Marcos declares Oct. 30 a special non-working day for barangay, SK polls

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Oct 11, 2023 06:46 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The BSKE has been postponed twice since 2020.

• Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.

• The Supreme Court said the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.

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President Marcos has declared Oct. 30, 2023, Monday, a special non-working day across the country to allow the people to vote in the much-awaited Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation No. 359 on Oct. 9, 2023, signaling that the BSKE will finally proceed after being postponed twice since 2020.

In his proclamation, Marcos said there was a need to declare Oct. 30 a holiday to allow the people to vote for their favored barangay and SK officials.

"It is imperative that the people be given the full opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to suffrage," he said.

The elections were initially scheduled for May 2020, but a law was passed in December 2019, postponing the polls to December 2022. However, Marcos signed the Republic Act (RA) No. 11935 in October 2022, moving the elections to October 2023.

In a tweet, Marcos explained that he approved the measure to ensure the delivery of services to the people at the barangay level.

He later explained that they had sufficient precedent for postponing the village polls.

"Well, we have sufficient precedent for the postponement of Barangay and SK Elections. Nakailan na tayo (We've already had some)," he said.

"In my time lang (alone) in government, I have seen, I think, four, maybe five postponements," he added.

 

 

Two-year term

Officials elected in the 2023 BSKE will enjoy a two-year term after the Supreme Court declared Marcos' RA 11935 unconstitutional in July 2023.

The High Court, however, ordered the October 2023 polls to proceed anyway. Because of this, RA 11462 is revived, which limits the term of elected BSK officials to Dec. 31, 2022.

By then, all existing barangay and SK officers are deemed to be in a "hold-over" capacity until the next BSKE in December 2025.

To avoid confusion, the Supreme Court said that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years after that date.

What are the indigenous practices in Southern Philippines?

Datu Ulap

In the southern Philippines, there are a large number of indigenous practices given the large number of indigenous groups that reside in this part of the Philippines. Because colonization came much later or not at all to this part of the country, the southern Philippines retains a high amount of indigenous practices.

In Mindanao, the two large indigenous groups can be divided into Moros and Lumads. Moros are the ethnic groups that have converted to Islam and retain a large number of Indian and Malay cultural influences complete with a history of being sultanates, while Lumads are largely Animist tribes that lived in less stratified societies.

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Traditional clothing differs depending on the indigenous ethnolinguistic group, but major differences can be seen when dividing the groups between the Moros and Lumads.

• In Moro groups, silk and cotton are part of traditional malong and blouses. Gold fiber is part of Inaul fabric of the Maguindanao people.

• Moro men wear a kopiah, a local version of a songkok, a cap worn by Muslim men in Southeast Asia.

• Lumad groups use abaca-based textiles to make their textiles, particularly the t’nalak of the T’boli and the dagmay of the Bagobo.

• Some textiles are known for their complex designs, including the “Saputangan” of the Yakan people, known to be one of the most complex weaves in the country.

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Traditional beliefs and celebrations in Mindanao show the many unique cultural practices of the many indigenous peoples. Here are a few notable cultural practices:

• The Subanen people have a thanksgiving feast called Buklog, with one of the features of the celebration being an elevated wooden structure that resonates with a sound believed to please the spirits.

• Spirit houses are a tradition in some indigenous peoples, including the Manobo. Food offerings are left in front of the makeshift structure.

• Dream weaving is another indigenous practice seen in many Lumad peoples. The T’boli people believe the designs are given to them in dreams by the god Fu Dalu.

• Healing rituals like the Ipat of the Maguindanao people reflect the belief that human existence is governed by elemental spirits called Tonong and needs to be appeased. While the Maguindanao are predominantly Muslim, they still follow many Animist beliefs. The ritual lasts multiple days and is meditated by a shaman who enters a trance.

• The Yakan have a unique wedding tradition called tanyak-tanyak, a facial painting made of rice flour and water. The geometric designs are applied to the face with bamboo tools and represent the moon and stars, and are reserved for marriage rituals.

• Langgal is the traditional home of worship for Muslims in Tawi-Tawi. It is a sacred place for community prayers and celebrations.

• Food offerings to ancestors and to the djinn are part of the traditional belief systems of the Sama-Bajau people.

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Traditional instruments are also very much a part of the local culture.

• Gong culture is a big part of both Lumad and Moro indigenous groups. Kulintang ensembles are a big part of Moro culture.

• Boat lutes are also a huge part of both Lumad and Moro peoples.

Kiana Ledé brings Grudges.

 The World Tour to Manila as part of the Insignia Concert Series on Dec. 6

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• As a rising star in the global music scene, Kiana Ledé has carved a distinctive niche for herself with her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and unique sound.

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Kiana Lede

Singer, songwriter, and actress Kiana Ledé is set to captivate audiences in Manila with Grudges The World Tour. The fifth installment of the Insignia Concert Series promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. The highly anticipated Philippines debut will take place at Samsung Hall in SM Aura on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, showcasing Kiana Ledé's unparalleled talent and captivating stage presence.

As a rising star in the global music scene, Kiana Ledé has carved a distinctive niche for herself with her soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and unique sound. Her debut concert in Manila will be a showcase of her remarkable repertoire, featuring chart-topping hits and fan-favorite songs including “EX,” “Wicked Games,” and “Jealous,” that have solidified her position as a musical force to be reckoned with.

The Insignia Concert Series, recognized for its dedication to curating a concert series line-up of outstanding talent, gives fans a distinct chance to discover emerging artists while going on an intimate musical journey. This concert series aims to contribute consistent concerts and entertainment options to the lively landscape of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, enhancing the cultural fabric of the local community.

Ticket prices to Kiana Ledé’s Grudges: The World Tour concert starts at P3,800 for early birds and P4,800 for regular tickets. Tickets will be sold on Friday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. via www.InsigniaPresents.com or any SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

For media inquiries, please contact: Emma Tuyak emma@insigniapresents.com +639166645930

For more information about the Insignia Concert Series and updates on the event, please visit
www.InsigniaPresents.com or follow us on social media @InsigniaPresents

72nd Miss Universe online voting begins

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 9, 2023 10:37 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "She is also the President of Inner Peace Foundation, and notably, her lifelong mission is towards Autism Acceptance. Growing up with two autistic siblings inspired her to work closely with advocacy groups nationwide, and with that, Michelle has been the Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador since 2019."

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Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee

Help Miss Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee enter the semifinal round of the 72nd Miss Universe Competition, which will be held in El Salvador on Nov. 18.

Michelle, who publicly came out as bisexual in May, is currently busy preparing for the prestigious pageant.

You can vote for Michelle: 1) download the Miss Universe app. 2) Go to the Vote tab. 3) Vote Miss Philippines. 

The Miss Universe Philippine Organization has also released the official headshot of Michelle for the competition.

In her bio for Miss Universe, Michelle said her lifelong mission is towards autism acceptance. Her full bio:

"Michelle Marquez Dee is a 28-year-old entrepreneur, advocate, adrenaline junkie, award-winning actress, and beauty queen who graduated with a degree in Psychology at De La Salle University and accomplished a certificate course in Entrepreneurship at Harvard University Online - all while founding a series of businesses that focus on health, multi-media creation, and WEB3 adoption.  

"She is also the President of Inner Peace Foundation, and notably, her lifelong mission is towards Autism Acceptance. Growing up with two autistic siblings inspired her to work closely with advocacy groups nationwide, and with that, Michelle has been the Autism Society Philippines’ Goodwill Ambassador since 2019.

• I'm most proud of being able to see the good in everything that happens in my life.

• If I could have any superpower, it would be the power to control time because it’s the only resource you cannot stop, take back, or control.

• I'm inspired by people who maximize their highest potential and encourage others to do the same.

• If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be unapologetic. 

• I'm happiest when I’m fully content with my life.

• I can't live without my camera.

What makes German a cool language?

 

Sybille Peters

1. There are a number of idioms, metaphors and colloquial expressions that are quite pictorial. Examples:
1. “alles in Butter” (translation: “all in butter” meaning everything is ok)
2. “ein Brett vor dem Kopf haben” (translation: “have a plank in front of your face” meaning you overlooked the obvious)
2. Some excessively long words are absurd and funny. Seriously! Who can put so much into one compound word? Examples:
1. Schienenersatzverkehr (translation: “rail replacement traffic”, usually used for buses that temporarily replace a train)
2. See this clip with the awesome Austrian actor Christoph Waltz and Jimmy Fallon for more examples (Side note: I have never ever had use for the word “Waldeinsamkeit”. But “Sitzpinkler” can be quite useful, just don’t call your boss this unless it’s behind their back.)
3. If you are a native English speaker you have only one gender for articles. It’s always “the” (e.g. the dog, the cat, the door). In French you have 2 (le chien / la porte), meaning masculine and feminine. If you want to be really challenged, we have 3 (masculine, feminine and neuter), e.g. “der Hund” / “die Tür” / “das Boot”. More is always better. So, learn German. ;-)
4. To make it worse, we don’t just have 3 genders, we have 4 cases, but that’s another story.
5. Once you master the language, you may find the various dialects in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc. amusing, charming (or annoying) and challenging. It can even be a challenge to us who speak German sometimes.

The German language reflects our nature. Both good and bad. And don’t believe people who tell you, Germans have no sense of humor. We do. Other German speaking folks (e.g. Austrians) do too, see 2b.

Also, read this charming article, that I found linked in another answer: Why we should learn German | John le Carré

Note that German is also spoken in other countries, not just Germany, e.g. Austria, Switzerland etc.

Filipina actress Althea Vega to compete in international swimsuit model search

A veteran of over 30 films and television appearances, Althea Vega has been in the Philippine film industry for over a decade. 

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina actress and licensed fitness professional Althea Vega is one of 65 contestants vying for the title of Miss Swimsuit USA International Model Search 2023. 

Vega gained attention once again for a powerful performance opposite Jericho Rosales in the film “Basurero,” which was hailed best short film at last year’s Star Awards, and has been nominated for the same award at the Busan Film Festival and San Francisco Festival, among others. A veteran of over 30 films and television appearances, Althea has been in the Philippine film industry for over a decade.

 A licensed fitness trainer, Vega is now based in New York, where she trains aspiring American actors and actresses while simultaneously working on upcoming international film projects. She was the first winner of the Ms. Gold’s Gym competition for professional trainers and joined the Fitness Universe pageant in the US a few years ago. Althea is also the founder of the Get FITPinoy movement, which encourages Filipinos to take responsibility for their personal health and fitness. 

Most recently, the talented morena walked the ramp at the Fashion Week Awards Gala Night in New York in September. Her work schedule is starting to accelerate as more film producers and talent agents in America get wind of her talent. In December, she will be producing her first international film with a Filipino director based in Texas. But for her latest major beauty contest, she admits that she needs help.

“These are very exciting times for me, and I’m proud to make it to the finals of Miss Swimsuit USA International, but I need the support of our countrymen,” said Vega, who has been based in the US since 2022. “These kinds of competitions are very costly, and I’m doing everything on my own.”