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Thursday, August 17, 2023
Winds of incredible speed are raging in Germany! The worst storm in Brandenburg
“Where I’m coming from”
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
THAT’S the usual line many people use when they want to justify their reaction and even their attitude and behavior of anger, if not of hatred or despair, toward a certain person or event.
They usually say that they were mistreated, misunderstood or prejudged, etc., and so they feel they are entitled to react that way. Things get worse when such reaction and behavior become extreme and permanent, forming all sorts of prejudices, biases and closed-mindedness. We have to be most wary of this danger.
We naturally have our initial and spontaneous reactions to anything that can happen in our life. We can hardly control them. They are quite raw. They are reflex reactions that definitely need to be purified and set in their proper context of our real dignity as persons and children of God.
We just have to realize that while our reactions are always shaped somehow by some immediate or proximate causes, in the end our reactions need to reflect that we all come from God and should reflect the attitude, reactions and behavior that God has toward all of us who have our share of defects, limitations and sins themselves.
That’s simply because we are God’s image and likeness. How God is, as shown to us and empowered in us by Christ in the Spirit, should also be how we ought to be. We are reminded of this important aspect of our life in that gospel episode where Peter asked Christ how many times he should forgive a brother who had offended him. (cfr. Mt 18,21-19,1)
Christ responded by talking about a certain servant-debtor whose huge debt was forgiven because he appealed to the king. The king eventually forgave his loan out of compassion. But when this servant-debtor could not forgive another servant of his loan, the king punished that servant-debtor severely.
“You wicked servant!” the king said, “I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?” We should learn how to be always forgiving of others just as we all need forgiveness from God.
Let’s remember that with God, mercy has the last word. It is the highest form of charity as shown very vividly by Christ who, while still hanging on the cross, offered forgiveness to those who crucified him.
We have to make a shout-out for the need to develop in us the virtue of mercy so we can be forgiving of everyone, irrespective of whether one deserves it or not. Christ gave a clear indication of this need: “Forgive and you shall be forgiven.” (Lk 6,37) He reiterated this injunction when he said: “For if you will forgive men their offences, you heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your offences.” (Mt 6,14-14)
It’s clear therefore that we can only be forgiven if we also forgive others. This injunction is meant for everyone, and not only for a few whom we may consider to be religiously inclined. That’s why when asked how many times we should forgive, he said not only seven times, but seventy times seven, meaning always.
Being forgiving even to the most undeserving person is the highest form of charity precisely because charity is always a gift. The more gratuitously given it is, the more charity grows in us. The more we become Christ-like, God-like.
Pia Wurtzbach to launch book at MIBF 2023
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
During the launch to be hosted by Tuttle Publishing and ABS CBN Books, Wurtzbach is expected to share her experiences on writing her first book, and autograph copies for the first 250 buyers. Customers who purchased signed copies from Fully Booked are the ones eligible to join the meet and greet event.
Pia Wurtzbach
Pia Wurtzbach will be a special guest at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on Sept. 14, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Wurtzbach will be joining the opening ceremonies at 10:00 am and have the first public launch of her novel “Queen of the Universe” at 6:30 pm of the same day.
During the launch to be hosted by Tuttle Publishing and ABS CBN Books, Wurtzbach is expected to share her experiences on writing her first book, and autograph copies for the first 250 buyers. Customers who purchased signed copies from Fully Booked are the ones eligible to join the meet and greet event.
Wurtzbach is an entrepreneur, advocate, and global media personality crowned Miss Universe in 2015. She has built her brand & business empire across beauty, fashion, food, and lifestyle working with some of the world's largest companies and building an audience of over 20 million on social media. She passionately advocates for gender equality and mental health, supporting leading charities UNAIDS & UNICEF, launching her female empowerment network Between Us Queens, and giving motivational talks for Tedx.
Wurtzbach is one of only a handful of Filipinos to have a book published for international release. Outside the country, “Queen of the Universe” will be available in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as launch later this year in Australia, UAE, United States, and the United Kingdom.
The Tuttle Publishing Company, founded in 1832, is one of the oldest American publishers in operation today. It is the world's largest publisher of books on Asia covering Asian culture, history and art including books on the Philippines and by Filipino authors.
Wurtzbach’s’s literary agent ABS-CBN Books is best known as the publisher of titles from bestselling authors such as the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Alex Gonzaga, Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, Charo Santos-Concio, Vice Ganda and most recently, Binibing Mia. “Queen of the Universe” is ABS-CBN Books’ first international deal.
The MIBF, which will run from September 14-17 is the Philippines’ biggest and longest-running book fair with an average of over 100,000 attendees every year. A haven for book lovers, it features the biggest selection of discounted books and educational needs. The book fair will also have author signings, book launches, seminars, book awards, and a lot more.
Organized by Primetrade Asia Inc, in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Booksellers Association of the Philippines (PBAI) and Overseas Publishers' Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP), the MIBF is a celebration of the written word, with a host of special activities made especially for book lovers of all persuasions. For inquiries, call 8896-0682 or 8373-3301, e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com, or follow @ManilaBookFair on Facebook and Instagram.
DOLE releases pay guidelines for Aug. 21, Aug. 28 holidays
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BY MANILA BULLETIN
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released the regulations that would be applied in the payment of salaries of workers in two holidays scheduled in August.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma signed the Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2023 which stipulated the proper computation of workers’ salaries for these holidays.
The following pay guidelines were provided by the labor department for the special non-working day on Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day:
If the employee does not work the “no work no pay” principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable policy in the company;
For work done during the special day, an additional 30 percent of the basic salary on the first eight hours of work;
For work done more than eight hours, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day;
For work done during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 50 percent of the basic salary on the first eight hours of work;
For work done more than eight hours during the special day that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day.
On the other hand, Employees who would report for work on Aug. 28, National Heroes Day, are entitled to 200 percent of their pay for the first eight hours, according to the DOLE.
The following guidelines will also be implemented on Aug. 28:
the employee would not report for work, the employer shall pay 100 percent of the employee’s salary for that day;
For work done during the regular holiday, the employee is entitled to receive a total of 200 percent of the employee’s salary;
For work done more than eight hours, the employee shall receive an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day;
For work done during the regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employee is entitled to receive an additional 30 percent of the basic salary of 200 percent;
For work done more than eight hours during the regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employee is entitled to receive an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day. (Nicole Magmanlac)
Comedy Fest at Hard Rock Café Manila on Aug. 24
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
Aug 16, 2023 08:43 PM
Kakai Bautista
Live entertainment at Hard Rock Café takes a “comedic” turn on Aug. 24 with some of today’s funniest stand-up comedians- Kakai Bautista, Kitkat, Brod Pete (Isko Salvador). They’d be joined by Nina Holmes, who will provide musical numbers with her band. Showtime is 8 pm.
Brod Pete
Kitkat
Nina Holmes
Swing by Hard Rock Cafe Conrad for this "Comedy Fest". Prepare to laugh aloud and have a great time!
Reserve seats for Aug. 24 via (02) 89909809. The rate is P1500 per head, inclusive of a beverage. Follow @hardrockcafemanila.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Marcos pushes pay hike for teachers
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By Kristina Maralit and Niña Myka Pauline Arceo
August 15, 2023 370
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to find ways to increase the salaries of teachers.
The presidential directive is on top of the pay hike already mandated by the Salary Standardization Law.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte confirmed the directive in an interview following the "Brigada Eskwela" activities of the DepEd at the Victorino Mapa High School in Barangay San Miguel, Manila, where Marcos was also present.
"We have increases based on the Salary Standardization Law, that is in tranches every year. And when we took over last year, President Marcos ordered a study not just on the yearly increase but the long-term outlook on how to implement increases to the salary of teaching and non-teaching DepEd personnel," Duterte said.
"So, we are waiting for the result of that study which states the increases, and it also contains the comparison of inflation and the economic indicators ... forecast of economic indicators in the coming years," she said.
Increasing teachers' salaries was one of Marcos' campaign promises.
He also vowed to address other pressing concerns of the education sector, such as the lack of school facilities and rundown classrooms, especially in remote areas, and the slow-paced upskilling of teachers and literacy-challenged students.
The President hopes to address the last two issues through the Education department's new "Matatag Curriculum," as it is a significant program that will benefit not just Filipino learners but educators as well.
"This is very significant because ... we are trying to fix the curriculum to be a good fit to the needs of the Filipino youth," he said in the same interview.
He reiterated that the Matatag curriculum will also strengthen the country's "international score," especially when it comes to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
He noted that the revised curriculum will give students the chance to choose between vocational or technical training after finishing 10th grade in the present academic year.
The Matatag Curriculum aims to "decongest" the current K to 12 curriculum by reducing the number of competencies.
It is more focused on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills for kindergarten to Grade 3.
The President also said he is discussing with DepEd officials and other stakeholders proposals to revert the opening of classes to the pre-pandemic schedule.
He said a thorough study has to be made to determine which schedule would be most beneficial to students and teachers.
The President said the administration has no preference and is only looking at what is best for Filipino learners.
The government is also looking to improve the salaries, allowances and other benefits of other government employees.
In a statement on Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said P48 million has been drawn from this year's budget of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) to fund an in-depth study of the government's Compensation and Position Classification System.
"This is intended to encourage our fellow citizens to join the government sector and also to motivate our existing employees to remain in government service and perform diligently and effectively," Pangandaman said.
The Department of Budget and Management has earmarked P1.368 billion in the proposed fiscal year 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) to raise the uniform allowance by P1,000 for over 1.3 million state employees.
The department was said to be conducting a simultaneous evaluation of the different benefits granted within various tiers of public service, to ascertain if modifications are necessary.
In January, the final portion of salary raises for government employees was put into effect. The increase is mandated by Republic Act 11466, or the "Salary Standardization Law of 2019."
Under RA 11466, the salary for government workers will be carried out in four phases, spanning fiscal years 2020 to 2023.
Casiguran, Aurora sizzles with 60°C heat index on Aug. 14
BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ
Aug 14, 2023 07:00 PM
The heat index, or temperature as perceived by the body, reached 60 degrees Celsius (°C) in Casiguran, Aurora on Monday, Aug. 14, based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
For the fourth day in a row, PAGASA has recorded extremely dangerous heat indices in Casiguran: 53°C on Aug. 11, 53°C on Aug. 12, 59°C on Aug. 13, and 60°C on Aug. 14.
A heat index above 52°C indicates “extreme danger” because “heat stroke is imminent,” PAGASA said.
In addition to Casiguran, 16 other areas on Monday experienced “dangerous” heat indices: Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (45°C); NAIA, Pasay City (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (43°C); Baler, Aurora (43°C); Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (43°C); Alabat, Quezon (43°C); Daet, Camarines Norte (43°C); Virac, Catanduanes (43°C); Roxas City, Capiz (43°C); Calayan, Cagayan (42°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (42°C); Sangley Point, Cavite (42°C); and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C).
PAGASA said 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.”
In the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” may continue to bring scattered light to occasional heavy rains to Palawan, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Monday, August 14, 2023
Blending the different aspects of our life
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
IT’S a skill and art that we need to develop. We cannot deny that we have different aspects of our life that can be competing and conflicting, and we should just learn how to blend them as best that we could into some meaningful unity and consistency.
Our life involves both the material and the spiritual, the temporal and the eternal, the short-term and the long-term, the here-and-now and the last things, the biological, social, cultural, historical, economic, political aspects, etc. We have to learn how to orchestrate them together so as to lead us to our ultimate goal, which is to be with God in heaven.
We are reminded of this need in that gospel episode where Christ already talked about how he was going to end his life and complete his mission here on earth, and then later he was asked about whether he had to pay taxes. (cfr. Mt 17,22-27)
Pursuing this need for consistency and unity of life should be an abiding concern for all of us. Even if we have to contend with many aspects and dimensions of our life, it is only one life that each of us has, not two or three. And thus, to build and keep our unity of life is a daily task of ours. We can neglect it only to our own serious risk and damage.
We can manage to have this consistency and unity of life if we identify ourselves with Christ. Let’s remember what Christ said so clearly. He is the vine, we are the branches. We can only have life, let alone consistency and fruitfulness in our life, if we are united to him. Outside of him, we can only expect death, inconsistency and sterility.
Yes, only in and with Christ can we have the real principle of unity and fruitfulness in our life. We would be fooling ourselves if we fail to recognize this basic truth about ourselves.
This, of course, is a truth of faith, not so much of science. And that’s where the problem lies. There is a crisis of faith in the world, especially involving those who rely more on their human abilities than on belief in Christ.
We have to correct that predicament by realizing more deeply that our life is supposed to be a life with God since not only are we one of his creatures, but a creature that is meant to be his image and likeness. We are meant to be like God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. That’s how we can have consistency and unity of life.
We have to reiterate the truth that we need Christ who is our “way, truth and life” with God to have a solid, genuine unity of life and an unwavering focus even in the midst of so many things in our life.
We just have to learn how to strengthen our relation with Christ, overcoming our natural awkwardness and difficulties, knowing how to pray, studying and assimilating the doctrine, availing of the sacraments, rectifying our intentions, developing the virtues, observing proper priorities, etc.
We need to be more aware of our duty to establish, build up and strengthen the unity in our life. We only have one life, made up of many parts, aspects, stages and levels, and subject to all sorts of conditions, big and small, favorable and unfavorable, etc. The challenge is how to put all these things together in harmony.
Sunday, August 13, 2023
🔴TRAVEL UPDATE: BI ADVISORY FOR ENTRY AND EXIT GUIDELINES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
TRAVEL ADVISORY
Please be guided accordingly.
__________________________________________
✅Important thing to do the when traveling to the Philippines:
🔴BI eService Portal
➡ https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/
🔴SRRV Information
➡ https://pra.gov.ph/srrv/
🔴eTravel Portal
➡ https://etravel.gov.ph/
🔴 13A Visa Process
➡ 
• 🔴THIS IS THE ACTUAL PROCESS OF THE 13...
• 🔴THIS IS THE ACTUAL PROCESS OF THE 13... 24 Oras is the most watched TV program across the Philippines
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
Aug 12, 2023 08:38 PM
AT A GLANCE
Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that 24 Oras is still the most watched TV program for Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023 in Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural). It recorded a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people rating of 14.9 percent.
In less than a year since its relaunch as a dynamic multi-platform and mega news organization, GMA Integrated News has cemented its position as the ‘News Authority ng Filipino.’
Its flagship newscast, 24 Oras, continues to be the viewers’ choice for the latest news, breaking stories, as well as the biggest events here and abroad.
Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement show that 24 Oras is still the most watched TV program for Jan. 1 to July 31, 2023 in Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural). It recorded a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people rating of 14.9 percent.
Further, 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend tallied a combined (GMA/GTV/IHM) people net reach of 84 percent or 65 million viewers in Total Philippines.
Anchored by Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil, 24 Oras continues to uphold the tenets of journalism and deliver truthful, balanced, and credible news and information, as well as top-notch public service to Filipinos wherever they may be.
Providing 24 Oras viewers the latest entertainment news and updates is “Chika Minute” segment host Iya Villana-Arellano. The public also discovers new knowledge and stories behind phenomena with Kuya Kim Atienza’s trivia segment, “#KuyaKimAnoNa.”
With GMA Integrated News’ launch of the “GMA Integrated News Weather Center,” 24 Oras introduced Maureen Schrijvers as its weather presenter to deliver weather news and updates weeknights.
24 Oras continues to evolve amid the changing landscape of journalism and news consumption. Earlier this month, it launched its latest segment, “Game Changer” with GMA Synergy sportscaster Martin Javier featuring the latest trends and new discoveries on fitness, lifestyle, technology, and anything that can change the pace of everyday life.
24 Oras Weekend, on the other hand, is anchored by Ivan Mayrina and Pia Arcangel and airs Saturdays and Sundays.
With GMA Integrated News’ roster of award-winning anchors and reporters, 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend also draw viewers to become inspired, moved, and socially involved through various feature stories and special reports.
Some of these stories include the exposes on the alleged killing of high-profile inmates at the Bilibid as well as the special series “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” (The Climate Change Threat Series).
Last July, GMA Integrated News was conferred the “Pambansang Balita Award” at the Hiraya Awards 2023 for the said series on climate change. “Banta ng Nagbabagong Klima” sheds light on the impact of extreme weather conditions, deforestation, and the displacement of communities.
At the 2023 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, 24 Oras won “Best TV News Program,” with Vicky Morales taking home the “Female News Anchor of the Year” award.
Meanwhile, Mel Tiangco was conferred the “Gandingan ng Kababaihan” at the 17th UP BroadSoc Gandingan Awards. She also received the “JPL Lifetime Achievement Award” at The Golden Laurel: The Batangas Province Media Awards 2023.
GMA Integrated News also took home the “Journalism of the Year for TV News Reporting” distinction at this year’s Rotary Club of Manila’s Pro Patria Journalism Awards.
Catch 24 Oras weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and 24 Oras Weekend on weekends at 5:30 p.m. on GMA with simulcast on GTV, I Heart Movies, and Pinoy Hits.
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