Thousands of fans flocked 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' stars Coco and Ivana at Kapamilya Karavan in Bacolod

KD and Alexa share a sweet moment on stage at the Masskara Festival

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Oct 25, 2023 07:08 AM

  

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Coco Martin and Ivana Alawi

The stars of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” led by Coco Martin and Ivana Alawi, drew ten thousand fans during their Kapamilya Karavan mall show for the Masskara Festival 2023 last Saturday (Oct. 21).

Coco and Ivana, who were first time Masskara Festival attendees, expressed their excitement in joining the festivities in Bacolod.

The King of Primetime thanked the viewers for supporting “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” which is the number TV show nationwide. “Sulit yung paghihirap. Kapag nakikita mo gabi-gabi na nandyan sila, tinatangkilik nila yung pinaghihirapan niyo, at nararamdaman mo yung pagmamahal ng mga Pilipino, napakasarap sa pakiramdam,” he said in an interview with TV Patrol.

Ivana also addressed her recent viral action scenes in the series.  “Hindi siya madali pero I’m very thankful kasi I’m supported by such a strong team. Tsaka may training talaga. Hindi naman nila ako sinabak nang ganon lang,” she shared.

The cast of 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' in Bacolod

Coco entertained the audience with his song and dance performance of Pinoy medley hits, while Ivana serenaded the audience with her rendition of “Torete.”

Coco and Ivana were joined by their “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” co-actors Lorna Tolentino, Lito Lapid, Bassilyo, and Smugglaz. 

Meanwhile, “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” stars KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad charmed fans with their sweet performance of “Please Be Careful With My Heart.” Charlie Dizon and Joseph Marco also delighted the audience with their production numbers. 

Catch the action-packed scenes of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” and the thrilling plot twists of “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso” on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. 

The Masskara Festival Kapamilya Karavan is made possible by the efforts of ABS-CBN Regional, ABS-CBN Events, Kapamilya Channel Regional, MOR, and A2Z Regional.

Schools shift online as DOH monitors spike in flu-like cases

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 24, 2023 02:16 PM 

Noting the rise of flu-like cases in the Philippines, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday, Oct. 24, said some schools have shifted to online or blended learning to stop the spread of the virus among their students.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa replies to questions from the media during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (RTVM screenshot)

In a Palace press briefing, the official confirmed that the Department of Health’s (DOH) epidemiology bureau is currently monitoring the increasing cases of “influenza-like illness.” 

“Parang tumaas nga (It looked like it really increased). There are some schools that converted to online blended learning because of the number of students,” he told reporters.

The rainy season has contributed to the spike on respiratory illnesses because people are in “closed spaces” and they can really get infected.

Herbosa reminded the general public to remember “self-protection” or the “things we learn(ed) during Covid,” which were to wear a mask if “you have a cough, colds or respiratory illness.”

He also asked the public, especially those in the “high-risk” category, such as the elderly or the senior citizens, to get their flu shot at the health office. 

“And then, kung kayo ay may sakit, respiratory illness, ubo, sipon (if you are sick with respiratory illness, cough, colds), sore throat, it’s better to stay at home than infect all other colleagues in the office or in the school,” Herbosa said.

Last week, DOH data showed that there were 151,375 cases of influenza-like illness cases reported so far this year.

This was 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 cases reported during the same period last year.

From Sept. 3 to 16, 2023 alone, ILI cases increased by 26 percent compared to the reported cases two weeks prior, the DOH added.

“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

CHRIST clearly said this. In that gospel parable where he told his disciples to be always prepared for judgment, (cfr. Lk 12,39-48) Christ clearly admonished his disciples to be ready to face the Lord, able to account for all the things that have been entrusted to them. If they are given much, much will also be expected from them.

The lesson Christ wanted to impart to his disciples, and to us, is that whatever blessing, gift or privilege given to us should never lead us to feel entitled. Rather, we should feel that a greater responsibility is actually given to us, for which we have to do some accounting on Judgment Day.

That gospel parable somehow reminds us that we are just stewards, not owners, of the things of this world. Thus, we have to be responsible and accountable for how we use the things of this world. In this regard, we have to see to it that we be as fruitful and generous in the use of the things of this world, not wasteful and prodigal. We need to distinguish between generosity and prodigality.

We have to learn to distinguish between the two since both can look the same and can involve more or less the same amount of money, time, effort, etc. Generosity is, of course, not prodigality, though it is never sparing of the resources that may be needed to pursue a real good. 

Prodigality is simply a matter of wastefulness, oftentimes of the thoughtless and selfish kind, as dramatized in that parable of the prodigal son. (cfr. Lk 15,11-32) It is an irresponsible way of using one’s resources, endowments and blessings that are made to respond simply to one’s whims and caprices.

It’s always good that whatever service we do for others, we should be as generous as possible without spoiling them. And whatever attention we give to ourselves, we should try to be as sparing as possible without, of course, harming us or jeopardizing our health, etc.

Pertinent to this point, Christ said: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Lk 6,38)

In other words, the more we give, the more we actually will receive. Christ promised as much when he said: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children of fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19,29)

We have to realize then that any privilege, honor or praise given to us is a call for us to be more generous in our self-giving to such an extent that we would not run away from making the supreme sacrifice of giving our life for God and the others, just like what Christ did. Our attitude should be to sharpen even more our desire to serve and not to be served. 

We should never feel entitled. Christ himself was the first one to live by this principle. Being God, he emptied himself to become man and to bear all the sins of men by dying on the cross, all for the purpose of saving mankind. (cfr. Phil 2,7)

He reiterated this point when he lamented about the domineering sense of entitlement of some of the leading Jews of his time while praising the poor widow who put all that she had into the temple treasury. (cfr. Mk 12,38-44)

Mati City formally opens fish port

BY IVY TEJANO

Oct 23, 2023 10:56 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The Mati city government formally opened on Monday, October 23, the fish port complex in Purok Calagundian in Barangay Central.

MATI City fish port. (FB)  

According to the City Information Office (CIO), the first phase of the port provided various facilities such as reclamation, concreting, drainage and sewerage systems, water and electrical distribution networks, fencing, administrative offices, and a trading or market hall.

In her message, Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said the fish port will meet the needs of about 200 commercial fishing vessels and improve the fishing industry in Mati City and bordering cities.

The establishment is estimated to handle and process 4,000 tons of fish yearly, exceeding the required seafood demand for Davao Oriental. The fish port is also expected to be a self-operating economic enterprise, generating a P5 million annual income in the next five years.

Rabat thanked the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and other officials who became instrumental in funding and completing the fish port. 

They were former President Rodrigo R. Duterte,  President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Davao City Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Tereso Magno.

Rabat said the significant opening of the fish port complex only underscores the local government's abundant plans, projects, and programs for the city.

The construction of the multi-million fish port was initiated and funded by the PFDA, with a budget of P75 million, in 2021. The structure is still in its initial phase and the second phase will soon commence with an additional P150 million solely from the PFDA.

Rabat said that the fish port would serve as a hub for systematic activities in commercial fishing in the province and function as a terminal point for unloading, loading, and selling fish and other aquatic products.

“All will be done with sanitary methods to prevent harm to the ocean and preserve the quality of seafood products,” Rabat said, adding that the operation of the port is anchored on City Ordinance No. 561, the City of Mati Fishport Operation and Management Ordinance of 2023.

She said registered fishing boats in the city through the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Fish-R and Boat-R would be allowed to use the facilities and unload fish without charge.

The opening of the facility was graced by Rabat, Mati Vice Mayor Lorenzo Leon G. Rabat, City Administrator Allan Andrada, city councilors, the PFDA led by General Manager Glen A. Pangapalan, and Davao Fish Port Complex Port Manager Albert Aguinaldo. 

A fusion of art and design

Dexterton and Kohler celebrate creativity, innovation, and style

BY JANE KINGSU-CHENG

Oct 23, 2023 09:41 PM 

Dong Ronquillo, Arlene Sipat-Sutton, Ana Amigo-Antonio, Audrey Go, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Chat Fores, Stephanie Zubiri

Home and design enthusiasts, as well as architects and interior designers, gathered at Dexterton in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last Oct. 13, 2023. This was to celebrate Kohler’s 150th anniversary and their new showroom at Dexterton. 

Mary Ann Rabonza, Leo Leong, Ivy Almaria, Bee Hong Tan, Cynthia Almario, Audrey Go, Yolanda Bernardo, Noel Bernardo

The theme, “Come All Creators,” invited everyone to see up close the new innovations of Kohler, one of the global leaders in kitchen and design. The venue also featured limited-edition collections of the Kohler artist edition collection, celebrating the fusion of art and innovation. 

Apples Aberin, Marie Lozano, Dong Rongquillo, Pie Alvarez, Stephanie Zubiri,
Phoemela Baranda, and 

Justin Pitt, Miles Roces, Apples Aberin, Cristalle Belo-Pitt, Jeff Saez, Scott Woodward

Guests were also invited to bid on two limited K150 artist edition pieces, which included the "Falling Gently Collection" by renowned street and graffiti artist ELLE, and  “A World on Strings” by Chinese artist Ziling Wang. The Gynecologic Oncology Department of the Philippine General Hospital is the chosen beneficiary.  

Leolino Almeria, Dominic Galicia, Tina Periquet-Galicia, Arlen de Guzman

"We take immense pride in being part of Kohler’s 150th anniversary celebration, and our primary goal is to share with our clients the same artistic fulfillment and creativity that Kohler exemplifies," shares Dexterton Vice President and Creative Director Audrey Go. 

Kat Clemente, Alessandro Trinidad, Audrey Go, Garlic Garcia, Camille Diego

What German words do not exist in English?

 

Micha Boettiger

Freelance Copywriter, Transcriber, Translator

Originally Answered: What German word does not exist in other languages?

There are a lot of them, but the long compound words are boring, and kind of a cheat. After all, they’re ideas that can easily be translated, just into multiple words in other languages.

Let’s look specifically at a lexeme that doesn’t translate.

Let’s talk about “doch”

“Doch”, functionally, is a word that is used to refute something in a positive sense. That means, it’s the opposite of “not”.

To translate it, you have to select from an entire list of words in English, and in other languages that I’m familiar with so far. Depending on its usage, it can mean “anyway”, “after all”, “but”, or “ya-huh!”(in the immortal sense of children arguing on a playground). It can also be used as an amorphous mood (in the linguistic sense of mood) marker. Examples as follows.

Examples: (doch-words in bold)

Er wollte ein Haus kaufen, doch er hatte kein Geld. - He wanted to buy a house, but he didn’t have money.

Zuerst wollte er die Stelle nicht, dann hat er sie aber doch angenommen. - At first he didn’t want the position, but then he accepted it after all.

Sie war krankgeschrieben, aber sie ist doch zur Arbeit gegangen. - She was sick, but went to work anyway.

Das ist doch blöd - Well this sucks. (Just like with “well” in English with this usage, the word doch doesn’t carry explicit meaning here, it just adds tone)

Doch, ich war dabei. - Yes, I was there! (as a response to someone claiming you weren’t)

“Be rich in the things of God”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ONCE again, we are reminded in that gospel episode where a man asked Christ to arbitrate in his matter of inheritance with his brother (cfr. Lk 12,13-21) that we should be focused more on the things of God rather than on our earthly affairs.

Not that our earthly affairs are not important. They are, but only as a means or an occasion to lead us to God. Our usual problem is that we get trapped in the drama of our temporal affairs without referring them to what has eternal value, and that is, to be with God, to be like God. That is how we can be rich in the things of God.

We need to see to it that in our temporal affairs, even as we take care of their technical and other human and natural aspects and requirements, we should build up things like the virtues of honesty, integrity, patience, compassion, etc., because these are what would make us rich in what matters to God.

We have to have the good sense of living the basic social principles of the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity that would constitute the proper sense of responsibility for us. And we have to understand that by the common good, we mean God first before we think of any good for man.

To be rich in what matters to God is not so much a matter of how much wealth and possessions we have as it is of how much love we have for God which is always translated in our love for the others, expressed in deeds and not just in intentions.

We may be rich or poor in our worldly standards, but what should be pursued with extreme care and seriousness is that our heart gets filled with love for God and love for the others.

Yes, one can be rich materially—he can be a millionaire or a billionaire—but he should see to it that he fits the category of what one of the beatitudes regarded as “poor in spirit” because in spite of or even because of his great wealth, his heart is fully for God and for the others.

This, of course, will require tremendous struggle and constant purification and rectification of our intentions and ways, given the fact that we are always prone to get attached to the things of this world and to the ways of greed, envy and the like.

We have to continually check ourselves especially these days when we are bombarded with many tantalizing and intoxicating things that can capture our heart and remove God from it. It always pays to lead a very simple and austere life in spite of the great wealth that we may have.

And to be clear about this also: that the more wealth we have, the greater also would be our responsibility to show our love for God and others with deeds. The scope and range of that love should grow exponentially, so to speak.

We should be wary of our tendency to get complacent in this duty of living true Christian poverty and detachment. We really have to fight tooth and nail against this tendency because the likelihood for us to fall for this sweet poison of the new things today is high.

At the end of the day, we should be able to say that with our struggles and rectitude of intention, we are truly getting rich in what matters to God!

Envoys raise concern over China’s latest maneuvers off Ayungin Shoal

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Oct 22, 2023 08:05 PM

  

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Ambassadors from several countries expressed their concern and alarm over the collision incident between a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and Philippine vessels in the disputed West Philippine Sea as they backed the Philippines’ position of upholding maritime order based on a United Nations (UN) convention.

BRP Cabra's (right) port side is bumped by Chinese maritime militia vessel (CMMV) 00003 during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal on Oct. 22, 2023. (Courtesy of National Task Force for West Philippine Sea)

The ambassadors of Japan, Australia, European Union, Germany, and the Netherlands took to X (formerly Twitter) to sound the alarm on China’s maneuvers in the region.

The United States and Canada have earlier condemned China for its conduct. 

“Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels. (Japan) strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We stand with/by PH’s position; upholding maritime order based on UNCLOS & 2016 Arbitral Award,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko wrote.

German Ambassador to Manila Andreas Pfaffernosche reiterated the international community’s call for China to uphold maritime laws in accordance to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the landmark convention that was the basis of the Philippines’ arbitral win over China’s nine-dash line claim.

“(Germany) is very concerned about recent confrontations in the South Cina Sea involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the (Philippines),” he said.

“(Germany) calls on all parties to act in accordance with UNCLOS-rules and to respect the 2016 arbitral award,” he added. 

Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu also called out China’s “dangerous manoeuvres” in the disputed waters.

“Australia is concerned by China’s dangerous manoeuvres that damaged (Philippine) vessels and disrupted a (Philippine) resupply mission in the (Philippines’) EEZ,” she said.

“The South China Sea is a vital international waterway for us all. We again call for peace, stability & respect for UNCLOS,” the envoy added.

EU Ambassador to Manila Luc Veron blasted the “very disturbing” incidents, referring to recent and successive tensions between the Philippines and China.

“These incidents, their repetition and intensification are dangerous and very disturbing. We join the Philippines in its call for the full observance of International Law in the South China Sea,” he wrote.

Netherlands Ambassador to Manila Marielle Geraedts echoed her colleagues’ concerns as she retweeted the post of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS).

“Another worrying incident. Glad nobody got hurt. The Netherlands stands with the Philippines in its call for the full observance of International Law in the South China Sea,” she wrote.

The Netherlands is home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which handed to the Philippines its landmark 2016 arbitral tribunal win against China’s sweeping claims that overlaps on the territories of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam.

The ambassadors’ statements came after the NTFWPS reported that a CCG vessel collided with a Philippine Army-contracted resupply civilian boat and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel while on a resupply mission to a grounded Philippine vessel in the Ayungin Shoal.

What are some lesser-known culinary gems from Southeast Asia that offer a diverse range of flavors?

Datu Ulap

In the Philippines, the southern region of Mindanao is a culinary gem even many Filipinos outside of the southern region do not know about.

• The region of Bangsamoro in particular, is known for its use of chilis, palapa, turmeric, burnt coconut, malagkit, and curry dishes such as rendang and kulma.

• Zamboanga is known for local specialties such as spanner crab and satti, a local version of satay.

• The Tausug are known for their unique dishes such as tiyula itum and piyanggang.

• Dulang are traditional feasts of the Maranao people, prepared for guests during celebrations.

• In recent years, vloggers have highlighted the local cuisines of Bangsamoro and even visited Quiapo Muslim Town in Manila where many Maranao, Maguindanao, and Tausug residents live. 

Indonesia has some regional cuisines not well known by the rest of the world outside of Maritime Southeast Asia. Padang cuisine comes from the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra.

• Padang cuisine, or Masakan Padang, is well-known around Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and is known for its use of coconut milk and chilis, and its halal-friendly nature reflects the Islamic heritage of the Minangkabau people.

• Nasi Kapau is one example of the variety Padang cuisine offers and is a common item in Minangkabau restaurants. Steamed rice comes with various choices of dishes.

• Nasi Padang is similar to Nasi Kapau, though Nasi Padang originates from Padang while Nasi Kapau originates from Nagari Kapau, Bukittinggi. Nasi Padang is served with a variety of small plates.

Is it still useful to learn German?

 

Epiphanie Bloom

Yes. You will be able to communicate with people in Germany, Austria and half of Switzerland, as well as immigrants from those places. I understand that Germany has a thriving publishing industry, so you will be able to gain access to that market. And if you have an interest in technology and/or philosophy, Germany is strong in this area. As one of the most successful economies in the EU, knowing the language will open doors to employment. Also, Germans are openminded people for the most part!