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Tuesday, November 12, 2024
"Rest in Peace" Julie Andrews (1935-2024). A Timeless Legend Forever
I AM IN NO LAUGHING MOOD...
What do you do when you’re ‘not in the mood’ for something? Avoid it or do it anyway? Laughter yoga is a brilliant case study for getting on with it.
Laughter produces positive emotions that lead to this kind of flourishing. These feelings – like amusement, happiness, mirth, and joy – build resiliency and increase creative thinking. They increase subjective well-being and life satisfaction.
When I turn up at meetings as a guest speaker or at a group laughter session, I’m often met by people who’ll tell me they’re “not in the mood” for laughter.
And I answer that with “Great! Let’s get to work”. Because (almost always) those same people leave the session looking radiant and uplifted.
What happened to them?
They reap the benefits that have hundreds of thousands of people in more than 100 nations worldwide turning up for daily or weekly laughter club sessions. A friend of mine contacted me yesterday. Another said, "This is hardly the time to do so." Understandable, if I consider his very personal situation.
Anyway, it seems we have no more time and no reason for laughter if we look around. That can wait until tomorrow or better until the day after tomorrow. Anticipation is better... .
Our enemies laugh up their sleeves, and most of the time we miss to recognize the fortune still smiling at us. But hold on: he who laughs last laughs longest. Remember?
American neurologist Henri Rubenstein says, laughter lowers high blood pressure while aiding digestion and fostering sleep. Well, give me even a simple smile and believe in what experts say: "Good humor can help the gravely or terminally ill to hear their ordeal".
Of course, if we look around us these days, we might really not roar with laughter or split our sides laughing. Or even more than this! Have you heard about the incident at the Danish Imperial Theatre in Copenhagen/Denmark sometime during the 1980s, when a spectator died of a heart attack while watching the movie "A Fish Called Wanda" starring John Cheese of my favourite Great Britain's Monty Python Comedy Team? Sure, a heart attack is indeed not funny, and honestly, I still love to watch this movie on VHS.
Well, even if we think we don't have reasons to laugh,we should try to express mirth spontaneously, and we should try to be merry or gay. We still have reasons to start with the softest form of audible laughter - the vocalized smile. This is what I learned and experienced from the first moment on while travelling in Asia since 1978, and being an expat living in the Philippines since 1999 for good. Keep smiling - even you are overloaded with huge problems.
Experts also say good humor works because it helps people feel easier in mind. The French psychotherapist Sylvie Tenenbaum stressed that, in her patients, laughter often signals the dawning of a wholesome awakening to reality. Gallow humor might be dubious in the eyes of others. But try to sing out loud, try to cry, but try to laugh!
Stress relief from laughter
A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data is mounting about the positive things laughter can do.
Short-term benefits
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:
Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Long-term effects
Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:
Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your stress, depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier. It can also improve your self-esteem.
Are you afraid that you have an underdeveloped — or nonexistent — sense of humor? No problem. Humor can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humor may be easier than you think.
Put humor on your horizon. Find a few simple items, such as photos, greeting cards or comic strips, that make you chuckle. Then hang them up at home or in your office, or collect them in a file or notebook. Keep funny movies, TV shows, books, magazines or comedy videos on hand for when you need an added humor boost. Look online at joke websites or silly videos. Listen to humorous podcasts.
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Find a way to laugh about your own situations and watch your stress begin to fade away. Even if it feels forced at first, practice laughing. It does your body good.
Consider trying laughter yoga. In laughter yoga, people practice laughter as a group. Laughter is forced at first, but it can soon turn into spontaneous laughter.
Share a laugh. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. And then return the favor by sharing funny stories or jokes with those around you.
Knock, knock. Browse through your local bookstore or library's selection of joke books and add a few jokes to your list that you can share with friends.
Know what isn't funny. Don't laugh at the expense of others. Some forms of humor aren't appropriate. Use your best judgment to discern a good joke from a bad or hurtful one.
Go ahead and give it a try. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your chuckle, take stock of how you're feeling. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughing at work.
As a devout Christian I love reading the bible. Ecclessiastes 3:1-4 say: "There is a time for everything ... a time to be born and a time to die ,,, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh!"
Miss Universe 2024 semifinalists forecast part 2: 2 more Filipinas could make the cut
Official Miss Universe portraits of Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Victoria Vincent (left) and Miss Universe Bahrain 2024 Shereen Ahmed. Miss Universe Organization
Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com
November 12, 2024 | 10:28am
MANILA, Philippines — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) withdrew Miss Panama from the competition, after its evaluation team investigated an altercation she had with her roommate, Miss Dominican Republic. Internet users are shocked by the outcome.
Anyway, here's the second part of our forecast. Since the first cut is composed of 30 lucky delegates, there are more than 10 we've included in this second list.
Indonesia - Since Frederika Cull's Top 10 finish in 2019, this Moslem state has been bringing its A-game to the competition.
Finland - They won the 1st crown with Armi Kuusela in 1952, and then again in 1975 with Anne Marie Pohtamo. Could this be the year of their third crown?
New Zealand - actor/model Franki Russell was supposed to be the Kiwi state's representative until the MUO disqualified her on impropriety charges. Crowned winner Victoria Vincent replaces her as official delegate to Mexico.
Vietnam - An emerging contender after H'hen Nie's fabulous Top 5 finish in 2018, with eventual winner Catriona Gray, the Viets have been giving their all since then; especially in the online polls that resulted in automatic placement.
Canada - With a former Miss Canada in the judging panel, motivation could be high for Ashley Callingbull.
Bahrain - Delegate Shereen Ahmed observed that the last time an Arab woman won was in 1971. This could be the year for another Arab woman to win the crown.
USA - Unless this is like 2010, the country that formerly owned the MUO was a default placer. Would that luck still hold true now?
Australia - "The Land Down Under" won in 1972 and 2004 with Kerry Anne Wells and Jennifer Hawkins, respectively. Will this year be their third?
India - Their third crown was won in 2021 with Haarnaz Sandhu. Will this year also bring luck to their representative, Rhea Singha?
Colombia - if there was a country who mostly placed in recent editions like the USA, it would be Colombia. They send consistent delegates year-in and year-out.
Brazil - Like Colombia, Brazilians also take to heart their selection process; combing the Northern and Southern territories for their annual winner.
Turks & Caicos - This two-island state in the Caribbean made it to the Top 10 with Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1987 Pebbles de Asis in Singapore. Will they be lucky again in their comeback to the pageant?
Zimbabwe - Pageant veteran Sakbile Dube's journey has led her to the Universe stage. She's one of the strongest contenders from the African continent.
Dominican Republic - Since Amelia Vega's victory in 2003, this Central American nation has been sending glamazons who are not out to play, but to slay!
Cuba - Their return to the pageant after 57 years should mean something! Besides, their delegate, Marianela Ancheta, is a strong contender.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will be back as show commentator for the third time. Movie/TV actor Mario Lopez will reprise his role as pageant host, with 'Conductores' Jacqueline Bracamontes, Danilo Carrera, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 1st runner-up Julia Gamma, and Carlos Adyan.
Catch the preliminary competition on November 14 (November 15, Manila time). Stay tuned!
Capital1, 3 others launch PVL All-Filipino title bids
Nov 11, 2024 02:26 PM
AT A GLANCE
Four more teams including Capital1 launch their respective title bids on Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Four more teams including Capital1 launch their respective title bids on Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Solar Spikers clash with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 6:30 p.m. nightcap hoping to make an impact after a seventh place finish in the last Reinforced Conference, while the Nxled Chameleons and the PLDT High Speed Hitters collide at 4 p.m.
Winners of the two matches will join opening-day victors Petro Gazz and Akari in this grueling, six-month conference that promises intense and heated action.
Capital1 seeks to showcase a new look with its mix of seasoned and promising players, and is expected to draw strength from the experience brought by former import Marina Tushova.
“We want to keep that drive and intensity brought by Marina. She set a good example and gave a higher bar of performance and we learned so much from her,” said Capital1 team manager Hollie Reyes.
Veterans Heather Guinoo, Jorelle Singh and Shola Alvarez are set to lead the Solar Spikers along with the young guns like Leila Cruz.
Chery Tiggo, for its part, is moving forward from the departures of star players Eya and EJ Laure, and Buding Duremdes, under a new coach in Normal Miguel and veterans Mylene Paat, Aby Maraño and Ara Galang.
In the other pairing, PLDT is leaning on Fil-Canadian Savi Davison to provide firepower along with seasoned players Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Jovie Prado, against another revamped team in Nxled, which has a new coach in Italian Ettore Guidetti.
“The team is a defensive one, so I don’t need to spend too much time on that. They love to dig. Normally, it’s difficult to score on the first attempt against my team, so right now we’re trying to raise the bar in other areas,” said Guidetti, who casts his eyes on May Luna, Lycha Ebon and Jaila Atienza.
Austria marks 78 years of ties with the Philippines, announces Vienna Boys Choir’s 2025 return
Nov 11, 2024 02:56 PM
Austria celebrated its National Day in Manila on Oct. 28, 2024, marking 78 years of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Philippines. Reflecting on the cultural connection between the two nations, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Johann Brieger spoke fondly of his hometown, Salzburg, the setting of the beloved film “The Sound of Music”, which holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos.
The evening’s celebration featured a blend of music and cultural performances, including a captivating presentation by the Young Voices of the Philippines Choir and a special performance by Jakob Steinkellner, an artist from the New Austrian Sound of Music (NASOM) program. The festivities showcased Salzburg's charm with displays of its stunning landscapes, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the iconic movie.
The event, which brought together members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, and government officials, underscored the long-standing and dynamic relationship between the two nations. Ambassador Brieger spoke of the enduring partnership that has spanned more than seven decades, noting that over 30,000 Filipinos now call Austria home. He also highlighted the strong cultural ties that have united Austria and the Philippines, from Filipino nurses contributing to Austria's healthcare system to the growing recognition of Filipino talent in the arts.
In his speech, Ambassador Brieger noted Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac’s visit to Austria in September to open a Migrant Workers Office in Vienna, marking a key milestone in supporting Filipino workers abroad. This visit also highlighted the success of the Filipino Healthcare Excellence initiative, with a special ball held at Vienna’s historic Rathaus to honor Filipino nurses and midwives.
Economic ties between Austria and the Philippines have grown stronger in recent years. Ambassador Brieger highlighted Head, the world’s largest manufacturer of tennis balls, as an example of expanding Austrian investment in the Philippines. With a new manufacturing plant in Davao, Head will produce 14 million dozen tennis balls annually, creating jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.
The Austrian Embassy continues to work closely with the Philippine government and local businesses to foster more trade partnerships, sustainable development initiatives, and job creation in key sectors.
Cultural diplomacy remains central to Austrian-Philippine relations. Ambassador Brieger expressed pride in the cultural exchanges between the two nations, noting the return of the Vienna Boys Choir to the Philippines in October 2025 in partnership with Ovation Productions as a highlight of upcoming bilateral activities. This long-awaited concert tour, after nearly a decade, promises to bring the internationally acclaimed choir’s beautiful harmonies to Filipino audiences once again.
“We are thrilled to bring the Vienna Boys Choir back to the Philippines next year,” said Ambassador Brieger. “Their visit will showcase Austria’s rich musical heritage and provide a memorable experience for Filipinos who appreciate the beauty of classical music.”
The Ambassador also noted that the embassy, in collaboration with the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines, plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss with an upgraded Vienna Ball in Manila in June 2025. This iconic event will honor Austria’s legendary composer and his contributions to the arts with a lavish ball, including the traditional polonaise by young debutantes.
Guests were invited to participate in a raffle draw for a round-trip ticket to Salzburg, courtesy of Turkish Airlines, offering the lucky winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the locations made famous by “The Sound of Music”.
The evening concluded with a toast led by Ambassador Brieger to the continued friendship and cooperation between Austria and the Philippines, as well as to the health and prosperity of both nations. Ambassador Brieger also extended his heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, including Boston Homes Inc., VFS Global Inc., Turkish Airlines, BDO, BMW, Discovery Hospitality, and Austria International Projects GmbH, whose support fosters the ongoing partnership between Austria and the Philippines.
Celebrities running in the May 2025 national elections
Nov 11, 2024 11:22 PM
AT A GLANCE
Voters will be watching closely to see how these well-known individuals navigate the political arena and what impact they might have on the electoral process.
The upcoming 2025 midterm elections are set to become increasingly captivating, as a diverse array of celebrities and notable personalities vying for government positions have emerged.
With their visibility and influence, these figures aim to leverage their fame to connect with voters on critical issues facing the nation.
As political landscapes shift and public interest in unique candidates grows, the involvement of such personalities could significantly alter the dynamics of traditional campaigning.
Voters will be watching closely to see how these well-known individuals navigate the political arena and what impact they might have on the electoral process.
Which celebrities are entering the political arena for the first time or aiming to secure re-election in the upcoming year?
Bong Revilla Jr.
Action star and politician Bong Revilla is running for re-election in the Senate for the May 2025 elections. He has been included in the current administration's senatorial lineup.
Lito Lapid
Lito Lapid aims to be re-elected to the Senate in 2025. He joins fellow action star Bong Revilla in the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate.
Tito Sotto
Tito Sotto, a TV host and former Senate president, is making a comeback in the midterm elections. He is part of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s senatorial slate under Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Willie Revillame
Television host Willie Revillame aims to secure a Senate seat in the upcoming midterm elections.
Monsour del Rosario
Taekwondo champion and former actor Monsour del Rosario will be running for the vice mayoral position in Makati City in the 2025 elections. He will be the running mate of Senator Nancy Binay, who aims to succeed her sister, Abby Binay, as mayor of the city.
Dan Fernando
Former action star Dan Fernando is running for governor of Bulacan in the 2025 midterm elections.
Jaycee Parker
Former Viva Hot Babe Jaycee is running for her last term as a city councilor in Angeles City.
Yul Servo
Actor Yul Servo, who is the incumbent vice mayor in Manila, is seeking reelection in the May 2025 elections.
Alfred Vargas
Actor Alfred Vargas filed his certificate of candidacy to seek re-election as Quezon City councilor for the 5th district.
Marco Gumabao
Marco Gumabao is entering politics by running for representative of the 4th District of Camarines Sur.
Arjo Atayde
Arjo Atayde is seeking re-election as the representative for the 1st District of Quezon City.
Enzo Pineda
Starstruck fifth season First Prince Enzo Pineda hopes to get a seat in the 5th District Council of Quezon City.
Jolo Revilla
The son of Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Jolo Revilla hopes to get reelected as representative of the first district of Cavite.
Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres
Celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres hope to get re-elected as Leyte representative and Ormoc City mayor, respectively.
Vilma Santos-Recto
Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto will be running in the midterm elections for the position of Governor in Batangas.
Luis Manzano
Television host Luis Manzano will be the running mate of his mother, Vilma Santos-Recto, for vice governor in Batangas.
Philip Salvador
Dramatic actor Philip Salvador hopes to win a seat in the Senate in the midterm elections.
Angelu De Leon
Actress Angela De Leon is seeking a second term as a city councilor in Pasig City.
Marjorie Barretto
Marjorie Barretto, mother of Julia Barretto, will try her luck again in the city council of Caloocan City.
Jimmy Bondoc
OPM singer Jimmy Bondoc is seeking a seat in the Senate in the midterm elections in 2025.
Lino Cayetano
Director Lino Cayetano, younger brother of Senators Allan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, will run for representative of the Taguig-Pateros district.
Wendell Ramos
Actor Wendell Ramos is running for the city council in the 4th district of Manila.
Isko Moreno
Sparkle talent Isko Moreno will run for mayor of Manila in the 2025 midterm elections.
Sam Verzosa
Television host Sam Verzosa hopes to become the next mayor of Manila if he wins the 2025 midterm elections.
Aljur Abrenica
Actor Aljur Abrenica will seek a seat in the city council of Angeles, Pampanga, in 2025.
Ara Mina
Ara Mina aims to be a representative of the second district of Pasig City Council.
Aiko Melendez
Actress Aiko Melendez is seeking reelection as city councilor in the 5th district of Quezon City.
Samantha Panlilio
Former beauty queen Samantha Panlilio will run as the second nominee on the Agimat Party-list headed by former actor Bryan Revilla.
Zanjoe Marudo
Zanjoe Marudo is the second nominee of the party-list called ASAP NA (Alyansa Laban sa Substance Abuse para sa Bagong Pilipinas Natin).
Dan Fernandez
TV-movie actor Danilo “Dan” Fernandez will seek to become the next governor of Laguna in the 2025 elections.
Post erhöht Preis für eilige Briefsendungen
Ab kommenden Jahr hat die Post drei Tage Zeit, um einen Brief zuzustellen. Soll dieser schon am nächsten Tag ankommen, muss der Absender künftig mehr zahlen. Die Extra-Leistung kostet dann etwa doppelt so viel.
Wer es beim Briefversand eilig hat, der muss in Deutschland ab kommendem Jahr ein Einschreiben versenden. Der sogenannte Prio-Brief werde Ende 2024 eingestellt, teilte die Deutsche Post mit. Stattdessen sollen teurere Einschreiben ermöglichen, dass eine Sendung besonders schnell ankommt. Beim Prio-Brief zahlt man einen Aufpreis von 1,10 Euro zum normalen Porto und bekommt dafür die Zusicherung, dass er „mit einer höheren Wahrscheinlichkeit“ schon am nächsten Werktag ankommt. Der Prio-Brief ist eine Nische, ein großer Erfolg war er nie. Die Post begründete das Produkt-Aus damit, „dass Briefe nicht mehr die gleiche Eilbedürftigkeit wie vor 20 Jahren haben, als es noch nicht die breite Konkurrenz durch elektronische Medien gab“.
Normale Briefe werden länger unterwegs sein
Bislang ist der Vorteil des Prio-Briefs nur gering, weil der normale Versand in der Regel ohnehin schnell ist: Einer staatlichen Vorschrift zufolge müssen 80 Prozent der heute eingeworfenen Briefe am nächsten Werktag da sein. Diesen Wert übertrifft die Post. Die meisten Standardbriefe, die 85 Cent kosten, sind also am nächsten Tag da – auch ohne Prio-Aufpreis. Das ändert sich: 2025 wird der Zeitdruck für die Post abgeschwächt, dann muss das Gros der Briefe erst nach drei Tagen ankommen.
3,20 Euro für eiligen Brief
Wer künftig einen eiligen Brief hat, der muss ein Einschreiben verschicken. Das werde „das Produkt für die schnellere Briefzustellung sein“, so die Post. Für den Verbraucher wird es teurer: Der Preisaufschlag beträgt bei einem Einwurf-Einschreiben derzeit 2,35 Euro, etwa doppelt so viel wie beim Prio-Brief. Ein als Einwurf-Einschreiben verschickter Standard-Brief kostet aktuell 3,20 Euro. Wird er als Prio-Brief aufgegeben, sind es 1,95 Euro. Wie teuer das Einschreiben 2025 kosten wird, ist noch unklar.
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