Training our mind and heart to be properly focused

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS is what we can gather as a lesson from that gospel episode about the two sisters, Martha and Mary, in their relation with Christ. (cfr. Lk 10,38-42) Both were good sisters and followers of Christ, but the former failed to take the proper priority regarding their relation with Christ.

While everything temporal and earthly plays an important role in our relation with God, they can be dangerous if they do not have God as their beginning and end, and are simply understood and treated as temporal and earthly.

We really need to train our mind and heart to be always anchored and focused on God. This will take a lifetime to achieve, and we may not be able to perfect it, but the point is simply for us to just try and try.

Especially these days when we are heavily bombarded with fantasies and fictions in novels and movies, we can easily be gaslighted to believe in them if our faith in God is not nourished regularly in our mind and heart.

We would fail to realize that these fantasies and fictions are just make-believe things that only serve as a temporary way of rest and recreation and should not be taken seriously. With a weak hold on our faith and on our spiritual life, we would fail to realize that we are just being tickled to play the game of self-indulgence that would slowly snuff out our relation with God and with others

These fantasies and fictions often appeal to our emotions and passions, leading us to be more carnal than spiritual, more animal-like than God-like as we should be. They usually play out the law of Talion in their storylines and narratives, making the eye-for-an -eye and tooth-for-a tooth behavior as the standard of our life.

It’s not a matter of considering these fantasies and fictions as bad. They can serve a legitimate purpose and can be truly helpful to us as long as we too take the necessary precautions and prudence in enjoying them.

We need to spend time and effort to make God truly present, acknowledged and responded to in our mind and heart. Thus, the need to spend time praying and meditating on the life of God, studying and internalizing the doctrine and teaching of Christ and of the Church, having recourse to the sacraments and other human devices that would help us live always in the presence of God.

When we notice that we are more attracted to the extraordinary happenings in these fantasies and fictions than to the miracles of Christ, we would already have an indication of the wrong priorities we have in life.

We have to remember that the miracles of Christ are real while those extraordinary happenings in those fantasies and fictions are not. The miracles of Christ are meant to draw us closer to God, to grow in our faith, to lead us to another conversion, to enter into the spiritual and supernatural world, etc., while those extraordinary happenings in those fantasies and fictions are a subtle way for us to indulge on ourselves and to trap us only in the here and now.

We should have a well-articulated plan of life that can foster true piety 24/7. Especially these days when the world is rapidly developing, causing a lot of confusion, if not error, this need for an effective plan of life should be considered as urgent.

Proud Bisaya Shuvee Entrata is slowly making a name in showbiz

 

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

October 10, 2024 | 12:00am

Shuvee, who was born and raised in Bantayan Island, Cebu City, tried her luck in showbiz and was fortunate enough to make it to the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Today, she is also a popular Internet personality.

GMA Sparkle Artist Center talent Shuvee Etrata, a rising TV star and TikTok sensation known as “smilingshuvee,” is famous for her engaging presence on social media.

Shuvee, who was born and raised in Bantayan Island, Cebu City, tried her luck in showbiz and was fortunate enough to make it to the GMA Sparkle Artist Center. Today, she is also a popular Internet personality.

The budding star has amassed millions of followers on her social media platform to date as she continues to soar in popularity.

Twenty-two-year old Shuvee is now expanding her horizons to explore the entertainment industry.

Her talent and charm were displayed in last year’s “Hearts on Ice,” the country’s first-ever figure skating series, where she captured the hearts of viewers. The series topbilled Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega.

Back in 2017, Shuvee also appeared in the drama-comedy, “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” which harnessed her acting talent.

As a proud Bisaya and island girl, Shuvee is a leading social media sensation consistently delighted to show people her hometown.

She brought an added level of excitement to the sports tournament in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City earlier this year and more recently, the Siargao Cup leg of Ang Probinsyano Party List (APPL). With Shuvee’s presence, the league wrapped up successfully as all 18 teams expressed excitement for the next round in their island.

The event reflected an alignment with the party list’s sports development initiatives, which have always been aimed at channeling young people’s energy into productive outlets. Shuvee was welcomed into the growing number of celebrity volunteers of APPL, which already included Piolo Pascual and JM de Guzman, among the many prominent names.

The young star continues to increase her followers on TikTok to date with over 50 million likes on her videos.

Concert in honor of composer Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros to be held on Oct. 12 at Henry Lee Irwin Theatre

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Oct 9, 2024 03:20 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Fr. Hontiveros, or fondly called Fr. Honti, was the man behind many songs that are sung during Catholic masses.

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Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros SJ

“Luwalhati sa Diyos: The Legacy of Fr. Honti”, a concert to pay tribute to Jesuit composer and musician Rev. Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, will be held on Oct. 12, 2024, at Henry Lee Irwin Theatre of Ateneo de Manila, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. There will be two shows: a matinee at 3 pm and a gala at 7 pm.

Fr. Hontiveros, or fondly called Fr. Honti, was the man behind many songs that are sung during Catholic masses. His compositions included “Papuri sa Diyos “(the Filipino version of the Gloria), “Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri” (the Filipino version of the Magnificat), “Pananagutan” and many more.

For his contributions to the church and Philippine music, he received numerous recognitions. Among these were: the Magnificat Award given by Jaime Cardinal Sin and former President Corazon Aquino, the Medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For Church and Pope” in Latin), awarded in the name of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, and the Presidential Award of Merit from former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

To perform Fr. Honti’s songs on Oct. 12 are the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Hangad, Koro Ilustrado, Pansol Choir, Tinig Barangka, Young Voices of the Philippines, Musica Chiesa, Musician Friends of the Jesuits, Mike Shimamoto, and Rev. Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ.  The concert’s musical director is Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio of the University of the Philippines.

For ticket reservations and inquiries to “Luwalhati sa Diyos: The Legacy of Fr. Honti” contact the Jesuit Communications office at 8-4265971 to 72. Tickets are also available at the JesCom Store inside the Ateneo de Manila campus or via the jescom.ph website.

4th Impact pursues Grammy goal amid online hate

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 9, 2024 07:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• 4th Impact will perform at the upcoming 2024 TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) set in Hawaii on Oct. 26.The foursome just headlined the “I Love OPM” concert in San Diego, California, with Pop Chanteuse Kuh Ledesma.

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Girl group 4th Impact is so busy touring America these days that they practically don't have time to deal with bashers who have been undermining their efforts via hate posts hurled at them. 

Besides, they've always been the group that wouldn't back down from discouragement or outside pressure. The fact they're taking the necessary steps to earn the nod of the Grammys makes them extra focused - in an intense way that any negativity can't get through their bubble. 

In response to the recent incident of online bullying, the four Cercado sisters, Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina, came together to address the issue and put an end to it. Despite their efforts, none of them were able to determine the origin of the bullying

"We’ve been experiencing bullying for the past years. We cannot understand where the hate is coming from, and we can’t do anything about it. All we want is to share our music and our talent. And we hope that this hate will stop," they expressed.

To their surprise, the group vies to land a Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Duo or Group Performance category. Their single "Round and Round," off their self-titled EP released last January, is an entry in the first round of voting. It is ongoing and will be decided by Grammy voters, including world-renowned recording artists, record producers, and mixing engineers. 

The said track was written by established musicians Nico Farmakalidis and Rachel West. It is a dance-able track with an infectious pop arrangement, composed based on the group's artistic inputs. 

The nominees will be announced on Nov. 8, while the 67th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 2 next year at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

"We are praying and very positive that there will be a chance. To be considered by the Grammys for nomination and to be actually nominated is a big dream of every artist," the quartet from Isabela province noted. 

Earlier this year, 4th Impact was heavily criticized for publicly requesting help raising dog shelter funds. At the same time, their presence at a Taylor Swift concert didn't sit well, with Filipino fans aching to see the billion-dollar star on home soil. 

Now they're being linked to singer Beyonce in a negative way, which they describe as "really below the belt because it is baseless and pure fabrication." 

They pointed out, "In the first place we never went to a Beyonce event which is an allegation in the posting."

The group's management, convinced that 4th Impact has what it takes to make it on the international scene, seeks legal counsel to protect them. 

The girl group has recently moved to the US, certainly not because they're being bullied. They said they wanted "to have a career in America and continue to share our talent." Despite the bullying from some compatriots, they noted they sincerely "want to make the Filipinos proud."

4th Impact will perform at the upcoming 2024 TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) set in Hawaii on Oct. 26. The foursome just headlined the “I Love OPM” concert in San Diego, California, with Pop Chanteuse Kuh Ledesma. 

Being sisters has significantly helped them cope with online bullying. If there’s any consolation, their support system has tightened further as a unit. They related, “We are more than ever united to face this challenge as a family. We are a closely-knit family and we help each other when a problem arises. We pray together.” 

The curious case of 4th Impact can correlate to that of Brazilian pop singer Anitta, who received backlash from her countrymen for various reasons. She is now labeled as “Queen of Brazilian Pop.”  

One foreign 4th Impact supporter commented online: "When I look at any post about them I see how low the natives play the group and run to recommend other acts to any non-Filipino who likes them and praises them.”

All four 4th Impact members have always acknowledged their supporters, whom they fondly called Dreamers. “We are very happy that we are supported by the Dreamers all over the world. In a world beset by hate and prejudice, we always promote love and peace through our music.”

Nevertheless, amid the unhealthy subculture of hate, the Cercado sisters just bagged a game-changing break - the chance to showcase themselves in front of American and Filipino-American audiences. And it’s as if this group has not proven themselves in front of some guy named Simon Cowell, who commented that their British X-Factor audition was “probably one of the best I’ve ever seen.” 

Insiders say that their main current handler, one who has discovered a major act in the past and is a respected figure in international show business, is cooking up big things for the girls, and it should be great news to their fans. If it takes to prove their worth one too many times until there’s no one left to argue about it, 4th Impact is an act indeed up for it. 

Taal Volcano spews 2.8-km plume following minor phreatic eruption

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 10, 2024 10:02 AM

  

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This screenshot of the Taal Volcano shows a minor phreatic eruption at the Main Crater at 7:21 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2024. The eruption was documented by thermal cameras at the Daang Kastila Observation Station (VTDK) and an IP camera at the Taal Volcano Observatory (TVO) in Barangay Buco. (Courtesy of Phivolcs/Facebook)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Taal Volcano experienced a minor phreatic or steam-driven eruption at 7:21 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, which produced a plume that reached a height of 2.8 kilometers.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 is still in effect for Taal Volcano, which has been under this alert status since July 11, 2022.

Under Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI). 

Furthermore, Phivolcs said the degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose significant long-term health risks to communities surrounding Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gases.

It strongly advised against entry into TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Local government units are also encouraged to monitor their communities’ preparedness and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with long-term degassing and related phreatic activity.

Nathalie Hart inspired by Demi Moore’s role in ‘The Substance’

 

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

October 9, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Viva Artists Agency’s newest talent, Nathalie Hart, dreams of doing mother roles, but she’s still game for “daring” characters like that of Demi Moore in the critically acclaimed body-horror “The Substance.”

“I don’t know if you’ve seen this movie starring Demi Moore, this is ‘The Substance,’ my God! I was surprised, she’s 60, and she was naked in that film. If the story needs it (a nude scene), I will do it,” said Nathalie of the Hollywood star’s performance in the film that’s been widely praised in the foreign press like AP for its “dose of biting social commentary on ageism and sexism in Hollywood, with a spoonful of sugar- and sparkle-doused body horror.” “The Substance” is still screening in Philippine cinemas under local film distributor CreaZion.

“I’m really OK with that. It’s really about the script. Because someone came to me and they were like giving me this script, nakakaloka, what’s the point? When you become an actress, it’s not about showing skin, it’s really about why do I have to do that? Again, if the story is great, why not?” she further said during her recent contract signing with VAA.

While she’s not afraid to take on “sexy” projects, she’s also “open to everything” in her new chapter with Viva’s talent management arm.

The actress wants to do mother roles, but she's still game for 'daring' characters like that of Demi Moore in the critically acclaimed body-horror 'The Substance.'

Why the 32-year-old is willing to do so is because she’s also a proud mom herself.

“I actually want to have mom roles already. That’s really where I want to head now, but the thing is, they’re not giving that to me yet. I guess it’s because of the way I dress up — I don’t look very mommy,” Nathalie quipped.

“Ano ba yan, gustong gusto ko yun kasi mas seryoso na but I’m still very lucky that I’m being paired with different people. I guess hopefully, later on, I get to do ‘mature’ roles already.”

Mom roles will have to wait, for now, as she’s putting her full trust on what Viva deems is best as she restarts her career after a year-long hiatus.

“I’m grateful to Viva that they’re interested in me, that they like me, and I said, let’s do it. Of course, I’m not getting any younger, I’m in my 30s, might as well grab anything I can, and also the roles that I have now, they’re not very sexy anymore. But (my upcoming film) ‘Isla Babuyan,’ that’s very sexy. I think that’s the last sexy film I’ve done.”

7 Filipina executives named among Asia's most powerful women

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 8, 2024 08:01 PM

  

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Seven Filipina executives have been included in the Fortune Most Powerful Women Asia (MPW Asia) list for 2024, which highlights 100 extraordinary women who are not only driving growth and innovation but also reshaping the standards of business excellence.

 

Martha Sazon

Leading the Philippine representation is Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash, who secured the 38th rank. 

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Under her leadership, GCash has become a cornerstone of financial technology in the country, with over 94 million users benefiting from services ranging from remittances to savings accounts. 

Recently, the app's valuation soared to $5 billion following an investment from MUFG, Japan's largest lender, sparking discussions about a potential IPO.

 

Robina Gokongwei-Pe

Following Sazon is Robina Gokongwei-Pe, ranked 48th. As President and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Gokongwei-Pe oversees one of the country’s largest multi-format retailers, which encompasses supermarkets, drugstores, and pet supplies. 

With over 2,400 stores nationwide, she is set to transition to the role of chairman in January, with Stanley Co succeeding her as CEO.

 

Lorelie Quiambao Bautista

Lorelie Quiambao Bautista, the first female president and CEO of Shell Pilipinas Corporation, holds the 67th spot. With a background in finance, Bautista has steadily climbed the ranks and now leads the Philippines branch of the global energy giant.

 

Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy

In the 73rd position is Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista Dy, who recently stepped into the role of President and CEO at Ayala Land, the country’s largest real-estate developer. 

Dy's leadership has been instrumental in driving a 22 percent increase in residential revenue to $1.39 billion in 2023, capitalizing on the country's flourishing urbanization.

 

Lynette V. Ortiz

Lynette V. Ortiz, President and CEO of the Land Bank of the Philippines, ranks 82nd. Since her appointment in May 2023, Ortiz has focused on providing important financial services to the country's small farmers and micro-enterprises.

 

Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso

Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, who has been with Megaworld since its inception in 1989, ranks 85th. As the company’s president, she continues to lead the largest office developer in the Philippines, having taken over the role from founder Andrew Tan earlier this year.

 

Rhoda A. Huang

Lastly, Rhoda A. Huang, who made history last year by becoming the first non-family member to lead Filinvest Development Corporation, is ranked 98th. 

Huang is spearheading the company's expansion into renewable energy, following a substantial profit growth in its power sector.

The 2024 MPW Asia list celebrates the achievements of women from 11 countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Australia. 

"We are thrilled to be celebrating the remarkable achievements of female leaders from diverse countries from the Asia Pacific region," Clay Chandler, Fortune Executive Editor, Asia said.

"The women honored on the 2024 Asia list now join the extraordinary legacy of Most Powerful Women, a franchise first created by Fortune over a quarter of a century ago in 1998," he added.

Seas of Stories

Sea of Stories by Bea Policarpio celebrates the fluid nature of identity and connection.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Oct 9, 2024 09:35 AM

  

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Seas of Stories

Bea Policarpio

September 7, 2024 – October 5, 2024

Sometimes we forget

that we are part

of a sublime whole.

We are—

clouds in the same sky

flowers in the same field

waves in the same ocean

Each of us contains

a sea of stories

that ebb and flow

into each other.

Isn’t it beautiful

how no two waves are the same,

yet they arise in the same ocean?

Sea of Stories by Bea Policarpio celebrates the fluid nature of identity and connection. The exhibition weaves together the artist’s milestone pieces, reflecting her personal evolution while engaging the viewer in a shared experience of wonder.

In this body of work, Policarpio examines the tension between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Her art acts as a mirror, inviting viewers to consider the many versions of "self" that exist within and beyond our own minds. Playful and spontaneous in nature, her works remind us that we always have the freedom to color and shape our inner world, despite life’s ever-changing seasons and landscapes. By starting within, we break through the ego’s illusion of separation and connect deeply with a limitless reality.

Sea of Stories is a visual and poetic celebration that honors the past while embracing the optimism of what lies ahead.

WTFu by MR. FU: The Juice Fairy of the Stars

BY MR. FU

Oct 9, 2024 08:14 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Many people discovered the healthy effects of her juices, including celebrities. (pay sila ha, hindi ex-deal!)

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Kristal Hierco 

Kristal Hierco was one of the many health advocates who introduced “juicing” to many health and fitness enthusiasts in the country years ago. She labeled her concoctions: Pure Juice. (parang ako lang purong puro walang bahid!)  It is a blended drink made from herbs, fruits, and other healthy ingredients that can substitute daily solid meals. (pampapayat at pampahealthy, hindi bato ni ding! Darna!)

“Bata palang ako, interesado nako sa healthy living. Kaya nung madiscover ko yan, Sabi ko aralin ko nga. Nagbasa ako ng mga libro, nagresearch ako. Narealize ko meron palang tamang combination at formula. Hindi lang sya yung pagsasamahin lahat ng ingredients at gawing juice. Kaya inaral ko talaga ano yung tama," Kristal explains. (minus 10 ang magkamali!)

Many people discovered the healthy effects of her juices, including celebrities. (pay sila ha, hindi ex-deal!) 

Mr Fu and Kristal Hierco 

“Nagsimula lang ako maglagay ng  Pure Juice sa isang fitness studio kung saan ako nagwoworkout. Konti lang ,12 bottles lang sa isang linggo pero sold out agad.  Tapos bilang maraming celebrities dun like LJ Reyes, Dingdong Dantes, sinasabi nila ayan si Kristal gumagawa ng juice. Nakilala ko mga talents ni Perry Lansigan, lahat sila kumuha. Si Paolo Contis isa rin sya kaya sya nakapagbawas ng weight," Kristal recalls. (gawa ka ng variant ko, tawagin nating Juice ko FU!)

Some showbiz personalities (actually marami sila!) would avail the juice days before a big showbiz event, a major film/teleserye or a special pictorial. (para sure na payat sila at fit sa kanilang ganap!) : They even called her the Juice Fairy of the Stars. “Kasi ako, pag sinabi kong pure yan, pure talaga yan, walang water.Hindi kasi kami false marketing. Wala kaming ganun kasi gusto ko lagi effective. Kasi pag dinaya ko yan, di yan eeffect. Ang sarap lang sa feeling na naaacknowledge nila yun na iba kapag si Kristal ang gumawa.”  (dinaig ang okay ka fairy ko!)

The success of this venture inspired her to develop more products that promote wellness. She introduced Nutripure. (pure pa rin ha, bawal ang may bahid dungis!)

“Bawat produkto, tinutukan ko kasama ng manufacturer, researchers at chemists. Sinasabi ko talaga ganito ang gusto kong effect, kapag hindi ako satisfied, ibabalik ko. Sinigurado ko talaga na yung bawat product ay effective ayon sa pag-aaral namin.” (taray nung mga chemists ha!)

It offers juices and coffee for healthy weight loss  (oo walang bangenge moments!) and a complete skin care package. (mula ulo hanggang paa!)

“Ang dami na agad bumili nung nilabas ko mga yan dahil sinasabi nila, gawa yan ni Kristal at sure sila na effective. Kaya naisip ko eto yung gusto ko gawin na hindi lang basta business, gusto ko yung maging healthy ang lifestyle nila," Kristal says. (ang ate mo na ang health diva!)

Kristal is committed to continuing her pure juice and promoting her new line from Nutripure with the help of her avid supporters and celebrity clients (in fairness, hindi sila paid endorsers ha!) who believe in her advocacy: “Elevate your Beauty and Wellness Journey” (ay join ako dyan sa journey na yan!)

“Masarap sa feeling na ito pala talaga ang purpose ko in life. May mga buhay akong natotouch in a way, kasi nababago yung health status nila. Hahanapin ka nila because of the quality of products na inoffer mo.  Marami sa kanila umalis, nagtry na ibang products, pero eto sila ulit sakin, bumalik," Kristal shares. (pwes, wag na sila umarte pang ulit!)

(Youtube/FB: WTFu. Twitter/IG/Tiktok: @mrfu_mayganon. FB: mr.fu tagabulabog ng buong universe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/wtfu website: www.channelfu.com )