Truth is not just about facts and data

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

MUCH less is truth about a certain view or choice that may be supported by a majority of the people. Truth can only be found in God when the Spirit of Truth shows us what truth is.

We are reminded of this very important aspect of our life when in the gospel of St. John, Christ said that the Spirit of Truth “will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears and will declare to you the things that are coming.” (Jn 16,13)

To know the truth and to be in the truth are a matter of being discerning of what the Holy Spirit tells and shows us. In short, we cannot know and be in the truth unless we follow what the Spirit tells us. 

We just cannot rely on facts and data and a majority vote to be in the truth. Understanding truth that way, without the inspiration of the Spirit, would just lead us to be deceived in a way that can be most subtle and convincing. But the result or the effect of such misunderstanding of truth would only be greater division among us or some harm. 

Somehow, we can verify the effect of such misunderstanding of truth just by looking at how there is now a lot of division and misunderstanding among ourselves in spite of the tremendous developments we have in the sciences and the technologies. We can have a glut of facts and data and we can make choices by majority vote, and still the truth would elude us.

Facts and data need a proper spirit for them to serve the cause of truth. We need to realize that truth in the context or setting of our human condition needs a proper spirit. Without considering the proper spirit, they can only be used—or misused—by all sorts of possible human motives that in the end may not be right for us, or may just be self-serving to some of us but harmful to others.

The truth that comes from the Spirit of truth obviously can make use of facts and data and the results of some majority vote, but it will always be a dynamic one that in end would lead us to our ultimate goal in life—our own salvation, our attainment of the fullness of our human dignity as children of God, sharers of his divine life and nature.

We can ask the question: how can we see the truth amid our unavoidable biases and other conditionings that affect how we see, judge and react to things? The simple answer is to be like Christ who himself said that he is “the way, the truth and the life.” 

Thus, in the gospel cited above, Christ clearly said that the Spirit of truth “will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason, I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (Jn 16,14-15)

We obviously need to adjust our understanding of what truth is and of how we can be in the truth. To know and to be in the truth need to be pursued in the context of our relation with God through Christ in the Spirit. They just cannot be achieved through pure science or reliance on facts, data and majority vote!

Sicherung der Rente: Die Spielräume werden kleiner - aber es gibt sie noch

Politik-Redakteur Sebastian Horsch über die Rente: Die Spielräume werden kleiner © agefotostock/Imago/Montage

Von: Sebastian Horsch, Merkur

Das Rentensystem steht unter Druck: Auch wenn der demografische Wandel doch günstiger ausfällt als bisher erwartet, so wird er dennoch zur schweren Aufgabe - und fordert ein Handeln der Politik, meint Politik-Redakteur Sebastian Horsch.

Neue Zahlen machen der Rente Mut. Die Bevölkerungsentwicklung könnte günstiger ausfallen als lange angenommen. Kommt es so, wäre der demografische Wandel zwar immer noch ein Problem – aber eines, das man einschätzen kann. Alles würde auf einen erneuten Alterungsanstieg herauslaufen, wie ihn die Rentenversicherung schon zwischen 1990 und 2010 überstanden hat.

Sind all die Diskussionen über höhere Beiträge oder ein späteres Rentenalter damit hinfällig? Zur Wahrheit gehört: Spurlos am Land und am Rentensystem vorbeigegangen sind derartige demografische Veränderungen auch in der Vergangenheit nicht. Ganz im Gegenteil. Zwischen 1990 und 2010 lag neben anderem die Einführung der Riester-Rente und die Absenkung des Rentenniveaus – es wurden neue Abschläge eingeführt und der Steuerzuschuss des Bundes erhöht. Dazu kommt, dass sich auch die positive wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der vergangenen Jahre samt stetigem Beitragszahlerzuwachs wohl nicht einfach so unbegrenzt fortsetzen lässt.

Die Spielräume werden also kleiner. Aber noch gibt es welche. Bei der Beschäftigung Älterer ließe sich zum Beispiel mit klug gesetzten Anreizen noch mehr erreichen, um das System zu entlasten. Auch mit einer strukturierteren Zuwanderungspolitik, die vor allem darauf ausgelegt ist, diejenigen zu uns zu holen und in den Arbeitsmarkt zu integrieren, die unsere Wirtschaft braucht, könnte die Politik viel in die richtigen Bahnen lenken. Ob sich die Ampel dazu durchringen kann, ist offen.

My Top 10 Davao City, Philippines Must Sees

#Davao #Philippines 0:00 Intro 3:11 Samal Island 4:25 Eden Nature Park 05:15 Malagos Garden Resort / Mindanao Art Gallery 06:40 Crocodile Park 08:38 Philippine Eagle Center 9:30 People’s Park Davao 10:20 Jack Ridge View 11:23 Roxas Night Market 12:33 Hit The Casinos 13:30 Mount Apo

Ilang lugar sa Metro Manila at kalapit na probinsya, inulan nang malakas...

Free internet connectivity in 94 PH tourism areas eyed

BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

May 16, 2023 08:48 PM

  

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As part of the national government’s goal to make the Philippines a “tourism hub,” the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will provide free internet services in 94 major tourism areas in the country facing connectivity issues.

(MB Visual Content Group)

Working hand in hand with the Department of Tourism (DOT), DICT said some of the hindrances in promoting the country as a primary tourist destination are caused by issues on digitalization and connectivity.

“[Tourism] Secretary Frasco provided us initially with a list of 94 tourist destinations [with] connectivity challenges,” said DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy in a palace briefing on Tuesday, May 16.

This list will be the blueprint for the joint free Wi-Fi project. Uy, however, clarified that under the first phase of the said initiative, only 46 major tourism sites will initially be covered. These areas are mainly localities within the following provinces: Benguet, Palawan, Aklan, and Cebu.

The establishment of free Wi-Fi hotspots, according to Uy, would ensure that tourists will be able to grasp a “complete experience” while enjoying the Philippine tourism sites.

“Many of the tourists now are also vloggers. They vlog about their experiences while they are there experiencing or enjoying the tourism sites so it’s critical that we provide them with internet connectivity,” Uy added.

Expect more rain showers, thunderstorms as rainy season nears — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

May 17, 2023 10:27 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, May 17 that some parts of the country will experience more frequent rains and thunderstorms, indicating that this year’s rainy season is about to begin.

According to PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina, the rainy season in the country typically begins between the third week of May and the second week of June.

More frequent rains will be experienced in the next few days due to the frontal system and southwesterly wind flow affecting parts of Northern and Central Luzon, Badrina said.

He said the frontal system or boundary between warm and cold air masses may bring cloudy skies and moderate to heavy rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, the southwesterly wind flow or winds coming from the southwest may bring cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms over Zambales and Bataan.

Badrina pointed out that the southwesterly wind flow will eventually trigger the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is associated with the rainy season.

The rest of the country will continue to experience warm and humid weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the southwesterly wind flow or localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA advised the public to exercise caution during severe thunderstorms, as these may trigger landslides or flash floods, especially in areas that are vulnerable to these hazards.

As of Wednesday, PAGASA has not monitored a low pressure area that may develop into a tropical depression, Badrina said.

GOSSIP GIRL: Beauty queens, celebs promote new Filipino designers

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

May 16, 2023 12:50 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Thian Rodriguez, a well-known featured designer, has gained recognition in the fashion industry for his unique blend of art and fashion. Rodriguez just wrapped up a successful fashion show event in Tokyo, Japan last March 2023 featuring his latest collection of leather and Filipino fabric, binakol.

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Thian Rodriguez, Iza Giron McCullough, GIselle Sanchez, and Ina Raymundo (Image by Alvin Guevarra)

Miss Universe 2013 Ariella Arida, award-winning actress Ina Raymundo, and yours truly Giselle Sanchez, Noble Queen International 2020, graced the fashion show and charity auction entitled "Kaugmaon."

We were able to witness the best of Filipino fashion as the Fashion Designer Alliance (FaDAL) presented its lineup of talented designers at the fashion show event. The designers, including Thian Rodriguez, Ehran Montoya, Tipay Caintic, Julienne Paran, Xioti Chiu and Vilrique, showcased their modern and edgy designs on the runway in collaboration with the newest KMC offices. 

Thian Rodriguez, a well-known featured designer, has gained recognition in the fashion industry for his unique blend of art and fashion. Rodriguez just wrapped up a successful fashion show event in Tokyo, Japan last March 2023 featuring his latest collection of leather and Filipino fabric, binakol.

I asked Ariella why she graced the event. The actress-beauty queen said: “I wanted to support the creative endeavors of up-and-coming Filipino designers while enjoying a one-of-a-kind fashion experience.”

Outfits designed by Juliene Paran (Photo by Gossip Girl)

The event kicked off with designer pieces. Then this was followed by cocktails and a fashion show proper. It ended with a public auction of a diamond ring from LVNA by Drake Dustin for KMC Cares Charity. It was the highlight of the program. Fifty percent of the proceeds went to A Child's Dream Foundation, a non-profit that supports children on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities in the Philippines through various programs such as special education, medical assessments, and therapy headed by A Child’s Dream Foundation medical chief, Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta. 

KMC’s Therese Hilario's opening remarks were quite notable. “We have prepared this event, especially for you, our valued partners  - to showcase our modern and functional serviced office spaces through the creative eyes of our young Filipino designers, in partnership with the Fashion Designer Aliance featuring Thian Rodriguez and Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines. At KMC, we are more than just a provider of flexible workspaces. We are a hub for talent, bringing together the brightest minds in various industries to collaborate, innovate, and create. We recognize the importance of our partners in our growth and success, and it is our pleasure to provide a unique engagement experience for all of you through this fashion show event. Before I finish, I am sure many of you are wondering - what does Kaugmaon mean? Kaugmaon, which means 'future' in Visayan, perfectly represents KMC's vision to be the future of flexible workspace solutions in the Philippines and beyond. We hope that through this event, you will be able to see and experience the innovation, creativity, and great talent that we bring to the industry.” 

I asked celebrity mom Ina Raymundo what was her favorite part of the event. “As a mom, it is so nice to see fellow mother Iza Giron McCullough strut the ramp together with her husband Mike McCoullough, CEO of KMC Solutions. She’s always taking care of her three children, and seeing her so beautiful and dolled up like a professional fashion model that evening is a sight for the eyes.” 

Dipolog City heat index hits 47°C on May 14

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

May 14, 2023 07:59 PM

  

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The highest computed heat index on Sunday, May 14 was recorded in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA recorded Sunday’s highest heat index, or temperature as perceived by the human body, at 47 degrees Celsius (°C) around 3 p.m.

(PAGASA)

A heat index ranging from 42°C to 51°C indicates impending “danger,” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely,” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity,” PAGASA said.

Aside from Dipolog City, dangerous heat indices were also recorded on Sunday in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (43°C); Central Luzon State University, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Legazpi City, Albay (43°C); Masbate City, Masbate Legazpi City, Albay (43°C); Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City (43°C); Davao City, Davao del Sur (42°C); Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental (42°C); Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (42°C); Roxas City, Capiz (42°C); and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (42°C).

The highest heat index in the country so far this year was recorded on May 12 in Legazpi City, Albay at 50 °C.

In the next 24 hours, the intertropical convergence zone or ITCZ, a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, may cause rains in southern Mindanao, PAGASA said.

However, the rest of the country will continue to have hot and humid weather with possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

OCTA: Covid-19 positivity rate slightly up in Metro Manila; rates in 12 other Luzon areas ‘high’

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

May 14, 2023 09:08 PM

  

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The seven-day positivity rate for Covid-19 in Metro Manila has slightly increased, while several other areas in Luzon have registered “high” rates over the past week, OCTA Research said on Sunday, May 14.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said the positivity rate in Metro Manila rose slightly from 22.7 percent on May 6 to 25.4 percent on May 13, which is classified as “high” in OCTA’s metrics.

Covid-19 positivity rates in Metro Manila and Luzon provinces as of May 13, 2023 (OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David/Twitter)

David noted that high positivity rates were also observed in Bataan (from 12.5 percent on May 6 to 20.2 percent on May 13), Batangas (from 23.2 percent to 33.7 percent), Benguet (from 17.4 percent to 20.3 percent), Bulacan (from 20.1 percent to 25.2 percent), Camarines Sur (from 45.1 percent to 46.5 percent), Cavite (from 35.3 percent to 36.9 percent), Isabela (from 25.9 percent to 36.6 percent), Laguna (from 26.6 percent to 29.9 percent), Oriental Mindoro (from 10.5 percent to 29.5 percent), Pampanga (from 19 percent to 24.8 percent), Quezon (from 29.4 percent to 42.7 percent), and Rizal (from 38.8 percent to 44.4 percent).

The peak of the surge, particularly in Metro Manila, may occur "within one to two weeks," the OCTA fellow said on May 10.

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.

The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.

On May 14, the Department of Health reported 2,109 new Covid-19 cases across the country, of which 868 cases were recorded in Metro Manila.

David projected that the country may record 1,400 to 1,600 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, May 15.

He said the country’s current positivity rate is 23.4 percent, down slightly from 23.6 percent on May 13.

Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah Gravidez get beauty titles

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "I just want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you so much for all your love and support. Every year for the past few years has been so moving and so heartwarming and has been one of those driving factors that really kept me going and that really drove me to always want to become a better, bold, and more transformed self. So to all of you, thank you, thank you so much, daghang salamat!," Pauline said.

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Newly-crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2024 Krishnah Marie Gravidez (left)  and Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol (Photos by Annalyn Jusay)

Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx was named Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 while Miss Baguio Krishnah Gravidez is the new Miss Charm Philippines in a separate coronation ceremony held in Okada Manila in the early hours of Sunday.

The rites were held shortly after the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Coronation Night where Miss Makati City Michelle Dee was crowned as the winner.

Pauline, who was a pageant favorite and ran away with most of the competition's special awards prior, addressed her supporters.

The new Queens (from left): MUPh 2nd runner up Angelique Manto, Miss Charm  Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Supranational 2023 Pauline Amelinckx, and MUPh first runner-up Christine Opiaza.

"I just want to say from the bottom of my heart: thank you so much for all your love and support. Every year for the past few years has been so moving and so heartwarming and has been one of those driving factors that really kept me going and that really drove me to always want to become a better, bold, and more transformed self. So to all of you, thank you, thank you so much, daghang salamat!," Pauline said.

Krishna, on the other hand, thanked the Miss Universe Philippines organization for the opportunity given to her by joining the pageant. She said she experienced her first plane ride, her first private resort tour visiting Palawan, and stayed in the five-star Aqua Boracay as well.

Krishna was crowned by her predecessor Annabelle McDonnell who managed to land first runner-up at the Miss Charm 2023 finals in Vietnam.

The new queens with the pageant's official shoe designer Jojo Bragais

The two new queens were crowned at the same time that the MUPh after-party was held to celebrate the win of the new queen Michelle Dee of Makati City.

Attending were Miss Universe President Paula Shugart, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe director for charity Sam Versoza with girlfriend Rhian Ramos, Congresswoman Richelle Singson, and other personalities.