Davao Light takes over power distribution in 4 Davao del Norte areas

By Ivy Tejano

Published May 26, 2026 11:28 pm

DAVAO CITY – Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (Davao Light) officially assumed electricity distribution services in Tagum City and three municipalities in Davao del Norte starting Tuesday, May 26.

Davao Light president and chief operations officer Enriczar Tia said the areas covered by the Supplemental Writ of Possession include Tagum City and the municipalities of Kapalong, New Corella, and Talaingod.

The takeover covers full operation and maintenance, new service applications, billing and collection, and other customer services.

The sheriff of the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Tagum City on Monday implemented the Supplemental Writ of Possession granting Davao Light authority to assume control and begin serving the four areas.

"This marks another major step in the transition of electricity distribution operations in Davao del Norte under Republic Act (RA) No. 12144," Tia said.

RA No. 12144, enacted on April 6, 2025, expanded Davao Light's legislative franchise to include Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and 19 municipalities across Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

The Supplemental Writ of Possession is based on the May 15, 2026 Order of the Court affirming Davao Light's lawful right to expropriate the entire distribution system in Davao del Norte previously operated by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO).

"Beginning May 26, electricity consumption in these areas will be billed by Davao Light," Tia added.

He assured that the company is working to ensure stable and reliable electricity service for customers in the covered areas.

"We remain hopeful for the cooperation and coordination of NORDECO to help ensure a safe, orderly, and uninterrupted transition process for consumers and communities." (With PNA)

Cita Astals to make showbiz comeback

By Neil Ramos

Published May 26, 2026 07:28 pm

At A Glance

• Director Boy2 Quizon confirmed veteran actress Cita Astals is set to return to showbiz after years away from the industry as she joins the upcoming "Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion" movie.

Veteran actress Cita Astals is set to return to showbiz after years away from the industry as part of the upcoming “Home Along Da Riles: Da Reunion” movie.

This was divulged by director Boy2 Quizon during a recent interview, maintaining that Astals’ participation in the film, where she reprises her role as Hillary Lagdameo, Kevin Cosme’s boss, is already a sure thing.

“Hillary is definitely hundred percent all in,” he said.   

Quizon personally invited Astals to join the reunion, stressing how important her presence is to the venture.

He recalled telling Astals, “Tita, hindi makukumpleto yung reunion project kasi na-miss ka nila.”

It is worth noting that Astals has been away from the entertainment industry for several years after previously opening up about living with bipolar disorder. Her return marks a rare comeback appearance in a major film project.

Quizon said:  “Despite whatever things na nangyayari o pinagdadaanan ng bawat isa sa amin, noong nagkita-kita kami, parang hindi na namin kailangan pag-usapan pa ang detalye as to what’s going on sa mga buhay-buhay namin. So, despite sa, you know, kung anuman, ibabalik namin si Hillary so si Tita Cita, makikita ninyo (sa pelikula). Abangan ninyo.”     

"Home Along Da Riles," which aired from 1992 to 2003 via ABS-CBN, starred the late Comedy King Dolphy alongside Astals, Quizon, Vandolph, Claudine Barretto, Nova Villa, among others.

The fear of death, the hunger for life

Darl Angelica G. Panti 

The stillness of the night always had a way to amplify the thoughts daylight politely ignores. Often the last one awake, I hold the world while I watch it under its breath. While some people count sheep, I count the ways I might suddenly stop existing. What really happens next? Where do I go after I take my final breath? Will I experience the moment as it slips away, or does it simply happen without my awareness?

These thoughts often occupy a space in my mind I never invite them to. Sometimes, just like a soft knock on the door of my consciousness; other nights, it barges in—heavy and impossible to ignore. When people are asked what they think happens after we die, devout and religious people say either heaven or hell, spiritual people say reincarnation, and atheists will say the same thing that happened before we were born—nothing.

When I try to picture “nothing,” I think of a blankness, only for it to collapse into some kind of presence. Even the void I try to imagine has shape and color. Giving up, I just think that maybe the human mind wasn’t naturally built to imagine its own absence.

Sometimes, I picture death just like a deep sleep, where I would dissolve into the quiet and stay there. Other times, I imagine waking up somewhere unfamiliar. Somewhere I would have never imagined it would look like. Then there’s a version I like the most: crossing into a place where everyone I have ever loved is waiting for me. Maybe childish, but it is kind. And when faced with the unknown, kindness feels wiser for me than any certainty. I hold on to that idea because they soften the hard edges of fear, reminding me that even if death comes, there is room for warmth and reunion.

In the Philippines, we treat death as a sacred subject, but not a conversational one. You can pray for the dead, but it’s not nice to talk to the living about what it means to join them one day. As a child, I saw candles being set up in front of the neighborhood’s doors during “undas,” glowing like tiny watch lights, each flame holding the presence of loved ones we have lost. Walking along those streets, I felt fear, as if I were treading along a runway of ghosts. I remember hearing adults murmur about souls and salvation, but never about death itself, never about what it truly meant for life to leave this world.

Filipinos often speak about returning to God, now more than ever, more often than not, but rarely about returning to nothing. We are presented with death as a transition, like being sent to either heaven or hell, and not as cessation. This binary thinking has now become the architecture of our truth. We even minimize this existential distress with humor. We make jokes about dying and ghosts because laughter is easier than honesty. We laugh so we don’t look afraid, sharing anxiety about how short life is and how easily we might be forgotten. Fear veiled in faith, grief hushed with jokes. A part of me resists this quiet obedience, as it seems to me that asking “what comes next?” feels deeply human. Wondering what follows the end of existence is just curiosity, and imagining what I think would happen to me after life on the soils of the earth is a necessary rebellion against inherited beliefs because it is my own afterlife. One that is not dictated by any religious boundaries.

And yet, even with this imagination, fear persists. On nights when that familiar anxiety of death creeps in, I try to meet it not as an intruder but as a strange, awkward friend that reminds me that maybe it’s my earnest desire and unguarded yearning to stay. To keep living in a reality where senses are alive, and emotions are loud. Where I am someone who laughs, aches, and loves. Someone who would constantly think of what lies beyond to cradle the truth that life is temporary and create a comfort only I can make.

Perhaps what terrifies us most is not death itself, but the loss of the humble joys of life. Not being able to witness another sunrise, not hearing another story, not tasting another meal that reminds us of home, not feeling the warmth of another embrace. The fear of losing all of these awakens something deep within, as if the mind is overwhelmed by the beauty of being alive. And perhaps that is why fear of death and hunger for life are inseparable. Our dread, in a way, is our longing. It is the mind insisting we pay attention to the miracle of living while we still can.

Whatever waits at the end, I’ll meet it in time. There is no need to run toward it or away from it. Tonight, I inhale the air in my lungs. I feel the pulse beneath my skin. I notice the small miracle of being able to think, worry, and wonder. And maybe, for now, that is enough.

RAISING LOW SELF-ESTEEM

WE ALL experience moments when we lack confidence and do not feel good about ourselves. However, when low self-esteem becomes a long-term problem, it can seriously affect our mental health and daily lives.

Self-esteem refers to the opinion we have of ourselves. When we possess healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about who we are and about life in general. It also helps us cope better with life’s ups and downs.

On the other hand, when our self-esteem is low, we often see ourselves and our lives in a negative and overly critical way. We may also feel less capable of facing the challenges that life brings.

Low self-esteem often begins during childhood. Teachers, friends, siblings, parents, and even the media can send both positive and negative messages about who we are.

Unfortunately, for many people, the message that they are “not good enough” is the one that stays.

Perhaps you found it difficult to meet other people’s expectations or even your own. Stressful and painful life experiences, such as serious illness or the loss of a loved one, can also damage self-esteem.

Personality may also play a role. Some individuals are naturally more prone to negative thinking, while others set unrealistically high standards for themselves.

If you have low self-esteem or lack confidence, you may withdraw from social situations, stop trying new things, and avoid challenges altogether. In the short term, avoiding difficult situations may make you feel safe.

However, in the long run, this behavior can backfire because it reinforces your fears and self-doubt. It teaches you the unhealthy belief that avoidance is the only way to cope.

Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and may lead to problems such as anxiety and depression. Some people also develop unhealthy coping habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking.

To improve your self-esteem, you first need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself and then challenge them.

For example, you may tell yourself that you are “too stupid” to apply for a new job or that “nobody cares” about you.

Begin by noticing these negative thoughts and writing them down in a diary or on a piece of paper. Then ask yourself when you first started believing these things.

After that, write down evidence that contradicts those negative beliefs. You might remind yourself, “I’m really good at solving cryptic crosswords,” or “My sister calls me every week just to chat.”

List other positive qualities about yourself as well. You may write things like, “I am thoughtful,” “I am a great cook,” or “I am someone people can trust.”

You should also include positive comments that other people have said about you. Try to list at least five good things and continue adding to the list regularly.

Place the list somewhere visible so you can remind yourself each day that you are worthy and capable.

You may struggle with low confidence now because of difficult experiences while growing up, but it is never too late to grow, heal, and develop a healthier way of seeing yourself.

Here are some simple techniques that may help improve your self-esteem:

Build Positive Relationships

If certain people constantly bring you down, try to spend less time with them or honestly tell them how their words and actions affect you.

Instead, build relationships with people who are positive, supportive, and appreciative of you.

Be Kind to Yourself

Being kind to yourself means treating yourself gently, especially during moments when you become overly self-critical.

Think about the kind of advice you would give to a friend facing the same situation. Very often, we are kinder and more understanding toward others than we are toward ourselves.

Being assertive means respecting the opinions and needs of other people while expecting the same respect in return.

One useful technique is to observe people who communicate assertively and learn from the way they carry themselves.

This does not mean pretending to be someone you are not. Rather, it means learning valuable habits and allowing the best version of yourself to emerge.

Start Saying “No”

People with low self-esteem often feel obligated to say yes to others, even when they truly do not want to.

As a result, they may become overworked, resentful, angry, or emotionally exhausted.

In most cases, saying no will not ruin relationships. Sometimes, it simply helps people understand your limits and respect your boundaries.

Give Yourself a Challenge

Everyone feels nervous or afraid at times. However, people with healthy self-esteem do not allow fear to stop them from trying new experiences or taking on challenges.

Set a realistic goal for yourself, such as joining an exercise class or attending a social gathering.

Each achievement, no matter how small, can help build your confidence and strengthen your self-esteem.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or visit him on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter). You may also visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

Sad news

 

Cine Europa returns to Philippines with the ‘best of the best’ European films

 

Lara Charmaine Lagorra - The Philippine Star 

Whether through comedy, tragedy, history or documentary, Cine Europa presents stories of love, loss, identity, resilience and transformation. As the festival continues across the Philippines, it reinforces cinema’s role not only as entertainment but also as a shared space where audiences can encounter lives different from their own.

The Cine Europa returns for its 29th edition, continuing its mission of using cinema as a bridge for cultures, ideas and shared human experiences.

The long-running European film festival once again brings a diverse lineup of films from different European Union Member States to audiences across the Philippines through free screenings nationwide.   

This year’s festival will feature 17 full-length feature films and three documentaries, ranging from historical dramas and fiction to adventure and comedy.

“Over the years, this partnership has grown into more than a collaboration,” said Agata Nowicka, deputy head of mission to the Philippines, during the May 14 launch. “It has become a platform of culture, dialogue and storytelling.”   

The 2026 lineup presents a wide range of themes exploring identity, memory, history and human connection.

Poland gives us the selection with “Lampo the Travelling Dog,” inspired by a true story of a train-riding dog forming unexpected bonds, alongside “Lost of Balance,” a psychological drama about a young acting student confronting self-doubt and emotional pressure.

Belgium’s “Head or Fails” presents a raw exploration of instability and consequence, following individuals trapped in cycles of risky decisions.

The Czech Republic has the film “The Waves,” which revisits the Prague Spring of 1968, when journalists at Czechoslovak Radio risk their lives to broadcast uncensored information under Soviet occupation.   The Slovenian film “Hidden People” explores the unexpected connection between two strangers forced into an unusual situation, while Germany’s “Roter Himmel (Afire)” dives into themes of love, ego and creative struggle.

France’s “Un Ours Dans La Jura” introduces a suspense thriller about a struggling couple whose lives spiral into chaos after discovering a large sum of money following a car accident in the snowy Jura mountains.

“Four Mothers” from Ireland features a humorous yet emotional story about caregiving and family responsibility, while Sweden’s “The Dance Club” follows a group of misfit patients at a psychiatric clinic who form an unlikely alliance through a dance group.

The festival will also present Italy’s “Gloria,” which highlights music and artistic expression in a historical setting, while Austria presents “Sleeping with a Tiger and Peacock,” both examining identity, performance and self-discovery.

Spain’s “Campamento Garra de Oso (Bear Claw Camp)” follows a family adventure film about Maia, an imaginative and spirited girl, and Jan, a fearful city boy, who race to save a summer camp threatened by an eccentric builder.

“How Can I Live Without You” from Hungary is about a young woman named Lili, who discovers her mother’s diary revealing a 1990s summer romance at Lake Balaton that leads to emotional awakening across generations.

“Nasty,” a Romanian documentary, details the life and career of tennis legend Ilie N?stase, while Slovakia’s docu “Andy Warhol: American Dream from Slovakia” explores the artist’s immigrant roots and cultural identity.

Ukraine’s “Simple Soldier” is said to deliver a stark portrayal of an ordinary man navigating the realities of war in eastern Ukraine, reflecting the emotional and psychological toll of conflict.

Other featured films include “Summer is Crazy” from Finland, set in the Finnish archipelago during midsummer, where the Eerola family grapples with disappointments after their fine dining restaurant goes bankrupt.

From Cyprus, the film “Maricel” follows a Filipina domestic worker caring for an elderly couple in a remote mountain village, where what begins as a simple caregiving job gradually unveils questions of personal boundaries within the household.

Also featured is “Sentimental Value,” selected by the European Union Delegation, which tells the story of an aging filmmaker who casts his estranged daughter in his next film in an attempt to reconnect.

When asked by The Philippine STAR during an open forum on why cinema continues to matter in today’s world, particularly in relation to the diverse themes explored in Cine Europa films, Katarzyna Wilkowiecka of Poland said, “It’s sometimes nice to go into the dark room where everybody is sitting, enjoying the big screen with great sound, which is also very important. Even if everything is in front of your eyes, you still use your imagination. And then you go home, you discuss it with friends, with family, or even think about what you’ve seen.”

Ireland’s deputy head of mission, Erica Duffy, also noted that cinema becomes a powerful tool for connection, especially when stories like their film “Four Mothers” reflect universal experiences such as caregiving and family responsibility.

“There are ways that we can connect with one another that me standing giving a speech, or my colleagues discussing what our governments are doing to advance our interests and values, cannot achieve in the same way that storytelling does,” she said.

Germany’s First Secretary, Pia Friedrich, also shared how storytelling strengthens memory.

“You can tell a fact, and you will forget it,” she explained. “But when it is told through a story, it provokes emotion, helps us remember and gets us attached to a topic. This is really how storytelling works, and I truly believe storytelling is everything.”

Slovenia’s Ambassador Smiljana Knez added that audiences engage with films for different reasons —  whether to learn about history, discover similarities across cultures or simply enjoy meaningful cinema.

“People may want to learn about history, or feel good, or relate to something they see on screen,” she said, underscoring the varied ways audiences connect with film.

The festival screenings are all free on a first-come, first-served basis. The Manila screenings will be held at Shangri-La Plaza from May 28 to June 3, followed by free public screenings at Rizal Park from June 15 to 20, on specific screening dates, and the lineup of films to be shown each day.

Expanding its reach beyond Metro Manila, the festival will also bring screenings to Tacloban from June 11 to 15 and Cagayan de Oro from June 29 to July 4.

The detailed screening schedules for venues beyond Manila, including the daily film lineup, are still being finalized and will be announced through the festival’s official website in the coming weeks.     

MGI All Stars: Meet the 5 queens competing for the Philippines

 

From left: Fuschia Anne Ravena, Imelda Schweighart, Gazini Ganados, Keylyn Trajano, and Alexia Núñez

Miss Grand International via Facebook, Imelda Schweighart via Instagram

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

May 26, 2026 | 3:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — Preliminary proceedings are underway for the inaugural All Stars edition of Miss Grand International, with participating countries sending multiple names into the mix.

The new competition is open to women and transwomen ages 20 to 40, regardless of marital status, who have competed in or won a previous pageant.  

Another key feature of the pageant is that competing countries can send more than one delegate. This year, there are 58 contestants from 38 territories.

China has the most representatives with six, followed by the Dominican Republic with four and host country Thailand with three.

The Philippines is staking a claim with five beauty queens bannered by the Three Stars and a Sun, each bringing major pageant experience and hoping to go far in the competition.

Here is a rundown of the five Filipina queens competing in the first-ever Miss Grand International All Stars.

Fuschia Anne Ravena

The 30-year-old beauty queen was the first delegate announced to represent the Philippines.

Fuschia was crowned Miss International Queen, the biggest beauty pageant for transgender women, in 2022. She was the second Filipina to win the title after Trixie Maristela in 2015.

Organizers hailed Fuschia as a proud trans Filipina and a global advocate for compassion, inclusion and equality.

"A powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality, she is also a successful beauty industry entrepreneur and the owner of a premier aesthetic clinic — redefining beauty through purpose, leadership, and lasting impact," they said.

Alexia Núñez

A couple of days later, Filipino-Brazilian beauty queen and actress Alexia Núñez also threw her name into the ring to compete for the Philippines.

Alexia won Noble Queen of the Universe 2025 last November while representing Brazil, competing against other beauty queens representing Filipino communities.

A wellness and sustainability advocate and creative entrepreneur, the 27-year-old is fluent in five languages and uses her voice to champion peace, dignity and women's empowerment.

Her humanitarian efforts have focused on helping Indigenous women and children through education and livelihood initiatives that honor culture while fostering long-term independence.

In showbiz, Alexia appeared on the television show "Batang Quiapo" and the Netflix film "Kontrabida Academy."

Keylyn Trajano

Earlier this year, another trans queen, Keylyn Pan Guevara Trajano, was confirmed to banner the Philippine flag.

Like Fuschia, the 30-year-old has competed in pageants in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

She represented Arabia in Universal Woman 2025, placing in the Top 13 alongside the Philippines' Jasmine Omay.

Both queens won two special awards each, with Keylyn taking the Photogenic and Voice Challenge plums.

Outside pageantry, Keylyn is a television host-actress, entrepreneur and marketing and public relations professional who founded several organizations, some of them aligned with her advocacy for inclusion, equality and youth empowerment.

Gazini Ganados

Probably the biggest name among the Philippine representatives and the country's best bet at winning is Filipina-Palestinian beauty queen Gazini Ganados.

Miss Grand International All Stars marks Gazini's pageantry comeback since she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019, the last national titleholder under Binibining Pilipinas before the local franchise moved to a new organizing body as Miss Universe Philippines.

At Miss Universe 2019, won by South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi, Gazini finished in the Top 20 and won the Best National Costume award.

Before that, she competed in Miss World Philippines 2014 as a teenager, making her one of the Philippines' most recognizable beauty queens.

Organizers said the 30-year-old showcased "elegance, resilience, and dedication to representing women with strength and authenticity" during her pageant run.

Since passing on the national title during the pandemic, Gazini has signed with GMA Network's talent arm Sparkle and made a name for herself in showbiz as a model and television personality.

Imelda Schweighart

The fifth and final Filipina competing at Miss Grand International All Stars is Filipino-German beauty queen Imelda Schweighart, a submission that was not without controversy.

Imelda was representing Kalibo, Aklan, in Miss Universe Philippines 2026 until news emerged that a contestant had been removed from the competition.

Photos of Imelda were no longer included in sponsored pictorials. Come coronation night, weeks after Imelda said she was joining Miss Grand International All Stars, Miss Universe Philippines said the 31-year-old had fully left the contest.

Still, Imelda is entering the upcoming competition with immense experience, having competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2013, Miss Earth 2016 and Miss Universe Germany 2023. She resigned her Miss Earth Philippines title after the 2016 international pageant.

Organizers described Imelda as "a legendary multi-hyphenate and a true icon of her generation" who won her first national crown at 15 years old. She is also an actress, singer-songwriter, music producer and entrepreneur.

"Her journey is defined by resilience, individuality, and authenticity," they added. "Known for her unapologetic spirit and editorial edge, Imelda brings a lifetime of stage mastery to the global spotlight — reminding the world that icons aren’t born, they are made."

Arrivals, registration and primary photo shoots will end on May 17 before pre-pageant activities begin, leading up to coronation night on May 30.

Working from home? How to avoid back pains, tech neck

 

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com  

Working longer hours in a makeshift office may lead not only to mental fatigue and burnout but also lower back pain and “tech neck,” also known as chronic pain in the neck.   

MANILA, Philippines — One of the work trends that have emerged from the more than two-year pandemic is the work-from-home (WFH) set-up. Some offices have stuck to it even after the pandemic has somehow let up and allowed the economy to move forward.

While working remotely may have become a new source of stress for those who have set up makeshift office spaces in their living area or bedroom, especially for those who lack the proper facilities for it, it still has its advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to travel to and from work, thus saving time otherwise wasted in traffic and budget for gas or bus fare. Then there is the versatility of attending to household chores and mommy or daddy time while at the same time being able to fulfill your corporate duties with proper time management.   

But, well, yes, not having the ideal set-up of a real office can take a toll on a WFH employee. Working longer hours in a makeshift office may lead not only to mental fatigue and burnout but also lower back pain and “tech neck,” also known as chronic pain in the neck.

“Poor positioning of work equipment and sitting longer in chairs that were not designed for desk jobs can cause health issues that may get in your day-to-day tasks and affect your productivity, and even make you more prone to injury and fatigue,” said Anne Kathleen Ganal-Antonio, MD, of the Department of Orthopaedics, of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

Even after the pandemic, a lot of people will still be doing business straight from their homes. Fortunately, Dr. Ganal-Antonio shared a few tips on simple adjustments that can help get the work done minus the unnecessary aches and pains:

• Create an ergonomic workspace. There’s no need to buy expensive office furnishings to be comfortable while working from home.

“Just improvise,” advised Dr. Ganal-Antonio. “Make sure your computer screen is in front of you at a comfortable viewing height, not in a place where you have to look down. If you use a laptop, prop it up to eye level on a stack of books or a sturdy box, and invest in an external keyboard and mouse. Your forearms and hands must be level and straight when you use the keyboard, and your arm must be close to the side of your body when using the mouse. The more your arm is stretched to the side, the greater the chance of straining your neck and shoulder.”

As for the way you sit, make sure that your hips and knees are level, or your hips are slightly above your knees, she added. “Avoid slouching or leaning forward. Instead, sit with your upper back straight and your lower back curving to the shape of the chair. Use a pillow to support your lower back. Make sure, too, that your feet touch the floor.”

Dr. Ganal-Antonio also recommends using standing tables or a foot stool. “According to the pioneering study conducted by Swedish spine researcher and orthopedic surgeon Alf Nachemson, when we flex forward, more stress is concentrated at the discs, which are the shock absorbers of the spine. It’s best to be slightly reclined, about 110 degrees. You can use standing tables to lessen the stress. Adding a foot stool to alternately rest each foot can also help.”

• Get up. Sitting is the new smoking, as the saying goes, and studies have linked longer sitting time to higher risk of death, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. But standing for long periods has also been associated with varicose veins and back pain. “A Cornell University professor of ergonomics suggests following the rule of 20-8-2: Sit for 20 minutes, get up for 8 minutes, and move around for at least 2 minutes,” Dr. Ganal-Antonio shared.

• Use the break to stretch, roll your shoulders, do arm circles, or touch your toes. “You can also give yourself a reason to stand up and move,” the doctor added. “Place the printer or phone in the other side of the room so you have no choice but to get up and walk when you need them.”

• Work out in your workplace. Start and end your workday with simple yet effective exercises that strengthen your core and target the muscles on your back and shoulders, said Dr. Ganal-Antonio.  “Begin with 10 squats, 10 tricep dips using a stable chair, and 10 wall push-ups. You can also do jumping jacks, push-ups, and crunches to stimulate circulation.”

Teach the why

 

BY ELEANOR PINUGU

MAY 25, 2026

Growing up, I hated trigonometry because I couldn’t understand what it was for. I got a decent grade in class, but only because I memorized the formulas. It was only much later that I appreciated how trigonometry has practical uses in architecture, aviation, medicine, and many other fields. I couldn’t help but wonder why it wasn’t taught to me this way. Why didn’t my teacher start our year by showing us why trigonometry mattered so we could better appreciate what we’re learning?

This was my own experience of the education relevance gap—the disconnect that happens when a student cannot see the relevance of what is taught in the classroom and its practical application in their day-to-day lives. Multiple studies and reports highlight how the perceived mismatch between what students need and aspire toward and what education systems offer leads to student disengagement, poor attendance, and the eventual risk of dropping out.

A major driver of the education relevance gap is that young people today are exposed to a much larger world than what the classroom or home can offer. Their perspectives and questions are shaped by social media, economic anxiety, climate fears, political instability, new technologies, and an uncertain future of work.

Every Man For Himself

 

May 24, 20263 min readThe BoholTimes

AND of course: every woman for herself. It’s used for saying that everyone needs to look after themselves and not worry about anyone else. Everyone looks out for his or her best interest. Originally this phrase expressed approval. It appeared in Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale (“Ech man for him-self, ther is non other”), implying that if one did not look out for oneself no one else would.

It’s always been this way in reality and should be for good reason. “Every man for himself” is an individualistic ideal. It teaches self-reliance, self-sufficiency and independence.

Each individual puts his or her own interests foremost. For example, In this company no one helps anyone—it’s every man for himself . In Chaucer’s day this dictum was stated approvingly, meaning “if you don’t look out for yourself, no one else will,” but today such selfishness is usually censured.

Yes, each person does what is best for himself or herself. Yes, times are getting tougher. I think you, my dear readers, know what I am talking about. No reason to list everything again. Sometimes, there is no team spirit in this office; it’s definitely every man for himself. Neighbors would tell each other: mind your own business. The tone between us humans is becoming more and more harsher.

Some people live alone because friends and families have abandoned them. Important helpline is Psalm 27:10 for them. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.”

And solitary survivors like Robinson Crusoe, or the hero in the movie Castaway, fascinate. But the loner is someone who purposely holds himself aloof, like the Unabomber, Mathematician Ted Kaczynski. People doggedly moving ever farther away from one another constitute hell in C.S. Lewis’ book, The Great Divorce.

Fact is  –  Proverbs 18:1 says:  A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; he rages against all wise judgment.

Living in community and helping one another is foundational for all who wish to follow Christ. We know from Acts 2 that the early church took this seriously, seeing many examples of believers helping one another, including materially, so that there would be no one in need within their group.

Much has been written about the benefits of strong relationships. I wrote about it at this corner several years ago. People are healthier, live longer, and are generally happier if they have strong friendships beneficial for helping and encouraging each other. And let me repeat it – especially during these tough times.

Jim Mathis, a writer, photographer and small business owner in Overland Park, Kansas, got it to the point last year, when the pandemic started: “Personally, one big change that took place when I decided to follow Christ was shifting from a self-centered existence to community-centered living. My life changed dramatically for the better when I stopped looking out only for myself and started finding ways to help others with a sense of community. Life went from an individual sport like a race to a team sport, working toward our mutual benefit”.