BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Mar 11, 2025 01:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The atmosphere was infused with festive cheer as guests likened the occasion to "Christmas in March." Ivana brightened the event by distributing joy and raffle prizes. 

Ivana Alawi (Images courtesy of Facebook)

In a delightful gathering held recently in Quezon City, Ivana Alawi, a former content producer turned actress, joyfully celebrated her flourishing career alongside members of the entertainment press. 

With warmth and gratitude in her voice, Ivana remarked, "Thank you so much for being with me. I've wanted to do this since last year. It was initially planned for just before Christmas, but my trip to the US delayed things. I'm really glad our schedules ended up aligning."

The atmosphere was infused with festive cheer as guests likened the occasion to "Christmas in March." Ivana brightened the event by distributing joy and raffle prizes. 

The highlight of the gathering was an engaging Q&A segment, during which Ivana openly discussed her aspirations, upcoming projects, and perspectives on love and relationships. 

What she's thankful for: "Marami akong gustong ipagpasalamat pero kung meron mang isang bagay na gusto kong ipagpasalamat is yung pagmamahal sa akin. I'm very thankful for that. (I have a lot to be thankful for but if there's one thing I want to be thankful for, it's the love I have now. I'm very thankful for that.)"

On bashers: "Wala naman akong magagawang perfect para sa kanila so deadma lang. Ang iniisip ko yung mga nagmamahal sa akin at ano yung mas makaka-tulong ako. Yun ang nasa utak ko. Yung mga basher wala rin naman akong pakialam sa kanila eh. (I can't do anything perfect for them so I just ignore them. All I think about is those who love me and what I can do more to help them. That's what's on my mind. I don't care about the bashers either.)" 

Career collaboration: "Taasan ko na ang pangarap ko. Si Anne Curtis-Smith. Gusto ko rin si Mr. Beast. Mapagbigay kasi siya at natutuwa ako sa mga content niya. (I've set my dream high. Anne Curtis-Smith. I also like Mr. Beast. He's generous and I enjoy his content.)"

On dreams: "Meron akong pangarap na maa-achieve ko na very soon. Pangarap ko siya dati pa. Pero siyempre in the future gusto ko ng makabuo ng pamilya. Pangarap ko siya bata pa lamang ako. Matutupad siya at malalaman naman ninyo agad. This month. (I have a dream I'll achieve very soon. It's been my dream since before. But of course in the future I want to start a family. It's been my dream since I was young. It will come true and you'll know soon. This month.)"

Health scare: "Nagkaroon ako ng trangkaso and so far yun pa lang. Sunod-sunod kasi ang trabaho. Walang katotohanan na magkaka-cancer ako sabi sa YouTube. Yung mama ko nag nag-alala roon. Sabi ko mama, kalma. Wala tayo nyan. Wala namang makakapag-predict kung kelan ka mawawala. Lahat naman tayo darating doon. Ang nakaka-alam lang ang Diyos. (I got sick. Maybe I've been working hard. It's not true that I'm going to get cancer. That's what they said on YouTube. My mom was worried about it. I said, 'Mom, calm down. We're not going to get it.' No one can predict when you'll be gone. Only God knows.)"

"Ang daming kumakalat na fake news na hindi ako okay. Okay na okay ako. It took a month to recover. Medyo nagkalaman ako pero happy naman ako. Wala na akong sakit. (There's a lot of fake news that's been spreading that I'm not okay. I'm okay. It took a month to recover. I was a little sick but I'm happy. I'm not sick anymore.)"

On Barbie Forteza: "Mabait siyang tao at hindi siya nagbago. I love her. I love her ugali. Nagyaya siya mag-jogging, mag workout. She's very fit. (She's a good person and hasn't changed. I love her. I love her attitude. She invites me to go jogging and work out. She's very fit.)" 

Producing content: On the spot namin naiisip yun. Yung mga prank at mag nangyayari sa streets, hindi ko talaga pina-plano yun. Kung ano lang ang mangyari. Mahirap maging content creator because you keep thinking of your next contents. Wala akong team na nag-iisip para sa akin. Ako lang lahat. Pag burnout na ako, pahinga lang ako. (We thought about that on the spot. The pranks and things that happen on the streets, I didn't plan for that. It's just whatever happens. Being a content creator is hard because you keep thinking of your next content. I don't have a team that thinks for me. It's all me. When I'm burned out, I rest.)"

What supporters can get from her contents: "Gusto ko na may natutunan silang lesson. At the end of the day, pagkatapos nilang manood, ano ba ang natutunan nila? That's why isa sa mga gustong kong ginagawa ay yung pagtuturo because nai-inspire sila. Marami rin batang nanonood. (I want them to learn a lesson. After they watch, what did they learn at the end of the day? That's why one of the things I like to do is teach; they are inspired. Many children watch.)"

Love life: "Wala nga akong time sa sarili ko eh. Kahit sa family ko hindi na kami minsan nag kakasabay kumain. Pero may pasulyap-sulyap na date ganun. (I don't have time for myself. Even with my family, we don't eat together anymore. But there are occasional dates like that.)

Future TV projects: :May gagawin kaming teleserye. May movie rin this year. Yung love life saka na yun. Work muna. (We will be doing a teleserye and a movie this year. No love life. Work first.)"

On wealth: "Mayaman ako in different aspects. Mas mayaman ako sa pagmamahal,m sa pamilya, dahil andyan kayo. Yung pera naman mawawala rin yan. Basta saktong yaman yung ang impotante. Contented ako kung anong meron ako. (I am rich in different aspects. I am richer in love, in family, and the media. Money will disappear. I am content with what I have.)"

On dream vacation: "Sana Amerika uli. Sana may work din sa abroad. Sana Iceland kung papayagan ako. (I hope to be in America again, work abroad, and go to Iceland if they allow me.)"

Advice for newbie content creators: "Good luck sa kanila at sana magpaka-totoo sila. Sana makapag-inspire din sila. Importante na makapag-inspire rin sila sa audience. Be mindful with what you post. Hindi ako perfect. Sinasabi ko lang sa mga content producers to be careful and be aware (sa mga posts) because maraming bata ang nanonood. (Good luck to them and I hope they are real. I hope they can inspire, too. It's important that they can inspire the audience too. Be mindful of what you post. I'm not perfect. I want the content producers to be careful and be aware (in posts) because many children are watching.)"

On endorsing political candidates: "Napaka-arte ko at choosy ako pagdating sa pulitiko. Hindi naman yan para sa akin or ikakaganda ko or para sa pamilya ko. Ito ay para sa PIlipinas. You have to be picky. Para ito sa mga kababayan natin. Ano yung magpapaganda sa atin? Kung pera sana lahat kinuha ko na at ang yaman ko na. Pero hindi lang siya pera eh. It's what you believe in and who do you think will make the country a better place. (I'm very picky and choosy about politics. That's not for me or my family. This is for the Philippines. You have to be picky. This is for our countrymen. What will make us beautiful? If it were just about money, I would have taken everything and become rich. However, it’s not solely about money; it’s about what you believe in and who can make our country a better place.)" Ivana said she is supporting the Agap Partylist in the 2025 general elections.

On falling in love: "Siguro in two years. Kapag mga 30 na ako I think it's time for me to start focusing on love and (raising) a family. (Maybe in two years. When I'm in my 30s, I think it's time for me to start focusing on love and (raising) a family.)"

Always show charity with affection

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

AN anecdote I heard some time ago taught me the lesson that charity should never be dry and cold, but rather warm, full of affection. It was about a nun who got sick and stayed in bed for days in the convent. When asked how she was treated by her companions, she said that she was treated by the nuns in the convent with charity, but she missed how her mother treated her with affection.

For charity to be true charity, there should never be a distinction between it and affection. Charity should not only be an act of the will. It should always be given and expressed with affection. 

Without affection, all signs and expressions of civility, mercy and compassion would be hollow. They would all be a sham, for affection is the beginning and end of charity, the integral packaging of love that can have its highest point in mercy and compassion. Charity without affection would be a strange charity.

And the model for this is none other than Christ himself who in spite of the seriousness of his mission—nothing less than human redemption that would have its culmination in his crucifixion—never neglected to show affection for everyone.

First, he lived 30 of his 33 years of earthly life in a family, and we can just imagine how the family atmosphere was when both Mary and Joseph knew who their son was. We can be sure that the home life the Holy Family must have been invariably characterized by affection, to say the least.

Even in his public life when Christ was busy going around preaching, he always showed affection and compassion with everyone, especially with those who were sick and possessed. With his apostles who went around with him, he always managed to spend time with them in some lonely place where they could rest and talk with greater intimacy.

It’s important that we make a deliberate effort to develop our effective life. There now are many threats and dangers that can undermine it. We can now easily take others for granted, especially those who are close to us, like the family members. 

We can easily fall into familiarity that may not breed contempt as much as it breeds indifference and unconcern. Then, there are many distractions, especially coming from our new technologies, that can hook people into endless games and other self-absorbing and self-seeking activities. In this regard, there is a great need for self-discipline and a strong sense of order and priorities.

If not the above, then we can have the dangers of perfectionism, self-righteousness, obsessive-compulsive rigidities and oversensitivity. These can imprison us in our own world that can be used as defense mechanisms such as practices such as rash judgments, the keeping of grudges and resentments, the unwillingness to forgive, etc.

There also are the dangers of sentimentalism, particular friendships, loquacity, gossiping, backbiting.

We have to learn how to deal with our unavoidable differences and even conflicts in some matters. We somehow should welcome these differences and conflicts because they serve to expand and enrich our understanding of things.

When we manage to practice affection in our family life, we actually would be putting ourselves in a good position to handle the demands of all the other aspects of our life—spiritual, professional, social, etc.

We can pray better, work better and relate ourselves better to others when we know how to be affectionate in our family life. We can be very simple, and our ability to understand people and things better, as well as to discover more things of interest in others, would be enhanced if we are affectionate with others.

A German Expat in the Philippines (X): Dancing in Germany

 

Women judges: Champions of reform and gender equality

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 10, 2025 00:10 AM 

 

On March 10, the world observes the International Day of Women Judges, a global recognition of the indispensable role that women play in upholding justice and strengthening the rule of law. This observance is particularly significant for the Philippines, where women judges have been at the forefront of judicial reforms aimed at ensuring fairness, accessibility, and efficiency in the country’s legal system.

Just days before this global commemoration, the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) convened from March 5 to 7 at the historic Manila Hotel. This gathering was not only an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women in the judiciary but also a platform to assess the progress in implementing the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI).
With Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo’s vision for a technology-driven and people-centered justice system, the PWJA members tackled major judicial reforms, including eCourt PH Version 2.0, the Unified Legal Aid Service, gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette, the revised rules of procedure in Shari’ah courts, and the establishment of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals.

The International Day of Women Judges serves as a reminder that justice systems must reflect the societies they serve. The presence of women in the judiciary not only enhances diversity but also enriches decision-making by incorporating varied perspectives in interpreting and applying the law. In the Philippines, where more than half of the judiciary is composed of women, their leadership in judicial innovation has been instrumental in advancing the rule of law.

Three major takeaways from the PWJA conference highlight the significance of this year’s observance:

First: Technology as a Pillar of Judicial Reform 

The rollout of eCourt PH Version 2.0 marks a crucial step in modernizing court processes. By integrating digital systems, automating case management, and enhancing transparency, the judiciary aims to streamline procedures and reduce case backlogs. Women judges, many of whom have championed technology-driven solutions, play a critical role in ensuring that this transition prioritizes efficiency without compromising judicial integrity and accessibility.

Second: Gender Sensitivity in the Courts

The judiciary must be a safe and fair space for all individuals, and the PWJA’s emphasis on gender-fair language and courtroom etiquette reinforces this commitment. Words shape perceptions, and by eliminating biased language, judges foster a culture of inclusivity. Furthermore, revised protocols ensure that gender sensitivity is embedded in courtroom procedures, ultimately strengthening public trust in the justice system.

Third: Expanding Access to Justice

The introduction of the Unified Legal Aid Service and the enhancement of Shari’ah court procedures are significant milestones in making legal assistance more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. By institutionalizing a streamlined approach to legal aid, courts can provide better support to those in need. Women judges, who often witness firsthand the barriers faced by indigent litigants, are strong advocates for these reforms, ensuring that justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.

Beyond these reforms, the Herstory Gender Awards of Distinction, which will be conferred during the PWJA gathering, recognize trailblazing women in the judiciary who have paved the way for greater gender equality. May these inspire future generations of legal practitioners and further empower women in leadership roles. 

On the International Day of Women Judges, we celebrate the resilience, wisdom, and dedication of women in the judiciary. The judiciary must continue championing initiatives that foster a fair, modern, and gender-responsive legal system—one that upholds justice not just in principle, but in practice.

BAHALA NA!

Ever since I was a kid, I often heard the phrase/expression, "Bahala na.", usually in reference to being presented with something that's beyond one's control and leaving the outcome up to fate, GOD, or to the heavens.

In later years as I grew up, I was exposed to many philosophies, religions, and histories of a wide array of people. One of those was of the Vikings. Now, as I've understood it, the equivalent to the Christian idea of "Heaven" is the Norse "Valhalla".

Learning of this, it always piqued my curiosity if the Vikings ever traveled to the Philippine Islands and if, possibly, the origin of that phrase/expression of, "Bahala na!" has roots leading back to the Norse's "Valhalla".

From the sheer goodness of one's heart - are we really doing even small things for our fellow creatures?  Hey, don't you see it? We are becoming more and more uninterested. We live without concern. We are not making the difference. We don't even try or think about it. We have no influence or weight - neither good nor bad. Is that really what we want?

The taxi driver has learned his way and makes a detour without his conscience pricking him in taking my purse: "Nong, asa ka? Diretso lang!" ... "Sorry Sir!"

On the other hand, while walking a short distance somewhere down town, I don't care about the (blind?) beggar, who might really need a single centavo. Many other "business beggars" or swindlers have dulled my usually open handed character. Bahala na - suddenly, I don't care!

Several years ago, while riding a Jeepney (yes, I always loved to do so!), I listened to two passengers. "You know, our neighbor suffers from lung cancer. He asked me for a loan because he needs to be hospitalized." "And, what did you do?" -  'Wala, nothing, bahala siya. Why did he never quit smoking as I have told him already a long time ago!"

Well, here we are! Why should I help other people around me, if, on the other hand, MY cries of help or urgent appeals have been rejected, as intentionally unanswered? Indifference or egoism? It seems to be a privilege for us to close our eyes, ears, and mouth in such an indifferent and shameful way, that we hurt those who seek our attention.

Somebody tries to become our friend. Sure, why not?

Somebody was hired as a leader and needs the support of his or her staff. Sure, why not?

Somebody is ill and is suffering from persecution and needs us. Sure, why not?

Somebody needs our advice because he or she is facing a difficult decision or homelessness or living alone or losing the job. Sure, why not?

Somebody suffers overwhelming prejudice, provocation, and loss of reputation and badly needs the involvement of another helping hand. Sure, why not?

Because of indifference, we keep on destroying our good nature and the whole globe by unintentional or international contamination of the environment. Indifference allows wars instead of looking for peace. Indifference allows man to hide behind stupid excuses. Indifference goes so far that the employees of a company do not care about their work and jobs by wasting time and money. They must not be surprised if inevitable bankruptcy results.

Bahala na? I don't care? Another human scourge...!

AUDIOJUNKIE: Girl-group Raya lets loose

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Mar 10, 2025 07:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya. 

Raya (Viva Records)

The word “Raya” has diverse origins and meanings. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the term is associated with greatness or grandness, like in the phrase “Hari Raya,” which means grand celebration or feast. The word is also akin to the Sanskrit “rajan” and the Hindi "rajah,” a title bestowed to kings and princes. In the Philippine south, the latter term has ties to the royal lineages of old.

But these days, the word will represent something else. It will mean sass, verve, and energy. It’ll also mean sugar, spice, and everything nice, as it's now the moniker of a new P-pop group called, you guessed it: Raya.

This vivacious sing-and-dance-pop group includes nine young ladies: Abel, Anna, Ash, Aviona, Jemima, Kash, Priscilla, Rona, and Sofia. In the tradition of Pinoy pop, they are the product of "a curated group of talents who can perform at a high level and individually, each offering their own unique star power," so to speak. 

According to Raya’s label Viva Records, the group is still pre-debut. But in the fast-paced world of Pinoy pop, you have to launch-quick or get left behind. So, Raya dropped a quickie single with a cover of a Manila sound-era gem in “Bongga Ka Day!”

While it retains elements of the original, this is not your grandma’s disco-themed Coco Banana (look it up!) pop anthem. Raya’s “Bongga Ka Day!” has been put through the wringer and out comes this candy-coated, synth-pop tinged bop. Raya’s energy on this record is infectious, and their sparkle and fizz propels this forward. They don’t go overboard though and still leave much of the original melodies to appreciate here. And there’s a bit of fascination too when I think of the almost 50-year gap between Raya and Hotdog, the original singers of tune. I doubt that the girls of Raya will ever get to wear a Pitoy Moreno, whose name was mentioned in the song, but they ace the “bongga” part beautifully. I mean who doesn’t like bubblegum pop now and then? Check out their performance video for “Bongga Ka Day” for some visual cotton candy.

And zinging up sparkly gems is the order of the day for Raya. Still not their “official debut” mode, Raya recently dropped a performance video cover of Sarah Geronimo’s “Kilometro” on YouTube. Now R&B inflected dance with a club vibe seems a better fit for Raya. For one, they got the vocal duties down pat, which is saying something, as this is originally a Sarah G track. Second, they can strut their stuff, as they do decked in denim glam outfits whilst performing in an all-white rehearsal space.  If these pre-debut singles are a portent of things to come, then Raya is off to a good pre-start.

If you’re already surfing YouTube, check the music video for Rob Deniel’s single titled “Happy Ending.” I haven’t had the chance to listen to Rob’s latest and “seeing” it with the official music video completes his vision for this particular song for me. Rob is one of the leading proponents of retro pop right now; naturally “Happy Ending” falls under the category. But beyond pop music categories, Rob is just dropping one catchy song after the other. This one included. The MV shows Rob Deniel in day-dreaming mode, wondering what it would be like to end up with a cutie like Hyacinth Collado who’s the eye-candy in this Kelvin Guzman-produced, Jason Max-directed video.

IN PICTURES: Meet the 15 housemates of 'Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Mar 10, 2025 09:51 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• For the first time ever, Sparkle and Star Magic stars entered the Pinoy Big Brother house. Will they be able to strengthen their bond as they face this season’s new tasks? 

The Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) logo

The iconic Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house opened its doors to its new home, GMA Network, when “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” premiered on March 9.

Marking another groundbreaking collaboration between GMA Network and ABS-CBN Studios, the special edition promises a season fittingly filled with exciting surprises and unforgettable moments as PBB marks its 20th anniversary.

Joining the show’s esteemed hosts—Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and Alexa Ilacad—are two of Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s brightest stars, Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi. Together, they will guide audiences through the biggest and most star-studded PBB season yet.

For the first time ever, Sparkle and Star Magic stars entered the Pinoy Big Brother house. Will they be able to strengthen their bond as they face this season’s new tasks?

Catch the episodes of “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” weeknights at 10 p.m. and on weekends at 6:15 p.m. via GMA Network.

Meet the 15 celebrities who entered the PBB house in photos. Who's your bet?

Michael Sager

Kira Balinger

Ralph De Leon

River Joseph

Klarisse De Guzman

 

Brent Manalo

AC Bonifacio

Mika Salamanca

Dustin Yu

Josh Ford

Charlie Flemming

Will Ashley

AZ Martinez

Ashley Ortega

A German expat in the Philippines (IX und X): I married a family

 

A German expat in the Philippines (VIII): Love at first sight?

 

Deutschland blüht auf!

 

Deutschland blüht auf!

Heute knacken wir die 20 Grad

Die Sonne scheint, die Temperaturen werden zweistellig, die ersten Blumen blühen, wie hier vor dem Goldenen Reiter in Dresden. Die erste Woche des meteorologischen Frühlings macht der Jahreszeit alle Ehre. Der Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) erwartet trockenes Wetter bei milden Temperaturen. Diplom-Meteorologe Jürgen Schmidt: „Am Wochenende kann örtlich die 20-Grad-Marke geknackt werden. Beste Chancen haben alle rund um Köln, Düsseldorf, Leverkusen und Duisburg.“ Genießen!! Denn schon Anfang der nächsten Woche kommt der Kühling.

Germany is blossoming!

Today we'll hit 20 degrees

The sun is shining, temperatures are reaching double figures, the first flowers are blooming, like here in front of the Golden Rider in Dresden. The first week of meteorological spring is living up to the season. The German Weather Service (DWD) is expecting dry weather with mild temperatures. Graduate meteorologist Jürgen Schmidt: "At the weekend, temperatures could reach 20 degrees in some places. Everyone around Cologne, Düsseldorf, Leverkusen and Duisburg has the best chance." Enjoy!! Because the Kühling is coming at the beginning of next week.