PSEi dipped despite lower US inflation

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dipped on the last trading day of the week as the market continued to trade sideways despite lower-than-expected United States (US) inflation. The main index shed 17.68 points, or 0.29 percent, to close at 6,109.21 on Friday, Sept. 12. Read more

The perfection of Christian morality

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

TO be upfront about this point, it is when we do everything for the glory of God when we can truly achieve the perfection of Christian morality. Our human acts should not just be done to pursue a purely natural goal, no matter how legitimate it is, as in being interested only in achieving efficiency, effectiveness, profitability, etc. It should all be done for the glory of God.

Aside from the matter of our human acts, which should in itself be in accordance to God’s laws, the intention of our human acts plays a crucial role. With it, we can determine whether we are truly good and moral, or are simply playing around, playing the game of hypocrisy, appearing righteous when we truly are not.

We know that with our intention, we can direct our acts to God, following what was once indicated by St. Paul, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31) That’s how our acts become good, or moral. Otherwise, they are bad, or at least dangerous.

This is so, since God, being the Creator, is the standard for everything. And more than the standard, he is, in fact, the very substance of what is good, true and beautiful, what is fair and just, what is perfection itself.

             

Nothing is good, true and beautiful, nothing is fair and just, nothing is perfect if it is not done with God and for God. In short, we need to refer all our acts to God. We have to make this affirmation very clear in our mind and do everything to make that ideal a reality.

It is actually when we do everything for the glory of God that we achieve the best condition of our life, where we can find peace and joy despite the challenges, trials and the possibility of committing mistakes in our life. It is when we do everything for the glory of God that we can work better.

We should see to it that we have the proper intention in all our human acts, avoiding simply being casual or cavalier about this responsibility. We can easily play around with it, since intentions are almost invariably hidden from public knowledge. We are urged to be most sincere in directing our intentions properly.

We can easily fall into hypocrisy and deception, doing what can appear good externally but is not internally, since we could refuse giving glory to God, which is the proper intention to have, and instead feed and stir our vanity, pride, greed, lust, etc.

We need to actively purify our intentions, since we have to contend with many spoilers in this regard these days. In fact, we just have to look around and see how openly opposed many people are of directing their intentions to God.

We really need to train ourselves to make God the beginning and end, the Alpha and Omega, of all our thoughts, words and deeds. We need to rectify our intentions and keep that rectitude all the way to the consummation of those intentions.

This will indeed require a lot of discipline. Very often we are simply dominated by worldly values, like efficiency, profitability, practicability, etc., which if not inspired by love for God will always fall short of what is proper to us.

Given our unreliable condition, rectifying and purifying our intentions should be a constant concern of ours if we truly are interested in achieving the perfection of Christian morality.

In the end, the perfection of Christian morality is when we do things with God and for God. And that means we do things with God’s grace, identifying ourselves fully with him.

Life Becomes Peaceful When You ✨🩷

 Life Becomes Peaceful When You ✨🩷

• Let go of what you can’t control.💫

• Stop seeking validation from others.💫

• Practice gratitude every day.💫

• Set boundaries and protect your energy.💫

• Focus on the present, not the past or future.💫

• Accept that not everything needs a reaction.💫

• Choose peace over drama.💫

• Forgive, but don’t forget the lesson.💫

• Prioritize your mental and physical well-being.💫

Sorrow vs. sadness

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ON the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, liturgically celebrated on September 15 that immediately follows the celebration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we are reminded, with the help of Our Lady, about the distinction between sorrow and sadness that can befall us anytime.

It is important that we know this distinction so that we would also know how to handle these two conditions that definitely can significantly affect our lives. First of all, we should realize that we are meant to be joyful always, irrespective of how things go. And this can only take place if we truly are with Christ who said:

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (Jn 15,10-11)

We need to see to it that we manage to be with joy, the joy of Christ, especially when we encounter the unavoidable suffering in this life. Joy is actually what is proper to us. This is where the distinction between sadness and sorrow can be made.

St. Thomas Aquinas once said that “sadness is a vice caused by a disordered self-love, and this self-love is not a special vice, but the general root of the vices.” We need to distinguish it from sorrow which is a kind of low feeling over the loss of someone or something or over some negative and difficult conditions that we can have. But it’s a low feeling that does not take away the joy of being with Christ.

That is why there can still be joy in suffering, in the cross, if we only know how to be with Christ in those situations. This is when we can be in sorrow but not in sadness. The former still has joy while the latter has lost it. With Christ, and with Our Lady who fully identified herself with her Son, we can manage to find meaning and the assurance of redemption, in suffering and all the way to death. We can still manage to have joy.

The challenge for us is how to be with Christ and with our Lady whenever we encounter difficulties and other negative conditions in our life. Yes, we can find joy in suffering only if we identify ourselves with Christ. With him, suffering becomes an act of selfless love that can take on anything. With him, suffering loses its purely negative and painful character, and assumes the happy salvific character.

We need to process this truth of our faith thoroughly, always asking for God’s grace and training all our powers and faculties to adapt to this reality. That’s why Christ told us clearly that if we want to follow him, we simply have to deny ourselves, carry the cross and follow him. There’s no other formula, given our wounded human condition.

This self-denial and carrying of Christ’s cross will enable us to see that suffering is obviously the consequence of all our sins—ours and those of others. Embracing suffering the way Christ embraced his cross unites our suffering with the redemptive suffering of Christ. 

Our motive for it is like that of Christ. It’s the desire to conquer that suffering and ultimately our death through his death and resurrection. It’s obeying God’s will just like Christ obeyed his Father’s will. “Not my will but yours be done.”

This is where we can be in sorrow but not in sadness.

Manila's A Mano rises to the world's top 50

 

Local pizzeria earns global acclaim for its faithful Italian flavors

By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Published Sep 10, 2025 09:11 am 

A Mano, a homegrown Italian restaurant in Manila, has climbed the global ladder of pizza greatness. At the 2025 edition of the 50 Top Pizza Awards, the restaurant ranked 49th in the world, a leap from its 70th place finish the year before.

The recognition adds to a string of honors. Earlier this year, A Mano took the 7th spot in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list, up from 12th in 2024. It also won the Pastificio di Martino Award in 2024, which celebrates the best pasta program in the world. “To perfection,” is how co-director Albert Sapere of 50 Top Pizza described the winners of that prize. A MANO also claimed the same award in the Asia-Pacific region last year.

Founded in 2019 by Amado Forés, A Mano has built its reputation on fresh, faithful Italian cooking crafted by Filipino hands. Amado, who also serves as CEO of AF Hospitality, said the rise in ranking is a tribute to the team’s dedication. “It’s an immense honor for us to be part of 50 Top Pizza. Rising from the 70th to the 49th spot is a feat I attribute to our hardworking team — expertly made by Filipino hands, consistently producing world-class quality — and it motivates us to keep innovating while staying true to serving fresh and faithful Italian,” Amado said in a press statement.

Amado Forés at the 50 Top Pizza stage

The 50 Top Pizza guide is considered the most influential of its kind, with rankings determined by food critics, experts, and industry professionals across the world. The awards celebrate excellence in pizza-making, whether rooted in tradition or pushing toward modern styles.

AF Hospitality, the group behind A Mano, also manages restaurants such as Ramen Ron and Steak & Frice. Since July 2025, the company has carried on the legacy of the late Chef Margarita Forés, taking stewardship of her well-loved brands including Lusso, Grace Park, Margarita Florals, and Cibo.

Forés said the recognition is a reminder of what the restaurant strives for. A Mano expressed gratitude to the 50 Top Pizza organization and to loyal guests who continue to support its pursuit of authentic Italian flavors made with the finest ingredients.

Chef Jonathan Redoblado, Amado Forés, and Chef Erick Marron

Is the Internet Worth Saving?

By Carl Javier

Published Sep 12, 2025 08:06 am

From https://siglaresearch.org/

I’m not sure how you feel, but after a quarter century of being chronically online I’m tired of the internet. Most days it’s a lot of drivel, toxicity, and negative emotion. Sometimes I put my phone down after scrolling my feeds and I feel icky. 

Maybe I am an old man screaming at clouds, reminiscing about the early days of the internet when we believed in “sharing economies”, the power of social networks (before social media of course), when we saw message boards, blogs, and micro-blogging as democratizing forces, timelines meant to help you keep in touch with your friends as opposed to endless algorithmically-driven feeds; honestly I could go on.  

In my “shakes fist at today’s internet” despair, I stumbled upon a post on IG from Sigla Research Center that advocated for the potential of online spaces. It gave me hope, providing a way forward for online engagement. 

My feelings are valid

I got to sit down with Ferdinand Sanchez II, the Head of Public Engagement at Sigla and a researcher on disinformation and deliberative democracy. He explained that, “Sigla is a third space for various sectors like academics, activists, civil society organizations, and even the public,” where the goal is to “reflect on our current socio-political realities and work collectively toward a flourishing and healthy public sphere...” 

Ferdinand Sanchez II, Head of Public Engagement at Sigla

This public sphere of course includes the entirety of the internet where we feel so much divisiveness and what we can easily call an unhealthy public square, rife with disinformation, toxic attacks based on identity politics, and more. Alongside that behavior is the increasing prevalence of AI slop. Thanks to all these factors, you’re more likely to see boosted posts, ads, and triggering posts from strangers than you are posts from your actual friends. 

These things also contribute to real people posting less. Your post gets no traction because it doesn’t feed the algorithm. And if it does get traction, you run the risk of drawing the ire of the crowd, who could hate on anyone for anything at this point. Ferdz acknowledges that he hears this a lot, that there is a “palpable anxiety when it comes to posting online” because of anticipated reactions from other people. So why risk posting and engaging if you might get mobbed? So what happens is that people are posting less, and if they do post, they are mostly talking within their own silos or echo chambers. 

As Sanchez explains, “...now we're more polarized communities or societies where just one word would trigger a lot of things, right?” But he believes the challenge is to "pause and reflect and engage,” and to avoid “dehumanizing others or trying to disregard others just because they hold a different viewpoint than us.”  

He explains,  "I guess that's how the internet reflects our everyday society…all the expectations, the cultural norms are bounced into these…spaces…And it's because of the way it is framed or structured,...The platforms or the algorithms incentivize” emotional and vitriolic things.

So why stay online?

From https://siglaresearch.org/

If it’s so toxic there, if everything makes us feel so awful, then why hang around? Sanchez reminds me that the internet isn’t some monolithic thing, “It’s still man-made” so it can be reclaimed. 

In the syllabus that Sigla has created, which focuses on disinformation, their last lesson is on the ongoing potential of online spaces. For example, he points to LGBTQ+ communities who have used platforms to connect in ways that conservative societies offline would not allow. 

The main way we make the internet better is understanding our agency. I was ready to quit because I felt I had no power. But Fedz tells me, “We can reclaim, we need to recognize what’s working and criticize what’s not working.” He says one thing that we can see working is user moderation in spaces like Reddit. 

He says we need to reimagine technology, “not for profit, not for human exploitation, but in ways that are centered on our needs.” He invites us to imagine a rebuilt internet where “each and every one of us has a voice and everyone has a stake.” We both end with the idea that a good internet culture doesn't polarize, but serves as a space where societies can flourish.

PAGASA warns of heavy rains over VisMin, parts of Southern Luzon this weekend due to LPA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 12, 2025 08:53 am   

A low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) will likely bring “significant rainfall” over the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon this weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Friday, Sept. 12.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was spotted 540 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Its trough or extension is already bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Oriental.

“Although its chance of developing into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours remains low, we are not discounting the possibility of intensification beyond that period,” PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said.

She explained that PAGASA is monitoring two possible scenarios: the weather disturbance may cross the Visayas and Mindanao as an LPA, or it may strengthen into a tropical cyclone before reaching land.

Regardless of its development, the LPA is expected to bring significant rainfall to affected areas this weekend, de la Cruz-Galicia said.

In addition, the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, may continue to affect Aurora and Quezon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and the rest of the Visayas may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, while localized thunderstorms are likely over the rest of Mindanao.

PAGASA urged the public to stay alert for possible flash floods and landslides, especially during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.

These thunderstorms typically last up to three hours and may bring intense rain, strong winds, lightning, and sometimes hail.

Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell shares her best life lessons

By Robert Requintina

Published Sep 11, 2025 11:23 am

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell is all set to represent the country at the Miss Globe beauty pageant in Albania.

During a send-off held on Sept. 10, Annabelle's loved ones, supporters, members of the press, pageant enthusiasts, and fellow Binibini queens gathered at the one-of-a-kind World Kitchens in Araneta City for a special tribute and celebration before she leaves for Albania next month.

"I am excited to compete internationally. Now I can be more relaxed. It's not that I am taking anything for granted, but just enough to trust myself and trust the process of training for queens," said Annabelle when asked about her excitement for the international pageant during the Q&A portion.

Annabelle, 25, expressed her desire to promote the Philippines upon arriving in Albania.

"Aside from our hospitable nature, I want to promote Philippine textiles. We have so many textiles from different regions. However, it's said that sometimes we end up patronizing foreign brands when, in fact, our own can stand on their own in the international market if given the chance. That's something I am working on, and I want to integrate local textiles into my wardrobe," the beauty queen said.

The Iligan City-based beauty serves as a role model of resilience and determination. She was born in the United Kingdom and was raised by her Tito Tata in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte.

She began working at a young age, balancing modeling, hosting, and other endeavors to support her loved ones.

A self-made woman and certified "raketera," Annabelle was a working student while also being a full academic scholar and a feature writer for her university publication. She graduated with a degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

Annabelle is a staunch advocate for children's rights and welfare. She is a volunteer for Save the Children Philippines, which focuses on empowering children to reach their full potential through education and support. Her passion and commitment reflect her desire to uplift others and create lasting change.

"I want to reintroduce to a bigger audience what championing children's rights is all about. You can do so much for your children if you give your time or render services and volunteer work.

"My experience in championing the rights of children is something I would love to share and introduce to my sisters, whom I'll be meeting in Albania very soon.

"Just basic concepts for children's rights and how to protect them. Even in social media approaches. It's something we can learn from because it is not really hard to do or get started with. We can fund a better ground because all countries are investing in the youth, who are the foundation. Hopefully, I'll meet allies there," Annabelle said.

Asked about the best lessons learned as a beauty queen, Annabelle answered, "Being open to change. Anything can happen. Surrendering everything to God makes things easier and lighter to bear.

"We make our plans, but at the end of the day, sometimes God has other plans. It doesn't mean he's denying you or rejecting you, but sometimes, it's a blessing in disguise.

"We have to be patient and trust in that blessing. That's something I have learned from all the pageants that I have been through. It keeps me humble and grounded. Not only in pageants, but life in general," she added.

Recently, Annabelle had the opportunity to meet Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne, who provided her with valuable advice and tips for competing in the Miss Globe pageant.

"I had dinner with Mauren. The gist of what I absorbed from that dinner was to be prepared for success. It's something you need to prepare for and work hard.

"It motivated me to stay on track and keep on going when it comes to training. I should not be complacent. She gave me advice on the responsibilities of the Miss Globe queen. She told me about her experiences.

"I don't think there's such a thing as overtraining. I do get a little passionate sometimes, but that's something I'll check. Not too little and not too much. Just right. That's the right approach," she added.

Annabelle is now setting her sights on clinching the Philippines' third Miss Globe crown, following the country’s previous winners, Miss Globe 2015 Anne Colis and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne. She is ready to compete at the highly anticipated pageant on Oct. 15 in Tirana, Albania.

The Davao City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is pleased

 The Davao City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is pleased that senior citizens will start working in big fast food chains.

According to Lorenzo Borja, head of OSCA Davao, this job opportunity is a big help for their financial needs, especially that most of the sector do not want to depend on their families.

Based on the agreement, senior citizens will receive similar to the workers' minimum wage of ₱510 per day.

Contract of Service is also the status of senior citizens to work for three to four months, but, may be renewed depending on the company.

Borja reveals, apart from fast food chains, negotiations with the local government are ongoing with other establishments that accept senior citizens to work.

It’s particularly important that of the city’s more than 200,000 senior citizens, 30% of them are already eligible to work.

Borja warns senior citizens that even when they work, they should not forget their health.

Just this week, the local government of Davao signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the city’s two big fast food establishments to accommodate senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

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Rente mit 63 ohne Kürzungen – dank dieses Tricks kann es klappen

Stand:11.09.2025, 15:31 Uhr

Von: Beate Sturm  

Viele träumen davon, schon mit 63 Jahren den Job an den Nagel zu hängen. Lesen Sie hier, wie ein Schlupfloch die Frührente ohne Abschläge möglich macht:  

Die Rente mit 63 ist für viele ein Sehnsuchtsziel. Endlich mehr Zeit für Reisen, Enkel oder Hobbys – ohne sich ständig Gedanken um die Arbeit machen zu müssen. Doch wer früher aussteigt, muss in der Regel mit Abzügen rechnen. Das schmälert die monatliche Rente deutlich. 

Zum Glück kennt SÜDWEST24 ein Schlupfloch, mit dem sich die finanziellen Verluste vermeiden lassen.

Normalerweise liegt das Renteneintrittsalter für alle, die ab 1964 geboren sind, bei 67 Jahren. Wer früher aufhört, zahlt pro Monat 0,3 Prozent Abschlag – das summiert sich schnell auf bis zu 14,4 Prozent. Besonders langjährig Versicherte mit 45 Beitragsjahren dürfen zwar etwas früher raus, müssen aber trotzdem bestimmte Hürden nehmen. Genau hier setzt das Schlupfloch an, das ein cleveres Hintertürchen bietet. Mehr dazu bei SÜDWEST24. (bs) 

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