What is your worst retirement mistake?

 

Jethro Metrikson

 

Senior Doctor 

I remember an elderly male who came to me several months after leaving his profession. I was sure he would talk about his happiness of sleeping late, traveling and being free.

However, he looked at me and said, "Doctor, I spent forty years figuring out how to retire but did not think about what I will do after retirement."

It is memorable.

Being a physician for more than 40 years I saw that many of my patients were ready for financial changes after retirement but they were not ready for emotional and social changes.

The most common retirement mistakes that I observed were:

1. Loss of purposefulness after retirement.
2. Isolation due to lack of daily social contacts.
3. Too fast expenses due to the feeling of reward.
4. Ignoring their health until there would be serious problems.
5. Lack of preparation to develop hobbies, relationships and routine without working.

Many people underestimate the importance of a career not just as a source of earnings but also as a source of structure, identity, relationships and reasons for doing things in life.

In particular, one of my older colleagues had an excellent way to organize his retirement life. When he left the hospital he developed a ritual of waking up and making a cup of a warm home recipe he loved for decades, sitting alone and thinking about what he would do today which could bring joy to other people or himself: helping somebody, learning something or spending time with dear people. He once told me, "Retirement is not the end of useful years. It is a beginning when you can choose where your usefulness will go."

This statement remains with me.

Good retirement plans are not just about financial readiness. You should have people to laugh with, something to do every day and a feeling of necessity.

The most common mistake of retirement is not leaving the job. The main problem is leaving life.

Dignified and enlightened Filipino education

 

By Fr. Shay Cullen, Founder since 1974

Every day, when we wake up, see the new light of day and acknowledge that we are still alive, we become better, more aware, more alert and more fulfilled people if we affirm our personal worth and dignity as human persons and give thanks to the Creator. Few people are aware of their own dignity and self-worth and, as a consequence, they may have a reduced awareness and recognition of the dignity, value and rights of other persons. What a more peaceful, more just and happier world it would be if most people each had this self-awareness of his or her infinite value and dignity as a human person and recognized the inherent dignity of other people, one that can never be taken away. It is only when we, as humans, acknowledge, respect and treasure our own value will we value and respect others and their rights and dignity. Thus, transforming our society to be more humane, just and dignified for all starts with ourselves. The word “education” is derived from the Latin word “educere,” which means “to lead out,” “to draw out,” or “to bring forth.” In education, the student is not an empty bucket to be filled with facts, figures, and other information; and the teacher, not a “pay loader” dumping information into that bucket. Instead, a wise teacher must recognize that the student has inherent abilities, latent potential, natural gifts, knowledge, and even wisdom that must be given an opportunity to pour out and be discovered. A teacher’s purpose is to make a student aware and know not only about himself or herself but also all other things in the world around us. To know and value and respect all people and all things in our world. This knowledge is at the heart of being human, and it is this that unites us to every other human being. This is the heart of true education. Being educated is more than having talents, gifts, intellectual abilities, knowledge and skills. It is being a fully human person with concern for other people’s needs and feeling compassion and a sense of duty to help others in need. Educational success is not measured by the accumulation of accolades, but by the level of one’s commitment to helping those in need. The role of the teacher is to affirm, approve and recognize the abilities of students that need encouragement and opportunity to be developed and have a harmonious experience in learning and understanding things. The teacher should be an expert “gardener,” encouraging students to explore and hone their abilities and pursue more knowledge and understanding. Teaching is like tending to various plants and flowers, allowing them to grow. Enlightened law I had the opportunity to share insights with the students of The Manila Times College of Subic at Subic Bay Freeport. Their participation and response were excellent. We shared about children’s rights and education. This is a progressive high school and college that has anticipated the new educational provisions in Republic Act 12322, or “An Act that allows the DepEd the flexibility to determine the pedagogical approaches to be implemented in the basic education curriculum.” This is an enlightened law designed to free the creative abilities of gifted teachers to inspire and stimulate their students to develop self-awareness and self-knowledge, as well as knowledge of things and of society and the world and express themselves and encourage their natural curiosity in creative ways. This law gives greater freedom to creative teachers and autonomy to the Department of Education to choose the most enlightened teaching techniques and strategies that will excite and encourage students to engage in self-learning, participate in group learning, and explore learning. It starts with self-study, knowing oneself, and having a commitment to defend their rights and dignity and those of others, and do their duties to self, family and society. This freedom given to teachers as a result of this law enables them to develop their own creative teaching methods, bringing their enthusiasm, commitment and personality into their teaching. Teachers are no longer forced to use traditional and rigid teaching styles. They now have the freedom to employ the exact pedagogical tools that will inspire and create enthusiasm for learning among their students. Gifted teachers are free to give attention and focus their expertise in specific fields and areas of knowledge that will most benefit students, such as advanced mathematics and science. The days of endless, soul-destroying repetition must be dumped in the dustbin of educational history. Traditional teaching methods are hardwired into the system, and many teachers know no other method at present. Intensive retraining will take a long time. Traditional teaching methods are highly generalized and have multidisciplinary content, and that tends to slow down the learning process of students who need new and varied stimuli and entertaining teaching methods. The best kind of learning is enjoyable learning. Participatory learning encourages students to think for themselves, to have the freedom to express their opinions and insights. When students feel they are truly respected and valued, and that their insights are given value and respect, they learn all the more with understanding and self-confidence. It helps them develop the ability to understand their own emotions, relationships, inner strengths, and human weaknesses. True education nurtures personal values among students, like respect for each other and nature. It guides, encourages and challenges students to think critically for themselves and understand their society and the world. Such an education gives students a compass to distinguish what’s right from wrong, what is true and false, good from bad and have a moral compass for life, enabling and empowering them to choose to do good and oppose evil and wrongdoing. This kind of education gives students the enhanced ability to be an independent, reflective person with strong moral opinions and be confident and self-aware in society. It also helps develop in students a sense of concern for others — especially the poor and marginalized — as well as empathy, ethical reasoning, and a sense of justice. Parents have an equally important role in this, too, teaching their children by showing kindness and support, and by being a good example of a moral life. That is education at its best. The freedom of gifted teachers to improvise, promote creative learning and team learning is the future of a more enlightened teaching curriculum for the Philippines. shaycullen@gmail.com

LANDSLIDE SA BENGUET

 LANDSLIDE SA BENGUET

Sirado karon ang Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road sa Tublay, Benguet human nahugno ang bahin sa slope protection o rock netting project karong Huwebes sa buntag, Agosto 13, 2026.

Temporaryo sab nga gisirado ang Suyoc-Posos Provincial Road, nga ginagamit unta isip alternatibong ruta, tungod sa sagunson nga landslide. | via iFM RMN Baguio

: Pherkin Degsi

#TatakRMN

See translation

May be an image of road

SPECIAL REFLECTIONS

“MY SPECIAL reflections” refers to your own deep, personal thoughts and feelings about your life, experiences or a particular topic. It is an inward look at what matters most to you.

Simply put, self-reflection—also known as personal reflection—is the practice of taking time to think about, meditate on, evaluate and seriously consider your behavior, thoughts, attitudes, motivations and desires. That is what I am doing now.

Not long ago, I reached a milestone: 65 years since my first article was published in a daily newspaper. I have kept every clipping since then. Believe me, together they could fill a book. As I reread my earliest articles, I was amazed that I had kept writing for so long. Now, however, you could not pay me to stop.

Nowadays, all my published works are stored in my electronic archive.

Back to my clippings. Can you imagine that keeping them has its benefits? Looking back on my life experiences, I see that both progress and failure have been part of my journey. Most of my columns offer a view into a mirror. When I reread what I wrote about how God helped me find solutions to my problems, I am reminded of His grace. I also gain insights from past struggles that help me deal with the challenges I face today. I remember one of my previous columns, entitled “If Failures Get Results.”

Indeed, God has been faithfully at work in my life.

I once read a story by Dennis Fisher, who did not keep clippings of published articles but maintained a spiritual journal. He advised: “Journalism may be useful to you too. It can help you see more clearly what God is teaching you on life’s journey. To begin a journal, record your struggles, reflect on a verse that is especially comforting or challenging, or write a prayer of thankfulness for God’s faithfulness.”

Reflection means pausing to look inward, evaluate your actions and understand the deeper reasons behind your thoughts and feelings. It connects raw experiences with personal purpose, helping you learn from the past and choose a better path forward.

A reflection has three parts. First, retell the facts by summarizing the main points and describing the significant concepts or details. Next, relate them to your previous experiences by giving examples and making connections. Finally, compare and contrast what you have retold with your prior knowledge and experiences.

***

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

No limit in the sky

 

By Klaus Döring

“No limit in the sky” is a popular phrase and lyrical theme meaning that success and potential are endless. It appears in various creative works, including songs by artists like ChaptrTwo and Vict Molina, as a motivational expression of freedom and boundless opportunity.

Some people have money to burn! Every time I observe them, I feel that their money is going down the drain. Yes, “money talks.” The more money you have, the more avaricious you might become. Every time we have to dig deeper into our pockets, we might long to be like those people who don’t see the difference between a PHP 500 or PHP 1,000 bill.

I am really not rich! I also wouldn’t hesitate to say that I would like to be! Being rich means having wealth. Wealth is abundance, opulence, and affluence. Affluence can quickly become an influence. Dyed-in-the-wool millionaires or even multimillionaires often lose their view of reality. They can’t even see the horizon, which could be the demarcation of their real estate. They don’t even recognize the wonderful flowers growing and blooming in their gardens.

Money calms us down! Sure. No doubt at all! We all need an income to survive and meet our daily needs — and maybe a little bit more. Many of us struggle through life and work like slaves for a pitiful daily minimum wage. If you’re rich, you might be on top. But believe me, once you are on top, you will have some unwelcome, though mostly unavoidable, companions such as loneliness, so-called friends (!), parasites, and freeloaders.

These companions will make you scream in pain because you will start missing the things you expected from them: real friendship, love, care, comprehension, understanding, sympathy, and appreciation. Remember such things? Miss such things?

Yes, money can give you a wonderful sleep, and you might stay in one of the most luxurious beds — yet be awake while your poorest neighbor sleeps better and more peacefully on the floor. There are many sayings about money. I like this one: Money can buy books but not brains. You might study a lot and gain a great deal of experience; it’s just a pity if you don’t use it at the right time for the right people around you.

Money can buy food but not appetite. Who reaps the benefits of it? A store room filled to overflowing will never be satisfying if sour freeloaders join your table and push away your real friends.

Our last earthly dress has no pockets. The remembrance of how we acted and lived together with our fellow human beings will remain forever. With money, we might be able to let the devil dance. But money alone doesn’t make us happy. Money kills more people and friendships than a cudgel.

The more money, the more problems.

The more money we have, the more we have to pay, and the higher our bills become.

+++

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

Month-long Kadayawan Festival kicks off in Davao City

By Ivy Tejano

Published Aug 7, 2026 01:56 pm

DAVAO CITY – Top officials here called on the people to celebrate the 2026 Kadayawan Festival with gratitude, unity, and pride as month-long festivities traditionally opened with the Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo on Friday morning, Aug. 7.

The first traditional sunrise ceremony since 2019

reenacted the shared history and cultural heritage of Davao's indigenous community and the Bangsamoro people through cultural presentation and a symbolic boat parade on the Davao River at the Tionko Soccer Field.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Myna Dalodo-Ortiz, welcomed people and visitors and said the celebration honors the indigenous and Muslim communities whose settlements, cultures, and traditions laid the foundation for the city's identity.

“This year's theme, 'We Are One, KadayawONE,' reflects the heritage of Davao's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes and the unity of Davaoeños,” Duterte said, encouraging residents to continue honoring their culture, celebrating diversity, and promoting peace and progress.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, in his message, described Kadayawan as more than a festival, saying it is a celebration of the city's cultural identity and a reminder of the resilience, generosity, and unity of the people of Davao City.

He urged people to thank God for the city's blessings while recognizing the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and families to Davao's continued growth.

Vice Mayor Duterte assured Davaoeños of his commitment to building a city that is safe, progressive, and compassionate and invited visitors to experience not only Davao's attractions but also the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, hoped that this year's festival would bring blessings and unity and lead to the successful staging of festival activities.

Ortiz cited the opening of Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo led by the deputy mayors of Davao City representing the Bangsamoro and Indigenous Peoples communities as a symbol of the Kadayawan's cultural significance.

First district Rep. Paolo Duterte described Kadayawan as a celebration of Davao City's culture, unity, and resilience. He encouraged the people to welcome visitors with respect and hospitality, work together, and celebrate the festival responsibly.

He recognized the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, Indigenous cultural communities, government employees, barangay officials, uniformed personnel, and volunteer responders in the city's continued progress.

"Kadayawan serves as an occasion to give thanks for the city's blessings, honor its rich cultural heritage and indigenous communities, and celebrate the unity that strengthens Davaoeños," said Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte.

Harold said the festival highlights the importance of protecting the country's fisheries and maritime sectors while encouraging the preservation of culture, environmental stewardship, and collective efforts toward a more peaceful and prosperous Davao and the Philippines.

The grand opening of this year's festival will be held at Magsaysay Park on Friday afternoon. It features its biggest program to date, with the city government organizing 26 official activities, up from 16 last year, and targeting 250,000 tourist arrivals.

Angelica Lopez of Palawan wins first Reina Filipinas crown

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Aug 8, 2026 12:22 am

Angelica Lopez of Palawan, Alexie Brooks of Iloilo, and Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz of Manila emerged top winners at the inaugural Reina Filipinas beauty pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Friday, Aug. 7.

Lopez was crowned Reina Filipinas Grand International 2027, succeeding Emma Marie Tiglao. 

Meanwhile, Brooks and Diaz were both crowned Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars.

Completing the roster of winners in the first Reina Filipinas pageant were Cleopatra Barrera of Zambales, who was named first runner-up; Isabella Ortega of Camarines Sur, who finished as second runner-up; Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong, who placed third runner-up; and Luisa Lorin Benavides of Caloocan, who was named fourth runner-up.   

During the final question-and-answer portion, the seven finalists were asked: “There are undeniably so many pageants already. What space do you hope Reina Filipinas would occupy?”

Lopez answered:

“I understand that every pageant serves a purpose, and so does Reina Filipinas.

Here, they have a business that gives women the opportunity to learn new skills, become more empowered, and grow as individuals—whether in sports, entertainment, or business. It is truly a meaningful and empowering platform, creating a win-win situation for everyone so that we can all move forward toward progress, development, and productivity.”

Over 130,000 individuals affected

 

Over 130,000 individuals affected as 'Maymay', 'Luis', 'habagat' whip six regions

AUTHORITIES inspect the water level of the Amburayan River in Sudipen, La Union as heavy rains from Tropical Cyclone "Maymay" pound the province on Aug. 6, 2026. (File photo)

The combined effects of Tropical Cyclones "Maymay" and "Luis" and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) affected 39,879 families or 132,956 individuals across six regions, with 6,215 people staying in 61 evacuation centers. Read more

5 Rare skills that will set you apart from 99% of people:

 

1. SUSTAINED FOCUS

Every day this skill gets more valuable.

Attention spans are dwindling. Distraction is everywhere.

Simply being able to focus on one thing without interruption for 45 minutes will separate you from 90% of the population.

How to improve:

• Use “Focus mode” on your device
• Use the Pomodoro Technique
• Stop multitasking

2. DISCIPLINE

• Success requires consistency.
• Consistency requires discipline.
• Discipline requires strong systems.

Stop relying on motivation and willpower.

Start building systems to set you up for success.

How to improve:

• Remove temptations
• Have a clear goal and plan to reach it
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses

3. COMMUNICATION

Your ability to effectively communicate your thoughts impacts everything you do:

• Friendships
• Business
• Dating

This is a non-negotiable skill.

How to improve:

• Study storytelling
• Ask for feedback
• Listen more and speak less

4. SALES

Ok, now hear me out. Have you ever.

• Had a job interview
• Asked someone on a date
• Asked your child to do something

That's sales. Negotiation and persuasion.

Whether you realise it or not, you're doing some form of selling nearly every day.

How to improve:

• Find a mentor
• Get in more reps
• Learn to accept rejection

5. TAKING ACTION BEFORE YOU FEEL READY

Most people's time:

80% thinking

20% action

Flip those numbers. Watch your life transform. 80% action 20% thinking.

How to improve:

• Use “Focus mode” on your device
• Use the Pomodoro Technique
• Stop multitasking

Drop💯 if you reached here!

This shows you are a part of 1% who actually finish what they start.

The heartbreak of a beautiful nation

 

 Christian Gil D. Argonza

The Philippines stands at a difficult and defining moment in its history. Across many communities, ordinary citizens are carrying burdens that should never have become normal: rising prices, uncertain livelihoods, overstretched households, and a growing sense that public institutions are drifting away from the people they were meant to serve. For many Filipinos, daily life has become an exercise in endurance rather than an opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope.

One of the deepest wounds in our national life is the persistent perception of corruption and self-interest in government. Whether in local offices or national institutions, many Filipinos have grown weary of seeing public service reduced to political maneuvering, personal advantage, and endless division. At the same time, the cost of basic commodities continues to climb. Food, transportation, electricity, water, and school needs consume an ever larger share of family income, while wages often fail to keep pace. The result is a public that is exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally—working harder each day, yet feeling no closer to a better future.

This reality is especially painful because the Philippines is a country of immense promise. It is blessed with natural beauty, cultural richness, resilient people, and talent recognized across the world. Yet many Filipinos themselves struggle to enjoy the full potential of their own homeland. A nation so abundant in possibility should not leave its citizens feeling trapped in survival mode. What people ask for is not extraordinary privilege, but the fundamentals of a decent society: good governance, transparency, accountability, and public policies that place the welfare of citizens above the ambitions of the powerful.

The continued migration of Filipino professionals is one of the clearest signs of this imbalance. Discussions about “brain drain” often focus narrowly on salaries, as if compensation alone explains why skilled workers choose to leave. But the issue runs deeper than income.

People leave not only because they seek higher pay, but because they long for systems that function, institutions they can trust, and a future where effort is rewarded fairly. When public resources that should improve education, health care, infrastructure, and employment are wasted or misused, the nation loses more than money—it loses confidence, talent, and the faith of its own people.

The pressure is most visible in the everyday lives of working families. Taxes and rising costs affect nearly every essential need: food, water, power, transportation, rent, and school supplies. Each increase, however small it may appear on paper, has a real consequence at the dinner table and in household budgeting. The public senses this gap sharply: people are expected to contribute faithfully as taxpayers, yet too often they do not see the same degree of faithfulness in return from those entrusted with national resources. This is why anger grows. Citizens are not merely frustrated by hardship; they are wounded by the feeling that sacrifice is demanded from them while accountability is withheld from those in authority.

This crisis also places the next generation at risk. José Rizal’s enduring belief that the youth are the hope of the nation remains true, but hope cannot thrive on words alone. The young need quality education, safe communities, meaningful opportunities, and leaders who model integrity rather than cynicism. A country cannot expect its children to build a better future if they inherit broken institutions, normalized dishonesty, and a political culture that rewards influence over service. If we truly believe in the promise of Filipino youth, then we must also demand a society that equips them—not one that discourages them before they even begin.

Ultimately, democracy places a solemn responsibility in the hands of every voter. The freedom to choose our leaders is not only a right; it is a moral obligation to think carefully, remember history, and resist deception dressed as generosity or popularity. Elections should never be reduced to spectacle. They are decisions that shape whether future generations will inherit justice or disorder, opportunity or decline. If we are tired of corruption, inequality, and repeated disappointment, then we must become more disciplined in the way we judge those who ask for public trust. National renewal begins not only in government offices, but in the conscience of the citizenry.

The task before us is not simply to wait for change, but to participate in it—through vigilance, integrity, and a shared refusal to accept public life at its worst. The Philippines deserves more than survival. It deserves justice, competence, and a future worthy of its people.

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