A Glimpse of Forever’ stars honor the women in their lives

 ‘A Glimpse of Forever’ lead star Jasmine Curtis- Smith.

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

March 8, 2024 | 12:00am

As International Women’s Day is being celebrated today, and with the month of March as Women’s History Month, the cast members of Viva Films and director Jason Paul Laxamana’s film “A Glimpse of Forever” cited the contribution of women in society and shared their empowering messages to all the women out there.

“To all the women out there, keep empowering yourself, keep on strengthening yourself and make sure that everyone around feels that energy and you vibrate that energy to everyone,” remarked Jasmine Curtis-Smith, who plays Glenda in the movie, during the red carpet premiere night held Monday at SM Cinema Megamall.

“Not only all the women but also sa lahat ng tao because that’s the real strength of a woman — she can empower everyone,” she added.

“Jasmine said it all,” chimed in Diego Loyzaga, who is Kokoy in the film. “But to all the strong, independent mommies out there, exactly like my mom (Teresa Loyzaga) who raised a boy by herself, more power to you.”

Jerome Ponce (as Dante) shared, “Always remember, kung walang babae, walang lalaki. It’s the same. We thanked all the women in our lives and the women in the lives of the people around us. They are the ones who took good care of us, part of our lives, our inspiration and all.” (See related story on C-3.)

Anne Curtis made a surprise appearance during the premiere night to show support for her younger sister Jasmine.

The romance-drama film melded with sci-fi element tells the story of Glenda who finds companionship and comfort in a virtual dating studio called ForeVR after getting frustrated with her fiancé.

She befriends one of the virtual guys, Kokoy a.k.a. “The Boy Next Door.” But Dante, the guy behind “The Boy Next Door” character and a failed theater actor, who suffers from severe social anxiety, starts to fall for Glenda and the latter also can’t deny their connection.

Given that the motion capture actors are not allowed to reveal their identities to ForeVR clients and Glenda being in a relationship, can their connection cross over to the real world?

(“A Glimpse of Forever” is now showing in cinemas nationwide).

PAGASA: El Niño weakens, La Niña may return

Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com

March 7, 2024 | 1:27pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday that El Niño is gradually weakening and that La Niña may possibly develop this year.

El Niño, a climate pattern associated with extreme heat and drought, is expected to persist from March to May. 

“While El Niño is weakening, its effects are still expected in the coming months especially as we’re moving to the drier and warmer months of March, April and May,” PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said in Filipino during a briefing. 

“We advise our fellow countrymen to prepare for the effects of hot and humid weather intensified by El Niño,” he added. 

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the ongoing El Niño has caused over P1 billion in damage to the agricultural sector. 

In an update this week, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the 2023-2024 El Niño was one of the five strongest on record.

2023 was the world’s warmest year on record, by far. The WMO said that El Niño contributed to these record temperatures, but heat-trapping gases “are unequivocally the main culprit.”

Conditions are expected to transition to neutral from April to June. 

Wednesday a La Niña Watch, indicating a more than 55% chance of the cooling climate pattern developing in the next six months.

“A La Niña Watch doesn’t always mean that La Niña will occur. There's still a high possibility that it remains uncertain,” said Ana Liza Solis, who heads PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section.

PAGASA stressed that historically, pre-developing La Niña events are characterized by below-normal rainfall. The weather bureau said this suggests a possible slight delay in the onset of the rainy season “likely with the confirmed effects of the ongoing El Niño.”

“The southwest monsoon is weaker during the pre-developing La Niña phase. Historically, there is a higher possibility of more rainfall during La Niña episodes in the last quarter of the year,” Solis said in Filipino.

La Niña refers to the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.

24 Hours in Boracay, Philippines 🇵🇭 is this paradise?

33,869 views Mar 5, 2024 BORACAY

Join us on this day as we explore Boracay island in the Philippines! This has been long awaited and requested so we are so glad we finally get to experience it. First on our stop we show you the beautiful famous white sand beach. Afterwards we grab a drink and bargain got a ride to Puka shell beach where we bought some delicious banana cue from locals. We ended the day on a clear bottom kayak which was something to remember! Is this island paradise? Let us know what you think in the comments!

BIR adds cancer, hypertension drugs exempt from VAT

BY XANDER DAVE CEBALLOS

Mar 7, 2024 01:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) approved the inclusion of 20 medicines to the value-added tax (VAT) exemption list.

• Included in the 12% VAT-exempt list are 12 medicines for cancer, four for hypertension, and four for mental illness.

• Cancer and hypertensive diseases were some of the leading causes of deaths in the country last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

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An additional list of 20 medicines, including those that treat cancer and hypertension, has been granted exemption from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT).

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has issued a memorandum that will exempt 12 medicines for cancer, four for hypertension, and four for mental illness from VAT. 

 

The expanded list of VAT-exempt medicines was endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

This new list will be added to the 21 medicines that were exempted from VAT earlier this year, with most of them being medicines for treating diabetes and hypertension.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/30/21-medicines-granted-vat-exemption-by-bir

Vena Energy supports efforts for renewable energy, upholds climate action through comprehensive approach

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 6, 2024 04:52 PM 

With its continuous commitment to uphold climate action and the mission to expedite the transition of energy across the Asia Pacific region, Vena Energy expresses support for the country’s effort and active promotion of renewables in the energy mix, lowers prices, employment increases, and contributes to the nation’s growth. 

The Philippine government has set its priority on expanding and developing the country's energy supply to achieve a 35 percent power mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. The government is continuously promoting renewables through extensive efforts such as the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), and the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), which highly encourage companies to invest in renewable energy. 

Vena Energy is a Singapore-based independent power producer of renewable energy that supports the country's goals by developing sustainable and affordable renewable energy solutions that bring lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to its stakeholders. Vena Energy has been able to develop, construct, operate, and commercialize renewable energy projects across the Asia Pacific region and has established a strong regional presence with 900 employees and 79 corporate sites. 

For over 10 years now, the company has established a presence in the Philippines by managing five solar power plants along with the 54 MW Pililla Wind Farm. The farm has gained a reputation as a popular tourist attraction in Rizal and has been highlighted in numerous local and international campaigns. 

More than that, the Rizal Wind Power Project upholds Vena Energy’s mission to accelerate energy transition while also being aware of its corporate responsibilities and environmental impact. It also looks after the communities it serves through job creation, economic development or revenue generation for the local government unit, and corporate social responsibility. 

The Philippine government has been effortful in promoting renewables to achieve its goal of a 35 percent power mix by 2030. Renewable energy companies like Vena Energy based in Singapore are optimistic in its support of these objectives. One project that upholds Vena Energy and concerned parties' commitment to providing and promoting renewable energy in the country is the 54 MW Pililla Wind Farm.

The Rizal Wind Power Project prioritizes local hiring from the development stage to the day of its operation. The coordination with the LGU for local job hiring has resulted in 95 percent of employees in various Vena Energy operating plants being composed of residents from the community. 

Additionally, the economic benefit from the project comes from the payment of various local taxes such as real property taxes, local business taxes, government share and royalty tax, tourism, and farm-to-market roads; providing revenue for the local community. 

Vena Energy also conducts and implements long-term CSR initiatives, which are defined according to community needs. These project arrangements include initiatives such as scholarship opportunities, with a special focus on female learners pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), steps towards minimizing hunger struggles and promoting the preservation of vulnerable species of pawikan. 

The company also made sure that in every project, it adhered to government regulations and mandatory testing and compliance by obtaining all required permits, compliance with the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997, and consultations. 

Vena Energy has acquired several permits and certificates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has been issued a Certificate of Registration by the Board of Investments (BOI), and clearances from Protected Area Management Boards of UMRBPL (Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape). 

The Rizal Wind Farm has secured Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the Dumagat/Remontado indigenous people of Antipolo and Tanay. This was achieved through communication and consultation with the IP communities' elders and chieftains. 

The DENR Administrative Order (DENR DAO 2017-15) sets guidelines on public participation under the Philippine EIS System (PEISS), and consultations were held accordingly. Dialogue and discussions were also conducted with barangay and communities in Tanay and Antipolo, along with various stakeholders and representatives from DENR. 

Vena Energy is not only committed to providing sustainable and affordable renewable energy in the country but also strongly adheres to environmental laws. The actions taken by Vena Energy ensure the protection and preservation of our biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services and sustainably manage natural resources, which are prerequisites for sustainable development.

4th Impact takes down fundraiser for dogs after backlash from PAWS, netizens

 

By: Hannah Mallorca

INQUIRER.net / 02:45 PM March 06, 2024

The fundraising campaign put up by 4th Impact for their 200 dogs was taken down from GoFundMe’s official website after the girl group received criticism from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and netizens.

On Feb. 28, the female P-pop girl sought to raise funds to put up a “farm lot for our 200 Shih Tzu dogs” on the online fundraising platform. “Our journey with our beloved dogs began with a gift from our fans: five precious Shih Tzus,” Elvira said in the now-deleted post. 

“Over time, our passion for these furry companions led to unexpected blessings, but also unexpected challenges,” she continued. “But as our family of dogs multiplied, so did the need for space and resources.”

The online fundraising campaign, however, drew flak from netizens and the animal welfare group on social media, with PAWS appearing to point to them as “irresponsible pet owners” in one of their posts.

One of the negative comments comes from Instagram user @docgab_veterinarian, who creates veterinary content on social media.

“Ang pagpaparami ng mga alagang hayop through ‘mating’ sa sariling bahay na walang kaukulang permit ay tinatawag na ‘backyard breeding’ at ito po ay illegal. Lalo na kung ang mga ito ay ibinebenta o pinagkakakitaan,” he wrote. “Ang ‘inbreeding’ naman ay ang pagtatalik ng magkapatid o anak at magulang na hayop. Ito ay nagreresulta sa mas mahinang mga anak na kadalasan ay maraming sakit at komplikasyon.”

(Having many pet animals through “mating” in their home without a permit is called “backyard breeding” and it’s illegal. Especially if it’s done to sell and earn money. “Inbreeding,” on the other hand, is the mating between siblings or parent. This results in weak animals who go through sicknesses and other complications.)

“Unlike the irresponsible pet owners in the latest celebrity news, pls never ever let your own pets reproduce as there are already so many dogs and cats in need of homes in shelters, in pounds, and on the streets. Spay and neuter is the way to go,” PAWS wrote on Facebook.

However, as of this writing, 4th Impact’s campaign appears to have been taken down from the online fundraising platform as its contents are “not found.”

Members of the girl group, however, have yet to address the online fundraiser as well.

Typical Filipino (XLV) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLV): Whitewashing and indirect criticism - Beschönigung und indirekte Kritik

 

Auch Beschönigung und indirekte Kritik dienen der Aufrechterhaltung glatter, harmonischer zwischenmenschlicher Beziehung. "Necken" ist eine Art der indirekten Kritik - ein weg, heikle Punkte auf fröhliche-unbeschwerte Weise anzusprechen. ein Weg, der spätestens dann erfolgreich ist, wenn andere sich am Spiel beteiligen. Ihr Vertrauen auf solche Beschönigungen läßt die Filipinos bereitwillig ja sagen; sie wollen nicht öffentlich widersprechen oder enttäuschen. Daher sieht man sie zulächeln, zustimmen, selbst wenn sie keineswegs der Person, der sie zulächeln, zustimmen.

Ausländer haben oft darauf hingewiesen, daß Zweideutigkeiten, Notlügen oder beschönigende Ausflüchte, um unangenehme Wahrheiten zu umgehen, charakteristisch sind.

Folgende und ähnliche Formeln werden Sie häufig hören können: "Vielleicht" (siguro nga), "wenn Sie meinen" (kung sinabi mo ba e); "ich werde es versuchen" (sisikapin ko po), "ich werde mich darum bemühen" (pipilitin ko po) oder "sehen wir, was passiert" (bahala na).

Auch ein Anheben der Augenbrauen ohne Kommentar bedeutet eine negative Reaktion.

Ein Filipino wird sagen:"Darf ich es recht verstehen, daß Sie meinen ...", um seine Kritik auszudrücken. Er kann, um eine negative Antwort zu verkleiden, vorgeben, etwas klären zu wollen: "Bitte verbessern Sie mich, wenn ich falsch liege, aber meinen Sie nicht auch, daß ..."

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Whitewashing and indirect criticism also serve to maintain smooth, harmonious interpersonal relationships. "Teasing" is a type of indirect criticism - a way to address sensitive points in a cheerful, light-hearted way. a path that is successful at the latest when others take part in the game. Their reliance on such euphemisms makes Filipinos readily say yes; they don't want to publicly contradict or disappoint. That's why you see them smiling at, agreeing, even if they don't agree at all with the person they're smiling at.

Foreigners have often pointed out that ambiguity, white lies, or euphemistic subterfuges to avoid unpleasant truths are characteristic.

You will often hear the following and similar formulas: "Maybe" (siguro nga), "if you think so" (kung sinabi mo ba e); "I will try" (sisikapin ko po), "I will try" (pipilitin ko po) or "let's see what happens" (bahala na).

Raising your eyebrows without comment also means a negative reaction.

A Filipino will say, "May I understand that you mean..." to express his criticism. To disguise a negative answer, he may pretend to want to clarify something: "Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you also think that ..."

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (II)

 Marcel Iseli

2. dumm wie Bohnenstroh

“Dumm wie Bohnenstroh” literally translates to “dumb as bean straw.” So if somebody calls you just that, you should probably not be all too happy about it. But why is bean straw dumb?

I guess this is the main question we need to figure out, right? The German saying “as dumb as bean straw” originates from the time when people equipped their beds with straw sacks or mattresses filled with straw.

Very poor people could not afford crop straw and therefore resorted to the cheaper bean straw. 

Okay, great. But why does this make these people dumb?

It is believed that poor people were sometimes automatically considered to be dumb(er) because they had lesser education and therefore, also a lack of intelligence.

Example:

A: Ich glaube die Prüfung von morgen wird ziemlich einfach. Ich mache mir darüber absolut keine Gedanken.

B: Ja, ich glaube auch. Das sollte für uns kein Problem sein. Aber für Stefan wirds wohl schwierig. Der Typ ist echt dumm wie Bohnenstroh! 

 

Translation: A: I think tomorrow’s exam will be pretty easy. I don’t worry about it at all. B: Yes, I think so too. That shouldn’t be a problem for us. But for Stefan, it will probably be difficult. The guy is really dumb as a post!  

Let’s learn to listen to God’s voice

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS is definitely a necessity for us. We have to learn to listen to the voice of God who actually intervenes in our life all the time, prompting us about what to think, desire, speak and do. And that’s simply because our life is supposed to be a life with God. We, as God’s image and likeness, are meant to share God’s life and nature, without erasing the distinction between God as Creator and us as creatures.

We need to realize that failing to listen to God’s voice in an abiding way undermines our humanity, and there’s no other way for us to go than to fall into some anomaly. About this truth we are reminded in the readings of the Mass for Thursday of the 3rd Week of Lent. (cfr. Jer 7,28-28 / Ps 95,1-2.6-7.8-9 / Lk 11,14-23)

In the first reading, we are told of how God begged the people to listen to him. “This thing I commanded them, saying: Hearken to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk ye in all the way that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.”

But they refused, and so the inevitable happened. “They hearkened not, nor inclined their ear: but walked in their own will, and in the perversity of their wicked heart: and went backward and not forward…”

The responsorial psalm presents to us God’s appeal to all of us, to which we should try our best to correspond the best way we can. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

The gospel spells to us in no uncertain terms what would happen to us if we are not with the Lord. “He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathers not with me, scatters.” That’s simply the way the cookie crumbles.

We really need to learn how to listen to God’s voice, discerning his will and ways in an abiding way. In this we should not be sparing in our effort to pursue it. Definitely, it will require a lot of discipline, given the way we are, dominated as we are most of the time merely by what we can get through our senses, emotions and our very limited capacity to know and understand things.

We have to feel more and more at home with the truth that we are meant to be real contemplatives even as we immerse ourselves in our earthly and temporal affairs. It should be encouraged to pursue this effort when we realize more deeply that we are meant to share not only the knowledge of God but also, and more importantly, the very power of God as shown to us by Christ who was willing to bear everything just to save us.

We have to learn to be both active and contemplative in our life. Active in the sense that we immerse ourselves as deeply as possible in the dynamic of earthly and temporal affairs, while also contemplative in the sense that in all these affairs, we see God, we are driven by love for God and everybody else, we get to know, love and serve him and everybody else.

It’s an ideal that definitely is not easy to achieve. But we have our whole life to develop it, and we actually are also given all the means to attain it. It just depends on us as to whether we want to have that ideal or not. We are actually wired and equipped for that ideal, since that’s how God created us.

WAS HEUTE NOCH WICHTIG WIRD

Quelle: Bodo Marks/dpa

Ab Abend gegen 18 Uhr beginnt der nächste Bahnstreik – genauer gesagt: der Streik der Lokführer. Sie fangen im Güterverkehr an und erweitern dann auf den Personenverkehr. Von heute Nacht bis zum Wochenende geht zugtechnisch dann nichts mehr. Anschließend soll es „Wellenstreiks“ geben – also mal hier, mal da und das größtenteils unangekündigt. Einen Kommentar zum „Schlaraffenland des Claus Weselskys“, dem Chef der Lokführer, lesen Sie auf welt.de. Aber noch ein Hinweis, wo wir gerade beim Thema Streiks sind: Ab Donnerstag streikt das Bodenpersonal der Lufthansa, an den Flughäfen Frankfurt am Main und Hamburg außerdem noch das Sicherheitspersonal. Frankfurt ist daher für abfliegende Passagiere dicht.