Filipino food, aspiring beauty queens, and celebrity she admires

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Jul 6, 2024 00:46 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Andrea is in town for the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, which will be held at Smart Araneta City on Sunday, July 7.

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Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio (Images courtesy of Russ Cuevas)

Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio enjoys traveling alone to different places. She had no escort or assistant when she arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday night. Andrea is in town for the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, which will be held at Smart Araneta City on Sunday, July 7.

It's her first time in the Philippines, and she loves it. She enjoys tropical places and wouldn't mind returning to the country for a vacation. She loves the weather, similar to her country in Venezuela, so she has never had difficulty adjusting to the hot weather here. "It's all work here, but I love it! Maybe I'll return soon."

Andrea's fun personality was inspiring during the interview. The 25-year-old beauty queen is fluent in English, which she learned while attending high school and college in Colombia. 

During the interview, Andrea shared about the Filipino food she loves, the celebrity she looks up, her advice to future beauty queens, and her plans after her reign as Miss International in November.

Manila Bulletin: Hello Andrea! Welcome to the Philippines. Is this your first time visiting the country?

Andrea: Amazing country. What we have in Venezuela because of the weather is similar to Caracas. The city I was born in. It was when I was on the plane, and I looked out the window. And it was such a beautiful place. And I was excited to come here. I'm staying at the Novotel in Araneta City. it's a beautiful place full of infrastructures. And there's a big mall beside us. There's traffic but it's been amazing. 

Manila Bulletin: What Filipino words have you learned so far?

Andrea: Give me a few seconds. Mabuhay and salamat po!

Manila Bulletin: Have you tried any Filipino food?

Andrea: My favorite is chicken adobo. I've been having that for dinner for two days. And today's lunch is my favorite, too. 

Manila Bulletin: You speak good English. 

Andrea: I've been studying English since I was a little kid.

Manila Bulletin: How has your reign as Miss International been?

Andrea: It has been such a blast working with the organization because they are flexible in so many things. It's not as straight as people think it is. I live in Venezuela and also in Colombia. I've been traveling a lot in these two places this year. But getting the opportunity to know so many cultures and countries is something only a few people have. So it's a blast to learn so much from your culture for other countries for other people. It's been massive for me.

Manila Bulletin: How has winning Miss International changed your life?

Andrea: It changed me in a lot of ways. It taught me so many things about being a good competitor. Because when you're in Miss International, you're in Tokyo, it's not a bad competition. It's a good competition when you're with other girls and you learn from them. When I got to Tokyo, I lost all my luggage. And the girls lent me so many things. So it's something that maybe you don't see on other beauty pageants, but you see it there.

Manila Bulletin: As Miss International, what are the causes or advocacy you promote?

Andrea: Right now, I'm working a lot of my masterclass where I teach girls to work on what they have with their body, their confidence, how to work also their communication skills that is so important in every field you are in and I've been doing that in my country and Colombia. So it's growing a lot. And it makes me proud because I love teaching other girls with what I have. Maybe I'm not 40 years old, but I've been learning a lot from this experience, making the modeling career as an audio-visual communicator, how to work on your social media in the right way, how to work with brands. So that's what I teach in this masterclass.

Manila Bulletin: Do you know beauty pageants are very popular in the Philippines?

Andrea: Yeah, it's impressive! It's just how it is in Venezuela, only in a few places when you will win a crown. It's very similar. We have a lot of beauty queens that have worn a crown, and it's just how we got it in Venezuela. When we see Catriona (Gray), it's like, wow, a big icon for us, really. Yes, because there's so much love for beauty pageants in our country, something cultural that we share.

Manila Bulletin: On Sunday, July 7, we will crown the next Philippine representative to Miss International. What qualities is the Miss international Organization looking for in the next winner?

Andrea: a very respectful woman who can speak for herself and has a lot of communication skills. It is good working with other people that she is a good learner because you have to learn a lot from Miss International. She's a person who's willing to work hard—one year traveling to the world that's organized. Only some have the opportunity to travel the world. So, it's an opportunity that she has to be proud of and take advantage of her experience.

Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio (right) with Binibining Pilipinas queens 

Manila Bulletin: Your advice to young girls who want to become a beauty queen.

Andrea: The beauty pageant is much more than having just a pretty face. It has the opportunity to speak and communicate with so many people. It's a huge window. The window in Filipino is the same in Spanish. When there is a huge window, you must open it for yourself, your career, your profession, and your growth. It's a huge opportunity.

Manila Bulletin: A celebrity you look up to?

Andrea: Tyra Banks. She has her own America's Next Top Model. I looked up to her when I was little. And she was the kind of personality and energy I wanted to have. She inspires me a lot because she's funny. She can be anything. She's very versatile. So, she inspired me a lot when I was a little girl. I was on a reality show similar to America's Next Top Model in Colombia. But it was girls and boys. Yeah, I won! And it was for the popular vote in Colombia. Even if I am not a Colombian, people supported me. So it was huge.

Manila Bulletin: What are your plans after your reign as Miss International 2023?

Andrea: This has been a big push on my career. I would love to be on TV. I would love to have my own business. And I am still growing my masterclass. I would love an online course to give girls the tools they need to become stronger in their careers. And yeah, I keep working on my visual skills and social media because it's something I like. So I would love to be part of the new TV.

Teach Philippine history, Marcos tells incoming DepEd chief

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Jul 5, 2024 01:18 PM

  

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President Marcos has asked one important thing from new Education Secretary Sonny Angara—to teach Philippine history in schools.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of government assistance in the provinces of Eastern Visayas on July 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)

Marcos bared that among the several matters he discussed with the incoming chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to widen the coverage of teaching Philippine history, citing the limited history topics in workbooks.

"The one thing I asked from him was to: Please teach our children Philippine history. Because I have seen my children's workbooks and there's very little said about the history of the Philippines," Marcos said in an interview at the sidelines of distribution of government assistance in Sulu. 

"And that for me, that is so important for a very simple reason...kaya ganito kami, kaya ganyan ang ugali namin dahil sa aming kasaysayan (the reason we are behaving like this is because of our history). And that's the one thing I asked of him, that's in the curriculum," Marcos added.

The President also disclosed that they are looking to simplify the curriculum to "make sure that everybody understands the basics."

"Because marami pang nasa Grade 5 na, nasa Grade 6 mahina magbasa...  at yung mga simple na mathematics na exam ay hindi nila kayang gawain, so yun ang kailangan talaga (there are many students who are already in 5th, 6th grade, yet they still cannot read properly, they still cannot solve simple mathematics exams, so that is what we need). We have to go back to basics," the Chief Executive said.

Marcos also made a directive to Angara to beef up the agency's feeding program as stunting among learners persists. 

He further told Angara to prioritize the retraining of teachers, considering the fast-pace technology development.

Angara was named to be the next DepEd Secretary, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who has resigned from the post. Angara will officially take over the DepEd leadership on July 19.

6 tips on how to protect your pets from risks of changing weather

 

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — We have always been warned against the changing weather because it has somehow, to a certain degree, adversely affected us in the past.

When the weather shifts from hot to cold, exactly like how it is doing right about this time of the year, we are left scrambling for comfort and protection, and our immune system finds it challenging to keep up. When this happens, it is caught off guard and as a result, we can get allergies, colds and flu. 

Did you know that the same weather-related temperature changes pose challenges for our pets, too? Just like us, they suffer from seasonal allergies, respiratory issues and discomfort due to sudden shifts in temperature. It is important to be mindful of their needs and take steps to ensure their well-being during these unpredictable weather patterns.

How about getting your fur baby a pet insurance?

For fur parents who want to be on top of their pet’s comfort and health in these conditions, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Ensure that they have climate-appropriate shelter.

Just like you, your pet needs to have a comfortable place to rest that suits the weather – warm and cozy during cold spells, and cool and shaded during hot days.

Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your pets are well-suited to thrive in tropical climates like the Philippines, as some dog breeds, such as pugs and chow-chows, are more prone to respiratory issues and heat strokes.

Keep them well-fed and hydrated

Giving your pets a nutritious diet that supports their immune system can help them stay healthy and resilient against weather-related illnesses.

It is important to always keep your pets hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

Exercise wisely

Our pets’ health is also closely tied to how much exercise they can do regularly.

However, it is important to adjust exercise routines based on the weather. Avoid intense activities during extreme heat or cold. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws.

Stay on top of their grooming

Maintain regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition, which can help regulate their body temperature. Never shave your pet's coat too short, especially in hot weather, as it can expose their skin to sunburn and other risks.

Be vigilant for signs of health problems

Be vigilant for signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching or sneezing, and consult your vet if these symptoms appear.

With the country experiencing hotter days these days even when it is the rainy season, it is important to know the symptoms of overheating in pets. These include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, or increased heart and respiratory rate.

Consider investing in pet insurance

With the weather and temperatures constantly changing, it is essential to have financial protection in place for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Regional insurtech Igloo, understanding how important it is to keep your pets healthy and your finances secure, developed Pet Insure in partnership with Malayan Insurance and GCash. Pet Insure is a tailored non-life insurance product designed to safeguard the health of dogs, regardless of their breed. This product empowers dog parents to address their fur babies' needs comprehensively, from emergencies to accidents.

It provides a three-in-one coverage package, including medical reimbursement for veterinary care up to a maximum of P100,000, owner's liability coverage of up to P250,000 and a personal accident cover for dog owners worth P50,000. All of this is available for as low as P650 for a one-month coverage period through the GCash GInsure marketplace.

As responsible pet parents, it is essential to keep on top of any changes in your pets' health and behavior, especially with weather changes. Being a little bit more vigilant and being prepared for any emergency can make a significant difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and happy all year round.

What are typical German habits?

 

Judith Meyer

Berlin-based polyglot, author and web developer

19,441 followers

1,313 following

IT Coordinator at www.diem25.org, author of language courses (print and digital). Former head organizer of the Polyglot Gathering (largest international conference for language geeks).

I love learning & teaching languages, discussing politics and philosophy, and developing computer programs that process languages.

If you want to ask me something about languages, please check out Overview of my Language-Learning Advice or A2A me if there is a question I haven't yet written about, this is preferable to asking in private because more people will benefit from the answer.

Bringing flowers when visiting someone.

As long as the flowers are a colourful bouquet (or even a pretty potted plant) and not just roses, this won't necessarily be interpreted as a romantic gesture. Bring flowers when visiting elderly people in particular; parent-age people may also find a bottle of good wine or a box of expensive chocolates acceptable. Never come empty-handed. If going to a student party, you might bring something very cheap like a salty snack or a bottle of soda, but never come empty-handed.

Flowers are traditionally given to women. If visiting a work colleague at his home, you'd give the flowers to his wife (the lady of the house). I believe this is because traditionally the wife had to do the work of preparing for a guest.

Flowers are also often gifted by superiors as a form of recognition, for example for a woman's work anniversary, for women volunteers at an event, for female talk show guests or for female passer-bys on Mother's Day.

Apologizing for being late

In Germany, punctuality is seen very strictly: people generally expect an apology even if you're just two minutes late. And this happens quite often because not all Germans are good at being punctual.

Asking for the window or door to be shut

German windows are a wonder of technology: they can be opened partially (as in the photo) as well as completely (sideways). However, if you even partially open the window and there is another open window/door somewhere, some Germans will start to complain about the draft of air coming through. Sitting in the draft is believed to cause colds, so people are quick to request the window to be shut.

Lecturing people at the red light

If you're a pedestrian trying to cross the street on a red light, no matter if there are no cars in sight, be prepared to be lectured (and sometimes physically restrained) by any elderly German lady or parent with kids.

Separating trash

Since environmentalism is big in Germany, it's important to separate different kinds of trash so that they may be recycled. In a typical household you'll find trash cans for paper, recyclable packaging, organic waste and "other", while glass (separated into white/green/brown glass) is collected in big containers you can find nearby. Most glass bottles now have Pfand, meaning that you initially pay an extra fee which you will get back when/if you return the bottle to the store.

Respecting Authority

Kurt Tucholsky (German thinker) said it best: "The German nightmare is to stand in front of a counter, the German dream is to sit behind a counter."

Germans have a lot of respect for authorities:
1) those given power (bureaucrats, policemen) and
2) those who have authoritative knowledge of their field (teachers, doctors, lawyers)

Politicians on the other hand are given no respect; any American lawyer joke is a politician joke in Germany.

Talking about the news

It is assumed that everyone has been watching the news (or are too ashamed to admit if they haven't), so the news are a safe topic to discuss with anyone, including strangers on the street. They're kind of like the weather. There is little chance of offending anyone or getting into a heated argument because the consensus is that all German politicians are shitty and we're all just voting for the least bad choice. "Wahl zwischen Pest und Cholera" - a choice between falling prey to either pestilence or cholera is how we say it in German.

Kylie Verzosa finds business success through e-commerce

 Kylie Verzosa (center) with fellow models of her own products

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines —  Aiming to encourage the community to embrace the uniqueness of their bodies and to feel comfortable in their own skin, actress and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa and her friends launched an affordable but high-quality shapewear line, Solá, in 2023.

A year since the brand was launched, it has distinguished itself by leveraging on the distinct features and enhancing the brand's reach and appeal to consumers via opening in TikTok Shop.

“As an e-commerce startup, Solá has adopted TikTok Shop to maintain a two-way communication with its consumers, allowing them to connect with the brand's shapewear products,” the e-commerce platform stated.

Through the online shop, the brand “was able to achieve its main goal to directly connect with consumers. The brand reached a vast audience of engaged and interested users, which built trust and created a sense of community,” the statement added.

The brand embraced content creation spearheaded by Kylie, boosting the brand's visibility and consumer recognition. The company plans to include collaborations with more content creators to expand their reach, showcasing the platform's potential in fostering organic growth in a competitive shapewear market.

This initiative includes partnerships with L’Oreal Paris, offering complimentary products during key livestream sessions.

“We want to be on an e-commerce platform where we’re able to communicate with our audience two ways. So not just selling them, but really communicating and resonating with them through the content.  Through (the e-commerce platform), we got a lot of audiences interested with the brand,” Solá General Manager Ally Gao explained.

Gao added that their unique livestreams allow them to come up with competitive pricing. 

"We don’t have this every single day and it’s for a limited time only and I think our audience knows that so they really tune in to livestreams to communicate with our host and the brand and partake in lower pricing. We really love seeing that because not only do they get a discount, they’re also able to really engage with us.”

A story that pays tribute to women’s lives

 

Ruth Jordana L. Pison - The Philippine Star 

July 4, 2024 | 12:00am

Shown during Pride Month in June, ‘Isa Ka Pungpong nga Rosas’ demonstrates a nuanced understanding of gender issues, particularly women’s sexuality, domestic violence, sexism, and machismo. The film, set in 2024, presents a more complex narrative, an intense visual translation, and a reminder that such issues persist. The screenplay was written by Kevin Piamonte based on Alice Tan Gonzales’ short story and the film was directed by newcomer Julie Prescott.

Film review: Isa Ka Pungpong nga Rosas (A Bouquet of Roses)

Watching the 40-minute “Isa Ka Pungpong nga Rosas (A Bouquet of Roses)” at the UP Visayas Cinematheque on June 15 was to experience visually and aurally the textual connections of the Palanca Award-winning Hiligaynon story of Alice Tan Gonzales, its screenplay adaptation by FAMAS awardee director Kevin Piamonte, and its film adaptation directed by newcomer Julie Prescott.

Shown in time for Pride Month in June, the film demonstrates a nuanced understanding of gender issues, particularly women’s sexuality, domestic violence, sexism, and machismo. Twenty-five years after Tan Gonzales’ short story was written, the film, set in 2024, presents a more complex narrative, an intense visual translation, and a reminder that such issues persist.

“Pungpong” centers on the inner lives of Gemma (Alyanna Cortum), a woman in her 30s whose birthday is marked by the untimely breakup with an insensitive boyfriend and then by a reconnection with Claire (Taw Muhammad), a recent acquaintance whom she invites for dinner.

Over glasses of wine and vodka martini, Gemma admits to predictable feelings of worthlessness and of a general exhaustion towards life. Claire, on the other hand, prompted by Gemma’s question on being single, reveals that she lost a partner in a vehicular accident and, if being single has to do with it, that she is queer. (In Gonzales’ story, Claire declares herself gay.)

Despite its deceptively simple external action, the film unravels some surprising details. Visually presented as flashbacks, Gemma tells of a series of failed heterosexual relationships — with friends, her married boss, and the immediate ex-boyfriend. One begins to suspect that the film’s critical point is Claire’s revelation and hence the possibility of a blossoming queer relationship between them.

What instead blossoms is a dramatic articulation of female companionship and empowerment highlighted by Gemma’s telling of a traumatic childhood experience which consequently has made her incapable of having healthy adult relationships. While she has not told her ex-lovers of an incestuous past, it is in the expressed empathy and understanding of another woman that has encouraged Gemma to speak out and unburden and confront her secret. Gemma’s occasional funny comments provide comic relief from the serious tone of the entire film. It is this sense of humor that makes her later revelation all the more disconcerting.

As film is both visual and aural, the adaptation of Gonzales’ story successfully intensifies the gravity of the issue without being overly dramatic. The film’s opening scene where Gemma enters her apartment establishes the mood of the narrative and frames the viewers’ expectations. The faceless boyfriend she talks to on the phone foreshadows the unfolding of disturbing scenes. All men in the film are only partially seen, an intentional and impressive move by both Piamonte and Prescott, and it functions as commentary. Also striking in the film is the pronounced use of close-up facial shots conveying crucial changes in the characters’ thoughts and emotions which though subtle are not too subtle to be missed or misunderstood. Shot angles by cinematographer Ruperto Quitag including those of Claire’s hand caressing the stem of a wine glass, the steak eaten by the women for dinner, and the snapping of a car key by a male diner trigger memories of the past.

Gemma and Claire‘s Grab ride after dinner is one of the strongest scenes that show the film’s appreciation of the many possibilities of Tan Gonzales’ story. The well-angled shots of Claire’s pained look and Gemma’s body language as she leans her head on the former’s shoulders dramatize the loss, pain, and trauma both women have had to endure. All shots are intentionally suggestive, acting like metaphors, and move forward the development of character and plot. Piamonte’s choice of Emman Bedia Abatayo’s original composition Magkayakap (sung by Taw Muhammad), sorrowful while wistful, perfectly matches the scene.

The challenge for “Pungpong,” a film about a fairly common issue, is how to create a defamiliarizing effect on its viewers. How can it avoid a clichéd depiction of sexual violence and effectively sound the alarm on its continuing pervasiveness? The film rightfully leaves us to think about these issues and what we can do to help resolve them. Even though Claire admits to Gemma that she resembles her former partner, she does not exploit the situation, the moment of Gemma’s vulnerability, and instead decides to simply be a friend to a friend in need.

“Pause, breathe… You might end up regretting this, too,” she advises Gemma. These powerful words of assurance from Claire before she leaves give viewers a clue to the growing trust and strengthening foundation of their relationship, romantic or otherwise. The bouquet of flowers given by Claire at dinner brings the narrative to a close. Where once flowers were a reminder of the betrayals by men in her life, they have become a symbol of positivity, a bouquet of hope.

Can more films about gender issues heighten our awareness and resolve to attain gender equality and fairness? When asked why she decided to make a film adaptation of Pungpong, this story among the many authored by Tan Gonzales, Prescott shared that aside from receiving encouragement from Piamonte, she believed that the story’s topic remains relevant, and will always remain relevant.

She acknowledged that Gonzales’ story does not lend itself easily to a film adaptation, the same impression I had upon reading Tan Gonzales’ story for the first time. Nevertheless, in the hands of Piamonte and Prescott, the narrative on oppression and impending redemption has acquired new energy, a new life, and a renewed significance.

Prescott felt that “Pungpong” was a “dangerous choice” for a director’s first film since its subject matter is still considered sensitive by many. Interestingly, the story was also involved in a controversy when it won the Palanca in 1997. The two Palanca judges, both recognized scholars in the field of literature and cultural studies, for the Hiligaynon short fiction category were accused of manipulating the results, an allegation which cast doubt on the entire competition.

Could this have been because the story’s essential theme was contentious? As film, “Pungpong” iterates not queerness but primarily and more significantly the many facets of women’s lives, their resiliency, and the importance of finding strength in each other.

This bookstore is holding an online and offline midyear sale

And some recommended books to grab

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Jul 3, 2024 08:46 PM

  

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Attention bookworms! It's time for Fully Booked's Midyear Sale, where you can get up to 20 percent off on best-selling books.

This much-awaited sale is happening from July 3 to 7, 2024, for Fully Booked Online, and from July 11 to 15, 2024, for in-store purchases nationwide. If you're wondering what items to add to your cart or list, here are some recommendations.

‘I Want to Die But I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ by Baek Sehee

Get your chopsticks ready. Baek Shee, author of the international South Korean therapy memoir, is back with a sequel as she continues her conversations with her therapist, delving deeper into her inner conflicts.

‘Houses That Sugar Built’ by Gina Consing McAdam and Siobhan Doran

Houses That Sugar Built is a coffee table book that explores and celebrates the architectural legacy found in the ancestral houses of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Pampanga — the three main sugar-producing provinces of the Philippines. With over 200 pages of interiors, this beautifully curated book will take readers on a visual, historical, and cultural journey. 

‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ by Rufi Thorpe

A quirky coming-of-age story about a young single mom, who, desperate to afford rent and feed her newborn baby, starts an OnlyFans account and becomes a runaway success. Witty and full of laughs, this uplifting tale will make you fall in love with and root for Margo as she wrests money and power from a world that has little interest in giving it to her.

‘Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide’ by Rupert Holmes

If dark humor and wit are your cup of tea, then you should pick up this book. It's about an academy that trains murderers to "delete" people whose demise would supposedly improve the world. Written in the style of an educational manual, it promises a wickedly entertaining read, full of twists, puns, and hilarious quips. 

‘She and Her Cat’ by Makoto Shinkai

Indulge in your love for all things furry and feline with She and Her Cat, a collection of four interrelated, stream-of-conscious short stories following women and their cats in their quests for love and connection, penned by renowned anime director Makoto Shinkai. 

‘Stitches’ by Junji Ito and Hirokatsu Kihara

A must-read for fans of the strange and spooky, this graphic novel stitches together ten stories, each recounting a true-to-life unsolved mystery.  Immerse yourself in the eerie world of manga as you explore these haunting tales.

To know more, visit Fully Booked's official website.