Humans think; God leads

 

ABOUT US

The Daily Guardian is a renascent Iloilo-based publishing firm and media outfit with bureaus across Western Visayas and beyond. Led by Iloilo's most respected journalists, we pledge to tell the Ilonggo story as seen through the various lenses of society so that every side may be told.

BUREAUS:KaliboBoracayRoxasBacolodAntiqueGuimarasManila.

By Klaus Döring

October 2, 2026

The phrase “humans think, God leads us” means that people make their own plans and choices, but God ultimately guides our final direction.

People use their minds and intelligence to decide what to do every day. Humans only see the present moment and cannot know the future.

Believing that God leads involves surrendering personal control, trusting in divine guidance, and finding purpose through faith rather than self-reliance. It requires a willing attitude to follow, even when the path is unknown or challenging, aiming for spiritual growth over personal comfort.

God guides us along the path in ways that are quite beyond our understanding. He uses anything and everything to achieve his plans for us, even turning our hearts and minds to follow his course (Prov. 16:9; 21:1). Moreover, he doesn’t need our conscious cooperation to do this. Nothing can thwart his plans.

God gives his guidance one day at a time to prevent us from becoming proud. God also wants us to learn to trust him. He wants to make it clear to others that the wonderful plan came not from human forethought, but from God himself.

I am happy! Yes, I am! I found joy, freedom, and peace of mind when I discovered what I believe is the secret of a happy life – as an expatriate living in the Philippines for more than 28 years now.

God leads us primarily through His written word, the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit, wise counsel from the church, and the orchestration of our daily circumstances. Rather than giving us an exhaustive map of the future, He generally provides a compass and daily principles to help us make righteous decisions.

I was brought up in a religious family and lived in a parish house up to my 10th birthday. Our Christian life was a fantastic style of religion. Though I was used to it, my attitudes were really very ungodly. Many times, I was prone to anger and did all possible unpleasant things to others. I gave more attention to worldly things until such time that I was deeply immersed in what we call the “worldly trend.” I did those things simply to enjoy life without caring for other people around me.

But then, suddenly, “someone” (let’s call him GOD) interfered. He directed my way. I received plenty of different challenges and tasks – especially when I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.

Sure, I have always been able to travel around the globe. But, believe me, not every trip or even a single day became a satisfying success or event.

Today I am no longer surprised at the painful trials I suffered in the past. Instead of being surprised, I tried to rejoice because I learned that trials are meant to test your faith!

When I got the idea to write this piece, I rummaged through some very old books of my late “Lola” (born in 1899!) and found a faded and more or less crumbled-to-dust document. It was a handwritten piece by an unknown Dutch soldier, who must have written this in mortal agony during his last battle in World War II, dated November 1944. I would like to share it with you, my dear reader, because it also reflected my past – and, maybe, also yours:

“When I stopped my ungodly attitudes, I learned to pray. But when I prayed, I asked for power to become popular, and He made me weak and taught me how to be obedient. When I prayed, I asked for health to be able to do great things, and He gave me afflictions, to do better things. When I prayed, I asked for riches and abundance, and He gave me poverty to become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people’s glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to let me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked everything for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!”

I haven’t received anything I prayed for since living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But I received everything in time, when I no longer expected it. More or less against my own free will, all unspeakable and unpronounceable prayers have been answered. I am really very much blessed.

That’s also what I feel right now. I am what I am right now, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but because all unspeakable prayers have been answered.

Psalm 37:23-24: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Proverbs 16:9: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or X – Twitter, or visit

www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com. 

Christmas gift guide: Serums, pens, planners as holiday stocking stuffers

 

Raoul J. Chee Kee - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – Christmas is less than 100 days away. In a country like the Philippines, however, where some people step into the holiday spirit as soon as September rolls around, it’s never too late to go gift shopping. 

In fact, some department stores and malls are already decking their halls in preparation for the early shoppers. Those with the time to browse and compare prices are the lucky ones but even those who wait until the last minute can still find gifts that please.    

At the opening of the 13th Muji store in Eastwood City, Libis earlier this month, Muji Philippines’ president and general manager Takeshi Akiyoshi and his team picked out several items one can buy in bulk and that make terrific stocking stuffers.     

His first pick was their Booster Serum, which is one of their bestselling items across all branches. 

“I use the serum twice daily after washing my face but before applying toner. It’s very good,” Akiyoshi told Philstar.com. “You know Dior and Shiseido have their own versions but theirs are very expensive. Ours is just P790.”

The serum features a naturally derived formula with over 65% fermented rice bran extract. Fermented-rice ingredients contain prebiotics, enzymes, lactic acid and antioxidants, all beneficial to the skin.

He also listed the brand’s toner as a possible gift idea that can be bundled with the serum. 

“You can also check out our cuticle oil and lip essence. They are also fast movers at the store and are well-loved by our customers,” Akiyoshi said. 

For those who look forward to cracking open a new planner or date book at the start of a new year, Muji has also rolled out its latest selection that comes in several sizes, both lined and unlined, offering day views or week at a glance.

Bundled with a set of colored pens or markers of which Muji has dozens, the planners are another great gift idea. 

The gift of music — or at least a portable Bluetooth speaker that can fit in the palm of one’s hand — is always a welcome addition to one’s school or work bag. 

Store exclusive items

The Japanese retail brand previously opened its third store in Bonifacio Global City at the third floor of SM Aura. The other Muji stores are in Central Square Mall and Uptown Mall.

Aside from opening promos and discounts, the Aura store opening was also marked with exclusive in-store items and collections. 

Its makeup collection features new base makeup items that work with the skin’s natural color tone while summer-kissed candy colors are added to lip items, brightening the total look. The products contain natural moisturizing ingredients closer including Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil and Chamomile Flower Extract.

The Aura store also houses a Coffee Counter that provides a spacious dining area with ample seating and views overlooking Bonifacio Global City. It features a selection of drinks, bread, rice meals, soft serve ice cream, and pastries.

Exclusive to MUJI SM Aura are the Spanish Latte and Danish pastries. The Spanish Latte, available hot or iced, is a smooth blend of espresso, fresh milk, and condensed milk, with an option to substitute oat milk at an additional charge. The Danish pastries are flaky and buttery with sweet fillings, available in Peach and Blueberry varieties. 

If you want to avoid the holiday rush, take a quick stroll through the mall to have an idea of what’s already available. – With reports from Kathleen A. Llemit

Iron-Rich Foods You Should Add to Your Diet

Feeling tired, weak, or low on energy? Your body may need more iron-rich foods. Iron helps carry oxygen through the body and supports energy, focus, healthy skin, and overall wellness. 🌿

🥩 Top iron-rich foods: 🍗 Chicken Liver – very high in iron

🥬 Spinach & Kale – plant-based iron sources

🫘 Lentils & Chickpeas – great for vegetarians

🌱 Pumpkin & Chia Seeds – small but powerful

🍫 Dark Chocolate – yes, even chocolate contains iron 😉

🦪 Clams & Mussels – packed with iron and nutrients

🥣 Oats & Quinoa – healthy everyday options

💡 Tip: Pair iron-rich foods with Vitamin C foods like lemon, oranges, or strawberries to help your body absorb iron better.

Healthy eating is about balance, consistency, and nourishing your body daily. ✨

👉 Which iron-rich food do you eat the most?

#IronRichFoods #HealthyEating #NutritionTips #HealthFacts #IronDeficiency #Wellness #HealthyLifestyle #CleanEating #EnergyBoost #HealthyFood #FitnessNutrition #DailyHealth #BalancedDiet #FoodIsMedicine #HealthTips

Biontech schließt drei Standorte in Deutschland – fast 2000 Mitarbeiter verlieren ihren Job

 

Stand:

30.09.2026, 16:59 Uhr

Von: Robin Dittrich

Biontech schließt drei deutsche Werke – 1.800 Jobs fallen weg. Tübingens Oberbürgermeister Boris Palmer ist empört: Ein Versprechen wurde gebrochen.

Tübingen – Monatelang hoffte Tübingen auf einen Käufer. Jetzt ist klar: Biontech schließt den ehemaligen Curevac-Standort in der Universitätsstadt – und mit ihm zwei weitere Werke in Deutschland. Rund 1.800 Beschäftigte verlieren ihre Stellen, mehr als 700 davon allein in Tübingen. Biontech hatte seit Anfang Mai intensiv nach Käufern für drei seiner Produktionsstandorte gesucht: Tübingen, Idar-Oberstein (Rheinland-Pfalz) und Marburg (Hessen).  

Biontech schließt drei deutsche Werke – 1.800 Jobs fallen weg. Tübingens Oberbürgermeister Boris Palmer ist empört: Ein Versprechen wurde gebrochen. (Symbolbild) © dpa | Marijan Murat

Trotz eines breit angelegten Verkaufsprozesses fand sich kein Investor – das schwierige Markt- und Investitionsumfeld machte alle Hoffnungen zunichte, wie das Unternehmen erklärte. Tübingen soll Ende 2027 schließen, Marburg Anfang 2028 und Idar-Oberstein Ende 2028. Am Montag informierte Biontech seine Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter in einem sogenannten Townhall Meeting über das endgültige Aus. Mit dem Konzernbetriebsrat wurden laut Biontech-Mitteilung ergänzende Abfindungskonditionen vereinbart – Details nannte das Unternehmen zunächst nicht.  

Politiker enttäuscht von Biontech-Schließung – „Das geht nicht“

Tübingens Oberbürgermeister Boris Palmer (parteilos) macht keinen Hehl aus seiner Empörung. Er erinnert daran, dass Biontech Curevac erst Ende 2025 für rund 1,25 Milliarden US-Dollar übernommen und dabei ausdrücklich die Weiterführung des Tübinger Standorts versprochen hatte. Sein Urteil fällt scharf aus: „CureVac erst kaufen wegen der Patente und die Mitarbeiter vor die Tür setzen, das geht nicht.“

Für Tübingen stehe laut des Oberbürgermeisters mehr auf dem Spiel als einzelne Jobs: Es gehe um einen über Jahrzehnte gewachsenen Biotechnologie-Standort. Palmer fordert von Biontech, alle realistischen Möglichkeiten auszuschöpfen. Und er warnt vor einer gefährlichen Lücke in der deutschen Gesundheitsversorgung: „Es ist falsch, dass die Pandemieversorgung komplett eingestellt wird und in Deutschland keinerlei RNA-Produktion mehr übrig bleibt, wenn auch der Standort Tübingen geschlossen wird.“

 

At a fashion week long shaped by the influence of American celebrities, Heart Evangelista has carved out a distinctly global presence, bringing her own blend of art, glamour, and Filipino sensibility to the New York fashion circuit.

Heart Evangelista is New York Fashion Week's breakout celebrity voice

Surpassing Paris Hilton, Jung Hae-In, Lingling Kwong, and Love Pattranite, Heart Evangelista emerges as New York Fashion Week's top celebrity voice, generating $7.6 million in Media Impact Value and further cementing her influence on the global fashion scene. Read more

Transport groups rally in Manila

 

Transport groups rally in Manila over taxes, jeepney phaseout

Rallyists gather near the Mendiola Peace Arch in San Miguel, Manila, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, as the Manila Public Information Office monitors the protest through closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Transport groups and other organizations held a protest in Manila on Wednesday, Sept. 30, calling for the removal of excise taxes on fuel and an end to the government’s jeepney phaseout. The protest was monitored in Recto, Legarda, and Mendiola, where authorities deployed personnel and conducted area monitoring to maintain peace and order and manage traffic. Read more

Uncontrolled internet, AI could be ‘evil gremlins’

 

Uncontrolled internet, AI could be ‘evil gremlins’

By Fr. Shay Cullen, Founder since 1974

Millions of Filipinos open their mobile phones or computers every day, unaware of the power and influence of telecommunications companies (telcos) and internet service providers (ISPs), now enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI), to enable calls, deliver information, and transmit messages and images in an instant. This AI-driven internet is, at present, an unstoppable force in our lives. Its ability to deliver information; give commands and manipulate data; spread fake news; and influence, groom and sexually abuse people online can harm millions of children and adults. It is like a criminal enterprise enabled by telcos and ignored by the government. But the internet is also used for good. It is used to promote justice and peace, human rights and Gospel values; protect human dignity; spread truth; counter evil; and challenge oppression and exploitation in our society with truth, love and kindness. Merriam-Webster defines the internet as an “electronic communications network that connects computer networks and organizational computer facilities around the world.” Access to it is made possible through servers owned and managed by telcos that send electronic signals to devices and connect people around the globe almost instantaneously. The now-AI-powered internet signal is said to be the “new God.” It is almost omnipresent and seemingly omnipotent, as it controls human activities, especially financial systems that make the world function. It is a “God” that does not promise or make a new paradise on earth. It is a “God” more powerful than the humans that created it but cannot fully control. With the rapid development of AI, a powerful software program can make another that is more powerful. AI is fast developing into “super intelligence,” causing grave concern around the world as computer experts and creators of AI programs warn that it is getting beyond their control. The introduction of satellite internet makes this “God-like presence” all the more powerful — and all the more dangerous — in our lives. It is almost untouchable while ever present. The highly toxic content on some internet-powered platforms like Reddit and Discord is waking up Philippine law enforcement that seem powerless to stop them from spewing such negative content and allowing child abuse to happen. It has been discovered that these platforms allow hate speech and influence young people to commit extremely violence, like when a 16-year-old Grade 9 student shot dead two people and wounded others at a school in South Cotabato province on Sept. 18. These same platforms also allow child abusers to connect with children and groom them for sexual acts. There are many other platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, which have been criticized for allowing child-abuse images and videos to stream, thus endangering children. Some Philippine government officials claim they even endanger national security. Telegram has almost no content control or moderation, and allows child-abuse images, self-harm and severe exploitation on its platform. Snapchat’s most dangerous defining feature is “disappearing messages and images” used by predators to commit sextortion almost without detection. Unsuccessful so far The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in the Philippines has tried to police and control the content of these platforms without success, as there is no law empowering them to do so. These platforms, the agency said, have been linked to the radicalization and recruitment of minors involved in recent school shootings in the country. They promote nihilistic violent extremism, it added. The CICC also said the platforms should be “reachable, accountable, and responsive” when the content of their platforms endangers people, especially children, and risk promoting violent acts and self-harm. When they suspended one of the platforms for time, there was an outcry from users who apparently don’t care about the harm it has done to children. They just want internet access. How can we imagine this entity called AI? When used to help humans, this technology is a great friend and teacher. When it goes out of control, it can be used to hurt young people. It transforms from being a friend and teacher to a dangerous creature, not unlike Dr. Jekyll becoming Mr. Hyde. The destructive AI coming into the Philippines through the telcos is what I call an “evil gremlin.” A gremlin is a mythical figure that was said to have infiltrated the engines of British fighter pilots in World War II and was blamed for the frequent mechanical failures of their aircraft rather than the aircraft builders or mechanics for putting them in grave danger. Philippine law enforcement officers are unable to bring the evil gremlins — the AI-driven social media platforms — to account because they are based outside the Philippines. However, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology under Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda have that power. They have powers to regulate what comes into the Philippines and block the evil gremlins with legally mandated, installation-ready blocking software. They have power over the IPS and their parent companies, the telcos; and must exercise it in accordance with the law for the sake of the people, especially children, being abused and exploited by the “evil gremlin.” No one knows why they don’t enforce the law to protect children. Allegations of collusion with telcos are unfounded, they say. The United Nations Children’s Fund says more than 2 million children have been sexually exploited over the internet. Republic Act 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act of 2022, replaces and drastically strengthens RA 9775, or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, which this column proposed and promoted with then-senator Jamby Madrigal. Under the new law, ISP and telco officials, social media intermediaries, and financial entities that fail to block or report these horrific illegal activities and allow AI-driven child abuse to continue on the internet will face severe administrative fines, operational suspensions, or criminal liability for noncompliance. Yet, somehow, they all enjoy impunity and protection by the political influence the telcos wield. We could pray they repent and protect children and not allow them to be abused.

The Social Reckoning trailer casts Jeremy Strong as Zuckerberg

 

Jeremy Strong steps into the role of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in the new trailer for “The Social Reckoning,” Aaron Sorkin’s companion film to the 2010 drama “The Social Network.”

“The Social Reckoning” will open in Philippine cinemas on October 7.

Sony Pictures lists the film’s wider theatrical release for October 9, placing its Philippine debut two days earlier.

Written and directed by Sorkin, the dramatic thriller draws inspiration from the events surrounding “The Facebook Files” and the whistleblower whose disclosures intensified scrutiny of the social media company.

The story follows Frances Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, as a young Facebook engineer who uncovers some of the social network’s most closely guarded information.

Haugen recruits Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White, for a dangerous journey that ultimately exposes the company’s secrets.

The studio describes the film as a David-and-Goliath story about the whistleblower who helped trigger the social media reckoning still unfolding today.

Strong leads the ensemble alongside Madison, White, Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen and Bill Burr.

The film reunites Strong with Sorkin after the actor appeared in the filmmaker’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”

Sorkin wrote the screenplay for “The Social Network,” which dramatized Facebook’s creation and the legal disputes surrounding its early years.

The 2010 film received eight Academy Award nominations and won three prizes, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Sorkin, film editing, and original score, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Todd Black, Peter Rice, Aaron Sorkin and Stuart Besser produced “The Social Reckoning,” with each receiving the Producers Guild of America designation.

Lauren Lohman, Roger McNamee, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove served as executive producers.

The new trailer previews the film’s account of the personal and institutional risks behind the disclosures.

“The Social Reckoning” arrives exclusively in Philippine cinemas on October 7.