy rites in the Mall of Asia Arena today.

The representative of Pasay City bested 31 other hopefuls to wear the newly crafted "La Mer en Majeste" crown. Celeste was also adjudged Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit earlier in the evening.

Her court is composed of:

Michelle Marquez Dee, Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022 and Best in Evening Gown;

Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Universe Philippines Charity;

Annabelle MacDonnell, 1st runner-up;

and Katrina Llegado, 2nd runner-up.

Ghenesis Latugat (Baguio), Vanessa Ann Caro (Iloilo Province), Lou Dominique Piczon (Cebu Province), Julia Calleja Saubier (Albay, Best in National Costume), and Chantal Elise Legaspi Schmidt (Cebu City) completed the Top 10 finalists.

The other lucky ladies who made the first cut were Gillian Katherine De Mesa (Nueva Vizcaya, winner of the online poll), Jona Sweet (Aklan), Angelica Lopez (Palawan), Jewel Alexandra Palacat (Ilocos Sur, voted Miss Friendship), Sonja Jeyn Tanyag (Laguna), and Dorothy Gemillan (Iloilo City).

This year's selection committee included Atty. Francis Papica, Atty. Margarita Gutierrez, Arch. Richelle Louise Singson-Michael, Engr. Sam Versoza, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2006 Lia Andrea Ramos, Dr. Jennifer Olay, Dr. Joshua Sorrentino, and reigning Miss Universe Haarnaz Sandhu.

The evening's commentators at the Kumu lounge were Bb. Pilipinas International 2014 Bianca Guidotti, Carla Lizardo, and last year's Miss Universe Philippines semifinalist Roussane Marie Bernie.

Cortesi is not the first crossover queen to win another national title. Carlene Aguilar, the first Miss Earth Philippines national winner in 2001 joined the Binibining Pilipinas in 2005, aiming to win the national Universe title but ended up with the national World crown instead. Cortesi, therefore, holds the distinction of being the first national Earth warrior to win the national Universe title.

Hosted by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere,vand Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh nel-Peters Tebow, the three-hour long extravaganza was beamed to a global audience through the iWantTFC, ABS-CBN Entertainment, and TFC channels on YouTube. Those who missed the final show may catch the television broadcast on May 1, 9 am, on the GMA network.

Alert Level 1 maintained in most parts of PH

MANILA. A man, wearing a mask to protect against the coronavirus, carries rugs in Quezon City, Philippines as restrictions continue to ease due to a decline in Covid-19 cases in the country on December 3, 2021. (AP)

By THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO, SunStar

April 29, 2022

AMID discussions on the possible resurgence of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) after the May 9, 2022 elections, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has maintained the Alert Level 1, the lowest quarantine classification so far in the country, in most of the regions, including Metro Manila.

From May 1 to 15, 2022, the following areas will be under Alert Level 1:

Luzon

* Cordillera Administrative Region: Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City

* Region 1 (Ilocos): Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Dagupan City

* Region 2 (Cagayan Valley): Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and City of Santiago

* Region 3 (Central Luzon): Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Angeles City, and Olongapo City

* Region 4-A (Calabarzon): Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Lucena City

* Region 4-B (Mimaropa): Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and Puerto Princesa City

* Region 5 (Bicol): Albay, Catanduanes, and Naga City

Visayas

* Region 6 (Western Visayas): Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo Province, Bacolod City, and Iloilo City

* Region 7 (Central Visayas): Siquijor, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City

* Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): Biliran, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc City, and Tacloban City

Mindanao

* Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula): Zamboanga City

Can I eat rice if I have high cholesterol?

 

Lucia Garcia

My name is Lucia Garcia, 36 years old. I was graduated from the Pritzker School of Medicine at University of Chicago, my major is clinical medicine. I have been working at Hospitals. I am fully committed to helping people take control of their health and realize their potential as human beings. As a doctor, my motto is “Knowledge not shared is wasted”.

Eating rice is not a healthy choice if you have high cholesterol.

Although rice is cholesterol-free, but rice is a whopping 70% carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are one of the three major nutrients, which can provide heat for the body. 1 gram of carbohydrates provides 4 calories.

For decades, many health experts have recommended that people with high cholesterol should reduce their intake of saturated fat.

However, many new studies prove that people with high cholesterol need to reduce their carbohydrate intake, not saturated fat.

Excess carbohydrates are converted into glucose in the body and absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar, high blood lipids and high cholesterol.

Clinical studies have proven that a more healthy diet is a low-carb diet rather than a low-saturated fat diet.

Therefore, people with high cholesterol need to limit the intake of high carbohydrate foods, such as: rice, wheat, steamed bread, noodles, bread, biscuits, corn, oats, sweet potatoes, potatoes, bananas, etc.

Never doubt God’s love for us

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

“JESUS said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?’ He said this to test Philip, because he himself knew what he was going to do.” (Jn 6,5-6)

With these words, we should realize that we should never doubt God’s constant love for us, especially when we encounter difficulties and severe trials in our life. God allows these things to happen if only to test us, that is, to see if we also truly love him in return, a love that is expressed in complete trust in God’s will and ways.

Yes, we have to be clear that there is nothing in our life, no moment or situation where God does not test us. We have to explode the myth that consists in the thinking that there are times when we are freed from this test. Even in our moments of rest and recreation, we are being tested.

And that’s simply because the only purpose of these tests is to see if we keep ourselves always with God as we should. In this regard, let’s remember these relevant words of Christ. “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” (Mt 12,30) There is no neutral ground in our relationship with God. We are either for him or against him.

And being created in the image and likeness of God, we are meant to be always with God, much like what Christ himself said about the vine and branches. (cfr. Jn 15,5) Otherwise, we die in the sense of living a life that is not proper to us, like the branches that are separated from the vine.

So, we cannot overemphasize our need to do everything to always be with God. We know very well how easily we can think and live as if we can simply be by ourselves. Especially when life seems to be going well for us, we easily tend to take God for granted. We usually go to him only when we find ourselves with difficulties.

Yes, we have to understand that God tests us not only in our difficulties, but also in our good and easy moments of our life. In fact, the latter tests can be more difficult to tackle. 

It’s always good to frequently meditate on what God has done for us, if only to enjoy the confidence he has put in us. This is to help us repay his love with our love. Thus, Christ told us, “Without cost you have received. Without cost you are to give.” (Mt 10,8) 

For sure, with these words of Christ, we are strongly reminded to be generous, to give ourselves completely to God and to others, sparing and keeping nothing for ourselves, because God has been generous with us. He gave nothing less than himself to us. And he wants to share what we have with everybody else.

Thus, in Christ’s commissioning of his disciples that should include all of us, his believers and followers, he encourages us not to worry so much about what to have or what to bring. “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.” We need to develop a keen sense of generosity and self-giving that is also a result of detachment. 

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭-𝐀-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

 

Rhealyn, a 4-year-old little girl sat beside her mother. Her eyes in awe wandered around, puzzled by what was happening around her. Excitement was evident as she looked at her mom, all she wanted that day were the colorful balloon decorations on stage, not knowing her life will change after 120 days.

Rhealyn is among the thirty-three (33) children identified by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Davao de Oro as the beneficiary of the Adopt-A-Child Program of the provincial government. Anchored on the “People Agenda” of Governor Tyron Uy’s 4Ps Plus blueprint in governance, the program is among the people-centered, end hunger chain programs which focus on the welfare of the people, especially children.

The Adopt-A-Child Program officially launched way back in 2008, during the time of former governor, now Senior Board Member Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy and continues in the present. The program targets children beneficiaries, who are wasted, severely wasted, and severely underweight who will undergo rehabilitation for a period of one-hundred twenty (120) days.

For the whole duration of the program, employees of the provincial government will sponsor the need of every child beneficiary through the provision of goods, services, and other nutrition interventions. Through the program, the existing nutrition programs of the government will be amplified, ending hunger and malnutrition one step at a time.

This year, the municipality of Laak is the chosen beneficiary of the program after having a great impact in Mabini, Montevista, Mawab, and Maco in the past few years.

On April 27, 2022, employees of PLGU-Davao de Oro converged at Laak Central Elementary school to officially start the quest to bring significant changes in the life of Rhealyn and the other thirty-two (32) children. A free-medical check-up is also conducted on the same day.

Hunger and malnutrition are silent killers, it impairs children, and lessen their school productivity, grabbing their future away from them. Plenty of ways exist to counter this great, yet solvable problem, but in Davao de Oro, it's innovative governance and Bayanihan ways will make the job done.

  (JA PAO-IPRD, photos by G. Mativo)

FISH AND OCEAN

Religion and music belong together like fishes and the ocean - like light and life, like a voice and ears... .

In the entire universe, we humans  are probably the only beings capable of creating and listening to music. The ability to hear is one of the specific gifts that our Creator gave us. Our fragile blue planet is surrounded by a thin layer of gases only a few kilometers high. Only this atmosphere is the reason why sound waves can spread through the air. Everything behind this atmosphere is ruled by the sheer endless vacuum of outer space, where galaxies and stars explode and implode in impenetrable silence.

According to the biblical narrative, the world began when God broke through this deadly quiet: "And God said: Let there be light!" (Genesis 1:1). God spoke - and light and life resulted from his audible voice. Because life was created by the word. That is why it is in the nature of every person to listen. Like a parabolic mirror, our souls are created to listen to the eternal space of the hereafter, to try and sense whether a word, a sound or a voice is trying to reach us from there, in order to fill us with a meaning.

It's nothing new that I love music. And, I know that Filipinos also love big tunes with great words and beautiful melodies, especially when it comes to classical music.

Omicron sub-variant detected in Baguio

US. This undated, colorized electron microscope image made available by the US National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the novel coronavirus Sars-CoV-2, indicated in yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, indicated in blue/pink, cultured in the lab. (AP)

By THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO, SunStar Philippines

HEALTH authorities detected the first case of Omicron sub-variant BA 2.12 in Baguio City.

Karen Lonogan from the Department of Health-Cordillera said the variant was detected from a 52-year-old foreign visitor from Finland.

The person’s purpose of visit in the country was to conduct lecture on digital loom weaving.

She was already tagged as recovered and had already traveled back to her home country.

The BA 2.12 caused resurgence of Covid-19 cases in South Korea and United States.

Lonogan said, however, that Covid-19 cases in Baguio City remained low. (SunStar Philippines)

Stocks fall on concerns over slowing economy

by James A. Loyola, Manila Bulletin

Local share prices fell on continuing concerns over China’s economy and risks posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The main index dropped 116.11 points or 1.66 percent to close at 6,863.91 as the Mining and Oil counter led all sectors in the retreat. Volume jumped to 816 million shares worth P8.78 billion due to a block sale of ALI shares as losers swept gainers 138 to 49 with 43 unchanged.

“Philippine shares again closed in the red on global economic slowdown concerns brought by surging COVID19 cases in China, a high inflationary environment, and a statement from a top Russian official that the threat of nuclear war is real,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He added that sentiment also suffered after “Moody’s Analytics trimmed its Philippine GDP forecast this year to 6.1 percent (versus 6.4 percent March projection) due to the impact of slower global demand and faster inflation on the economy.”

Philstocks Financial Senior Supervisor for Research Japhet Tantiangco said “The local market declined further on the back of the negative spillovers from Wall Street.“

He explained that “This comes amid global economic slowdown worries as China’s economy continues to deal with its worsening COVID-19 situation, while the Russia – Ukraine war poses risks of further escalation.“

“Wednesday’s decline is also attributed to investors’ reaction over the earlier rate hike signals from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas” Tantiangco added.