Check out this hauntingly beautiful exhibit that will open your eyes

How a look into Lourdes Cabrera's 'Earth Garden' stuns viewers

BY S.C. FOJAS

Apr 16, 2025 01:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “Earth Garden,” reflected her vision of life, harmony, and hidden chaos. 

MEET THE ARTIST Lourdes Morales-Cabrera

Visual art artist Lourdes Cabrera never imagined she’d mount an exhibit at this stage in her life. "I consider myself a newbie in this undertaking,” she said. “But after much thinking, I decided to continue my passion for art. There is no retirement in art.”

'LEOPARD FLOWER,' oil on canvas, 24x24 inches, 2022

Her third solo exhibit, “Earth Garden,” was a revelation, with lush blooms layered with watchful eyes and human forms blending with petals. The works seemed beautiful at first glance, but upon closer look, the viewer felt tension from the coexistence of light and shadow, of peace and unrest. “A friend once sent me many pictures of flowers,” Lourdes shared. “They were beautiful, but I noticed the eyes and human forms. I thought, ‘only artists could do such things.’ It triggered something dormant within her - a calling she had set aside long ago.

'FORTUNE PLANT,' oil on canvas, 36x24 inches, 2024

Lourdes studied Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas with her husband. After they married, she decided to take a step back from art and focused on supporting her husband’s creative career. “He worked without letup,” she said. “I stayed home and gave him all the time to be the artist.” While she briefly pursued tutoring in illustration, painting remained a quiet longing - until now. 

'CHERRY BLOSSOMS,' oil on canvas, 24x24 inches, 2025

“The creative process felt like love at first sight,” Lourdes explains. “From preparing the canvas to choosing the colors, it was exciting from beginning to end.” She repurposed her husband’s old canvases, coating them in white acrylic before starting. “At first, I was just excited to paint again, I thought, being childless, I finally had time.”

'FLOWER WET WITH DEW,' oil on canvas, 36x24 inches, 2022

“Earth Garden,” reflected her vision of life, harmony, and hidden chaos. “It represented everything in this life,” she says. “A study of how we think and move through the world. Flowers are positive creations, but their negativity lies hidden behind that beauty. They represent the suppressed parts of us - the things we might carry a lifetime without realizing.

'FOX GLOVE,' oil on canvas, 30x24 inches, 2022

Reactions to her work varied. “An old friend of my husband’s came to the show and asked, ‘Why only now?’” Lourdes shares. “Another viewer said, ‘I’ve attended many exhibits but your paintings are different.’ He asked about the eyes - what they symbolized. When I explained, he admitted he was fearful. But that was never my intention.”

'LEAVED IN WEEDS,' oil on canvas, 24x24 inches, 2022

For Lourdes, the eyes and forms represented the animalistic and emotional sides of humanity - parts we don’t always acknowledge. “Flowers are often associated with softness and femininity,” she said. “But in my case, they carried hidden truths.” 

'PINK FLOWERS,' oil on canvas, 36x24 inches, 2024

Through “Earth Garden,” Lourdes peeled back the petals of her own life and invited viewers to do the same. “We all have dual lives,” she reflected. “We show what we want others to see, but we hide the rest. I simply shared what I had been holding onto.”

In doing so, she showed that no matter the pause, the art within us can still bloom when the time is finally right.

'PUFFED FLOWERS,' oil on canvas, 36x24 inches, 2022

“Earth Garden” ran until April 19 at ThomBayan Arts and Crafts, Bangkal, Makati City.
 

DreamWorks Animation is making a movie centering around Philippine mythology

Here's what we know about the film 'Forgotten Island'

BY POCH EULALIA

Apr 16, 2025 10:04 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched. 

DreamWorks

Philippine mythology is finding its way to Hollywood through an animated feature by DreamWorks Animation.

While plot details have been kept secret, the project is said to center around characters who find themselves transported to "a long-forgotten, magical island rooted in Philippine mythology." Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the duo behind the critically acclaimed "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" sequel, are credited as the directors and writers of the upcoming film. It is slated for release in September 2026.

In local mythology, the idea of a magical island isn't too far-fetched. One tale that stands out is the supposed existence of a secret city in Samar known as Biringan. Biringan City is said to be a magical realm inhabited by engkanto (supernatural beings). Some tales mention fishermen often find themselves lured to Biringan after catching large batches of fish, not knowing they are already floating in the skies of Biringan rather than the sea. 

Another mythical city is said to exist in Iloilo between Passi and Dumarao. As the legend goes, while work was being done on the now-defunct Panay Railway, a worker was approached by a man said to be a tribe member of the Tumao tribe. The Tumao tribe member was described as Mongolian in appearance and supposedly cautioned the worker about building a railway through their city. Confused, the worker pointed out that he saw nothing, so the Tumao tribe member showed him and brought the worker to his home for a feast. After the feast, the worker was surprised to find the city had disappeared once more. He reported his encounter to a higher-up, and it was decided they would build the railway to avoid the hidden city, explaining the crooked railway path in the area. 

In Mindanao, there are also tales about the place having its own fabled Atlantis, the mysterious island of San Juan. Based on early maps of the Philippines, San Juan is a completely separate island northeast of Mindanao. One cartographer went so far as to include illustrations of the supposed inhabitants of the island. Future maps of the Philippines omit this mysterious island, though many have since brushed it off as a simple mistake made by early map makers. Others assume San Juan was meant to be Siargao or Bucas Grande.

Democracy is fragile: But its power lies in the people

BY ANNA MAE LAMENTILLO

Apr 16, 2025 00:00 AM

NIGHT OWL

 

In every corner of the world where ballots are cast, democracy is tested—not just by those who count the votes, but by those who believe their voice still matters. At its best, democracy is the collective dream of a people charting their own future. But at its most vulnerable, it is a quiet hope that can be silenced with fear, forgotten in apathy, or broken by betrayal.

 

The truth is: democracy is fragile. And yet, it remains the most powerful force for change because its strength does not reside in institutions or constitutions alone—it lives in the people. 

In the Philippines, we know this fragility well. Ours is a democracy born of struggle—shaped by colonization, tempered by martial law, and reborn through People Power. We have marched in the streets and waited in long lines under the scorching sun just to make sure our votes count. 

 

We have risked safety to speak the truth when it was dangerous to do so. And yet, for all our sacrifices, we remain vulnerable to the same forces that threaten democracies everywhere: corruption, disinformation, suppression, and the slow erosion of trust in public institutions.

 

When the right to vote is compromised—whether by deliberate disenfranchisement, technological failure, or the quiet discouragement of hopelessness—it is not only ballots that are lost, but belief. And when people stop believing in their power to shape the future, democracy begins to die. 

This is why protecting voting rights is not just a political issue—it is a human one. It is about ensuring that no voice is too small to be heard, that no community is too remote to be represented, and that no citizen is ever made to feel invisible. It is about remembering that democracy is not inherited—it is earned, defended, and reimagined in every generation.

 

Hope is the heartbeat of democracy. Every voter who lines up before dawn, every election volunteer who stays up counting ballots, every journalist who risks their safety to report the truth, every teacher who explains to students why their vote matters—they are all reminders that democracy is not merely a system of governance, but an act of faith in each other.

 

History teaches us that the vote is often the first thing taken and the last thing returned when freedom is under siege. That is why the right to vote must never be taken for granted, especially in times of uncertainty or division. It must be protected, expanded, and celebrated.

 

In today’s hyper-digital, hyper-polarized world, cynicism has become a currency too many are willing to trade in. But to surrender to cynicism is to cede the future to those who do not care to hear us. And we, the people, have come too far to do that.

 

So let this be our call to action—not just to vote, but to fight for every person’s right to do so. To make elections more accessible. To educate the next generation on the hard-won history behind each ballot. To speak out against voter suppression in all its forms. To believe, fiercely, in the promise of the people.

 

Because democracy may be fragile.

 

But when it is powered by the people, it is unbreakable.

Holy Wednesday: Timeless lessons from Judas’s betrayal

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 16, 2025 00:01 AM 

 

Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, marks a vital moment in Christianity—the day when Judas Iscariot conspired to betray Jesus Christ. This act of treachery not only set the stage for the Passion but also offers valuable insights into human nature and the perils of compromised faith. 

 

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's 12 apostles, was entrusted with the group's finances. However, his stewardship was marred by dishonesty; he frequently pilfered from the communal funds. This pattern of theft highlights a deeper moral decay, revealing a heart more attuned to material gain than spiritual growth. His indignation over Mary's anointing of Jesus Christ with expensive perfume further exposes his misplaced priorities. While he feigned concern for the poor, his true motive was self-interest, as he was more concerned about the loss of potential personal gain than the act of devotion itself.

 

Judas’s love for money was finally exposed when he eventually betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). This is a clear example of the message conveyed in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 

 

Judas's journey from disciple to betrayer was not instantaneous but a gradual decline of character fueled by unchecked personal desires. His initial minor transgressions, left unaddressed, snowballed into a full-blown act of betrayal. This progression of sinful ways serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing small sins to fester, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and repentance in one’s spiritual walk.

 

Despite his actions, Judas managed to conceal his true intentions from the other disciples. This duplicity underscores a sobering reality: One can outwardly participate in religious activities while harboring sinful intentions. But what is clear in this narrative is that while humans may be deceived, God discerns the heart, and nothing remains hidden from His sight. 

 

The aftermath of Judas’s betrayal was steeped in remorse. Overcome with guilt, he attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver, acknowledging his sin. Yet, his despair led him down a path of no return, culminating in his tragic death. This outcome starkly contrasts with Peter's story, who, despite denying Jesus, sought forgiveness and was restored. Judas’s end serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive power of unrepented sin and the importance of seeking redemption.  

 

The story of Judas Iscariot provides timeless lessons:

• Guard against materialism: Judas's fixation on money led him astray. It’s a reminder for us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material possessions, ensuring that financial pursuits do not overshadow one’s commitment to God.

• Address sin promptly: The gradual nature of Judas’s fall highlights the necessity of confronting and repenting of sins before they lead to more severe consequences.

• Maintain authenticity: The disparity between Judas’s outward actions and inner intentions calls for genuine faith and integrity, free from hypocrisy.

• Seek redemption: Judas’s failure to seek forgiveness contrasts with Peter’s restoration, emphasizing that no sin is beyond God's grace if one genuinely repents.

 

Today, we invite everyone to reflect on Judas’s betrayal, not merely as a historical event but as a mirror to our own spiritual journeys. The story of Judas Iscariot challenges us to examine our motives, address our shortcomings, and embrace the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. In doing so, we align ourselves to the teachings of Jesus Christ as we strive to walk according to God’s will with unwavering faith.

Planning to head out? Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., PAGASA advises

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 15, 2025 09:25 AM

  

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Photo from Pixabay

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public to limit exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the Holy Week, when hot and humid conditions are expected across the country.

From Wednesday to Sunday, April 16 to 20, PAGASA said the whole archipelago will be affected by the easterlies, which may cause high temperatures in several areas.

PAGASA warned that midday heat, combined with humidity, increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially during the hottest hours of the day—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although brief rain showers or thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or evening, they are not expected to provide substantial relief from the daytime heat.

To stay safe, PAGASA advised the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored and breathable clothing, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas.

Why rest is the ultimate form of healing

How higher stress levels can weaken the immune system

BY DR. EDSEL SALVANA

Apr 14, 2025 03:51 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The body is a wonderful, complex machine. It is made up of trillions of cells with specialized functions. Much like any machine, it is important that it has enough fuel to run and gets maintenance regularly.  

CLINICAL MATTERS

Whenever I see a sick patient in my clinic or in the hospital, I always make it a point to tell him or her to slow down, get some rest, and let their body heal. As an infectious diseases doctor, I give a lot of antibiotics for bacterial infections, some of which can be quite severe. In my experience, people get better faster if they allow their body some downtime rather than getting back to work the moment that they feel better. In fact, I see a lot of relapses among those who force themselves back to the daily grind before they are completely well. Does this have any kind of scientific basis, and how much rest should one get to prevent illness? 

The body is a wonderful, complex machine. It is made up of trillions of cells with specialized functions. Much like any machine, it is important that it has enough fuel to run and gets maintenance regularly. When it breaks down, it needs to be repaired before it can resume its usual activities. In the realm of infectious diseases, an infection represents a breakdown of the body’s defenses against pathogens. The fact that the breakdown occurred may be due to a combination of factors, including the overall health of the host, as well as the kind of pathogen.

 

Host factors include age, co-existing illnesses, immune system status, and nutrition. Pathogen factors include the virulence of the organism, resistance to antibiotics, ability to evade the immune system, and the capacity to make toxins that destroy tissues. The interaction of these factors determines how sick a patient can become, their risk of dying, and how fast they can recover.

 

One lesson I always teach my infectious diseases trainees is that antibiotics alone will not cure an infection. In fact, most mild infections will get better without antibiotics as long as the immune system is intact. Some infections may get better faster with antibiotics, while more serious infections will need antibiotics to significantly reduce the risk of dying. If we liken fighting infections to a war, antibiotics are like the cavalry and the artillery. They pack a lot of firepower and destroy a lot of bacteria, but they aren’t very precise. They may destroy up to 99 percent of the target germs in the body, but you need an intact immune system to eliminate the remaining one percent. I think of that last one percent of bacteria like guerrilla fighters that hide out in houses and in the jungle, and your immune system, particularly your white blood cells, are the ones that hunt them down and eliminate them. Without an intact immune system to get rid of the last remaining bacteria, the infection will just rebound when the antibiotics are stopped. Patients with damaged immune systems, such as cancer patients who recently underwent chemotherapy or those with advanced HIV, can take a long time to recover, and we sometimes give longer than normal courses of antibiotics for these patients until their immune system can cope and recover.
 

When I was a fellow (trainee) in infectious diseases in the US, I had a long discussion about the effect of stress on the immune system with one of my mentors, a world-renowned immunologist and HIV expert. He understood the attraction behind thinking that lack of sleep and stress could make someone less able to defend against infection. He, however, wanted me to find hard evidence since he wasn’t content with just conjecture. The human immune system is notoriously complex, and he wanted to know the actual physiology in which immune cells are impacted by overwork and lack of rest.

 

First, we explored what was known about how the body responds to stress. One observation is that in times of anxiety and stress, the body makes a lot of stress hormones, specifically corticosteroids such as cortisol. Cortisol reduces the amount of inflammation and pain during a stressful event, which can be beneficial in the short term. However, it also affects key components of the immune system, such as T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which protect us from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. My mentor acknowledged that this indeed was plausible but he wanted actual examples of people under stress having less than ideal immune responses.
 

So I did a literature search on the effect of stress on the immune system. Doctors and medical students usually use an internet resource known as PubMed when looking up specific studies among millions of indexed, high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles. On inquiry, I noted several studies looking at vaccine seroconversion, which involves an adequate protective response to vaccination, in chronically stressed individuals such as medical students and caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients. The overall findings among these studies were that lower levels of stress resulted in higher antibody and T-cell responses to vaccination compared to individuals with higher stress levels. A recent study looking at people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked higher rates of inflammation and immune dysfunction compared to control subjects. There were other studies as well, but the findings weren’t as clear-cut. Overall, the consensus is that the physiological benefits of rest in order to reduce stress go beyond mental health benefits and actually affect physical wel lbeing. 

With this in mind, this Holy Week, it may be a good idea to get some rest, especially if you have chronic health problems or are recovering from a recent illness. The usual out-of-town vacations can cause additional stress, and many people feel even more tired after the hectic activities that they engage in due to the long break. It is not unusual to hear some people say that they need a vacation from their vacation! Spiritual meditation, whether you participate in the religious activities or not, can also be a great stress reliever and can rejuvenate not just your mind but also your immune system. Rest can indeed heal the body and the mind, and that’s not just wishful thinking. 
 

What is Easter?

Easter is the oldest and most important festival of the Western Christian year, celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection (rising from the grave) following his crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter Sunday is the culmination of Holy Week (but not part of it), and the first day of Eastertide. Easter marks the end of the 40 days of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Easter Sunday (or simply Easter Day) is the first day of the Easter Week which ends on Easter Saturday.

Christ's resurrection forms the basis of Christian faith as it demonstrates Jesus to be the Son of God, and symbolizes his conquest of death.

According to the Gospels it was at sunrise on the first Easter Day - the 3rd day following Jesus' death - that the women who followed Jesus found the great stone blocking his tomb had been rolled away, and the tomb empty. The Gospel of John (20.14-16) relates how Mary Magdalene meets Jesus by the tomb, but does not at first recognise him, taking him to be a gardener. Finally realising that he has indeed risen from the dead, as he had promised he would, she runs to tell the disciples the good news.

These events fulfil the prophecy that 'The Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, be crucified, and three days later rise to life.' (Luke 24.7).

Easter is related to the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover).

Easter lets us be reborn. May everyday bring you new hope and courage!

Why Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ still resonates, 21 years later

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 14, 2025 08:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Passion of the Christ will stream on Lionsgate Play PH via PLDT Home and Smart starting Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

 

Holy Week is a time of deep spiritual reflection for many Filipinos. It’s an opportunity to pause and step back from the demands of our busy lives and contemplate the profound meaning of this sacred time. Beyond the traditions and rituals, Holy Week calls us to a personal introspection on the enduring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of faith.

During this period, The Passion of the Christ emerges as a compelling reminder of the immense suffering and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Directed by Mel Gibson and based on Anne Catherine Emmerich’s book, The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus

Christ, this film is an intense portrayal of the final twelve hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane to his crucifixion and resurrection. It’s a testament to the betrayal, pain, and ultimate offering Jesus bore for the very people he came to redeem. 

Gibson recounted how his inspiration for creating the film arose from intense personal struggle, a “spiritual bankruptcy” that prompted him to turn to the Bible for guidance. Although already familiar with the foundations of Christian belief, meditating on the Gospel in his time of need renewed his faith.

Gibson’s experience might resonate deeply with the Filipino experience, as a society deeply rooted in religious belief and familiar with the story of Christ’s passion. We grew up surrounded by films, drawings, sculptures, and various art forms dedicated to narrating and understanding the man from Nazareth. However, reading historical accounts is often insufficient to understand the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice.

From Caleb Deschanel’s artistic cinematography and John Debney’s moving score to Jim Caviezel’s profoundly moving performance as Christ in The Passion of the Christ makes it difficult for viewers to take their eyes off the screen at any moment. No matter what you’re looking for this Holy Week, Gibson’s film delivers a visceral, theological, and artistic experience that resonates even today, 21 years after it premiered.

Speaking to Sight Magazine, director Mel Gibson shared what impact he hoped the film would have on its viewers: “I hope it spurs them on to investigate the life of Christ for themselves. And I don’t think you can’t be impacted by it. Some images are strong, and I’ve decided not to hold back. Jim Caviezel (the actor who plays Jesus) said it well.

He said there will be some people who will freak out…(b)ut there will be other people who can’t stop watching it, and even though they are horrified and terrified, they will sit through the whole thing…By speaking very loudly, image and sound-wise, it’s going to make people think very deeply.”

Gibson is also planning to film a sequel entitled Resurrection, hoping to release it shortly. This follow-up explores the events after Christ's crucifixion, delving further into the heart of Christian belief.

The Passion of the Christ will stream on Lionsgate Play PH via PLDT Home and Smart starting Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Ensuring a bright, no-brownout summer

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 14, 2025 10:41 AM 

 

With summer temperatures soaring and power consumption peaking, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent assurance of no brownouts this season comes as a welcome relief. However, behind this assurance lies a complex energy landscape that demands closer scrutiny. While the DOE acknowledges the possibility of ‘yellow alerts’—indicating a thinning power supply margin—it maintains that these will not lead to rotational blackouts. But how sustainable is this situation, and what does it reveal about the country’s overall energy security?

At the heart of the issue is the sufficiency of the country’s power generation capacity. The Philippine power grid remains vulnerable, with demand often outpacing the expansion of supply. Luzon, which accounts for the largest share of national electricity consumption, has historically borne the brunt of power shortages. While recent years have seen investments in new generating capacity, the growth remains slow, with regulatory bottlenecks and permitting delays hampering the construction of additional power plants.

Compounding the challenge is the reliability of existing power facilities. The country still relies heavily on aging coal-fired power plants, which are prone to unscheduled shutdowns. When several plants go offline simultaneously, the thin reserve margin quickly evaporates, leading to supply shortfalls and the dreaded brownouts. This underscores the urgency of diversifying energy sources and ensuring that maintenance protocols for existing facilities are strictly followed.

A key question is how much progress has been made in expanding the share of renewable energy (RE) in the country’s power mix. The Philippine Energy Plan envisions RE comprising 35 percent of the energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. While solar, wind, and hydro projects are being developed at a faster pace, their contribution remains below expectations. The government has implemented the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) to accelerate RE adoption, yet challenges such as high upfront costs, transmission constraints, and intermittency issues persist. Unless the country strengthens its energy storage capacity and modernizes its grid infrastructure, RE integration will remain suboptimal.

Beyond supply sufficiency and energy mix diversification, the lingering issue of high power costs continues to weigh heavily on consumers and businesses alike. The Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, a deterrent to foreign investors considering long-term business operations in the country. While the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has taken steps to promote retail competition and open access, as well as rationalize pricing structures, significant hurdles remain. Market inefficiencies, dependence on imported fuel, and inadequate transmission capacity contribute to price volatility, making electricity a costly necessity rather than an accessible utility. 

The path forward requires a holistic approach. The DOE must work closely with the private sector to expedite investments in new power plants, particularly RE projects with robust storage solutions. Strengthening interconnection between the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids will enhance supply stability, while streamlined permitting processes and regulatory incentives can encourage greater participation from investors. Additionally, the country must maximize indigenous energy resources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric power, to reduce reliance on expensive imported fuels.

The assurance of no brownouts this summer is a short-term victory, but the long-term battle for energy security, affordability, and sustainability is far from over. Without decisive action, the cycle of energy shortages and high costs will persist, hampering economic growth and investment competitiveness. Now is the time for the government, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to collaborate on a power sector roadmap that ensures not just stability but true energy independence.