LIST: Concerts, events this June 2024

 Clockwise: TWICE, IU, BINI, Kim Soo-hyun

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 5, 2024 | 11:49am

MANILA, Philippines — May was such a busy month that Filipinos may not have even realized 2024 is just about halfway through.

Still, June promises a lot of exciting events and concerts that are sure to battle the sweltering heat.

The first day of the month alone is packed — at least three Korean artists have something cooked up!

With so many happenings around the nation, there is no telling how well we're going to keep it together.

Here are several of the concerts, events and productions happening in June:

'IU: H.E.R.' (June 1)

Korean singer-actress IU brought her "H.E.R." world tour to the Philippine Arena — making her the first Korean soloist to perform in the venue — marking her return to the country in nearly five years.

TWICE: Snacktacular Fan Meet (June 1)

K-pop girl group Twice returned to the Philippines for a fan meet in Mall of Asia Arena, care of food company Oishi.

Darren Espanto: D10 (June 1)

Asia's Pop Heartthrob celebrated a decade in the music industry with a concert in Araneta Coliseum.

Jason Wade (June 1)

The lead vocalist of rock band Lifehouse performed the group's best hits at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

'Bang Ye-dam: Be Your D' (June 1)

Korean singer Bang Ye-dam is holding his first fan meet in Manila in Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City.

Taste Cebu: Food and Wine Festival (June 1 and 2)

NUSTAR Resort and Casino hosted a gastronomic festival mirroring Cebu's diverse culture, landscape and dishes.

'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical' (June 1 and 2, 6 to 9, 13 to 16)

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy," a musical based on the songs by popular Filipino rock band Parokya ni Edgar, ends its run in Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. 

'One More Chance the Musical' (June 1 to 30, except Mondays and Tuesdays)

The Philippine Educational Theater Association's musical adaptation of the 2007 film "One More Chance" using the songs of local band Ben&Ben also finishes its primary run in PETA Theater this month.

'Kitchie Nadal: Same Ground' (June 2)

Kitchie Nadal's 20th anniversary show was a homecoming concert in New Frontier Theater, featuring some special guests and closest musical peers.

'Marvel Universe LIVE!' (June 7 to 9, 12 to 16)

A superhero-filled show in Mall of Asia Arena featuring iconic Marvel teams, the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy, teaming up to defend the universe.

'Bullet Dumas: Nananatili' (June 8)

Folk singer-songwriter Bullet Dumas is holding his first solo concert in six years in Music Museum in San Juan City.

'1OVE' (June 8)

The Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio's 10th Anniversary Show and Student Showcase in The Theater at Solaire showcases various forms of love through breathtaking performances by both students and expert instructors.

Lola Amour (June 8 and 29)

Arguably the country's hottest band right now, Lola Amour is staging two concerts this month: first in Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City and then in The Cozy Cove in Baguio.

'B.I: Hype Up' (June 9)

Korean rapper B.I is coming back to Manila for his "Hype Up Asia" tour, and joining him in SM North EDSA Skydome is Korean-Australian soloist Leo.

'Alexander 23: American Boy In Asia' (June 11)

Singer-songwriter Alexander Glantz, better known as Alexander 23, takes on the Podium Hall in Mandaluyong City.

'Pintog: Virgin Labfest 19' (June 12 to 16)

The annual festival of untried, untested, unstaged one-act plays jointly produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc. and The Writer's Bloc will be staged in Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez or CCP Black Box Theater.

Vaultboy (June 13)

American singer-songwriter Vaultboy will drop by the Ayala Malls Market! Market! Activity Center as part of his ongoing Asia tour.

'Carmina Burana' (June 14 and 15)

National Artist Alice Reyes oversees once more her adaptation of Carl Orff's beloved cantata with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and soprano Lara Maigue. Also featured in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater shows are Reyes' "Dugso," Norman Walker's "Summer's End" and August "Bam" Damian's "After Whom."

TOYCON: Evolution (June 14 to 16)

The annual toy convention marks its 21st year in SMX Convention Center MOA in Pasay City with the best of pop culture and a collector's market focusing on creativity and invention

'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' (June 14 to 16, 21 to 23, 28 to 30)

Repertory Philippines' adaptation of the longest-running off-Broadway musical revue begins its runs in Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium or RCBC Theater in Makati City.

Lucas (June 15)

Former NCT and WayV member Lucas will hold his first-ever solo fancon in New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.

Malay Music Fest 2024 (June 15 and 16)

Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, and Parokya headline this annual two-day festival in Cove Manila in Okada celebrating Original Pinoy Music with established and emerging artists.

Solar: Colours (June 16)

Solar, leader of K-pop girl group Mamamoo, will perform in The Theatre at Solaire, having last been in the country with the group last year for its sold-out concert in Araneta Coliseum.

Wacken Metal Battle Philippines (June 16)

For the third consecutive year, Wacken Metal Battle Philippines is launching the search for the country's representative to the biggest metal festival Wacken Open Air.

'David Foster & Friends: Hitman' (June 18)

Award-winning music producer David Foster is coming back to Manila after including the Philippines in his "David Foster & Friends" Asia Tour, and joining him in Araneta Coliseum are his wife Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, All-4-One, and local artists JV Decena and Joaquin Garcia.

'Suho: Welcome SuHome' (June 22)

EXO member Suho is coming back to the Philippines as part of his upcoming Asia tour, performing in Araneta Coliseum.

Byeon Woo-seok (June 22)

On the same day in the neighboring New Frontier theater, Korean actor-model Byeon Woo-seok will be gathering with fans at his own fan meet.

'Bawat Bonggang Bagay' (June 22 and 23, 28 to 30)

A Filipino translation of Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe's "Every Brilliant Thing," starring Jon Santos, in Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City runs for a limited time.

'ABBA Revisited' (June 28)

North America's leading tribute to ABBA recreates the magic of the global phenomenon's music, with their excellent showmanship and on-point costumes and harmonies. Wendy's Project serves as the opening act for the one-night show in The Theater at Solaire.

'Ice Seguerra: Videoke Hits: The Repeat' (June 28)

Asia's Acoustic icon Ice Seguerra rocks the Music Museum in San Juan City in an interactive sing-along concert, moved from its original June 1 date.

'BINI: BINIverse' (June 28 to 30)

After months of massive success, P-pop girl group BINI will stage its first-ever solo concert in New Frontier Theater.

'Kim Soo-hyun: Eyes On You' (June 29)

Korean star Kim Soo-hyun is returning to the Philippines for a fan meet in Araneta Coliseum, over a year since his last visit.

'Gerald Santos: Grateful' (June 29)

The Philippines' Prince of Ballad celebrates his 18th anniversary with a concert in Music Museum in San Juan City.

Palace declares June 17 regular holiday to mark Eid'l Adha

In this July 2020 photo, Muslims practice social distancing at Salam Mosque in Salam Compound during their noon time prayer, a day ahead of Eid al-Adha. The STAR / Michael Varcas, file

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

June 5, 2024 | 5:15pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared June 17, Wednesday as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Islamic Feast of Sacrifice or Edi'l Adha.

Proclamation No. 579, declaring the Eid'l Adha holiday, was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommended the declaration of the national holiday following the 1445 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, 17 June 2024, a regular holiday throughout the country, in observance of Eid'l Adha," the proclamation read.

Edi'l Adha is one of the two important feasts in Islam which lands on the tenth day of the final month of the Islamic calendar.

Canlaon City shuts down tourism sites, non-essential businesses as Kanlaon erupts

BY GLAZYL MASCULINO

Jun 4, 2024 11:16 AM

  

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BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Canlaon in Negros Oriental has ordered the closure of non-essential business establishments and tourism sites after the eruption on Monday, June 3, of Kanlaon Volcano which showed signs of increased activity, posing a potential threat to public safety and welfare.

In an executive order issued by Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas on Monday, June 3, all non-essential business establishments within a four-kilometer radius of Kanlaon Volcano were ordered to cease operations and vacate immediately until further notice, while all non-essential establishments in the city proper are mandated to close their businesses, starting June 4, at 8 p.m.

Cardenas stressed that it is imperative to take proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of residents and mitigate the impact of volcanic activity.

Volcanic eruptions can result in hazardous conditions such as ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava, endangering the lives and health of citizens, he said.

Cardenas said that essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, emergency response agencies, utility providers, and other critical infrastructure services may continue operations with appropriate safety measures in place.

Citizens residing within the vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano are urged to adhere to evacuation orders issued by local authorities and  follow designated evacuation routes to ensure safety, Cardenas said.

Meanwhile, in a separate executive order, Cardenas ordered the closure of tourism sites within a two- to six-kilometer radius of the volcano due to the eruption which poses imminent danger to public safety.

Cardenas said that this action is essential to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents and visitors. All access roads leading to these sites shall be closed and entry by any means shall be strictly prohibited until further notice, he said.

He directed all relevant government agencies and authorities to coordinate efforts to enforce the order and provide necessary support for the safety and well-being of affected individuals.

Cardenas ordered the suspension of work in government and private offices in the city on June 4 as a precautionary and proactive measure in anticipation of any untoward incident in relation to the volcanic activity.

He said that all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) members, city and barangay officials, government employees, and others concerned are directed to take and observe all disaster response protocols as well as execute courses of action that may be given by the LDRMMC or BDRRMC.

'Playtime' stars protect themselves against sexual predators

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Jun 4, 2024 06:49 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The stars voiced their opinions on safeguarding themselves from sexual predators and navigating potential close encounters.

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The cast of 'Playtime' Sanya Lopez, Coleen Garcia, Faye Lorenzo, and Xian Lim, with director Mark A. Reyes V

Some actors have built successful careers by consistently playing a specific type of character in almost every movie. Others, however, risk being typecast by relying too heavily on past achievements.

It's rare for actors to break out of their established roles, but Xian Lim is one of those few who dare to explore new territories.

In the upcoming suspense-thriller movie "Playtime," produced by GMA Pictures and Viva Films, Xian takes his role to the next level by portraying a sexual predator.

“Physically, I was bulking up for this. When they offered me the role, my character, sabi nga nila, Lucas, would be after the three girls. Sabi ko ah, maybe I should veer away from the parang boy next door, loving son, romantic lead image, and move into like a big guy, right? If I'm with three girls, they won't be able to get away from me. So, it was my conscious effort to gain muscle mass for this. Mentally, it's just getting into the mindset that you're playing a psychopath. So, it's a bit hard, but kinaya naman,” Xian said.

Coleen Garcia,  Sanya Lopez, and Faye Lorenzo find themselves in the same situation involving a man they all mistakenly trust. 

Xian also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to take on a unique and unconventional role and felt truly blessed.

"I feel grateful and blessed na mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon to portray something out of the box. I would say daring. The project was offered sa kasagsagan ng taping ng Love.Die.Repeat. 

"Sabi ko please count me in. Iba pa yung title noong mga panahon na yun. Sabi ko ikuwento n'yo na lang sa akin mamaya at game na ako diyan. That's how fast yung proseso ng pag-uusapan namin," the actor said.

In his latest movie, which opens on June 12, Xian embraced the challenge of transitioning from his boy-next-door image to embodying a darker character.

"A couple of days ago, magkakasama kami nila Sanya (Lopez),  Coleen (Garcia), and Faye (Lorenzo), and we discussed characters in the movie. A huge part of the movie is may tiwala kami sa isa't isa. Mahirap talaga to be in a situation na you have to believe ito ang nangyayari especially with the direction of Mark Reyes V. Sabi nga namin eh, 'Direk, ano ba ang gagawin namin dito?' In every scene tumutulong naman palagi si direk. Tiwala lang talaga sa isa't isa, the actor said.

Xian Lim

“Playtime” revolves around three women from three different worlds in the same situation involving a man they all mistakenly trust.

Vlogger-influencer Allyson (Sanya) entertains a seemingly harmless fan but soon finds out how dangerous he is.

Bride-to-be Roni (Coleen) wants one last adventure before she settles down. She decides to hook up with a stranger in a bar.

Meanwhile, Patricia (Faye) only wants to get away from her abusive ex. She naively trusts a stranger she sees as a ‘hero’ who rescues her from her boyfriend.

Three women, three strangers of different personalities, and three lives intertwine as Allyson, Roni, and Patricia get entangled with the same man: Lucas (Xian).

Sanya Lopez

Lucas wants to play, but his idea of playing games is far from what these women imagined.

Sanya said the film shows a different side of her and her co-actors that moviegoers can look forward to.

“Marami kaming ginawa dito na lahat kami first time naming gawin. It's one of those suspense thrillers na kakaiba sa the usual na napapanood ninyo. Mayroon ako ditong ginawa na first time n’yong makikita.

“Kaming tatlo kasi iba-iba ang character namin at iba-iba rin ang kuwento namin dito. Kaya sana abangan n’yo kasi exciting, sobrang suspense. Sana maramdaman ninyo kung gano kami hiningal at nahirapan sa kuwento,” Sanya added.

Viva artist Coleen likewise expressed her excitement at being part of this latest film from GMA Pictures and Viva Films. “All the characters are really interesting. It's very thrilling, it's very suspenseful. You wouldn't be able to guess what will happen,” shared Coleen. “‘I think, [for] all of us – the artists in this movie – it's new for us, everything we did [was new].”

Coleen Garcia

Faye ensured she was physically and mentally prepared for her role as Patricia.

“Syempre, unang-una, workout. Kasi medyo may pa-skin kami dito eh. And syempre, inaral ko ‘yung character. Unang-una binasa ko ‘yung script, and then inaral ko ‘yung character,” she said.

“Playtime” also serves as a homecoming for Direk Mark, who began his directorial career in Viva through anthologies and the hit ‘90s youth-oriented series, “T.G.I.S.,” which aired on GMA. From his numerous TV projects such as the hit “Encantadia” franchise, “The Missing Husband,” and “Voltes V: Legacy,” Direk Mark is also known for his directorial work in various films such as “Moments of Love,” “Eternity,” “Till I Met You,” and “Voltes V: Legacy (The Cinematic Experience),” among others.

The cast includes Bruce Roeland, Haley Dizon, Kim Perez, Lienel Navidad, and Camille Patricia Guzman.

Faye Lorenzo

Protection vs. sexual predators

The stars voiced their opinions on safeguarding themselves from sexual predators and navigating potential close encounters.

Coleen said: "I guess it's a case-to-case basis for everybody on how they should protect themselves from sexual predators. It does happen, and most of the time, it occurs when dealing with strangers. Kailangan magsabi ka sa taong makakatulong sa'yo if someone crosses your boundaries. 

"Hindi ko pa talaga yan na experience. Pero may mga kilala ako na naka-experience na at nakakatakot talaga. Not just now. Kahit noon nakakatakot talaga. So it's important to watch yourself. Halimbawa lalabas ka at iinom ka, make sure you are with people who are safe with. Ako kasi when I was still dating, hindi talaga ako agad nakikipag-date agad. Yung kaming dalawa lang? 

"Normally I invite my friends to be with us. So maganda na mag-start tayo ng ganun hanggang magbuild yug trust. It's hard to be alone na wala kang tiwala sa kanya. Don't put yourself in a compromising situation," Coleen said.

Sanya commented: "Iba na talaga ang generation ngayon. Pero ang maganda is nagiging aware na tayo sa mga ganyang klaseng situation. I think everytime na lalabas kami, meron ka dapat isang tao na laging sinasabihan kung saan ka pupunta. 

"Siya rin yung taong malalapitan mo at alam kung nasaan ka. Minsan kasi gusto natin tayo-tayo lang pero sana unahin muna natin yung kaligtasan natin. Masarap maging masaya pero mas masaya at importante yung alam natin na buhay pa tayo," she said.

Faye added: "Siguro huwag mong ibibigay ang 100 percent mo. Share ko lang noong nag abroad ako sa Europe, may nagsabi na sa akin na hindi safe ang place na yun. So merong mga guy na lumalapit sa akin. Alam mo ang una kong ginawa, papalapit pa lang yun guy, yung bag niyayakap ko na talaga. Baka kasi makikipagkilala lang sa akin tapos biglang hablutin pala yung bag ko. So kailangan mo talagang mag-ingat."

Playtime cast Sanya Lopez, Coleen Garcia, Faye Lorenzo, and Xian Lim with director Mark Reyes V and GMA Network and Viva Films executives

Xian said: "Isang lesson na mapupulot sa movie na ito is tulad nga ng sinabi ni Coleen, do not put yourself in a compromising situation. Ako po laki ako sa lola at nanay, so ang mga sensibilities ko is parang mga 80s pa. Nowadays ang dami-dami talagang nangyayari so think twice and be extra safe. Huwag sanang maniwala basta-basta sa mga online things because it's easy to make up things online."

Catch “Playtime” in cinemas nationwide beginning June 12.

GOSSIP GIRL: Meeting the Filipina Shirley Bassey of the Netherlands

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Jun 4, 2024 08:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Nhelley's journey on "Soundmixshow" in the Netherlands is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the universal power of music.

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Nhelley de la Rosa

AMSTERDAM — We just finished celebrating the "Para Sa Pilipinas" event, an intimate concert at the Casa Sofia in Amsterdam dedicated to the birthday of the Vice President of the Philippines, Inday Sara Duterte. 

I am so blessed to have shared the stage with Shirley Bassey of the Netherlands, Nhelley de la Rosa.I was awed and amazed when I heard her sing. She deserves the title Filipina Shirley Bassey of the Netherlands. Nhelley de la Rosa has become a notable name in the Dutch entertainment scene, mainly through her participation in the renowned television show "Soundmixshow." 

This competition, a staple of Dutch television since the late 1980s, provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their ability to imitate famous singers. 

Nhelley's journey in the show has been impressive, marked by her exceptional vocal skills and charismatic performance imitating Shirley. You can watch her Sound Mix performance by searching for Nhelley performing This is My Life, SoundMix Show. The next day, she toured around Amsterdam, and I got an exclusive interview. 

The author with Nhelley de la Rosa

“I was born and raised in the Philippines, Nhelley de la Rosa, and then I moved to Europe to pursue broader opportunities and a new chapter in my life. 

"My passion for music was evident from a young age. I was influenced by a rich cultural background celebrating musical talent in the Philippines. This passion set the stage for my future in the competitive world of music entertainment. 

"I am grateful for the 'Soundmixshow' because it was the turning point in my career. The show, which has discovered and nurtured many talented artists, requires contestants to mimic the style and sound of established singers convincingly. 

"My most notable performances include renditions of songs by international stars such as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, Tina Turner, and, of course, Shirley Bassey," the singer tells me while touring me around the canals of Amsterdam. 

These performances not only won praise from the judges of SoundmixShow but also captured the hearts of the European audience. Her ability to deliver powerful and emotionally resonant performances made her a favorite to win the competition. 

Nhelley's success on 'Soundmixshow' has significantly impacted her career. It has opened doors to various opportunities, including recording deals, live performances, and appearances on other television programs. 

Her story resonates with many aspiring musicians, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, showcasing that talent and hard work can overcome barriers. Of course, the success of one Filipino is the success of other Filipinos in Europe. 

Moreover, her journey on "Soundmixshow" has contributed to the cultural diversity of the Dutch entertainment industry. By embracing her Pinoy roots and blending them with her new experiences in the Netherlands, Nhelley has created a unique musical identity that appeals to a broad audience. 

What’s next for Nhelley. “Looking ahead, I am poised to continue my journey in the music industry. I want to thank Europe Pinoy, headed by Geraldine Hernandez-Martens, for allowing me to serve my fellow Filipinos by participating in this fundraiser so Mrs Martens can construct a school for children with special needs. I plan to release more original music. My experience on 'Soundmixshow' has equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the competitive landscape of the music industry."

Nhelley's journey on "Soundmixshow" in the Netherlands is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the universal power of music. As she continues to evolve as an artist, she remains an inspiring figure for the Filipinos in Europe. She embodies the spirit of Pinoy determination and the pursuit of the Filipino dream.

Pope Francis appoints Filipino priest as ecclesiastical superior in Tuvalu

Fr. Eliseo Napiere. (Photo from Saint James the Less Catholic Church/WEBSITE)

By: Adrian Parungao - @inquirerdotnet

INQUIRER.net / 09:22 AM June 04, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino priest based in California was appointed by Pope Francis as the ecclesiastical superior of the Missio sui iuris of Funafati, Tuvalu.

In the announcement of the Holy See Press Office posted on its website on Monday, the Vatican said Fr. Eliseo Napiere, a member of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP), will head the Missio sui iuris in the Oceanian country.

Currently, Napier is the parish priest of Saint James the Less in Perris, California.

“The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Eliseo Napiere, M.S.P. until now member of the Presbyteral Council and parish priest of Saint James the Less in Perris, in the diocese of San Bernardino, United States of America, as ecclesiastical superior of the Missio sui iuris of Funafati, Tuvalu,” the Holy See said.

A Missio sui iuris is an independent mission conducted in areas with few Catholics, or in areas where Catholics experience persecution, and is headed by an ecclesiastical superior.

Napier was born in 1965 in Maribojoc, Bohol, and was ordained to priesthood in 1991.

He has served as a parish vicar in Cebu City from 1991 to 1992, a seminary scholastic director and procurator in Tagaytay City from 1992 to 1994, and has been on missionary assignments in Taiwan and the United States from 2007 to 2018.

12 Golden things you learned with age

 

1. Your friends no matter how close, will disappear with time.

2. The most important relationship in this entire world is the one you have with yourself.

3. Nobody cares about your hard work, they just look at the result.

4. Heart break and failures are part of life.

5. There's no place like home.

6. Family and money matters the most.

7. Book is indeed a person's best friend.

8. Physical activity reduces stress.

9. Wasting time in regretting and crying won't fetch you results.

10. Whatever you want today won't matter to you tomorrow.

11. Your decisions define your life, not fate.

12. Childhood is the golden time.

Thank you for reading 😊

Love our country

By: Cielito F. Habito - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:30 AM June 04, 2024

This is a plea, especially to our nation’s leaders, especially the politicians who wield power in both the political and economic realms. I know I’m far from being the only one who believes that if only most of you loved our country enough to put it ahead of furthering and perpetuating your personal power and wealth, our country and the bulk of our fellow Filipinos would be much better off today.

You would well know how the Philippines had progressively slid from the top to bottom position among its regional peers since the 1960s. We were the most dynamic economy in Southeast Asia and second richest in East Asia (next to Japan) in the 1960s but now rank the worst in most social and economic indicators that matter. A Korean friend once told me how on his first visit to Manila in the 1960s, he was awestruck with envy at our infrastructure and level of development that was well ahead of his own country then.

Neighbors from whom we now import rice and other farm products once sent their students to learn agricultural sciences in our country in my hometown of Los Baños, once the region’s knowledge center on the field. South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and India sent people to train at the Agricultural Credit and Cooperatives Institute in Los Baños, and have since demonstrated the power of farm cooperatives in uplifting their farms and farmers. Yet our own farm coops more often than not fail and collapse, leading many to believe that cooperativism simply will not work in the Philippines. We may have lost our cherished tradition of “bayanihan,” and have become too individualistic or “kanya-kanya” for sustained collective endeavors to prosper. Our concern for the common good now seems a casualty in the pursuit of selfish interest.

We need you, our leaders, to be always guided by the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number in the decisions you make and the actions you take. We need you to prove by your example that the common good and your personal welfare can actually come together. Many temptations come your way every day that pull you into decisions and actions that would increase your own wealth and power. Vested interests always surround you and strive to push you into actions that will lead to their gain, even if it means harm or loss to many, especially the powerless among us. But please think constantly of our country and how far behind it has fallen because people in power like you had chosen to set the common good aside, in favor of personal gain.

Law and politics in America

If you are a local chief executive, please do not be one whose first question to a potential investor is “What’s in it for me?”—then throw hurdles in their way if the answer is not to your liking. And please make it as easy as possible to start, register, and renew a business in your area, and recognize that these create jobs and incomes among your constituents, help uplift their lives, and ultimately strengthen your local economy.

If you are a member of either house of Congress, please take to heart your avowed mission of being a true representative of your constituents, whether they voted for you or not. Please also be mindful that the loudest voices and the strongest lobbies do not necessarily push in the right direction that will lead to the greatest good of the greatest number, which ought to be your yardstick. We implore you to be guided by evidence and sound analysis in the policy directions you take, which may not necessarily be what seems popular. And please focus on your role as lawmakers, as that is your only proper mandate from the Filipino public.

If you are a policymaker in the executive branch, please immerse yourself among the people you serve to be able to feel their problems firsthand and understand their true needs. If you are a member of the judiciary, please remember that you ultimately decide the fate of our people who count on the protection of the rule of law, which applies equally to everyone regardless of their social and economic stature. And if you are a public servant in whatever government department or office, please take on an enabling mindset rather than a restricting and regulating one to the point of inhibiting worthwhile private initiatives and enterprises.

Escudero says he mentioned Senate presidency to Marcos in 2022. Escudero says he mentioned Senate presidency to Marcos in 2022

Lastly, please be mindful that our country is in crisis on many fronts, the most fundamental of which is the very real threat to our future posed by our failure to care enough for our youngest children who are the very future of our nation. Too many of them are hungry and malnourished due to lack of income and unduly high food prices, and unable to obtain the right education due to numerous failures in our educational system. If we do not reverse these problems now, our very future as a nation is in great peril.

In the end, we pray that you show and practice genuine love for our country that would serve as a worthy example for all Filipinos to emulate.

A firefighter dies and a long-distance train derails amid heavy rains and flooding in Germany

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jun 2, 2024 11:25 PM

  

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FRANKFURT, Germany — Flooding, high river levels and heavy rain led to the death of a firefighter and disrupted train travel in southern Germany on Sunday.

Sections of the city are flooded by water, in Reichertshofen, Germany, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

The firefighter's body was recovered after an inflatable watercraft carrying four firefighters capsized as they navigated floodwaters to bring residents to safety in the town of Pfaffenhofen, on the Ilm River in the southern Bavaria region, the dpa news agency reported.

A long-distance train derailed after the ground under a section of track collapsed near the town of Schwaebisch Gmund some 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Stuttgart late Saturday. The 185 passengers were uninjured.

German rail operator Deutsche Bahn warned of extensive cancellations and delays and told customers who postponed trips that their tickets would be honored. Traffic was disrupted on routes including those from Munich to Berlin, Stuttgart and the Swiss city of Zurich.