This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Amid the news of El Nino’s damage to agriculture, preparations for La Niña, and a change in leadership in the Senate, many may have missed the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act or Republic Act No. 11981, on May 22, 2024.
The signing of the IRR, soon after the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act was signed on Feb. 26, 2024, shows the government’s commitment to the development of local industries and products to make them world-class and competitive.
When the Tatak Pinoy Act was enacted into law, Senator Sonny Angara, the principal author, had welcomed it as complementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and a “giant leap” for the Philippines toward its goal of becoming an industrialized country.
Senator Angara, in his column in the Manila Bulletin, puts the Act’s significance as “empowering domestic enterprises, making them become globally competitive, and assisting them so they produce more sophisticated products, more exceptional, world-class services.”
We can now look forward to a road map to attain the goals outlined in the law. This will be the Tatak Pinoy Strategy formulated by the Tatak Pinoy Council that will spearhead the development and implementation focusing on five key pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.
This is a very relevant law in the lives of Filipinos as it will start from the source of a product, inculcating in the young a mindfulness for quality craftsmanship, and thereafter, enhancing a culture of pride in Filipino products.
Sen. Angara describes it as: “This will be a very comprehensive program that will start from education where we will ensure our learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to cater to the requirements of employers; embracing innovation and technology transfer to allow businesses to come up with more sophisticated and higher value goods and services; and making strategic investments to address the gaps and strengthen the foundation of all industries and its workforce.”
There will be prestige in the “Made in the Philippines” brand, as highlighted by President Marcos during the signing ceremonies last February: “It is about creating products and services of the highest quality, because Tatak Pinoy is also about excellence, and as a seal of great workmanship, it must only be applied to those that meet this high standard. As such, we shall give preference and priority to our products.”
There is much potential for rapid growth in our products and industries, according to data cited by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who led the signing of the IRR. “The Tatak Pinoy is a significant step in growing, diversifying, and sophisticating Filipino products and services, as this law addresses current challenges and aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of industries in the global market.”
He pointed out that an important provision of the law is the “mandate for the Philippine government to prioritize Filipino products and services in government procurement.” This will be an area where Filipino producers can feel the effect of the law soon, with large quantities of government supplies translating to big sales, therefore, more production and the need for more employees.
We eagerly look forward to the fast implementation of the Tatak Pinoy program which will again show how the whole-of-nation approach – and pride in what is Filipino-made – will contribute to the growth of the economy.
What Sunday ritual helps you prepare for the coming week?
Image from Freepik
By JACQUELINE LUCERO
Sundays can play a significant role in shaping a wonderful week ahead. Taking some time on Sunday to plan your week and start productive habits can really make a big difference. Here are some practical steps to make the most of your Sundays and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling week:
1.Use a portion of your Sunday and dedicate time to planning your week. Make a list of tasks and commitments for the coming week, which will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. This will help eliminate the well-known feeling of “not having enough time in the day to get everything done.”
2.Are you always running out of time for an appointment? Sunday is the best time to plan your wardrobe for the whole week. Choosing clothes and changing repeatedly are the reasons why we’re often late for work or appointments. If you have kids, let them do this as well. Let them check to see if their homework is done. Make them shine in their own shoes. Make them clean their bags and school things. Let them find the pairs of socks that got lost for eternity in the mountain of laundry. Let them line up their undies, socks, and accessories (school ties, IDs, etc.) they plan to wear for the week. Teach them these good habits so they can adopt them until they grow up.
3.Nurture relationships by spending quality time with loved ones. Share a meal, engage in meaningful conversations, and express your appreciation for those closest to you.
Spending quality time with loved ones doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as going for a walk together, playing a game, or even just sitting quietly side by side, enjoying each other’s company. The key is to be present in the moment and show genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts and feelings. This helps strengthen the bond between you and creates lasting memories.
Expressing appreciation for those closest to you is essential for nurturing relationships. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank you, a compliment, or a small gesture of kindness, showing gratitude reinforces the connection and fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Taking the time to acknowledge the importance of your loved ones in your life not only makes them feel valued but also strengthens the foundation of your relationship, making it more resilient in times of both joy and challenge.
4.Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time outdoors, or simply resting, prioritize doing something you love.
Making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about not only provides a sense of fulfillment but also allows you to recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, carving out space in your schedule for these activities can help reduce stress and increase happiness
Spending time outdoors is another great way to unwind and reconnect with yourself and nature. Whether it’s going for a hike in the mountains, taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply sitting by a serene lake, being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Nature has a way of grounding us and putting things into perspective, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. So, whenever possible, make it a point to step outside and soak in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.
5. Maintain a clean and organized living space by decluttering and tidying up on Sundays. A clean environment can enhance productivity and create a sense of calm. What do you do with a number of mundane tasks that can be overwhelming to look at? Set your alarm for 10 minutes, spot an area to tackle, like the top of the fridge that is forever cluttered or the bills hanging at the sides, and “attack” the spot task for 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how well those ten minutes are spent. Cleaning the room works well with a set time too. Decide to dedicate half an hour to cleaning a room. What takes so long to clean the room is that we linger on an item too long, like rediscovering an album, and decide to pause and look at it. When you set a time for cleaning, just clean. Schedule another time for browsing and enjoying.
6.Consider meal prepping for the week ahead to save time and make healthier food choices. Prepare meals in advance and store them in the fridge for easy access during busy weekdays. This works well, especially for family members with different dietary restrictions.
Meal-prepping for the week ahead is not only a time-saving strategy but also a way to ensure that you make healthier food choices. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you can avoid the temptation of reaching for unhealthy fast food options or relying on processed meals during busy weekdays. Additionally, meal prepping allows you to portion out your meals according to your dietary needs and goals, making it easier to stick to a balanced and nutritious eating plan.
For families with different dietary restrictions, meal preparation can be a game-changer. Instead of preparing separate meals for each person, you can customize dishes to accommodate everyone’s preferences and requirements. Whether someone is vegetarian, gluten-free, or has food allergies, meal prepping allows you to tailor meals to suit each individual’s needs while still enjoying shared family meals together. Plus, having preprepared meals readily available in the fridge means that everyone can grab a nutritious meal whenever hunger strikes, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
7. Prioritize self-care by indulging in activities that promote wellbeing. Whether it’s taking a bath, meditating, or enjoying a favorite hobby, make time to recharge and rejuvenate. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. Indulging in activities that promote well-being is a form of self-love and can have profound effects on overall happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s treating yourself to a spa day, going for a leisurely walk in nature, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritizing self-care allows you to replenish your energy reserves and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting inner peace. Taking just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help calm the mind, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and presence. Whether you’re a beginner or have been practicing for years, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have profound benefits for your overall well-being. By making time for self-care practices like meditation, you can nurture a deeper connection with yourself and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and balance.
8. Finally, remember to relax and unwind before the start of the week. Treat yourself to some downtime and engage in activities that help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the days ahead. Creating a relaxing Sunday routine can set the tone for a positive and productive week ahead. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely brunch with loved ones, going for a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply lounging at home with a good movie, taking time to unwind and recharge before the start of the week can help you feel more refreshed and prepared to tackle whatever comes your way. By intentionally carving out space for relaxation and self-care at the end of the weekend, you can ease into the week with a sense of calm and clarity
It’s important to listen to your body and honor its need for rest and relaxation. Whether you prefer to spend your Sunday indulging in a favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a nap, tuning into your own needs and giving yourself permission to rest is essential for overall well-being. By prioritizing self-care and relaxation, you can cultivate a greater sense of balance and resilience, allowing you to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace.
What Sunday rituals have you found helpful in preparing for the week?
MANILA, Philippines — Two members, who have been opposing the controversial divorce bill, have questioned the legitimacy of the measure’s passage on May 22, saying it was approved only by a “minority vote.”
Echoing the opinion of former Senate president Tito Sotto, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva said House Bill 9349, or the Absolute Divorce Act, did not get the required votes to institute divorce in the country during plenary deliberation last Wednesday.
Rodriguez noted based on the final tally on the floor, it was officially announced that the controversial measure got 126 affirmative, 109 negative and 20 abstentions.
After this, he noted that Velasco issued an advisory setting the votes at 131-109-20.
“There is an increase of five affirmative votes … This cannot be done as the period and process of voting was completed (May 22) evening when after the votes of each member were cast, these were tabulated and the Speaker (Martin Romualdez) announced the final vote on the floor and properly entered into the Journal,” he added.
For his part, Velasco explained that before the adjournment of session last Wednesday, it turned out that there were affirmative votes that were not recorded by the secretariat.
“The actual votes did not match what was reported by the secretariat. It was immediately corrected,” he pointed out.
The changes in voting were also questioned by Sotto, who posted on his X account that “If Congress is persistent in passing a very debatable law, they can at least follow the proper procedures so it won’t be questionable.”
“You knew I was right. You lost the vote. You massaged it after. How do you sleep at night doing what you do? You want to pass a debatable bill, do it properly,” he maintained.
For his part, Villanueva echoed that divorce bill was only approved by a minority vote. He said neither the 126 nor 131 votes represent half the number of House members.
The lawmaker also questioned Section 117 of the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives which provides that a majority of the number of those voting shall decide whether a measure is approved or not. This provision stated an abstention should not be counted as a vote.
Villanueva added this means the bill was approved “only due to an ambiguity in the rules of voting procedures in the House.” — Ghio Ong
WE should be clear about what our true wealth is. It definitely is not anything that comes from the world—money, fame, power, etc. Our true wealth is when we finally are with God, when our heart and mind and everything else in our life go along with the will and ways of God who is willing to share who he is and what he has with us! Nothing should replace God in our life. Replacing God would be the biggest stupidity we can get into.
This is made quite clear in that gospel episode about a man who asked Christ what he ought to do to receive life everlasting. (cfr. Mk 10,17-27) We know how that story unfolded. It’s a pity that the man preferred to stick to his worldly riches over the real source of wealth meant for us.
We really should be most careful in our attitude toward our worldly wealth. While it’s true that we also need it, we should never consider it as our ultimate wealth. At best, it is only meant as a means and an occasion to pursue our true wealth.
Let’s be strong in resisting the temptation to be possessed by our worldly wealth, because as Christ himself said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mk 10,25)
We have to be most wary of this scenario in our life, which actually, and sadly, is quite common. There are good people who are not truly good enough, because when the ultimate test is made, they are not willing to give up all they have in order to have God.
They forget what St. Teresa once said, “Solo Dios basta,” (With God we have enough). They get too attached to the many good things in their life such that these blessings from God are converted into competitors of God themselves.
They prefer a life in this world that is without suffering, without self-denial, without the cross, as if a genuine Christian life can be exempted from all these. It is as if they have been born without original sin and have led their lives without committing any sin at all.
We have to be most careful with this most likely phenomenon happening in our lives. Yes, we have to be well-guarded against this temptation and do everything to combat it whenever, wherever and however it arises.
It would be a pity if after the many good things we may be doing, we fail to pass the final test. We have to remember that love is without measure. It is in its nature to give itself completely, convinced that what seems to be lost would actually be regained a hundredfold. In this, Christ has reassured us abundantly.
We have to be wary of the tricks of the devil and of our own wounded flesh that all try to block us in the last stretch in our pursuit of love. They will try to convince us that we already have given and done enough. We do not need to give more. They will try to trick us to be self-satisfied with what we already have been giving and doing.
To be sure, to give ourselves completely to God and to others is not easy. We need nothing less than the grace of God and our generous and prompt correspondence to it. Hard, yes, but it’s not impossible.
Considering the short amount of time that Alas Pilipinas had in preparation for the Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup, its hopes for success were not the highest.
And there were even lower expectations for La Salle’s Angel Canino, who previously admitted that she was still not in top form and still recovering from a right arm injury. That wasn’t the case on Thursday night.
“I am very happy [with the win] because I was not expecting [a lot] from myself,” Canino said shortly after helping the Philippines to a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 victory over a tall Australia side and get its bid off on the right foot before an appreciative home crowd at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The La Salle ace in the UAAP dropped 17 points built around 15 attacks, a block and an ace and made most of her damage in the third frame that gave Alas a one-set lead.
But Canino downplayed her impact on the match witnessed by 4,945 mostly Filipino crowd eager to watch Alas Pilipinas defend home turf.
“I would like to give credit to my teammates and coaches because they guided me inside and outside the court, so I am really thankful to them because they were there for me,” Canino said. “I think I am not the biggest reason [for the win].
“The real big reason that we got the win is our teamwork, given our short time of preparations,” she added.
Alas captain Jia de Guzman, meanwhile, made sure that everyone got involved offensively with some brilliant setting in the final three sets.
Giving their all
Eya Laure was also relentless in piercing the Volleyroos’ defense, adding another 17 points, including six in the final frame that helped the Filipinos pull through.
Sisi Rondina was her typical explosive self in her indoor debut for the national team and came through with 16 points, shocking the Australians early in the game, while Thea Gagate manned the net so well and finished with four of the Philippines’ 12 blocks.
“It feels great [getting the opening game win] knowing especially that we didn’t have a lot of preparations coming here today,” de Guzman said. “Going to this game, we said that ‘regardless of what happens, as long as we leave our best on the floor, we are okay with whatever the result.’”
“Thankfully, the win went our way,” she added as Alas Pilipinas tries to take a piece of the Pool A lead battling current top team India (2-0) at press time on Friday.
Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Image: Instagram/@celeste_cortesi, @themissuniverseph
By: Anne Pasajol
INQUIRER.net / 12:58 PM May 24, 2024
Celeste Cortesi appears unbothered as she laughed off the “hate” over her “what just happened” remark on the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 winners.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 titleholder was earlier at the receiving end of criticism for tweeting “What just happened?” after the winner announcement at this year’s Miss Universe Philippines finals night.
Netizens were quick to react and presumed that Cortesi was questioning titleholder Chelsea Manalo’s win, although the Filipino-Italian beauty queen later clarified that it was not what she meant.
Through her Instagram Stories on Thursday, May 23, Cortesi then showed herself enjoying her vacation in Bali, adding the caption: “When the haters hate you. [Charot]” alongside two laughing face emoji.
In a separate video, Cortesi and her companions were also seen alluding to the matter and apparently poking fun at it.
“Babe, what just happened?” one of them asked, to which Cortesi replied, “I have no idea what just happened. I am in Bali, guys!”
Cortesi, nonetheless, reshared her statement clarifying her reaction to the MUPH winners in a succeeding post.
“Let’s all relax and have a drink, char. Peace and love,” she added.
Aside from Manalo, other delegates who were crowned at the recent finals night were Tarah Valencia of Baguio as Miss Supranational Philippines; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga as Miss Charm Philippines; Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City as Miss Eco International Philippines; and Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province as Miss Cosmo Philippines.
Cainta’s Stacey Gabriel and Taguig’s Christi Lynn McGarry, meanwhile, were named 1st and 4th runners-up, respectively.
This photo shows Tourism secretary Christina Frasco with local officials during the launch of he Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans at the tourism office of Cagayan de Oro City in Bukidnon.
Ian Laqui - Philstar.com
May 24, 2024 | 11:15am
BUKIDNON, Philippines — The Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans has been officially launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Northern Mindanao.
The program, which was first launched in the Davao Region last year, will now conduct a three-day tour within Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Bukidnon.
The tour started on May 23 and will end on May 25.
The launch was led by Tourism secretary Christina Frasco together with other officials of the DOT.
“It’s high time that Mindanao fully opens up for tourism,” she said in an interview with reporters.
“Dito po sa Northern Mindanao ang daming mga emerging destinations na we feel that has massive potential that offers immersive, purposeful, and experiential travel,” she added.
(Here in Northern Mindanao, there are many emerging destinations that we feel have massive potential, offering immersive, purposeful and experiential travel.)
This has been the eighth leg of the program after its last event in Palawan in April.
PEP was launched in the Davao Region last year and has since expanded its reach to various areas, including Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga, Ilocos and now parts of Northern Mindanao.
The DOT said PEP aims to highlight the Filipino “brand and identity” in “all aspects of the travel and tourism experience.”
Through the program, the agency said that it will facilitate “cultural tourism circuit development” which will focus on heritage, culture and the arts.
The “experience” will include “thematic experience on food and gastronomy, pilgrimage and wellness, festivals, living Cultures and heritage and the arts.
Since its inception in 2020, the Miss Universe Philippines pageant has been on a mission to put Filipino culture on the international stage. Apart from its pageant activities, charity partnerships, and costume presentations, the local franchise of the Miss Universe contest has been using fashion as an extension of its storytelling. And every year, its stage becomes a sought-after platform for Filipino designers here and abroad.
Miss Univers Philippines 2024 candidates (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
For its 2024 edition, the pageant’s fashion game is at its peak, with candidates and personalities gracing its stage wearing stunning looks, crafted by Filipino designers and creatives. Below are some of our favorite style moments during Miss Universe Philippines’ coronation night.
Marina Summers (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Marina Summers
Kicking off the coronation night on a festive note was “Drag Race Philippines” star Marina Summers. For her electrifying number, the drag artist donned a sculptural red piece by designer Neric Beltran and served a reveal with a silver performance look by designer Rian Fernandez.
Michelle Dee passing her crown to her successor, Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Michelle Dee
Throughout her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle has used fashion as a way to champion Filipino culture. During the coronation night, she wore the Apo Whang-Od-inspired gown she donned at Miss Universe 2023 and a white ballgown with weaving details as she passed her crown to her successor, Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo. Mark Bumgarner designed both pieces.
Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel was one of the hosts for the local pageant’s coronation night. During the event, she donned looks by Filipino designers that were not only beautiful but also paid homage to her own Miss Universe journey and the people who supported her the most. Her first look, designed by Larry Espinosa, was an ode to Texas. For her second look, she wore Ehrran Montoya’s Viva Magenta gown, which mirrored her Filipino father's challenges when he immigrated to the USA. Another Larry Espinosa piece was her last look, a gown with rhinestoned floral details embodying her mom’s “tough but delicate nature.”
Gabbi Garcia (Photos by Dookie Ducay)
Gabbi Garcia
Actress Gabbi Garcia also served stunning looks as one of the hosts of the evening. Her first look was all about elegance, a two-tone gown courtesy of designer Mark Bumgarner. Her second look was crafted by designer Bonita Penaranda, a blue halter gown with braiding details. For her third look, the actress tapped designer Mara Chua to create a gilded bodice. While her final look was a dramatic black and sheer piece by designer Anthony Ramirez.
The evening gown segment (Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Evening gown competition
For the evening gown segment of the pageant's coronation night, the Top 10 candidates graced the stage wearing the best gowns by Filipino designers. From white garbs to pieces inspired by the universe and indigenous communities, take a closer look at the evening gowns that graced the pageant’s stage here.
Music is a universal language, resonating deeply across cultures and movements. From John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance," an anthem for the anti-war movement, to Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" of the 1970s women's liberation movement, and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," celebrating individuality and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, music has consistently fueled social change.
The power of music was on full display on April 21, 2024, as musicians from various generations united for Earth Day at the “Rock for Masungi” Solidarity event held at the GT-Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. The lineup featured icons of the Philippine music scene, including A.M.P. Band, Michael V., Bayang Barrios at ang Naliyagan, Cooky and Color it Red, Skarlet Brown, Joey Ayala at Ang Bagong Lumad, Noel Cabangon, and Rannie Raymundo.
The Rock for Masungi Solidarity event draws over 500 supporters of the Masungi Geopark Project. (Photos from MGFI)
The event opened with an Interfaith Prayer Rally, providing a profound perspective to the gathering. Strongly worded prayers for the threatened Masungi Geopark reforestation project and its defenders were delivered by notable religious leaders, including Father Christian Buenafe of the Order of the Carmelites, Father Arthur Nebrao from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Father Rene Cabag of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Datu Yasirarafat Bansawan from the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Pastor Jon Dave Angeles from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and Eduardo Mendoza, a dedicated leader in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon and Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon.
Younger performers also graced the stage, with Paolo Sandejas, DJ Marco Molina, and Keiko Necesario, who performed her new single "Planeta" in time for Earth Day.
Live speeches from various personalities enriched the event, including environmental storyteller and advocate Celine Murillo, Congress members France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-List) and Raoul Manuel (KABATAAN Party-List), Nelia Dela Carzada from the Katutubong Dumagat-Remontado community, Mitzi Jonelle Tan from Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Fridays for Future, Masungi Park Rangers Irene Rayton and Ruben Delasada, and Pretty Queen Cañamales from Angat Taytay.
Hundreds of supporters light candles in solidarity of the Masungi Georeserve.
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, in his video message, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and relevant government agencies to collaborate with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation in environmental protection. He urged citizens to stay informed, vigilant, and supportive of the foundation.
Other notable figures, including honorary ranger Nadine Lustre, SB19’s Justin de Dios, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, UN Women Ambassador Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Senator Nancy Binay, and Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), also delivered messages of support through videos.
The program concluded with a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, signifying solidarity for the cause.
The event was a resounding success, providing a platform for advocates of Masungi to unite and prepare for the ongoing fight for its preservation. As one participant shared on Facebook, “I went to the Rock for Masungi event last night with my family to support the cause and ended up really enjoying the concert that lasted almost six hours! That was an unexpected treat for us. As one of the performers said, we preserve what we enjoy, and boy, did we enjoy ourselves.”
Cooky Chua sings with the crowd of environmental advocates.
He also praised the performers and production while expressing confusion over DENR's actions. “We really need to preserve this area if we want to have a livable future,” he added.
Organized by the Friends of Masungi, and led by Ateneo Alumni Association Treasurer Goody Hernandez, the event sent a strong message to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga and the DENR. Through a representative, Hernandez stated, “We're gathered here to show our unwavering support for Masungi Georeserve and send a clear message to the DENR: the incredible community that has witnessed the vital conservation work at Masungi will not stay silent in the face of its possible cancellation or nullification.”
Hernandez criticized Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga for refusing to visit Masungi or engage in meaningful dialogue with its stakeholders. “Even worse, the DENR has resorted to blatant disinformation. Just yesterday, they published a press release filled with false allegations against Masungi,” Hernandez added. One of the evening's most memorable moments was Noel Cabangon’s performance of Kanlungan: "Ang mga puno't halaman ay kabiyak ng ating gunita. Sa paglipas ng panahon, bakit kailangan ding lumisan? Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon, maibabalik ba ang kahapon? (The trees and plants are the other half of our memories. As time passes, why must they also leave? Opportunities are seasonal, but can yesterday ever return?)."
Michael V. and Skarlet Brown perform an energetic duet of Hahabol Habol. (Photo by Nickey Zacate)
Reflecting on these words in the context of environmental preservation, the event became a poignant reminder of nature as our "kanlungan," our cherished home and refuge. Masungi is a sanctuary not just for its vibrant flora and fauna but also for the countless souls it has touched, inspiring a renewed or deeper bond with the Earth. Now, more than ever, we must seize this moment to fight for Masungi, to protect this conservation project before it slips away from us forever.
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