Rabat named PDP-Laban city council president

 

By Ivy Tejano

RABAT and Duterte (FB)

Former Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat was sworn in as city council president of the Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, strengthening the party’s presence in Davao Oriental ahead of the 2028 elections.

Rabat took her oath on Friday, May 22, before PDP-Laban President and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte in a ceremony attended by local party leaders and supporters at Matina Enclaves in Davao City.

Following her induction, Rabat officially aligned herself with PDP-Laban and expressed support for the emerging political plans of Vice President Sara Duterte, including a possible presidential bid in 2028.

According to party officials, the event was part of ongoing efforts to consolidate PDP-backed leadership in Mindanao as political preparations for the next national elections begin to take shape.

Photos from the ceremony showed Rabat with Mayor Duterte and other party members performing the party gesture after her formal acceptance, marking her official entry into the group and showing unity with the party.

Analysts said Rabat’s entry into the PDP-Laban leadership could influence politics in Mati City and nearby areas, especially as discussions about the 2028 presidential race have grown among Duterte supporters.

Gel Cayuna, Jackie Acuña join Nxled Chameleons

 

Gel Cayuna, left, and Jackie Acuña. (PVL Images)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published May 24, 2026 07:48 pm

At A Glance

The team made the announcement on social media on Saturday, May 23, welcoming the two players from Cignal, which took a leave of absence from the league.

The Nxled Chameleons have acquired Gel Cayuna and Jackie Acuña to bolster their roster for the upcoming Premier Volleyball League season.

The team made the announcement on social media on Saturday, May 23, welcoming the two players from Cignal, which took a leave of absence from the league.

“A decorated setter is about to GEL with the Chameleons. Welcome to #NxledNation, Gel Cayuna,” the post read.

“JAC ATTACK (AND BLOCK) IS HERE! Welcome to #NxledNation, Jacqueline Acuña!” it added.

Cayuna, a native of Zamboanga del Norte, has won the Best Setter award multiple times in the league, including in the recent All-Filipino Conference. She previously played for the Perlas Spikers in 2021 before joining Cignal in 2022.

Acuña, for her part, is a former league Best Middle Blocker.

The two are expected to join forces with an already loaded lineup that include Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo, among others.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow

 

By Klaus Döring

May 25, 2026

Updated May 24, 2026

Do you always count the days until the next legal holiday without being on duty? Or do you start as early as September longing for Christmas? And do you wish the weeks or months would pass quickly until the next possible salary increase?

Many times, we are really in too much of a hurry while feeling uncomfortable when we notice how time flies. We have no time for someone or something, or even for ourselves.

The quote, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning,” was said by Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein was a German physicist and Nobel Prize winner who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history.

One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda that God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy. I love the thoughts of author Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015).

When I was still a teenager, I longed for the time when I would already be a grown-up. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother’s stories such as “Once Upon a Time” or “When I Was Young” from her “yesterday’s life.”

After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a rocket to the moon, I always have the same question in my mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?

Learning from yesterday means correcting the mistakes you made yesterday and doing it again. Living for today means not making those mistakes today. Hoping for tomorrow means that if you learn from the past, your future will be bright.

Is life in the future easier, nicer, more charming and more fulfilling compared to the present? Many of us retreat into the past and forget our present existence. A possible topsy-turvy world of golden youth tries to let us forget that the past also had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness and desperate days. Dreamy and sleepy days, yes, lost days, irretrievable time …

I am glad and happy to be able to live a wonderful life as an expatriate here in the Philippines since 1999, together with my family and some very good friends. It was not easy during the first years. Now, we stand on our own feet because we worked hard and adjusted very well.

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com, follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn, or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 24, 2026 12:05 am | Updated May 23, 2026 04:10 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

First Reading • Acts 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, [the disciples] were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 104

“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” or “Alleluia.”

Second Reading • 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

Gospel • Jn 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” 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.

Which Philippine destinations are most worth visiting for long-term residents?

 

Ronna Lou

 · 

Following

Matchmaking Consultant (2016–present)1y

I guess it depends on your preferences.

For example, if you like the beach vibe, you can visit Siargao, Boracay, or Palawan.

El Nido, Palawan

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

If you are into fresh mountain air and the smell of pine, Baguio or Banaue are good destinations.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Photo by John Renzo Aledia from Pexels

For a more modern feel, with a skyline that can compete with other beautiful cities around the world, Metro Manila and Cebu City should be on your list.

Downtown Cebu

Photo by Gil Aguirre from Pexels

But if you prefer an open wilderness and experience exotic wildlife with the amenities of a developing city, Bohol or Davao are your best options.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Photo by Jondave Libiran from Pexels

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, offers a wide variety of destinations that even locals will want to visit soon. Whether you go to the beach, explore a modern city, or hike up a mountain, you’ll get to experience firsthand the rich culture, history, and heritage that the country is founded on.

When You Start Making Good Money, Do this

 

Posted by 

Hoorab Jahangeer

 

When You Start Making Good Money, Do this

1. Buy fewer clothes, but wear the highest quality.

2. Eat premium food, not junk.

3. Hire a helper for household chores. Buy back your time.

4. Upgrade your mattress. Sleep changes everything.

5. Invest in experiences, not just stuff.

6. Upgrade your financial adviser. Most don’t know how to manage millions.

7. Surround yourself with high-value people.

Small shifts. Big impact.

Mary as Mother of the Church

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IT is no surprise that Our Lady is given a lot of titles and invocations, since among all men and women, she is the one who most closely identified herself in the life and mission of Christ as the Redeemer of Mankind. Since Christ is her son and is the Head of the Church, it should be very logical to call Mary also as Mother of the Church.

This has Scriptural basis on that gospel episode where Christ, already moments before his death on the cross, entrusted her to St. John, and through St. John, to all of us. That’s when Christ said: “Woman, behold your son…Behold your mother.” (Jn 19,26-27)

Thus, among the titles and invocations mentioned in the Litany of Loreto or the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the title of Mary as Mother of the Church had been added relatively recently by Pope Paul at the Second Vatican Council. 

It’s a title based on her divine motherhood of Christ, her close cooperation in Christ’s work of redemption, and her continuing spiritual motherhood toward all the members of the Church which is referred to as the People of God and the Mystical Body of Christ, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of believers with Christ as the head.

As Mother of the Church, she is regarded as the one who closely cooperates in the birth and development of divine life in the souls of the redeemed. Though not considered as above the Church, she is nonetheless seen as the Church’s pre-eminent and singular member and an excellent exemplar in the faith and charity.

Her maternal care and concern for all the believers of Christ persist in heaven, always supporting the unique mediation of Christ, the only mediator between God and man. (cfr. 1 Tim 2,5) She is actively interceding for all the Church faithful who are still in their pilgrim journey toward our definitive home in heaven.

In the encyclical of St. John Paul II, entitled “Redemptoris mater,” Mary is regarded as “present in the Church as the Mother of the Redeemer who takes part as a mother in that monumental struggle against the powers of darkness.”

Besides, Mary is also considered as exemplifying the Church. As virgin and mother, she preserves the faith purely while generating new life through Baptism and preaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes this aspect in the following words: “At once virgin and mother, Mary is the symbol and the most perfect realization of the Church.” (507)

Our devotion to Mary as Mother of the Church should lead us toward filial veneration and imitation of her virtues. It should be expressed through prayer and service, developed via liturgy, popular piety, and theological study. It should always be Christ-centered for the Church’s growth in holiness. It should avoid isolating Mary from Christ or the Church. Rather, she should guide us toward the Eucharist and communal solidarity.

Like any Marian devotion, it must be developed in “harmonious subordination” to Christ-worship that reflects God’s plan where Mary occupies a singular place. We should consider her always in relation to the Church as the Family of God, the People of God and the Mystical Body of Christ. In other words, our love for Mary should be inseparably united with our love for the Church.

Like any devotion, it should foster both personal and communal exercises, interiorizing piety amid modern changes.

Why Italianni's still hits the spot for comfort dining

 By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Published May 23, 2026 09:45 am

My very first Facebook video, circa 2009, is of me with my older sister’s barkada, eating at Italianni's BGC. But my memory of that place goes well beyond their BGC branch. I have memories with my dearly departed mother, ordering and ordering extra bread, to savor their yummy olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. Mom and I would ask for grated Parmesan cheese, and we would sprinkle it liberally onto the dip to add a bit of salty-savory flavor to it.

My go-to dish there is the Spaghetti Vongole and the pasta with giant meatballs. Safe to say, I have a lot of great memories at Italianni’s. And I’m sure many Filipinos do, too. In the succeeding years, admittedly, I grew away from Italianni’s, discovering new restos, and going through different foodie phases—from a Japanese ramen craze, to Korean barbecue, and then a steakhouse phase.

But their “All Yours All Day” promo has reinvigorated my love for Italianni’s, with me realizing that I’ve been eating there more often now. The campaign, now on its fourth season, is perfect for solo dining, treating friends, nephews, and nieces, or simply for those on the go who need a quality, hearty meal quickly. It’s supremely affordable, too. Some of the combo meals are priced below P500, complete with drinks and their beloved complimentary bread. Carb overload.

CLASSIC COMBO Side Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, and a drink make for an easy, hearty meal set. (Photo: Italianni's)

This May, the casual dining chain rolled out season four of its “All Yours All Day” offering, with meals starting at P385 for a complete set that includes an appetizer, entrée, and drink. The promo continues Italianni’s push to make casual dining more accessible without sacrificing the hearty Italian-American dishes many diners have come to associate with the brand.

I recently added the season four media preview of the new dishes. I love how they keep on calling it seasons. It’s like waiting for new episodes, but with food.

The meal begins with complimentary Tuscan and focaccia bread, still one of the restaurant’s strongest draws for longtime patrons like me. Guests can then choose from appetizers such as the Side Caesar Salad, Pepperoni Pizzetta, Carrot Soup, or Chicken Fingers & Chips with honey mustard for an additional charge.

For mains, diners can choose among Pork Adobo Rice, Grilled Porkloin, Seafood Vegetables and Rice, or Chicken Parmigiana, depending on their appetite and budget. Drinks include a House Blend Iced Tea, while the Blushing Fizzy Tea is available for an added fee. Dessert add-ons such as Affogato and Double Espresso are also available for those wanting to extend the meal a little longer. Now, more bread please!

The promo is available for dine-in customers across all Italianni’s branches nationwide and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional offers.

SWEET FINISH Affogato caps off the meal with a comforting mix of espresso and ice cream. (Photo: Italianni's)

Is Bela Padilla becoming a problem on the set of 'Blood vs. Duty'? Shocking allegations surface

 

By Neil Ramos

Published May 23, 2026 10:41 am

At A Glance

• Citing a source, Ogie Diaz said Bela Padilla is allegedly becoming difficult to work with on set, supposedly interfering with decisions involving the script, production flow, and scene distribution.

Actress Bela Padilla is currently at the center of controversy after rumors surfaced claiming that she has allegedly become a “headache” for the production team of her ongoing series “Blood vs. Duty.”

The issue was recently discussed by comedian and talent manager Ogie Diaz in his “Showbiz Update” vlog, where he shared several behind-the-scenes allegations reportedly circulating within the production.

Ogie first brought up Bela’s cryptic Instagram Story post, which read: “When you give it your all pero di man lang pala siya day ender.”   

The talent manager explained that in television production, a “day ender” refers to the episode’s final or cliffhanger scene and that it is usually the most important moment meant to hook viewers into watching the next episode.

According to Ogie, Bela was allegedly disappointed after expecting her scene to become the episode’s “day ender,” only for it not to happen despite allegedly giving her all during filming.

The veteran showbiz personality questioned why the matter became an issue in the first place, saying actors typically do not interfere with decisions regarding which scenes become the highlight of an episode.

Aside from the alleged complaint, Ogie claimed that more stories regarding Bela’s supposed attitude on the set of “Blood vs. Duty” had reached him.  

“Totoo ba na ikaw ay sakit ng ulo ng production?” Ogie asked in his vlog, while also mentioning alleged reports that Bela supposedly brought some of her concerns directly to top management instead of first addressing them with the production staff.

The talent manager also brought up rumors involving actor Baron Geisler, claiming there were whispers on set that Bela allegedly had issues with him.

The vlogger also mentioned rumors that the actress previously encountered issues with fellow celebrities including Carlo Aquino, Ria Atayde, and even her close friend Angelica Panganiban.

Despite the explosive claims, Ogie clarified that he is not keen on believing the rumors and that he would rather wait to hear Bela’s side before passing judgement.

But he ended his commentary with a blunt remark: “Kung feeling mo napakahusay mong artista… dapat ikaw na mag-produce.”

Ouch.

As of writing, Bela has yet to publicly address the allegations.

Temporary shutdown of Davao dump eyed

BY JOSELLE R. BADILLA

MAY 23, 2026

UNSAFE SLOPE A view of the sanitary landfill in Barangay New Carmen, Davao City, where a massive waste mound collapsed on Wednesday, May 20, triggering a trash slide that left one dead, two injured and two missing. —SCREENGRAB FROM RMN-DXDC VIDEO

DAVAO CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday said it is considering the suspension of a sanitary landfill in Barangay New Carmen here, which collapsed on Wednesday, burying one person, injuring two, and leaving two others missing.

In a statement, the DENR called on the city government to “accelerate stabilization measures at the site,” where a mountain of trash slid past 1 p.m. on Wednesday following days of rain that also submerged parts of the downtown area.

As of Friday, search and rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 911 Urban Search and Rescue, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and barangay responders were deployed, but their efforts were hampered by unstable ground conditions.

The CEO’s declaration of the area as “unsafe for full entry” prompted a temporary suspension of waste disposal operations at the landfill. It has also sent technical teams to assess the extent of the waste movement to guide remediation measures for the facility.

According to the DENR, the landfill has been under close monitoring by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the Davao region since January.

In March this year, a notice of violation was issued against the facility “for operating without a discharge permit, failing effluent standards, and maintaining an inadequate leachate treatment system,” the DENR said.

Last month, the city government committed to drafting a pollution control program for the landfill.

The DENR said earlier inspections “documented steep slopes, a collapsed leachate pond, and the presence of informal waste pickers and makeshift dwellings near the landfill perimeter.”

“These findings formed the basis of DENR recommendations for slope stabilization, partial closure of certain sections, and relocation of households within the 200-meter buffer zone,” the agency said.

Corrective measures

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the trash slide underscores the urgency of completing corrective measures.

“Every life lost is unacceptable. The DENR and the local government have been working together on the technical and regulatory requirements for months. This incident reinforces the need to accelerate slope stabilization and the safe closure plan,” he said.

An average of 786 tons of waste is dumped into the landfill daily, and the sheer volume has brought it close to full capacity. A new landfill site being developed nearby is still halfway completed.

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Cuna said that once suspended, operations at the landfill will not resume until the site is declared safe.

“This is a moment for collaboration. We are committed to ensuring that Davao City’s waste facilities are safe, compliant and resilient,” he said.

According to Barangay New Carmen chief Jerry Ceballos, residents living near the landfill had long been urged to relocate due to the rising danger posed by the accumulating trash.

A city government report said 15 houses were destroyed, mostly buried under the debris, while 11 others were damaged. Several motorcycles were also buried.

Ceballos said more than a hundred families, or at least 500 individuals, have been evacuated to gymnasiums in the village and the health center.

The Office of the Vice President has mobilized a food truck to provide meals for evacuees and rescuers, who continue to slowly dig through the collapsed garbage mound in hopes of finding two missing elderly women.