Als der Sommer noch 40 Pfennig kostete ...

 

BILD-Reporter Roland Keitsch träumt sich in die Zeit zurück, als man ein Eis noch für vier Groschen kam.

Strandspaß mit „Flutschfinger“-Eis: Szene aus dem Kino-Kultwerbespot „Like Ice In The Sunshine“ von 1985

28.05.2024 - 14:55 Uhr

Die Sonne scheint in Berlin. Es ist warm und ich spaziere zur Eisdiele. „Zwei Kugeln in der Waffel, bitte. Stracciatella und Erdbeere.“ „Fünfsechzig.“ „Wie jetzt?“ „Eine Kugel zweiachtzig.“

Sooo teuer? Ich starre auf die Eiswaffel: Die Freude, das schöne Wetter mit einem leckeren kühlen Eis zu genießen, ist mir vergangen.

Gerade erst berichtete BILD über den Preis-Schock an der Nordsee, auf Norderney wollen sie für eine Kugel Eis (mit Deko) sogar 3,50 Euro. Wo soll das noch hinführen?

Mit einem Eis die Sonne im Freibad genießen

Zu einem richtig guten Sommer gehört eben auch Eis. „So schmeckt der Sommer“ hieß es schon früher in der Werbung. Und das stimmt!

Als Kind war ich in den Sommerferien quasi jeden Tag im Freibad. Zwischendurch gab’s Pommes mit Ketchup, Schaumwaffelstangen mit klebriger weiß-rosa Füllung, jedes Ende in Schoko getaucht – und Eis.

Da hatte ich gleich mehrere Favoriten: „Capri“, für mich das erfrischendste Orangenfruchteis. Oder „Split“, „Dolomiti“ und „Cornetto“. Und weil es in der Werbung hieß „Nogger dir einen“, wollte ich das auch. Am allerliebsten mochte ich „Happen“, Schoko, Vanille und Erdbeer in der Waffel (kostete 1970 noch 40 Pfennig). Vier Groschen hatte ich immer in der Tasche.

All diese Köstlichkeiten waren von Langnese. Was ich damals natürlich nicht wusste: Der Hamburger Kaufmann Karl Rolf Seyferth übernahm 1927 eine von Viktor Langnese gegründete Biskuit-Fabrik. 1935 importierte Seyferth eine Idee aus Dänemark: Eis am Stiel. Er verkaufte es für 10 Pfennig pro Stück – der Siegeszug für das „Langnese-Eis“, wie man es damals nannte, begann.

Langsam klettern die Temperaturen in sonnige Bereiche. Mit ihnen unsere Lust auf ein Eis. 

Eis und Sommer-Gefühl – das passte jahrzehntelang perfekt zusammen. Die Kino-Werbung von 1985 mit dem Song „Like Ice In The Sunshine“ war so beliebt, dass die Pop-Nummer ein Jahr später als Single erschien und es bis in die Top Ten der Charts schaffte.

Apropos Kino: Bevor der Film anfing, bot damals immer ein Verkäufer Eiskonfekt aus seinem Bauchladen an.

Eis und Nostalgie – das funktioniert! Haben sich wohl auch heutzutage clevere Werbe-Strategen gedacht. Die Yogurette, seit 1970 auf dem Markt, gibt es seit 2023 auch als Eis am Stiel. Die Ahoj-Brause, seit 1925 beliebt, ist im Supermarkt als Prickel-Eis in der Waffel zu haben.

Über die teuren Eiskugeln bei uns heutzutage will ich ja gar nicht meckern. In Paris, so habe ich gelesen, kostet eine Kugel 3,50 Euro, auf der Nordseeinsel Norderney ebenso, in Kopenhagen sogar 4,50 Euro.

Mir allerdings schmeckt der Sommer mit teuren Kugeln weniger. Ich setze mich lieber mit einem Orangenfruchteis am Stiel auf den Balkon und träume mich ins Freibad der 70er-Jahre zurück.

Surviving without cellphone

 

I remember the time, when one of my first Japanese friends kept on complaining, why I didn’t operate a cellphone. Believe me, during that time, sometime in 2000 or 2001, I was even typing my articles on an old typewriter from Germany.

My Japanese friend then bought me a computer – and a cellphone! Some other friends congratulated me: “Welcome back to the world!”

Now we are living in May 2024.  

Last Sunday, I really got mad. Attending mass, I observed a family (father, mother, boy and girl) keeping on using their cellphones during almost the whole ongoing mass. Heaven forbid! Even while falling in line receiving the holy communion, the father kept on texting and browsing Facebook. Step by step. Just in front of me! Heaven forbid! Guys, why are you still attending mass? Later on, the children kept on playing video games… .

Sometimes, I observed (business-)people operating with two or even more cellphones at the same time. Even while taking lunch in a restaurant. I asked them: “How did you survive doing business before without these units?” Believe me or not. The answers have been mostly: I really don’t know!

Doing business nowadays without a cellphone? Even in a very private life? Many people can’t imagine it anymore. I can! Though Philippines’ cellphone companies really provide us with the widest distribution and the broadest coverage to very affordable charges. I really enjoy, for example, the unlimited call experience – just to mention one. But, not at any time!

But then it happened! I thought I had lost my cellphone. I panic, losing all my important connections. This “thing” really has a special meaning for me. And here we are: not only for business. Just even for a short “Hi – kumusta ka?” I really felt lonely!

.

A couple of hours later, I found IT. Misplaced somewhere in the bathroom under a towel in a silent mood. Four miscalls (yipee!), several text messages. Not only “Hi – kumusta ka?” A special evening meeting had to be confirmed… .

Allow me to quote Philippine Star columnist Igan D’Bayan, who wrote a couple of years ago: “We don’t speak like Hamlet any more. Most of us speak Taglish and write in Filipinized English. And while holding a mobile phone, we type ‘2b or not 2b’. And that’s supposition!”

Btw (‘by the way’), during night time, I turn off my cell phone. How about you? And, I really get mad if my students keep on using their “machine” during class…. .

Alert your family, friends and sports club/society members when you can, and tell them how to reach you in emergencies. Make plans with friends and family in detail ahead of time. Do something different with the time you’d usually spend on your phone – read, go for a walk, go to the gym, study, cook. So do I. 

David Foster praises Filipino singers; brings Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee to Manila concert

From left: Brian McKnight, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee

The STAR / file, Katharine McPhee via Instagram Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Renowned songwriter David Foster praised Original Pilipino Music (OPM) singers Martin Nievera, Jake Zyrus and Morissette Amon. 

During the media conference of “HITMAN: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024” recently, David said Martin and him are very close friends. 

"Martin is very fabulous. I love him like a brother — this jacket he gave me," he said. 

"Jake, formerly known as Charice, is amazing. I still get people asking me every day, like, 'Thank you for Jake.'

"And then, of course, there's Morissette, who I think is a global superstar. I've worked with her before, and she's amazing."

David, together with his special guests, happily looks forward to serenading Filipinos once more in the upcoming “HITMAN: David Foster and Friends Asia Tour 2024” in Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 18, 2024. 

Presented by MQLive and Mwell, this concert is expected to be an unforgettable one for Foster, who will share the stage with iconic artists McKnight, All-4-One, and McPhee, alongside Filipino talents JV Decena and Joaquin Garcia.

P3B ready for Aghon relief; typhoon kills 3

 

SAVING LIVES Rescue teams from the Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the city government of Lucena, along with personnel of the Philippine Air Force, seek out residents of Barangay Kanlurang Mayao in Lucena after widespread flooding hit the city on Sunday as Typhoon “Aghon” battered southern Luzon. —PHOTO COURTESY OF QUEZON PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Melvin Gascon - @inquirerdotnet

MANILA, Philippines — The national government has allotted up to P3 billion for relief efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Aghon (international name: Ewiniar), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday.

The President said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had already extended humanitarian assistance worth P1.2 million to residents displaced by the storm as it swooped down Luzon over the weekend, following its landfall in Eastern Samar on May 24.

“We have distributed more than P1.2 million in humanitarian assistance, and had readied more than P3 billion as standby funds [for] prepositioned goods and stockpiles to ensure a quicker and more expansive delivery of assistance for our people affected by Typhoon Aghon,” Marcos said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

The DSWD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday that Aghon has so far injured seven people and affected more than 19,000 others as it battered the Bicol, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) regions. On Sunday at least three people, including a 7-month-old baby, were also reported killed in Quezon province.

“We can anticipate that our agencies will be ready to provide support to each affected community to ensure that they are safe and are in a good state,” the President said.

Coordination with LGUs

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson, said about 8,800 residents were displaced by the typhoon, with about 2,500 families relocating to evacuation centers. The NDRRMC, on the other hand, placed the number of displaced at 5,343.

The tally of evacuees was much higher at the local level.

Dumlao said humanitarian assistance was extended to affected communities in the provinces of Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.

“We were informed that the shipment of 5,000 food packs had also reached Infanta town in Quezon province [on Monday], in addition to what we have already reported,” she said at the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” press briefing, adding that the DSWD is coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) to ensure the availability of food packs among the residents.

Dumlao reported further that 615 families had been displaced in Laguna and Quezon, while 290 families in Marinduque had taken refuge in homes of relatives and friends.

The DSWD has also assisted 465 displaced families in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Samar, she said, adding that the DSWD has also distributed nonfood items such as hygiene kits and mattresses.

The agency is also coordinating with the Department of Health regarding medicines that displaced residents may need.

Dumlao urged these residents to get in touch with the social welfare offices of their local governments or with the DSWD field offices for any other assistance that they might need.

“We are here to provide augmentation support to the local government units to ensure these forms of assistance would be provided,” she said.

Fatalities

In Quezon, police reported that a baby boy and his mother were in their shack atop a fish cage in Tayabas Bay at Barangay Punta in Padre Burgos town on Sunday, at the height of the storm.

As huge waves struck their shelter, the child fell into the water and drowned.

Four fishermen spotted the infant’s body in the waters off Barangay Ilayang Polo in Pagbilao town around 11 a.m. on Monday. The mother survived the storm’s onslaught.

In Lucena City, a 14-year-old boy was sleeping in the family home in Barangay Ibabang Iyam in the wee hours of Sunday when a palm tree fell on the house. Police said the boy, who had a wound in the abdomen, died instantly.

In Barangay Sampaga, San Antonio town, a 50-year-old farmer was sleeping alone inside his nipa hut when a huge acacia tree was uprooted and hit the hut on Sunday morning. The farmer also died on the spot.

At least 1,250 families, or 5,607 people, had to flee their flooded homes in several barangays in Lucena City, the provincial capital of Quezon. Lucena had been placed under a state of calamity on Monday.

The evacuees stayed in schools, barangay halls, evacuation centers, and at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena. But most of them returned home by Monday.

In the entire province, 3,638 families or 15,000 people from the 39 towns in Quezon, apart from Tayabas City and Lucena City, were evacuated.

“We’re still gathering data on the number of destroyed houses. Our rapid damage assessment and needs analysis are still ongoing,” Janet Vargas Gendrano, chief of Lucena’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, told the Inquirer.

‘A taste of La Niña’

Henry Buzar, former head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Quezon, described the impact of Aghon as “a taste of La Niña 2024.”

He said “no typhoon had brought such damage, creating a river-like cascading flood entering our homes” in University Village, a subdivision in Barangay Ibabang Dupay.

Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan ordered all local officials to reach out to the typhoon victims and bring them relief goods, food packs and other essentials.

Landslides were reported in parts of Aurora province. Elson Egargue, chief of the Aurora Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the Dingalan-Umiray Road, also known as Sapio Road, in Barangay Butas na Bato was temporarily closed after a landslide struck the area. But clearing operations eventually opened the road to motorists.

Small landslides were also reported at Barangay Umiray in Dingalan town and Barangay Zabali in the provincial capital of Baler.

But Egargue said Aghon did not cause major damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the province.

He said all major roads remained passable and the power supply was stable, although there were power interruptions in some parts of the province.

Casualties, damage

According to the NDRRMC, there were four casualties in Legazpi, Albay; two in Mercedes, Camarines Norte; and one in Santa Magdalena, Sorsogon. All were injured by uprooted and fallen trees.

A total of 19,373 people or 8,465 families were affected in the regions of Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Visayas, the agency said.

Seven roads were impassable to vehicles in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and in Bicol, where operations in three of the region’s seven airports were suspended.

Aghon is the first storm to hit the country this year. It was classified as a severe tropical storm when it first made landfall in the country on Friday and was reclassified into a typhoon by Sunday.

Cayetano to Taguigeños: Let’s push each other up, let’s push the Philippines up!

 

PRESS RELEASE

“Let’s push Taguig up, let’s push each other up, let’s push the Philippines up!”

This was Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's message to the candidates and the audience during the Mutya ng Taguig 2024 coronation night on May 25, 2024.

Aligned with this year’s theme, "Taguigueña, Panalo Ka" which honors the exceptional qualities of the women of Taguig, Cayetano emphasized that the candidates must be good role models and representatives of the city.

He encouraged the candidates to use their platforms to positively influence people, telling them to be good ambassadors and influencers.

“You don’t need to have the name ‘influencer’ or have a million followers to be an influencer. You are already influencers; you don’t have to be Ms. Taguig to be one,” he said.

The independent senator also shared how the saying “Whatever you celebrate, you elevate,” by preacher and motivational speaker Myles Munroe, has influenced his perspective.

“This means that when you’re in the habit of pushing something up, then expect someone to also push you up. And expect that someone will push you up. Sooner or later, lahat kayo naitataas,” he said.

“So when we celebrate four hundred and thirty seven years of Taguig, itinataas natin ito. When we celebrate Ms. Taguig later on, itinataas natin siya. At siya naman ay itataas niya ang Taguig,” he added.

Cayetano concluded his message by urging all Taguigeños to embrace this practice for the continued upward trajectory of the city and ultimately the entire country.

“Let’s push Taguig up, let’s push each other up, let’s push the Philippines up! Para tunay na magiging siksik, liglig, at umaapaw ang bayan ng Pilipinas,” he said. ###

How Ahtisa Manalo, Alexie Brooks got their respective The Miss Philippines titles

Miss Cosmo Philippines Ahtisa Manalo and Miss Eco International Philippines Alexie Brooks. Photos from THE MISS PHILIPPINES / FACEBOOK

By: Armin P. Adina

INQUIRER.net / 03:00 PM May 27, 2024

Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province and Alexie Brooks from Iloilo City were two of the frontrunners in the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant whose exuberant fans ignited their own intense campaigns online. And while they may not have captured the top prize, the ladies ended up having their own national titles eventually.

Manalo was crowned as the first-ever Miss Cosmo Philippines, while Brooks received the Miss Eco International Philippines crown, and both of them will be representing the country in global contests. But how did they end up getting those two titles, both under the Miss Universe Philippines pageant’s sister search The Miss Philippines?

Voltaire Tayag, executive vice president of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) exclusively shared with INQUIRER.net the process they followed in awarding the two additional titles, as well as the Miss Charm Philippines and the Miss Supranational Philippines crowns.

“I spoke with them (Miss Universe Philippines delegates) individually, and asked them if they will be open to getting a different crown,” he said at the sidelines of the post-coronation media conference of newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo held at Belmont Hotel in Pasay City on May 24.

It was only nine days before the final show when MUPH announced that four more titles under The Miss Philippines will be awarded to winners who will be chosen from the roster of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 delegates.

The four additional titles were awarded after the culmination of the national pageant at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City early morning of May 23, with the Miss Supranational Philippines title going to Baguio City’s Tarah Valencia and the Miss Charm Philippines crown going to Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo.

Manalo was second runner-up in the just-concluded competition, while Valencia was third runner-up. They were brought back to the stage at the end of the show along with Brooks, Payumo, and their fellow Top 10 finalists Anita Rose Gomez from Zambales and Raven Doctor from Palawan, and Top 20 semifinalists Alexandra Rosales from Laguna, Bianca Tapia from Hawaii, Christina Chalk from the United Kingdom, and Kayla Carter from Northern California.

“The 10 delegates who competed for the four crowns in The Miss Philippines were the highest-ranking delegates who were eligible for one of more of the titles and voluntarily expressed their desire to be considered for titles under The Miss Philippines,” Tayag shared.

“Eligible delegates were given the choice to either accept of waive their right to be considered for the titles under The Miss Philippines. We have the utmost respect for the decision of the eligible delegates who opted out,” he added.

Tayag also explained that for finishing as second runner-up in the national pageant, Manalo had first dibs on the crowns at stake, and chose the Miss Cosmo Philippines title, making her the country’s official bet to the first-ever Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam in October.

The three other winners, meanwhile, will be competing in international competitions in 2025, because their predecessors are the Philippines’ bets for the 2024 editions of their respective global tilts.

Serving the best in us

 

Consider: the Alas Pilipinas dealt “aces” in its current campaign in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup for back-to-back wins before capacity crowds at the old Rizal Coliseum.

Lito A. Tacujan - The Philippine Star 

May 26, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — It’s no sporting phenom but Philippine volleyball has soared to unforeseen heights and expect it to hang in there until it unravels to show the force that propelled it to its lofty post.

Consider: the Alas Pilipinas dealt “aces” in its current campaign in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup for back-to-back wins before capacity crowds at the old Rizal Coliseum.

They beat Australia and India.

For two straight nights, the team played before thousands of fans who showed passion and enthusiasm never seen in other leagues.

‘’Tremendous following,” said a mainstay of Alas.

These Pinays are to die for. Tall, attractive, fearless but display grace under pressure, they fire up local fans with their desire and purity of heart.

And who would ever thought that Philippine volleyball would reach full growth and bask in glory 20 years after a low profile student league would sow the seed of this magnificent dream.

The V-League would start in 2004 as a pre-season event for female teams in the UAAP and NCAA and would flourish through the years to become a commercial league in 2017 and turn pro two years later.

Only last week the PVL capped its All-Filipino series and staged a finale witnessed by over 23,000 fans in the Big Dome.

The V-League, the predecessor of the current pro-league behind the leadership of PVL president, Ricky Palou, who was one of the men and women – like Rhea Navarro who envisioned and steered the PVL to be the second best in mass sports behind basketball, the national past time.

It produces some of the country’s best volleybelles who are still active to this day – like Sisi Rondina of UST and Choco Mucho.

The Alas Pilipinas is holding their own against the finest in regional volleyball and in the process shows the best in us.

Tatak Pinoy Act encourages Filipinos to patronize high quality products

BY MANILA BULLETIN

May 25, 2024 00:25 AM

  

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Amid the news of El Nino’s damage to agriculture, preparations for La Niña, and a change in leadership in the Senate, many may have missed the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act or Republic Act No. 11981, on May 22, 2024.

The signing of the IRR, soon after the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act was signed on Feb. 26, 2024, shows the government’s commitment to the development of local industries and products to make them world-class and competitive.

When the Tatak Pinoy Act was enacted into law, Senator Sonny Angara, the principal author, had welcomed it as complementing the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and a “giant leap” for the Philippines toward its goal of becoming an industrialized country.

Senator Angara, in his column in the Manila Bulletin, puts the Act’s significance as “empowering domestic enterprises, making them become globally competitive, and assisting them so they produce more sophisticated products, more exceptional, world-class services.”

We can now look forward to a road map to attain the goals outlined in the law. This will be the Tatak Pinoy Strategy formulated by the Tatak Pinoy Council that will spearhead the development and implementation focusing on five key pillars: human resources, infrastructure, technology and innovation, investments, and sound financial management.

This is a very relevant law in the lives of Filipinos as it will start from the source of a product, inculcating in the young a mindfulness for quality craftsmanship, and thereafter, enhancing a culture of pride in Filipino products. 

Sen. Angara describes it as: “This will be a very comprehensive program that will start from education where we will ensure our learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to cater to the requirements of employers; embracing innovation and technology transfer to allow businesses to come up with more sophisticated and higher value goods and services; and making strategic investments to address the gaps and strengthen the foundation of all industries and its workforce.”

There will be prestige in the “Made in the Philippines” brand, as highlighted by President Marcos during the signing ceremonies last February: “It is about creating products and services of the highest quality, because Tatak Pinoy is also about excellence, and as a seal of great workmanship, it must only be applied to those that meet this high standard. As such, we shall give preference and priority to our products.”

There is much potential for rapid growth in our products and industries, according to data cited by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who led the signing of the IRR. “The Tatak Pinoy is a significant step in growing, diversifying, and sophisticating Filipino products and services, as this law addresses current challenges and aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of industries in the global market.”

He pointed out that an important provision of the law is the “mandate for the Philippine government to prioritize Filipino products and services in government procurement.” This will be an area where Filipino producers can feel the effect of the law soon, with large quantities of government supplies translating to big sales, therefore, more production and the need for more employees.

We eagerly look forward to the fast implementation of the Tatak Pinoy program which will again show how the whole-of-nation approach – and pride in what is Filipino-made – will contribute to the growth of the economy.

An amazing week starts on a Sunday

This is your tip to make the rest of your week productive.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

May 26, 2024 10:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• What Sunday ritual helps you prepare for the coming week?

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Image from Freepik

By JACQUELINE LUCERO

Sundays can play a significant role in shaping a wonderful week ahead. Taking some time on Sunday to plan your week and start productive habits can really make a big difference. Here are some practical steps to make the most of your Sundays and set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling week:

1.Use a portion of your Sunday and dedicate time to planning your week. Make a list of tasks and commitments for the coming week, which will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. This will help eliminate the well-known feeling of “not having enough time in the day to get everything done.”

2.Are you always running out of time for an appointment? Sunday is the best time to plan your wardrobe for the whole week. Choosing clothes and changing repeatedly are the reasons why we’re often late for work or appointments. If you have kids, let them do this as well. Let them check to see if their homework is done. Make them shine in their own shoes. Make them clean their bags and school things. Let them find the pairs of socks that got lost for eternity in the mountain of laundry. Let them line up their undies, socks, and accessories (school ties, IDs, etc.) they plan to wear for the week. Teach them these good habits so they can adopt them until they grow up.

3.Nurture relationships by spending quality time with loved ones. Share a meal, engage in meaningful conversations, and express your appreciation for those closest to you.

Spending quality time with loved ones doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as going for a walk together, playing a game, or even just sitting quietly side by side, enjoying each other’s company. The key is to be present in the moment and show genuine interest in the other person’s thoughts and feelings. This helps strengthen the bond between you and creates lasting memories.

Expressing appreciation for those closest to you is essential for nurturing relationships. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank you, a compliment, or a small gesture of kindness, showing gratitude reinforces the connection and fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Taking the time to acknowledge the importance of your loved ones in your life not only makes them feel valued but also strengthens the foundation of your relationship, making it more resilient in times of both joy and challenge.

4.Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time outdoors, or simply resting, prioritize doing something you love.

Making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Engaging in hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about not only provides a sense of fulfillment but also allows you to recharge and rejuvenate. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, carving out space in your schedule for these activities can help reduce stress and increase happiness

Spending time outdoors is another great way to unwind and reconnect with yourself and nature. Whether it’s going for a hike in the mountains, taking a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply sitting by a serene lake, being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Nature has a way of grounding us and putting things into perspective, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the present moment. So, whenever possible, make it a point to step outside and soak in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world.

5. Maintain a clean and organized living space by decluttering and tidying up on Sundays. A clean environment can enhance productivity and create a sense of calm. What do you do with a number of mundane tasks that can be overwhelming to look at? Set your alarm for 10 minutes, spot an area to tackle, like the top of the fridge that is forever cluttered or the bills hanging at the sides, and “attack” the spot task for 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised at how well those ten minutes are spent. Cleaning the room works well with a set time too. Decide to dedicate half an hour to cleaning a room. What takes so long to clean the room is that we linger on an item too long, like rediscovering an album, and decide to pause and look at it. When you set a time for cleaning, just clean. Schedule another time for browsing and enjoying.

6.Consider meal prepping for the week ahead to save time and make healthier food choices. Prepare meals in advance and store them in the fridge for easy access during busy weekdays. This works well, especially for family members with different dietary restrictions.

Meal-prepping for the week ahead is not only a time-saving strategy but also a way to ensure that you make healthier food choices. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you can avoid the temptation of reaching for unhealthy fast food options or relying on processed meals during busy weekdays. Additionally, meal prepping allows you to portion out your meals according to your dietary needs and goals, making it easier to stick to a balanced and nutritious eating plan.

For families with different dietary restrictions, meal preparation can be a game-changer. Instead of preparing separate meals for each person, you can customize dishes to accommodate everyone’s preferences and requirements. Whether someone is vegetarian, gluten-free, or has food allergies, meal prepping allows you to tailor meals to suit each individual’s needs while still enjoying shared family meals together. Plus, having preprepared meals readily available in the fridge means that everyone can grab a nutritious meal whenever hunger strikes, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.

7. Prioritize self-care by indulging in activities that promote wellbeing. Whether it’s taking a bath, meditating, or enjoying a favorite hobby, make time to recharge and rejuvenate. Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. Indulging in activities that promote well-being is a form of self-love and can have profound effects on overall happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s treating yourself to a spa day, going for a leisurely walk in nature, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritizing self-care allows you to replenish your energy reserves and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting inner peace. Taking just a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath can help calm the mind, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a greater sense of clarity and presence. Whether you’re a beginner or have been practicing for years, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have profound benefits for your overall well-being. By making time for self-care practices like meditation, you can nurture a deeper connection with yourself and cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and balance.

8. Finally, remember to relax and unwind before the start of the week. Treat yourself to some downtime and engage in activities that help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the days ahead. Creating a relaxing Sunday routine can set the tone for a positive and productive week ahead. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely brunch with loved ones, going for a leisurely stroll in the park, or simply lounging at home with a good movie, taking time to unwind and recharge before the start of the week can help you feel more refreshed and prepared to tackle whatever comes your way. By intentionally carving out space for relaxation and self-care at the end of the weekend, you can ease into the week with a sense of calm and clarity

It’s important to listen to your body and honor its need for rest and relaxation. Whether you prefer to spend your Sunday indulging in a favorite hobby, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a nap, tuning into your own needs and giving yourself permission to rest is essential for overall well-being. By prioritizing self-care and relaxation, you can cultivate a greater sense of balance and resilience, allowing you to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and grace. 

What Sunday rituals have you found helpful in preparing for the week?

Lawmakers say divorce bill passed with insufficient support

Sheila Crisostomo - The Philippine Star

May 25, 2024 | 10:53am

MANILA, Philippines — Two members, who have been opposing the controversial divorce bill, have questioned the legitimacy of the measure’s passage on May 22, saying it was approved only by a “minority vote.”

Echoing the opinion of former Senate president Tito Sotto, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and CIBAC party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva said House Bill 9349, or the Absolute Divorce Act, did not get the required votes to institute divorce in the country during plenary deliberation last Wednesday.

Rodriguez noted based on the final tally on the floor, it was officially announced that the controversial measure got 126 affirmative, 109 negative and 20 abstentions.

After this, he noted that Velasco issued an advisory setting the votes at 131-109-20.  

“There is an increase of five affirmative votes … This cannot be done as the period and process of voting was completed (May 22) evening when after the votes of each member were cast, these were tabulated and the Speaker (Martin Romualdez) announced the final vote on the floor and properly entered into the Journal,” he added.

For his part, Velasco explained that before the adjournment of session last Wednesday, it turned out that there were affirmative votes that were not recorded by the secretariat.

“The actual votes did not match what was reported by the secretariat. It was immediately corrected,” he pointed out.

The changes in voting were also questioned by Sotto, who posted on his X account that “If Congress is persistent in passing a very debatable law, they can at least follow the proper procedures so it won’t be questionable.”

“You knew I was right. You lost the vote. You massaged it after. How do you sleep at night doing what you do? You want to pass a debatable bill, do it properly,” he maintained.

For his part, Villanueva echoed that divorce bill was only approved by a minority vote. He said neither the 126 nor 131 votes represent half the number of House members.

The lawmaker also questioned Section 117 of the Rules of Procedure of the House of Representatives which provides that a majority of the number of those voting shall decide whether a measure is approved or not. This provision stated an abstention should not be counted as a vote.

Villanueva added this means the bill was approved “only due to an ambiguity in the rules of voting procedures in the House.” — Ghio Ong