Patricia Javier is proud and excited mom as her son Robert walks the runway at Paris Fashion Week

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 19, 2024 10:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• During an ambush interview at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City recently, Patricia said the family will fly to Paris to support her son's latest milestone.

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Noble Queen of the Universe Patricia Javier and son Robert Walcher

Actress Patricia Javier is a proud and excited mom as her eldest son, Robert Walcher, will walk the runway at the Paris Fashion Week in France in October.

During an ambush interview at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City recently, Patricia said the family will fly to Paris to support her son's latest milestone.

"I'm a very proud mom because si Robert ay isa sa napili ba makasama sa isang runway sa Paris Fashion Week in October. His designer is from Hollywood none other than Kenneth Barlis," said Patricia. "Meron akong tears of joy. Hindi ko ineexpect na magiging parte siya ng fashion week sa Paris. Alam naman natin na ang Paris ay isa sa mga fashion capital of the world."

Patricia added: "I told Robert na itong paglakad mo ay hindi lamang para sa sarili niya kundi for our country. Isang Pilipino ang na-invite rito. Kasama namin si Doc Rob at si Ryan James yung bunso naming anak."

Reacting, Robert said: "This is one of the most important moments in my life because it's a Paris fashion show. I am happy that my mom is so happy for me. It just makes me happy."

This would be Robert's second time visiting Paris, the first being during a family vacation. Aside from the fashion show, Robert said he would be looking forward to the food. "I also want to see the Eiffel Tower again."

Robert, 17, said he's going on a diet as he prepares for the event. "I eat healthy food, and I try to work out every day. My dad helps me to keep healthy and in good condition."

Patricia wanted to thank fashion designer Don Cristobal for the exposure to his fashion shows.

"Lagi niyang sinasama ang mga anak ko sa fashion events. So nakita ito ni Kenneth. Imbes na kumuha sila ng ibang lahi doon, they decided na bigyan na lang si Robert ng opportunity para makasama sa runway sa Paris," she said.

Kenneth is a Filipino-American fashion designer who is based in Los Angeles. In March, Keneth just opened his shop in the Los Angeles Fashion District. He has also opened a branch in Manila. 

"Being in LA just gives me motivation," said Kenneth during an interview for ABS-CBN News.

Robert mentioned that he is following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Robert Walcher, an American chiropractor based in Manila. The teen hunk, who is also the reigning Mister Teen International, loves swimming and tennis. 

When asked why he wanted to become a chiropractor like his dad, Robert said: "Growing up, I felt like I wanted to help others. It's a passion, so I wanted to take it further. It's also the business of my parents so I wanted to take it further."

On his favorite model, Robert said: "Of course, my dad."

Now in Grade 12, Robert will go to college in 2025. At first, the six-foot male model stated that he planned to study biology.

"Nagre-ready rin siya para sa college entrance because yung school na papasukan niya rito ay medyo higher in standard. Gusto raw muna niyang makapasa sa entrance exam bago siya mag-focus sa showbiz career," said Patricia.

In November, Robert will also be participating in another fashion show by Don Cristobal.

Patricia stated that her showbiz career is on hold as she and her husband focus on their chiropractor business, which now has six branches in the country. "But I told Doc Rob, hopefully, next year, I might accept movie offers. We will see."

Jeric Raval, Ara Mina lead cast of ‘Mamay’ biopic

 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

September 18, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran actor Jeric Raval cannot be any prouder when he was tasked to play the title role in the three-hour-long biographical film, “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness,” which is based on the life story of Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay.

Ara Mina plays the supportive wife of Mayor Mamay and Teejay Marquez is the young Mamay.

Others in the cast are Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles, Devon Seron, Jethro Ramirez, Alvin Coronel, Via Veloso, with line producer and part of the cast Shiela Delgado and Baby F. Go.

Neal “Buboy” Tan is at the directing helm. The film is designed to be a biography and hoped to be an inspirational piece.

Veteran singer and PCSO director Imelda Papin.

“This is not a political film,” insisted Mayor Mamay who is now serving his third and last term. “The script is written from the perspective of someone who dreams of overcoming hardships and achieving his goals.”

Mamay cannot be happier that the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) gave “Mamay” a Parental Guidance (PG) classification.

“Mamay,” which recently had its premiere at SM Megamall Cinema 1, also featured music by Gerald Santos. The singer recorded the theme, Hamon, penned by Vehnee Saturno, which added an emotional depth to the film’s narrative.

Mamay is contemplating on submitting the biopic to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

“The MMFF is highly anticipated and could share my life story to a wider audience,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, I hope the film will inspire viewers to chase their dreams and contribute to their communities.”

‘Mamay’ lead stars Jeric Raval and Ara Mina with Lanao Mayor Marcos Mamay (rightmost), who is also one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild. Other cast members are Teejay Marquez, Victor Neri, Julio Diaz, Ali Forbes, Sabrina M, Ron Angeles and Devon Seron.

This film is also inspiring especially to those students who cannot finish their studies because of hardships. “Let’s not do it as an excuse not to finish our studies,” added Mamay.

The film particularly depicts Mamay’s life from childhood to becoming a public servant. He graduated second honorable mention from grade school at Sapad Elementary School in Lanao del Norte. He was an honor student when he finished at the Kapatagan National High School in 1996. Then, he finished his college at the Mindanao State University, with a degree in BSBA Business Economics. He ventured into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), but was not able to finish the course because he had to evade his family’s conflict. The film also touches on his love story with his wife.

Mamay carefully supervised the filming, especially since there were flashbacks that needed to be shown in the movie. As CEO of Mamay Productions, which bankrolled the biographical film, he is enthusiastic about future collaborations among local filmmakers as well as producers.

The cast and production are joined by special guests at the red-carpet premiere of ‘Mamay’ at SM Megamall Cinema 1.

“We are excited about working with other film outfits,” said Mamay. “We are also considering a new advocacy film centered on education. We are particularly interested in featuring Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo as the stars.”

The national vice president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and president of the LMP-Lanao del Norte Chapter also expressed support for the industry through active roles in entertainment and leadership.

“As one of the executive advisers of the Actors’ Guild, it’s my advocacy to help other sectors of the industry, not just one,” said Mamay.

“We need to support the film industry. At the same time, we need to do our advocacy. We need to show that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”

BINI performance, dance classes highlight three-leg G Fest celebration

 

BINI performance, dance classes highlight three-leg G Fest celebration

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

September 18, 2024 | 7:24pm

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications company Globe is ramping up celebrations for its annual G Fest event this year which will involve the "Nation's Girl Group" BINI.

The P-pop girl group leads the line-up of performers that also includes Denise Julia, Jason Dhakal, SunKissed Lola and Aster.

That isn't the only BINI-related portion of G Fest as the group's coaches Mickey Perz, Reden Blanquera and Matthew Almodovar will lead a "Dance Like BINI" session.

art of the event's "Go Lang Nang Go" workshops, the three coaches will the choreography for BINI's latest single "Cherry On Top" while Denise and Jason will join forces to share insights on "How to Be a Pop Star."

G Fest will kick off on Sept. 22, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City though the event will be streamed live on the telecommunications company's social media pages.

After Luzon, G Fest will hold additional legs on Oct. 5, 2024 at the Iloilo Convention Center and on Nov. 16, 2024 at Davao's SMX Convention Center.

The event is part of Globe's G Day celebrations marking the iconic prefix 0917.

"[G Fest] is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and courage, and we can't wait to see how it will inspire and empower the next generation to break boundaries and pursue their dreams with confidence," said the company's Vice President of the Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong in a statement.

Junior PGT champ outshines pros with gutsy 73

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Sep 18, 2024 09:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• In a remarkable display of poise and skill, 13-year-old Yunju An upstaged a seasoned field at the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, carding a gritty 73 under wet conditions to take a two-shot lead at the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic here on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

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ANTIPOLO – In a remarkable display of poise and skill, 13-year-old Yunju An upstaged a seasoned field at the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, carding a gritty 73 under wet conditions to take a two-shot lead at the ICTSI Forest Hills Classic here on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

An Yunju (PGT)

The young Korean golf sensation, fresh from a victory in the Junior PGT Luzon Series 6 at Mount Malarayat, proved her mettle once again on the Nicklaus course, despite challenging weather and an hour-long delay.

Yunju, the only amateur among the 19-player field, started strong with a birdie on the opening hole but stumbled with bogeys on holes 2, 9, and 14. Nonetheless, her steady play allowed her to climb to the top of the leaderboard in the opening round of the 54-hole tournament, the seventh leg of the LPGT circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. 

“I just took a break and was able to prepare,” Yunju said through an interpreter, reflecting on her time off after her victory in Lipa City, Batangas.

However, despite her inspiring start, she expressed slight disappointment, saying, “I couldn’t hit a lot of birdies,” vowing to stay focused in the upcoming rounds.

Jiwon Lee, coming off a victory at Splendido Taal in her LPGT debut, surged early with two birdies and two bogeys in her first nine holes. But bogeys on Nos. 12 and 14, followed by a double bogey on the par-5 16th, dropped her to joint second with a 75, tied with Florence Bisera and Apple Fudolin.

Bisera, a former LPGT champion at South Pacific, was steady through the first 10 holes, but a costly double bogey on the 12th left her with a 36-39 card, while Fudolin, despite birdieing the eighth and 16th, finished the day with a 38-37 round. 

Meanwhile, Sarah Ababa, who also birdied the first hole, found herself sharing the lead despite three bogeys over the next nine holes. However, three additional bogeys in the final five holes dropped her to a tie for fifth, alongside Chihiro Ikeda, Miya Legaspi and Kayla Nocum, all of whom carded 76s.

Veterans Seoyun Kim and Gretchen Villacencio posted matching 77s, while Kristine Fleetwood recorded a 78 to round out the top contenders.

Mikha Fortuna struggled with five bogeys in her final seven holes, finishing with a 79, tied with Velinda Castil, Laurea Duque and Pamela Mariano, while Mafy Singson also had a rough day, carding an 80.

However, it was Harmie Constantino, a three-leg LPGT winner and one of the pre-tournament favorites, who endured the most difficult round. She shot an error-filled 82, marred by six bogeys and a double bogey on the front nine, and failed to recover on the back nine.

With two rounds left, local veterans and previous winners, including Lee, are expected to make a push. But Yunju remains focused on capitalizing on her solid opening round and extending her lead over the shaky field.

Guided by faith always

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

GIVEN the fact that we are not meant to remain only in the natural level, relying simply on our human powers, but rather are meant to enter and share the supernatural life of God since we are his image and likeness, we have to be clear that we have to be guided by faith rather than simply our own reasoning and our other human ways of knowing.

Faith is God sharing his knowledge with us. It is how we begin to share the life of God. And he gives it to us very willingly. It just depends on us on whether we receive it or not, and to respond to it or not. 

Faith contains truths that go beyond the natural realities of our life. Thus, it has supernatural truths or mysteries which we have to learn to feel at home with. This means we have to learn not to stick to our natural reasoning alone, but to go beyond it.

To be sure, faith does not supplant our reasoning or intelligence. Rather, it makes full use of it, although its scope is far wider and deeper than what our intelligence can fully know and understand.

As the Catechism puts it, faith is first of all a gratuitous gift of God, it is grace. But it also requires the correspondence of our intelligence. It is also a human act. It asks us to do our best to understand it as much as we can. It seeks understanding.

Besides, though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason, since it is the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith in us and who also bestows the light of reason on the human mind. He cannot contradict himself. (cfr. CCC 156-159) Thus, faith and human science cannot contradict with each other, though the latter cannot cope with what the former teaches and shows.

We have to remember that since the reality that governs us transcends the natural order, our human faculty of intelligence and reasoning just cannot depend on the data provided by our senses and our own understanding of things. 

Otherwise, we will be trapped in our own world that does not jibe anymore with the reality meant for us. This is especially observable in the world of politics where partisan and ideological interests get so strong as to go to the extent of pushing all kinds of fallacies and blatant falsehoods, supported by so much rhetoric and theatrics, that even clear immoralities like divorce, abortion, atheism, etc. can be espoused and legalized.

Our reason needs to be guided by faith. In that regard, we need to be humble enough to acknowledge the need for our reason for the guidance of faith. That’s because no matter how perceptive and intelligent we are, we can always detect that there is another world that is beyond the sensible and the intelligible. This is the world where our senses and intelligence cannot anymore cope.

This is where we need to humble ourselves, a predicament that many of us find hard to resolve. We tend to hold on only to our own ideas and the facts and data that we can manage to gather, guided mainly by our senses and intellect. In short, we make our own selves, and to be more specific, our own senses and intellect, to be our own sole guide, our own god.

We have to do something drastic about this. And the first thing we should do is to feel the need for God from whom all of us and the entire creation come and to whom we all belong.

Starthilfe: Rentner haben Anspruch auf dieses Geld nach der Witwenrente

Stand:18.09.2024, 20:00 Uhr

Von: Lisa Mayerhofer 

Rentenansprüche kann man auch wieder verlieren: Das gilt zum Beispiel für Witwen und Witwer, die eine Hinterbliebenenrente beziehen und wieder heiraten. (Symbolbild) © Uwe Umstätter/Imago

Auch bei der Rente kann man eine Abfindung erhalten – immer mehr Betroffene machen davon Gebrauch. Ein Überblick darüber, wie es funktioniert und wer anspruchsberechtigt ist.

München – Rentenansprüche kann man auch wieder verlieren: Das gilt zum Beispiel für Witwen und Witwer, die eine Hinterbliebenenrente beziehen und wieder heiraten. Denn damit verzichten sie auf eine Weiterzahlung der oft auch umgangssprachlich genannten Witwenrente – sie können allerdings eine Rentenabfindung erhalten. 

Nach Wiederheirat: Zahl der Rentenabfindungen steigt

Laut Deutscher Rentenversicherung (DRV) handelt es sich bei der Abfindung um eine Starthilfe für die neue Ehe. Diese haben im vergangenen Jahr wieder mehr Witwen und Witwer nach einer erneuten Heirat erhalten. Demnach fielen im vergangenen Jahr genau 5.127 Hinterbliebenenrenten wegen einer Wiederheirat weg, wie aktuelle DRV-Daten zeigen, die ihre-vorsorge.de vorliegen. Das waren 3,2 Prozent mehr als 2022. 

Wie hoch ist eine Rentenabfindung?

Dabei ist die Höhe der Rentenabfindung vor allem davon abhängig, ob es sich dabei um eine große oder kleine Hinterbliebenenrente handelt. Bei der großen Witwenrente erhalten die Betroffenen als Abfindung grundsätzlich zwei Jahresbeträge der durchschnittlichen Rente der letzten zwölf Kalendermonate, wie die DRV berichtet.

Das Sterbevierteljahr wird aber dabei nicht berücksichtigt. Wenn das eigene Einkommen auf die Hinterbliebenenrente angerechnet wurde, dann zählt der Betrag der Rente nach der Anrechnung. Die Abfindung nach einer kleinen Witwen- oder Witwerrente fällt geringer aus, da diese in den meisten Fällen höchstens 24 Monate ausgezahlt wird. 

Beispiel der DRV für eine Rentenabfindung:

Lea K. erhält seit November 2021 eine große Witwenrente, weil ihr Partner gestorben ist. Da sie im März 2023 wieder heiratet, endet aber in diesem Monat schon wieder ihr Bezug der Hinterbliebenenrente. In den zwölf Monaten vor dem Wegfall der Rente - 1. April 2022 bis 31. März 2023 - hat sie durchschnittlich 540 Euro Witwenrente erhalten – also nach Einkommensanrechnung und vor Abzug der Eigenanteile zur Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung. Damit beträgt die Abfindung 24 mal 540 Euro, also 12.960 Euro.

Wie kann eine Rentenabfindung beantragt werden?

Die Rentenabfindung muss beantragt werden. Laut DRV funktioniert dies formlos bei dem zuständigen Rentenversicherungsträger. Dabei muss neben der Versicherungsnummer des verstorbenen Partners die neue Heirats- oder Lebenspartnerschaftsurkunde eingereicht werden.

Red Velvet marks a decade of ‘happiness’ with Filipino fans

 

Anna Barlam - The Philippine Star 

September 18, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — K-pop girl group Red Velvet celebrated their 10th anniversary in the company of Filipino fans during the “HAPPINESS: My Dear, ReVe1uv” fan concert last weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.

No wonder Philippine ReVeluvs or Luvies not only witnessed Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Yeri, and Joy be complete again in their Manila visit, but they also made sure that the “cake girls” would feel their love and support during the quintet’s first-ever fan con presented by Wilbros Live.

The show officially began with Red Velvet reliving their rookie days by performing their debut song Happiness, followed by their extended play Ice Cream Cake featuring Yeri’s solo dance intro to signify her joining the group as the fifth member in March 2015 after the other four debuted earlier in August 2014.

“Na-miss ko kayong lahat,” Irene greeted in Filipino, while other members were left in awe of the crowd’s loud chants since they entered the stage wearing their red and white cheerleader costumes.

“Sobrang masaya talaga ako na makita ko ulit ang Luvies dito sa Philippines,” Wendy remarked through an interpreter in mixed English and Filipino.

“Grabe talaga ‘yung energy at saka sigaw ng Philippine fans,” Seulgi asserted with Joy and Yeri, describing Filo ReVeluvs as the “best” audience of their Asian tour.

They also touched the hearts of Pinoy Luvies after Wendy pointed out why it was a special day for them, saying, “10th anniversary na namin ngayon! Palakpakan!”

To mark such a feat, they proceeded to their riveting Parade stage in which several flower-shaped confetti prepared by fans filled the arena. They moved closer to the crowd by going to the extended platform, holding flower plushies to sing Sunny Afternoon and Sunflower.

After a vibrant opening set list, the ladies returned on stage clad in pastel-colored dresses with their feel-good tracks Underwater, So Good, and Bubble, including Joy’s solo dance to charm Luvies with her moves and Wendy’s bridge solo to showcase her vocal prowess.

They took a quick break from their discography. They held a segment called “Red Velvet Advise Consultation,” wherein they read some messages from their supporters, including someone who has been a fan since middle school and revealed that he or she is about to finish college. As a way of showing appreciation, the K-pop sensations uttered, “Mahal ko kayo!” in unison.

The laid-back atmosphere suddenly turned vivid and bold as Irene and Seulgi’s solo dance paved the way for their alluring hits Knock Knock (Who’s There?), Bad Boy, and the iconic song Psycho.

Red Velvet’s (clockwise, from bottom center) Yeri, Joy, Wendy, Seulgi and Irene share a snap online following their successful fan concert, ‘HAPPINESS: My Dear, ReVe1uv,’ on Saturday.

The catchy melodies of their popular lead singles Feel My Rhythm, Queendom, and Cosmic also maintained the fans’ reverberating energy during the show’s second half.

“Parang na-look back ko ang 10 years of those days as Red Velvet, ‘yun ‘yung na-feel ko,” said Seulgi.

“While preparing for this fan con, aside from that fact na 10th anniversary ngayon, I wanted to treasure this moment with our Luvies siyempre,” the group’s main dancer added.

Fans indeed knew how to make the night memorable as they illuminated the concert hall with the members’ symbolic colors of pink, yellow, blue, green, and purple and sang Remember Forever while their idols prepared for the encore.

They also unfurled a huge banner at the seated section with a message, “Thank you for the happiness. Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done,” which the members read wholeheartedly.

Filipino ReVeluvs further impressed the girls when they started to fly paper planes from the standing pit to the stage during Red Velvet’s Sweet Dream performance. The group was also showered with confetti with special messages that read, “When I think of forever, I think of Red Velvet.”

“We came back here in Manila after one year, but nothing has changed. Nagulat talaga ako sa energy at sigaw n’yo. I hope we can visit you more often. Thank you very much for all the support,” Wendy uttered.

“When the fan con started, it felt like the venue was really shaking. Your cheers were so loud while I was performing on stage. Thank you very much for your time and effort,” Irene said.

During their encore, the fan con seemingly turned into a rave party as fans grooved to Red Velvet’s electrifying stage of Red Flavor, Zimbalabim, and Hit That Drum.

“I’m happy in Manila. I don’t even feel tired because of the loud cheers from everyone and, of course, your smiles that gave me positive energy. Thank you very much for the unforgettable memory. Excellent!” Joy complimented the crowd.

“The tour isn’t easy, but thanks to the energy you brought, I’m happy here on stage while performing,” Yeri noted.

Before bidding goodbye to their beloved fans, Seulgi promised to return to Manila soon, saying, “Maraming-maraming salamat po for keeping the energy from the start to finish. You are the best! Kitakits tayo ulit!”

Red Velvet will conclude their Asia fan concert tour in Macau on Sept. 28.

THE POWER OF LISTENING

 

Great leaders are great listeners, and therefore my message today is a simple one – talk less and listen more. The best leaders are proactive, strategic, and intuitive listeners. They recognize knowledge and wisdom are not gained by talking, but by listening. Take a moment and reflect back on any great leader who comes to mind…you’ll find they are very adept at reading between the lines. They have the uncanny ability to understand what is not said, witnessed, or heard. In today’s post, I’ll quickly examine the merits of developing your listening skills. Warning: this post isn’t going to coddle you and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy – it is rather blunt and to the point.

Want to become a better leader? Stop talking and start listening. Being a leader should not be viewed as a license to increase the volume of rhetoric. Rather astute leaders know there is far more to be gained by surrendering the floor than by dominating it. In this age of instant communication, everyone seems to be in such a rush to communicate what’s on their mind, they fail to realize the value of everything that can be gleaned from the minds of others. Show me a leader who doesn’t recognize the value of listening to others and I’ll show you a train-wreck in the making.

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, "first, learn to listen"!

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

Many times during my teaching, I'm happy when my students have one or more questions for me - so, I can listen to them first. Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students. It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It's also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.

Megan Thee Stallion, BTS’ RM’s ‘Neva Play’ debuts on Billboard Hot 100

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Sep 17, 2024 01:00 PM

  

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The collaboration song by Megan Thee Stallion and BTS member RM entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

According to Billboard, Megan Thee Stallion and RM’s “Neva Play,” released on Sept. 6,  debuted at No. 36 on the Sept. 21-dated Hot 100 chart. 

“It earns RM his second career entry on the chart, after ‘Wild Flower’ in 2022,” according to the Billboard Charts X account. 

BTS' RM and Megan Thee Stallion (Photos: BIFF, Megan Thee Stallion's X account)

BTS' RM and Megan Thee Stallion collaborated for the song "Neva Play" (Megan Thee Stallion's X account)

Upon its release, Megan Thee Stallion posted on X that "#NEVAPLAY WITH RM IS NUMBER 1 ON ITUNES IN 70 COUNTRIES. Run it up hotties and army.”  

“This is one of my favorite RM verses I’ve heard! I’ve never heard him rap in this style before,” according to Megan Thee Stallion. 

Meanwhile, BTS member Jimin’s “Who” placed eighth on the Billboard Global Excl. US, the song’s eighth week on chart. 

RM and Jimin are currently fulfilling their military service. 

BTS' Jimin (Instagram)

Training ourselves to have Christ’s compassionate heart

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS should be one goal we should try our best to pursue and train ourselves for. Given the human condition we have in this world, hounded by all sorts of challenges, trials and difficulties, we should just try our best, with God’s help, of course, to be of help to others despite the cost it may involve.

We should just have a strong faith in Christ’s ever-ready assistance in this regard. Let’s remember that we cannot be Christ-like as we should be if we do not have the very compassionate heart of Christ.

While it’s true that we have to be prudent in our actuations, we should not either forget that following Christ will always involve self-denial, carrying the cross, all of which can be translated into our willingness to give whatever we can even if in the process we ourselves and those with us—our family, especially—would suffer some loss.

Let’s always remember that Christ has given us the best deal, such that whatever may appear as a loss to us because of following and loving him will always redound to a much greater gain later on.

Compassion starts in the heart, in our thoughts and desires. At this level, there is no limit in what we can do. Obviously, when we try to translate these prayers, thoughts and desires into action and material things, we can be greatly limited. But insofar as prayers and sacrifices are involved, the possibilities are unlimited.

We need to examine ourselves more deeply to see if indeed we are always thinking, praying and wishing others well. We have to be wary of our tendency to let our thoughts and desires be dictated only by self-interest, usually done in a most subtle but effective way. For this, we have to do regular examinations of conscience.

We have to expand our hearts to make it more universal, as well as broaden our mind so we can understand different people and different things more deeply and extensively. And this even if those involved are very different from us.

Let’s examine ourselves more thoroughly so as to be more aware of our biases and preferences that can get in the way of our effort to adapt and our pursuit for a more universal compassion. Let’s train ourselves how to rise above our unavoidable biases and preferences if only to be of help to others.

We have to learn how to go through the process of changing, improving and growing in our spiritual life. This can be painful and tedious, but it is always worthwhile. Not only that. It is necessary, if we have to be realistic. We should just think of what Christ has promised us if we are willing to make sacrifices for others.

Compassion should not be exclusively associated with the sweet and tender moments of pity, sympathy and empathy. It demands sacrifice and self-denial which we should be willing to give. In fact, if there is no sacrifice involved, we should be suspicious if we are truly compassionate.

For this, we have to be willing to complicate our life. There surely will be some need for adjustments in our attitudes, in the way we understand things and view different kinds of people. We have to hone up our skills at versatility, which should not only be a matter of theatrical performance but rather that of genuine love for God and for souls.