GERMAN AMBASSADOR MEETS MAYOR BASTE DUTERTE

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte welcomed the Ambassador of Germany to the Philippines, His Excellency Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, during a courtesy call in Davao City this afternoon, July 30, 2026.

The visit marked Ambassador Pfaffernoschke’s first official visit to Davao City and sought to strengthen bilateral relations between Germany and Davao City while exploring potential investment opportunities.

Earlier today, the German Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held the Regional Green Investment Dialogue at Dusit Thani Residence Davao. The event brought together German companies, investors, and key stakeholders to discuss green technology, renewable energy, and other sustainable investment opportunities.

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Prayer is a powerful weapon

 

July 29, 2026

Updated July 28, 2026

By Klaus Döring

Prayer is widely considered a powerful, transformative spiritual tool. It offers solace in times of crisis, brings peace of mind, and unites communities. Rather than relying on physical force, it uses intention and faith to navigate life’s toughest challenges. The power of prayer lies in its ability to focus the mind, provide comfort, and give people a sense of control when faced with difficult circumstances. Many find that communicating with the divine or taking a moment for quiet reflection helps lower stress and build resilience.

Prayer is a mighty weapon to be used. We are to use it constantly. Use it to petition God for ourselves and others. Use it to talk to God directly and biblically through the Scriptures.

God always listens and often provides the specific answers and guidance we seek. Even when He chooses not to answer immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

Prayer also energizes the heart of a believer through the power of the Spirit. Consistent prayer releases the power of God’s blessing on our lives and circumstances. Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”

When tragedy strikes, it is easy to harden our hearts and cry out, “God, why did you let this happen?” Maybe then, we start praying. Before, when everything went smoothly, we would not even think for a minute about praying.

“To be a Christian without prayer,” Martin Luther said, “is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Prayer is the only way to become what God wants us to be. This is why Jesus spent many hours praying.

Unquestionably, our needs bring us to a place of prayer. Confronted with danger or tragedy, as I mentioned earlier, we look for God’s help. Difficult times often cause people’s hearts to turn to God in prayer.

Let me ask you: How long has it been since you brought your burdens to God? Since you asked His forgiveness for your shortcomings?

In his very interesting book “People in Prayer,” Dr. John White reminds us that prayer is a divine-human interaction and that it is always God who takes the initiative. White writes: “God speaks and we respond. God is always speaking. To hear his voice is not usually a mystical experience. It consists merely of a willingness to pay heed to God who lays a claim to our lives.”

Yes, God always speaks. It is up to us whether we listen and respond to Him. Many think we are the ones who initiate prayer. But prayers begin and end with God.

There was a time when I was no longer in the mood to pray. It seemed that God did not listen to my prayers anymore. I did not get what I prayed for. Of course not! That is not the meaning of praying to God. Will all my wishes be granted? Heaven forbid!

Sometimes, after we have prayed, God’s answers may puzzle us. But as time goes by and events unfold, we see God’s purpose in His answers. We might gain a broader vision of what He wants — not what we want.

Think about it for a moment: How does the idea that prayer begins and ends with God affect me now? Do I have the habit of listening to God? How do I respond to Him? How do I usually pray?

Nowadays, I live a wonderful life in my second and final home, the Philippines. I have never regretted moving here for good. I have everything I could ask for. I can do everything I wish to do. Thank you, Lord.

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

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PLDT turns back gritty Choco Mucho in Vigan

 

Kianna Dy steps up for PLDT. (PVL Images)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

The High Speed Hitters drew strength from their solid offense anchored on Kianna Dy, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron to notch their first win in the tournament.

PLDT overcame a second-set hiccup to turn back Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, and start its PVL On Tour campaign on a high note at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Saturday, July 25.

The High Speed Hitters drew strength from their solid offense anchored on Kianna Dy, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron to notch their first win in the tournament.

Dy erupted for 16 kills to finish with 17 points for PLDT, while Davison was equally unstoppable by pumping in 13 points.

Reyes also shone by posting 10 attacks and two blocks for 12 points, even as Baron chipped in 10 points.

PLDT waxed hot at the attack line by pouring 66 kills compared to Choco Mucho’s 55 -- big thanks to the playmaking skills of Kim Fajardo, who delivered 26 of the team’s 31 excellent sets.

While Davison and Reyes stepped up in the offense, the dynamic duo also took charge in the team’s net defense by combining for five of the squad’s eight blocks.

Caitlyn Viray and Isa Molde led the Flying Titans with 16 and 14 points, respectively, but their efforts went futile as Choco Mucho absorbed its second straight defeat in as many outings.

Jerome Lorico's 'Alembong' reclaims stories of womanhood, heritage, and self-expression

By John Legaspi

Published Jul 29, 2026 09:19 am

It is an image of a woman bathing, lounging in a lush rainforest that immediately captures your attention. Her enigma and sensuality will remind anyone who has witnessed Rody Vera’s "Ang Unang Aswang" play that reimagines the origin story of a Philippine folkloric character. But there is grace and poetry in the way she poses, much like the subjects of early Filipino paintings.

Jeromo Lorico's 'Alembong' collection (Photos: Jerick Sanchez | Make-up: Zidjian Paul | Muse: Sidney Flores)

The image we are talking about is part of Jerome Lorico’s editorial campaign for his latest collection, dubbed “Alembong.” Captured by photographer Jerick Sanchez, the photos transport viewers to a time when freedom was not just a spoken word, but something lived and expressed without prejudice.

“It's a little ironic that, although we are living in an era where there should be more freedom, our culture still seems to censor a lot of different things. Part of this problem, I noticed, is the inability of a Filipino woman to freely express herself sexually and physically. Being brazen or aware of one's energy and confidence still seems to merit a few disapproving opinions within the Filipino community,” Jerome tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “A century ago, Filipinas could bathe in the river with complete freedom, their golden-brown skin shining under the summer sun, as depicted in many of the works of our National Artist for Visual Arts, Fernando Amorsolo.”

“Alembong,” for Jerome, is an interpretation of the raw and naked beauty of the country's islands and women. He quotes curator and typography designer Ric Gindap of Design for Tomorrow, who says, “‘Alembong’ is a word that, in its modern aftertaste, carries the sly curl of a lip: flirt, coquette, frivolous.”

“Historically and anthropologically, before the weight of colonization and the catechism of virtue, it was something else,” the designer muses. “‘Alembong’ was ebullience itself, a feminine street-smartness that brightened the barangay.”

Knitted symmetric tension draped top in cotton and piña with mother of pearl clip in forest jade color.

Knitted one-shoulder fringe dress in cotton and piña with mother of pearl clip in tropical jade color

Knitted symmetric tension draped dress in cotton and piña

Knitted fringe dress in cotton and piña

Knitted draped top in solihiya pattern in cotton, piña (pineapple fiber) with mother of pearl clip in forest jade color

Mirroring the sense of liberation embodied by the word, Jerome translates Alembong into garments that balance softness with strength. Airy silhouettes, sheer layers, hand-finished textures, and fluid draping evoke the effortless beauty of island living while celebrating the confidence of the modern Filipina.

To create something that is truly Filipino, it was only natural for Jerome to present a collection crafted by Filipino hands using materials sourced from across the country. For at least a month, the designer experimented with artisanal materials. The collection features elements such as brass buttons specially made by an anting-anting craftsman in Lipa, Batangas. The pineapple and cotton yarns came from Iloilo and the Philippine Textile Research Institute. Meanwhile, the woven abaca and cotton yarns are sourced from the place where the designer grew up—Albay in the Bicol Region.

Knitted draped sleeve cape in cotton and piña; mother of Pearl bikini top in amber tortoise color; and knitted draped skirt in cotton and piña

Knitted draped dress in cotton and piña and draped local silk top

Knitted fringe dress in cotton and piña

“I believe it is very important to support whatever has a deep connection to our culture, heritage, and history,” Jerome explains. “Artisans create with soul, and that is why I always love working and collaborating with them. Creation, for me, is a sacred ritual that connects the past and the future.”

Accessories are just as important as the clothes because they are also part of the collection’s story. “Alembong” spotlights pieces made from mother-of-pearl sourced in Cebu. Although they echo natural and organic shapes, they are designed through a contemporary lens, allowing them to be both abstract and utilitarian.

Mother of pearl mini minaudiere in forest jade color

Mother of pearl mini minaudiere in amber tortoise color

Mother of pearl obi belt in gold tortoise color

While “Alembong” celebrates the beauty of the Filipina and the richness of the country's natural resources, Jerome also treats it as a form of rebellion—a call to reconnect with what is primal, natural, and human.

“Our skin is like a landscape of stories, histories, and possibilities. The modern Filipina is someone who is now more aware of her own energy and capabilities. She knows that nothing can set boundaries for her and that the world is waiting for her. This collection is a way to help her express herself in any way that she wants,” Jerome concludes.

Collects fish of every kind

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jul 30, 2026 12:02 am | Updated Jul 29, 2026 03:42 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

What is striking about the parable of the dragnet as a metaphor for the Kingdom is that it does not simply “catch” the good fish, but also the bad or undesirable ones. The net catches all sorts of fish and non-fish in the process.

This implies that the Kingdom is offered to everyone, both good and bad. Which reminds us of Jesus’ pointing to the sun and the rain which shines or falls upon everyone, both good and bad.

However, while on the one hand, the Kingdom welcomes everyone, the parable also warns of the day of “sorting out,” of separating between the good fish and bad fish, or the fish and the non-fish, like weeds, pieces of wood, garbage, etc.

This hides, therefore, an invitation to reflect on what kind of “fish” we are, or what kind of life we are living.

At the same time, it should also awaken us to the fact that in this world we need to know how to navigate in the sea where bad fish also abound or co-exist with us.

Nowadays, the call and desire for inclusivity is very strong—which is a good thing.

But this does not mean eliminating discernment or attentiveness as we relate with various types of people.

At the same time, we also have the responsibility to be good examples so that more “good” fish can be sorted out for the Kingdom.

First Reading • Jer 18:1-6

This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Rise up, be off to the potter’s house; there I will give you my message.

I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel.

Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 146

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.” or “Alleluia.”

Gospel • Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

“When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.

“Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.”

And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

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.

Nadine Lustre announces music comeback with new single 'PERSONAL'

By Neil Ramos

Published Jul 27, 2026 08:05 pm

At A Glance

• Nadine Lustre is ending her three-year music hiatus with the release of her new single "PERSONAL" on July 31, marking her long-awaited return to the recording scene.

After three years away from releasing new music, Nadine Lustre is finally making her long-awaited return to the recording scene.

The actress-singer announced that her new single, "PERSONAL," will be released on July 31, sending fans into a frenzy and marking her first official music release since 2023.

Nadine made the announcement on Instagram with a striking close-up portrait that immediately caught the attention of her followers.   

The post quickly gained traction online, with fans flooding the comments section to express their excitement over her comeback.

Even celebrities joined in the anticipation.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wrote, "Can't wait!!!" while content creator Sassa Gurl also showed support for the highly anticipated release.

"PERSONAL" will be Nadine's first single since "Overgrown," which came out in 2023.

Before that, she earned praise for her 2020 visual album "Wildest Dreams," released under Careless Music. 

Although she has kept a low profile musically in recent years, Nadine remained busy with acting and other creative pursuits.