Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Laughter acts as natural medicine, triggering healthy physical and emotional changes. It relaxes your body, boosts your immune system, and triggers the release of endorphins—the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals—to elevate your mood and diminish pain.A hearty laugh delivers science-backed benefits for both the mind and body:
Laughter is a pleasant physical reaction and emotion consisting usually of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli.
The aphorism “laughter is the best medicine” has been attributed to the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”. This ancient wisdom might also hold true for some medical conditions.
It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.
As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.
Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.
Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.
More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.
Laughter shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict.
Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.
Laughter releases endorphins, known as 'feel-good hormones'. It increases the oxygen-rich air you take in and reduces stress hormones, bringing down your heart rate and blood pressure, and causing your muscles to relax.
Well, even if we think we don't have reasons to laugh during times today,we should try to express mirth spontaneously, and we should try to be merry or gay. We still have reasons to start with the softest form of audible laughter - the vocalized smile. This is what I learned and experienced from the first moment on while travelling in Asia since 1978, and being an expat living in the Philippines since 1999 for good. Keep smiling - even you are overloaded with huge problems.
Experts also say good humor works because it helps people feel easier in mind. The French psychotherapist Sylvie Tenenbaum stressed that, in her patients, laughter often signals the dawning of a wholesome awakening to reality. Gallow humor might be dubious in the eyes of others. But try to sing out loud, try to cry, but try to laugh!
As a devout Christian I love reading the bible. Ecclessiastes 3:1-4 say: "There is a time for everything ... a time to be born and a time to die ,,, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh!"
Olivia Rodrigo on extreme concert culture
"I have been to certain concerts and certain festivals where people wear diapers so that they can be front row of the show," Rodrigo said, prompting immediate disbelief from the radio hosts.
She then shared a detail that took the story from surprising to downright unsettling.
"And that's been an experience as a performer that I have smelled," she added.
The revelation may sound shocking, but it also highlights how intense modern concert culture has become. For some fans, securing a prime spot near the stage has turned into an endurance challenge, with hours-long waits and the fear of missing even a moment of the show.
Some concertgoers have long shared stories online about attendees refusing to leave their spots for food, water, or bathroom breaks. In that context, Rodrigo's story feels both unbelievable and strangely plausible.
The singer appeared more amused than disturbed by the experience, though it is easy to sympathize with any performer who suddenly realizes the source of an unpleasant odor drifting toward the stage. At the same time, it speaks to the extraordinary lengths some fans are willing to go to for a front-row view.
Fortunately, Rodrigo has plenty of reasons to celebrate beyond becoming an accidental commentator on concert etiquette.
Her latest album, "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," has enjoyed a strong global debut, topping multiple album charts. The record's songs have also made a significant impact on streaming platforms and music rankings worldwide, further cementing Rodrigo's status as one of pop music's biggest stars.
Since the breakout success of "Drivers License," Rodrigo has become known for turning heartbreak, insecurity, and the challenges of growing up into chart-topping hits that resonate with millions of listeners.
She probably never expected to weigh in on diaper-related concert behavior. Yet somehow, in 2026, that has become part of the conversation surrounding live music.
In Germany, Legarda prods Filipinos to finish Rizal's vision for Philippines
By Hannah L. Torregoza
At A Glance
- Senator Loren Legarda reminded Filipinos that Dr. Jose Rizal's vision for Philippines remains unfinished, and it is the duty of Filipinos to carry out the national hero's aspiration of freedom and dignity.
- The senator thanked the people of Wilhelmsfeld and Heidelberg, the Ullmer family, and the Knights of Rizal for keeping Rizal's memory alive in Germany through the Rizal Historic Trail, commemorative programs, and generations of care for the places that shaped his life and work.
Senator Loren Legarda reminded Filipinos that Dr. Jose Rizal’s vision for Philippines remains unfinished, and it is the duty of Filipinos to carry out the national hero’s aspiration of freedom and dignity. Speaking at Wilhelmsfeld, Germany, where Rizal once longed for home and completed the novel that awakened a nation’s thirst for independence and self-determination, Legarda called on Filipinos to accomplish what Rizal had originally set out to do.
Legarda noted that Wilhelmsfeld holds a unique place in Philippine history, saying it was here, in 1886, that Rizal lived as a guest of Pastor Karl Ullmer, studied in nearby Heidelberg, and completed Noli Me Tangere, the novel that would awaken the Filipino national consciousness.
Rizal, the senator said, is a living force whose ideals of freedom, dignity continue to guide the Filipino people.
“So why mark his birthday in Wilhelmsfeld? Because this is where he found shelter,” Legarda said.
“We did not come to Wilhelmsfeld just to speak about Dr. Jose Rizal from a distance. We came to stand on the ground that opened its doors to a young Filipino far from home and gave him a place to belong,” she said.
Legarda thanked the people of Wilhelmsfeld and Heidelberg, the Ullmer family, and the Knights of Rizal for keeping Rizal’s memory alive in Germany through the Rizal Historic Trail, commemorative programs, and generations of care for the places that shaped his life and work.
The lawmaker further emphasized that the story of Rizal's stay in Wilhelmsfeld demonstrates how a simple act of kindness and welcome of a German family can leave a lasting mark on a nation’s history.
“A small German town that welcomed a young Filipino far from home became part of the story of a nation,” Legarda noted.
Moreover, she said Rizal’s life in Germany underscored that nation-building is never accomplished in isolation.
While Rizal's aspirations were firmly rooted in his love for the Philippines, his life also showed the importance of dialogue among peoples, cultural exchange, and international friendship.
“For more than a decade, I have tried to bring Rizal home to his own people, by way of Germany,” Legarda said as she recounted efforts to retrace Rizal's footsteps and give honor to his legacy.
“When I first visited Wilhelmsfeld and met Dr. Fritz Hack Ullmer, I left with a wish that the house where Rizal wrote his novel would one day be preserved for the people he loved,” she said.
“To this town and to the Ullmer family, who have kept Rizal's story alive across generations, the Filipino people are very grateful,” she also said.
The veteran legislator also emphasized that Rizal's significance lies not only in what he accomplished during his lifetime but in the continuing responsibility of succeeding generations to carry forward the ideals he championed.
“Dr. Jose Rizal, 165 years from the day you were born, we are here to remember you not as a man we mourn. You are a man whose vision is still ours to build,” she said.
“As the Knights of Rizal say, Non Omnis Moriar. Not all of you have died, and in our homeland, in Wilhelmsfeld, and in every mind still awakened by your words, you live on,” she reiterated.
Guardrails for the Digital Generation: Safeguarding welfare of Filipino youth
The digital age has transformed the lives of young people in ways unimaginable just two decades ago. Social media platforms have become central to communication, education, entertainment, and self-expression. Yet alongside these benefits has emerged a growing body of evidence linking excessive and unregulated social media use to anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, sleep deprivation, and declining attention spans among children and adolescents.
It is therefore unsurprising that governments around the world are beginning to consider stronger safeguards. The United Kingdom has announced plans to enforce restrictions on social media access for those under 16 beginning in 2027, reflecting mounting concerns among parents, educators, and health professionals about the impact of digital platforms on young minds. Similar debates have emerged in countries such as Australia and France, where policymakers have cited rising rates of youth mental health concerns and online harms.
The question naturally arises: Should the Philippines consider a similar policy?
The case for regulation is compelling. Filipino youth are among the world’s most active social media users. Parents often struggle to monitor their children’s online activities, especially as platforms become more sophisticated and ubiquitous. A 2021 UNICEF study also found that many Filipino children encounter online risks, including cyberbullying and unwanted contact from strangers.
An under-16 social media ban, or at least stringent age-based restrictions, could provide an important layer of protection. It would encourage children to spend more time on physical activities, face-to-face interactions, and academic pursuits. It could also reduce exposure to cyberbullying and the addictive design features that many experts believe exploit the psychological vulnerabilities of young users.
Moreover, regulation would send a clear message that technology companies share responsibility for child welfare. For too long, the burden of supervision has fallen almost entirely on families, while platforms profit from engagement generated by younger users. Stronger rules could compel companies to invest in safer digital environments and more effective age-verification systems.
Yet the drawbacks of a blanket ban must also be carefully weighed.
Social media is no longer merely a source of entertainment. For many young Filipinos, it is an important tool for education, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and maintaining social connections. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social media platforms and online communities became essential channels for remote learning and peer support. Restricting access could inadvertently disadvantage students who rely on online communities and digital resources for learning and personal development.
Enforcement presents another challenge. The Philippines lacks the technological infrastructure and regulatory capacity of wealthier nations. Age-verification systems may be costly, difficult to implement, and potentially intrusive. They could also raise legitimate concerns about privacy and data security. Critics of similar proposals in other countries have warned that collecting additional personal information from users could create new cybersecurity risks.
Experiences in various jurisdictions have shown that age restrictions can be difficult to enforce consistently, particularly when platforms rely on self-reported ages. A ban that cannot be meaningfully enforced may undermine respect for the law while offering only limited protection.
Rather than immediately adopting a UK-style prohibition, the Philippines may be better served by pursuing a balanced approach. Stronger digital literacy programs, parental education, age-appropriate design standards, stricter penalties against online exploitation, and enhanced platform accountability could achieve many of the same objectives without completely denying young people access to digital spaces.
BPO sector fights back against proposed US call center restrictions
By Dexter Barro II
Published Jun 23, 2026 03:42 pm
The Philippines’ information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector has warned that American businesses could face higher operational costs if the United States (US) government pushes through with plans to discourage offshoring.
Industry advocacy groups representing the IT-BPM industry submitted a position paper dated May 18 to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging it to reconsider proposed offshoring policies that threaten to negatively impact the sector’s contributions to the Philippine economy.
“We respectfully submit that several of the proposed measures, particularly those that would restrict offshore customer service delivery based on location, risk undermining these objectives by increasing costs, reducing service availability, and misdirecting regulatory focus away from the actual sources of consumer harm,” the paper read.
The position paper was jointly signed by the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC).
The groups issued their response after the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) last March to explore measures that would encourage businesses to bring call center jobs back to the US and improve customer service at existing domestic facilities.
Among the controversial measures are empowering customers to transfer calls to a US-based location, ensuring that calls involving certain types of sensitive information are handled domestically, and mandating that service providers disclose the location of the call center during customer interactions.
The FCC also wants to require call center workers to be proficient in American Standard English and appropriately trained to resolve issues raised by US customers. The federal agency said these measures aim to address the “frustration and poor customer service” regularly experienced by consumers when connecting with offshore call centers.
While the industry groups welcomed the intention to address the concerns of US consumers, they stressed there is no basis for placing the blame entirely on offshoring operations. They noted that offshore providers, particularly those in the Philippines, operate under strict contractual and regulatory frameworks imposed by US companies themselves. These frameworks cover service-level agreements, data protection obligations, and compliance requirements that already meet rigid US standards.
“Absent a demonstrated causal link between offshore operations and consumer harm, location-based restrictions risk being both overinclusive and underinclusive—burdening compliant providers while failing to effectively target problematic conduct,” the groups stated.
On the matter of language proficiency, the groups pointed out that Philippine call centers supporting US companies already implement rigorous language and communication benchmarks as part of their standard hiring processes. Given the country’s long-established strength in adult English proficiency, they argued that “additional English certification requirements would appear to duplicate competencies that are already established and consistently demonstrated over time.”
Regarding illegal robocalls, the groups emphasized that Philippine-based providers are not the source of unlawful robocall traffic due to their strict adherence to legitimate contact-center operations.
If the FCC proceeds with these restrictions, the groups explained that US companies utilizing offshore operations would see an immediate spike in overhead.
“Absent the ability to utilize offshore capacity, many companies would face materially higher operating costs. These costs would, in turn, be passed on to U.S. consumers through higher prices,” they warned.
Citing estimates from the employment website Indeed, the FCC noted that the average annual salary for a call center representative in the Philippines is $5,115 (roughly ₱312,600). In contrast, the average salary for the same role in the US is $66,809 (around ₱4.07 million).
Instead of the proposed restrictions, the groups are urging the FCC to adopt regulatory measures focused on a risk-based, outcome-oriented approach.
“A regulatory framework focused on measurable outcomes—including customer satisfaction, responsiveness, complaint resolution, cybersecurity safeguards, fraud prevention, and provider accountability—would more directly address the Commission's concerns than broad restrictions based on service location alone,” the paper read.
According to IBPAP data, the Philippine IT-BPM sector generated more than $40 billion in revenues last year, a five-percent increase from the $38 billion recorded in 2024.
'Francisco' intensifies into a super typhoon
'Francisco' intensifies into a super typhoon; tropical depression forms outside PAR | ||
| ||
Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) has intensified into a super typhoon on Monday evening, June 22, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. As of 8 p.m, the center of the eye of the typhoon was located 475 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan. Read more |
BIG-TIME ROLLBACK
BIG-TIME ROLLBACK
#ICYMI: Local oil companies will rollback fuel prices by as much as P11.82 per liter starting June 23.
READ MORE: https://inqnews.net/oilpricerollbackJune23
How to develop strong presence & personality?
Answered by
Steve Kerwick
- Always walk with confidence. Shoulders back, chest out, head up. Take slow measured strides.
- Listen intently and maintain eye contact.
- Pause before speaking. Make silence your friend and make others anticipate your words.
- Always maintain control over your emotions. Remain calm and poised at all times.
- Ask lots of questions before speaking your mind.
- Show compassion, empathy and sympathy towards others who deserve it.
- Never admonish others in public or in front of friends, family or colleagues. Do it in private.
- Always dress sharper than what’s called for on the invitation.
- Never be drunk, distraught, embarrassed or panicked in public. Show that you are always calm, cool and collected.
- Be humble, courteous and kind to everyone you meet.
- Stand your ground against bullies, loud mouths and know-it-alls, but do not engage them. Simply look through them with unblinking, intelligent disgust and move on.
- Treat women with respect and dignity. Offer your seat, open the door, let them go first.
- Don’t brag, embellish or inflate stories about yourself or your adventures. Stay mysterious.
- Always negotiate from a position of power.
- Never let anyone know your plans, your business, your successes or failures.
Human love made divine
.jpg)
By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
WE are meant for loving. That’s why we have intelligence and will, both encapsulated in our heart. That’s why Christ once said, insofar as the intelligence is related to the heart, “Out of the heart come evil thoughts.” (Mt 15,19) And insofar as the will is also in the heart, King David said, “Set your heart to seek the Lord.” (1Chr 22,19)
We need to see to it that our intelligence and will, our mind and heart and, in fact, all our other faculties—our emotions and passions, our memory and imagination, etc.—should be made to learn how to love properly. They should not just be used to pursue purely personal, i.e., egoistic, and temporal goals.
They should learn to have the true love which can only be a living participation and channeling of the very love which is the essence of God and is meant also to be the essence of our humanity, since we are God’s image and likeness. Thus, human and natural love, which is always wounded, should be elevated to the supernatural order, to partake of the divine love that is also meant for us.
We need to elevate and purify our human love to make it divine. This is done when our love is animated not simply by our human powers alone, but by the grace of God. With God’s grace, which is always made available to us, our intellect and will, i.e., our heart, and all our other human faculties, get healed. As a result, we would never say enough in our self-giving.
We would always be thinking of others, avoiding the tendency to simply think of our own selves, our own interests. We would always take the initiative to surrender our whole heart to God and to everybody else.
When our love is made divine, it will have a universal scope. It can prefer to suffer and die for the truth. It covers everyone, including our enemies, the unlovable, the sinners. It is given without measure, without limits, giving the impression of some kind of madness. And even when unreciprocated, our heart would just go on loving.
Human love becomes divine when we let God take our heart and make it beat with his charity. Then we just would not stop judging others. We would start working for human redemption, in vital cooperation with Christ’s continuing mission of saving man.
For this, we have to expand our heart to make it more universal, as well as broaden our mind so we can understand things more deeply and extensively. Let’s examine ourselves more thoroughly so as to be more aware of our biases and preferences that can get in the way of our effort to adapt and our pursuit for a more universal love and compassion.
We have to learn how to go through the process of changing, improving and growing in our spiritual life. This can be painful and tedious, but it is always worthwhile. Not only that. It is necessary, if we have to be realistic.
This universal love should not be exclusively associated with the sweet and tender moments of pity, sympathy and empathy. It demands sacrifice and self-denial which we should be willing to give.
Our challenging times are actually a call for us to identify ourselves more closely with Christ so we can love everyone the way Christ loved all of us and continues to do so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)