THE WAY OF THE WORLD

 

By Mindanao Daily News -August 14, 20260238

The Way of the World is a comedy play written by the English playwright William Congreve, first performed in 1700. It premiered in the theatre in Lincoln’s Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded by critics as one of the finest works of Restoration comedy ever written, and has often been called a centrepiece of the genre. Initially, however, the play struck many audience members as continuing the “immorality” of the previous decades, and was not well received. Public perception of the play gradually changed over time, and it eventually became noted for its important role in shaping the comedy of manners genre during the Restoration period, and continues to be adapted for performances in operas, concerts, and theatres. The Restoration period was a time of “fashionable facade.”

William Congreve’s The Way of the World (1700) is the peak of Restoration comedy and the comedy of manners. It satirizes upper-class hypocrisy, greed, and marital economics, tracing the witty lovers Mirabell and Millamant as they out-maneuver social traps and secure their fortunes.

 Englishmen condemned sexual promiscuity in public, but in private took a liking to the well-executed French wit, and such is reflected in the subject matter of the play. This may have contributed to the play not being well received when it initially came out.

Sometimes, we might ask ourselves: What is the sense of doing this and that? What is the meaning of life? I am sure, each and every one of us looks for a good life. 

When you’re struggling in life, take assurance in the fact that everyone else struggles like you do. We may not have similar struggles, but it’s still a struggle nonetheless. If struggles didn’t exist, we’d have no way to appreciate the beauty and wonders of life.

Sometimes, we seem to remain very optimistic. We think it’s easy to always find a good life. Most of the time, we are in doubt or, we even choose to be unhappy without any reason at all. To wake up in the morning with pessimism and fall asleep at night, dissatisfied and unhappy – yes, that makes life miserable.

Face it: Living a good life is not living a life without problems. Living a good life comes from acknowledging, facing, and then transcending each problem as it comes. If you let the problems get you down, you’ll always be down. Choose instead to let the problems get you up, get you going, and get you working on solving them

On the other hand: Without happiness and satisfaction there is indeed no space for peace in our hearts and minds. Therefore there is no domestic harmony and logically, no peace on earth. The meaning of happiness is trying to manage life even with big problems, difficulties and trials. I learned this from Filipinos after staying in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999.I was really surprised to experience mutual happiness, friendship, love, unity and communal spirit with relatives  in my surroundings. Even during the really not easy last three years.

Of course, I also found myself in very negative situations. I observed people, who seem to live an easy go lucky way of life. But, they were like actors and actresses on stage, wearing incredible masks and pretending to be what they are not. 

Hence, in Greek, they are the so-called hypocrites. Maybe also you and I belong to them from time to time. Fear of rejection or displeasure of other people are becoming our daily friends. In society, it’s called “good public relations”. Politely greeting and smiling with a set of purpose: to win them there for business.

So, what really counts for us in life? Success? Power? Strength? Money? Is it contentment? Is it peace on earth? Is it peace in our homes? Zest for life?

Let us go through life’s journey: From time to time, we have been babies bubbling like a brook on the first blush of spring. We hurried up, unaware of problems and troubles, being unconscious of time, as adults we worried and became conscious of money. Then, suddenly, we looked at our faces, the first wrinkles, and the bald patch on the forehead, the first grey hair. We observed our teeth falling out and our eyeglasses got thicker and our bones crack here and there. 

We start the familiar line: “When I was young… .” And we realize our mortality. Death could knock at our door any time. We feel humbled. We have mellowed. 

Have I done no wrong? Have I been selfless or selfish? Have I been mission-oriented since then? Have I lived a life worthy in God’s eyes? What really counted for me? Ano ang mahalaga? Paniniwala? Pag-asa? O kaya pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan?

‘Habagat’ puts 47 localities under state of calamity

 

‘Habagat’ puts 47 localities under state of calamity; PAGASA explains reason behind heavy rains

FLOOD swamps Dagupan City due to the enhanced 'habagat.' (Mayor Belen Fernandez FB)

A total of 47 cities and municipalities were declared under calamity status as enhanced habagat and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay affected 4.34 million people in 3,768 barangays nationwide. There were 21 people who died, 17 were injured, and three remained missing while flooding was reported in 450 area, rendering 165 roads and 13 bridges impassable. Read more

Meanwhile, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Dr. John Manalo said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” remains active over western Luzon, as strong southwesterly winds continue to bring moisture toward the country. Read more

What are the top 3 places in the world to visit, and why?

 

Peter Wade

 · 

visited 83 countries, all 7 continents

What are the top three places in the world to visit, and why?

For anyone who has traveled the world extensively, it is excruciatingly difficult to eliminate all the scenic beauty, fascinating culture, and stunning cuisine we’ve enjoyed, narrowing down a lifetime of adventures to only three recommendations.

Sorting through my memories around the globe - the mountains of New Zealand, Montenegro, and Switzerland, the remote regions of Argentina, Peru, and China, the oceanfront of northern Norway, southern Chile, and Australia’s Lord Howe Island, and the exotic aura of India, Brazil, and Egypt - all of this is so diverse and unique and worthwhile. It’s so unfathomable to reduce the planet to only a few of the world’s highlights.

Within the United States alone, I cannot imagine overlooking the stunning scenery of Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, California, Oregon, and Washington! America has its own impressive highlight reel, which I’ll set aside for the purposes of recommending the planet’s most ideal, exotic, far-flung places off the radar of many.

If I must attempt this impossible task, I won’t need to necessarily select the three most beautiful places I’ve witnessed. I must simply choose three locales of great variety that will offer a tremendous adventure to anyone who takes my advice, not only the final destination but the experience along the way. With that in mind, I’ll give you three examples whose photo ops will make all your friends envious, places with staggering terrain and stunning water features, sufficiently life changing enough to ignite a passion for travel if not already, and even the opportunity to glimpse unique wildlife as a bonus.

• GPS coordinates -23.148672, 14.443982
• Sandwich Harbour, Namibia

This is one of the most majestic places you’ll see in the world. The massive sand dunes of the Namib Desert are juxtaposed against the mighty South Atlantic Ocean in one of the planet’s most surreal scenes.

Lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, and oryx are among hundreds of species that roam the barren desert landscape and even the coastline itself. The endless stretch of crashing waves and lunarlike topography without the intrusion of resorts and high-rises is simply stellar.

• GPS coordinates -64.847812, -62.948225
• Paradise Bay, Antarctica

See as much of Antarctica as you can. Quite simply, these are the most indelible travel memories I retain. In Paradise Bay, the water is as smooth as glass, the black mountains offer an eerie intrigue, and the glacial cliffs of stunning proportion rise like frozen skyscrapers towering above the bay. Turn off the boat engine and you won’t hear a sound. It’s the only place in the world I’ve ever felt the experience of going deaf. There is literally not one speck of noise pollution in this remote place at the bottom of the world. And my goodness, the journey along the way!

• GPS coordinates 63.775764, -18.175476
• Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Just tour all of Iceland from top to bottom and your mind will be blown. But a personal highlight was strolling along the southern coast of this magical island, with jet-black sandy shores, waves reaching for the foothills of Reynisfjall mountain, and basalt sea stacks towering in the ocean. The orange-beaked roosting puffins and odd rocky formations along the cliffside known as Columnes Reynisfjara complete this otherworldly trek, as if you’ve stumbled into a fairytale.

Of all my travels, these three places are perhaps the most unforgettable and most likely to inspire!

You may also be interested in my list of the most exquisite and lesser-known places in the world.

 Ein herzlichen Dankeschön an ALLE Leserinnen und Leser auf der ganzen Welt.

❤❤❤

A heartfelt thank you to all readers around the world.

Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

What is an anti-aging secret that not many people know about?

Brighton Gretneberg

 · 

Old Medical Doctor Jul 28

A dermatologist once enlightened me on something that has completely shifted my view of aging:

"People waste far too much effort trying to eliminate wrinkles rather than focusing on the reason behind them."

While working as a doctor for decades, one of the most underrated aspects of aging concerns persistent and low-grade inflammation.

It does not have to be painful and you might not even sense its presence, but over years, the persistent inflammation will lead to problems associated with blood vessels, metabolism, the brain, joints, and skin.

Here is another thing that I did not expect – there is no need for expensive supplements to take care of it.

The things that most people ignore are crucial – regular physical exercises, good sleep, quitting smoking, maintaining a proper weight, dealing with stress, and consuming mostly minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, grains, and fish.

One small change that I have made long ago involved switching one processed snack for a more nutritious food that I actually liked. It looked too trivial to be effective. But once I started comparing my feelings when eating healthily and unhealthily, I finally understood why it pays to stick to your diet.

If you are looking for some anti-aging secret, here is one that should definitely be among the top:

Don't just think about how you can make yourself appear younger?

Think about how you can prevent your body from undergoing unnecessary damage?

Wrinkles will show up.

But inflammation won't.

LIFE IS TOUGH

Ever since I could read I have been obsessed with the power of words, and it’s words that invariably turn things around for me when life gets tough. The phrase "life is tough, but so are you" is a popular reminder of human resilience, overcoming past hardships, and finding inner strength.

The quote means that even though life brings hard challenges and pain, you have the inner strength and power to survive and beat them. It is a message of hope and courage.

Life is full of ups and downs. It's okay to find yourself feeling frustrated and lost when you're going through some hard times. Accept whatever negativity you have to face, and choose to face them with a positive attitude.

Life can be tough, and it's not your fault. Despite what many people might say, you are not responsible for the challenges that come your way. There are many factors that contribute to the difficulties we face in life, and it's important to recognize that they are not always within our control.

When you make your way through tough times, you'll become stronger and more successful in life. That's why the phrase “what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger” really does ring true. The wisest and most well-rounded people you meet are usually those who have gone through tough times themselves.

Putting yourself through hard things, and holding yourself accountable will automatically build discipline and mental strength. You will be so locked in, and disciplined, that exercise will be an essential part of your day. Because of that, you will become stronger and in better shape than you've ever been in.

“In this life, people will love you and people will hate you and none of that will have anything to do with you.” — Abraham Hicks

So important to remember when life gets tough.

Every time I speak at a public event, give an opinion at a meeting, go to a networking event, or just meet new people, I think of this quote.

At the end of the day, what other people think doesn’t matter as much as we think it does.

Haters gonna hate, likers gonna like, and life goes on.

There were some tough days, there were some good days, but you have to just keep going, keep dreaming, and keep believing.

Buddha’s famous saying tells us: “It is your resistance to ‘what is’ that causes your suffering.” Think about that for a minute. It means that our suffering only occurs when we resist how things are. If you can change something, then take action! Change it! But if you can’t change it, then you have two choices: (1) either accept it and let go of the negativity, or (2) make yourself miserable by obsessing over it.

Philippines risks missing AI boom as BPO jobs face automation threat

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 13, 2026 04:53 pm

The Philippines risks falling behind the artificial intelligence (AI) boom as it benefits less from the surge in AI-related electronics exports while its massive business process outsourcing (BPO) industry faces growing exposure to automation, according to think tank Capital Economics.

In a report last Wednesday, Aug. 12, Capital Economics senior Asia economist Gareth Leather said the country is neither benefiting significantly from the increase in AI-related electronics exports nor well positioned to capture the productivity gains from wider AI adoption.

“The Philippines risks falling behind in the AI revolution,” Capital Economics said.  

The report noted that electronics exports have surged across much of Asia over the past year as companies increased production and raised prices of semiconductors and other components used in AI infrastructure, with particularly strong growth in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

By contrast, Capital Economics said Philippine electronics exports have risen at a much weaker pace.

The think tank also noted that the Philippines ranked 43rd out of 47 economies in its AI Economic Impact Index, with a score of just 21 out of 100. The index assesses economies’ ability to innovate, adopt, and benefit from AI, with the Philippines ranking at the bottom among the Asian economies covered.

Manila Bulletin reported last February that the Philippines also ranked last among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 economies covered by the index, behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The country was among the bottom five globally, alongside Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, and Argentina.   

Capital Economics said the bigger economic risk lies in the country’s BPO industry, which directly employs around 1.8 million workers, generates roughly $40 billion in annual export revenues, and accounts for around seven to eight percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Many services provided by the industry, including customer support, back-office administration, finance and accounting, routine information technology (IT) support, and other repetitive cognitive tasks, are activities that AI is increasingly capable of automating, it noted.

Around 70 percent of Philippine BPO revenues remain linked to voice-based services, where AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants are rapidly improving, according to Capital Economics.

While AI is not expected to eliminate these jobs immediately, industry estimates cited by the think tank suggest that around one million BPO-related jobs in the Philippines could be vulnerable to automation by 2030.

Capital Economics contrasted the Philippines with India, which has developed a broader technology base through global capability centers focused on software engineering, product development, and higher-value business functions.

The think tank noted that the Philippines has more resilient niches, including complex healthcare BPO and higher-value customer support, where regulatory requirements and the need for human judgment offer some protection. However, these account for only around 20 percent of the industry, while the majority of revenues remain concentrated in routine customer experience and back-office functions that are more exposed to automation.   

Capital Economics warned that without the deeper pool of technical talent and IT capabilities available in countries such as India to absorb workers into higher-value roles, “AI is more likely to substitute for Philippine BPO workers than complement them.”

The warning comes as the Philippines seeks to attract AI, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and other high-value investments through its participation in the United States (US)-led Pax Silica initiative.

The Philippines and the US are developing a nearly 1,619-hectare (ha) economic security zone in New Clark City in Tarlac province, envisioned as the first AI-native industrial acceleration hub under Pax Silica. The facility is expected to accommodate investments in critical mineral processing, semiconductor design and manufacturing, AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, energy, and digital infrastructure.

The Philippines joined Pax Silica in April as the alliance’s 13th member. The initiative seeks to strengthen supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, and AI infrastructure. - Danielle T. Bayani

What has life taught you about love and companionship after the age of 40?

That short of experiencing a fairytale life…

Integration will be necessary.

A single failed marriage with any number of children, or even without exchanging rings, you'll have to bring kids into your new relationships. Putting their emotional well-being first means timing and correct decision making is paramount.

I've been with somebody for roughly eighteen months without my daughter knowing, partially because I'm concerned regarding her emotions. She's not in my local area so it's been easy to compartmentalise. But when moving in with my new girlfriend (and possibly have children) I'll have to decide whether or not to keep it a secret, possibly staying at my parent's home which is common anyway during her visits, but it couldn't be forever and I don't want to withhold her knowing if she has siblings. It may get trickier and more complicated.

An entire considerable matter which isn't directly part of the relationship. But integration will sooner or later become necessary.

After living through experiences which permanently change your circumstances, loving somebody and entering relationships will never (or for a long period) be one dimensional, but instead involve serious additional life components. It requires a level of maturity some people never develop and that often leads to harmful consequences.

Reading above must feel strange to observe how little I've mentioned the actual relationship? It's a hard reality which individuals commonly navigate, sometimes putting off getting into relationships altogether for the well-being of their children.

My Dad had five children (including myself and full siblings) and chose not to remarry, largely motivated by the sake of his children. Either way, he wasn't going to have more children, but a relationship would've been good for companionship.

Older than myself and with far more children, he didn't want more but said in my circumstances (decade younger than himself during that period with one child) that having more could have been desirable. We can see degree of challenges integrating family largely varies dependent upon circumstances.

Following your heart isn't just considering love for your partner 💘 …

It's about piecing together everything that matters 💞

PH secures $230-M French fund for blue economy project

BY NYAH GENELLE C. DE LEON

AUGUST 14, 2026

The Philippine government has secured another 200 million euros ($230 million) in financing from French development agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD), this time for a program aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and developing the country’s blue economy.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the financing, equivalent to around P14 billion, will fund the Marine Ecosystem for Blue Economy Development (MEBED) 1. The program is expected to generate sustainable livelihoods for more than three million people, including fisherfolk, aquaculture operators and tourism workers.

This marks the second 200-million-euro financing secured by the DOF this week, following a separate agreement with AFD to support food security among low-income families.

Ritter Sport in der Kritik: Warum sie mit einem Aufkleber ihre Verpackung überkleben

Von: Denise Burmester   

Ein Aufkleber auf dem Schoko-Quadrat verdeckt eine Info, die dort jahrelang stand. Was dahintersteckt, überrascht.

Der Griff ins Süßwarenregal gehört für viele Menschen zur festen Einkaufsroutine. Bei den quadratischen Tafeln von Ritter Sport fällt Kunden in den Supermärkten derzeit jedoch eine auffällige Veränderung ins Auge. In der linken oberen Ecke der bunten Folien klebt bei zahlreichen Sorten plötzlich ein schlichter Aufkleber. Er verdeckt ausgerechnet die Stelle, an der bislang eine Werbebotschaft mit einem Versprechen des Herstellers stand.       

Oben in der Ecke in Hellgrün steht der Hinweis „100 % zertifiziert nachhaltiger Kakaobezug“. Dieser wird nun von Ritter Sport überklebt. © IMAGO/Rüdiger Wölk

Ritter Sport überklebt damit sein zentrales Umweltversprechen auf der Verpackung: den Satz „100 % zertifiziert nachhaltiger Kakaobezug“. Diese Garantie der vollständigen Nachhaltigkeit wird nun plötzlich überklebt mit einem Aufkleber, auf dem nur noch „ohne Zusatz von Aromen“ steht.
Als einen der Gründe nennt das Unternehmen die neue EU-Verbraucherschutzrichtlinie EmpCo. Sie soll Begriffe wie „nachhaltig“ oder „ökologisch“ auf Verpackungen künftig nur noch dann erlauben, wenn sie lückenlos belegt sind, als ein Instrument gegen sogenanntes Greenwashing, also irreführende Umweltwerbung.  

EU-Richtlinie gegen Greenwashing bringt Sticker auf Schokofolie

Statt die Werbebotschaft aufwendig auf allen gedruckten Folien zu ändern, greift Ritter Sport pragmatisch zur Kleberolle. Gegenüber t-online erklärte das Unternehmen, man wolle die Übergangsphase so steuern, dass bereits produzierte Verpackungsfolien nicht ungenutzt vernichtet werden müssen. Der Rohstoffeinkauf bleibe weiterhin zertifiziert, betonte der Hersteller. Aromen seien in den meisten Sorten ohnehin seit Langem nicht mehr enthalten.

Auf Nachfrage von IPPEN.MEDIA bestätigt Ritter-Sport-Sprecherin Elke Dietrich, dass die Anpassung eine direkte Reaktion auf die neue EU-Verbraucherschutzrichtlinie EmpCo ist. Dabei betont sie, dass beide Aussagen [Nachhaltigkeit und Aromen] „weder neu sind noch sich in den letzten Jahren geändert haben“. Den Vorwurf, plötzlich weniger nachhaltig zu produzieren, weist der Schokoladenhersteller zurück: Man beziehe nach eigenen Angaben weiterhin ausschließlich zertifizierten Kakao, Aromen seien in den meisten Sorten ohnehin seit Langem nicht enthalten.    Ritter Sport geriet bereits früher wegen abweichender Gewichtsangaben in den Fokus von Konsumentenschützern.

• Bei der Sorte „Kakao-Klasse“ steckten nur 75 Gramm Schokolade in einer Verpackung, die von außen kaum kleiner wirkte als die gewohnte 100-Gramm-Tafel.
• Die Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg sprach von einer Mogelpackung.

Ritter Sport verwies auf teurere Edelkakaosorten. Dass auf manchen Tafeln heute ein Sticker mit „100 g“ klebt, wirkt vor diesem Hintergrund wie eine späte Antwort auf die damalige Kritik.  

Von Milka bis Lindt: Diese Schokoladenmarken lieben die Deutschen am meisten

Fotostrecke ansehen

Neben der Füllmenge sorgt die Preisgestaltung für Unmut. Die veganen Sorten kosten mit rund 1,99 bis 2,19 Euro deutlich mehr als die klassischen Tafeln. Ritter Sport verweist auch hier auf teurere Zutaten wie Mandelpaste sowie aufwendigere Produktionsbedingungen, unter anderem um Kreuzkontaminationen mit Milch zu vermeiden. Das überzeugt viele Verbraucher in den sozialen Medien nicht. Viele beschweren sich beispielsweise auf Reddit oder X, dass die veganen Varianten fast immer von Rabattaktionen ausgenommen seien. Auch bei vielen anderen Produkten und Marken im Supermarkt, sollten Sie Mogelpackungen erkennen.