Outsmarting the know-it-all

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE should never dare to deceive God. In the gospel, there is a part where some leading Jews dared to trap Christ in his speech. (cfr. Mk 12,13-17) They asked if it was lawful to pay census tax to Caesar. 

Of course, Christ knew what was behind that question. He therefore asked them to show him a denarius. And since the image of Caesar was in that coin, he just dismissed the whole issue by telling them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” So, their “gotcha” question completely backfired.

The same thing happened when they accused Christ of casting out demons by the power of the ruler of demons. (cfr. Mk 3,22) That’s when Christ pointed out the inconsistency in their logic. “How can Satan drive out Satan?” he asked. “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mk 3,23-25)

Clearly, when one is driven by unbelief and hatred, his reasoning can go off the rails, even the simplest of logic is thrown out. We need to do everything to always strengthen our belief in God, the very cause, origin and pattern of unity amid the vast and increasing diversity and variety of elements we can have in this world.

Nowadays, we are seeing the intriguing phenomenon of asserting what is right and moral as wrong and immoral, and vice-versa. What is clearly an expression of true freedom is now called slavery, and vice-versa. What should clearly be considered as taboo is now regarded as a human right. The forms of self-contradictions go on and on.

To correct this situation or, at least, to deal properly with it, we need to take care and strengthen our belief and our charity. We cannot take this duty for granted, especially now when the world is sinking in confusion and error as it distances itself farther from God.

            

            In many places in the world today, people are now legalizing and inculturating outright immoralities and perversions, rationalizing them as part of their human rights, their freedom, or as a gesture of tolerance on a multiplicity of preferences, etc.

            

            This is a big challenge for all Christian believers who want to be all-the-way consistent with their faith and with humanity itself, for the issues at hand are not just a matter of a particular religion but rather that of our common humanity.

            

            And the Christian faith is not meant only for a few. It is for all, though it obviously is not meant to be imposed on everyone. It has to be accepted knowingly, freely, lovingly, that is, with charity.

Instead of responding to evil with evil, hatred with hatred, we should rather respond to evil with good, hatred with love. That way we turn things around, rather than plunge into the spiral of evil and hatred.

This was specifically articulated by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans where he said: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Rom 12,17-20)

We have to try our best to erase whatever disbelief, doubt or skepticism we can have as we consider this teaching, since most likely, our first and spontaneous reaction to it would precisely be those reactions.

Pagasa: Potential LPA may enter PAR Monday

(A cloud cluster is being monitored. This is the one expected to become a low pressure area and enter the Philippine area of responsibility. We will continue to monitor this because it is possible that today or tomorrow, this will become a certified low pressure area.)      

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau is monitoring two weather systems, one of which is a possible low pressure area (LPA) that may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Monday or Tuesday.  

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), one of the weather systems is already an LPA on the western side of  the country but is not expected to enter PAR. 

“Isa namang cloud cluster ang minomonitor natin sa kasalukuyan. Mas ito po ang expect natin maging low pressure area at pumasok sa Philippine area of responsibility. Patuloy natin itong imomonitor kasi posible po ngayong araw o bukas ito’y maging ganap na low pressure area,” said Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina. 

“Habagat” rain 

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon or “habagat” is forecast to trigger rain over western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan, said Pagasa. 

Pagasa added that Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.  

No gale warnings have been raised by Pagasa on Monday, but warned of possible flash floods and landslides in areas affected by rainfall.

Luzon

Metro Manila: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Baguio City: 16 to 23 degrees Celsius

Laoag City:  25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tuguegarao: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius

Legazpi City: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius

Puerto Princesa City: 25 to 31 degrees Celsius

Tagaytay: 22 to 30 degrees Celsius

Kalayaan Islands: 26 to 31 degrees Celsius

Visayas

Iloilo City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Cebu: 26 to 31 degrees Celsius

Tacloban City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Mindanao

Cagayan De Oro City: 25 to 31 degrees Celsius

Zamboanga City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Davao City: 24 to 33 degrees Celsius

NAIA Terminal 3 saddled with longer passenger queues

 Rudy Santos - The Philippine Star 

Passengers wait in line at the immigration area as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 services more international flight departures and arrivals.

MANILA, Philippines — Passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 are facing long lines at the immigration area, particularly during peak hours, as the gateway handles 143 departure and 144 arrival flights daily.

The Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said that for local air carriers, Cebu Pacific Airways operates 23 international destinations and 35 domestic flights while AirAsia Philippines operates 13 international flights each day at the NAIA Terminal 3.

In addition, 16 foreign airlines operate at the same terminal: All Nippon Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airlines, Emirates Air, United Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar Aisa/Japan, Scoot, Starlux Airlines, Jeju Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Thai Airways and Gulf Air.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed the increase in passengers coming through Terminal 3 and, in order to cope, it has maximized manpower and adjusted the number of open lanes as needed.

“We have likewise resumed posting updates on social media of our operations during weekends and holidays, for the guidance and convenience of the traveling public,” Sandoval said.

She also assured the public that BI is committed to providing seamless and efficient border management. “There is a move by the Manila International Airport Authority to add immigration counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to ease long lines of passengers, especially counters for overseas Filipino workers,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MIAA have jointly submitted a proposal for the NAIA-solicited Public Private Partnership project to the National Economic and Development Authority Board for approval.

The project aims to enhance NAIA’s capacity, improve passenger experience and ensure safe operations by requiring an interested private concessionaire to invest in modern air traffic control equipment, rehabilitate runways and taxiways and improve existing terminal facilities.

Pagasa sees 10 to 15 cyclones this year amid El Niño

By Arlie O. Calalo

June 5, 2023 10

The El Niño phenomenon is likely to occur late this month or by July but some areas in the country, particularly Luzon including Metro Manila, may experience above normal rainfall conditions, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Monday.

The weather bureau said that 10 to 15 tropical cyclones may enter or form within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from June to October this year.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the onset of the wet season does not mean that there would be rain all the time during this period.

"We have this what we call monsoon breaks wherein we can experience cloudy but hot weather due to the absence of the southwest monsoon," Estareja said.

He said that despite the onset of El Niño, which leads to dry spells and droughts, some areas may also have above normal rainfall.

"In fact during the third quarter of the year, it is possible that the country will experience strong typhoons and heavy rainfall and only on the last months of the year and first quarter of 2024 that we may experience less rainfall," the Pagasa forecaster said.

El Niño is a weather condition characterized by unusually warmer than average sea surface temperatures at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.

Citing Pagasa's monitoring track, Estareja said some of the tropical cyclones may make landfall in Luzon and Visayas while others may enhance the southwest monsoon specifically in the western part of the country.

In the next 24 hours, the weather agency said the southwest monsoon will affect the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan will likely have overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

The southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms, meanwhile, will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpour and thunderstorms may be experienced, the weather bureau said.

Cong Duterte facilitates cash-for-work payouts for over 3,000 Davao folk

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 5, 2023 01:35 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Over 3,000 Davao City folk receive their payouts from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, thanks to the action of the office of 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte.

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Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte

Carpenters, laborers, shine boys, street vendors, unemployed residents, senior citizens, and victims of fire incidents.

These were among the over 3,000 people who received payouts for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Davao City, as facilitated by the office of 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte.

As per Duterte's office, a total of 5,430 individuals applied for TUPAD, which is a program of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE). The agency conducts the assessment after the profiling of applicants is completed by the first congressional district office.

The payout distribution began Friday, June 2, and is ongoing. A total of 3,422 individuals have already received their payouts.

Their salaries are pegged at minimum wage.

Duterte's office and the DOLE–Davao have long been partners in assisting thousands of impoverished residents through the TUPAD program.

TUPAD is a cash-for-work program for displaced individuals with limited employment opportunities or those who only work seasonally. It provides immediate assistance to its beneficiaries for at least 10 days, and a maximum of 30 days, depending on the specific job requirements.

The beneficiaries were given opportunities by the government in various community improvement projects, including tree-planting, gardening, canal de-clogging, and refurbishment of tourist attractions.

Duterte himself has committed to aiding individuals who require assistance, while DOLE has ensured the continuity of the TUPAD program.

Duterte, a former House deputy speaker, is on his second term as a congressman.

He is the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Angelica Lopez: From Palawan to the international stage

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 5, 2023 08:25 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."

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Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez from Palawan wearing a gown by Louie Pangilinan

More than a week after being crowned, Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez can only look back at that epic moment when her life changed.

She never thought that she could win  Bb. Pilipinas  International because she was not a  "hot pick"  of pageant experts for the said title.  Her hopes were dashed when Anna Valencia Lakrini was first called the new Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023. Desperation turned to surprise when Angelica heard her name announced after that.

"I was hopeless na po that time because the hot picks put me as a possible winner for Miss Globe.  I was made to believe I'm not the type of girl who can compete for Miss International because (this pageant) was looking for a white-skinned girl with a Barbie face. But I'm so happy that the judges were able to see how good my performance was," the dusky beauty from Palawan remarked.

The 22-year-old Angelica is well aware of some people's reactions after she was crowned.

"A lot of people tell me that I'm not good enough, that I'm too exaggerated when it comes to my pasarela, and that I'm not a good fit for Miss International. I believe these criticisms will not help me grow. I need positive vibes every day so, as much as possible, I ignore these people. I know who I am,"  she stressed.

Angelica competed in September of last year for Miss Asia Global 2022 held in Penang, Malaysia. She emerged first runner-up. Prior to this, she was in the Top 16 of Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

Angelica turned introspective when she recalled this time in her life.  " Losing is always sad but I believe it's part of the journey. If you experience defeat, you should not linger in that situation too long  because it will only hold you back from appreciating the present and what the future holds."

The Bb. Pilipinas 2023 court (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, 2nd runner-up; Bb. Pilipinas Globe Anna Valencia Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez; and Katrina Anne Johnson, 1st runner-up

Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."

She believes all the training primed her to be in top form for the Bb. Pilipinas finals.

"I feel grateful to have won. It takes a lot of practice and hard work just to come to this point in my life, It was so hard. There were many challenges along the way but it's really God that's my source of strength. I owe to Him every victory that I have," she noted.

Angelica has come a long way from being the simple girl who never got complimented for her looks.  Her late mother was her first cheerleader, telling her that she had good skin and was beautiful in her own way. Angelica was only 14 when she was approached by one of her mentors to join a pageant because she had "potential."

"I eventually loved to be in the pageant industry. Before, it was only an avenue for me to help my mother. Later on, I realized it's more than just earning money. It's a way to help the causes that you care about. It's also a good avenue for inspiring other people and that's what I'm doing right now,"  narrated  Angelica, who is also the ambassadress of Alima Philippines, a non-profit organization helping the less fortunate.

Because she expects to compete in 2024 yet for Miss International, Angelica hopes for a long reign filled with activities. She also dreams that opportunities will open for her someday in show business as she really loves to sing.

"I learned how to work when I was very young so when it comes to work, I'm always excited. Even if the call time is early in the morning, I don't hesitate to say yes!" Angelica enthused.

20 lovely girls vie for Miss Manila 2023

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Jun 4, 2023 10:23 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This year's official candidates are: Jean Maxene Asay (Intramuros), Sheryl Ann Azucena (Ugbo Tondo), Bea Cecilio (Otis Pandacan), Shane Clamor (Zamora Pandacan), Hannah Therese Cruz (Sampaloc), Anna Carres de Mesa (Sta. Mesa), Leah Lei Gerosanib (Don Bosco Tondo), Charlyn Anne Icban (Blumentritt), Princess Keith Venus Lagata (Balut Tondo), Gabrielle Lantzer (Malate), Allaine Nuez (Punta, Sta. Ana), Angela Okol (Paco), Karen Nicole Piccio (Pureza Sta. Mesa), Rethy Rosa (Maceda Sampaloc), Charmaine Salazar (Padre Faura), Juvyel Anne Saluta (Pandacan), Francine Tajanlangit (Roxas Boulevard), Julie Tarrayo (Sta. Cruz), Rycca Timog (Tayuman), and Ma. Theresa Villamor (Baseco Port Area).

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The 20 official candidates of the Miss Manila 2023 beauty pageant

Twenty lovely Manileñas will compete for the title of Miss Manila at the Metropolitan Theater on June 23, at 7 p.m.

This year's official candidates are: Jean Maxene Asay (Intramuros), Sheryl Ann Azucena (Ugbo Tondo), Bea Cecilio (Otis Pandacan), Shane Clamor (Zamora Pandacan), Hannah Therese Cruz (Sampaloc), Anna Carres de Mesa (Sta. Mesa), Leah Lei Gerosanib (Don Bosco Tondo), Charlyn Anne Icban (Blumentritt), Princess Keith Venus Lagata (Balut Tondo), Gabrielle Lantzer (Malate), Allaine Nuez (Punta, Sta. Ana), Angela Okol (Paco), Karen Nicole Piccio (Pureza Sta. Mesa), Rethy Rosa (Maceda Sampaloc), Charmaine Salazar (Padre Faura), Juvyel Anne Saluta (Pandacan), Francine Tajanlangit (Roxas Boulevard), Julie Tarrayo (Sta. Cruz), Rycca Timog (Tayuman), and Ma. Theresa Villamor (Baseco Port Area).

They were presented to the members of the press during a special presentation held at the Rizal Park Hotel last June 3.

At the end of the presentation, Okol was named Darling of the Press, as chosen by members of the pageant and entertainment press.

More than 50 beautiful women were screened to be part of this year’s edition, but only 20 candidates officially received their sashes from Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, and Charlie Dungo, Director of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila at the Bulwagang Villegas located in historic Manila City Hall last May 15.

The battle for the prestigious title is not an easy path for the delegates since they will undergo various pre-pageant activities such as masterclasses in Pasarela under Rodgil Flores, founder of pageant camp Kagandahang Flores, makeup with celebrity make-up artist Lala Flores, and a masterclass in question and answer.

The grand coronation of the prestigious pageant will be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, with a special performance from Power Diva and proud Manileña, Angeline Quinto who sang the Miss Manila theme song. Rapper Kritiko and Filipino violinist Jo Bry Cimafranca will also perform during the pageant.

Miss Manila is presented by the City of Manila, Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts of Manila, Kreativden Entertainment, and co-presented by the Philippine Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and San Miguel Corporation.

Minor sponsors are SM, Arca, and partnerships with Jag, EW Villa Medica Manila, Metrophoto, Metropolitan Theater, and the Rizal Park Hotel.

“Miss Manila: Woman of Worth is a project of the City of Manila to look for a Manileña that embodies the values of empowerment and leadership to deliver meaningful contributions to her life and to her fellow Manilans.”

After five long years, the Miss Manila beauty pageant returns as part of the culminating event of the Araw ng Maynila celebration.

Angela Okol of Paco, Manila wins Darling of the Press. Also in photo is Charlie Dungo, Director of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila

“What is it like to be Miss Manila? Dapat po ang Miss Manila should be true to herself. She has to love herself first before she can love others.

“She should embody the traits of the true Manilenya. And she should be a strong advocate for all of the rights of all women. Yan po ang traits ng isang tunay na Manilenya.

“In other words, dapat po ang isang Manilenya ay may wow factor. Woman of worth. Siya po ay isang true leader, isang nurturer and a changemaker,” said Mayor Honey.

The mayor also took pride in the rich history of the local government of Manila when it comes to pageantry, saying that the city was the first venue for a pageant in the country in 1908.

“Ito po ay ginanap sa Luneta. And the very first Miss Carnival was from Iloilo. She is Pura Villanueva Kalaw. She’s also an activist, a writer. She also worked for suffrage which gave women the chance to vote.

“After so many years, the third Manila Carnival Queen hailed from Manila who happens to be the daughter of Pura Villanueva Kalaw, Maria Kalaw Katigbak. She was born in Sampaloc. Siya po ang nag-iisang babaeng senador noong panahon na yun.

“It just goes to show that pageantry is not all about beauty. It’s more of kung ano talaga ang worth ng isang babae. Kapag sila ay naging Carnival Queen, sila ay kilala na bilang Miss Manila. In 1998, sinimulan na ang Miss Manila pageant dito sa aming lungsod during the time of former Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

“Then it ran for a couple of years. It was relaunched by former Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada in 2014. Because of the pandemic, walang naganap na Miss Manila. So here we are re-launching the Miss Manila 2023,” Mayor Honey also recalled.

Miss Manila is a project of the City of Manila to look for a Manileña that embodies the values of empowerment and leadership to deliver meaningful contributions to her life and to her fellow Manilans.

Asked if there were many women of worth in Manila, Lacuna said: “Sa Manila po hindi mahirap hanapin ang woman of worth. Hindi naman po sa pagbubuhat ng bangko, sa panahon po ngayon, malaki na po ang pagtingin ng mga Manilenyo sa mga babae. Isa pong patunay nito ang nang nahalal ang isang babaeng mayor ng City of Manila.”

(In Manila, it’s not hard to find a woman of worth. Nowadays, the people of Manila have a high regard for women. One proof of this is when a woman was elected mayor of the city of Manila.)

In May 2022, Mayor Honey made history after she was proclaimed the first woman mayor of Manila.

Alex Eala wins W25 Yecla tourney

 BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala outlasted Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser, 6-3, 7-5, to clinch the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla tournament in Spain Sunday, June 4.

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Alex Eala outlasted Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser, 6-3, 7-5, to clinch the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla tournament in Spain Sunday, June 4.

Alex Eala wins her third pro title in Spain. (File Photo/Alex Eala's Facebook)

The second-seeded Eala attacked on all angles to overcome Ryser’s resilient plays en route to winning her first pro title this year.

Overall, it was Eala’s third pro crown since winning the W15 Manacor in 2021 and W25 Chiang Rai in 2022.

The 18-year-old world No. 266 Filipina standout threaded through the eye of the needle in the event after having to go through three deciding matches.

She opened up with a hard-fought 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Great Britain’s Katy Dunne, while also needing an extra set in dispatching France’s Nahia Berecoechea, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, in the second round.

Eala cruised into her quarterfinal match against Mexico’s Victoria Rodriguez, 6-1, 6-3, before surviving the ferocious plays of Argentina’s Lucia Peyre in the semis, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES - Dancing In SULU With Tausugs (BecomingFilipino)

*** YOU MUST CONTACT SULU PROVINCIAL TOURISM BEFORE THINKING OF TRAVELING TO THIS PART OF THE PHILIPPINES. I WILL NEVER FORGET DAYS AND MOMENTS LIKE THIS IN THE PHILIPPINES... On our last day in Jolo, Sulu, myself and Usec Myra hopped onto a local "Kuway Kuway" and took off down the road. This local style tricycle is actually very easy to ride, and so much fun! It was such a beautiful experience getting to know the streets of Jolo like this. After a courtesy call with the Mayor, I headed to the capital building for what was one of the most incredible performances I have ever seen... And a part of! The Pusakah Cultural Troupe are Tausug youth who aim to showcase the significance of culture and tradition in terms of dance and music thru Pangalay. And wow, did they ever do so! It was beyond beautiful, beyond powerful... with every movement you could feel the emotion, passion, and strength. Sitting here writing about it now, I still get "chills". This is my last day in Jolo, Sulu, full of beautiful moments with Tausugs. POWER ON!

A taste of Europe: Distinct food, diverse cultures delight Filipinos in ‘Euro Village’

BY KHRISCIELLE YALAO

Jun 4, 2023 09:24 AM

  

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Have you ever wanted to eat authentic Belgian waffles, wander around Copenhagen, or learn the romance languages like French and Italian? The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Philippines brought these experiences to Filipinos through the “Euro Village” cultural festival.

The Euro Village, held from June 3 to 4 at the Pasig City Capitol Commons, was a one-stop shop for citizens to have a taste of Europe by eating each of the countries’ staple snacks, meals, and drinks; discovering learning opportunities through educational institutions; and exploring other cultural aspects of countries within the EU.

(Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

The weekend-long event, organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines, led by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron, in partnership with EU member states, embassies, and organizations, opened its doors to the public for free on Saturday, June 3.

Ambassadors Michel Parys of Belgium, Jana Sediva of Czech Republic, Titanilla Toth of Hungary, Marielle Geraedts, Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim and Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz of Poland, along with other representatives from the EU embassies and consuls, graced the village's opening ceremony.

Lone City Representative Roman Romulo and City Administrator Atty. Geronimo Manzanero attended the event on behalf of the Pasig City local government.

This is the first ever Euro Village festival in the Philippines.

Flavors of Europe

Booths offered food and beverages, clothing items, and souvenirs, highlighting each country's signature products.

Upon entering the village, visitors were greeted with the sweet smell of freshly cooked, authentic waffles from Belgium. Belgian ice cream and savory fries were also sold at their booth.

Aside from selling bottles of Danish Cocio chocolate milk drinks and other snacks, the Denmark booth also offered visitors a chance to simulate the experience of biking on the roads of Copenhagen through virtual reality (VR). A stationary bicycle was also used by participants for a more immersive VR experience.

The Czech Republic booth offered individual or group deals as it sold the country’s famous Pilsner Urquell beer.

The Netherlands booth presented its unique pastries, namely stroopwafel (flat waffle-like cookies), and the poffertjes (Dutch mini pancakes).

Poland showcased two of its well-known beverage brands — Royal Apple, selling organic and fresh apple juices; and Mlekovita, with variants of cow’s milk and other dairy products.

Visitors wander through the booths at the Euro Village in Pasig City on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

Romania gave free samples of two of their popular pastries, including the cozonac (Romanian raisin bread or walnut roll), and covrigi (Romanian pretzels).

The Germany booth presented its aromatic German coffee, an assortment of wheat breads and rye, along with the flammekueche (flatbread or pizza).

French pastries such as croissants, cinnamon or raisin swirls, crepes, and torsades (custard or chocolate twists) were also sold.

Amid the abundance of sweet options, the Hungary booth offered more savory delicacies with its authentic smokey Hungarian sausages. The Italy booth served customers signature Italian pastas and wines.

A special booth was also installed for Ukraine by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Manila. The inclusion of the country in the Euro Village “signified the EU’s solidarity during these challenging times of Russian aggression and occupation.”

“We are honored to showcase Ukrainian products and culture, standing alongside them in their struggle,” said Amb. Veron.

Another booth was also dedicated to acquiring information about the EU as a socio-political and economic institution.

Language, sports

Along with the food, each country also gave country guides, booklets and pamphlets, detailing their tourism programs and brief primers on their history and culture.

The village also featured a language center where visitors could inquire about the services offered by language institutions. Booths for the Philippine Italian Association, Goethe-Institut Philippinen, Alliance française, and Instituto Cervantes were open to those wishing to learn Italian, German, French, and Spanish, respectively.

More athletic visitors were also given the chance to try teqball, a sport invented in Hungary that combines elements of sepak takraw and table tennis. Demonstrations were made by members of the Teqball Federation of the Philippines.

Teqball demonstrations at the Euro Village in Pasig City on June 3, 2023. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

In keeping with the event’s motif, visitors were encouraged to sign up for a “digital passport,”  where they could collect stamps by participating in activities or purchasing items available at each country's booth. A prize was given to those who collected all 20 stamps.

Sustainability

Fulfilling the EU’s commitments to sustainability and the green economy, the village also partnered with many environmental companies to “minimize waste and plastic usage, setting an example for responsible event management,” said Veron.

Among their affiliated partners were SACHI-Group Inc., EcoNest PH, Sentinel Upcycling Technologies, SoilMate by the SoilMate Collective and World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines, SOS Philippines, Green Space, and Food Rescue.

Trash bins for recyclables like pet bottles, beer or glass bottles, and beer or metal cans were utilized for proper waste segregation. All purchased items were also placed in paper bags or ecobags.

EU-PH cultural exchange

Euro Village served as an introduction to the wider public of the diversity that exists within European countries, as a way of strengthening the cultural exchange and ties between the EU and the Philippines.

“This event truly represents a melting pot of European cultures, highlighting cultural connectivity and shared values that have nurtured our relationship with the Philippines,” Veron remarked.

EU and other European embassy officials, along with Pasig City government officers, at the welcome arc, formally opening the Euro Village on June 3, 2023 in Pasig City. (Photo by Khriscielle Yalao / MANILA BULLETIN)

Euro Village was part of the EU’s celebration of Europe Day last May 9, which marked the anniversary of the declaration establishing the EU itself.

“We extend this celebration to the Filipino public, embracing the opportunity to share the richness of European cultures,” he added.

The ambassador also announced that the Euro Village is one of the activities included in the EU’s countdown to the 60th anniversary of EU-Philippines diplomatic relations that will begin in early 2024.

Filipinos can expect “wide-ranging programs and activities that we plan to ignite the spirit of camaraderie and deepen the bonds between our nations. This milestone signifies the enduring partnership and shared values that shaped and will continue to shape our relationships over the years,” said the ambassador.

Rep. Romulo and Atty. Manzanero urged their Pasig City constituents to take the opportunity to immerse and revel in the activities in the festival.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us Filipinos and the various nations in the EU to have a good people-to-people relationship. We all know that when we talk about the EU, it’s always government and politics. We have an opportunity to see how our friends in Europe live – their food, culture, the sports that they have,” said Rep. Romulo.

“The Euro Village represents the true meaning of unity and diversity, showcasing distinct heritage and rich flavors of each EU nation,” Atty. Manzanero added.