Time to look back as we enter the ‘Decade of Philippine History’

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 14, 2023 03:04 AM 

History serves as a vital connection to our roots as a nation, making us understand the intricacies of human experiences and reinforcing our shared humanity as a nation among others in a global context. 

During our formative years, the study of history is vital as it enables reflection on the past,  encouraging a deeper understanding of the present, and guiding us toward a more enlightened future. Looking back allows us to learn lessons from historical mistakes, ensuring we do not repeat them and empowering us to make informed decisions. 

To highlight the importance of history in our national conversation and collective consciousness, the President signed last Nov. 7, 2023 Proclamation No. 396, which is “Declaring the Years beginning 2023 through 2033 as the ‘Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas’ or the ‘Decade of Philippine History.’” 

The proclamation aligns with Section 15, Article 14 of the Constitution, which declares that the  “State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as its artistic creations.”  

Reinforcing this constitutional mandate is Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10086 or “Strengthening Peoples' Nationalism Through Philippine History Act,” which states that the “State shall provide the means to strengthen the Filipino people's nationalism, love of country, respect for its heroes, and pride for the people's accomplishments, by reinforcing the importance of Philippine national and local history in daily life, with the end in view of raising social consciousness.”

Tasked with ensuring the commemoration of the “Decade of Philippine History” is the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which traces its origins back to the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC), established under Executive Order No. 451 on Oct. 23, 1933, during the American regime.

Evolving from its predecessor, the NHCP gained independence as a government agency in 2010 through RA No. 10086. This law designated the NHCP as the entity responsible for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the country's historical objects, along with determining factual matters related to official Philippine history.

From its predecessor as PHRMC, the NHCP will mark its centennial anniversary in 2033. Thus, celebrating the “Decade of Philippine History” is an appropriate inaugural event, one that should also enjoin LGUs, schools, and various youth organizations to be part of. 

Over the next 10 years, a series of events will “highlight the contributions of the individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others.” These dedicated professionals have tirelessly advanced historical research, celebrated Filipino figures, and preserved historic sites and structures. 

Their collective efforts aim not only to commemorate the NHCP's milestone but also to underscore the indispensable role of history in nation-building. Through various events, Filipinos, especially the youth, will be encouraged to revere national symbols, embrace our rich history and heritage, and understand the profound connection between our past and present.

Looking forward to becoming a better nation requires a deliberate gaze into our past. The coming decade stands as a crucial period to instill in all of us the enduring importance of history.  Without it, we will not know where we should be headed.  

What are some famous German quotes?

 

Chris Ebbert

Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design, Mid Sweden University

55,995 followers

182 following

Industrial- and Transportation Designer, innovation professional, lecturer, researcher; lived here and there and done this and that. Harmless, unless there is food involved. I appear to have what I call chronic innovation disorder; show me what you will, I will have a better idea.

My one big passion in life is to uphold the flag of high civilisation. Smaller passions include cats of all sizes, American vintage cars, obtuse movies, photography, and musing randomly on social media.

My absolute favourite is by Wilhelm Busch: “Ist der Ruf erst ruiniert, lebt es sich ganz ungeniert.” Very freely translated as, “the upside of a ruined reputation is that life gets a lot more relaxed.”

Other favourites: “Komisch ist alles, was scheitert.” (Loriot). Perhaps best translated as “Failure is comical.”

“Wer nichts zu sagen hat, macht viele Worte.” (Heinz Erhardt). You could translate it as, “those who have nothing to say will use lots of words.”

A call for heroes

Modern-day causes need a new set of heroes, says Philipp Ines

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Nov 12, 2023 08:13 PM

  

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By Dexter R. Matilla

There is a sense of wonderment to be had when viewing Philipp Ines' works, which, at first glance have the ability to immediately attack one's visual perception.

Philipp Ines

Especially for the ones that are part of his "A Call for Heroes" collection that was recently exhibited at Pinto Art Museum, I have to wonder, what is it that I am looking at here? 

A portrait of what appears to be Philippine heroes, with Jose Rizal being the easiest to identify, is shown in "Bayani Noon, Tayo Naman Ngayon." Behind is presumably Doña Marcela Agoncillo, with some help, sewing the flag of the Philippines. 

So are these really the heroes we've been taught about from the history books? Or are these just some really stylish individuals from an alternate timeline donning the most fashionable floral fall collection?

'Tunog Ng Kalikasan,' 36x48 inches, oil on canvas, 2023; 'Bayani Noon, Tayo naman Ngayon,' 72x48 inches, oil on canvas, 2023

As an artist, Ines interprets them as he sees fit—but for what purpose exactly?

A handloom is the subject of "Abel Ni Lilang" and it adds to the complex mystery of the artist's message, especially for those who may not have even seen one in person. A fool may not even know the proper orientation of how to hang this piece but then again, art doesn't always have to abide by the rules.

And then we get some sense of clarity with "Pariwara," where a female figure holds a beer bottle on one hand and a cigarette on another. One can assume that this might be a personification of Gaea, with Ines' stylized floral patterns for her hair covering her upper body while lounging in summer short shorts. Humanity doesn't care for her so why should she?

'Euan,' 36x24 inches, oil on canvas, 2023; 'Mentor,' 36x24 inches, oil on canvas, 2023

In "Retratista," Ines may be attempting to show us the majesty of nature if only we learn to appreciate it up close. Perched on a branch is a hornbill surrounded by colorful vegetation that has caught the interest of the photographer who, despite the painting's title is curiously unseen, only part of his lens shown. The same can be said of “Tunog ng Kalikasan” where we see a female violinist ready to play but seemingly missing her bow, a parrot waiting for the performance and ready to mimic what it hears. In both works, nature’s beauty is the focus.

Place of solace

Ines' fascination with the natural environment makes sense since he considers it as his healing ground.

The artist grew up in the mountainous region of Ilocos Sur but his resolve to truly care for nature came when he contracted COVID during the pandemic.

He poured his attention on his plants and Ines says this balanced out his emotions. The vibrant colors of all things floral gives him happiness every time. 

“It taught me to smile, to be thankful, to share, and to be patient,” Ines says.

'Pariwara,'  36x24 inches, oil on canvas, 2023; 'Pariwara,'  36x24 inches, oil on canvas, 2023

Thus, his advocacy for the environment will continue through his art. The plastered eyes and mouth that has become his signature are those of friends and acquaintances who ascribe to the same ideals and it is his way of honoring them. He credits Dr. Joven Cuanang, beloved art patron, for being the most influential in this.

“During the years of the (Philippine) revolution wars, we needed heroes to fight against the country’s colonizers,” Ines says. “Now we need heroes to fight for the environment.”
So perhaps this is Ines' intention here all along—to capture the viewers' curiosity through the use of vibrant and brave colors and hold their interest long enough for them to contemplate whether the heroes within them will ever be stirred to take action or will remain hypnotized by trivial things and short-form content, oblivious to the environmental issues threatening humanity.

Email the author dxmatillawrites@gmail.com

Should ladies pay the bill on a first date? KC Concepcion reacts: 'No way!'

 BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Nov 13, 2023 08:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Splitting the bill is okay at times. Pero huwag naman yung ikaw ang manlilibre sa kanya on your first date. Unless you ask him out at kung gustong-gusto mo siya." 

KC Concepcion (Facebook)

Actress KC Concepcion has expressed that she does not believe that women should be expected to pay on their first date.

On her latest vlog "Ask Me Anything" uploaded on Nov. 12, KC said she would really love for the man to take care of the bill for the first date.

"No way! Not for me!" said KC when asked if ladies should pay the bill on their first date. 

KC added: "I appreciate it when the man shoulders the bill. And ladies, it's up to us too to offer to pay sometimes as well.  I think men really appreciate that. 

"But I think for the first date, I'd really love for the man to take care of the bill. Pero kung hindi ganun ang nangyari, it doesn't mean na hindi okay. But i like to feel like a woman. I like to be kilig. Because I know what I can offer. I know that mag-e-enjoy din siya with me. 

"Splitting the bill is okay at times. Pero huwag naman yung ikaw ang manlilibre sa kanya on your first date. Unless you ask him out at kung gustong-gusto mo siya," she said. 

 

KC, 38, also shared her advice to ladies in their 30s.

"I love being in my 30s. Our 30s are a lot more empowering and a lot more fun in your 20s because you know yourself better, or you should know yourself better—your strengths, your weaknesses, being honest, what you can offer. 

"And hopefully, by now, you already have a job, even if it's not a. career path. Having a job is important. And also you should have more money than you did in your 20s. And you should be more conscious of taking care of yourself. Your skin care, your health. It's like being in your 20s but better.

"You also have your tribe. You know who your true friends are. In your 30s, you also think about doing this for the people you love. When you're still young, especially now, it's a lot easier to travel.

"Mas marami na tayong alam because of social media. I think in your 30s it's a good time to enjoy life. What our lives will look like in the next five years really depends on what we do now," KC also said.

Low Pressure Area to enter PAR, likely to develop into tropical depression

 

By Arlie O. Calalo

November 13, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines: THE low pressure area (LPA) spotted outside the country will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) anytime today and may intensify into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Monday.

Weather specialist Robert "Obet" Badrina said the LPA was last spotted 1,400 kilometers east of north-eastern Mindanao.

"It would likely enter PAR in 24 hours and the potential for this weather disturbance to become a tropical depression was high," Badrina said.

He said the agency has yet to issue a forecast track as it is possible that its direction would change in the coming days.

Pagasa said that the shear line where the hot and cold air converge is affecting Southern Luzon.

The northeast monsoon or "amihan" meanwhile is affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

It will bring overcast skies with isolated light rains in Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Ilocos Region, the rest of Central Luzon and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpour and thunderstorms.

President Marcos has declared 2023 to 2033 as "Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas."

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Marcos said the move was part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the Filipino people’s nationalism, respect for heroes, and pride for the people’s accomplishment.

Through Proclamation No. 396 dated Nov. 7 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the “Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.”

"[T]he Filipino nation greatly values the almost a century of contributions of the dedicated individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others, who all work tirelessly to advance historical research, promote the legacy of esteemed Filipino figures through commemorative events, safeguard and restore historic sites, structures, objects, and properties, show reverence for national symbols, and educate the public about their rich history and heritage," the proclamation read. 

The NHCP was also directed to identify the programs, projects, and activities for the celebration of the Dekada. It is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC).

Under the proclamation, all other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or-controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges were enjoined to render the necessary support and assistance to the NHCP.

All local government units, non-government organization, and the private sector were also encouraged  to actively participate in the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

How long did it take you to learn to speak German?

Thomas L. Johnson

Former Top Writer (2015-18) & Top Question Writer (2016-18)

12,544 followers

1,000 following

Decades.

I thought I was speaking German after spending months in a Goethe Institute. Then a little kid told me that one learns German “with great effort.” He used the word Muehe (with an umlaut). = Mühe

I thought I had learned German when I studied Germanistik at a German University. Then I had to deliver a paper to the entire Seminar and realized that they were hearing an American trying to speak German.

I thought I had arrived when I did a book presentation of my second book published in Germany. Then a guy wanted me to do a radio interview and I performed at the level of a beginner.

Exactly fifty years after I took my first German class, I am not sure I actually speak German. I have friends with whom I have only spoken German and I have spent a sabbatical in Berlin and dealt with German Publishers. I am still waiting for the jury to say that I actually speak German.

Now I am an old guy and Germans generally understand me when I speak. So I guess the answer is fifty years. It takes about fifty years to learn to speak German.

And it is worth the effort.

Pageant vloggers Tita Lavinia, Norman Tinio share top picks for Miss Universe 2023

 

Bernard Decloedt - Philstar.com

Manila, Philippines  — The heat is on in El Salvador. Exactly a week before the coronation night, pageant enthusiasts are pumped up to know who is going to be the 72nd Miss Universe.

In a Philstar.com exclusive, well-known pageant vloggers Norman Tinio and Tita Lavinia gave their early top picks leading up to the preliminaries this November 15 (November 16 in Manila). 

Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee, or MMD for short, kicked off her Miss Universe campaign with a "Hello, Universe" video that is now viral. She is now leading the "Voice of Change" portion of the competition. 

Norman Tinio is a permanent fixture in Philippine pageantry. He runs a widely followed pageant blog.  TIta Lavinia, meanwhile, is a popular pageant analyst and a certified cat lover. She also has a YouTube channel.  

Below are their top picks before the Preliminaries: 

Norman's list: 

1. Dominican Republic 

2. Nicaragua 

3. El Salvador  

4. Thailand  

5. Philippines 

6. India 

7. Ukraine 

8. Russia 

9. France 

10. South Africa

11. Bahrain 

12. USA 

13. Colombia 

14. Venezuela 

Tita Lavinia's list: 

1. Australia 

2. France 

3. India

4. Thailand 

5. Philippines 

6. Mexico 

7. Colombia 

8. Puerto Rico 

9.    Egypt

10. Russia 

11. Venezuela

12. Nicaragua

13. Dominican Republic

14. El Salvador

This list will definitely change come the preliminaries this coming Thursday (November 16).

Will our very own Michelle Dee clinch our fifth Miss Universe title? 

Stay tuned with the fearless forecast of beauty pageant experts coming soon after the preliminaries!

Cayetano to newly elected barangay officials: Help transform the Philippines into a drug-free country

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday urged newly elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to join the fight toward a drug-free Philippines.

“Magtulong-tulong tayong gawing drug-free ang Pilipinas,” Cayetano told the more than 300 newly elected barangay chairpersons and kagawad of the City of Taguig during their oath-taking ceremony on November 12, 2023.

In his keynote speech, Cayetano identified illegal drugs as a “red line” local officials must never cross or tolerate as it “does not bring any good” to the community.

“Lalo na po na ang klase ng droga na available sa ating mga kababayan ay shabu. Scientifically proven po y’un na sinisira po y’ung utak, nagkakaroon ng violent tendencies, nakakakita ng wala naman,” he said.

The senator said an effective way to beat illegal drugs in the country is to “minister” to the users and pushers, rather than just running after them.

“Malungkot, nawawala sa kanyang sarili, namomoroblema, gutom, walang hanapbuhay – these are some reasons kaya kumakapit sila sa droga,” he said.

“Lahat ng paraan para mawala ang droga, gagawin natin,” he added.

Cayetano also urged the newly elected officials of the city not to succumb to illegal gambling establishments and businesses that promote “immorality” as means of generating revenue for their barangays because they “erode the [City’s] values.”

“There are 1,001 ways na ma-increase ang pondo ng inyong barangay,” he said.

“Ang gusto po ba natin ay panay saya ng laman na kanya-kanya [tayo] at bahala na anong mangyari sa Taguig, or gusto ba nating family-oriented ang Siyudad natin na dedicated sa Panginoon?” he added.

Taguig, also known as a 'Probinsyudad' under the leadership of the senator's wife Mayor Lani Cayetano, is known for its strict prohibition on the construction of bingo houses, cockfighting arenas, casinos, and motels.

“Sana po magkaisa tayo na ang Taguig ay para sa Diyos at ibe-bless ang bawat pamilya,” he said.

Cayetano also addressed the almost 300 newly elected SK officials during their oath-taking on Sunday night, urging them to “keep their integrity” and serve as good examples to their fellow youth.

“Because being a public servant is so personal, it is very important that you keep your integrity. Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no,” he said, quoting from the Book of Matthew in the Bible.

“You have to be the example kasi elected kayo. Remember, people follow what we (elected leaders) do,” he added. ###

Pauline Amelinckx receives Miss Supranational’s ‘Woman of Substance’ award

Pauline Amelinckx (right) receives the ‘Woman of Substance award from reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera./SCREENSHOT FROM MISS SUPRANATIONAL FACEBOOK VIDEO

By: Armin P. AdinaI NQUIRER.net

Pauline Amelinck received the “Woman of Substance” award from the Miss Supranational organization during the finals of The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration last month, the third time that the international pageant has bestowed such a distinction.

“It is a small token to show our respect to Pau-Pau for her dedication, speaking out against body shaming and her #FromTheGroundUpCSI project, which focused on the importance of #environmentalprotection through education,” the Miss Supranational pageant said on social media. The two previous recipients of the award were Jesica Fitriana from Indonesia, and Dr. Julita Kitwe Mbangula from Namibia.

Fitriana was second runner-up in the 2019 Miss Supranational pageant. Then-reigning queen Anntonia Porsild from Thailand bestowed the recognition to her in a trip to Indonesia to see the project initiated by the Indonesia beauty in Bogor in West Java, creating safe spaces for children infected with HIV/AIDs by their parents.

Mbangbula, a physician, finished in the Top 24 of last year’s competition. She was recognized for her medical outreach programs, social welfare initiatives, and health education programs online and in disadvantaged communities. The organization awarded her during the 2023 Miss and Mister Supranational Namibia pageant in March.

Amelinckx finished strong in the 2023 Miss Supranational pageant in Poland in July, placing second to Ecuador’s Andrea Aguilera. The reigning queen flew to the Philippines and personally handed over the trophy to the Filipino beauty during the final competition show of The Miss Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24.

“My Pau-Pau, for me it is an honor to give you this third-ever Woman of Substance award. Because of your dedication, for never giving up, for working so, so hard for your community, you deserve it. Pau-Pau, we, our Supra family, we are so proud of you. We love you so much,” Aguilera said.

The awarding took place after Amelinckx delivered her farewell speech as The Miss Philippines. She became the first women to hold the title after Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee awarded her the crown upon her arrival from Poland in August.

This year’s The Miss Philippines is the national search’s first edition. It is a sister competition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant under Empire Holdings Inc. Amelinckx relinquished her national title to Alethea Ambrosio, who made an impact by answering in straight Filipino in the contest.