Sebastian "Baste" Z. Duterte - the silent architect of Modern Davao

 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭" 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞

In a world full of "epal" posters and staged photo-ops, Davao City is leaning into a different kind of energy. It’s what we call the "Silent Worker" movement, and honestly? It’s a whole lifestyle.

𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐧: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Many of us remember how former President Rodrigo Duterte ran the city for decades. He was the original "Silent Architect", often found patrolling the streets at 2 AM or working behind the scenes while the rest of the world slept.

Today, Mayor Baste is carrying that same torch. He’s proof that the Duterte brand of leadership hasn't just lasted; it’s evolved. He shares that same "work first, talk later" philosophy that resonates deeply with the Davaoeño spirit. No trailing camera crews, no media entourages, just the engine room of governance.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 "𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝" 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 :

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 > 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬: While other cities are busy trending, Davao City is busy growing. From a massive 𝟕.𝟗% 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 to being named 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫, the results are felt in our daily lives, not just seen on a feed.

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥: Have you noticed the influx of international diplomats lately? From Japan and China to the EU and France, the world is looking at Davao as the "𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡." We’re becoming a global destination without losing our local soul.

𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: Ever tried the new 𝗲-𝗕𝗢𝗦𝗦 (𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽)? No more red tape drama. It’s digitalization that actually works for the entrepreneurs of Davao.

𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Remember the Coastal Road? Mayor Baste refused to open segments until they met international safety standards. That’s the Duterte legacy refined: Life over photo-ops. Always.

You don’t need a microphone to be heard when your achievements are visible in every safe street and every new opportunity. Davao isn’t just rising; it’s leveling up with a leader who works even when the cameras aren't watching.

#MoreOfDavao #DavaoCity #BasteDuterte #LifeInDavao #DavaoStandard #Progress #LifestyleInDavao

All reactions:

2.1KMary Joselle Dilig Villafuerte, Skye Abad and 2.1K others

Warum der Ruhestand Beziehungen auf die Probe stellt – und was Sie dagegen tun können

 

Stand:18.02.2026, 11:02 Uhr

Von: Constanze Julita  

Nach dem Berufsleben müssen sich Paare oft neu finden. © IMAGO/Zoonar

Der Ruhestand stellt viele Paare vor unerwartete Herausforderungen. Psychologin Ina Wohlgemuth erklärt, warum Kommunikation entscheidend ist.

Der Ruhestand ist nicht nur ein Schritt, sondern ein ganzes Bündel von Veränderungen, die Paare bewältigen müssen. Während die Kinder längst aus dem Haus sind, werden die eigenen Eltern pflegebedürftig, und einer oder beide Partner verlassen das Berufsleben – oft nicht gleichzeitig. „Es sind mehrere parallele Übergänge“, erklärt Psychologin Ina Wohlgemuth ein Phänomen, das viele Paare unterschätzen. Warum aus Teamkollegen wieder Liebende werden müssen und wie Paare diese Herausforderung meistern können, schildert sie im Gespräch. Dazu finden Sie in unserem kostenlosen Ratgeber-PDF „Paar-Vertrag“ praktische Strategien. 

Fit in Rente   

In der sechsteiligen Serie beleuchten wir die wichtigsten Aspekte für ein gesundes Leben im Ruhestand. Im ersten Teil ging es um die Identitätsfindung nach dem Berufsleben. Demnächst erfahren Sie, wie Alleinlebende nach dem Wegfall von Arbeitskontakten mit Einsamkeit umgehen und sie vermeiden können. Schließlich gehen wir auf die körperliche Gesundheit ein: Sie erfahren, warum der Muskelerhalt als Altersvorsorge wirkt, nachlassende Sinne die Teilhabe gefährden und wie Sie Ihre Ernährung gestalten können, wenn das geregelte Essen in Kantine und Co. wegfällt und Zeit zum Kochen daheim ist.   

Partnerschaft nach dem Berufsleben: die neue Zweisamkeit  

Diese parallelen Übergänge bringen viele Paare in eine ungewohnte Situation. Jahrzehntelang haben sie perfekt als Team funktioniert. „Tatsächlich stabilisieren sich Beziehungen häufig über so eine Art Team-Gefüge“, beschreibt Wohlgemuth das Phänomen. Das gemeinsame Dritte – seien es die Kinder, der Hausbau oder andere Projekte – schweißt zusammen und gibt der Beziehung Struktur.

Doch was passiert, wenn dieses gemeinsame Dritte wegfällt? „Dann steht man manchmal auf sich zurückgeworfen als Paar und muss wieder gucken: Was denn jetzt? Wo finden wir uns denn jetzt?“ Die romantische Liebe, die „Magic Moments“ – all das ist über die Jahre in den Hintergrund getreten zugunsten der effizienten Teamarbeit.

Retired Husband Syndrome

Das sogenannte „Retired Husband Syndrome“ beschreibt ein Phänomen, das vielen aus Loriots „Papa ante Portas“ bekannt vorkommt: Der Mann dringt nach seinem Berufsleben in die häusliche Sphäre ein, die jahrzehntelang das Reich der Partnerin war. „Dieses Klischee erlebe ich in meiner therapeutischen Praxis tatsächlich gar nicht so häufig“, berichtet Wohlgemuth.

Das eigentliche Problem liegt tiefer: Wenn die gemeinsamen Projekte wegfallen, brechen oft völlig unterschiedliche Lebensentwürfe auf. „Sie hat den Traum, nochmal Tango tanzen zu wollen, die Welt zu entdecken. Und er sagt: Mein Garten reicht mir“, beschreibt sie das Dilemma. Verreisen versus Familienbindung, Abenteuer versus Ruhe – plötzlich prallen Vorstellungen aufeinander, die jahrzehntelang unter der Teamarbeit verborgen lagen.

„Zu spät“: Die Rente mit 67 hat für Ökonomen ausgedient

Rente: Experten favorisieren flexible Altersgrenzen

Dominik Groll vom Kieler Institut für Weltwirtschaft (IfW) kritisiert laut n-tv starre Altersgrenzen als kurzfristige Lösungen. Solange die Lebenserwartung kontinuierlich steige, seien feste Renteneintrittsalter nur temporäre Maßnahmen.

Seine Empfehlung: Eine automatische Kopplung des Renteneintrittsalters an die Lebenserwartung. Die Wirtschaftsweise Veronika Grimm unterstützt laut ARD-Tagesschau diesen Ansatz und warnt, dass das gegenwärtige System „in Zukunft nicht mehr zu finanzieren“ sei.   

Parteien streiten über Reformrichtung

Die politischen Lager verfolgen gegensätzliche Strategien. JU-Vorsitzender Johannes Winkel schlägt radikale Sparmaßnahmen vor: Kürzungen bei den Rentenausgaben von über 50 Milliarden Euro jährlich. Seine Forderungen umfassen die Abkopplung der Rentenanpassung von der Lohnentwicklung zugunsten eines reinen Inflationsausgleichs sowie die Abschaffung der abschlagsfreien Rente nach 45 Beitragsjahren.

Die Linkspartei verweigert jede Erhöhung des Renteneintrittsalters. Sozialexpertin Sarah Vollath argumentiert: „Schon jetzt gehen viele Menschen früher in Rente, weil es körperlich oder mental nicht mehr geht.“ Als Alternative fordert die Partei eine Erhöhung des Arbeitgeberbeitrags von derzeit 50 auf bis zu 60 Prozent der Rentenbeiträge.   

FAMILY AS SACRAMENT

 

By

 Mindanao Daily News

 -

February 19, 2026

0

12

Living in the Philippines since 1999 for good, I found out about this. I learned so many things being a part of a Philippine family.  I was born in a parish house in Germany  but experienced years later how to survive in a broken family.

My Philippine mentor, Hermogenes E. Bacareza, former Chaplain of the Philippine community in Berlin and author of German-Philippine Relations,  taught me in 1988: The Christian family is also called to be a sacrament. They are called, like the Church, to be Christ to one another, as well as to the broader community. By becoming what they are called to be, the family lives the sacramental life, and the sacred can bubble up through the ordinary things of everyday life.   

What on earth can be more of a sign of God’s grace than the authentic self-giving love of a fully committed married couple whose love for each other brings life and spills out upon their children and with them onto those beyond the family? This, I believe, is the new vision of the Christian family for the 21st century. 

Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom.

Families are central to God’s plan for His children. They are the fundamental building block of strong societies. Families are where we can feel love and learn how to love others. Life is tough, and we need people we can lean on.

What’s the purpose of family? These bonds are important because family helps us get through the most disastrous times and the best times. Family is important because they can offer support and security coupled with unconditional love; they will always look to see and bring out the best in you even if you cannot see it for yourself.

Since residing in the Philippines, I experienced that family is important to Christians because family is about witnessing to the Lord’s faithful love for the Church and for the whole of humanity; family is about making present, in a concrete and daily manner, the reciprocity and beauty of the love that characterises God’s life. Family is a rich school where we learn to be humane and generous, to be patient and steadfast, to be just and merciful, to be faithful and committed, to be together and to connect.

Single parented or mother-father; childless or fertile; in big cities or in the countryside; in harmony or in conflict/domestic violence; in home country or refugees; at peace or at war, married or cohabitating, separated or remarried; healthy or in illness/addiction, free or in prison, in a house or homeless, able or disabled, working locally or away from home, with or without pets; whatever the family… all families are precious in the eyes of God.

UNSPOKEN ETIQUETTE

1. Never shake hand while sitting.

2. Never talk bad about the food when you are the guest.

3. Don't eat the last piece of something you didn't buy.

4. Protect who is behind you and respect who is beside you.

5. Never make the first offer in a negotiation.

6. Don't take credit for the work you didn't do.

7. Dress well, no matter what the occasion.

8. Speak honestly: say what you think and mean what you say.

9. Ask more than you answer.

10. Leave the profane language for the less educated.

11. Avoid placing your phone on the table when eating with someone.

12. Listen, smile and most of all make eye contact.

13. If you're not invited, don't ask to go.

14. Never be ashamed of where you come from.

15. Don't beg for a relationship.

We often take care of our body through better sleep, food, and habits — but the mind quietly carries stress we don’t always notice.

Make Your Personality Stronger:

1. Aways keep your promises and be on time.
2. Speak when necessary; otherwise, remain silent.
3. When you talk, listen properly and maintain eye contact.
4. Crack jokes, but not unnecessary or irrelevant ones.
5. Take a step every day to grow in life. Aim to be better.
6. Never beg for love; better things are waiting for you.
7. Never hurry. Always pause before answering and think about what you want to say.
8. Never join when you are not invited. Respect boundaries.
9. Never eat too much at any party; people judge you.
10. Never spend money to impress anyone. Be wise.
11. If someone insults you, don’t insult them back, but also don’t meet them again.
12. Never think negatively about anyone; always think positively.
13. Dress well, no matter the occasion or even daily.

What is a rheumatological disease?

 

When the good becomes bad

By Dr. Edsel Salvana

Published Feb 16, 2026 10:59 pm

The immune system is a double-edged sword. It protects us, but it can also hurt us.

A few weeks ago, a patient was referred to me after she developed a sore throat and a rash. This sounded like a routine strep throat infection, or in medical terms, acute tonsillopharyngitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This is a common illness and is straightforward to treat. A penicillin-type antibiotic like amoxicillin or cephalexin works very well, and there is little resistance to these drugs. We usually treat this with pills as an outpatient. Since she wasn’t feeling very well and wasn’t eating much, we went ahead and admitted her for hydration, and I started ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which is very effective against Streptococcus pyogenes.

She did well overnight. The fever went away, and the sore throat got better. However, after two days, the fever and the rash came back. The infection seemed to be improving, so something else was likely going on. We checked laboratory tests that look at the levels of inflammation, and true enough, she had very high levels of CRP (C-reactive protein) and ferritin. At this point, we knew that her body was having a hard time toning down its response to the infection, even if it was already controlled. This unabated inflammation could potentially damage her own tissues and organs. We started corticosteroids (powerful anti-inflammatory medication) and called a rheumatologist.

Most people are familiar with allergies, where a substance can trigger an abnormally exaggerated immune response. Rheumatologic diseases are similar to allergies in that there is an exaggerated immune response that goes beyond the initial inciting event, and it becomes detrimental to the body. In some of the more difficult cases, there is no clear trigger, and the body just starts attacking itself, resulting in serious tissue and organ damage.

Allergies involve mast cells, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E (IgE, a special type of antibody) and are self-limited. Rheumatologic diseases involve different parts of the immune system, including antibodies, B-cells, T-cells, macrophages, and cytokines. They include both autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks its own cells, and autoinflammatory diseases, which refer to dysregulation of the immune response. The word “rheuma” is derived from the Greek word for “flow” and refers to fluid buildup in joints, which is a common feature of these diseases.

We usually treat allergies with antihistamines and, in severe cases, short courses of corticosteroids. In contrast, rheumatologic diseases can involve different parts of the immune response and may not abate unless strong immunosuppressive medications are started and maintained.

Three of the most common rheumatologic diseases I encounter as an infectious diseases doctor are rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and adult Still’s disease.

Rheumatic fever usually occurs in childhood, especially among children with repeated strep throat infections. Rheumatic fever can manifest as joint swelling, subcutaneous nodules, rash, swelling of the heart (carditis), and abnormal movements (Sydenham’s chorea). The first instance of rheumatic fever occurs two to four weeks after a strep throat, and subsequent strep throats can cause a flare. The reason for the disease manifestations is that the body makes antibodies against the Streptococcus pyogenes that have autoimmune properties and attack tissues in the heart and in the joints. Damage to the heart valves predisposes the patient to serious heart infection (endocarditis), and we usually have to give prophylactic antibiotics such as penicillin for years to protect the patient from strep throat recurrence that can induce another attack and result in more complications. Our patient was a bit old to have rheumatic fever, and she denied a history of recurrent strep throat, although many features of her disease overlap with rheumatic fever.

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus for short, is one of the most common and deadly autoimmune diseases known to man. Many Filipinos are familiar with SLE since it is one of the rheumatologic diseases (among several) that a celebrity like Kris Aquino is battling against. Lupus is a result of the body producing antibodies against its own cells, particularly against the cell nucleus. No one knows why the body starts producing antibodies against itself, although one of the more plausible theories is that it is triggered by infection with a specific virus known as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

One way to diagnose lupus is with a screening test known as the anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) test. The ANA test checks for many different kinds of antibodies against parts of the nucleus, including double-stranded DNA and ribonucleoproteins. ANA is not specific to lupus, but most lupus patients (around 98 percent) test positive for ANA. Because most of the cells in our body have a nucleus, lupus can affect almost any organ. Common disease manifestations include arthritis, a rash, kidney damage, blood abnormalities, neurologic abnormalities, and oral ulcers. Some patients can have just a few manifestations and present with a mild flare requiring only small amounts of anti-inflammatory medication. On the other hand, some patients have a fulminant course with rapid kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, along with abnormal formation of blood clots, brain swelling, seizures, and pulmonary hemorrhage. Severe lupus requires high-dose corticosteroids and strong immunosuppressants, which increase the risk of severe infection. This is why the treatment of lupus is multidisciplinary, usually led by the rheumatologist but also involving a kidney doctor, an infectious diseases doctor, and other subspecialties as needed. Our patient tested negative for ANA, so it was unlikely she had lupus.

Adult Still’s disease is a rheumatologic disease, but it is not an autoimmune disease. It is also known by the unwieldy term adult-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The exact cause remains a mystery, but it can be triggered by an infection like strep throat. The immune system remains overstimulated and does not calm down even after the infection is resolved. The main symptoms of adult Still’s disease are joint swelling and a rash coupled with a very high ferritin value, which our patient had. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory medications, including corticosteroids. Our patient responded quite well to her treatment. There is, however, no definitive confirmatory test for adult Still’s disease, and so the diagnosis in this case is clinical. In addition, like what Kris is going through, there are many overlapping syndromes, and some connective tissue diseases (another name for rheumatologic diseases) can evolve into other types over time.

The immune system is a double-edged sword. It protects us, but it can also hurt us. Infectious disease doctors and rheumatologists both deal with the immune system, but in different ways. My infectious diseases colleagues and I rely on the immune system to clear infections, and we use antibiotics to assist the body in fighting off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For us, the immune system is a powerful ally. Rheumatologists represent the other end of the spectrum and deal with immune systems that have gone awry and are overreacting. For them, the immune system is something that needs to be reined in and controlled. This situation perfectly encapsulates the complexity of modern medicine and reinforces the idea that it is always best to listen to your doctor in order to stay in the best of health.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 reveals 51 candidates, expands public voting

 

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Feb 17, 2026 11:49 pm

The search for the next Filipina Miss Universe officially kicked off as 51 candidates vying for the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 crown were formally presented yesterday at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila.

Wearing coordinated pink and red ensembles to reflect the period between Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, the candidates made their first collective appearance before members of the media, pageant partners, and fans.

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates with Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up Ahtisa Manalo (center) - Photo by Melvin Sia

Prior to the indoor presentation, the delegates kicked off the festivities with a parade around the SM Mall of Asia complex, delighting pageant followers who gathered for an early glimpse of this year’s aspirants.   

Miss Universe Philippines officials also announced key updates for the 2026 edition, including the confirmation of Misamis Occidental as the official host province and local government partner. Pangasinan was also announced as the venue for the 2026 national costume competition.

New selection format

Miss Universe Philippines Vice President Voltaire Tayag said the organization is introducing a revamped selection process to increase transparency and public participation throughout the competition.“We are introducing a new selection format that is intended to rally public support for the delegates, while also showcasing transparency every step of the way,” Tayag said. “We are bringing the journey closer to Filipinos by allowing them to have a significant say in every stage of the pageant up to the semifinals.”

Under the new system, major preliminary segments - including the evening gown, swimsuit, and closed-door interview - will be filmed and recorded in March. These materials will then be released weekly as part of a multi-round public voting process.   

Starting April 5, the competition will roll out its first preliminary week with the evening gown segment, marking an earlier and more sustained evaluation period for the candidates.

All of the videos and photos will be released weekly through the different segments in every round,” Tayag said, noting that candidates are expected to remain at peak form as early as March. He added that designers were asked to complete their creations earlier than usual due to the adjusted timeline.

From left: Miss Tarlac, Miss Pampanga, and Miss La Union at the press presentation (Annalyn Jusay)

At the end of each voting period, a select number of delegates will advance to the next round, beginning with the swimsuit segment. Advancement will be determined through a combination of public votes via Maya app and selections made by the judging panel.

Candidates who do not advance through public voting will continue to participate in official events and provincial tours throughout April. Tayag stressed that delegates still have chances to move forward through selection panel choices, brand awards, and wildcard slots to be announced during the finals.

A new interactive feature will also be introduced during coronation night, allowing registered viewers to vote in real time as the candidates take the stage.

“Every moment matters. Every vote counts,” Tayag said. “Every stage of the competition is an opportunity to showcase your best.”

Showdown of pageant veterans   

This year’s competition is also shaping up to be a "puksaan"  with several seasoned pageant veterans joining the roster.

Among the candidates are Ysabella Ysmael of Taguig City, MUPH 2020 first runner-up; Apriel Smith of Cebu City, MUPH 2020 Top 16 finalist; Miss Earth-Water titleholders Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union and Roxie Baeyens of Baguio City; Nicole Borromeo, who finished as third runner-up at Miss International 2023; Justine Felizarta of Manila, first runner-up at Miss Tourism World 2023; Ashley Subijano of Luisiana, Laguna, a Miss Eco International 2023 semifinalist; and Imelda Schweighart of Kalibo, Aklan, a resigned former Miss Philippines-Earth 2016.

Miss Universe Philippines officials led by CEO Jonas Gaffud (center) with Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up Ahtisa Manalo. (Annalyn Jusay)

Here's the complete list of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 candidates and the provinces they represent:

Albay – Alexandra Krishna Orino

Bacolod City – Megan Larisse Baldevia

Bacoor City – Felicia Fran Aldana

Baguio City – Roxie Baeyens

Batangas – Kathleen Dale Casenas

Cabanatuan City (Filipino Society of Alberta, Canada) – Princess Kyla Hernandez

Camiguin – Erica Jean Cadayday

Cavite – Jencel Cana

Cebu City – Apriel Smith

Cebu Province – Nicole Borromeo

Cotabato – Clarissa Westram

Dasmariñas City – Tyra Jane Godino

Iligan City – Trexy Paris Roxas

Ilocos Norte (Filipino Society of Hawaii) – Charieze Lianne Cacayorin

Iloilo City – Zestah Espinosa

Iloilo Province – Nicklyn Jutay

Isabela – Prima Joy Alamban

Kalibo, Aklan – Imelda Schweighart

Laguna – Ysabel Cecilia Prats

Las Piñas (Filipino Society of Florida) – Avegail Eusebio Kultsar

La Union – Bea Millan-Windorski

Leyte – Kareyl May Cabahug

Los Baños, Laguna – Scarlett de Mesa

Luisiana, Laguna – Ashley Victoria Subijano

Manila – Justin Beatrice Dellosa Felizarta

Mountain Province – Lyneree Montero-Yodong

Muntinlupa – Adela Mae Marshall

Negros Occidental – Alexandria Colmenares

Negros Oriental – Ma. Fatima Alsowyed

Nueva Ecija (Filipino Society of the United Kingdom) – Michelle Tantoco Burchell

Nueva Vizcaya (Filipino Society of Washington) – Jacqueline Aluning

Occidental Mindoro – Neil Silva

Palawan – Aviona Dass

Pampanga – Allyson Hetland

Pangasinan – Donna Rein Nuguid

Parañaque (Filipino Society of Los Angeles) – Maria Pauline Galvez

Pateros – Kristen Joy Marcelino

Quezon Province (Filipino Society of Australia) – Patricia Ella Evangelista

Rizal (Filipino Society of Southern California) – Alicia Chelsea Buendia

Samar Island – Catherine Wardle

San Carlos City – Rose Ann Albania

San Jose, Negros Oriental (Filipino Society of Bellevue, Washington) – Jayka Noelle Munsayac

Santo Tomas, La Union (Filipino Society of Seattle, Washington) – Rachel Hanna Gozum

Sarangani (Filipino Society of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) – Nicole Cruz

Southern Leyte – Renee Rose Patual

Sultan Kudarat – Jenrose Javier

Taal, Batangas (Filipino Society of Northern California) – Juliana Hope Aquino

Tacloban City – Jacqueline Gulrajani

Taguig – Maria Ysabella R. Ysmael

Tandag City – Chrystel Mae Correos

Tarlac – Marian ArellanoTuguegarao City - Janica Francen Aquino

Tuguegarao City - Janica Francen Aquino

Ashes and the mercy of God

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Feb 18, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Feb 17, 2026 04:04 pm

Ash Wednesday, to some Christian denominations, is the beginning of the Lenten Season. The imposition of ashes frames the Christian understanding of human frailty. And as it is written in Genesis 3:19, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. This underscores that humanity is finite, accountable, and wholly dependent upon the mercy of God.

Yet Ash Wednesday does not claim to save as salvation belongs to Jesus Christ alone. The Scripture affirms that redemption is accomplished not through ritual observance but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus when He died on the cross. As the apostle Paul writes, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). It is through His death on the cross that we are redeemed from sin and reconciled to the Father. The ashes, therefore, do not redeem; they remind. They direct the believer’s gaze toward the cross, where true and final salvation was secured.

The prophetic call resounds in Joel’s exhortation: “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning… Rend your heart and not your garments” (Joel 2:12–13). The emphasis falls not on outward display but inward transformation. Ash Wednesday opens a season in which Christians are urged to examine the condition of the heart. Repentance is a deliberate turning away from sin and a renewed submission to the lordship of Christ.

Fasting, long embedded in the Church’s spiritual discipline, acquires renewed significance during this season. Our Lord’s instruction is unequivocal: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face” (Matthew 6:16–17). Fasting trains the appetites, reorders priorities, and exposes hidden dependencies. It is a tangible acknowledgment that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). By voluntary self-denial, believers cultivate spiritual attentiveness and humility before God.

The 40-day observance of Lent finds its model in Christ Himself. Following His baptism, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). For 40 days and 40 nights He fasted, entering fully into the vulnerability of human hunger and temptation. In that wilderness, He did not rely upon miraculous power for self-preservation but answered each temptation with the authority of the Scripture. His obedience in deprivation foreshadowed His ultimate obedience at Calvary. It reveals the steadfast righteousness of the Son who would bear the sins of the world.

Prayer likewise occupies a central place in the Lenten journey. Christ teaches, “When you pray… your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is a disciplined return to communion with God. It cultivates contrition, dependence, and trust. Through prayer, the believer aligns personal will with divine purpose, seeking not merely relief from guilt but transformation of character.

Repentance completes this triad of disciplines. The promise of Scripture is both clear and consoling: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Confession is an act of faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Because He has borne the penalty of sin, the penitent may approach God with confidence in His forgiveness.

Thus, Ash Wednesday is not an end in itself but a solemn commencement. The ashes signify mortality; the disciplines cultivate humility; the cross secures redemption. In remembering that we are dust, we are directed to Jesus Christ—the one who, through His death and resurrection, grants eternal life to all who believe.