Just be cool when contradicted

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

REMEMBER that gospel episode where the disciples of Christ were not welcomed in a Samaritan town because their destination was Jerusalem? (cfr. Lk 9,51-56) They suggested to Christ that they “call down fire from heaven to consume them.” To which Christ just rebuked his disciples and instead went to another village.

The obvious lesson to learn is that we should not make things worse by adding fuel to the fire, or by responding to evil with evil, out of a hurt sense of righteousness or of a zeal that has gone bitter and has done away with the duty of charity. We should rather look for other ways of defusing the situation, just as Christ did.

Sometime ago, there was this drag queen who made fun of Christ. His video became viral in an instant as strong negative reactions rained on him or her or whatever pronoun may now be applied to this individual. Several cities declared the drag queen as persona non grata.

But the drag queen stood his ground, trying to rationalize his/her actuation by saying that he was misunderstood, and that no one bothered to talk to him about why he did it, and that he meant well with what he did since it was done for the sake of art.

Well, everyone will always have some reason for any action he takes. Of course, not all reasons are right. But for as long as the person concerned feels he was right in doing something that objectively is wrong or is considered wrong by the majority, he deserves to be heard and given some clarification, correction and penalty that may be due. 

He should not be simply dumped, ostracized and practically considered an untouchable evil. That’s not human, let alone Christian. The proper way to deal with him is to reach out to him to help him.

The way to go is to love everybody, irrespective of who or how one is. Christ even told us to love our enemies. If we have this kind of love, then we would have zero bitterness against anyone who may contradict us, because as St. Paul said, true charity “takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor 13,6-7)

We have to learn to be patient in handling the contradictions that we can encounter in our life. We just have to look for an alternative way in resolving issues and situations like this.

We have to learn the art of loving with the love of God as shown by Christ on the cross. It is a love that is patient, willing to suffer for the others. It is gratuitously given, even if it is not reciprocated.

We have to make sure that we are always burning with the zeal of love. We have the danger to fall easily into complacency, lukewarmness, mediocrity. We should always be on the lookout for these perils.

We need to fill our mind and heart with love, and all that love brings—goodness, patience, understanding and compassion, mercy, gratuitous acts of service, generosity and magnanimity.

Yes, there’s effort involved here. Great, tremendous effort, in fact. But all this stands first of all on the terra firma that is God’s grace, which is always given to us in abundance if we care to ask and receive it. Nothing human, no matter how well done, would prosper unless it is infused also with God’s grace.

Should the schools in the Philippines to continue to use languages other than Filipino and English...

 

Datu Ulap

... like Cebuano, Ilocano and Hiligaynon as a medium of instruction even the mother tongue subject was removed recently by the Dept of Education? 

Yes.

Tagalog is not the only language in the Philippines.

The Philippines is not a homogenous country, and should not be seen as such. Each region has its own ethnic people, complete with their own languages and cultures. To stop instruction in regional languages would mean to erase the diversity that exists in the country.

Daily conversations in places outside Tagalog-speaking areas or predominantly Tagalog provinces, unsurprisingly, do not use Tagalog. Every day people living around Lake Lanao will speak Maranao. Vendors in a market in Iloilo will make transactions in Hiligaynon. Batok artists in the highlands of Buscalan will speak Kalinga. Conversations around San Fernando will be in Kapampangan. And the list goes on. The amount of languages and cultures just shows how diverse the country really is.

Inaugural Tourism Pride Summit seeks to empower LGBTQIA+ tourism in the Philippines

Navigating inclusivity, growth, and opportunities in LGBTQIA+ tourism

BY FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

Oct 4, 2023 07:35 AM

  

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco spearheaded the panel discussions, accompanied by a distinguished lineup that included Congressman Christopher "Toff" de Venecia from Pangasinan's Fourth District, Ronil Villacorta representing the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), Regine Carmelli Reyes of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Atty. Regal Oliva, who serves as the President of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc., Girly Gravador, the proprietor of Cygnal Travel, and Assistant Professor Rielle Alcantara-Castro from the Asian Institute of Tourism at the University of the Philippines Diliman

There was a festive air at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel last Sept. 28, 2023, as guests for the inaugural Tourism Pride Summit, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), streamed into the Rizal Ballroom to find their seats.

Drums were beating, colorfully costumed, native-inspired dancers were grooving at the entrance, and everyone was smiling as the fiesta-like theme welcomed guests to the ballroom.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco

The event brought together figures from various sectors, including government, academia, tourism, the media, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite the festive atmosphere, the subject matter was indeed serious and business-oriented.

To sum it up, the event emphasized the potential of government investments in the LGBTQIA+ tourism market, which annually spends approximately $200 billion, to significantly contribute to the growth and progress of the Philippine tourism industry. 

The summit included panel discussions with the goal of advancing an inclusive and progressive tourism sector. These discussions centered on evaluating successful pride tourism initiatives from different nations, exploring the creative industry's contribution to the growth of the LGBTQIA+ tourism market (projected to surpass $.5 trillion by 2030), and addressing various related subjects.

Congressman Christopher "Toff" de Venecia from Pangasinan's Fourth District

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco spearheaded the panel discussions, accompanied by a distinguished lineup that included Congressman Christopher "Toff" de Venecia from Pangasinan's Fourth District, Ronil Villacorta representing the Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride (PFIP), Regine Carmelli Reyes of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Atty. Regal Oliva, who serves as the President of the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association Inc., Girly Gravador, the proprietor of Cygnal Travel, and Assistant Professor Rielle Alcantara-Castro from the Asian Institute of Tourism at the University of the Philippines Diliman

The conversations also explored the distinct obstacles encountered by LGBTQIA+ professionals, championing the cause of inclusive workplaces, promoting gender development, and enhancing the DOT's mission by drawing from the varied travel experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

Additionally, the summit explored the growth potential of LGBTQIA+ trends in tourism as a niche market, educational programs that incorporate LGBTQIA+ awareness and sensitivity training, and policies aimed at promoting understanding, respect, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ travelers and tourism workers to make destinations more welcoming for everyone.

”We at the Department of Tourism take pride in the enormous contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across the tourism value chain in all of the regions of the Philippines. With the very first Tourism Pride Summit, we are responding to global trends that present massive opportunities for growth by pursuing niche markets that will create more jobs in tourism,” said Secretary Frasco.

A fruitful move: Opening the world market to our farmers

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 3, 2023 00:53 AM

  

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Our fruits are known the world over — we have the sweetest mangoes, the juiciest pineapples, and the plumpest pomelos. Now, we proudly add avocados to that list as an initial shipment of 3,040 boxes of fresh Hass avocados embarked on a journey from our shores to South Korea last Sept. 30, 2023. 

As reported by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), the first shipment set sail from KTC Port Tibungco in Davao City and is expected to reach Pyongtaek Port, South Korea, on Oct. 8. The estimated value of the products is US$48,433 or approximately ₱2.7 million.

This development signals an important step forward, as expanded market access not only broadens the consumer base for Filipino fruit producers but also affords them the opportunity to scale up their operations. It’s a win-win solution to the perennial challenge of identifying new local markets, which had unfortunately led to some fruit produce being thrown away or left to rot. 

It is worth noting that earlier this year, during the President’s state visit to China, he was able to open the country’s door for more local fruit exports.  The President witnessed the signing between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and China’s General Administration of Customs on a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh durians.  With this, an estimated US$ 2.09 billion in purchase intentions for Philippine fruit exports was secured by the administration, which also covers coconuts and bananas, among others.

According to trade data, fresh fruits, including Cavendish bananas, have been the top drivers for Philippine agricultural exports to China.

In a related development, the Philippine Embassy in Australia issued a statement in early September regarding the arrival of the first batch of fresh Philippine mango shipment. It said that the initial shipment of the most popular mango variety, Carabao, were “harvested from the local farms in Malalag, Digos, Bansalan, and Magsaysay municipalities in Davao del Sur.” 

“The entry of fresh Philippine mangoes into Australia marks a significant milestone in our bilateral trade. With the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership, the Philippines looks forward to building further trade with Australia. The time has come for our Aussie friends to enjoy our much beloved fruit in the Philippines,” said Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Australia. 

As we embark on this new era of global fruit trade, we must be vigilant in addressing any obstacles that may arise. For years, several agencies have identified supply-side constraints as our farmers have struggled to meet the required demand. It is now imperative for the government to look into providing the best technology, upskilling farmers, or making available storage facilities and processing equipment. These measures will allow local fruit producers to be competitive on the world stage. After all, bilateral agreements or agreement signings are useless if we fail to uphold our end of the bargain. 

The President has consistently reiterated that the agricultural sector is at the forefront of the post-pandemic economic recovery strategy. So let’s put funds and all our efforts where it matters the most, as this will have a tremendous impact especially in the countryside. 

This time, let our homegrown fruits pave the way for a fruitful journey toward economic resiliency. 

Gymnast Aleah Finnegan qualifies to 2024 Paris Olympics

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Oct 3, 2023 09:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Finnegan also becomes the first female gymnast from the Philippines to compete in the Olympics since Evelyn Magluyan and Maria Luisa Floro saw action in the 1964 Tokyo edition.

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Aleah Finnegan becomes the latest Filipino athlete to qualify to the 2024 Paris Olympics following her all-around performance in the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

Aleah Finnegan becomes the first female gymnast from the Philippines to compete in the Olympics since 1964. (File Photo)

The Fil-American placed 32nd in the two-day all-around qualifications with 51.366 points, enough to secure one of the 14 berths at stake to Paris.

“It’s just a dream come true,” a teary-eyed Finnegan said in an interview with Olympics.com. 

“I’m just so thankful for the Philippines for giving me this opportunity that I would never have been able to take otherwise,” she added.

Apart from joining fellow gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter EJ Obiena to Paris, Finnegan also becomes the first female gymnast from the Philippines to compete in the Olympics since Evelyn Magluyan and Maria Luisa Floro saw action in the 1964 Tokyo edition.

“Just to be here honoring my family, the Philippines, and honoring my dad who is in heaven, and all the people who put in so many sacrifices for me to be here, it is really just a dream come true,” Finnegan said.

A former member of the United States gymnastics team, the Missouri-born Finnegan started competing for the Philippines in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games in 2022 where she won two gold and two silver medals. 

She also bagged bronze medals in vault and balance beam at the 2023 Asian Championships in Singapore.

Other Olympic qualifiers in the all-around are Algeria’s Kaylia Neymour, Germany’s Pauline Schafer-Betz, Mexico’s Alexa Moreno, Portugal’s Filipa Martins, Hungary’s Bettina Lili Czifra, Spain’s Alba Petisco, Ukraine’s Anna Lashchevska, Panama’s Hillary Heron, South Africa’s Caitlin Rooskrantz, Czech Republic’s Sona Artamonova, Israel’s Lihie Raz, and Slovenia’s Lucija Hribar.

China, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Japan, Australia, Romania, and Korea qualified in the team event, joining the United States, Great Britain and Canada.

Finnegan's all-around score also made her the second reserve in the finals. She posted 13 points in vault (18th), 12.433 in uneven bars (73rd), 12.7 in balance beam (38th), and 12.833 in floor exercise (34th).

Inter-agency commitee issues advisory on Henipavirus

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 2, 2023 02:30 PM

  

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The Philippine Inter-agency Committee on Zoonoses (PhilCZ) issued an advisory on Henipavirus, stating no confirmed cases of Nipah virus in the country.

PhilCZ, composed of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said on Friday, Sept. 29 that there have been no recent cases or outbreaks of Henipavirus in the country since 2014.

Photo from DOH Facebook page

It encouraged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid disease transmission but emphasized that class or work suspensions are unnecessary at this time.

DOH said henipaviruses, including Nipah and Hendra viruses, are commonly found in Pteropid fruit bats (flying foxes).

It noted that these viruses can cause illness in pigs, horses, dogs, and humans through various forms of contact, including direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or consumption of contaminated food products.

While Henipavirus infection can initially present as flu-like symptoms, it can lead to severe complications such as fatal encephalitis (brain swelling) and respiratory illness, DOH said

To prevent the transmission of the virus, PhilCZ advised the public to avoid direct contact with bats and to maintain a safe distance from their roosting or dwelling areas.

The public should also refrain from consuming fruits with bites or fallen fruits that may have been contaminated by bats, it added.

DOH also recommended proper food handling, thorough washing, and cooking of food items.

The health department also stated that when handling animals or caring for individuals with symptoms, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is encouraged to prevent contact with potentially infected bodily fluids.

PhilCZ urged the public to seek verified information from the DOH, DA, and DENR for accurate guidance.

For livestock owners, PhilCZ said that it is essential to report unusual deaths or symptoms in animals, such as respiratory and neurologic issues, to local veterinary authorities.

Any symptoms observed among farm workers or handlers should also be reported to local health offices. Proper disposal of dead animals is of utmost importance, it added. (Zekinah Elize Espina)

Deedee Siytangco, Manila Bulletin’s beloved longtime columnist, passes away

BY KRIZETTE LAURETA-CHU

Oct 1, 2023 01:50 AM

  

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in Manila Bulletin know her as an indefatigable columnist who almost never missed her deadlines, and who personally rang up her editors to follow up so she could see her article through—revisions and all—to the very end.

Her Manila Bulletin Lifestyle column, “Angel Thoughts,” which ran for years, always started with an inspiring quote, and tackled personal issues, inspiring stories, and incisive but tame political analysis that was less about personality and more about policy—and latter readers who only knew her gentle voice and warm personality wouldn’t have known how a much-younger Deedee Siytangco had grit and passion as a young writer.

“I worked with Cory (the late President Corazon Aquino) for only three and a half years,” she wrote in an earlier column that came out in 2018. “I was a beat reporter for the Palace before joining her. Presidential advisers pointed out to her that I could help in her media office since I was already a working journalist. Besides, being a woman like her, I could relate (to her). My boss, Don Emilio, told me when I informed him I was joining Cory’s team. The President listened to then Sec. Ping de Jesus and Maria V. Montelibano, who was running RTVM, and I was offered to be an assistant secretary for media.

I took a cut in pay and had no representation funds. All goodwill. During merienda time, my husband Sonny who idolized my boss, would have a fast food store near the Palace deliver snacks for our Press Corp and the photographers who covered the Palace. But then, the ‘Brat Pack,’ savoring true press freedom at last, were mostly disciplined and did not demand ‘freebies.’ I survived mainly because my idol, President Cory, was a joy to work with. She was honest, disciplined, and a no-frills leader. I did not have to lie for her, ever. When talking in her behalf, I vetted everything to her and the hardest thing I had to do was politely turn down numerous requests for interviews, especially from foreign media. My lady boss would tell me, ‘We are not running for public office.’ And that meant, no more interviews. But she also understood how important her pronouncements meant to the people and she would give in and meet the press when I would literally beg.”

Deedee Siytangco’s three years as the President’s close-in defined her career. “She demanded the same kind of honesty and discipline from her co-workers, especially those who had access to her. I was fortunate to have been with President Cory in China when I was just a Manila Bulletin reporter. There, she conquered the Chinese officialdom and the ordinary people who felt great affinity for her after she paid homage to her Chino ancestors in the Co temple in Fujian. I was lucky to be with her in the Bicentennial celebration of France where for two days, she was the state visitor, and our flags flew proudly in the Champs Elysee avenue. She spoke fluent French and this Icon of democracy was everybody’s darling. She also visited the then still-standing Berlin Wall, the Royals of Belgium ! She also was acclaimed in the US and accorded honors by the Congress and the White House. Her Canadian visit was a resounding success and businessmen and women in Toronto wept when in a speech, she recounted her family’s travails during Martial Law. ! was already her assistant secretary for media so I saw the international acclaim for her up close and yes, I basked in the glory of it as a Filipino.” 

And Deedee did bask in the glory of her Filipino-ness, and, later in life, actively participated and headed multiple civic organizations, including Bulong Pulungan, which put in spotlight different personalities and their issues. 

Her daughter, Sandee Siytangco Masigan announced on Sept. 28, 2023 Deedee’s death at age 83, due to septic shock from pneumonia, with significant conditions that contributed to her death including urothelial cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. She asked friends and family to make a donation to the Contemplative Brothers of Mary Mother for the Poor, and that, should people want to give flowers, they make these sunflowers, her favorite—as that was what Deedee would have wanted.

In an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin, Sandee said, “My mother found so much strength and comfort in praying the rosary. She encouraged everyone to do the same.” Even in her sick bed, Sandee said, the rosary hung on her headboard, or clutched in her hand. “Her night time greeting to me, which I will miss very much, ‘Goodnight love, God bless you, and Mama Mary loves you,” Sandee says. “It was a great reminder every night before bed.”

Deedee’s remains will be at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City from 4:00 p.m. beginning Sept. 30, until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. She will then be laid to rest at the columbarium of Our Lady of Dela Strada Parish on Tuesday after a 10:00 a.m. mass.