𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 10 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 10 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

The City Government of Davao finalizes the contract to procure ten (10) units of 12-meter low floor buses as part of its commitment to improving the city’s public transport landscape.

The buses are low-floor city buses designed for convenient passenger use, with modern amenities, offering seating for approximately 40 passengers along with provisions for standing commuters.

On Monday, April 21, following the regular procurement processes, a ceremonial contract signing for the DC Bus Interim Bus Service or DC Bus was held between the City Government of Davao and the winning bidder, AutoKID Truck Solutions for 10 Yutong ZK6126HG buses.

“With the purchase of these new buses by our city, we aim to provide an interim measure to the public transport challenges that we have,” Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Project Manager of the Davao Bus Project said.

Domingo said that as early as 2023, amidst the delays happening with the bigger transport project, which is the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, also known as the Davao Bus Project, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte had tasked them with exploring the expansion and institutionalization of the city’s longstanding Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS).

“Following this directive and backed by the wealth of data and insights coming from the PHABS operation, it became evident that there is a need for additional dedicated buses for the public.”

He added that the data they had also proved to be helpful in identifying the routes and level of service in the operation of the dedicated buses.

“Once we had the data and information we needed, the city then proceeded to allot the much needed funds for the 10 new buses procured as well as the necessary amenities required for its efficient operation and maintenance.”

The buses procured by the city are expected to arrive by September, and operations are eyed to start by the fourth quarter of this year.

The DC Bus will initially be free for Dabawenyo commuters. CIO

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In photos: The highlights of Pope Francis’ 2015 Philippine visit

From his Eucharistic Mass at Luneta to his time in Tacloban, here are some highlights from the Pontiff’s visit, as captured in the pages of the Manila Bulletin.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Apr 21, 2025 06:29 PM

  

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Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away peacefully in the Vatican early this morning at the age of 88. The Holy See confirmed his death in an official statement, noting that he died surrounded by close aides and in the presence of prayer.

Photo by Mark Balmores/The Manila Bulletin

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, the Pontiff captured the hearts of countless devotees—many of them Filipinos. That’s why, in January 2015, Filipinos went all out to see and hear Pope Francis during his first visit to the country. As “The Exponent of Philippine Progress,” the Manila Bulletin followed him wherever he went, chronicling the inspiring moments of his five-day visit.

Day 1: Jan. 15, 2015
Former President Benigno Aquino III, together with nine-year-old Lanie Ortillo, welcomed Pope Francis at Villamor Airbase. 

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 16, 2015 front page

Day 2: Jan. 16, 2015
Pope Francis visits Malacañan Palace.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 17, 2015 front page

Pope Francis waves at the crowd from the Popemobile on his way to Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Filipino prelate Luis Antonio Tagle with the Pontiff during a Mass at Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Day 3: Jan. 17, 2015
Pope Francis steps down from a Philippine Airlines plane to visit the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 18, 2015 front page

The Manila Bulletin - Visayas News section. Jan. 18, 2015 

“I will walk with you all with my heart… I have no words to tell you,” Pope Francis said. “Let us look to Christ. He is the Lord. He understands us because He underwent all the trials that we have experienced.”

Day 4: Jan. 18, 2015
Around six million people attend Pope Francis’ Eucharistic Mass at Luneta.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Day 5: Jan. 19, 2015
Pope Francis walks up the ramp to board a Philippine Airlines direct flight to Rome.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 20, 2015 front page

Rest in paradise, Pope Francis.

Sue Ramirez on relationship with Dominic Roque: 'Ang saya lang, walang pressure'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Apr 21, 2025 07:30 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• During the press conference for her upcoming film "In Between" with Diego Loyzaga at the Viva Cafe in Araneta City, Sue opened up about the current state of her love life with Dominic.

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Sue Ramirez

Kapamilya actress Sue Ramirez gave a beautiful, blooming aura when asked about her relationship with Dominic Roque.

During the press conference for her upcoming film "In Between" with Diego Loyzaga at the Viva Cafe in Araneta City, Sue opened up about the current state of her love life with Dom. 

"Ang saya lang po sa totoo lang, walang pressure. Masaya lang kami lagi, lumalabas kami, we enjoy our time together, explore, go on adventures together, and eat the best food together. (It's just fun, really, no pressure. We're always happy, go out, enjoy our time together, explore, go on adventures together, and eat the best food together)," Sue said. 

The actress also added that knowing each other's interests is essential when committing to a relationship.

"I think the foundation of starting a relationship is finding out kung ano yung mga interest niyo. So far, swak naman yung interest naming dalawa. (I believe the foundation of starting a relationship is finding your interests. So far, our interests are compatible)," she added.

It can be recalled that the two sparked dating rumors when they were spotted kissing inside a bar in November 2024. This added more fuel when they were spotted allegedly together at a social gathering, and again when they were seen holding hands crossing the street.

Sue Ramirez and Dominic Roque

Sue finally addressed the rumor and confirmed they were dating during her ambush interview in December for the Metro Manila Film Festival movie, "The Kingdom." Meanwhile, Dominic also addressed the rumor as he was present at the event at that time.

Dominic launched his Instagram with a subtle hard launch, posting a picture with Sue and his other celebrity friends at the Angrydobo Restaurant owned by Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo. Dominic and Sue first appeared together on the red carpet at the Star Magic Ball last April 4.

Before they hit it off, Dominic was in a three-year relationship with Bea Alonzo. He proposed to Bea in July 2023, but they eventually called it off in January 2024.

In November, Victorias City mayor Javi Benitez confirmed that he and Sue have parted ways after five years of being together.

Working again with Diego Loyzaga

After working on the film "How to Love Mr. Heartless" in 2022, Sue and Diego are back on the big screen.

"The good thing about working again with Diego is nagkasama na kami sa ASAP chill out for a couple of years. So every time we see each other, walang pagbabago, nagkukulitan pa rin kami. So ayun yung maganda about this project. (The good thing about working again with Diego is that we've been together on ASAP chill out for a couple of years. So every time we see each other, there's no difference; we're still the same kids. So that's what's good about this project)," Sue said. 

Sue Ramirez, Gino Santos, and Diego Loyzaga

"In Between" follows the story of Gaila (Sue) and Shane (Diego) as they navigate the world of "Situationship" or "In Between"

As each other’s in between, they help in different aspects of their lives, like at home, in their jobs, or in their sex/love lives. Gaila teaches the perfectionist Shane to loosen up and go on casual dating. Shane teaches Gaila to be brave and look for something that lasts in her work and love life.

Connected, but not committed, Shane and Gaila find this companionship convenient. But as one would expect, they start to fall in love. But when both feel like they’ve seen “The One” in each other, Shane’s TOTGA (The One That Got Away) returns.

Directed by Gino M. Santos, Pat Sugui, Lander Vera-Perez, Phoebe Walker, Benj Manalo, Guji Lorenzana, and more are joining the cast.

"In Between" shows nationwide in cinemas on May 7, 2025. 

Why is listening a superpower?

Active listening is a key to cultivating open-mindedness, requiring an effort to understand others' viewpoints and how they fit into the larger picture. Avoiding assumptions and being willing to change one's mind when presented with new information are also essential practices

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, "first, learn to listen"!

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

When you lend your full attention to someone, it signals that you value their thoughts and feelings. This fosters trust, respect, and a deeper connection, whether in friendships, family dynamics, or the workplace. Listening also paves the way for effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Many times during my teaching, I'm happy when my students have one or more questions for me - so, I can listen to them first. Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students. It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It's also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.

WHY DO WE NEED TO TALK TO GOD?

 

If God is omniscient, doesn’t he know everything we need? And if he is both omnipotent and good, won’t he provide it whether we pray or not? So goes a common line of reasoning about prayer which influences many of us, to our own impoverishment and the detriment of Christ’s kingdom.

This reasoning has a certain logic and seems to have some biblical plausibility. Scripture clearly tells us that God is all-knowing: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account” (Heb. 4:13), and that he is all-powerful and “...does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” (Da. 4:35), and that “...the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps. 100:5).

When we pray, we direct our thoughts toward God. It helps us dwell less on the tedium of life and more on God, His power, His love, and His work in our life. And aside from turning our thoughts to God, we also let God into our minds when we pray.

When tragedy strikes, it's easy to harden our hearts and cry out, "God, why did you let this happen?" Maybe then, we started praying. Before, when everything went smooth, we would not even think a minute about praying.

"To be a Christian without prayer, "said Martin Luther, "is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Prayer is the only way of becoming what God wants us to be. This is the reason why Jesus spent many hours praying.

Unquestionable, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedies, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God's help. Difficult times always cause the hearts of men to turn to God into prayer. 

Let me ask you: How long has it been since you've brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings? 

In his very interesting book "People in Prayer", Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and it is always God who takes the initiative. White writes: "God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives."

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we will listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God. 

There was a time, I wasn't in the mood to pray any more. It seemed that God didn't listen to my prayer any more. I didn't get what I prayed for. Of course, not... ! That's not the meaning of praying to God. Will all my wishes be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God's answers may puzzle us. But as time goes by and as events unfold we see God's purpose in his answers. We might get a larger vision, what HE likes. Not what WE like... .

Think about it for a moment" How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to God? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

I confess that a long time ago I have been trying to persuade God to change other people in my surroundings or circumstances. Nothing changed. Of course not, what a fatal attraction? I got confused because God never granted my requests. Meanwhile I got God's answers to my prayers. Maybe very simple: I was willing to let God change me... .This is how each one of us should start. Happy endings. Because I prayed according to His will... .

Nowadays, I live a wonderful life in my second and last home, the Philippines. I never regretted moving here for good. I said this already many, many times. I have everything I could ask for. I can do everything I wish to do. Thank you Lord.

The Kahimyang Project

 

#TodayInFilipinoHistory #OnThisDay, April 22, 1919, Edith Cutaran Lopez-Tiempo was born in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya!

A trailblazing Filipino poet, fiction writer, and literary critic, her works captured the heart of Philippine literature with profound themes and timeless storytelling. Let's honor her contributions to our cultural heritage! #FilipinoLiterature #EdithTiempo #PhilippineHeritage #FilipinoHistory #KahimyangProject

Writ sought vs Samal-Davao bridge project

BY JANE BAUTISTA , GERMELINA LACORTE

APRIL 22, 2025

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE An artist’s rendition of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project and its ongoing construction following its groundbreaking ceremony in 2022. —PHOTOS FROM DPWH FACEBOOK PAGE

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Scientists and environmental groups on Monday filed a petition for a writ of kalikasan at the Supreme Court to stop the construction of the bridge that will connect Davao City and Samal Island due to the alleged “actual, serious, and irreversible damage” it has done to the coral reefs in the area.

Construction of the P23.52-billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project, a 4.76-kilometer bridge financed by China, is ongoing and on track to be completed by September 2028, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“This case reveals both a slow and an immediate death of the coral reefs in the Davao gulf and of the ecosystems, including local communities, that collectively depend on these reefs for their continued existence,” the 200-page petition read in part.