Rizal as timeless role model for Filipinos

 

By Former Senator Atty. Joey D. Lina

Published Jun 24, 2025 12:05 am

FINDING ANSWERS

As I contemplated on Dr. Jose Rizal on the 164th birth anniversary of our national hero last June 19, the more I was convinced that enlightenment is crucial in attaining prosperity for our country.

In today’s world where misinformation spreads rapidly and where apathy often drowns out civic engagement, Filipino sought to emulate Rizal whose life shined with three key elements: power of education, love of country with action, and courage to stand for what is right.

He believed that acquiring knowledge is the cornerstone of empowerment. Rizal was a polymath who did not merely acquire educational degrees. He sought wisdom. In this present age of quick answers and short attention spans, we can learn from Rizal who valued extensive learning and cultivated a lifelong search for more knowledge and truth.

Whether by formal education or self-study, we can be inspired by Rizal in mustering the discipline to think critically and independently, especially in confronting the complex issues at present — prevalent corruption, widespread poverty, glaring inequality, even climate change.

Rizal’s love of country was phenomenal, yet his nationalism was not blind loyalty. It was informed devotion. He loved our country enough to criticize its flaws and to challenge both abuse and complacency of Filipinos.

His critique of Filipinos was profoundly expressed in his four-part essay, The Philippines a Century Hence, first published in La Solidaridad on Sept. 30, 1889 to Feb. 1, 1890, in which he portrayed Filipinos as “broken” during the centuries of Spain’s domination of the Philippines.

“They gradually lost their ancient traditions, their recollections – they forgot their writings, their songs, their poetry, their laws, in order to learn by heart other doctrines, which they did not understand, other ethics, other tastes, different from those inspired in their race by their climate and their way of thinking,” Rizal wrote. “Then there was a falling-off, they were lowered in their own eyes, they became ashamed of what was distinctively their own, in order to admire and praise what was foreign and incomprehensible: their spirit was broken and they acquiesced.”

But although broken, the people’s spirit was not shattered altogether. In fact, the “lethargic spirit woke to life” when the people realized their misfortune amid all the abuses and mistakes of the colonizers, Rizal said.

“The spirit of the people was not thereby cowed, and even though it had been awakened in only a few hearts, its flame nevertheless was surely and consumingly propagated, thanks to abuses and the stupid endeavors of certain classes to stifle noble and generous sentiments. Thus, when a flame catches a garment, fear and confusion propagate it more and more, and each shake, each blow, is a blast from the bellows to fan it into life.”

The awakening of Filipinos can, therefore, be sparked by just a few. These enlightened few must be agents of change to influence and lead others to transform and uplift the nation to a higher level in moving forward.

Thus, an enlightened citizenry is crucial to nation-building and in attaining prosperity for all Filipinos. Such enlightenment is best when matched with courage, the courage to do the right thing. Rizal faced martyrdom at age 35 when he dared to speak out against oppression.

Rizal’s courage was not reckless; it was rooted in deep conviction. Today’s generation of Filipinos ought to also muster courage to confront what is wrong in Philippine society, to reject disinformation and call out fake news, to resist a prevailing culture of fear and silence in many communities.

The lessons that can be gleaned from the life of Rizal can inspire Filipinos to complement our love of country with decisive action. Our patriotism ought to go beyond flag-waving and social media posts. Patriotism should mean voting wisely, engaging in community work, speaking out against injustices, rejecting fraud and corruption when faced in our daily lives, even obeying traffic rules.

We can honor the legacy of our national hero through our civic responsibility, moral courage, and never-ending pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In honoring Rizal who certainly is a timeless model for Filipinos, let us not only contemplate on what he did for us — but what we must do for our country in pursuit of prosperity for all Filipinos. (finding.lina@yahoo.com)

Philippines joins the list of leading Muslim-friendly destinations

 

WHAT A SIGHT Dmaukom Mosque in Maguindanao stands out for its pink facade, which symbolizes peace and love.

How these notable trends are shaping halal travel

Published Jun 19, 2025 11:33 pm

The surge in Muslim tourist arrivals in the Philippines in 2024 highlights the growing success of the country's inclusive travel initiatives, such as expanding Halal-certified dining and accommodations. —Judith Marie Dayrit, vice president, account management, Philippines, Mastercard.

Halal tourism in the Philippines is showing promising results as more international Muslim travelers enter the country. Recent data from the 2025 Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) reveals that last year saw over 176 million international Muslim arrivals. By 2030, it is expected that this number will grow to over 245 million arrivals.

Another key achievement is our country’s rank rising up as the eighth most Muslim-friendly non Organization of Islamic Cooperation destination. To keep up the momentum, here are some trends listed by the GMTI that help shape halal travel and could bring the Philippines even higher in the coming years.

Muslim-friendly facilities

Prayer facilities, alcohol-free environments, and halal-certified dining options are essential in forming a Muslim-friendly destination. We already see this being applied in many of our malls, hotels, and airports. Prayer rooms are best placed in convenient and easy-to-spot locations while providing adequate space and resources, such as prayer mats, to allow for a seamless experience. A clear Qibla (a marker pointing to Mecca) should be present in the room. There should also be easy access to clean water for ablution. When dining, menus are best presented with halal-certified designators to make choosing meals easier.

Smart apps for halal journeys

Digital tools providing faith-aligned services are now readily available for Muslim travelers. Often, these apps allow the tracking of halal-certified dining areas, as well as options in meal-order apps for ordering halal dining choices. As the rise of AI continues, this opens the door for creating an AI service to assist in ensuring a Muslim-friendly travel experience.

Solo travel surge

Younger Muslim travelers are starting to embrace embarking on solo adventures. Making things easier for solo travelers can benefit even non-Muslim travelers. We can do so by prioritizing accessible public transportation, promoting destinations that highlight Islamic culture, and strengthening our local tourism sectors through diversity programs and tourism promotions.

QC gov't to launch RainbowQC Pride film festival

 

By Allysa Nievera

Published Jun 23, 2025 02:39 pm

The Quezon City government will launch the first-ever RainbowQC Pride Film Festival featuring nine powerful films that center on LGBTQ+ stories and voices on Wednesday, June 25.

The festival is a special edition of the acclaimed QCinema International Film Festival.

“QCinema is one of our city’s most anticipated cultural events—bringing together film lovers and creatives alike. This year, we proudly introduce RainbowQC, a special edition that celebrates not just the art of cinema, but the spirit of Pride and inclusion,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Curated by QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, the festival features a blend of local and international titles.

Highlights include The Wedding Banquet (USA), Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (Italy, Philippines, Singapore), Cocoon (Germany), and Consequences (Slovenia).

The festival concludes on Friday, June 27 with a free screening of short films under the Rainbow QCShorts section, curated by Jason Tan Liwag.

Other featured works are the following:

- Abutan Man Tayo ng House Lights by Apa Agbayani

- A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Angeline Soriaso

- The river that never ends by JT Trinidad

- Microplastics by Lino Balmes

- Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren

“Film is a powerful tool for empathy and understanding,” Mayor Belmonte said.

“By amplifying the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, we promote visibility, break barriers, and advance our shared goals of equality and inclusion,” she added.

Mother Nature's Gift to Man

 For centuries, the 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 (𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐋.) has been described as “𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧” because of the countless uses that the palm can offer from its roots to tips. What’s more, growing coconut palm is easy and sustainable.

The 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬, supplying high-quality coconuts mainly from endemic varieties to markets in Europe, the USA, Japan, and China.

More than just a crop, 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧. Aside from its commercial value, 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 which evolved through science backed up with experience. It supports vegan, ketogenic and natural diets that one may need for longevity.

Keep in mind that the best coconuts make the best products for your health and wellness!

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DOE, oil companies agree to staggered fuel price hikes

 

DOE, oil companies agree to staggered fuel price hikes; senators back move to extend fuel subsidies

(File photo)

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Monday, June 23, that the government has reached an agreement with oil companies for the staggered implementation of domestic petroleum price adjustments. In a statement, DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin said this measure was taken in response to rising global oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel and overall market volatility. Read more

In a related development, Senators Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe have expressed strong support for the government’s fuel subsidy program amid Middle East tensions, urging the DOTr and LTFRB to ensure timely, fair distribution to affected transport workers and calling for swift aid to farmers and fishers impacted by rising fuel costs.

AUDIOJUNKIE: The glittering ladies of Pinoy pop

 Clockwise (from top): Aubrey Caraan, Ena Mori, Janine Berdin, and Dana Paulene (Images courtesy of Facebook)

By Punch Liwanag

Published Jun 23, 2025 11:10 am

The ladies are in the spotlight this week. Starting with Janine Berdin, who returns with an upbeat new single in “tayo lang (may alam).” Smooth synth chord dabs butted against a Latin-tinged groove with hints of trap beats is what’s under the hood of this dance-driven track from the “Sitwasyonship” singer.

Along for the ride are Illest Morena and R&B singer Fana to provide vocal harmonies (Fana) and the rap break (Illest). Berdin has proven to be an effective singer-interpreter of whatever she’s dipping into, and apparently, this fit-for-the-club jam is also one of the styles she’s good at. Berdin’s trajectory reminds me of Yeng Constantino’s, who had a good run during her time a decade or so ago.

Speaking of, the “Hawak Kamay” singer likewise makes her return with a new song, “Lumulutang Nahuhulog.” Anthemic choruses are the order of the day for this one-sided love affair-themed cut. Easily belting out the chorus “Kinikilig sa malabo, tumataya kahit matatalo / bakit ka ginusto, lumulutang-nahuhulog / Pinipigilan pero di makahinto” pretty much sums up the ‘pulot-ka-ng-batong-ipupukpok-mo-sa-ulo’ sentiments which is at the heart of this song.

Time flies. Yeng Constantino was once the Janine Berdin of her time, being open to various music styles and excelling in everything she did. Or maybe it’s the other way around, Janine Berdin is today’s Yeng Constantino, a one-size-fits-all figure that you can throw into any music situation and always comes out golden.

Former Pop Girl Aubrey Caraan has got a full plate. The singer recently released the R&B-inflected ballad “How You Feel,” wherein she sings a tuneful Earl Agustin-written song and does well by it. Also an actress, multi-talented Aubrey is the female lead opposite Lance Carr in the new Viva One series, “Avenues of the Diamond,” which features “How You Feel” as part of its official soundtrack. Always the pop-girl, Aubrey also recorded and released the catchy pop-rock themed single “Salo” that also ended up being part of her new series soundtrack. Also check out Aubrey’s “Hindi Hihiwalay,” released early this year.    

Who else is infatuated with Ena Mori’s music? If you are, then you have another reason to fawn over this quirky solo music act on her new single “Sink.” I can hear some Kate Bush in the arrangements, and the heavily processed vocal effects also recall Imogen Heap. And I won’t be surprised if EM weaned herself on a steady diet of music from these artists, because it just fits her sonic profile. “Sink” is not at all pop and is the exact opposite of what everybody else is doing. Which is to say that Ena Mori is the art-y side of ‘Pinoy pop’, and it's there where she shines.      

Newcomer Dana Paulene, who released her late 2024 single debut “uod love story” follows it up with her new excellent-sounding original “akong ako.” Dana Paulene, who was “discovered” while doing her ‘busking set’ just outside the food places of Uptown Mall in Taguig, is sounding like a proper alt-rock chick with a cool swagger to boot on this glittery, rising, yearning mid-tempo rocker.

Also staking a claim on the fields of alt-pop is dwta (read as Diwata, real name Jhasmine Villanueva), whose new single “Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya” is a play on the old nursery ditty but updated for Gen Z. This acoustic-guitar driven bop is all feels and is perfect for those of a certain mood and vibe.

Check out all this music compiled on the Pinoy Pop Playlist 2025.

Alas Women succumb to Vietnam, settle for silver in AVC Nations Cup

 The Nationals put up a gallant stand against defending champion Vietnam but still succumbed, 25-15, 25-17, 25-14, to settle for the silver medal in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday evening, June 14.  Alas Pilipinas (AVC)

By Mark Rey Montejo

Published Jun 14, 2025 11:45 pm

Alas Pilipinas may have fallen short of making it on top, but it still showed a glimpse of a brighter future.

The Nationals put up a gallant stand against defending champion Vietnam but still succumbed, 25-15, 25-17, 25-14, to settle for the silver medal in the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup at the Dong Anh Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam Friday evening, June 14.

The Filipina spikers dug deep into their bag of tricks but still couldn’t topple a powerhouse squad like Vietnam, which banked on the lethal duo of Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen in securing their third straight title.

Despite the defeat, the Philippines copped its highest finish in an AVC-sanctioned competition, surpassing its bronze-medal performance in the 2024 edition that the country hosted.

Prior to the runner-up honors, the Nationals ended the preliminaries as the No. 1 seed in Pool B before beating Chinese Taipei, 25-17, 25-21, 18-25, 15-25, 15-13, in a nerve-wracking semifinal clash.

“We’re happy for second place, we’re on the way … it’s a process,” said Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza De Brito minutes after that loss to Vietnam, a team ranked 31 rungs higher than the Philippines at No. 25 in the world.

Thanh Thúy starred for the crowd favorites by erupting for 20 points on 16 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Nguyen, who named as tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Hitter, posted 17 points. Backing them up were Thi Uyen Nguyen and Thuy Tran Thi Bich, who combined for 19 points.

Alyssa Solomon led the Nationals with eight points, while Shai Nitura chipped in six points. Fifi Sharma and Angel Canino had four points apiece.

Jia De Guzman and Canino took home individual awards by snaring the Best Setter and Outside Hitter plums for the second consecutive year. Canino, meanwhile, shared the award with Vietnam's Thanh Thúy, while Dell Palomata was named as Best Middle Blocker alongside Chinese Taipei's Kan Ko-hui.

“This silver medal is amazing, it means everything,” said de Guzman. “It’s hard to see the growth of the sport [in the country] without this result achieved by the team.”

“We had to give it our best because after getting the bronze last year and the silver this time, we’re inspired to go back to training and keep working together as a team and to keep going for this long term program,” she added.

Unite, prepare to cushion impact of rainy season

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is joining preparations to help cushion the impact of the rainy season—the floods, the landslides and, at worst, the tragedy and massive displacement that usually come with it.

In fact, the military is now in close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure prompt disaster response as part of its civil defense duties. This a welcome development coming from the military which is preoccupied with its duty to defend the country from external forces.

The past few days, we have witnessed the impact of the rains. Sporadic as they come, the rains have caused immediate flooding in low-lying areas and disrupted travel, affecting work and businesses. What more if it becomes more frequent.

As the rainy season brings the country once again on the brink of vulnerability and in this age where climate change amplifies the volatility of natural events, preparedness is a necessity.

Every drop of rain should serve as a wake-up call. The government, private sector, and each Filipino must act—not out of fear, but out of responsibility. Because behind every flooded street is a child unable to go to school, an employee and an executive unable to report for work. Behind every landslide is a family whose home has vanished in an instant. Behind every casualty is a life that could have been saved.

The government must be proactive, and not reactive. Budget allocations for disaster preparedness should be increased, not just during or after disasters, but long before the rains arrive. We hope these were submitted in the budget proposals for 2026. Infrastructure such as drainage systems, floodways, and slope protection must be upgraded and maintained. Local government units (LGUs) must strictly enforce zoning laws to prevent settlements in danger zones, while barangays should be equipped with real-time warning systems and evacuation protocols tailored to their communities.

Moreover, the Department of Education should roll out school-based disaster preparedness programs, teaching students the value of readiness. Agencies like the NDRRMC must maintain constant coordination with LGUs and ensure that emergency supplies, rescue equipment, and trained personnel are always ready.

Companies must see themselves not just as businesses, but as pillars of national resilience. Corporate social responsibility should go beyond token relief efforts. Telecommunications companies must ensure stable lines of communication before, during, and after storms. Construction and real estate developers must uphold—and be held accountable for—resilient design standards.

Beyond infrastructure, the private sector can offer logistical support, fund local community-based disaster education, and provide employees with flexible work arrangements during severe weather, minimizing travel risks and ensuring safety without sacrificing productivity.

And finally, the role of the individual cannot be overstated. Each Filipino must embrace a culture of preparedness. We are all stakeholders here. Households should have go-bags ready, know their nearest evacuation centers, and follow advisories from trusted sources. Community participation is crucial—neighbors helping neighbors, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those living alone.

Social media should not only be used to share photos of floods, but to spread timely information and coordinate aid.

To cushion the impact of the rains, the government, private industry, and the public must work in harmony. Information must flow freely. Resources must be shared efficiently. Trust must be built continuously.

We cannot stop the rain, but we can stop the tragedies that come with it. Now is the time to act—not when the waters have already risen, not when the damage is already done. Let our unity and preparedness be stronger than any storm.

The rains have come. So must our resolve.

G-Force celebrates 20 years of purposeful and creative dancing

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Jun 16, 2025 08:32 pm

G-Force, the dance group founded by celebrity choreographer Georcelle “Teacher Georcelle” Dapat-Sy, celebrated its 20th anniversary this month. The highlight of their celebration was the “G-Force Project 2025” concert, recently held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Hundreds of performers danced on stage in a spectacular show that close to 2,000 attendees witnessed. The performers included celebrities Maja Salvador and Cassy Legaspi (mentees of Teacher Georcelle), international choreographers/dancers Ben Tovale and Laurence Kaiwai, and G-Force teachers, Teacher Georcelle herself, and over 700 students of the G-Force Dance Center in their schools in Shangri-La Plaza, Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC-Blanco. There were over 30 dance production numbers spanning various genres, ranging from hip-hop, K-pop, OPM, and sexy.

The youngest student-dancers were four years old, and the oldest was 71. The concert culminated with all the performers dancing to the song “I’m G,” while the members of the audience followed the choreography in their places.

Spotted in the audience were news anchor Iya Villania and her husband, TV host Drew Arellano, and social media sensation Niana Guerrero.

Maja, who was a teenager when Teacher Georcelle first taught her dance moves, was thrilled to be part of the exhilarating show. “I am happy na kapag may ganitong G-Force Project ay naiimbitahan tayo. I can’t say ‘no’ to them,” said Maja.

Georcelle was extremely happy with the show and the people’s response. The support is a testament to the creative movement she has been advocating these past two decades.

“It’s a humbling and deeply fulfilling experience,” she said. “What started as a movement has become a national force—not just in dance, but also in culture. I’ve realized that consistency in passion and purpose creates a legacy. G-Force has become a platform for the transformation of lives, careers, and mindsets.”

G-Force will continue to promote expression, discipline, and confidence through their dance workshops. Additionally, they are planning several special initiatives, including a dance retreat, a workshop series in Canada, and another dance concert at The Theatre at Solaire on July 20.

Visionary Teacher Georcelle assured, “G-Force will continue to be a cultural movement—integrating more technology, wellness, and global collaborations. But at its core, we will always be about people—helping the next generation move not just with rhythm, but with purpose.”

For more information about G-Force, visit their website gforcedancecenter.com and their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted

 Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on June 17, 2025, sending ash 10 km high and prompting Indonesia to issue the highest aviation alert. Authorities restricted activity within 7–8 km of the crater.

SUNSTAR.COM.PH

Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, triggers top-level aviation alert in Indonesia