Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

By Manila Bulletin

Published Sep 5, 2025 12:05 am

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Fasting is an important spiritual discipline observed by the Jews and shared by people of other faith or beliefs. It is done to express sorrow for sins, to implore God’s intervention during times of public calamity, and, for many in Israel, to hasten the coming of the Messiah.

On a personal level, fasting helps one to curb one’s physical and material appetite so as to sharpen one’s awareness and desire for spiritual realities. The scribes and the Pharisees practice fasting conscientiously. So do the followers of John the Baptist.

Jesus’ disciples, who drink and eat freely, scandalize these groups. Jesus replies by speaking about a wedding feast and the bridegroom. Jesus obliquely refers to himself as the bridegroom who has come to inaugurate the wedding feast. Fasting has to be set aside during the grand feast of salvation.

Jesus opens the eyes of the blind, forgives sinners, heals the sick, and proclaims the Good News to the poor. He uses the images of wine and a new piece of cloth to illustrate the newness of the wedding he has come to inaugurate. This union between God and his creatures would require a new mind and a new heart, and will not thrive in an old conventional way of thinking and doing things that resists God’s spirit. Fasting may be done only when Jesus undergoes his passion, in solidarity with him, the suffering Savior.

Gospel • Luke 5:33-39

The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.”

And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’ ”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

Giorgio Armani, master of Italian style and global fashion icon, dies at 91

 

Giorgio Armani (center) poses with models at the end of his women's 2019 spring-summer collection. (Photo from AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

By Associated Press

Published Sep 4, 2025 09:48 pm

Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, has died, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.

Armani died at home, the fashion house said. Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in the global fashion industry, missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of spring-summer 2026 menswear to recover from an undisclosed condition. He was planning a major event to celebrate 50 years of his signature Giorgio Armani fashion house during Milan Fashion Week this month.

Starting with an unlined jacket, a simple pair of pants, and an urban palette, Armani put Italian ready-to-wear style on the international fashion map in the late 1970s, creating an instantly recognizable relaxed silhouette that has propelled the fashion house for half a century.

From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets.

At the time of his death, Armani had put together an empire worth over $10 billion, which along with clothing included accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers, and even chocolates, ranking him in the world's top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes.

The designer also owned several bars, clubs, restaurants and his own basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano. Armani opened more than than 20 restaurants from Milan to Tokyo since 1998, and two hotels, one in Dubai in 2009 and another in Milan, in 2010.

Armani himself was the foundation of his style

Armani style began with Giorgio Armani himself, from the penetrating blue eyes framed in a permanent tan and early-age shock of silver hair, to the trademark jeans and t-shirt work clothes and the minimalist decoration of his private homes.

Armani's fashion vision was that of easygoing elegance where attention to detail made the difference.

"I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical," he liked to say when asked to identify his clientele.

In conversation, the designer's disarming smile and exquisitely mild manners belied the tough businessman underneath, who was able to turn creative talent into a fashion empire worth over $10 billion. Never a merger nor a sale, Re Giorgio (King George) as the Italians call him, was always his own boss.

Born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, a small town south of Milan, Armani dreamed of becoming a doctor before a part-time job as a window decorator in a Milan department store opened his eyes to the world of fashion.

In 1975, Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti sold their Volkswagen for $10,000 to start up their own menswear ready-to-wear label. Womenswear followed a year later.

The symbol of his new style was the liningless sports jacket, which was launched in the late 1970s and became an instant success from Hollywood to Wall Street. The designer paired the jacket with a simple t-shirt, an item of clothing he termed "the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet."

The Armani suit soon became a must in the closet of the well-heeled man. And for women, the introduction of the pantsuit in the executive workroom was all but revolutionary. Dubbed the "power suit" with its shoulder-padded jacket and man-tailored trousers, it became the trademark of the rising class of businesswomen in the 1980s.

Over the years Armani would soften the look with delicate detailing, luxurious fabrics, and brighter shades for his basic beige and gray palette. His insistence on pants and jackets led some critics to label his fashion "androgynous."

Armani hits Hollywood

The 1980 film classic "American Gigolo" launched both Armani and actor Richard Gere on their Hollywood careers. Dressed in Armani, Gere became America's new favorite heartthrob, and "Geeorgeeo" as they called him, the glam set's most popular designer.

The Hollywood connection earned him wardrobe film credits in over 200 films, and in 2003 a place on Rodeo Drive's "Walk of Fame."

Oscar night always sparkled, with smart suiting for the men, and glittering gowns for the ladies. The 2009 Best Actor winner Sean Penn picked up his statue in a black-on-black Armani outfit, while best actress nominee Anne Hathaway walked the red carpet in a shimmering white strapless evening gown from Armani's latest Prive couture collection.

Other longtime devotees included Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Sofia Loren, and Brad Pitt. David and Victoria Beckham were the "face" of his 2009 underwear ad campaign.

So significant was the impact of Armani style, not only on how people dressed but how they approached fashion, that in 2000 New York's Guggenheim museum presented a retrospective of Armani's first 25 years in fashion.

"I love things that age well, things that don't date and become living examples of the absolute best," Armani said of his efforts.

Armani has gone well beyond fashion

Today, the Armani empire has an army of more than 9,000 employees, with women comprising half of the executive suite, along with seven industrial hubs and over 600 stores worldwide, according to figures released in 2023. Along with clothes and accessories, the company produces perfumes, cosmetics, and home furnishings, as well as selling its own candy, flowers, and even books. The designer opened his fifth multi-brand store on New York's fashionable Fifth Avenue in February 2009.

In the realm of fashion hobbies, Armani owned several bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as the basketball team. Recreation time was spent in getaways in Broni in the countryside near Milan, the isle of Pantelleria off Sicily and St. Tropez on the French Riviera. Each home bore the trademark of Armani design: bare walls, important pieces, few knickknacks.

Like many of his colleagues, Armani tried to give back some of the fame and fortune he amassed during the heyday of the "moda Milanese" which put Italian ready-to-wear at the center of the world's fashion map at the turn of the millennium. Personally involved in several charity organizations devoted to children and a staunch supporter of the battle against AIDS, in 2002 Armani was named a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees.

Galeotti died in 1985. Armani had no children but was very close to his niece Roberta, daughter of his late brother Sergio. She abandoned a budding film career to become his director of public relations, and often represented her uncle, who wasn't much of a party-goer, at social events. In later years she was a key go-between with the celebrity world.

In 2006, she orchestrated the top-billed wedding of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in a medieval castle outside Rome, while Uncle Giorgio designed the attire for both bride and groom.

Armani had indicated that as he considered succession he was looking toward his longtime head of menswear Leo Dell'Orco and his niece Silvana Armani, who fills the same role for womenswear.

Any plans for the 2026 long weekends?

 Any plans for the 2026 long weekends?

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MPO ROCKS! When rock anthems meet the symphony

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Published Sep 4, 2025 12:01 pm

Following the sold-out success of their 25th anniversary concert, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) returns to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater with “MPO ROCKS!” this Nov. 29.

This first-of-its-kind symphonic rock concert will feature the internationally acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers and guest artists, including powerhouse diva Bituin Escalante and Queen cover band lead singer Mig Ayesa.

Prepare to get headbangin’ to their orchestral renditions of rock classics and modern hits from Queen, Coldplay, and My Chemical Romance, to iconic OPM hits by the Eraserheads. 

Leading this year’s concert is MPO founder Maestro Rodel Colmenar. A long-time lover of classic rock hits from his time playing in his high school rock band, Maestro Rodel admits that a rock orchestra concept has been on his mind for decades.

“During my time with the orchestra, I often wondered how rock music would sound when combined with orchestral arrangements,” says Colmenar. “I want the audience to experience a different side of the symphony orchestra and see what makes the MPO stand out from other groups.”

More than just a spectacular night of music, MPO ROCKS! continues the orchestra’s advocacy, with part of the proceeds benefiting the PARC Foundation’s PARC Aralan program, which supports underprivileged scholars in honing their musical talents.

MPO Rocks! is the perfect opportunity to dust off your band tees and let loose for a night. It’s a night you wouldn’t want to miss! 

***

Ticket information

Tickets for MPO Rocks! are on sale now via Ticketworld. Ticket prices start at ₱2,500. View the full seating and price chart here. For more information and event updates, follow Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1998, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra has grown to become one of the leading orchestras in the Philippines. The MPO is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the country by presenting a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music. Backed by finest talents who are passionate about sharing their gift of music with the community.

FDA scraps senior citizen purchase booklet for medicine, device discounts

By Jel Santos

Published Sep 4, 2025 06:42 pm     

(MB PHOTO)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally removed the purchase booklet from the list of requirements for senior citizens to avail of the mandated 20 percent discount and 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) exemption on medicines and medical devices.

In FDA Circular No. 2025-005, issued on Thursday, Sept. 4, the agency said the change is in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2024-0017 entitled, “Purchase Booklets No Longer Required for the 20% Senior Citizens’ Discount on Medicines, in Compliance with Republic Act No. 9994.”

Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, grants seniors a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on medicines and devices.

The FDA clarified that while previous DOH orders had required the presentation of a purchase booklet for every transaction, the law itself did not mandate it.

“To streamline the requirements and remove undue regulatory burden to the availing Senior Citizens, the DOH has omitted the purchase booklet from the checklist of requirements,” the circular stated.

Under the guidelines, seniors or their representatives only need to present valid identification to avail of the discount.

Acceptable IDs include a Senior Citizens’ ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), a Philippine passport, or other government-issued IDs showing citizenship and proof of age such as a driver’s license, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC card, or postal ID.

For prescription medicines and devices, a doctor’s prescription is still required. It must contain the senior citizen’s name, age, sex, and address; the date; generic name of the medicine; dosage form and strength; quantity; and the prescribing physician’s name, signature, address, and license number.

“All establishments shall grant a 20% Senior Citizen discount and a 12% VAT exemption on the purchase of medicines and medical devices, upon presentation of requirements reflected in Section VI of this Circular,” the FDA reminded.

What to do when parents are caught between tradition and medicine

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng 

When it comes to baby care, many Filipino parents are caught between respecting age-old beliefs and modern medical advice grounded in science. From avoiding baths to ward off “pasma”—a common belief that sudden exposure to cold can cause illness—to applying herbal oils for colds, these folk practices have been passed down through generations.

These beliefs have evolved into a cultural ritual that involves sharing wisdom from elders. But are these truly helpful or could they be doing more harm than good?

A wakeup call

Dr. Jayeanne M. Bihag-Lomibao, a 32-year-old board-certified general pediatrician, has encountered various challenges in her practice. “We had a patient where the grandmother refused to bathe the newborn to avoid ‘pasma.' After a few days, the baby was brought to the emergency room due to lethargy and decreased feeding, only to find a brewing umbilical infection.”

The baby was diagnosed with sepsis, admitted to the hospital, given IV antibiotics, and had to undergo multiple tests and procedures—all because of a well-meaning but harmful belief.

Open communication

Dr. Jayeanne emphasizes the importance of respectful communication with her patients. “I strive to communicate effectively with them,” she shares. “By actively listening to their perspectives, I often see a reciprocal engagement. When I present factual information, I make sure to clear up any misunderstandings and back up my advice with scientific evidence to protect the child’s health.”

There are dangers in delaying medical treatment in favor of folk remedies. “Our children, especially newborns, are not just small adults. Infections can progress quickly, vital organs may be affected, and specialized pediatric treatments aren’t always available locally. Prompt medical care is essential.”

But not all traditional remedies can cause harm. “Some practices, like using coconut oil to massage the baby or herbal teas for breastfeeding moms, can provide comfort—so long as they don’t replace necessary medical treatment.”

Strike a balance

Balancing respect for Filipino culture with evidence-based medicine requires sensitivity and an open mind. “It’s important to show parents that everyone involved wants the same thing—the child’s well-being,” Dr. Jayeanne explains. “Recognizing the significance of traditional practices, particularly regarding psychological comfort or minor symptom relief, is an important consideration. At the same time, we work to educate families about the scientific basis of evidence-based medicine in a culturally sensitive manner.”

Many parents find themselves caught between their pediatrician's advice and an elder’s well-meaning insights. “But this worked for your siblings,” is a phrase first-time parents often hear from grandparents, leaving them unsure of whom to follow.

How to handle

Her advice? “It’s understandable to feel torn between honoring tradition and following modern medicine,” Dr. Jayeanne reassures. “It is often helpful to express gratitude to your in-laws for their concern, share your doctor's recommendations, and prioritize the safety and well-being of your child. Ultimately, it is the parents' love that will shape the child's development.”

For parents who are unsure about the safety of certain practices, Dr. Jayeanne recommends discussing these openly with a healthcare provider. Caring for a child doesn't have to be a choice between culture and science. When approached with openness and empathy, it can be both.

To learn more about newborn care myths, click here. For recommendations on health-related baby care myths, click here.

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 A small forest in your own yard means you're making a bigger impact on the environment. It's not just about trees; it's about creating a space where life can thrive and reconnecting with the Earth in your very own backyard.

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24 DFA officials, 20 AFP officers get CA nod

By Hannah L. Torregoza

Published Sep 3, 2025 05:13 pm

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, September 3 confirmed the nominations and ad interim appointments of 24 foreign service officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and 20 officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, September 3 confirmed the nominations and ad interim appointments of 24 foreign service officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and 20 officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

This, after the CA committees on foreign affairs and national defense endorsed the confirmation of the nominations and ad interim appointments of the DFA and AFP officials to the plenary.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in turn, approved the motions of the committees.

Former DFA secretary Enrique Manalo, whom President Marcos has named permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) in New York, was among those who were confirmed.

In his sponsorship speech, Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, chairman of the foreign affairs panel, described Manalo as a “pillar of Philippine diplomacy.” 

“And as a former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Manalo brings unparalleled expertise in multilateral negotiations and a lifetime of service dedicated to protecting and advancing our national interests on the global stage,” Estrada said. 

The other DFA officials whose nominations were confirmed by the CA were: 

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Francisco Noel Rio Fernandez- Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Patrick John Uytiepo Hilado- Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federative Republic of Brazil, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname

Jaime Ramon Torre Ascalon Jr.- Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkiye, with concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan

Gines Jaime Ricardo Dacanay Gallaga- Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bahrain

Pablito Austria Mendoza- Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Denmark

Marlowe Aguilar Miranda- Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Lebanese Republic

Noel Mangaoang Novicio- Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Fiji

Raymond Reyes Balatbat- Chief of Mission, Class I

Gerardo Padilla Abiog- Chief of Mission, Class II

Felipe Fabian Carino Ill- Chief of Mission, Class II

Maria Anna Lilia De Vera-Schinazi- Chief of Mission, Class II

Gonaranao Bantuas Sangcopan Musor- Chief of Mission, Class II

Dinno Marquez Oblena- Chief of Mission, Class II

Jay Francis Galino Alcantara- Career Minister

Shirley Flores-Imperial- Career Minister

Rommel Ariman Romato- Career Minister

Flaureen Damasen Dacanay- Foreign Service Officer, Class I

LV Ignacio De Guzman- Foreign Service Officer, Class I

Von Ryan Gasmena Pangwi- Foreign Service Officer, Class I

Mary Grace Luza Perpetua- Foreign Service Officer, Class I

Majella Cristy Pua-Diezmos- Foreign Service Officer, Class I

Vida Soraya Salih Verzosa- Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Ralph Jacob Viloria- Foreign Service Officer, Class II

Meanwhile, the 20 AFP generals, flag officers, and senior officers who were confirmed were:

Oliver Maquiling to the rank of Major General

Arnold Panaligan to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

Antonio Yago to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army

Aldwine Almase to the rank of Major General

Joel Tamayo to the rank of Commodore

Enriqueto Deocadez Jr. to the rank of Brigadier General

Luisito Angeles Jr. to the rank of Brigadier General

Pedro Agapito to the rank of Brigadier General

Apollo Jun Lamaton to the rank of Brigadier General

Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco Ill to the rank of Major General

Joel Sobrera to the rank of Brigadier General

Ricnon Carolasan to the rank of Brigadier General

Rhoderick Parallag to the rank of Brigadier General

Rhenante Salvador to the rank of Brigadier General

Cerilo Balaoro Jr. to the rank of Lieutenant General

Gerold Gagan to the rank of Major General

Ronald Jess Alcudia to the rank of Major General

Roy Philip Aguhob to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Air Force

Efren Morados to the rank of Major General

Medardo Deacosta Jr. to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy

National Teachers' Month 2025

 

National Teachers' Month 2025: Teachers demand salary hike, higher education budget

Filipino teachers kick off National Teachers’ Month 2025 with a protest at the House of Representatives, demanding salary hikes and a bigger education budget. (Photo courtesy of ACT)

Filipino teachers kicked off National Teachers’ Month 2025 on September 3 with a powerful protest at the House of Representatives. Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines urged lawmakers to approve substantial salary increases and a higher education budget as Congress deliberates the Department of Education (DepEd) 2026 allocation. Read more