Four families in Barangay Matina Pangi, Davao City were forced to evacuate

 Four families in Barangay Matina Pangi, Davao City were forced to evacuate early Monday morning, May 18, 2026 due to flooding caused by rising water levels.

According to the Barangay Matina Pangi Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, a total of 14 individuals were temporarily relocated to the Purok 3-A Gymnasium at around 3:00 AM for their safety.

Stay safe everyone!

Brgy. Matina Pangi

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My Psalm(s) of Life

May 17, 20264 min readThe BoholTimes

A PSALM OF LIFE: This poem is known for its optimism and the theme-right attitude of life. The poet gives out the message that pleasure or sorrow is not the goal of life. The purpose of life is to carry out all duties and responsibilities for the progress and good of all.

“A psalm of life” is an inspirational poem written by H. W. Longfellow as it gives the message to the coming generation. It gives the encouragement to find the purpose of life and achieve our goal. It describes all the difficulties that we’ll find while achieving our goal.

Longfellow was thirty-one when he wrote “A Psalm of Life,” likely writing it to fight back the inertia of depression overtaking him after the death of his wife from the complications of a miscarriage in the latter part of 1835.

This poem is known for its optimism and the theme-right attitude of life. The poet gives out the message that pleasure or sorrow is not the goal of life. The purpose of life is to carry out all duties and responsibilities for the progress and good of all. We should realize life is shorter and quicker.

We are always in God’s limelight.

Through the ages, people have experienced challenges that show God’s hands – mothers and fathers, the young and the old, simple shepherds and popular scholars, soldiers and actors.

God watches over me – no matter how I feel right now: safe and secure in a wholly and warm hearted community or alone and feeling abandoned. God knows my doubts, worries, troubles and challenges in my daily life.

The Psalms became a very important part in my life. It happened purely by accident. Long time ago, I stayed in a hotel in a foreign country in Europe. I felt really uncomfortable. I’ll not be boring you with details. I remember asking myself what the psalm writers also frequently did: “Where are you God? Why don’t you help me?”

Yes, the presence of real enemies is also part of our daily life here and everywhere. Anyway, suddenly I found a bible in the bottom drawer of my hotel’s night table. I started reading the Psalms.

At the very center of the bible are these songs, the Psalms, rising up like a tune from the heart. They capture the innermost thoughts and prayers, and they still speak directly to our needs. For every emotion and mood, you can find a Psalm to match. The Psalms wrestle with the deepest sorrow and ask God the hardest questions about suffering and injustice. They do not tip flowery compliments to God: they cry out to Him, or shout for joy before Him.

In almost every Psalm you find the presence of God, not as a philosophical principle, but as someone, who can change your life, if you allow Him to do so.

Already during 1980’s, I learned from my Philippine mentor, the late Monsignore Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, chaplain of the Philippine community in Berlin, who said that the best way to read the Psalms is simple: to make these ancient prayers your own and speak directly to God. So many of the poems catch deep human feelings that you can’t help but be moved by them.

It will take time to understand all Psalms; some might be boring or even self-congratulatory. Read them again and again. Psalms cries from the heart and songs of sorrow as well as joy – reflections for moods and experiences.

Since reading the Psalms, I learned and understood that for God, we’re always in the limelight.

***

Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, X-Twitter or LinkedIn or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

Sue Ramirez reveals desire to have children, calls BF Dominic Roque 'perfect father material'

 

By Neil Ramos

Published May 17, 2026 03:01 pm

At A Glance

• Kapamilya actress Sue Ramirez reveals she is open to having a baby with boyfriend Dominic Roque, saying she is ready to become a mother and believes he will be a "very good father," sparking buzz about their relationship and future plans.     
• Actress Sue Ramirez has openly expressed her desire to become a mother, revealing in a recent interview that she is very much open to the idea of having a baby with her boyfriend, actor Dominic Roque.

During the grand media conference for her upcoming film under Regal Entertainment, ironically titled, "Project Baby," Sue was asked whether she is open to having a child at this point in her life, similar to her character in the movie.

Her answer was direct and candid.

“Why not? Sana. Kung maibibigay, di ba?” she said. “I think Dominic will be a very, very good father in the future, if he does want to have kids.”

Sue went on to express deep admiration for Dominic, Bea Alonzo's ex, describing him as kind, family-oriented, and someone she feels extremely blessed to have in her life.

Candy 2022 - Main Image Templates - 1

“Grabe kung kilala niyo lang talaga si Dom, napakabuti, napakabait, napaka-family-oriented, god-fearing,” she shared. “Sobrang swerte ko talaga. Nag-thank you ako kay Lord.”

The actress admitted that she often feels grateful whenever she thinks about her relationship, especially as she approaches a new chapter in her life.  

“Minsan pag tinitingnan ko siya, napapa-thank you Lord ako,” she said. “Hindi ko in-expect na almost 30, makakahanap pa ako ng sobrang bait.”

Sue, who is set to turn 30, also revealed that she has long dreamed of becoming a mother and feels emotionally and mentally ready for it.

“Matagal ko na siyang gustong mangyari for me. Gusto kong maging nanay. Gusto kong maging nanay na katulad ng nanay ko,” she said.

She also acknowledged the pressure that comes with age and family planning, but said she remains open and willing if the opportunity comes.

“Kung ibibigay sa akin, why not?” she added.

When asked whether she is open to having a child even without marriage, Sue responded, “Oo naman,” but clarified that her perspective has evolved over time.  

She explained that while she once considered the idea of raising a child independently, she now believes it depends on having the right partner, someone she can trust as a father even if circumstances change along the way.

For Sue, what matters most is choosing someone with a good heart and strong values, especially when it comes to family.

She also praised Dominic’s way with his family and loved ones, saying she sees how caring he is toward his nieces, nephews, and even her pets.

Always be prepared for the worst scenario

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE can somehow draw this conclusion after reading that gospel episode where Christ asked Peter three times whether he, Peter, truly loved Christ. (cfr. Jn 21,15-19) After Peter assured Christ that he indeed loved Christ, Christ proceeded to describe the manner of death that Peter would have later on.

Indeed, if we truly would identify ourselves with Christ as we should, we should also expect this kind of tragic death for us. It’s not a condemnation but rather an invitation to share the kind of love that God in Christ has for all of us. 

We have to understand that suffering and death would be the greatest manifestation of love we can have for God and for everybody else as articulated earlier when Christ said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15,13)

The concrete way of dying may not be like that of Christ nor of Peter, tragic and very bloody. But we should try to develop that kind of attitude towards our death and be prepared for it.

We know that there will be a lot of suffering, trials, challenges, and all kinds of negativities which are an effect not of God’s will and designs but rather of man’s weakness, limitations and even malice. We should learn how to handle these situations by following the example of Christ, if not by identifying and uniting ourselves as intimately as possible with Christ.

If we are truly with Christ, we would know how to take maximum advantage even of our difficulties, problems and all the other negative things that can take place in our life here on earth. These negative things are unavoidable, in fact. We should know how to handle them properly. But it would be a pity if we fail to see the great potentials they have in generating more and greater good.

We should always remember that God takes care of everything. And even from evil, he would know how to derive some good. With him, everything, including our failures and sins, would always work for the good. His wisdom, his omnipotence, his mercy, etc. would take care of all that.

The crucial thing to do is to be with God, which definitely will require some discipline from us. And so, even if especially at the beginning, we would find it hard, if not almost impossible to be with God, we just have to do what we can to achieve that ideal condition for us. In time, and with faith and our unrelenting effort, to be with God is not only achievable, but something that can become a stable state of life for us. Again, let’s remember that we are actually meant for that state of life.

We can be sure that on the part of God, everything is made available, so that whatever difficulty and problem we can have in this life, we would know how to leverage them to our real and lasting advantage, and not just some false and passing advantage.

So, we just have to be ready for the worst scenario in our life and know not only how to deal with our predicaments but also how to derive something good from them. In these instances of the hard predicaments, for example, when we seem to be at a loss as to what to do, we should just see what God does, after we have done all things possible to solve our problems.

Reasons why Davao City is the top PH destination

 

The best way to love this southern city is to experience it

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 17, 2026 10:56 am

At A Glance

• Davao City's offerings for leisure, high-adrenaline adventures, foodie escapades, M.I.C.E., and even business opportunities are vast.
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By Jinggoy I. Salvador

Have a rare encounter with a Philippine eagle, the Philippine National Bird; dare a vertical challenge up magnificent Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak; marvel in the dazzling hues of the Waling-waling orchids, the Queen of Philippine Orchids; feast on the exotic durian, the King of Philippine fruits; dance on the streets with the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes at the Kadayawan Festival, the “King of Festivals"; and frolic on white sand and blue waters by a famed parola of a world-class beach resort. Their images are deemed iconic, lending their pageantry to the country’s tourism collaterals and destination glossies. If these are on your bucket list, then your travel compass is pointing you south of the archipelago, to the most progressive and vibrant metropolis in Mindanao—Davao City.

RICH CULTURE Get to know the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of Davao at the Kadayawan Village during the Kadayawan

Davao City’s offerings for leisure, high-adrenaline adventures, foodie escapades, MICE, and even business opportunities are vast. Destinations, food, accommodations, and land arrangements: There is something for everyone, from the islands to the highlands, north to south, from budget-friendly to luxurious and everything in between.

NIGHT LIFE Visiting, living, working, or investing, Davao is consistently ranked No. 1 in the Philippines by varied institutions

Drop off your bags and freshen up in your choice of hotel. Aria Residences and Hotel is the newest hotel to add to the hundreds of room keys in Davao’s growing hospitality landscape. There’s the DusitD2, Seda Abreeza, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and Waterfront Insular Davao as choices in the same category, but affordable accommodations, like Rogen Inn and Blue Lotus Hotel, and budget hotels come aplenty.

CULTURAL HOT SPOT Art uniquely Davao. The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao building is inspired by the durian fruit. (Photo: NMP Davao)

Start ticking off a relaxing art and cultural tour at the People’s Park and the National Museum of the Philippines-Davao, the Museo Dabawenyo, and the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography. A quick stopover at the site of old Davao, anchored by San Pedro Street, the oldest street dating back to the early Spanish settlement, where Davao City Hall, San Pedro Cathedral, Osmeña Park, D’Bone Collector Museum, and the Crocodile Park are amazing stops for both adults and kids, too.

Take a scenic drive through the new Coastal Road to cut travel time significantly to your high-altitude, eco-destinations in the South: the Philippine Eagle Center to see the majestic birds up close and witness the center’s conservation efforts to save the endangered species; Malagos Garden Resort, which also houses the Chocolate Museum, displaying the tree-to-bar process and products that earned global recognition and awards; and Eden Nature Park for thrilling “elevated” outdoor fun like sky cycling.

HAVE A TASTE The durian, pomelo, mangosteen, and other tropical fruits are bountiful and cheap in Davao.

August is a good time to visit. It’s the season when Mt. Apo is seen the clearest, showing off a spectacle of blooms; tropical fruits in season—durian, pomelo, mangosteen, marang, and more—overflow to the streetside; and the 11 tribes of Davao (five Lumad and six Muslim tribes) gather with the locals for the Kadayawan Festival. More than a cultural event, the festival celebrates Davao’s triumph in unity, friendship, and peaceful coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Lumads.

SUNDOWN MADNESS Feast on the street food at the Roxas Night Market

Hungry? Davao City is Mindanao’s gastronomic paradise, and the cuisine is getting more exciting. New flavors are getting the nods of the locals and adding them to their lists along with old-time favorites. Sate the craving at Leon’s Lounge for the award-winning cheeses of Malagos Farmhouse; Harana for grilled fare; the Roxas Night Market for street food; Dencia’s for comfort food; Tiny Kitchen for Spanish; Yellow Fin for seafood; Tadakuma and Akiko for Japanese; Ah Fat for Chinese; Butcher’s Table and Fat Cow for steaks; and Clean Café for plant-based picks; Dulce Vita, Dolce Desserts, and Grateful Bread for pastries and breads.

Old villages like Obrero and Juna Subdivision have turned into coffee culture and dining haunts, and Purge Coffee Roasters, &Matcha, Hid'n, and Stash Coffee Co. are among the favorites.

INDIGENOUS EATS Lumad cuisines, like Nilutlot na manok sa gata, are a must-try

Been there, done that? But have you gone on a palengke tour? The Bankerohan Market Experience is a roughing-it shop-and-eat experience like no other. There's also the Food Crawl, a flavorful journey of heritage recipes by homegrown restos; Furusato Davao, which explores the historical footprint of the Japanese community in Davao; and Abundant Harvest, a unique agritourism tour of the city’s finest agri-treasures, including durian, cacao, chocolates, and cheeses.

Go farther. Davao City is a gateway to more postcard-perfect destinations. A quick boat ride away is Samal Island in Davao del Norte, an island paradise that holds a tableau of inland, shoreline, and offshore attractions. The Hagimit Falls and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary are popular inland must-visit sites. Off the coastline, go on an underwater biodiversity exploration at the Taclobo (giant clam) Sanctuary, Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park, Isla Reta, Mansud Wall, Angel‘s Cove, and Aundanao Fish Sanctuary. While on your island tour, do stop at the Vanishing Island and the Wishing Island and take a dive off the Sabang Cliff.

CHILL LIFE The iconic parola of the world-class Samal Island destination, Pearl Farm Beach Resort

After a full day under the sun, lounge on the white sand under the star-filled skies in a beach resort on the island. Paradise Island Beach Resort is one of the most popular among the array of highly regarded, affordable beach resorts. If you want to go extravagant, head to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Mindanao’s first luxury resort, a heritage-rich architectural landmark. Two other resorts join the high-end category—Discovery Samal and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort on Kopiat Island, Davao de Oro.

SOARING SITE The new highland destination of Brgy Baganihan in BuDa rose in popularity during the pandemic

The pandemic put the spotlight on the scenic highland of BuDa—and it never dimmed. There’s a regular exodus of “heat escapists” and foodies to the mountain resorts in the sea of clouds and to dining spots like Pilgrim. Cross over to Bukidnon and pick fresh strawberries (and go glamping) at Taglucop Strawberry Hills.

In Davao del Sur, go whitewater rafting and spend the night in any of Kapatagan's mountain resorts. Towards Davao Oriental, check out the Aliwagwag Falls, the scenic Sleeping Dinosaur viewpoint, and the surfer’s paradise of Dahican Beach.

MAJESTIC BIRDY Have a rare encounter with Philippine Eagle Sinag and other raptors at the Philippine Eagle Center

To love Davao is to experience it firsthand. There is genuine warmth and friendliness from locals, and these are the visitors' impressions, along with how clean the city is.

Safety and discipline are ingrained in Davao City’s culture; political will made that happen and has been successfully in place for decades. For its strict local ordinances and low crime indices, Davao City is frequently listed as one of the top three safest cities in the Southeast Asian region by Numbeo (crowdsourced database), Global Residence Index, and Gallup Global Safety Report. Worth mentioning is that Davao has the first integrated emergency response system in the Philippines and is the pioneer in the anti-smoking ordinance, among others.

Tourism-wise, for the second year, the 2026 World Travel Index (WTI) ranks Davao City #1 in the Philippines for Travel by Experience (“leading in safety, affordability, and infrastructure”). The report highlights Davao's unique blend of urban, natural, and cultural experiences. The city also took the top spot in 2025.

TASTE OF THE HIGH LIFE The culinary scene in Davao is getting more exciting by the day. Hummus has never looked and tasted so good at the Rhapsody of Aria Hotel

To whom does Davao City attribute these recognitions?

Resource people say it’s a collective effort of all sectors involved. The relationship between the private sector and the Local Government Unit (LGU) is quite unique in Davao. Working together and meeting on a regular basis, the sectors make sure goals are aligned and on track, with Davao City and its citizens' quality of life at the top of mind. Ultimately, just like any business venture, be it from the tourism, corporate, or investment sector, it’s the numbers that matter. And, in all discussions and programs, the safety and security division plays an integral part.

Believe it or not, earning accolades has never been the aim of the stakeholders, nor has it been an objective. They consider these bonuses for everyone's hard work and as indications that the programs are on the right track. It motivates the stakeholders to do better and be more creative.

Anyone’s apprehensions about Davao City will dissipate the moment they step on the Durianburg soil. The negative perceptions of the city will change to positive ones. Perhaps another recognition can enlighten? CEOWORLD Magazine ranked Davao City as the #1 in the Philippines for living, working, and investing for the 2025-2026 period.

Truly, the best way to fall in love with Davao City is to experience it. Find out why the locals and returning visitors say, “Davao life is here.”

Continuing Jesus' mission

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 17, 2026 12:05 am | Updated May 16, 2026 04:23 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

After bringing salvation to humanity by offering his life on the cross, Jesus ascends into heaven to share in the glory of the Father. His mission successfully accomplished, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from the disciples’ sight (First Reading). Did he leave them to manage on their own? Does he tell the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, “Now, you take charge”?

Today’s Gospel shows us that Jesus does not sever his involvement with humanity when he ascends into heaven. In fact, Matthew, even if he knows that Jesus has gone to the sphere and glory of God, does not describe the actual, visible event. Rather, he emphasizes the presence of Jesus, albeit no longer in a spatial and temporal order, as when he was preaching the Gospel.

The risen Savior opens a new chapter when he commissions the eleven apostles to “make disciples of all nations” (v 19). In effect, he calls on each one of us to baptize and teach those who will believe in him through our word. He counts on us all to continue the evangelization that he himself began. This is confirmed by his final words of assurance to his disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v 20).

The mission is not to be narrowly interpreted in terms of proselytizing or catechetical work. While these are important, Jesus puts more emphasis on observing “all that I have commanded you” (v 20). He refers to his teaching when he walked among us, which can be summed up as love of God and love of neighbor.

Sadly, Jesus’ teaching is slowly being forgotten in this highly consumeristic age. One’s innate goodness now matters less than one’s possessions. In their desire for upward mobility, both the young and the old gladly step over others to get to where they want to be. The popular notion of success is dictated to a large extent by a consumeristic culture that puts a premium on material possessions rather than on spiritual values.

Jesus’ teachings must be restored to its rightful place in the hearts of men and women if we do not want to be ruled by consumer monsters. Three revered institutions—the Church, the school, and the family—should seize the initiative and reassert their primacy over the digital media which now dictate what people think, believe, and feel.

In celebrating World Communications Day, the Church acknowledges the role that modern technology plays in spreading the Good News. At the same time, the Church enjoins the faithful to be vigilant against the misuse of technology by forces of evil. Amid confusion and temptation, may the words of Jesus strengthen us: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (v 20).

Gospel • Mt 28:16:20

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.