CRUCIFIXION, LIZA SOBERANO AND YOU

By 

ReniMV Valenzuela

Except for people who detest being themselves for how God created them, I believe nobody else sees there is something offensive with actress Liza Soberano’s controversial vlog, "This is Me." 

Liza, 25, is grateful, humble and meek in the face of the barrage of false accusations against her. She apologized though she did nothing wrong. But what’s wrong with her wanting to be real about herself by breaking free from the chains that bind her?

Do entertainers really have to live a double life in order to succeed? The "King of Pop" Michael Jackson was deprived of his childhood.  He had no liberty of his own and no normal life to speak of for himself until he died. Things were dictated upon him which badly affected his person. He was taught and trained to be sham and mythical on and off camera. Life for him was tumultuous all throughout, and it is no secret. 

But had the people who truly loved and cared for Michael allowed him the chance to be himself, he would have not had a miserable life and tragic end at a young age of 50. And, alack, that occurred when there was no maddening, deceptive, destructive social media (during his time) that we have today. In the midst of all his achievements and accolades, until his final moments, the "King of Pop" missed living. Pitiful. 

Jesus Christ came to save the world (John 3:16), but the world misunderstood Him. Hence, He was condemned to die on the cross. Liza came to herself to redeem her true self. She is Hope in real life and there is indeed hope for people like her.  But why crucify Hope? 

Everything seems good to a person who treks on the wrong route unless he sees the end. Only in darkness you get to enjoy the misleading entrapments of momentary “bliss” the world offers as you stray from the Path because only in the Light will you get to see the Way - to bring you back on track. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death” – Proverb 16:25. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy” – Psalm 16:11.

Like it or not, you are what you are because you made your life as such being the man or woman you emerged to be by deliberately choosing the way and traveling the road towards that direction/destination. It was your own choosing, not necessarily God`s. You did not evolve to be a human being. But you evolved to be the person that you are and it was you who re-created yourself. God has a wonderful plan for you, but you are mainly the one responsible for your future (and eternity). 

You are the best as far as God`s ordained destiny for your very life is concerned. No other created being can be better than you in that regard. You have been uniquely fashioned in accordance with God`s infinite goodness and wisdom, gifted with free will. There is only one you, and God has certain designated purposes for you in this world that only you can accomplish - to bless mankind and bring glory to His name. 

Look at the limbless man, the great Nick Vujicic. Google search him if you don’t know him yet to be challenged to discover yourself and win in life despite insurmountable odds.  You are who you are because of God’s design and you have no option but be thankful to Him. “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well”- Psalm 139:14.

No one reaches a place who does not take the road and travel the required distance going there just as nobody goes to Heaven or hell on account of other people’s decision and action. God is most powerful and sovereign but He does not control/force anyone. Otherwise, there would have been no need for Christ to come down and save sinners. 

The Lord did His part and did it all. With Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the Gospel of redemption is complete. There is nothing we can add to complement His atoning sacrifice on the Cross. Truly, as He lamented, gasping for His last breath, “IT IS FINISHED”. Yet He has given man the will to choose and decide. Now it’s up to you. Your salvation hangs on Calvary to this day and it hinges on your own volition whether or not it can be fully yours any moment you decide. Accept Christ or reject Him!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, THIS IS THE WAY; WALK IN IT.” - Isaiah 30:21

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com

Aggression’s hotbed

Honestly, many times it’s not a pleasure, joy, amusement, fun or whatever, to read and look closely at different daily papers. Here in the Philippines and wherever around the globe. Only bad and negative headlines seem to help increase the paper’s circulation. Yes sure, our world has not become better.

The three “C’s”: are the fundamental factors: catastrophes, crime and crisis! Sure, television or other media news are also not much better.

Sensible suggestions and negotiations, making compromises fall through, disclosures from prominent figures’ bedrooms, double standards, the church in deep crisis, calumny suits, and, sometimes reports, editorials and columns, which drip with bad taste and spitefulness.

For more than 50 years, I learned that a journalist can -of course- mentally form and shape the public opinion, characters, life and community and the way things go. That’s why I also learned: a journalist should always remember self-disciple, responsibility, care, inquisitiveness, and respect.

Of course, empathy and power of judgement together with self-assurance, common sense and human dignity belong also to it, no matter if the topic is politics, economy, commerce, culture, sports or special topics such as police reports or war correspondence.

Chasing after rumors, revelation of embarrassing and mostly untrue things, sensational reports to make money and to increase the circulation or viewer-ship and the drive for personal prestige is negative for the public and especially for the journalist him-/herself.

Writing with a wicked pen and having a sharp tongue doesn’t mean that a journalist, host or commentator should walk disrespectfully through life, so to speak, as an elephant in China. Likewise it is the journalist’s duty to uncover, disclose or reveal, what the public should know, but, without getting personal. Yes, eternal vigilance is very important, even without a wicked pen and a sharp tongue.

Marcos orders CHEd to address shortage of nurses due to migration

By: Daphne Galvez - Reporter / @DYGalvezINQ

INQUIRER.net 

One in 20 nurses in the United States is Filipino, following decades of migration of nurses from the Philippines, which is now lacking 106,000 nurses, to American soil. Here, future nurses from Centro Escolar University are at the World Trade Center in Pasay City for their capping and pinning rites, on Sept. 30, 2022. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address the shortage of nurses due to migration. 

During a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector group in Malacanang Palace Wednesday, Marcos said the shortage of nurses has been affecting the delivery of effective healthcare. 

“We have to be clever about the healthcare manpower. Our nurses are the best. We are competing with the rest of the world for them. All the presidents, prime ministers I have talked to are asking for more nurses from the Philippines.” he said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

These include retooling those who failed board examinations, adopting a nursing curriculum with exit credentials, redirecting nonpracticing nurses, and conducting exchange programs with other countries.

“Under the nursing curriculum with exit credentials, students could have several options: exit at the end of Level I or II, obtain the certificate or diploma in nursing, or choose to continue and finish the four-year nursing program to become a registered nurse,” De Vera said.

He added that CHED was also working on a flexible short-term masteral program to address the lack of instructors in nursing and medical schools. 

The Department of Health (DOH), according to its officer in charge, Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire, is also assessing the status of the proposed legislation on the Magna Carta for Public Health Care Workers and Philippine Nursing Act while doing a study on the standardization of salaries of nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers.

In November last year, Marcos said the government might resort to providing scholarships for nurses and other medical workers to encourage them to stay and serve in the country.

Apart from the issue of the shortage of nurses, PCO said it was agreed during the meeting that the PSAC would monitor new technologies in healthcare that could be used for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and recommend those to the DOH and PhilHealth.

The PSAC will also study the feasibility of establishing remote diagnostics centers and assess new medical technologies and their costs.

Aside from the CHED Chairperson and DOH OIC, those who attended the PSAC meeting include Sabin Aboitiz Strategic convenor president and CEO Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.; Paolo Maximo Borromeo, Healthcare lead president and CEO of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc; Fr. Nicanor Austriaco Jr., Healthcare Sector Member and Filipino-American molecular biologist and Dr. Nicanor Montoya, Healthcare Sector Member and CEO of Medicard Philippines, Inc.

Five most popular coconut varieties according to a certified coconut trader

Giemel Ayap is a certified coconut trader by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and has been in the industry since 2020. Through his experience, he has become knowledgeable about the coconut production industry, gaining valuable insights into the cultivation and distribution of coconut seedlings. Over time, he has identified five distinct varieties of coconut trees that are best suited for specific purposes, including the production of coconut oil, buko juice, coconut sugar, wine, ornamental purposes, and for making pies

BY JAMES TABABA

  

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Most of the coconut varieties that Ayap recommends are of the dwarf type, which offers several benefits compared to the traditional centennial tall varieties that coconut farmers used to plant and harvest from. Dwarf coconuts are smaller in size, ranging from 6 to 12 meters in height, making them more compact and easier to manage and harvest than tall varieties. This can help reduce labor costs and increase efficiency in coconut farming operations. Additionally, dwarf coconut trees reach maturity and start producing fruit at a younger age compared to tall varieties. This means farmers can start harvesting and earning income sooner.

In addition to their early maturity, dwarf coconut trees generally have a higher yield per hectare compared to tall varieties. This is because they can be planted more densely, allowing for more trees per hectare and more coconuts per tree. As a result, farmers can earn more income from the same land area.

Tacunan dwarf

The Tacunan dwarf coconut is a highly sought-after Philippine variety that thrives in tropical regions such as the Philippines. Being a dwarf variety, it only grows up to 6-8 meters in height, making it more manageable and easier to harvest compared to taller coconut trees.

Giemel and his Dwarf Tacunan variety coconut tree. (Giemel’s Quality Dwarf Coconut Seedlings)

This coconut variety boasts a slender trunk and fronds and produces medium-sized nuts that are elongated and round. The coconut shell is smooth, and the meat inside is juicy and sweet, with a thin layer of white flesh and an abundance of coconut water.

While the Tacunan dwarf coconut is a versatile coconut that can be used for various purposes, it is highly recommended for producing high-quality coconut water and meat. In addition, it is an excellent choice for producing coconut oil due to its high oil content. The coconut meat of the Tacunan dwarf coconut is firm and contains a lot of oil, making it an ideal source of copra, which is used to extract coconut oil.

Catigan dwarf

The Philippine Catigan dwarf coconut is a popular variety of coconut tree that is indigenous to the Philippines. The Philippine Catigan dwarf coconut has a slender trunk and fronds, and produces a medium-sized nut that is elongated and oval-shaped. The coconut shell is smooth, and the meat inside is sweet and juicy, with a thin layer of white flesh and plenty of coconut water.

Giemel and his Dwarf Catigan variety coconut tree. (Giemel’s Quality Dwarf Coconut Seedlings)

One of the main benefits of the Philippine Catigan dwarf coconut is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including producing high-quality coconut water, meat, and oil. In fact, it is one of the coconut varieties that is highly recommended for producing coconut oil due to its high oil content. The coconut meat of the Philippine Catigan dwarf coconut is firm and has a rich, creamy taste, which makes it a good source of copra. Copra is the dried kernel of the coconut, which is used to extract coconut oil.

Aromatic Sweet Dwarf

The Aromatic Sweet Dwarf Coconut is a Philippine variety of coconut that is highly regarded for its sweet and aromatic tasteThe coconut is medium-sized, with a smooth shell and sweet, juicy meat that has a thin layer of white flesh and plenty of coconut water.

The most distinct characteristic of the Aromatic Sweet Dwarf Coconut is its sweet and fragrant meat, which is white and tender, with a thin layer of creamy flesh and a lot of coconut water. It has a distinct aroma and a natural sweetness that is highly sought after in the market. Because of its superior quality, the Aromatic Sweet Dwarf Coconut is often used in making coconut desserts such as macaroons, candies, and pastries. It is also used in making coconut milk, which is a common ingredient in many Filipino and Southeast Asian dishes.

Due to its sweet flavor, the Aromatic Sweet Dwarf Coconut is a good choice for making coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener that is made by boiling coconut sap until it thickens and solidifies. This process retains most of the nutrients and minerals present in the sap, making coconut sugar a healthier alternative to refined sugar. The Aromatic Sweet Dwarf Coconut has a high sugar content, which makes it an ideal coconut variety for producing coconut sugar.

King Golden

The King Golden coconut is a type of ornamental coconut tree that is popular for its unique and attractive appearance. It features a slender trunk with a slightly swollen base, and its fronds are feather-shaped and greenish-golden in color. It produces small to medium-sized coconuts that are round and have a smooth outer shell. The outer husk of the fruit is a vibrant golden-yellow color, which makes it stand out from other coconut varieties. As the fruit matures, the husk may become slightly darker and develop brown spots, but the overall yellow-gold color remains prominent. The coconut water and meat inside are sweet and refreshing, although they are not as abundant as in other coconut varieties.

Giemel and his Dwarf King Golden variety coconut tree. (Giemel’s Quality Dwarf Coconut Seedlings)

While the King Golden coconut is not typically grown for commercial purposes, it is highly valued as an ornamental plant. It is a dwarf variety of coconut tree that reaches a height of about 3 to 4 meters, making it a perfect choice for landscaping. King Golden coconut can also be grown in gardens or as a standalone tree, providing a unique and tropical look to any outdoor space.

Embryo-cultured Macapuno

Embryo-cultured Macapuno is a rare and valuable type of coconut that is produced through a specialized process known as embryo culture. The term "macapuno" refers to the soft, jelly-like flesh found inside the coconut fruit. Unlike regular coconuts, which have a firm meat and a large amount of coconut water, Macapuno coconuts have a very small amount of water and a much larger amount of the soft, gelatinous meat.

Macapuno coconut have thick soft, jelly-like meat is often used in desserts and sweet dishes (eak_kkk/Pexels)

Embryo-cultured Macapuno is created by taking a tiny piece of the coconut embryo and placing it into a nutrient-rich culture medium. This allows the embryo to grow and develop into a new coconut tree, which will eventually produce Macapuno coconuts. The process of embryo culture is time-consuming and requires a high degree of skill and expertise, which is why embryo-cultured Macapuno is relatively rare and expensive.

Embryo-cultured Macapuno is highly valued for its unique texture and flavor. The soft, jelly-like meat is often used in desserts and sweet dishes, and is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Macapuno is an important ingredient in making traditional Filipino coconut pies or "buko pie". Its soft, jelly-like texture and sweet taste make it a popular filling for pies and other desserts. Aside from pies, macapuno is also used in other Filipino desserts like halo-halo, a popular shaved ice dessert that typically contains sweet beans, fruits, and other toppings. Macapuno is also used in making ice cream and other sweet treats.

It is crucial to understand the different coconut varieties and their intended use as each variety possesses distinct characteristics and properties that make them suitable for specific purposes. Understanding these differences helps farmers and producers make informed decisions when selecting a coconut variety for their intended use. This knowledge can lead to higher yields, better quality products, and more efficient use of resources, including time, labor, and materials. Additionally, knowing the intended use of a coconut variety helps ensure that the product meets the desired quality standards and customer preferences.

Photo courtesy of Giemel’s Quality Dwarf Coconut Seedlings

Celebrating beauty with empowerment at Miss Aura PHL 2023

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 29, 2023 09:55 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• And, it is here where a one-of-a-kind pageant generates that renewed sense of confidence, compassion, service, dedication, and spirit among its

• contenders as it transcends the common notions of what beauty contests are all about. One that combines beauty and brains with what these females can do to create that big difference in much more holistic, inspiring ways as interactive role models. Enter Miss Aura Philippines 2023, a joint production with Charmed Entertainment Productions.

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Rowee Lucero

It is said that to every woman, behind her good looks and vivacious spirit lies that special character that generates from the inside and permeates out: that special thing that is called aura.

It is that very same aura that develops her innermost strengths that will radiate into something more productive, more transforming, and more inspiring to the rest of humankind.

And, it is here where a one-of-a-kind pageant generates that renewed sense of confidence, compassion, service, dedication, and spirit among its
contenders as it transcends the common notions of what beauty contests are all about. One that combines beauty and brains with what these females can do to create that big difference in much more holistic, inspiring ways as interactive role models. Enter Miss Aura Philippines 2023, a joint production with Charmed Entertainment Productions.

Founded with the aim of empowering young women, breaking stereotypes, and promoting self-confidence, Miss Aura Philippines welcomes females between the ages of 18-28 who are passionate about making a positive difference in their communities. The pageant will showcase the contestants' skills and abilities, including talent, poise, social graces, current events/current issues proficiency, mettle, and public speaking, among others.

In addition to celebrating the beauty and intelligence of young women, Ms Aura will also promote various humanitarian causes, whereas contestants will be required to participate in community service projects. This pageant will not only provide a platform for young women to showcase their abilities, but it will also be an opportunity to make a transformative and uplifting impact in their communities.

“We are excited to grace the second National Search for candidates who will represent the country to show the world our empowered Filipina, with intellect, beauty, grace, devotion, and compassion. The Miss Aura International competition ushered in a new modern woman who possesses beauty, body, brains, and behavior, tempered with ‘Interactive Compassion’ that will make a big difference in transforming and uplifting lives. This is indeed a whole new level of criteria never seen in beauty pageants Worldwide," stressed Rowee Lucero, a visionary entrepreneur, model, and beauty queen, and the pageant’s President and National Director.

Kathniss Griffiths, Ms. Aura Philippines’ founder, and CEO is excited about the potential impact this beauty pageant will have on young women's lives and the communities in which they live. "We believe that every young woman has the potential to make a positive difference in her community, and Ms. Aura Philippines’ will provide a platform for them to showcase their talents, skills, and abilities. We are excited about the opportunity to empower and inspire young women from all walks of life."

For more information about the Ms Aura Philippines, please visit Miss Aura Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages, or you may email
hello@charmedep.com Ms. Aura Philippines was founded in 2020 with Katniss Griffiths as the CEO, and now with the current team of Ms. Rowee Lucero as the President and National Director and Jino Wilfredo Esteban as the Vice President. Miss Aura Philippines will have its grand coronation night on May 27.

March 28 is Duterte Day in Davao City

DAVAO CITY: The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City approved on Tuesday, March 28, a resolution declaring March 28 of every year as a day of celebration for former president Rodrigo Duterte's continuing contribution to the city and the country.

The resolution, which is authored by Second District Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr., acknowledges the former president as a "living hero of the Republic" for his contribution to the development of the nation and for uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

The passage of the resolution is in time for the former leader's birthday on March 28.

Duterte served Davao City as vice mayor, mayor, and member of the House of Representatives.

"Honorable Rodrigo Duterte was voted upon by the people as the 16th President of the Philippines and served the people from June 30, 2016 to June 30, 2022," the resolution read.

The copies of said resolution were furnished to the Office of the City Mayor, Office of City Administrator, all departments in the city, and all national government agencies here for their information, guidance, and appropriate action.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod will also provide a copy to the former president himself.

Careful with the world

By Fr. Roy Cimagala, Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

“YOU belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world.” (Jn 8,23) Words of Christ addressed to those who did not believe him. With these words Christ is telling us that if we do not believe in him, we would be stuck in the world instead of heading for where he is, which is what heaven is all about.

We need to understand the true nature and purpose of the world. As a creation of God, the world is, of course, a good thing. But it only has a transitory purpose insofar as we are concerned. The world is made for us to be tested whether what God wants us to be—that is, to be his image and likeness, children of his, sharers of his life and nature—is also what we want ourselves to be also.

We have to be wary when we get swallowed up by our earthly and temporal affairs, making them the main objective in our life rather than a mere occasion and means for us to achieve our real goal as defined for us by our Creator. The world is supposed to be only a pathway to heaven where we truly belong.

The proper attitude we should have toward the world is to love it without becoming worldly. And the secret is to see to it that our mind and heart are always with God. We should not allow ourselves to be fully taken by the charms and deceiving allurements of the world. We have to be completely detached from it, which does not mean that we should hate it. On the contrary, we have to be immersed in it as much as possible and yet love it but in the way God loves it.

That is the challenge! So the question to ask is: How does God love it so we can also love it the way he does? We just cannot rely on our ideas and ways of loving the world, because without God, that loving would be suspicious at best. 

We can enumerate a few relevant points. First of all, God loves the world because he created it and endowed it with all the qualities, both actual and potential, in order to serve us. That is the purpose of the world. We in our turn should use the world the way God wants us to use it. And this ultimately is to give glory to God. 

Let’s remember that as Creator, God has given everything in the world its proper nature and laws whose purpose is nothing other than to give glory to himself. We on our part can only use and develop the world properly when we respect the God-given nature and laws of everything that is in it. More than that, we should try to discern how each thing in the world becomes a living part of the abiding providence of God over all of us.

We have to be wary of our tendency to ignore the designs of God in the world and to simply pursue our own personal interests, leading us to fall into self-indulgence. Rather, what we should try to do is act as a Christian leaven that infuses the Christian spirit in all our worldly and temporal affairs.

This duty to be a leaven for the world is actually very doable, because what is needed first of all is the intention to do so. We may not be doing something with big public significance or some external manifestation, but with the little ordinary things that we do everyday and done with faith and love for God and for others, we can already effectively leaven the world.

Hotter days ahead – Pagasa

A scientist at the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Quezon City checks and logs the current temperature and relative humidity in Metro Manila on Friday, March 24, 2023. The heat index in the metropolis was recorded at 39°C due to the high pressure area (HPA) and easterlies that resulted in the high temperature.

PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

By Arlie O. Calalo

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Tuesday urged the public to take all precautions as temperatures continue to climb.

Weather specialist Samuel Duran said the growing heat could lead to health problems.

"As much as possible, limit going outdoors but if it cannot be avoided, make sure to not stay long under the sun especially at noontime and early afternoon when the heat is most intense," he said.

"Stay hydrated and wear light colored clothes to help minimize the effect of the heat index and avoid heat exhaustion and heat cramps," Duran added.

The weather agency projected the following temperatures in these areas: Metro Manila, 24 to 34 degrees Celsius; Tagaytay City, 22 to 32 degrees Celsius; Baguio City, 16 to 26 degrees Celsius; Laoag City, 24 to 32 degrees Celsius; Legazpi City, 24 to 32 degrees Celsius; Tuguegarao City, 24 to 35 degrees Celsius; Puerto Princesa City, 26 to 33 degrees Celsius in Luzon.

In Visayas: Cebu, 26 to 32 degrees Celsius; Tacloban, 24 to 31 degrees Celsius; and Iloilo, 27 to 32 degrees Celsius. In Mindanao, Zamboanga City is expected to have 25 to 35 degrees Celsius; Cagayan de Oro, 25 to 31 degrees Celsius and Davao City, 25 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Is it true that Filipino soap operas are popular among Pacific Islanders?

 

Roland Vargas

Teleseryes, or Filipino soap operas, have become more popular overseas as well as in the Philippines. There have been rumors that Pacific Islanders in particular enjoy Filipino soap operas. This assertion has sparked arguments and discussions on the factors contributing to the regional appeal of various soap operas.

Others claim that the reason why Pacific Islanders enjoy Filipino soap operas so much is because these people have comparable cultural norms and values. These soap operas frequently feature family, love, and tenacity themes, which are prevalent in the traditions of Pacific Island nations. Some contend that the high production values and superior storyline are to blame for the success of these soap operas.

Nonetheless, some people contest the notion that Pacific Islanders watch Filipino soap operas. Some contend that the evidence for this assertion is insufficient and that Hollywood films and other media, including as K-dramas, are equally well-liked in this region.

There are a number of reasons why Pacific Islanders may like Filipino soap operas. First off, there is a sizable Filipino diaspora in several Pacific Island nations, which has facilitated the spread of Filipino media and culture. Second, to make them more accessible to non-Filipino speakers, Filipino soap operas are frequently dubbed or subtitled in regional languages. Finally, many individuals in the Pacific Island area may identify with the topics and plotlines presented in these soap operas.

More study might be done to acquire additional information and understanding of the appeal of Filipino soap operas among Pacific Islanders. To learn more about Pacific Islanders' media tastes and consumption patterns, surveys or interviews with them may be conducted. Collaboration between the media industries of the Philippines and the Pacific Islands might also assist to advance intercultural dialogue and expand the region's access to these soap operas.

The popularity of Mexican telenovelas in Latin American nations can be likened to the popularity of Filipino soap operas among Pacific Islanders. Mexican telenovelas frequently feature family, love, and drama-related themes that appeal to Latin American viewers, much like Filipino soap operas do with Pacific Islanders.

'Mega-strike' disrupts travel in Germany

BY AGENCE-FRANCE-PRESSE

Mar 27, 2023 11:58 PM

  

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BERLIN, Germany - A major strike brought much of Germany's air traffic, rail service and commuter lines to a halt on Monday as workers demand wage hikes in the face of brisk inflation.

Workers at airports, ports, railways, buses and metro lines throughout much of Europe's top economy heeded a call by the Verdi and EVG unions for the 24-hour walkout.

The EVG union hailed the mass walkouts as a success.

"We assume that the employers will have understood this clear signal and will now finally present negotiable offers," said EVG's deputy chairwoman Cosima Ingenschay.

Berlin's usually bustling central train station was mostly quiet, after the national railway cancelled long-distance and regional links across the country.

Arrival and departure boards at Frankfurt airport, the nation's biggest, and Munich airport showed rows of cancelled flights.

Freddie Schwarze, who was on strike at Munich airport, said: "We are ready for more strikes in any case. We have started and we won't stop. That's for sure."

Georg Bachmaier, who works at the Federal Waterways and Shipping Office, said he had joined the walkout because "we can no longer afford our lives".

"When we go shopping, we have to think do we buy this or not, we need the money to finance our lives and that's why we're here."

As the industrial action was largely publicised, many commuters had switched to other modes of transport.

Cashier Steffi Wisser, 46, voiced understanding for the strike.

"People must be made aware of the enormous work done by strikers," she said. 

For retiree Gloria Bierwald, 73, "the strike goes too far".

"What the strikers are asking for is relatively exaggerated. I am of the opinion that people should be satisfied when they have a job."

- Ill-tempered dispute -

To prevent supply gaps, Transport Minister Volker Wissing had ordered states to lift restrictions on truck deliveries on Sunday, while asking airports to allow late-night takeoffs and landings "so stranded passengers can reach their destinations".

Verdi represents around 2.5 million public sector employees, while EVG represents 230,000 workers on the railways and at bus companies.

The rare joint strike marks an escalation of an increasingly ill-tempered dispute over a pay packet to blunt the impact of surging inflation.

Employers, mostly the state and public sector companies, have so far refused the demands, instead offering a rise of five percent with two one-off payments of 1,000 ($1,100) and 1,500 euros, this year and next.

Verdi is demanding a rise of 10.5 percent in monthly salaries, while EVG is seeking a 12-percent increase for those it represents.

- 'Massive impact' -

Martin Seiler, head of human resources at state-owned rail company Deutsche Bahn (DB), has described the nationwide strike as "groundless and unnecessary" and urged the unions to return to the negotiating table "immediately".

The German airport association, which estimated about 380,000 air travellers would be affected, said the walkout "went beyond any imaginable and justifiable measure".

Employers have accused labour representatives of contributing to a wage-price spiral that will only feed inflation, while unions say their members have been asked to bear the burden of the soaring cost of living.

As in many other countries, people in Germany are struggling with high inflation -- it hit 8.7 percent in February -- after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent food and energy costs soaring.

Similar strikes have taken place in Britain, where public and private sector workers have taken industrial action as inflation remains stubbornly above 10 percent.

Germany's "mega-strike", as local media have dubbed it, follows industrial action in recent months in several sectors, from the postal service to airports and local transport.

A third round of salary negotiations for public sector workers began on Monday.

Earlier in March, airports in Bremen, Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover cancelled more than 350 flights after security staff walked out. Bus and metro staff in Frankfurt also staged a strike.

Some unions have succeeded in winning big pay increases.

Postal workers obtained average monthly increases of 11.5 percent earlier in March, and in November IG Metall, Germany's biggest union, won hikes totalling 8.5 percent for almost four million employees that it represents.