The sign of Jonah [and Jesus]

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 20, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jul 19, 2026 03:51 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

It is often said that to someone who refuses to believe, no sign or proof is enough, but to someone who believes, no sign or proof is necessary. Jesus’ exasperation with the Jewish authorities demanding signs is not so much that they are asking for signs in the first place. Naturally, Jesus would have understood their desire for signs. For throughout their whole history, God has been showing them signs of his liberating or salvific love for them. What Jesus makes issue of is that no matter how many signs he has already performed in their midst, they continue to demand for signs. They refuse to look at or marvel at the signs Jesus has already performed. So what would another sign do, Jesus would have asked in his mind. And why is the sign of Jonah singled out as the sign? Because it alludes to the identity of Jesus and what he would undergo; namely, that just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days (then spewed out), so also will Jesus remain in the womb of the earth for three days and rise again. Ultimately, the problem lies in the hardness of their hearts to accept and believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised by God to them. And so, they fail to see not just the many signs performed by Jesus before their eyes but also the very SIGN himself.

Gospel • Mt 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

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.

Hopping or love and care?

 By Klaus Döring -Monday, July 20, 2026

RELATIONSHIP hopping means jumping quickly from one partner to another, while care is the steady, intentional effort to support someone else. Love goes even deeper, building on care, trust, and commitment. Unlike relationship hopping, which often serves as an escape from pain, genuine love requires us to confront loneliness, disappointment, and emotional vulnerability.

Plastic money — better known as credit cards — combined with loneliness and relentless advertising can be a dangerous mix. Increasingly, people are being drawn into shopping frenzies in search of emotional satisfaction.

Recently, the sun was blazing, and despite the sweltering heat, we found ourselves heading to a shopping mall. Shopping centers have an undeniable way of tempting us with endless promotions and irresistible bargains. Credit cards came out one after another, as if money were no object.

Suddenly, we convince ourselves that our clothes are no longer good enough and that our shoes are outdated or even embarrassing. The latest fashion is available for just a few pesos more — or so it seems. Surely, we can afford it… can’t we?

Women especially — or is that merely a stereotype? — often arrange shopping trips with friends. What begins as harmless fun can easily turn into a competition over who finds the trendiest outfit or the biggest bargain. Ironically, many participants can hardly afford these purchases. Despite strained finances, unnecessary spending provides a temporary feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and relaxation.

Could shopping be a substitute for the love, care, and appreciation that many people feel they are missing? Perhaps. For a brief moment, shopping seems to fill the emotional void created by unmet needs for affection, recognition, and human connection.

That brief shopping high is often followed by a sense of euphoria. A new dress feels like a lucky charm, promising happiness and renewed confidence. But before long, the excitement fades — and the addiction quietly takes hold.

The real tragedy is that many of the items purchased are not needed at all. The thrill lies not in owning them but in buying them. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics are worn only occasionally before being hidden away in closets. Then comes the guilt. Depression follows, and an inner emptiness returns — until the next shopping spree promises another temporary escape.

It is a dangerous vicious cycle that can eventually lead to financial ruin. Experts have long warned that the boundaries between ordinary shopping, emotional spending, frustration, and compulsive buying are often blurred. I remember seeing a woman yesterday trying to pay a huge bill with three different credit cards, only to hear the cashier repeatedly say, “Excuse me, Ma’am, there is a problem with your credit card.” As she walked away empty-handed, she simply remarked, “Okay lang, actually I don’t need all this stuff!” What an ironic realization.

Let me make one thing clear: I do not want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of visiting shopping malls. Not everyone who enjoys shopping is addicted. Occasional retail therapy or reward shopping can be perfectly normal. It is only when shopping becomes an uncontrollable and recurring compulsion that it demands serious attention.

By the way, love and care are fundamental human emotions that lie at the heart of every meaningful relationship. Care reflects concern, compassion, and a willingness to help others. Love encompasses all of these qualities while reaching even deeper, creating lasting bonds built on trust, understanding, and selflessness.

Filipino animation shines in Cinemalaya 2026

 

'Runo' and 'The Keeper' included in shorts lineup

By Poch Eulalia

Published Jul 19, 2026 01:19 pm

At A Glance

• It's refreshing to see that even in our local film festivals, including this year's run of Cinemalaya 22, animated stories are given the cinematic treatment as well.

ANIMATION IS CINEMA 'Runo' and 'The Keeper' are a testament to the artistic abilities of Filipino animators (Photos: Cinemalaya)

Filipinos have long been known as the silent driving force of the animation industry. Many of the animated shows we’ve enjoyed over the years often had scenes drawn by several artists based here. Often, local animation studios handle the in-between animation for multiple series.

These days, Filipino animation has gone on a global scale as more Filipino-produced titles start breaking into the mainstream. It’s refreshing to see that even in our local film festivals, including this year’s run of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival (Cinemalaya 22), animated stories are given the cinematic treatment as well.

For Cinemalaya 22, there are two animated tales to look forward to: “Runo” by Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin R. Pateña, and “The Keeper” by Nolan Rae Fabular and TRNZ.

'Runo'

“Runo” follows the story of a rescue dog on the search for her owner as she grapples with an empty food bowl. Other than hunger, the loveable “aspin” also has to navigate a post-apocalyptic Philippines infested by zombies.

Meanwhile, “The Keeper” centers around a keeper of a meticulously designed trophy hall having to deal with a sudden intruder. As she tries to deal with the intruder, more truths about her surroundings unravel before her.

'The Keeper'

Both films are animated in 2-D style. A welcome sight, given how the 3-D CGI style has dominated mainstream animated films in recent years. “Runo” stands out for its vibrant colors, despite its gloomy environment. Runo’s design is also just as lovable as the loyal “aspins” we see on a daily basis.

As for “The Keeper,” the environment design evokes the feeling of how grand a scale the trophy room is. Looking at the background art, it’s almost as if every trophy is individually drawn. This makes us feel just how hands-on its keeper is and how careful thought is placed by the artist to give life to her surroundings.

Cinemalaya 22 will run from Aug. 6 to 18, with screenings taking place at Shangri-la Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, Gateway Cineplex, and Ayala Malls Cinemas.

Jurado embraces UST captaincy, unfazed by added pressure

 

By Mark Rey Montejo

Published Jul 20, 2026 08:02 pm

At A Glance

A bigger role comes with greater expectations, but Reg Jurado isn't letting the pressure get to her as she steps into the captaincy for University of Santo Tomas while serving as one of the team's remaining senior leaders ahead of UAAP Season 89.

A bigger role comes with greater expectations, but Reg Jurado isn't letting the pressure get to her as she steps into the captaincy for University of Santo Tomas while serving as one of the team's remaining senior leaders ahead of UAAP Season 89.

The 23-year-old Jurado, who recently took over as the Tigresses' skipper, is determined to make the most of her final collegiate campaign despite UST losing key members of its core to the professional ranks, including Jonna Perdido, Xyza Gula, and Detdet Pepito.

Rather than dwelling on the weight of her new responsibilities, the Cebuana outside hitter is focused on bringing the same grit, consistency and winning mentality that have defined her game throughout her collegiate career.

“‘Yon nga part sya [SSL] ng preparation namin for UAAP, especially, lalo na may mga foreign teams, matatangkad sila. So, we'll get what we've learned from this tournament and apply [pagdating ng UAAP],” said Jurado.

“Ayoko lang magpadala sa pressure na ako nalang, kami nalang ‘yong mga seniors sa team. I’ll just play and do what I usually do in the past years,” she added.

Part of UST's buildup for UAAP Season 89 is its campaign in the Shakey's Super League, where the Tigresses are looking to further absorb the system of head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who recently served as interim head coach of Alas Pilipinas during the AVC Women's Cup in Candon City.

“Siguro ‘yong isa sa mga goals namin is makita talaga ‘yong teachings ni coach Shaq and his system, and ma-apply namin siya in this tournament,” Jurado said.

The 5-foot-7 opposite hitter also hopes to become more vocal as captain, despite admitting that leadership doesn't come naturally to her because of her quiet personality and lower voice, much like her predecessor, Pepito.

Days after their semifinal exit in Season 88, both Jurado and setter Cassie Carballo committed themselves to utilize their last eligibility year for the España-based team.

UST almost fell short to enter the Top Four – as the tournament turned into a stepladder format as eventual champion De La Salle swept the eliminations – but managed to secure the remaining spot over Far Eastern University.

In the stepladder, the Golden Tigresses stunned the Shai Nitura-led Adamson Lady Falcons who bested them twice during the elims. However, the momentum didn’t translate in their next game where they were eliminated by the National University Lady Bulldogs.

In Season 89, Jurado and Carballo alongside top scorer Angge Poyos, Avril Bron, and Marga Banagua are projected to spearhead UST’s attempt to reclaim the glory it last achieved in Season 72 or in 2010.

𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐊𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍!

The arrival of Kadayawan marks the season of Davao’s most beloved fruits—from 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈, 𝒑𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒐, 𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 to many other local favorites.

More than seasonal treats, these fruits reflect Davao’s rich harvest and the spirit of thanksgiving that defines Kadayawan.

Visit Davao’s vibrant fruit stands, savor the freshest harvest of the season, and experience the abundance that makes the festival truly special. Tara, Duaw na!

Kada kada! We are one, KadayaONE!

#Kadayawan2026

#TheAbundanceOfKadayawan #DavaoCity

#WeAreOneKadayaONE

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Teenage girl drowns in raging flood in Zamboanga City

By Liza Jocson

Published Jul 20, 2026 10:22 pm

AUTHORITIES rescue teenagers from raging flood water in Zamboanga City on Saturday. (Photo via Liza Jocson)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A teenage girl drowned in raging flood here on Saturday afternoon, July 18.

The victim and five teenage companions were swimming in the Pasonanca River when strong rains in the mountains triggered a rapid surge of water downstream.

Five of them were able to seek refuge on a large uprooted tree in the middle of the river which was quickly isolated by the rise in water level.

The victim, a resident of Tumaga Porcentro, was carried away by the strong current. Her body was found near the bridge of the Tumaga River, a few kilometers away.

The incident triggered an emergency rescue operation joined by Mayor Khymer Olaso. The victims were rescued and declared safe.

Gwendoline Meliz Soriano, Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna crowned Binibining Pilipinas 2026 queens

By Neil Ramos

Published Jul 19, 2026 12:23 am

At A Glance

• Baguio City's Gwendoline Meliz Soriano and Tarlac's Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna emerged victorious at the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 coronation night, winning the International and Globe crowns, respectively.

Baguio City's Gwendoline Meliz Soriano and Tarlac's Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna emerged as the country's newest beauty queens after capturing the top titles at the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 coronation night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, July 18.

Soriano was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2026, succeeding Katrina Anne Johnson. She will represent the Philippines at the Miss International pageant next year.

Meanwhile, Lacuna was named Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026, taking over the title from Annabelle McDonnell.   

Completing the winners' circle were Julianne Raine Antonio of Dumaguete, who was named first runner-up, and Tracy Mae Sunio of Bacolod, who finished as second runner-up.

The four finalists advanced to the last stage of the competition after surviving the Top 12 and two rounds of question-and-answer segments, where they tackled topics ranging from personal growth and women's empowerment to artificial intelligence and the role of pageantry in today's society.

Soriano impressed the judges with a heartfelt answer about trusting God's plan and embracing failures as stepping stones to success.

Lacuna, meanwhile, stood out after speaking about empathy as the one human quality that artificial intelligence can never replace, saying genuine compassion remains at the heart of public service and community building.

Soriano entered the final round as one of the night's strongest contenders after sweeping several special awards. She won Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown, Binibining Philippine Airlines, Binibining Urban Smiles, and Miss SnowCaps Radiance, making her one of the most decorated candidates of the competition.  

The pageant also introduced Binibining Tourism as a new special award, with Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan of Aklan becoming its inaugural recipient.

Other special awardees included Georgette Nicole Coronacion of Carmona, Cavite as Binibining Friendship, Zilanni Eve Rojas of Zamboanga City as Face of Binibini, Samantha Marie Zabarte of Dasmariñas as Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice, Jarina Sandhu of Cauayan City, Isabela as Binibining The MedClub, and Anne Klein Castro of Pampanga as Nustar Online Binibini.

Five candidates were likewise recognized in the Best in National Costume competition: Mylene Manschus of Tanza, Cavite; Ain Niqyla Abad of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Samantha Marie Zabarte of Dasmariñas; Iris Oresca of the Bicol Region; and Patricia Lynn Beerda of Iloilo.

Is it safe for foreigners to travel through all parts of The Philippines? What are some places that tourists should avoid and why?

 

Ronna Lou

 

 · 

Filipina Writer and Matchmaking Consultant at Philippine-Women.Com

It’s not even safe for Filipinos to travel through all parts of the Philippines hahah!

But that’s usually the case in ANY place and not just because the Philippines is some scary crime-ridden country. We’re not even at war, so that’s an advantage.

Ok let’s look at the basics. Tourists find the Philippines a great travel destination because it’s quite inexpensive, there’s a lot of beautiful tourist spots, and a lot of people speak English (not to mention Filipinos are just nice to foreigners).

But like any country (especially developing countries), there’s still crime and other risks. In urban areas, you have pickpockets and other petty thieves. You can also fall for scams if you’re not careful. But again, that can also happen in places like London or Paris.

In rural areas, you’re also at risk of getting lost since most tourist spots are far from each other. If you’re the type to believe in folklore, you can also be at risk of malevolent spirits or “engkanto” (fairies) in jungles and forests. That kind of thing.

And of course there’s the occasional civil unrest in some areas, like Mindanao.

But it’s generally safe to visit the Philippines. The U.S. Department of State puts it under a Level 2 Travel Advisory

[1]

 which is the same as France, Spain, and UK.

So if you’re in the city, avoid informal settler areas. If you’re in the province, stick to popular tourist spots where there are guards and police nearby. If you’re adventurous, just make sure you have a reliable local to serve as your tour guide.

Footnotes

[1] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/philippines-travel-advisory.html