Missing the forest for the trees

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IT’S an idiomatic expression that means “to not understand or appreciate a larger situation, problem, etc., because one is considering only a few parts of it.” It’s an expression that aptly describes what was dramatized in that gospel episode where Christ was accused by a Pharisee who invited him for dinner of not observing the protocol of washing hands before the meal. (cfr. Lk 11,37-41)

“Oh, you Pharisees!” Christ said. “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?”

With those words, Christ was trying to tell his host that he, being the son of God which the Pharisees could not believe, ought to be exempted from that detail of washing since he was trying to show them that he was the maker of both “the inside and the outside” of things.” In other words, the host missed the bigger and more important point Christ was showing him due to a tiny detail that blinded him from seeing it. 

It’s a danger that we should be most wary about, because it can also happen to us quite often. It’s when we become too legalistic or too formalistic in our interpretation of certain things that we miss the more important part of a situation or issue. We would be missing the true spirit of a law, or get so trapped in the details that we fail to see the whole picture.

We need to be keenly aware of this common danger and do everything to protect ourselves from it and to fight it, since it will always be around, given our human condition here on earth.

The secret again is to be in vital union with Christ, referring everything to him, especially our legal and judicial systems, and the ways we make, interpret and apply our laws.

Christ clarified this point in so many words when he told the Pharisees who questioned him about why his disciples were doing something that was forbidden in the sabbath, that “the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.” (cfr. Mk 2,23-28)

We have to understand that all our laws should be based on what is known as the natural law that in the end is a participation of the divine eternal law of God, our Creator and the first and ultimate lawgiver. 

And that part of natural law that is specific to man is called the natural moral law that would recognize, as its first principle, God as our Creator and source and end of all laws. It is the law that would lead us to be God’s image and likeness, and children of his, sharers of his divine life.

A legal system not clearly based on this fundamental principle about laws would already be a system that is defective ‘ab initio.’ A legal system that is based only on some human consensus would put the spirit of the law in full subservience to the letter of that law. 

This kind of legal system is what is referred to as legal positivism. This means that the laws are valid not because they are rooted in moral or natural law, but because they are enacted by some human authority and are accepted by society as such.

PH named as Asia's best cruise destination

By  Moises Cruz

October 17, 2023 1060

(UPDATE) THE World Cruise Awards has named the Philippines as Asia's Best Cruise Destination for this year, boosting the country's status as a developing powerhouse in the global cruise and tourism industry.

Held in Dubai last Sunday, the World Cruise Awards is an annual program that honors exceptional accomplishments in the cruise industry.

"This first-time recognition as Asia's Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for Philippine tourism as it reflects a resounding global preference for our island destinations," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on Monday.

"The shared tourism governance between government and the private sector espoused by the Marcos Administration is bearing fruit. We are committed to maintain and enhance the Philippines' standing as an outstanding cruise destination in Asia and the world," Frasco said.

Other contenders for the award were India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

As of October 16, the Philippines expects cruise liners to make 128 ports of call in 33 destinations. The ships are projected to carry about 101,000 tourists and around 50,000 staff members.

Frasco said the country's 7,641 islands offer "a wide array of cruise experiences, from exploring picturesque coastlines and coral reefs to immersing in local culture and traditions."

The Seaborne Encore, Silver Shadow, MSC Poesia, Queen Elizabeth, Norwegian Jewel, Coral Adventure, MS Seven Seas Explorer, MS Star Breeze, Silver Whisper, Oceania Cruises, Aidabella, and Blue Dream Cruise are among the arriving cruise ships.

"With Boracay, Palawan and Siargao having recently garnered Conde Nast Travel's Best Islands in Asia Award, the Philippines' recognition as Asia's Best Cruise Destination complements and reaffirms our status as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts," Frasco said.

"We are grateful that the country's potential to offer exceptional cruise experiences is now acknowledged on a global scale," she said.

Envoys take good vibes from Germany’s Oktoberfest tradition

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 16, 2023 05:55 PM 

The French and German ambassadors in the Philippines had a blast celebrating Germany’s Oktoberfest tradition in Manila.

October Festival in Manila (Photos from Ambassadors Marie Fontanel and Andreas Pfaffernoschke via X)

This was evident from the posts and photos they shared on X (formerly Twitter) about the German Club’s Oktoberfest at Solaire in Parañaque City and the October Fête at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.

“Oktoberfest in Manila! What a great party showcasing (German) and (Philippine) hospitality! Great food and original Bavarian beer. Thanks to the German Club for making that possible. See you again next year for the 85th edition!,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke wrote.

The Oktoberfest, hosted by the German Club Manila, happened over the weekend at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

The envoy shared some snaps of the festivities where guests where shown making a beer toast.

French Ambassador to Manila Marie Fontanel was also one of the guests at the Oktoberfest, sharing some snaps and videos on X of the party.

She was even photographed in front of the lighted standees that spelled out the word Oktoberfest.

“Yesterday spectacular (Germany) October Festival in Manila (Philippine flag)! Thank you @germanyinphl for your kind invitation to a fantastic celebration! We had lots of fun,” the English translation of her post in French said.

The envoy shared that France and Germany are so close that the embassy “got inspired” to have an October Fête, reminiscent of their annual Fête de la Musique, or the World Music Day, celebrated in Paris.

“(France and Germany) are so close we got inspired and had a "October Fête" today! French style, outside and pedestrian walk, Food trucks,  launching of a biking tour with those impressive guys who biked the Paris-Brest 2023!,” she wrote.

“I was so happy to eat a ‘Complète’ like home in Britanny,” Fontanel added.

The October Fête was held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens over the weekend.

VP Duterte to Davao City barangay bets: Be honest, ensure orderly polls

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 17, 2023 10:52 AM 

Vice President Sara Duterte urged barangay candidates in her hometown of Davao City to ensure an “honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections” on Oct. 30.

Vice President Sara Duterte meets with barangay candidates in Davao City. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

Speaking during a recent “Pasasalamat” event at the Davao Convention and Trade Center in Davao City, the official gathered the barangay candidates in her hometown city and reminded them of the importance of having clean elections. 

“Noong nakaraang linggo tinipon natin ang iilan sa mga barangay election candidates ng siyudad ng Davao para bigyan sila ng paalala na paniguraduhin na mangibabaw ang demokrasya sa darating na halalan (Last week, we gathered some barangay election candidates of the City of Davao to remind them to ensure that democracy will work in the coming elections),” she said in a Facebook post.

“Paalala natin sa kanila ang ating kagustuhan na magkaroon ng honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections sa pamamagitan ng tatlong bagay (We reminded them our goal of having an honest, orderly and peaceful barangay elections through three things),” Duterte added.

Firstly, the Vice President told the candidates not to defame other candidates because nobody is perfect.

Secondly, she asked them never to use violence during the campaign, the election itself, and during the vote counting. 

Duterte said such acts are against the dream of having a secure and progressive country.

“Pang huli, huwag mandaya dahil mawawala ang respeto ng mga tao (Thirdly, don’t cheat because the people will lose respect),” she added.

The Vice President stressed the importance of choosing the right barangay leaders because they serve as “frontliners” during many crises.

“Bumoto tayo sa October 30 at pumili ng mga lider na matatag at masipag sa trabaho (Let us vote on October 30 and choose leaders who are strong and hardworking in their duties),” she furthered.

Kinofest 2023 to screen latest German films in SEA, Pacific Region

Goethe-Institut is organizing the second edition of the annual German film festival, KinoFest, scheduled to run throughout September to November 2023.

After an online debut last year, KinoFest 2023 is returning in an offline format, taking place in various cities across Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. It will be held in cities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

KinoFest is a joint production involving eight Goethe-Instituts in Southeast Asia, showcasing the latest films released from 2021 to 2023.

"This year, KinoFest features a diverse selection of German films, including dramas, documentaries, comedies, fiction, and thrillers. These films touch on important themes such as interconnections, immigrations, and entanglements," said Ingo Schöningh, regional head of cultural programs at Goethe-Institut Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Gugi Gumilang, the curator of KinoFest 2023 added, "The curation of KinoFest departs from the idea to show that German cinema is a rich and diverse tapestry of influences and voices that reflect the country's complex history and its evolving cultural landscape."

In Manila, the KinoFest kicks off on October 19 at 6 p.m. at Gateway Cineplex Cinema 6 with the 2023 release "Sun and Concrete" (Sonne und Beton). The second screening of the film on October 22 at 3 p.m. will be followed by a Q&A session with the director, David Wnendt, and the author of the book on which the film is based, Felix Lobrecht.

The screenings of other films will follow from October 20 to 22 at the Gateway Cineplex 10 Cinemas 6 and 7. A total of seven new German films will be screened along with four experimental films from Germany and the Philippines by Khavn Dela Cruz.

Tickets to the KinoFest 2023 are priced at P200 for all films with regular discounts applicable for students, senior citizens, and PWDs. The opening night on October 19 is free and open to all on a first-come-first-served basis while tickets for the rest of the Manila screenings may be purchased at the cinema counters of Gateway Cineplex 10, via the Gateway Cineplex 10 website, or via the Araneta City App.

The KinoFest in Manila is made possible through the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Eala dumps rival in first qualifying match in Tunisia

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Oct 15, 2023 02:11 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala returned to the competition scene on a high note with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of hometown bet Feryel Ben Hassen in the first qualifying round match at the Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia on Saturday, Oct. 14. 

Alex Eala returned to the competition scene on a high note with a 6-1, 6-0 thrashing of hometown bet Feryel Ben Hassen in the first qualifying round match at the Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Alex Eala competes in her first tournament since winning two bronze medals at the 19th Asian Games. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

The 18-year-old Eala did not waste time unleashing crisp shots to send her lesser-ranked rival scrambling for returns.

The victory arranged Eala a crucial meeting with Elsa Jacquemot of France, who thumped Spain’s Irene Burillo Escorihuela, 6-3, 6-4. 

Another win would earn Eala a spot in the main draw round of this $250,000 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event.

Jacquemot, 20, is ahead of Eala on paper with a WTA ranking of No. 172. The Filipina teen sensation, for her part, is at No. 194.

The French netter also boasts of a Round of 64 finish at the 2022 Roland Garros.

The main draw has world No. 31 and top seed Jasmine Paolini, France’s Alice Cornet, doubles specialist and second seed Elise Mertens of Belgium and world No. 42 Martina Trevisan also of Italy, to name a few. 

This is Eala’s first tournament in the women’s circuit since winning bronze medals in the singles and mixed doubles at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Faith plays a foundational role in our life

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

“THIS generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, 

except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.” (Lk 11,29)

Words of Christ that expressed his disappointment at the weakness of the faith of the people then. Despite the many signs that showed his divinity and his mission as the redeemer of humanity, they were still doubting Christ.

It’s a complaint that can still be addressed to us today. We cannot deny that even if we pride ourselves as a Christian country, already for 500 years, we can never say that our faith is already invincibly rooted in our mind and heart. There are many signs that point to this reality.

The increasing cases of mental illness can be traced to a large extent to the lack or the weakness of faith. That many people do not know how to deal with their problems and difficulties can point to that.

Our life of faith is an ongoing affair. It needs to be taken care of, regularly nourished and fortified. In fact, among the many concerns that demand our attention, our faith should rank as the first. That’s because everything else in our life depends on it. Our faith plays a foundational role in our life. It’s the main light that should guide us. Our intelligence and other faculties depend on it.

Taking care of our faith means that it should not just remain at the theoretical or intellectual level. It has to be a functioning one, giving shape and direction to our thoughts and intentions, our words and deeds. In fact, it should shape our whole life. 

The ideal is that we feel it immediately. Indeed, it should be like an instinct such that whatever we think, say or do, or whenever we have to react to something, it is our faith that should guide us. 

For this to happen, we should take the conscious effort to let faith guide us rather than be directed simply by our senses and our reasoning. It’s a Christian duty to acknowledge this need, since we have the tendency to simply rely on our human faculties.

We have to understand that it is our faith that gives us the global picture of things, since it is God’s gift to us, a gratuitous sharing of what God knows about himself and about the whole of creation. It is meant for our own good, for us to live out our true dignity as children of God.

It is a kind of knowledge that will lead us to our eternal life. It will make us relate everything in our earthly life, both the good and the bad, to this ultimate goal in life which is to be in heaven with God, a state that is supernatural. But it is a divine gift that we need to take care of. It is like a seed that has to grow until it becomes a big tree that bears fruit.

For this, we really need to have a living contact with Christ who is the fullness of God’s revelation to us. He is the substance, the content and the spirit of our faith. So, the first thing that we have to do is to always look for him in whatever thing we are thinking, saying or doing.

Why is German significantly harder for English speakers to learn compared to other Germanic languages?

Kelechi Wachuku

Linguist & Anthropologist at Heart

1,883 followers

354 following

On the whole, I think there are two things that make German somewhat harder for English speakers: the grammar and the phonological changes.

When learning German, while I considered the language comparatively easy compared to other languages I’d learned at the time, the grammar was rather complex. There’s the gender aspect, which other languages do share, but with German there are fewer immediately recognizable patterns to English speakers. For instance, “Mädchen” (girl) was neuter instead of feminine. While the “-chen” ending indicates a neuter gender, one who is just learning might assume that since the word means “girl,” it must be feminine. English still technically has gender, but it primarily manifests as a sex-gender/natural gender system in pronouns. So, there is the distinction between he/she/it rather than only one word. Other Germanic languages have gender, but usually not as complex and as involved as with German.

Above: Gender in European languages. Light blue: no grammatical gender, or no gender system at all. Yellow: common/neuter. Green: animate/inanimate. Red: masculine/feminine. Dark blue: masculine/feminine/neuter.

(Update) Above: Map distinguishing European languages by use of grammatical genders and gendered pronouns.

---

Also, there was no set plural form in German.

Again, this is true of many other languages, like how with English there’s the most common “-s/es” ending, but there’s also sometimes “-en,” like in “brethren,” “oxen,” “children,” etc, irregular ones like “geese,” or sometimes no plural marker just to name a few. However, in English, one doesn’t have to learn too many plural markers, since “-s/-es” is just so common (like >90%). Not so with German.

German had all kinds of plural markers like:

• -e in Flugzeuge (airplanes)
• -er + umlaut in Bücher (books)
• -e + umlaut in Bäume (trees)
• just a simple umlaut in Mütter (mothers)
• -en/n in Katzen
• no marker, like in Finger (finger or fingers)
• -s like in Handys (cellphones)

Most foreign words would end in s, so it would be a bit easier to guess that. Otherwise, the “-e” ending was the most common in my experience. But, even though it was the most common, it was only about 40–50% of the times I would see that at the most.

Bear in mind that all the words I listed above have cognates in English, especially if you break down the words, so understanding the word was no problem. It’s just that when you see how many forms the word can take, it gets harder to wrap your head around it all.

Now German and English have thousands of cognates, often very obvious ones, but due the High German Consonant Shift, the similarities can sometimes be obscured.

• “t” became “ts”or “s”
• → “toe” = “Zehe”; “tooth” = “Zahn”
• “p” became “pf” or “f”
• → “ship” = “Schiff”; “weapon” = “Waffe”
• “d” became “t”
• →”day” = “Tag”
• “v” corresponds to “b”
• “love” = “Liebe”; “live” = “Leben”

Now, it may seem like a petty difference to pay attention to, but when comparing an English word to, say, a Dutch cognate, which usually lacks those phonological changes, the Dutch cognate is usually more recognizable. When taking into account that there are more shared cognates between English and Dutch, the intelligebaility is raised. For example:

• All you do is eat, sleep, and drink.
• Alles, was Sie tun, ist essen, schlafen und trinken. (German)
• Alles wat je doet is eten, slapen en drinken. (Dutch)

English has had phonological changes in consonants as well, but not to the same extent as German. As for the North Germanic languages, their ancestor Old Norse influenced English somewhat, so the there are some shared grammatical, phonological, and lexical features that are just not shared with German. For instance, English lacks the V2 word order, so the verb that follows the auxiliary doesn’t go the end of the sentence.

• I can help you.
• ich kann Ihnen helfen. = I can (aux) you help. (German)
• jag kan hjälpa dig. = I can (aux) help you. (Swedish)

Shared Vocabulary from Old Norse Influence

• They are both weak
• Every word here came either from Old Norse or was influenced by it
• Sie sind beide schwach (German)
• None are from Old Norse
• De är båda veka/svaga (Swedish)
• Every word is from Old Norse

With these in mind, despite both English and German being West Germanic, German can stand out a bit more to an English speaker despite the great overall similarities.

Edit: It’s been brought to my attention that the first map may give the impression that English utterly lacks gender (grammatical or otherwise). I included the second map to show the distinction. Thank you, Thomas Wier.

119.3K views

View 468 upvotes

View 29 shares