Cebuana beauty Nicole Borromeo ready for Miss International 2023 pageant

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 28, 2023 08:28 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "To all my fans, thank you. Please know that I keep you in my heart when I do the things that I do here; when I try to represent the Philippines, I try to keep you in mind, and I put you in my little album, and I hope that I can take the time to thank each of you, but please know I wouldn't be here without you."

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Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo (Images courtesy of Danilo Factor/Binibining Pilipinas Facebook)

Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo is all set to compete in the Miss International 2023 beauty pageant, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan on Oct. 26.

During a send-off event held at the Gateway Mall in Araneta City on Sept. 27, Nicole said she was ready to welcome the Miss International competition with open arms.

"Am I ready for the 7th? I want to say yes! I'm human and think I'll never be fully ready for anything; you'll never be fully ready for it, but I'm welcoming it with open arms. What I can offer to the Miss International would be this fresh perspective I hope to show to the world," said Nicole when asked if she was ready to win the 7th prestigious pageant crown for the country during the media conference for her send-off.

She added: "I'll go the extra mile to share an experience with somebody. I never want to do something by myself. The best experiences are always shared with someone so that they can bring them home to their loved ones and create that ripple effect."

Nicole, a 22-year-old beauty queen from Cebu City, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 on July 31, 2022. However, her competition schedule was adjusted due to the pandemic.

"I wouldn't look at it as being tired of waiting. When I competed last year in Binibining Pilipinas, I already knew what I was getting into. I understood the responsibilities, the patience, and the determination it takes to win this title.

"So, the moment I was crowned, I wholeheartedly embraced that responsibility. And it's really about the way you decide to look at things. It's easy to say, 'I'm waiting so long. When is my time?' But the truth is your time is going to come. And I'm happy to have it arrived right now at the right time and with all the support," she said.

The graduate of interior design also promoted her advocacy for the upcoming beauty pageant.

"For Miss International and even outside the pageant world, I saw the importance of well-being. Both physically and mentally. When I joined Binibining Pilipinas, I wanted to highlight how important it is for everybody to have a place to call home. How can you have the mental fortitude to face life's adversities and enjoy life when you don't even have the basic necessity of a safe and decent roof over your head?

"This year, I would like to showcase to the world that we can live in a safe and decent environment that is crucial for us. It's a no-brainer; everyone deserves this, and nobody should be left behind," she also said.

Nicole explained that her program aims to eliminate poverty.

"The focus here is not everybody, not just having a decent place to live. So many aspects come to mind when you think of home. It's more than just the physical space. You think about your livelihood. You think about your well-being. It sounds like a big to chew and a big vision. Still, I'm confident that with platforms like Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International, we can achieve a world without poverty, and everyone has a home."

This will be Nicole's second visit to Japan and she is excited about it.

"Last year, I went to Japan for the first time. I was watching our Binibining Pilipinas 2021 Hannah Arnold. She's not here, but I know she's supporting me in spirit. I just fell in love (with Japan) from the people to the places, to the food. What I appreciated the most was how mindful everybody was. The way you enjoy the experience, it's the one done in the present moment. You don't take a bite. You savor the moment. You savor a prayer when you enter a temple, walk, or in nature. I want to experience that in a progressive country like Japan, and it's the same way here," she recalled.

When asked about her plans for the Miss International title in case she wins, Nicole responded: "The cause of Miss International is to promote understanding, especially among countries. From the relationship we already have between the Philippines and Japan, it's great to have all these similarities and differences that we can embrace. During my potential reign, I would like it to be filled with activities to come and join. For example, Japan has an activity like the tea ceremony. I feel so blessed to experience that. But why don't we make it more accessible to the public for everyone to enjoy and learn about the cultural differences we can embrace? It can also go the other way around with our cultures and traditions."

Fellow Binibini sisters wish Nicole Borromeo (3rd, left) good luck during the send-off held at Gateway Mall in Araneta City. 

Nicole expressed her gratitude towards her fans who have been supporting her throughout her journey in the pageant.

"Thank you so much for finding me the time for this send-off. I know that my crowning moment was over a year ago. Ang tagal na. And yet, the support just kept flooding in. Every day, I hope you guys know I feel your support. I do read the comments. And it makes me so happy to see them.

"I was so surprised when I saw my official headshot posted when the official photo was released for Miss International. There was such amazing feedback from everyone. Overwhelming support, all the kindest comments of people saying that they believe in my ability to win the 7th crown. And the way I see it, people who do not know me yet haven't even met me, but they believe in me, it touches my heart.

"To all my fans, thank you. Please know that I keep you in my heart when I do the things that I do here; when I try to represent the Philippines, I try to keep you in mind, and I put you in my little album, and I hope that I can take the time to thank each of you, but please know I wouldn't be here without you.

"Soon, I'll be in Tokyo, Japan, and I can't wait to wear the Philippines across my chest. When that moment comes, please know that I'm thinking of all of you, and I'll wear it with pride. Thank you for coming today, and I hope to still feel your support when I'm out there as well," she added.

Nicole also thanked her glam team for her classy-inspired look during the send-off party. "It is inspired by celebrities who we believe carry the values and the kind of beauty that we want to portray."

The Philippines has already won six times in the 58-year-old pageant. Other Filipino winners were Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013) and Kylie Verzosa (2016). 

Be aware of the power God shares with us

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

OUR Christian faith tells us that we are meant to share the same life and nature of God in whose image and likeness we have been created. That is why we are all called to be holy as God is holy, as well as to love everybody as God is all love. This love for everybody is expressed in doing apostolate which we have to understand as meant for all of us. Yes, we are all meant to be apostles also in our own way.

We are somehow reminded of these truths of our faith in that gospel episode where Christ, after choosing his apostles in some random way, gave the tremendous powers, a sharing in the powers of Christ himself. “Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Lk 9,1)

We have to be most aware of what we all have in our hands. We may feel unworthy of all this, as we should, but the undeniable truth is that Christ is sharing his powers with us. Let us do our part in corresponding to this stupendous truth of our faith.

And the only way to do that is give our all to God. Let us be generous and magnanimous as God is overwhelmingly generous and magnanimous to all of us. There has to be that mutual dynamic of love and self-giving that has been initiated by God himself. God loves us first, and we have to learn to love him in return, a love that is also expressed in loving everybody just as God loves everybody irrespective of how they are!

This is a call to generosity. “Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give,” Christ told us. (Mt 10,8) Christ himself embodied this principle when he, being God, became man, and not contented with that, he went to the extent of offering his life to conquer all our sins. He finally gave himself to us in the sacraments, especially in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is a real madness of love.

Everyday, let us grow in our identification with Christ. Let’s hope that slowly but steadily we can feel the conviction that we are becoming “other Christ” (alter Christus), if not “Christ himself” (ipse Christus).

Let’s not be afraid of the effort and the sacrifices involved in this process. It will all be worthwhile. If we truly try to identify ourselves with Christ, we would be confident that Christ himself would give us the same peace and joy that he had as he went through his own passion and death on the cross.

We are, of course, aware of our limitations and many times we have to say enough. And that’s good to do. It shows we are humble and realistic enough to acknowledge them.

But there’s one area in our life where we should never say enough. And that’s in our spiritual life, in our duty to love God and others as Christ himself has loved us, that is, all the way to death on the cross.

The duty itself of loving knows no bounds. As St. Francis de Sales said, “The measure of love is to love without measure.” And we might ask, is this possible, is this doable?

The answer, of course, is yes. In the first place, there is in us a spiritual capacity that would lead us to the world of the spiritual and supernatural, the world of the infinite.

Cayetano to DFA: Leverage Filipino arts, culture to increase PH’s soft power

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to come up with a budget for next year that will harness the potential of Philippine arts and culture to increase the country’s “soft power.”

 In an interpellation during the Senate briefing on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Cayetano said being a country of relatively less military and economic power, the Philippines can gain power by increasing its influence in the field of arts, culture, and sports.

“Kapag sinabi mong power, it’s basically the ability to get someone else to act the way you want them to act,” he said, adding it is manifested through different ways such as “authority, legitimacy, influence.”

“If you talk about visual artists, paintings, sculptures, grabe ang potential natin,” he said.

 Cayetano cited South Korea’s elevated and world-renowned culture and performing arts, which led it to quickly become a “soft power.”

 In love na in love ang marami sa kultura ng Korea. Therefore, for example, if their pop stars come here and advocate against teenage pregnancy or better immigration status for Koreans, [people support it],” he said.

The senator said the DFA can look into creating ”Filipino towns” in other countries to increase the exposure of Filipino arts and culture, similar to what South Korea did.

To further prove the potential of Filipino culture in increasing the Philippines’ influence, Cayetano cited how East Timor became a friend and ally of the Philippines after the latter’s successful hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

 “We welcomed them [warmly]. Syempre, mahirap din na bansa so lahat ng accommodations ginawa natin [para sa kanila] noong SEA Games. Hindi daw nila makalimutan ‘yan,” he said.

“For such small things that we would do for anyone – kasi hospitable naman ang Pilipino – it’s such a lasting impression,” he said.###

WTFu by MR. FU: A telebabe’s tale

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Faye tried to start radio training, but she had to prioritize income-generating jobs.(ay kahit ako naman, money muna!)

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Faye Covarrubias

Graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Adamson University is one of the most significant achievements of Faye Covarrubias for this year.  (at least hindi inuna ang pakikipaglandian!)

“I chose the program because I wanted to take anything inclined with communication way back in high school. I was thinking of being a flight attendant, so I would like to improve my communication skills as I move to college. Gusto ko din maging DJ and reporter," Faye says. (ay pwede mo nako maging lola!)

Faye tried to start radio training, but she had to prioritize income-generating jobs. (ay kahit ako naman, money muna!) 

Mr. Fu and Faye Covarrubias

 "Noong college nag audition ako sa loob lang ng campus namin pero that time I can't commit sa school being DJ kasi may mga naging opportunities and offer ako outside the university na pwede na akong kumita, mga raket outside school, part time like modeling, etc pinili ko muna yung mga raket than being a DJ inside school na walang kikitain, kasi kailangan ko din ng income talaga for the medicine of my mom na na-depress na ‘til now nag me-med," Faye recalls. (go girl!)

Modeling was her first venture, eventually allowing her to become a talent in teleseryes. (at least may talent si ate mo!)

“Noong nag start ako mag model, with the use of it na market or na-advertise ko ang sarili ko ng hindi sadya in a wide range of network, and with the use of that lumawak connections at nahahanap ako ng mga direktor, ng mga talent coordinators at sila ang lumapit at nag offer saakin. Na-discover nila ako sa pamamagitan ng modeling. Pero noon pa pag nasa mall ako kasama mga kaklase may mga lumalapit sakin para mag alok ng mga teleserye," Faye shares. (ako pag nasa mall, inaalok ng water purifier!)

 

Aside from her television gigs, she also plays sexy characters online via TBON Productions.  (may mga ibon bang ipinapakita dyan?!)

“Madalas na role ko sa TBON ay mistress role or mga pa-akit role. Naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit pa-sexy mga na-ooffer sa akin kaya okay lang sakin at super thankful and appreciated ko naman, I believe naman na yun din kasi ang isa sa perfect role saakin as they see me physically fit. Tsaka I understand kasi ganun naman yun, I understand na pinipili ng Direktor kung ano ang bagay sayo. Pero hindi puro ganun na role, flexible ako at gusto ko rin lahat ng roles na hindi pa-sexy. Pero hindi yung all out. kaya ko magpa-sexy, pero hindi bold. Sexy sexy talaga, pero hindi nude," Faye explains. (ako rin pasexy lang kaya ko po!)

The 24-year-old bachelorette is also one of my regular telebabes on our online news program. “Masaya pagiging telebabe ko, kasi para na rin akong naging DJ na nag aadvice sa mga viewers or commenters at the same time reporter. Super aliw ako at achieve ko yung mga gusto kong gawin na mag advice, mag entertain at maghatid ng balita. Kada-show may natutunan ako sa mga co-workers tulad kay Direk at siempre sayo, Mr.Fu. You inspire me to do better. Na-gaguide mo ko how to improve the way I talk, paano maging spontaneous, paano tayo magkakaroon ng chemistry at paano maging maganda kalalabasan ng show." (pwes, chinacharot lang kita! hahaha!)

For now, Faye balances her schedule as an actress and host. She hopes to make a mark in the entertainment industry. “Natutunan ko, kailangan with “pleasing personality” ka talaga dapat, mabait ka at marunong makisama at hindi ka mapag mataas. Dahil hindi ka din naman aanggat kung may attitude. Kailangan hindi mayabang at dapat matibay din loob against basher." (dahil dyan, i-bash mo din sila! Chos!)

(Youtube/FB: WTFu. Twitter/IG/Tiktok: @mrfu_mayganon. 

FB: mr.fu tagabulabog ng buong universe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/wtfu website: www.channelfu.com )

Why do people in the Philippines start celebrating Christmas in September?

 

Josh

Food Technologist & Political Economist | MSc.

668 followers

19 following

I am the Managing Editor of Manila Bay Morning Post - A Country Development Perspective. I believe that if humans focused on business and economic history, they would better understand who they are as a nation beyond the obsolescence of racism, nationalism, and boundaries that created wars and human division.

Visit us at https://www.manilabaymorningpost.com

Why do people in the Philippines start celebrating Christmas in September? It is beyond all reason and the exact opposite of tradition in the rest of the world. What is wrong with Filipinos? Almost everything there is contrary to common sense.

There are a couple of possible reasons:

1. Some 95% are Roman Catholics and it's deeply embedded not just in tradition but politics. During Spanish rule, the Philippines was a theocracy wherein the Church played a signifacnt role in ruling the islands, sometimes even more powerful than the governor-general himself. This was probably an overflow from Spain where the Pope is very influential over the King of Spain and who often also is the Holy Roman Emperor. This said, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines often dictated traditions, including the infamous indulgences.
2. Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated December 8 (Immaculate Conception) up to Three Kings in January. The Misa de Gallo begins On December 8
3. Christmas is the most colourful season in the Philippines, even surpassing Independence Day or any national heroes’ days. While Europe has become ecumenical and religiously tolerant, Philippines remain Fundamentalis Catholic, sometimes even bordering Shariah Law. You can get into trouble mocking Jesus Christ in the Philippines, not just from trial by publicity but as in the government even taking legal actions. A poor example is Luca Vega, who is now banned in many municipalities, ironically in his own country.
4. The Roman Catholic Church never had an issue with Christmas celebrated as early as September. In fact, they may have even encouraged it to reinforce Roman Catholicism in the country. Since American Rule, Protestantism has been a threat in the country. De La Salle University, began by Irish-Americans, was mandated by the Pope to defend Catholicism in the country from Protestants. Ateneo de Manila and Xavier School were mandated to focus on keeping Manila High Society Catholic (because the masses will follow the ways of the elite).
5. Santa Clause used to be the central figure of Philippine Christmas. During the 1990s, I remember the Roman Catholic Church's media campaign to bring back Jesus Christ as the central figure. The more prevalent Santa Clause and elves at that time were replaced by the Belen or Manger Scene. Today, Santa Clause is shill a prominent figure but Filipinos are now mostly centered on the manger scene, misa de gallo, and noche buena.
6. Ber months has probably something to do with it. I have a bleak memory of childhood but I remember Christmas not beginning in September. Companies began celebrating Christmas by September, often malls and real estate developers. We can assume that the Christmas celebrated as early as September is a product of commercialization. However, the Church did not make an issue of it and may even have encouraged it.

In any case, I don't agree that Christmas is celebrated the same in the rest of the world. In America, the nation is decorative and celebrates Christmas Eve. In Australia, you barely notice Christmas with the absence of decorations and they celebrate Christmas Day instead of Christmas Eve. Australians sleep early on Chriatmas Eve and alive on Christmas Day. And fo think that Australia is Roman Catholic while America is Protestant. I am not sure anbout Europe because I have never been there but I heard they barely celebrate Christmas there too and the Churches are empty, treated only like museums. That is probanly because they bore the gruntbof the Inquisition.

What is it like to live in Davao City?

Freddie Lore

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A digital nomad currently living in Davao City. A pure Davaeño.

Living in Davao City is like living in other parts of the country except that you get to enjoy more of:

• Fresh air. You won't see smokers in sidewalks and other public places. Hefty fines to those who violate. Firecrackers are banned during holidays.
• Clean water. I don't buy purified bottled water. I drink water straight from faucet.
• Security. You can walk in the middle of the night while holding your brand new shiny iPhone without getting mobbed. Police visibility in key areas is also comforting to note.
• Less litters. The city has strict implementation of Solid Waste Management. You can only throw your household trash if properly segregated and you can't throw it anytime. There's scheduled garbage collection (6:00 PM -9:00 PM every Thursday in our village.
• Disciplined drivers. If you're from Cebu, CDO or Manila, you'll appreciate how disciplined drivers here in Davao, most notably the PUVs. It's rare.
• Affordable foods. You can get a decent meal for $1 or less.
• White sand beaches are just an hour away from city, or less.

If nightlife, partying is your thing, then, Davao City is no good place for you. If you want to settle for good like build family, have kids or retire, then, Davao City is a great place to live.

Floods in Manila, TD Over Vietnam and another LPA Westpacwx Update

ATTENTION, STUDENTS: Here are the Top 10 highest paying jobs in the Philippines

Are you on the right track?

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Sep 25, 2023 05:17 PM

  

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For students, one of the most significant factors in considering college degree courses is the career pathway they can have after graduation. Will they land a good job that offers sustainable income?

For those searching for a college course that could offer a lucrative salary, look no further. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has just released the highlight results of the 2022 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS), revealing the country's top 10 highest-paying jobs.

According to the Sept. 22, 2023 story by the PSA, the highest-paying jobs can be found in the air transport industry, specifically pilots and related associated jobs, with an estimated monthly salary of P135,363. Furthermore, software developers follow them with a monthly salary of P70,595. Last on the top 10 list are the accountants, with a monthly salary of P48,982.

The PSA disclosed that this survey covered "16,057 formal establishments employing at least 20 workers nationwide, of which wage rates of monitored occupations across selected industries were collected."

What do you think, are you on the right track? 

For students, one of the most significant factors in considering college degree courses is the career pathway they can have after graduation. Will they land a good job that offers sustainable income?

For those searching for a college course that could offer a lucrative salary, look no further. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has just released the highlight results of the 2022 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS), revealing the country's top 10 highest-paying jobs.

According to the Sept. 22, 2023 story by the PSA, the highest-paying jobs can be found in the air transport industry, specifically pilots and related associated jobs, with an estimated monthly salary of P135,363. Furthermore, software developers follow them with a monthly salary of P70,595. Last on the top 10 list are the accountants, with a monthly salary of P48,982.

German gov't donates equipment to NBI for use vs human traffickers

 

BY JEFFREY DAMICOG

Sep 26, 2023 09:01 AM

  

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) received a vehicle and various equipment from the German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office  to help the Philippine government's fight against human trafficking.

NBI Director Medardo G. De Lemos and German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke on Monday, Sept. 25, signed the Deed of Donation for the turnover of the various equipment.

“Among the items donated by the German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office include a Hyundai van, laptop computers, shirt vests, tactical lights, camera, camera lens, body cams, drone with remote control, electric scooters, binoculars, heavy-duty boltcutter, aluminum ladder, battering ram, mini GPS trackers, wireless wifi mini-cameras, wireless wifi mini camera bottle and wallet cameras,” the NBI said 

It said the German government has been “committed to improving police cooperation worldwide for several years now.”

“In pursuit of this objective, the German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office provides assistance to police partners through projects related to Police Development Assistance, it said.

“To accomplish its goals, the German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office facilitates Police Development Assistance thru equipment assistance that primarily includes training aids, such as command and operational, IT hardware and software infrastructure projects, among others,” it added.

During the turnover ceremony, De Lemos expressed his gratitude to the German government “for their generosity as he stressed that this will considerably help the operational capacity of our Agents and Investigators.” 

De Lemos also assured that “both the Federal Republic of Germany thru the German Federal Criminal Police Liaison Office and the German Embassy Manila and the NBI are dedicated to combatting and eradicating all forms of criminality including human trafficking and online sexual exploitation as well as promoting peace and order and efficient enforcement of laws.”