Angels to give '200 percent' in finals vs Cool Smashers

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• For Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, there’s no time to slow down now that the All-Filipino Conference crown is within reach once again. After all, they have been in this familiar territory three times.

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For Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara, there’s no time to slow down now that the All-Filipino Conference crown is within reach once again. After all, they have been in this familiar territory three times.

Petro Gazz seeks its first All-Filipino Conference title against Creamline. (PVL Images)

But in those three All-Filipino finals appearances, the Angels fell short to clinch that trophy -- incidentally, against the same powerhouse rival in the Creamline Cool Smashers.

Tsuzurabara and the Angels wanted a different storyline this time. 

“If we gave our 100 percent to be where we are now, we must give 200 percent in the finals,” said Tsuzurabara moments after he and his stalwarts swept their semifinal assignments -- the last, against Akari in straight sets -- for a place in the best-of-three championship series.

They knew the tough task that lay ahead in facing Creamline, having been in a similar situation in 2019, 2022 and 2023, only to lose in the end. But Petro Gazz is determined not to waste this new opportunity this time.

“Ang haba nitong conference na to at pinagtrabahuhan namin nang maayos para makarating dito. Nasa finals na kami, bibitawan pa ba namin ito?” said Myla Pablo, whose vintage plays were instrumental in the crucial phase of their campaign.

Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle, who is in her first finals stint, echoed the sentiment and looked at the silver lining of the long, arduous five-month conference. 

“It has been a long conference, but I think it allowed us to get to know more about each other and build that team chemistry. We have been pushing each other the whole time, non-stop. To be where we are right now is amazing,” Van Sickle said.

For Petro Gazz, it would take more than flaunting their team chemistry and determination to win. It would be like facing Goliath, with Creamline parading not only its depth and experience, but all its six All-Filipino Conference trophies. The Cool Smashers, in particular, boast of talents like Alyssa Valdez, Bernadeth Pons and Tots Carlos, to name a few.

“Everybody wants it. Everybody’s working hard for the championship. It’s just who would be working harder and performing better at crunch time,” Van Sickle said.

Game 1 is set on Tuesday, April 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the Angels seeking to draw the first blood. Game 2 is set Thursday, April 10, at the same venue, and Game 3, if necessary, is on Saturday, April 12.

Bullying: A silent crisis needing urgent action

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 10, 2025 00:17 AM

  

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Bullying remains a deeply rooted and growing problem in our schools. From name-calling and exclusion to physical violence and cyberbullying, many students—especially those perceived as different—suffer in silence.

Despite laws and policies in place, bullying continues to thrive, often overlooked or normalized by peers, teachers, and even parents. The persistence of this problem demands not only stronger enforcement of laws but also systemic mental health support and a cultural shift that prioritizes a safe learning environment. 

According to a 2019 report by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Filipino students reported one of the highest incidences of bullying among countries surveyed. Around 65 percent of students said they were bullied at least a few times a month, with 40 percent being bullied once a week or more.  The PISA 2022 reports that one out three Filipino students are being bullied in schools.

Recent incidents have reignited concern about this problem. Early this month, two alarming cases were in the news: a viral video from Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City showed a female student being attacked and ganged up on by her classmates while more than 10 others watched passively. Even more tragic was the incident at Moonwalk National High School in Parañaque, where a quarrel allegedly stemming from bullying ended in the fatal stabbing of a student. These events highlight just how grave the situation has become.

In response, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), led by National Chairperson Benjo Basas, called for the urgent strengthening of mental health programs in schools. “We need urgent and systemic support for our learners,” Basas said, emphasizing that enforcement alone is not enough—there must be genuine care and support for students’ emotional and psychological well-being.

Currently, the Philippines has several laws addressing bullying, including Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, which mandates all schools to implement anti-bullying policies and procedures. Additionally, laws like the Child Protection Policy, the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and the Cybercrime Prevention Act are in place to protect students.

Under the law, schools are required to establish disciplinary measures, hold educational programs for students and staff, and maintain records of bullying cases. It also requires the Department of Education (DepEd) to monitor compliance and assist schools in implementing anti-bullying policies.

While RA 10627 has raised awareness and compelled schools to put systems in place, enforcement and consistency remain major challenges. Some schools lack the resources or training to implement anti-bullying policies effectively. In many cases, bullying incidents are under reported or resolved informally to avoid stigma or disruption. Victims may be too afraid to speak up, and school administrators may hesitate to act decisively, especially if influential families are involved. 

To address the psychological toll of bullying, the TDC urged the DepEd and related agencies to expedite the enforcement of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act. This newly enacted law mandates stronger, more accessible guidance and counseling services in public schools—services that are lacking in underserved areas.

More than laws and policies, what the country needs is a cultural shift within the school system—one that encourages empathy, kindness, and accountability. Parents, teachers, and students must all take part in creating a culture where bullying is not just punished but prevented through education and positive reinforcement.

A forgotten part of Filipino culture

BY YVETTE TAN

Apr 11, 2025 06:05 AM

  

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AVANT GARDENER

Last week, I wrote about Raffy Tesoro of  Bio-Genetics Agriventures, Inc. and Jason Drilon’s popup at James & Daughters in Pasig which featured traditional Tagalog food that Tesoro grew up with, most, if not all of it sourced locally. The popup was a hit, with both days selling out. This week, we continue our conversation with Tesoro, focusing on the importance of keeping traditional ingredients and cooking methods alive and the possible future of Philippine agriculture.

Food isn’t something we consume to keep functioning. It can be a cultural marker. 

A specific area can shape what food is grown and how it is prepared and consumed. 

“Our very identity as a people is entwined in our food, music, fabric, and other cultural expressions. Food is an especially important cultural vehicle as it is a necessary experience for all on a daily basis. We are literally what we eat. If we aren’t consuming more of our own culture, then we will alienate ourselves from it. I enjoy most cuisines as anyone else would, but I also know our own,” Tesoro said. 

“Most young Filipinos now don’t know many of the fruits we had back then, like makopa, rattan, or duhat. Many are hesitant to try hito, pinikpikan, or dinakdakan because it looks alien to them…. This is a horrific bleed that needs to stop before we completely lose ourselves as a people.  

“As shallow as it seems, these are symptoms of a deeper cultural rot and explains why we have no pride as a people and as a nation. Granted, our cultural identity is complex and regional, but from personal experience, I have learned to accept all the facets of what makes us Filipino, and I will say that the first and foremost teacher is the food.”

He offers tips for folks who want to explore unfamiliar local ingredients. 

“First, check out the local markets and not just the supermarkets. There is a wealth of ingredients that can only be found in palengkes and talipapas. 

“Second, try making more local/regional/heritage dishes. The experience of creating it is satisfying, educational, and fulfilling. It will also encourage suppliers to provide local ingredients because there is a demand for them. 

“Third, use local/traditional implements as much as possible. Not only is this helpful in maintaining the identity of the dish, but it also helps entire communities. 

“Buy local packaging and other implements. Using bayongs woven from straw is not only ecologically sound, but it brings work to communities, and markets will stock it regularly. The farmer is not the only breadwinner, and by buying the pottery, weaving, woodwork, and more, you are helping everyone else in their community while encouraging local self-sufficiency and growth.  

“Many of my farmers’ wives and daughters are weavers; their brothers or uncles are potters, blacksmiths, and woodworkers. Their neighbors are drivers, stevedores, and conductors. Consuming local food promotes local products, which strengthens our economy. It raises the quality of life of fellow Filipinos across all walks of life. It engenders pride in our country and our culture. The simple act of buying our own culture creates profound results,” Tesoro said.

Fostering a consumer base that regularly consumes local ingredients can also help our food security. “There are some efforts that are trying to address our food security issues, but without market participation, it is an uphill battle,” Tesoro said.

“Again, buying local goods instead of imported ones is a key play. Promoting and using our cultural recipes is also extremely important. Our consumption has shifted dramatically to imported goods more than local production. Local production has also shifted to cater to these changed tastes. We consume Western-style food much more now, so there is an escalating demand for bell peppers, potatoes, and other introduced crops. By creating demand for endemic crops, we are ensuring our food security while maintaining our culture. 

“Being too dependent on global staples also puts us at risk of experiencing the same crop failures that a global pandemic or climate change would generate on our food supplies…. [For example], bird flu and swine flu have decimated flocks of chicken and herds of pigs all over the globe in the past five years. This is reflected in the price of eggs, pork, and poultry. If we retained our diversity such as consuming more local seafood or utilizing other protein sources such as snails and shellfish, then we would have other options for our protein requirements while also reducing the pressure on traditional protein supplies.”

People are always looking for the next new thing. What if instead of looking internationally, we found it on our very own shores? As Tesoro said, “Expanding our palates, exploring our cuisine and culture may ultimately help create the very diversity we need to survive and thrive.”

Davao of the Past - The Memory Project

 Davao of the Past - The Memory Project

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Hello all! Since last year, we started a tradition of selecting outstanding members of the community to be awarded as People of the Year.

They are the ones who shared time and effort, insights, stories, materials and photographs from their collections. They have helped made what Davao of the Past is now. Making it a credible resource of anything significant on Davao history.

Here is the final awardee for the 2025 People of the Year Awards. - Paul.

𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼 𝗩. 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗮

𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 & 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯

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Antonio V. Figueroa is a consultant of the Institute of Davao Studies of the Holy Cross of Davao College. He took up Philosophy at Saint Francis Xavier Seminary while undergoing formation under the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. He also studied Literature at Rizal Memorial Colleges.

As a journalist, he won the Outstanding Column on Children for Community Newspapers during the 6th PPI-UNICEF Child-Friendly Awards (2007); finalist, Best Column in Environmental Reporting, 3rd Davao Catholic Mass Media Awards, 2001; and shared the 2014 PPI Civic Journalism Awards given to Edge Davao for Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting (2015).

As a historian, he was a trustee of the Railway Industrial Heritage Society of the Philippines and a former member of Philippine National Historical Society. He currently maintains the This is Davao History Facebook page.

He authored several books, including 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘨𝘰𝘯 (2004); 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 (2003); 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘈𝘕𝘌𝘊𝘖 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 (2004); 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 50 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴: 𝘏𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (2013); 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘶 𝘉𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨-𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘺𝘰 (2017); 𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦 1908-2018 (2019); 𝘚𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 (2023); 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘰 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 (2024); and 𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘴: 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘞𝘢𝘳 𝘐𝘐 𝘪𝘯 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘰 (2025) with Nelson J. Estares as co-author.

Mr. Figueroa also has a forthcoming book on 1909 Davao Mutiny. We thank Antonio Figueroa for sharing his knowledge on Davao history.

Congratulations Tony!

ITCZ to bring rain to E. Visayas, Mindanao; easterlies to heat up rest of PH

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 11, 2025 09:32 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, April 11 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to cause rainy conditions in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, while the easterlies will bring hot and humid weather to the rest of the country.

PAGASA said the ITCZ will bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may also persist in the rest of Mindanao.

The ITCZ forms when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, leading to the formation of rain-bearing clouds.

Residents affected by the ITCZ are warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will bring hot and humid conditions across the rest of the country, with a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

The easterlies are warm winds originating from the Pacific Ocean. 

PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorms, which could trigger flash floods or landslides.

Weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said PAGASA had not monitored any low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones near or within the country’s area of responsibility as of Friday.

26 YEARS IN THE PHILIPPINES AS GERMAN EXPATRIATE

By Klaus Döring

While writing this part, my time in the Philippines almost reached 26 years.

I started loving the Philippines. I started loving my life here. I tried to accept Philippine Time and many other things, but the culture shock has been recognized by other expatriates. Yes, sorry, maybe I am a lucky guy. As one says: One in a million. Or ten in a million. 

Well, I remember many messages about other expatriates. Yes, I know, I am the lucky guy here. 

Many decades ago, I told everybody contacting me: "Don't compare your life with mine. Everybody is different and everybody has another partner."

Well, I have reached my 27th year as an expatriate in the Philippines. I am happy and blessed with my life here. Sorry, if some readers are not the same here. I know, it's not easy. But how and where on this planet is it easy?  I wish everyone a good life. An awesome life , maybe. 

God bless you all. God bless the Philippines.

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Email me at doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn or visit my www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

EACH FOR HIMSELF

 

It's used for saying that everyone needs to look after themselves and not worry about anyone else. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest. Originally this phrase expressed approval. It appeared in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale (“Ech man for him-self, ther is non other”), implying that if one did not look out for oneself no one else would.

 

Yes, each person does what is best for himself or herself. Yes, times are getting tougher. I think you, my dear readers, know what I am talking about. No reason to list everything again. Sometimes, there is no team spirit in this office; it’s definitely every man for himself. Neighbors would tell each other: mind your own business. The tone between us humans is becoming more and more harsher.

Some people live alone because friends and families have abandoned them. Important helpline is Psalm 27:10 for them. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.”

 

And solitary survivors like Robinson Crusoe, or the hero in the movie Castaway, fascinate. But the loner is someone who purposely holds himself aloof, like the Unabomber, Mathematician Ted Kaczynski. People doggedly moving ever farther away from one another constitute hell in C.S. Lewis’ book, The Great Divorce.

 

Fact is  –  Proverbs 18:1 says:  A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; he rages against all wise judgment.

 

Living in community and helping one another is foundational for all who wish to follow Christ. We know from Acts 2 that the early church took this seriously, seeing many examples of believers helping one another, including materially, so that there would be no one in need within their group.

 

Much has been written about the benefits of strong relationships. I wrote about it at this corner several years ago. People are healthier, live longer, and are generally happier if they have strong friendships beneficial for helping and encouraging each other. And let me repeat it – especially during these tough times … .