Christ the Savior is born, Alleluia!

by Deedee Siytangco

ANGEL THOUGHTS

On the way to Bethlehem, a pregnant Mary atop a horse with a very concerned Joseph guiding the animal to a safe place for her to give birth

Straight from an eye witness to the most important event in the history of the mankind, the birth of Christ, the Savior. Here is apostle Luke’s narrative of  The Birth of Jesus Christ preserved for all generations.

Luke Chapter 2

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while [a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

St. Joseph protectively shields Mother and Babe from the cold with his cape

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

The Holy Babe is born and Joseph and Mary cuddle Him. The farm animals are the first worshipers

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Now its Mary’s turn to rest after the childbirth. She takes a nap as Joseph tries to soothe a restless baby Jesus!

As with all Filipinos, I love the season of Christmas and the central figure of the Great Event. Welcome, Holy Babe in the manger. Thank you for offering Yourself and becoming human to save us! Thank you, St. Joseph, for following the angel’s advice to not be afraid to take Mary as your spouse because she was a virgin overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and would bear a son who would save mankind!

 I’m sharing with you, dear readers, my family’s collection of Christmas scenes over several decades. We can readily see from the faces of Mary and Joseph their overwhelming love for the Holy Babe.

Over a thousand families in Northern Mindanao evacuated due to nonstop rains

Published December 25, 2022, 6:52 PM

by Franck Dick Rosete

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Over a thousand families in the Northern Mindanao region, specifically in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental, were evacuated due to nonstop moderate to heavy rains since Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).

In a situational report from the Office of the Civil Defense Region 10 (OCD-10), the agency reported 705 families composed of 1,935 individuals who were evacuated from 25 barangays in five cities and municipalities in Misamis Oriental. 

The Coast Guard Station Misamis Occidental Deployable Response Group (DRG) deploys its personnel to conduct rescue operations and rendered necessary assistance for the evacuation of the local residents affected by the flood at Barangay Del Paz and Barangay Lupagan, Clarin, Misamis Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao)

The affected areas in the said province include the cities of Gingoog and El Salvador, and the municipalities of Magsaysay, Talisayan, Balingoan, and Balingasag.

About 696 families or 1,863 individuals have remained in the evacuation centers as some of the families already went back to their respective places.

On the other hand, in the province of Misamis Occidental, the OCD-10 has tallied 505 affected and evacuated families, which are equivalent to 2,398 individuals from a total of 16 barangays in the municipalities of Sinacaban and Jimenez.

The OCD-10 is still waiting for the updated report from different local affected government units (LGUs). 

The said number of affected families are still in the evacuation areas based on the report, and the flood from the two municipalities already subsided at around 5 a.m. of Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

It can be recalled that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a heavy rainfall warning signal number 2 due to shearline/wind convergence weather system on December 24, 8 p.m.

Due to the heavy rains, the water system in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, specifically the transmission pipeline has been reportedly damaged.

On the other hand, the Highway 955 and Cagayan de Oro-Butuan highway in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental has also been affected because of road blockage due to loosen gravel and falling rocks and trees, and overflowing of canal due to non-stop heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro has also experienced nonstop light to moderate rains. However, there were no affected nor evacuated families as of the latest, and the water level of the Cagayan de Oro and Iponan river remain normal as confirmed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRRMD) and Management Department here.

The respective local government units of the affected areas have been currently monitoring the weather condition and advised their respective constituents to take extra precautions.

Let love prevail this Christmas — Marcos

Published December 25, 2022, 5:00 AM

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

“I wish everyone a Christmas full of love, compassion, and hopeful beginnings.”

As Christians worldwide celebrate Christmas, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. hoped that Filipinos would let love, compassion, and hope prevail during this festive celebration despite the obstacles they faced over the past few years. 

Malacañang photo

In his Christmas message, the President said that the celebration of Christmas may have evolved over the years, but love remains the essence of the said holiday.

“The story of Christ’s birth has become an integral part of our culture, and every year, we have become more accustomed to commemorating this day with gatherings, thanksgiving, and merrymaking,” he said.

“No matter the evolution of its observance, it is imperative that we emphasize the true essence of this holiday—love,” he added.

According to Marcos, love is the one that makes Christmas more than just a tradition, not only for Christians but for other beliefs as well.

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“It is this pure and simple love that Christmas represents—the same one that we constantly desire and need—that allows it to be more than just a Christian tradition,” he said.

“Across beliefs, all the generosity and goodwill stirred in this season are welcomed. Surely, embracing these will help us overcome the difficulties brought [on] by the pandemic and other challenges,” he added.

President Marcos hoped that all Filipinos could celebrate Christmas, even in their own little ways.

“Let our spirits not dwell on the adornments that we display, on the buzz and activities we create, nor the lack thereof. Instead, let us partake in this holiday with the same simplicity, sense, and meaning that we got from it,” he said.

“Let us freely offer our smiles, share a conversation, or impart wisdom to our peers, our loved ones, and even strangers. Let our affection be known and felt in the simplest of ways so that the eternal message of the Nativity of Christ may again spark hope for a brighter future in the hearts of all,” he added.

 

GMA Network and Ayala Foundation team up to honor the works of Dr. Jose Rizal

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

The production and creative team of GMA Network’s top-rating and phenomenal series ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ take part in the latest #MagingMagiting advocacy program of Ayala Foundation, Inc. which highlights the heroism of Dr. Jose Rizal.

This Dec. 29, Ayala Foundation will premiere on its Facebook page the seventh edition of the Digital Magiting Conference with the theme “Rizal Revealed: Muling Kilalanin ang Magiting na Bayani.” 

Present during the recorded digicon were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Creative Consultant of Maria Clara at Ibarra, Suzette Doctolero; the show’s director, Zig Dulay; and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo who plays the role of Ibarra. 

Rasonable recounts the moment they pitched the exceptional concept of Maria Clara at Ibarra for the first time, “One of the most nerve-wracking processes para sa aming mga producer ay ang mag-present sa top management lalo na kapag ang konsepto ay kakaiba. But I am proud to say that those concepts were the ones greenlighted by our bosses. And we thank our top management because that is the reason why the Entertainment Group has been able to present a really wide range of topics.”

Ching-Sy also shares how they came up with the story of a Gen Z who enters the world of Noli Me Tangere, “At that time we were looking for material that will challenge the drama department in all aspects of production. It was Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes who came up with the idea. Sabi niya, ‘why don’t we do a retelling of Noli and El Fili?’ And then Suzette Doctolero took the challenge and she added the element of Gen Z to resonate with the younger audience.”

Meanwhile, Doctolero highlights the nationalism of Rizal as seen in his works and now in the hit series, Maria Clara at Ibarra, “Ang mga akda ni Rizal ay napaka-relevant pa rin hanggang ngayon. Kung ano ang usapin tungkol sa exploitation ng mga Pilipino noon ay nagaganap pa rin ngayon. Ang Noli Me Tangere ay napakayaman na content para i-adapt sa soap opera. Bilang manunulat, ang ambag namin para sa nation building ay ituro ang ganda ng kultura at kasaysayan natin kasi ang sarap maging Pilipino.”

Dulay also narrates the main factor on why he accepted this groundbreaking project, “Noong sinabihan ako na ire-reimagine ang obrang ito, sobrang saya ko kasi sino lang ba ‘yung nabibigyan ng pagkakataon para makaambag sa bansa gamit ang sining. Super favorite ko ang Noli at El Fili dahil bukod sa great love story nina Maria Clara at Ibarra, itinataas niya rin ang konsepto ng pag-ibig maging sa bayan at sa sarili bilang isang Pilipino. Sa isang henerasyon kung saan usong-uso ang fake news, ang saya sa pakiramdam na magtanghal ng ganitong klase ng teleserye.” 

Trillo, on the other hand, reiterates that their series is a significant way to commemorate the bravery of Rizal,“Magandang pagkakataon ito na ituro sa kanila ang mga likha ni Rizal at malaman ng bawat Pilipino na siya ay isang halimbawa na dapat tularan, lalo sa kanyang adhikain para sa bayan at kabataan. Hindi siya natakot kahit ganito ka-dark ang kwentong isinulat niya kaya’t na-expose ang sitwasyon ng mga Pilipino noong panahon ng pananakop ng mga Kastila.”

Viewers of the digicon are primarily public school teachers. Hence, GMA Network and Ayala Foundation aim to inspire them to see Rizal in a new light and therefore share with their students a newfound enthusiasm for his novels.

“Each and every one of us sa broadcast industry has that responsibility to promote love of country. Tulad sakin na dekada na ang binilang sa pagpo-produce ng programa, nandun ‘yung gusto mong magpatawa, magpaiyak, at magbigay ng impormasyon pero dahil sa ganitong programa na naghihikayat sa kabataan na mahalin ang bansa nila, mare-realize mo na you have so much power to help shape a country,” Rasonable said.

Ching-Sy added that Rizal is an epitome of the greatness and brilliance of Filipinos, “Bilang media practitioner, mae-embody ko ang kagitingan ni Rizal by sharing these stories. I hope kaya nating i-showcase sa buong mundo ang artistic excellence ng mga Pilipino. Kung paano ang directing, acting, design, and cinematography, we have to share to the world how beautiful our stories are.”

Doctolero also points out their biggest goal for Maria Clara at Ibarra, “Gusto naming ma-remind ang audience na kahit naaaliw tayo sa ating pinapanood, importante na kapag nahihiga na sila sa gabi, maiisip nilang ang ganda pa rin talaga ng Pilipinas kahit ano pa ang mga problemang nangyayari kaya dapat lagi nating ipaglaban.”

“Natutuwa ako na nakakatulong ang Maria Clara at Ibarra sa pagbibigay-halaga sa kasaysayan at kultura ng Pilipinas. Sinisikap ko talaga na maging socially-relevant ang mga proyekto ko. Ito ‘yung responsibilidad ko bilang storyteller na dapat bukod sa nakakalibang ay nakakapagtanghal din siya ng kahalagahan,” Dulay mentioned. 

Moreover, Dennis believes that through his craft, he can manifest the patriotism of Rizal, “Pinatunayan ni Rizal ang kagitingan niya sa pamamagitan ng paglaban kung ano ang tama at makatarungan. Malaki ang role namin para ipakita sa kabataan ang ganda ng bansa at mga katangian natin para mas lalo nilang mahalin ang pinagmulan nila.”

Catch Maria Clara at Ibarra,weeknights at 8 p.m. on GMA and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV. 

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

Mixed oil price adjustments next week

by Myrna M. Velasco

Consumers will experience mixed oil price adjustments at the domestic pumps next week, as diesel will be on rollback, while gasoline and kerosene prices will increase, according to oil companies.

Based on the calculation of the industry players, diesel prices will be reduced by P0.40 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline products will incur a price hike of P0.45 to P0.75 per liter. 

Kerosene, which is the other essential commodity with weekly price adjustments, will have a price uptick of P0.35 to P0.65 per liter.

Oil companies will implement the price adjustments on Tuesday, Dec. 27, based on cost movements referenced on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS); and this will already be the last one for the year. 

A monitoring report of the Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that prices since the start of the year still posted net increases of P27.50 per liter for diesel; P13.95 per liter for gasoline; and P20.80 per liter for kerosene products.

In the initial trading days last week, market experts noted that international benchmark Brent crude stayed close to $80 per barrel, as there was relatively no new major development that could exert pressure on prices.

However, the pummeling of a winter storm in many parts of the United States triggered fresh round of rally in price pushing international benchmark Brent crude near the $84 per barrel territory as of Friday, December 23) trading. 

The other factor being monitored closely by industry experts would be the enforcement of “money tightening measures” that major economies of the world would be pushing, especially with the lingering threats of economic recession hitting next year.

By 2023, the overall prognosis will be for oil markets to be continuously saddled with tight supply predicaments that will then trigger price escalations at the pumps.

For a heavily import-dependent economy like the Philippines, it will be left with no choice but to grapple with pricing volatility of oil commodities that will be coming into its shores.

FIRST TIME EXPERIENCING SIMBANG GABI IN THE PHILIPPINES!

26,248 views Dec 17, 2022

My first time ever taking part the most popular Christmas Tradition of the Philippines, Simbang Gabi. We woke up extremely early to attend the first mass of Simbang Gabi, admire the beautiful Christmas decorations and to eat the best bibingka ever. Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel for more vlogs from the Philippines! https://www.youtube.com/susieinthephi...

Susie in the Philippines

Susie in the Philippines

@SusieinthePhilippines

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Four ways to avoid gaining weight over the festive period – but also why you shouldn’t fret about it too much

 

By

 Lindsay Jaacks via The Conversation

 

This holiday season, as COVID restrictions have eased around the world, we have the chance to break bread together again with friends and family. For some people, however, the festive period comes with anxiety about gaining weight.

Popular media articles often cite a study of 195 adults published more than 20 years ago which found that participants gained, on average, 0.5kg during the holidays. But the range of weight change was wide, from losing 9.3kg to gaining 8kg.

A more recent study looked at Christmas weight gain in about 1,000 participants of a weight loss trial in the UK, Denmark and Portugal. They found weight increased, on average, by 1.35% in December. The participants’ weight then decreased between January and March but stayed 0.35% higher than the pre-Christmas weight. These findings suggest that it’s a good idea to adopt some changes during the holidays to help avoid weight gain in the long run. 

Here are four tips:

1. Eat mindfully

Mindful eating is eating slowly, without distractions like a phone or TV. It involves engaging all of your senses by noticing the way the food looks, smells and tastes, and recognizing physical hunger and satiety (fullness) cues.

It takes your brain up to 20 minutes to recognize that you’re full. By slowing down when we eat, mindful eating helps prevent eating beyond the point of fullness – or even to the point of discomfort.

If you do end up eating more than your fill at a meal over the holidays, don’t worry about it. You aren’t going to have long-term weight gain from just a couple of big meals. Worry less about these couple of meals and instead focus on long-term eating habits.

2. Avoid eating ultra-processed foods

These are pre-packaged foods and beverages that tend to have more than five ingredients, some of which you may struggle to pronounce. Many so-called diet foods such as flavored low-fat yogurts and high-protein meal-replacement bars fall into this category. Ultra-processed foods are made to make it hard for us to control how much we eat.

Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in which 20 young adults were fed, in random order for two weeks, an ultra-processed diet or an unprocessed diet matched to have about the same nutrient content, showed that the same people consume about 500 calories more when they are on the ultra-processed diet. The same people gained 0.9kg during the ultra-processed diet and lost 0.9kg during the unprocessed diet.

Another possible mechanism through which ultra-processed foods can affect your weight is increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These chemicals are associated with weight gain. One category of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, phthalates, is used in food packaging. Studies have shown that people who consume more ultra-processed foods have higher levels of exposure to phthalates. So this holiday season, aim to cook more at home from unprocessed or less-processed foods.

3. Get outside and move every day

While exercise is not very effective for weight loss, it is quite effective for avoiding weight gain. Aim for 10,000 steps a day throughout the holiday season. As the days are getting shorter, getting outside for a walking meeting or phone call, or to meet with friends or family, can also promote mental wellbeing.

4. If you drink, do so in moderation

Studies show that light-to-moderate alcohol intake is not associated with weight gain while heavy drinking is. Men and women are advised to not regularly drink more than 14 units a week. A 175ml glass of wine or a pint of beer is two units. Alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water can help reduce the amount you drink and also prevent you from becoming dehydrated.

We’ve all had a tough couple of years. The holiday season is not the time to be anxious about weight gain. After all, stress may play an important role in overeating.

Make your resolution this holiday season and into the new year to develop a new, positive relationship with food instead. Mindfully eating wholefoods helps us to gain an appreciation for how food can bring us together and nourish our bodies. And in doing so, it can also help us avoid putting on weight.

Lindsay Jaacks, Personal Chair of Global Health and Nutrition, The University of Edinburgh. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

DOT to hold 2023’s largest travel convention in Davao

by Jun Marcos Tadios

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), has forged an agreement with the local government unit (LGU) of Davao City to stage there the largest travel convention and exhibitions next year.

Photo: Department of Tourism

The TPB and the Davao City LGU on Thursday, Dec. 22, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Davaoeños’ hosting of the 2023 Philippine Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions or M.I.C.E. Conference (MICECON). 

“We strongly believe and claim that Davao’s hosting of the MICECON will provide a tremendous boost to the city’s tourism industry and a huge step towards its vision of making Davao a preferred MICE destination not only in the Philippines but in Asia,” TPB chief operating officer (COO) Maria Margarita Montemayor-Nograles said.

Nograles said the TPB was “extremely excited” to the support of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte to their initiative.

Nograles lauded Duterte’s support to MICE tourism which, she said, could benefit not only the local tourism industry in Davao as the host city but also the Philippines’ economic resurgence amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

For its part, the City Government of Davao expressed full support and cooperation for the successful staging of the MICECON which is scheduled on March 1-3, 2023.

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MICECON is the largest gathering of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions or M.I.C.E. professionals in the country.

It has become a reliable event for MICE stakeholders which prides itself on having incentivized event components to benchmark on and opportunities for networking with both international and local MICE experts.

The 2023 edition of MICECON is expected to gather a total of 500 in-person delegates in Davao including virtual delegates from the tourism industry.

“The City of Davao would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude for choosing Davao City to host MICECON 2023. Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events are a great help to the tourism industry here in Davao. We believe that MICECON will help to revitalize Davao’s tourism sector and open more doors for business that will boost the whole region’s economic growth,” said Davao City Vice Mayor Jay Melchor B. Quitain Jr.

 

Palace highlights Christmas season as time for the family

Published December 24, 2022, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

On the eve of Christmas, the rush to find the perfect gifts and the most delicious food for Noche Buena comes to a halt. Filipinos will gather with their loved ones to celebrate the meaning of Christmas, continuing traditions that were temporarily halted during the pandemic or creating new rituals for the young ones to follow. Although consumerism has colored much of the season, shiny things cannot replace the memories that will be formed by the familial bond over a meal, around the Christmas tree, or under the parol.

Bonding with family is what was emphasized by Malacañang, when the President, as the “father” of the nation, has prioritized families during the holiday season. In fact, the President ordered the opening of the Palace grounds to the public – dubbed “Tara sa Palasyo,” a first in recent memory – at the start of Simbang Gabi. From Dec. 18 until today, Dec. 24, families are free to roam around to view Malacañang’s Christmas display and attend the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall.

Last Dec. 21, the President personally welcomed the families, some who even came as far as Cavite and Laguna. In a video posted online, the President emphasized how this season is for families: “Bring your families, bring the kids here before you attend Simbang Gabi… you can now enjoy the specialty of the Palace – puto bumbong.” 

The opening of Malacañang, according to the Office of the Press Secretary, is part of the President’s goal to make sure that Filipino children, especially those residing near the area, will have a joyful and meaningful Christmas. As of the evening of Dec. 21, more than 800 visitors have dropped by the Palace grounds to feel the Christmas spirit.

This emphasis on the family during Christmas was once again highlighted when the President said, during a gift-giving event organized by the DSWD last Dec. 22, that “helping every Filipino is always the government’s priority.”

“We assure you that you are always on our minds. Each day, the DSWD has been thinking of ways how to help you,” the President said.

The President made this pronouncement during the distribution of Christmas gifts and packages to hundreds of members of indigenous people groups as well as to street children in Luneta Park. Malacañang said the President came up with the gift-giving activity, so some of his constituents can still feel the season despite the current challenges. 

“We conducted this event, at least, for Filipinos to feel the spirit of Christmas … and for us somehow to see that our future will be brighter than before,” he said.

The call of the President to make this season an opportunity to bond with family reflects on his desire for each one of us to give our loved ones the precious gift of time. He even went to the extent of declaring Dec. 26 a special non-working holiday to “give people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with families and loved ones.”

This emphasis on the family is timely and relevant as we enter a post-pandemic world. To fully recover and gain what was lost, we must build from the ground up, planting new seeds of hope. The seeds will have to be nurtured by strong families. After all, a family is the most basic unit – and foundation – of a stable nation