German Day of Unity

Pia Wurtzbach first Filipina figure in Tussauds Hong Kong

By: Helen Flores (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach will join other famous celebrities who have wax models in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

Wurtzbach is the first Filipino to get a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, a wax museum that first opened in London over 200 years ago.

The beauty queen announced on Instagram that her figure would be available for viewing starting next year.

“When I found out, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it! In my head, this is something that only happens to big stars,” Wurtzbach said.

“I go to Madame Tussauds, so I know what it’s like and how fun it is there. And now, thinking that I’m going to be one of them, I’m very honored, I’m very grateful and I can’t wait to see it,” she said.


Wurtzbach recently went through the measurement process – also known as a “sitting” – for her wax figure, with a team from London.

“It was really quite a process and it’s so high tech! One second they were only taking a photo of my face then next thing I know, I see my face from different angles so instantly. It’s amazing,” she said.

Wurtzbach will be joining the likes of Taylor Swift, Jackie Chan and Choi Siwon.

Madame Tussauds HK described Wurtzbach as “a queen in every definition of the word.”

Wurtzbach’s wax figure will be joining those of the greatest from around the world throughout history in 2019, it said.

Madame Tussauds general manager Jenny You said Wurtzbach’s inclusion in the famous museum is their way of showing their appreciation to the Filipino community living and visiting Hong Kong.

“With Pia’s sweet, positive and fun personality, we really could not have imagined having anyone but her to represent the Philippines in this way and what better way to share this milestone but on her birthday?” You said in a statement.

Wurtzbach’s victory became controversial after host Steve Harvey initially announced the wrong winner of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant.

Madame Tussauds has opened museums in major cities all over the world. – Charmie Joy Pagulong

Standing by myself?

My column in Mindanao Daily and BusinessWeek Mindanao

While being a columnist of "Tinig ng Bayan" (published in Abra) during the 1980's, I even remember nowadays Taiwanese coordinator Cristina Lising-Geronga, who expressed herself in innumerable write ups about the topic loneliness. Sure, "Tinig ng Bayan" has been a publication or Filipinos abroad. Loneliness, borne by Filipinos living abroad while missing their families in the Philippines became a very "normal" expression.

During that time my late mentor Monsignor Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, Chaplain of the Philippine Community in Berlin, started together with me publishing "Ang Mabuhay". Believe me, "loneliness" became a main topic in many write-ups.

How comes that loneliness is still a general topic in so many families nowadays all over the globe? 

Loneliness has been called one of the main diseases of this and last century. It really doesn't strike not only the Filipinos abroad and their love ones back home. Too often loneliness is being followed by alcoholism, drug abuse and even suicide. Yes, loneliness becomes a modern day plague.  I observed several people trying to surround themselves with so-called "friends" only to find that such relationships are often shallow and unsatisfying.

Loneliness can be painful but being lonely or alone at that is not always a bad thing. Ask yourself, how do  you use your time, if you are really alone? Do you simply let the time pass without doing anything  at all? Why not use such time productively? There are many worthwhile activities to engage in, even if you are alone, such as reading, writing, listen to good (light) music, play an (forgotten?) instrument, gardening... .

Reading the bible can be also very particularly beneficial.  The Word of God is "alive and exerts power" and can take our minds off ourselves. 

To break the cycle of loneliness, one must be a giver. Let's keep an eye, not only and always on our personal interests but also on the interests others. Look around and watch out who needs help, or who needs a real friend or good listener. Once you have spotted such a person, act! Thus, in order to have friends, you must act like a friend. Luke 6:38 says, "Give to others, and God will give to you!" Besides, "There is more happiness (and less loneliness) in giving then receiving", says Acts 20:35.

Comval Governor Uy delivered his 2nd SOPA

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy delivered his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, September 18 at Monkayo Dome, Comval.

Gov. Uy reported the province’s accomplishment in line with his “One Comval, One vision” highlivghting the4Ps of his administration; Planet, Prosperity, People and Peace.

In planet, the governor centered his speech in the effort done by the province in partnership with the Municipal Local Government Units and other partners in regards to the environment. One of which is the ongoing rehabilitation of the Diwalwal.

“Amid all the talks and noises covering this issue, let me restate my official position: Our priority is the rehabilitation of the Diwalwal,” the governor said.

With all the problems surrounding the shortage of rice supply, Gov. Uy proudly shared that Comval is 98% rice sufficient as drawn from the report of nine (9) rice-producing municipalities. In fact, the province is a consistent recipient of Department of Agriculture’s Rice Achiever Award.

For people, he mentioned the programs of the province that are innovative and participatory. The success of the Bayanihan Para saKalusugan – KusinangKalinga (BPsK – KnK) program had inspired the province to bring the BPsK-KnK into a new level. The PLGU plans to conduct a universal feeding, wherein elementary pupils, regardless of their nutritional status will be fed for 120 days during lunchtime in five pilot areas in the province, namely; Upper Ulip ES in Pantukan, Anagase ES in Monkayo, Lono-Lono ES in Mawab, LS Sarmiento ES in Laak and Libuak ES in Maco. The activity is set on October, this year.

The province peace agenda covers two important pursuits, the reduction of crime and curbing agency. The PLGU continue to strengthen the anti-drug abuse councils of every LGU and actively worked for the social and economic reforms in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.

The governor ended his SOPA giving thanks and acknowledging the people behind the province’s achievements and encouraging his fellow public servant, particularly the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members to continuewhat they have started.

“Victories should not stop. It should continue. I intend to keep the bayanihan spirit alive to witness more victories. I intend to keep the vision of our province to see more triumphs. I intend to connect and reach out to more people. I intend to keep the unity. I intend to bring more peace, deliver more progress and change more lives. So that by the time that we rename our province’s name to Davao de Oro by next year, we will be stronger than before,” he said.(Sheldane Mahinay// ID Comval)

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy delivered his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, September 18 at Monkayo Dome, Comval. the SOPA centered on the province’s accomplishment in line with his “One Comval, One vision” highlighting the4Ps of his administration; Planet, Prosperity, People and Peace. (Maryel Lasaca// ID Comval)

Mango Trees are blooming

Blooming mango trees in my garden ...

Let's wait and pray for another good harvest ...

Comval holds HIV Summit 2018

By Rey Antibo

Compostela Valley Province--- The provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) holds HIV Summit 2018 with the theme: “Right to Health, Getting to Zero, Ends Aids,” on September 7, 2018 at the Social Hall, Capitol Building, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Attending the summit were the officials from the PHO headed by Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr.,- PG Department Head, Placido Alcomendras Jr.- Assistant Provincial Administrator representing Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, and Atty. Niel John A. Villarico – OIC Provincial Legal Officer.

Dr. Ybiernas explained about the difference between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to Ybiernas that “HIV is a person that has the virus in the body with no symptoms, it depends on the immune system to combat the virus while AIDS is a person already with the disease, having problems with lungs, with the immune system, the person is very sick because of the huge amount of the virus.”

Also present during the event were the different youth associations of the province as well as the LGBT group, high school and college students with the Municipal Health officers and employees of the Rural Health Units (RHU).

Meanwhile, Raffy Ardemil from Cagayan De Oro City a person living with HIV (PLHIV) shares his experience of fighting HIV for almost 3 years of survival.

He also inspired others to undergo HIV counseling and testing to prevent future damage for those who have risky behavior and with multiple partners.

He encouraged others by helping his advocacy and the society and willing to commit for the HIV and AIDS Advocacy program.

Ardemil challenged the participants to hug him in person because a PLHIV needs a hug.

“Let’s fight HIV not a person living with HIV,” Ardemil said.

During the program, the RHUs HIV counselors and representatives shares their best practices on how to prevent and control the HIV as well as a Lecture on Republic Act 8504 also known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 by Atty. Villarico.

The presentation of Strategies Formulated during the Breakout Sessions of the 11 municipalities was also held with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, Message of Commitment and Support by the partners and the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation was also done. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

Blogger apologizes to deaf community ...

... over latest controversial video with Mocha

By: (philstar.com) 

MANILA, Philippines — Blogger Andrew Olivar apologized on Monday for making fun of deaf people on his latest video with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

"Binababa ko po sarili ko, nagpapakumbaba. Alam ko mahirap, alam ko mali ako e. Hindi ako magri-reason out. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry po. Patawarin nyo po ako sa pagiging insensitive ko, sa pagiging childish ko," Olivar said in a Facebook post, which generated more than 58,000 views on its first two hours.

Related Stories
Mocha stirs fresh outrage over vulgar 'federalism' dance
Duterte defends Mocha despite admitting she went overboard
Why imitating sign language as a joke is wrong and unfunny
"Humihingi po ako ng tawad po sa mga (sic) deaf community," he added.

The video was also shared by Uson on her Facebook account, with a caption, "Sorry po."

Uson and Olivar drew flak for their latest video uploaded last Thursday and which was viewed as highly offensive of the deaf community.


The video starred Olivar and Uson promoting their new radio show. At the start of the video, Uson, who was taking the video, can be heard laughing on the background after Olivar obliged to mimic the sign language at her directions.

"Para kang unggoy diyan," Uson told Olivar in the video after the latter's attempt to do the sign language.

Several quarters, including Sen. Nancy Binay, have criticized Uson and Olivar for the video.

"Hindi nakakatuwa ang huling video ni Asec. Mocha Uson at Drew Olivar. It is disrespectful to the sizable deaf/mute community who already struggle in airing their concerns and aspirations," Binay said in a statement.

In his apology, Olivar claimed to be an advocate of persons with disabilities and said he "was also hurt" by the video he helped made since he also has friends who are suffering from disabilities.

"Yung sorry siguro nakakapagpagaan ng loob, pero 'di nakakatama ng mali. Nasa sa inyo na po kung ano pong desisyon niyo. Kung tatanggapin niyo po ito," Olivar said.

This was not the first time that Uson and Olivar drew flak for their videos. In August, the duo was slammed for making fun of the federalism campaign, a key initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte to spread economic wealth concentrated in Metro Manila towards the provinces.

The now infamous video has been dubbed as "Pepederalismo," a play of the words involving women's private parts and federalism. It was coined from Olivar's lewd dance in the video, with the lyrics: "Ipepe-dede-ralismo!"

Uson, a former sexy star, was slapped with a "written reminder" regarding ethical standards applicable to public officials. Two weeks ago, Duterte himself said that Uson, who has been his supporter since his presidential campaign, went overboard.

Pop icons Tiffany and Debbie Gibson bring the party to Manila

By: (philstar.com) 

(As released) Oscar Wilde once said that the secret to remaining young is to have an inordinate amount of passion for pleasure. Others claim that music—older songs, in particular—are memories that can take you back instantly to a place where you'll forever be youthful.

Luckily enough, two of the biggest female pop music icons and worldwide musical chart-toppers from the 80s are heading to Philippine shores this third quarter of 2018 to kick-start both the memories and the good times. Tiffany and Debbie Gibson are bringing the party to us! And we know you and the entire young-at-heart gang are going to get a kick out of this "electrified" and "so beautiful" stroll down memory lane.

Happening on September 15 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, this is a show for the entire family and for people of all ages who take having fun very seriously.

The sing-alongs from the Filipino audience are expected to be massive, since there are literally so many hits to choose from: Debbie Gibson's smash power ballads ("Lost In Your Eyes," "Sure," "No More Rhyme," "Foolish Beat" "Only In My Dreams") and dance-infused anthems (like "Electric Youth," "Shake Your Love," "Anything Is Possible" and "We Could Be Together…") and Tiffany's characteristically pensive and heartbreaking love songs like "All This Time," "If Love Is Blind," "Hearts Never Lie," "It's The Lover" and retro-tastic pop radio singles like "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Radio Romance."

It's the perfect match, as both Gibson and Tiffany – despite coming from the same era of radio-friendly anthems and despite the rumored rivalry from years ago – are finally teaming-up for their legion of loyal Pinoy music fans, and are respectively bringing their A-game of musical style and swagger. After all, it is THE musical spectacle that took over three decades in the making!

Produced and presented by Random Minds (one of the country's premier concert and events companies), "Debbie Gibson and Tiffany: Live in Manila" is definitely the hottest ticket in town for music fans who will forever be young-at-heart and still know how to have a good time.

It's the chance to show the kids how it was done back in the day. After all whoever says adults can no longer "party like it's 1989" is about to be proven wrong in a major way! If you're that cool parent, or tito/tita, who always buys tickets for your kids to shows, this time, it's your time!

We guarantee that this is one show you do NOT want to miss! Tickets are now on sale at all SM Tickets Outlets, and for inquiries, their hotline is (02) 470-2222. And for details and information on the latest and best shows in the country, don't forget to follow @RandomMindsInc on Facebook and @RandomMindsPH on Twitter and Instagram.

"Tiffany and Debbie Gibson Live in Manila" is presented by Random Minds with Solaire Resort and Casino, and CTK Inc with official media partners.

Assertions to bear

My today's column in Mindanao Daily Mirror

We love to complain! Many times we don't have reasons at all to do so - but, we love to complain. Especially nowadays. Our world is full of mess - isn't it? Of course, somehow it is indeed if you look around.

We bring many more assertions to bear: first, in the past we have been thriftier and economical, more religious and devout, more patriotic, industrious, more hard-working, keen and obedient. And, second, above everything and all: in the past we had more idealists. Third, nowadays we have (mostly?) material things in mind - what a disgrace. 

Materialists or idealists? Materialism or Idealism? Whom or what do you love? Love most?

I just quoted Vox Populi... .

A "materialist" has indeed become a swearword. I don't mean with "material" the accumulated data out of which a writer creates a work of literary, historical, or scientific value. A materialist is being easily described as someone with an attitude, who ignores spiritual values, compared with an idealist, who has the tendency to seek the highest spiritual perfection.

Idealism means the doctrine that appearance is purely the perception, the idea of subjects, and that the world is to be regarded as consisting of mind. The coquetry of higher philosophy makes it difficult to bear the ups and downs in our daily life.

Sure, we all know, that "our last earthly dress has no pockets  any more". Striving for earthly and terrestrial possession, property and estate might be the hit-man of idealism. That's how we have been taught. "Wine, women and song", having the unpleasant feeling of fullness, egoism and bragging as well as showing-off - are these the materialist's real attitudes?

Is the idealist, many times not being able stand on earth with both feet, the only one who occupies himself with religion and virtuousness - so to speak, with celestial and heavenly things? Is that really so? Can we make such a distinction? Sure, it's easy to so so: it's manageable and comfortable. But well, why is the enjoyment having a tasty meal BAD, and listening a recital composed by Johann Sebastian Bach BETTER? Why should art be better than roasted pork and a bottle of wine? Value judgements and moral concepts... .

Owning a house and lot and a car  - or even more then one - are earthly properties, as well as bank saving accounts, profitable insurances, and invest advantageously stocks. Is a terrible underpaid nurse or a book author an idealist, because he or she doesn't work for the filthy lure but for higher values? 

Has Jesus been an idealist, because He accepted renunciation and died without terrestrial possession? Has Jesus been a materialist, because He fed thousands of people on the breadline? Are we idealists, if we bequeath nothing to our families and might die without a single centavo, because earthly things are bad?

Worth to think about it ... .

'Ompong' strongest storm this year

By: (philstar.com) - September 16, 2018 - 7:35am

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Ompong barrels towards densely populated Hong Kong and southern China, hours after it left the Philippine area of responsibility at 9 p.m. on Saturday, PAGASA said, as it warned of monsoon rains.

In its 23rd and final severe weather bulletin on "Ompong" at 5 a.m. Sunday, PAGASA said the eye of the typhoon, the strongest to hit the country this year, was located at 570 km west of Basco, Batanes at 4 a.m. today.

Related Stories

Live updates: Typhoon Ompong

Stunning but scary: Typhoon Ompong as seen from space

In photos: 'Ompong' retains strength as it blasts the Philippines

"Ompong" was packing maximum sustained winds of 145 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 180 kph. It moves at a west-northwest direction at 25 kph.

All tropical cyclone warning signals were lifted by PAGASA.

PAGASA weather forecaster Ariel Rojas said Saturday that even though the storm had passed the Philippines, it would continue to bring heavy rain in the country possibly causing more floods and landslides until Monday.

On Sunday, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon or "habagat" enhanced by "Ompong" would bring occasional gusty winds and scattered light to moderate to at times heavy rains over Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Ilocos Region, Batangas, Bataan and Zambales. 

Fisherfolk and those with small seacrafts were also advised not to venture out over the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

At least 8 dead

"Ompong" has smashed through the Philippines, as the biggest storm to hit the region this year claimed the lives of its first victims and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. 

Roughly four million people—a quarter of whom live on a few dollars a day—were in the path of destruction that the storm slashed through the northern tip of Luzon island on Saturday, leaving at least eight dead. 

"As we go forward, this number will go higher," Ricardo Jalad, head of the Office of Civil Defense, told reporters Saturday, referring to the death toll. 

The dead were six people killed in landslides, a girl who drowned and a security guard crushed by a falling wall. In addition to the eight killed in the Philippines, a woman was swept out to sea in Taiwan.

 As the powerful storm left the Philippines, authorities began sending search teams to remote areas hit by communication and power outages.

In the northern town of Baggao, the storm had collapsed houses, torn off roofs and downed power lines. Shell-shocked villagers could be seen picking through the debris from their homes.

But the full extent of the storm's destruction was only beginning to be known, with reports of dozens of rain-soaked hillsides collapsing, torrents of out-of-control floodwaters and people being rescued from inundated homes.

More than 105,000 people fled their homes in the largely rural agricultural region, which is one of the nation's top producers of corn and rice. 

An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people and leaving millions in near-perpetual poverty.

Rescue workers clear a road of debris and toppled electric posts caused by strong winds due to Typhoon Ompong as they try to reach Baggao town in Cagayan province, north of Manila September 15, 2018.

Ted Aljibe/AFP

'End of the world'

"Among all the typhoons this year, this one (Mangkhut) is the strongest," Japan Meteorological Agency forecaster Hiroshi Ishihara told AFP on Friday.

"This is a violent typhoon. It has the strongest sustained wind (among the typhoons of this year)."

Survivors were traumatized by the confrontation with the monster storm.

"It felt like the end of the world... that was stronger than Lawin", said Bebeth Saquing, 64, using the local name for Super Typhoon Haima, which was one of the most powerful storms of 2016.

"I did not sleep," she told AFP by phone from her home, which stood up to "Ompong's" pounding. 

As the storm is on pace to hit China's southern coast on Sunday, Cathay Pacific warned travelers that it expected more than 400 flight cancellations over the next three days.

Philippine government forecaster Ariel Rojas said that, even though the storm had passed the Philippines, it would continue to bring heavy rain in the country, possibly causing more floods and landslides until Monday.

But the storm was unlikely to get any stronger, Rojas said.

"It could likely maintain its current intensity or even weaken," he told AFP.

The Hong Kong government said "Mangkhut" would pose "a severe threat to the region." Many residents in the city and neighboring Macau stocked up on food and supplies.

Volunteers also helped residents of low-lying Hong Kong fishing village Tai O hoist their furniture and appliances to higher ground.

The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, told citizens to be ready as powerful waves pounded the shore. 

"The typhoon is powerful and even (if) it's not expected to make a landfall in Taiwan, we should be well prepared and not... take it lightly," she wrote on Facebook.

 — with Agence France-Presse