Davao Region and some parts of Soccsksargen are expected to experience overcast skies with scattered rain showers due to the trough or extension of a low pressure area and the easterlies, state meteorologists forecast on Tuesday.
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Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Lea Salonga, Tabernacle Choir expected to repeat viral performance at choir’s 1st Philippine concert
Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com
February 27, 2024 | 10:22am
MANILA, Philippines — Following a successful and viral performance with The Tabernacle Choir in December 2022, acclaimed Filipina Broadway singer and actress Lea Salonga reunites with the internationally-renowned choir for its first ever concert in the country, the second stop for the group’s “Hope” world tour.
“Lea Salonga is a friend that we value very much,” choir president Michael Leavitt said in a press conference in Conrad Hotel Manila yesterday.
“We performed together at Christmastime of 2022. I think that performance was well-received in the Philippines, so we’re very excited repeating the experience,” Leavitt said of the choir’s performance videos with Salonga that reaped millions of views on YouTube.
“When the choir presented their invitation to perform with them in their concert in the Philippines as part of their world tour, it’s an invitation we said yes to pretty immediately after the experience working with Mack (the choir’s music director Mack Wilberg) and everyone two Christmases ago,” Lea said at the presser.
“It was memorable not only from personal standpoint. I remember feeling, this is something I really, really can’t forget. And I don’t know if there are many artists to have performed one time with the choir. So this is a big bonus to be able to do it again, and to be able to do it in our country, is also special… I’m very excited to be doing this again.”
Apart from heavy Manila traffic, Lea hopes the choir would be able to adjust to Philippine weather.
“I hope the choir would adjust to the humidity very quickly, and the heat. But I think definitely, the warmth (of the Filipino) people would be felt by everyone (in the choir),” she assured.
Besides Lea, Filipina YouTube sensation Ysabelle Cuevas will also join the choir as guest artist in two performances in Mall of Asia Arena on February 27 and 28, which are in total expected to draw around 18,000 spectators.
Although the choir’s first ever live shows in the country are exclusively by-invitation only, the performances would be streamed on YouTube and other platforms days after the concerts.
“Being here with the Tabernacle Choir, having listened to them my entire life is incredibly scary to me but I just know that this is going to change my life,” said Cuevas. “The thing I did to kind of overcome that fear is to take myself out of the equation and let the spirit, let the moment take its course and be as purposeful and present as I can be, and yes, just enjoy the moment…”
Wilberg said the local concert would present “something for everyone.”
“There would some classical music, there would be some folk music, and of course, hymns are a big part of what we do…”
According to him, even the songs that Lea would be singing are what they call as both “sacred and secular” as there would be a certain level of spirituality that can be felt from her performance.
“She’s not singing to your brain. She’s singing to your soul. And every generation would feel that,” Leavitt said of Lea as a performer.
“It’s a great honor for us to be in the Philippines for the first time. And I had to say, the hospitality and warmth of everyone we’ve been in contact with, whether it’s the hotel, those who are involved, the audiences. I think it’s unparalleled in our many world travels… I hope that we somewhat could share all the beauty and warmth that we got from all of you. Thank you very much!” — Photo, videos by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Manila concludes National Arts Month with 'Obrang Manileño, Bayan'
Feb 27, 2024 10:16 AM
The local government of Manila will conclude its celebration of National Arts Month with the holding of a day-long activity dubbed as "Obrang Manileño, and "Obra ng Bayan," on Thursday, February 29.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is inviting the public to join the activities that will be held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
She said the whole-day affair will be done under the leadership of the city's Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) headed by Charlie Dungo and the Liga ng mga Barangay-Manila under its president, Councilor Lei Lacuna.
Various forms of art will be featured during the event, including the "Tintang Manileno" tattoo artists; "LaraJuan" photography; "Guhit Pinta" paint artists; "Cine Kartilya" films and "Sayawit" song and dance performances.
"Inaanyayahan ko po kayo, kung wala kayong gagawin, buong araw ito bilang pagtatapos ng arts month. Iba't-ibang medium of art ang inyong matutunghayan (I invite you, this is a whole day event as we end the arts month. You can enjoy different mediums of art)," the mayor said.
"Marami tayong magagaling sa Maynila na gumagawa ng obra na nagta-tattoo. Para maalis na din ang stigma na ang tattoo ay masama. Actually, it is also a form of art at maraming Manileños ang magaling mag-tattoo (We have a lot of talented people in Manila who do tattoo works. We have to get rid of the stigma that tattoos are bad. Actually, it is also a form of art and many Manileños are good at tattooing)," she said.
Councilor Lei said "Makiindak sa musikang dala ng Sayawit, maantig sa pelikulang handog ng Cine Kartilya, magpinta nang malaya sa Guhit Pinta, ipakita ang husay sa pagpitik sa LaraJuan at tunghayan ang ibat ibang kulay sa Tintang Manileno (Let's dance to the music of Sayawit, be moved by the film offered by Cine Kartilya, paint freely in Guhit Pinta, show your flicking skills in LaraJuan, and explore different colors in Tintang Manileno)."
PBBM's compassion for senior citizens on full display with new law, says Tulfo
AT A GLANCE
President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos, says House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo.
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook, MANILA BULLETIN) President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos.
Thus, said House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was one of the many celebrators following the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No.11982.
Under the new law, senior citizens will soon be getting a P10,000 cash gift upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years thereafter (85, 90), until the age of 95.
Upon reaching 100 years old, the beneficiary will still receive the P100,000 bonanza that's in the original language of the bill.
“This goes to show na talagang may malasakit ang ating pamahalaan sa mga kababayan nating senior citizens. Maraming salamat po sa ating Pangulo sa pagbibigay importansiya sa mga matatanda nating kababayan,” Tulfo said in a statement.
(Our government truly has compassion for our senior citizens. Thank you to our President in giving importance to our elderly citizens.)
Tulfo, along with his fellow ACT-CIS Party-list nominees Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap, were co-authors of the newly-signed RA No.11982.
This new law for seniors expands the coverage of RA No.10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which entitles Filipinos aged 100 years old to a cash gift of P100,000.
The law has been pursued by ACT-CIS solons since the precvous 18th Congress in a bid to give additional benefits for senior citizens. RA No.11982 also creates an Elderly Data Management System to identify seniors eligible to avail of the benefits of the law.
The European Union provides €500,000 to assist floods victims in the Philippines
Feb 27, 2024 09:06 AM
The European Union has allocated €500,000 (over 30 million Philippine pesos) in response to widespread flooding and landslides that left large parts of Mindanao inundated since late January. The aid will address the immediate needs of 12,000 people in some of the worst-hit, isolated areas in the southern region.
"A series of unexpected heavy rainfall caused thousands of families in Mindanao to lose their homes, livelihoods and belongings," said EU Ambassador Luc Véron. "The EU funding will support our humanitarian partners in delivering crucial assistance to the most vulnerable, ensuring they can cover their basic needs in this time of crisis."
The assistance will help EU humanitarian partners already on the ground to deliver vital aid to those most in need. The aid will focus on providing emergency food and livelihood support, as well as ensuring affected families have access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and education.
Monday, February 26, 2024
DEUTSCH-PHILIPPINISCHE BEZIEHUNGEN (XIV) - German-Philippine Relations (XIV): German SVD missionaries in the Philippines
The second batch of German missionaries to request to the urgent appeal of Pope Leo XIII to rescue the Philippines from religious turmoil were the German SVD missionaries, popular known in Germany as the Steyler Missionaries.
From Abra the Divine World missionaries spread out into Zambales, Manila and Mindoro.
I will never forget my fist column in TINIG NG BAYAN published in Abra in 1986 with the help of my mentor Hermogenes E. Bacareza - during that time under the Chief Editor Brother Mike San Juan and Father Bel San Luis, SVD.
In the Philippines, the SVD has three ecclesiastical provinces: The Philippine North (PHN) that comprises mission from Pangasinan to Aparri, The Philippine Central (PHC) that covers Tarlac, Metro Manila, Mindoro, Bicol Region and Palawan, and The Philippine South (PHS) which is present in the Visayas and Mindanao islands.
The Southern Philippine Province, came into existence with the re-division of the Philippine SVD in 1982 and is dedicated to Bl. Joseph Freinademetz. It covers the regions of the Visayas and Mindanao.
In the Visayas, we are active on the islands of Cebu (University of San Carlos, Divine Word Formation Center, Blessed Freinademetz Formation House, Bl. Arnold Janssen Parish, Radio Stations DYRF AM and DYDW FM, and Divine Word Social Communications Center in Cebu City), Bohol (Divine Word College in Tagbilaran City), and Leyte (Divine Word University). In Mindanao, we are present in the Diocese of Surigao in northeastern Mindanao (Surigao District), the Diocese of Butuan in central Mindanao (Agusan District), and the Archdiocese of Davao in south eastern Mindanao (Regional Major Seminary and DW Formation Center in Davao City).
(To be continued!)
+++
Die zweite Gruppe deutscher Missionare, die dem dringenden Appell von Papst Leo
Von Abra aus breiteten sich die Missionare der Göttlichen Welt nach Zambales, Manila und Mindoro aus.
Ich werde meine erste Kolumne in TINIG NG BAYAN nie vergessen, die 1986 mit Hilfe meines Mentors Hermogenes E. Bacareza in Abra veröffentlicht wurde – damals unter dem Chefredakteur Bruder Mike San Juan und Pater Bel San Luis, SVD.
Auf den Philippinen kamen die „Divine Word Missionare“ 1909 in Bangued, Abra an. Heute ist es offensichtlich, dass die von Saint Arnold auf dem philippinischen Boden gepflanzten Missionskörner inzwischen Hunderte von Früchten tragen. Mittlerweile gibt es mehr als 500 philippinische SVDs und rund 140 von ihnen leisten Missionsarbeit im Ausland.
Auf den Philippinen hat die SVD drei Kirchenprovinzen: den Philippinischen Norden (PHN), der die Mission von Pangasinan bis Aparri umfasst, den Philippinischen Zentralbezirk (PHC), der Tarlac, Metro Manila, Mindoro, die Bicol-Region und Palawan umfasst, und den Philippinischen Süden ( PHS), das auf den Visayas- und Mindanao-Inseln vorkommt.
Die Südphilippinische Provinz entstand 1982 mit der Neuaufteilung der philippinischen SVD und ist Bl. gewidmet. Joseph Freinademetz. Es umfasst die Regionen Visayas und Mindanao.
In den Visayas sind wir auf den Inseln von Cebu aktiv (Universität San Carlos, Divine Word Formation Center, Blessed Freinademetz Formation House, Bl. Arnold Janssen Parish, Radiosender DYRF AM und DYDW FM sowie Divine Word Social Communications Center in Cebu). City), Bohol (Divine Word College in Tagbilaran City) und Leyte (Divine Word University). In Mindanao sind wir in der Diözese Surigao im Nordosten von Mindanao (Bezirk Surigao), in der Diözese Butuan im Zentrum von Mindanao (Bezirk Agusan) und in der Erzdiözese Davao im Südosten von Mindanao (Regionales Großes Seminar und DW-Ausbildungszentrum in Davao) vertreten Stadt).
(Fortsetzung folgt!)
Philippine Fairy Tales (XXIV) - Philippinische Märchen (XXIV):THE CARABAO AND THE SHELL
One very hot day, when a carabao went into the river to bathe, he met a shell and they began talking together.
“You are very slow,” said the carabao to the shell.
“Oh, no,” replied the shell. “I can beat you in a race.”
“Then let us try and see,” said the carabao.
So they went out on the bank and started to run.
After the carabao had gone a long distance he stopped and called, “Shell!”
And another shell lying by the river answered, “Here I am!”
Then the carabao, thinking that it was the same shell with which he was racing, ran on.
By and by he stopped again and called, “Shell!”
Again another shell answered, “Here I am!”
The carabao was surprised that the shell could keep up with him. But he ran on and on, and every time he stopped to call, another shell answered him. But he was determined that the shell should not beat him, so he ran until he dropped dead.
+++
Als ein Carabao an einem sehr heißen Tag in den Fluss ging, um zu baden, traf er auf eine Muschel und sie begannen miteinander zu reden.
„Du bist sehr langsam“, sagte der Carabao zur Muschel.
„Oh nein“, antwortete die Muschel. „Ich kann dich in einem Rennen schlagen.“
„Dann lasst es uns versuchen und sehen“, sagte der Carabao.
Also gingen sie ans Ufer und begannen zu rennen.
Nachdem der Carabao eine lange Strecke zurückgelegt hatte, blieb er stehen und rief: „Shell!“
Und eine andere Muschel, die am Fluss lag, antwortete: „Hier bin ich!“
Dann rannte der Carabao weiter, da er dachte, es sei dieselbe Granate, mit der er raste.
Nach und nach blieb er wieder stehen und rief: „Shell!“
Wieder antwortete eine andere Muschel: „Hier bin ich!“
Der Carabao war überrascht, dass die Muschel mit ihm mithalten konnte. Aber er rannte weiter und weiter, und jedes Mal, wenn er anhielt, um zu rufen, antwortete ihm eine andere Muschel. Aber er war fest entschlossen, dass die Granate ihn nicht treffen sollte, also rannte er, bis er tot umfiel.
Be always merciful and not judgmental
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
THAT’S what Christ told his disciples. (cfr. Lk 6,36-38) “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.”
This does not mean that we are not meant to make some judgements and some condemnation. We are actually designed by God himself to judge things because that is how we begin to know. Together with those judgements is the possibility of some condemnation, since we really need to reject what we know is truly wrong and evil.
We just have to realize that our judgments and condemnations can never be final, since only God can do that. And that’s because only God knows everything thoroughly, while our knowledge of things, the basis for our judgements and possible condemnations, can only go so far.
In other words, while we try to be as clear as black and white in our worldview, we should never forget that there are many grey areas also that we need to handle with utmost care, delicacy and discernment. And because of that, we have to withhold our final judgements.
This is indeed a most tricky thing to carry out, because while we have to make judgements, we have to know also up to where our judgements can go. And we are told by Christ himself that given this condition of ours we should just have to be merciful the way God in Christ showed mercy to all of us.
And how was Christ merciful to all of us? First of all, being the son of God, he emptied himself to become man. That way, he already adapted himself to our wounded, sinful condition. He identified himself with us so that we would have a way to identify ourselves with him. He preached the truth about God and about ourselves.
He gave preferential attention to the sick, that is, the sinners. He was always ready to forgive, his mercy and compassion having no limits—“not only seven times, but seventy times seven times,” he said. (Mt 18,22) He taught about loving the enemy and lived it. He did not mind all the insults and mockeries that were poured on him just to accomplish his mission of saving us.
And in the end, he assumed all our sins without committing sin by dying on the cross. In that way, he dealt death to all our sins, and with his resurrection he offered us a way for our own salvation and reconciliation with our Father God. He was thoroughly magnanimous.
This is the ideal we should try our best, with God’s grace, to aim at. This, of course, will be a lifelong, let alone overwhelming, effort and process. But it can be done. And it would be good if we can start it as soon as we can. God waits for us to learn this virtue. And to be sure, he provides us with all that is needed in this regard.
On our part, we have to exert the effort to widen our heart so as to resemble it with the merciful heart of Christ. Everyday, we have to practice to detach our heart from the clutches of our own likes and dislikes, the very earth-and-flesh-bound condition of our physical, emotional and intellectual dynamics, so that it can conform itself to the universal heart of Christ, full of mercy and compassion.
We have to be wary of the danger of being pharisaical in our judgements.
Ced Domingo brings maturity, composure from Thailand stint
Akari Chargers’ Ced Domingo she rejoins the PVL in the All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
By: Lance Agcaoili - @inquirerdotnet
MANILA, Philippines —Maturity and composure were among the things that Ced Domingo developed most in her first overseas stint where she helped Nakhon Ratchasima accomplish a successful title defense in the Volleyball Thailand League.
“One thing that I really learned coming home from Thailand is my maturity and my composure as an individual because of different kinds of instances in games,” said Domingo in Filipino after her Akari debut ended up with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 loss to Cignal in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I learned a lot from my teammates like Onuma Sittirak and other legends in Thailand. It’s super nice playing alongside them. I really just can’t wait to apply all the learnings from Thailand here at Akari.”
Domingo, who decided to sign with the Thai team last year, was instrumental in her first overseas stint as the Cat Devil finished the elimination round with a 10-2 record as the No. 2 seed behind Diamond Food, which her team beat in the semifinals round and final.
The 24-year-old middle blocker said she’s lucky to be part of Nakhon Ratchasima as she became the latest Filipino to win a title overseas after Jaja Santiago, who won the Japan V.Cup championship with her former club Ageo Medics in 2021, and Bryan Bagunas who he led Win Streak to a dominant title run last year in the Top Volleyball League in Taiwan.
“I got lucky. It’s a ‘who could have thought’ moment for me because I had no expectations coming there. I just wanted to experience playing in Thailand and come out of my comfort zone to unlock my potential as a player,” Domingo said.
“My teammates are strong and they have the same level of competitiveness and mentality as my former team, Creamline. I felt that I was in the right team.”
Domingo, who found her new home at Akari, admitted that it’s overwhelming to the changes and transitions but she’s taking the challenge in stride.
“My mindset going back here is adapting Akari’s system and then from there, I will apply my learnings from Thailand,” she said.
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Why we need rituals
It’s a way to center ourselves
AT A GLANCE
Life's chaos can occasionally feel overwhelming for adults. Rituals become the keys that unlock moments of calm and stability.
By JACQUELINE LUCERO
Rituals—what is the first thing that comes to mind? Some people associate rituals with something sacred, religious, spiritual, or cult-like. So what really is the meaning of rituals? In essence, rituals are intentional and symbolic actions that carry personal or cultural significance. They encompass a wide range of activities, from everyday routines to ceremonial practices, shaping our experiences and connecting us to something greater.
Rituals and routines both involve repeated actions, but the key difference lies in their purpose and significance. Rituals often have a symbolic or cultural meaning, carrying emotional or spiritual significance. Routines, on the other hand, are habitual activities that provide structure and organization to daily life without necessarily holding deeper meaning. Both rituals and routines can contribute to a sense of stability and predictability in one's life.
In the beautiful evolution of this practice, the enchantment of daily rituals isn't reserved just for the young. Even if you’re not steeped in the academic stream of Waldorf philosophy, there are ways adults can infuse their lives with the transformative power of rituals.
Let’s embark on a whimsical journey, exploring the importance of rituals and discovering how, as adults, we can add a touch of magic to our everyday routines.
Life’s storybook doesn't close as we grow older; instead, new chapters unfold. While Waldorf philosophy suggests starting young, the magic of rituals can be embraced at any age. Take a moment to consider the routines you already have and find ways to infuse them with intention and joy to become a “ritual.”
Rituals need not be an elaborate affair. They can be as simple as brewing a cup of tea in the morning or taking a moment to appreciate the sunset. Rather than adhering to rigid routines, envision your daily activities as opportunities to dance through life’s rhythm. Find joy in the mundane and make it your own poetic expression.
But for contrast, consider watching an elaborate ritual like the Japanese tea ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sado, is a highly ritualized and spiritual practice centered around the preparation, serving, and consumption of matcha, a powdered green tea. The ceremony typically unfolds in a purpose-built tea room or a designated space adorned with carefully chosen decorations, exhibiting architecture and design that exude simplicity and harmony with nature. Various meticulously crafted utensils play a crucial role in this ceremonial tradition. These include the tea bowl (chawan), tea whisk (chasen), tea scoop (chashaku), and tea caddy (natsume or usucha-bon), each holding profound cultural significance. Led by the host, referred to as the chaji, the ceremony commences with a meticulous preparation ritual. The chaji begins by cleaning and purifying the utensils with precise and deliberate movements, setting the stage for the careful measurement and placement of powdered matcha into the tea bowl.
The subsequent whisking and mixing process involve the addition of hot water to the matcha. The host employs the tea whisk in precise motions, creating a frothy and smooth tea mixture that symbolizes the harmonious blending of water, tea, and spirit.
Presentation and service are paramount during the ceremony. The tea bowl is presented to guests with a bow, underscoring principles of respect and humility. Guests, in turn, receive the bowl, rotate it, and take a moment to appreciate its craftsmanship before sipping the tea.
Throughout the ceremony, silence and contemplation are emphasized, fostering mindfulness and an appreciation of the present moment. The act of drinking the tea itself is considered a meditative experience, enhancing the overall spiritual journey. Closing rituals mark the conclusion of the ceremony, as the host cleans and purifies the utensils once more. This may be followed by a closing exchange of gratitude and appreciation between the host and guests.
Symbolic elements, such as seasonal flowers or scrolls, may be incorporated into the ceremony, reflecting the changing seasons and further enhancing the aesthetic experience. In its entirety, the Japanese tea ceremony is not merely a routine of tea preparation and consumption. It is a holistic and profound experience that embodies cultural values, aesthetics, and a deep connection to nature and spirituality fostering a sense of harmony and mindfulness.
The gentle art of creating rituals is about infusing intention into the ordinary. Whether it’s the comforting motion of flipping through the pages of a favorite book before bedtime or savoring the quiet moments of a morning stroll, these small acts can become a sanctuary in the midst of our bustling lives. By imbuing significance into the seemingly mundane, we transform routine into a canvas for self-expression.
Embrace the flexibility of your rituals, and allow them to evolve with your changing needs and desires. Perhaps, a daily journaling session becomes a reflective dialogue with your inner thoughts, or a simple stretching routine evolves into a mindful movement practice. The essence lies in embracing the ebb and flow of our daily lives, finding beauty in spontaneity and weaving a story of moments that resonate with your soul. Through these personalized rituals, you not only navigate the rhythm of your days but also cultivate a deeper connection with the present moment.
Life’s chaos can occasionally feel overwhelming for adults. Rituals become the keys that unlock moments of calm and stability. Whether it’s a daily journaling session or a mindful pause before diving into work, these rituals anchor us in the present, providing a respite from the seemingly monotonous routines that, if left unchecked, can lead to boredom and eventual burnout mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Similar to Waldorf philosophy’s encouragement of intentional crafting of daily symphonies, adults can create their own masterpieces. For adults, rituals can serve as guiding stars, providing purpose, direction, or re-direction. Incorporating reflective practices into your routine, such as weekly goal-setting sessions or moments of gratitude can act as a compass, helping navigate the complexities of adulthood with clarity and intention.
Infusing magic into your daily life doesn’t necessitate a philosophical shift. It’s about discovering the “extra” in the ordinary. Whether it’s savoring your favorite meal, lighting a scented candle, or just practicing mindfulness during daily tasks, these small acts can transform mundane moments into magical experiences.
The dance with rituals is a lifelong journey, and there’s no expiration date for embracing a little enchantment in your daily life. Whether or not you align with Waldorf philosophy, the essence remains the same—rituals are the heartbeat of a purposeful and joyous life. So, as an adult, join the never-ending waltz with rituals, creating a symphony of whimsical moments resonating through the purposeful narrative of your daily existence making masterpiece in the art of intentional living, regardless of where you are on this life’s journey.
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