IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!

This famous line is an inspiring reminder about personal growth, noting potential, choice, and fresh starts. Most people commonly attribute it to the author George Eliot, though research into literary history shows no direct proof she actually wrote it.Meaning and MessageNo time limits: Age or past choices do not stop you from changing your path.Ongoing power: You hold the ability to shape you.

“Never Too Late” is a song by Canadian rock band Three Days Grace. It was released on May 7, 2007 as the third single from the band’s second album One-X. “Never Too Late” is about not giving up. Adam Gontier stated, “I guess it’s like feeling like you’re at the end of your rope and deciding whether or not to completely give up or whether or not to try and sort of keep making it through another day.” 

I know a lot of pensioner expatriates living in the Philippines for good. Many of them have a big problem – after staying here for only a couple of months, they get bored. 

Having a vacation all day, all week, all month and all year long is really not an egg’s yellow. I must confess, I experienced the same in 1999 after moving to Davao City. At that time I just turned 46…

I remember my last days in an international publishing house in Berlin. I packed up my things after signing my resignation letter. Of course, I hadn’t reached my final pension age yet, but I got a lot of ideas on how to shape and organize my “new” life in the Philippines. I never forgot some office mates smiling at me:”We can’t cross such bridges before we come to them!” Of course guys, you have been right!

Anyway, age doesn’t matter – you can enjoy the second half of your life residing in the Philippines. As many of you know already: I stayed in many countries worldwide. I could have migrated to the U.S. I didn’t. I chose the Philippines. Most important thing is: Keep yourself busy. 

Philippinefinancial app

Sure, there is always a time when we should rest and really enjoy life. Sure, we brought our savings and many of us enjoy the monthly pension in Euro or Dollar. Several weeks ago, I read a good idea in an U.S. business weekly: “Partner up with entrepreneurs who have long been in the business, or those who have just retired as well!” Worth to think about… .

Getting bored, means also for some to start grumbling and complaining about everything and everybody in the Philippines. I always keep my distance from such negative people. We are not here to change this country and its people. Why? What for? Filipinos are also not planning to change our home countries.

I really don’t have more stress than I had in my home country before. Critics reproach and accuse me of living a life as an expatriate while wearing pink tinted glasses. Sorry, but my conscience is very clear.

I keep myself busy, too busy sometimes: Teaching, translating, writing, before on the radio, and many more things; but I always find time for short vacations. It’s never too late. It’s your life! Take your chance and enjoy life in the Philippines. And, stay away from grumblers and grouses…No star is ever lost we once have seen, We always may be what we might have been Since Good, though only thought, Has life and breath – God’s life – can always.

PH History Month: Raising awareness on nation's future

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Aug 4, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Aug 3, 2026 04:38 pm

National History Month, observed every August, is more than a ceremonial remembrance of the nation’s past. It is an invitation for every Filipino to reflect on the enduring lessons of history and their relevance to the defining issues of our time. At a moment when disinformation proliferates, tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea, and the country begins looking toward the 2028 national elections, historical literacy has become an indispensable pillar of responsible citizenship.

History is the nation’s collective memory. It records not only the triumphs of heroes and the milestones of nationhood but also the difficult lessons learned through conflict, colonization, dictatorship, democratic restoration, and economic transformation. A people who understand their history are better equipped to distinguish truth from falsehood and to make informed decisions about their future.

The challenge today is that history itself has become a contested space. The digital revolution has democratized information, but it has also enabled the rapid spread of fabricated accounts, manipulated images, and misleading narratives that often blur the line between fact and opinion. Social media algorithms reward sensationalism over accuracy, while artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to produce convincing but deceptive content. Historical revisionism, whether driven by politics or ideology, thrives when citizens lose the habit of verifying facts and consulting credible sources.

This makes National History Month especially relevant. Historical literacy is no longer simply an academic pursuit; it has become a civic necessity. Filipinos must be able to evaluate competing narratives with discernment, recognizing that democracy flourishes only when public debate rests on truth rather than distortion.

This imperative extends to the country’s continuing assertion of its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines’ position is anchored not merely on contemporary diplomacy but on decades of international law, documented historical records, and the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, whose legal significance remains a cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy. Appreciating the historical context behind these developments helps citizens understand that defending national sovereignty is neither a partisan cause nor a fleeting political issue. It is a continuing national responsibility that transcends administrations and generations.

Historical awareness likewise assumes greater importance as political attention gradually shifts toward the 2028 elections. Campaigns are increasingly fought not only through traditional platforms but also in the digital arena, where narratives can be manufactured, amplified, and manipulated within hours. Voters who possess a firm grasp of history are less vulnerable to propaganda, personality cults, and simplistic promises. They are better able to judge leaders by their record, competence, integrity, and commitment to democratic institutions rather than by carefully crafted online personas.

The challenge before the nation is therefore not simply to commemorate history but to make it accessible and meaningful. Schools must emphasize critical thinking alongside historical knowledge. Government agencies, museums, libraries, and archives should continue modernizing access to historical resources. The media must remain steadfast in fact-checking and contextual reporting. Families and communities, too, play a vital role by passing on stories of sacrifice, resilience, and civic responsibility that shape national identity.

National History Month reminds us that the past is never truly behind us. It continues to inform the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the future we seek to build. In an age of disinformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and heightened political rivalry, history serves as our moral compass. By safeguarding historical truth and nurturing an informed citizenry, Filipinos strengthen not only their appreciation of the past but also the foundations of democracy, national sovereignty, and shared prosperity.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Glen Hansard: Life in music

By Punch Liwanag

Published Aug 3, 2026 10:07 am | Updated Aug 3, 2026 07:37 pm

Glen Hansard (Facebook)

“I choose to believe that there is good in people and that everything is a lesson. Our place on Earth is to go deeper, to somehow get wiser. To have spirit.” - Glen Hansard

A few days ago, the news came crashing onto me: Glen Hansard, rest in peace. How? I mean what the hell? I only recently saw him at a show, and I’ve been seeing him on his socials, what gives? And then it came careening into me. Irish musician dead from motorcycle riding accident. Hard to believe that he’s gone. I mean, he’s only like the only singer-songwriter that I’ve followed, listened to and believed in the past twelve years.

It’s hard to look at the internet. People have been posting about it. News articles of the accident have been pouring in. It’s like I am in the grip of the algorithm where everything I look online just brings me to Glen Hansard.

It couldn’t be helped. I looked too hard. I took every bit of video that Glen had to post and consumed it. I poked too hard.

Well who wouldn’t? Every bit of singer-songwriter stuff that he’s posted since “Once” I’ve taken in and I’ve fancied myself as his biggest supporter. I’ve bought his albums: The Frames, The Swell Season, his solo stuff over the years (I mean I’ve reviewed them here) that I consider myself his biggest fan, in the truest sense of the word.

And just this year, just this April, I watched my first Glen Hansard show in New York. I thought that this would be a yearly thing from then on. As long as I’m here, and as long as I can ride a train to NYC, I’m there! I even bought a shirt, man!

I’m just mad at the man these past few days. What a stupid way to go, I mean motorbike? Really? But as I went, I noticed that I’m taking in details. I’m listening differently to his songs. I’m constantly made aware of his presence.

Glen Hansard was a singer, songwriter and actor, but more than that he was Ireland’s modern day version of a bard. He poured every ounce of his heart and soul into every note he played. Throughout the years, he has stood as the heart of Irish folk and rock. “A troubadour whose worn acoustic guitar, cathartic vocal delivery and unfailing spirit embodied the spirit of Dublin.”

From a 13-year-old school dropout busking on Grafton Street to an Academy Award-winning international icon, Hansard bridged the gap between traditional Irish storytelling and modern indie-rock grit. Following the success of “Once,” the movie he starred in with Marketa Irglova (with director John Carney), Glen Hansard established a thriving solo career that spanned solo albums such as “Rhythm and Repose” (2012) and “Didn’t He Ramble (2015) to name a few, highlighted his mastery of folk, soul and roots music. His songs “High Hope,” the soulful “Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting,” and “Song of Good Hope” sampled this and along with “Winning Streak,” “Paying My Way,” and “Her Mercy” are praised for their intimacy, warmth and unvarnished emotional honesty.

Glen Hansard’s tragic death last July 29, at the age of 56 following an accident in Dublin, Ireland sent shockwaves throughout the global music community. As tributes poured in from fellow artists, world leaders, and the generations of musicians and listeners he inspired, Hansard’s enduring influence on Irish culture and folk-rock music remains incalculable.

“We lost a good one today.”

Thank you Glen. Rest in peace.

Toni Fowler on removing her breast implants: 'Araw-araw ang bigat ng dala ko'

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Aug 3, 2026 11:33 am

Content creator Toni Fowler, who is also known as Mommy Oni, took a major step recently, deciding to remove her breast implants after 10 years.

In her recent vlog, Toni showed the journey of her surgery and recovery, giving her followers an honest glimpse into why she ultimately felt it was time to part ways with the implants that had become a defining part of her image throughout her years as a content creator.

According to Toni, she did not have her breast implants removed back in May—even though they were due for replacement—because she wanted to first celebrate their "ten years of relevance" in her career as a content creator.

"Inuna ko muna 'yung ten years of relevance na celebration ko with the ToRo family. Inuna ko muna 'yung mga trabaho ko, 'yung mga dapat kong tapusin, bago talaga ako magpa-opera," She said.

Toni went through the surgery with the help of Celebrity plastic surgeon Doc Yappy.

Having implants for the longest time, Toni admitted that she was always curious about what she would look like if she were flat-chested.

"Buong buhay ko, hindi ko talaga na-experience ang maging flat kaya talagang naging fantasy ko talaga na maging flat. Ewan ko, eh kasi di ba, ganu’n naman ‘yung buhay, kung anong wala sa ‘yo ‘yun ‘yung gusto mong ma-experience. Gusto kong maging flat talaga," she added.

She also spoke about the physical discomfort she had lived with over the years. "Kasi ang hirap na rin sa araw-araw ng buhay ko na palaging ang bigat-bigat ng dala ko...ang hirap...kaya it's about time na tanggalin na ang nagpapa-kuba kay Toni Fowler."

Toni also gave a heartfelt shoutout to her partner, Vince Flores, who stayed by her side throughout the surgery and recovery, as well as her daughter, Tyronia, who helped care for her after she was discharged from the hospital.

"Sobrang ma-swerte ko talaga sa mag-ama ko kasi binabantayan nila ako. Actually, tandem sila pero mas grabe 'yung sacrifice ni Vince. Halos wala na siyang tulog, pinapakain niya ako palagi, at syempre may sinusunod kaming oras ng gamot. Grabe talaga 'yung pag-aalaga niya sa akin mula noon hanggang ngayon," she said.

Toni’s son, Tyrone, also stopped by later in the vlog to check on her as she recovered from surgery. After removing the gauge, Toni and Vince were both shocked upon seeing the result of the surgery.

"Grabe sobrang gaan," Toni said, while Vince remarked, "Nakakapanibago."

Embracing the change, Vince assured that his feelings towards Toni haven't changed.

Meanwhile, Toni couldn't help but get emotional as she finally achieved her dream chest.

"Nung nakita ko...sa salamin, parang bigla akong nalungkot. Pero masaya ako at the same time. Masaya ako kasi nagustuhan ko 'yung gawa sa akin...ang ganda niya, hindi na siya ganon kalaylay kasi nga nagka-baby na ako," Toni said.

She continued: "Nung gumilid na ako -- oo gusto kong maging flat pero parang naramdaman ko na hindi ako babae. Kasi diba all my life parang 'yun 'yung nagbubuo sa pagka-babae ko eh...so nung time na nakita ko na flat na siya...hindi ko na feel na parang mommy ako, na babae ako. Parang na-feel ko na 'hala, hindi ako babae'. May ganon pero alam kong emosyon ko lang 'to dahil nga groggy pa rin ako sa gamot, anesthesia, and nalilito pa rin ako kasi big change 'to sa katawan ko."

In addition to having her implants removed, Toni also underwent  breast reduction. She shared that she already had a fuller natural chest before getting implants, so she opted for a modest reduction to achieve the look she had always wanted.

ERC approves urgent 67% electricity surcharge hike

 

By Gabriell Christel Galang

Published Aug 3, 2026 03:29 pm

Electricity consumers face higher monthly power bills starting this August after energy regulators granted urgent approval to raise a line-item surcharge that subsidizes renewable power developers.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued a provisional authority allowing state-owned National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) to implement a Feed-in-Tariff Allowance (FTI-All) rate of ₱0.3359 per kilowatt-hour.

The new tariff is a 67 percent increase from the current charge of ₱0.2011 per kilowatt-hour.

For a residential household consuming 200 kilowatt-hours a month, the adjustment will translate to an additional charge of approximately ₱67.18 on the FIT-All line item of their monthly bill.

The FIT-All is a uniform component billed by power distribution utilities to end-users and subsequently remitted to TransCo. The collected proceeds are pooled into a dedicated fund to settle guaranteed fixed payments to eligible clean energy developers whose facilities supply power to the national grid.

The ERC cited an urgent liquidity crunch in approving the interim rate adjustment. The safety buffer of the fund—known as the Working Capital Allowance—has plummeted by more than 50 percent.

The capital shortfall occurred after last year’s approved rate hike was delayed until November, leaving TransCo with only two months of collection to build up required reserves for 2026.

“Considering the urgent need to preserve the financial viability of the FIT-All Fund and to ensure the continuous and timely payment of obligations to FIT-Eligible RE Plants, the Commission finds it reasonable and justified to authorize the provisional implementation of the proposed WCA Rate Adjustment,” the regulator stated in its order.

The commission noted that the rate increase remains a temporary measure while it continues to evaluate TransCo’s petition for a final determination. Granting interim relief provides TransCo with the required lead time to collect sufficient funds and stabilize the capital buffer.

The provisional rate granted by regulators is higher than TransCo’s original application seeking a charge of ₱0.2154 per kilowatt-hour, an amount the state entity previously calculated to clear back-payments owed to clean energy suppliers spanning 2016 through 2026.

The regulatory intervention highlights the challenges facing Philippine energy officials as they attempt to balance the financial sustainability of green energy infrastructure with consumer affordability amid persistent cost-of-living pressures.

Sparkassen-Kunden aufgepasst: Diese E-Mail will Ihre Bankdaten stehlen – so erkennen Sie die Falle

Von: Lara Hempel

Sparkassen-Kunden erhalten eine offizielle wirkende E-Mail – doch hinter der Bitte um Datenabgleich steckt eine durchdachte Falle.

Wer ein Konto bei der Sparkasse hat, sollte derzeit genau hinsehen, wenn eine E-Mail im Postfach landet. Kriminelle haben eine neue Masche entwickelt, die täuschend echt aussieht. Sie ahmen das Erscheinungsbild der Sparkasse nach und wollen damit an etwas gelangen, das für Kontoinhaber besonders heikel ist: ihre Online-Banking-Zugangsdaten. Die Verbraucherzentrale hat die Warnmeldung kürzlich in ihrem Phishing-Radar veröffentlicht.   

Unter dem Deckmantel einer Sicherheitsprüfung greifen Kriminelle nach den Kontodaten von Sparkassen-Kunden. © Thomas Trutschel/photothek/Imago

Die betrügerischen E-Mails tragen den Betreff „Verifizierung erforderlich“ und behaupten, die bei der Sparkasse hinterlegten Daten müssten aktualisiert werden. Dazu wird ein Link mitgeschickt, über den Kunden die angebliche Sicherheitsprüfung durchführen sollen. Der eigentliche Zweck: Wer klickt, landet auf einer gefälschten Seite und gibt dort unwissentlich seine sensiblen Zugangsdaten preis. Laut der Verbraucherzentrale handelt es sich um einen klassischen Phishing-Versuch, bei dem Betrüger im Namen eines seriösen Unternehmens auftreten, um Vertrauen zu erschleichen.   

So erkennen Sparkassen-Kunden die Phishing-Mail

Die Verbraucherzentrale benennt in ihrem Phishing-Radar mehrere eindeutige Warnsignale: Die Absenderadresse sei unseriös und halte einer näheren Prüfung nicht stand. Zudem werden Empfänger nicht mit ihrem Namen angesprochen, sondern schlicht mit „Hallo“ begrüßt, ein deutliches Zeichen für einen Massenversand. Echte Bankschreiben enthalten stets eine persönliche Anrede. Hinzu kommt die Aufforderung, über einen in der Mail enthaltenen Link zu handeln. Das ist bei legitimen Bankkommunikationen grundsätzlich nicht üblich.

Besonders tückisch ist der künstliche Zeitdruck. Die E-Mail droht damit, dass eine Bestätigung nach dem 2. August 2026 auf digitalem Weg nicht mehr möglich sei. Danach werde angeblich ein persönlicher Besuch in der Filiale nötig. Diese Frist soll Empfänger in Panik versetzen und zu übereiltem Handeln verleiten. Wer unsicher ist, sollte mögliche Hinweise ausschließlich über die offizielle Sparkassen-App, das Online-Banking-Portal oder die bekannte Webseite der Bank prüfen. Eine weitere Betrugsmasche aktuell: Dieser Betrug mit Amazon-Paketen läuft gerade deutschlandweit.   

Bank-Warnung: 7 typische Merkmale betrügerischer E-Mails sofort erkennen

Fotostrecke ansehen

Wer bereits auf einen Link geklickt und Daten eingegeben hat, sollte sofort handeln: Das Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik rät, das Bankkonto unverzüglich über den Sperr-Notruf 116 116 sperren zu lassen, die Bank zu kontaktieren und Anzeige bei der Polizei zu erstatten. Selbst bei bloßem Verdacht lohnt es sich, die Zugangsdaten zu ändern und Kontobewegungen aufmerksam zu beobachten. Übrigens sind nicht nur Phishing-Mails ein Problem, auch auf der Straße lauern Betrüger: Die Polizei warnt aktuell vor der perfiden „Autobahn-Goldmasche“.

Ratten im Garten vertreiben: Experten empfehlen Pflanzen statt Fallen

Stand:03.08.2026, 15:49 Uhr

Ratten im Garten sind ein ernstes Problem – doch Fallen müssen nicht sein. Experten setzen auf natürliche Methoden, die wirklich funktionieren.

Sobald die Temperaturen steigen, verbringen viele Menschen mehr Zeit im Garten oder auf der Terrasse. Doch mit den warmen Monaten kommen auch ungebetene Gäste: Ratten und Mäuse tauchen in Grünanlagen auf und können nicht nur Pflanzen erheblich beschädigen, sondern auch Krankheiten übertragen. Wer Ratten im Garten vertreiben möchte, muss dabei nicht zwingend zur Falle greifen.  Ratten werden vor allem durch drei Dinge angelockt: Nahrung, Wasser und Unterschlupf. Offene Müllbehälter, Komposthaufen, heruntergefallene Früchte oder stehengelassenes Haustierfutter wirken auf Nager wie ein gedeckter Tisch. Dicht bewachsene Ecken, gestapeltes Holz oder ungenutzte Schuppen bieten willkommene Verstecke. Hat eine Ratte erst eine solche Komfortzone entdeckt, siedelt sie sich schnell an. Die gute Nachricht: Mit einigen gezielten Maßnahmen lässt sich das verhindern. Wer verdächtige Löcher im Gartenboden entdeckt, sollte rasch handeln, denn Ratten richten an Gemüsebeeten großen Schaden an

Eine aufgeräumte Gartenanlage ist die wichtigste Basis gegen Ratten

Der erste und wirksamste Schritt ist das Beseitigen aller Nahrungsquellen und Verstecke. Müllbeutel sollten niemals offen im Garten liegen, stattdessen sollten verschließbare Mülleimer eingesetzt werden. Wer draußen isst, sollte Speisereste konsequent aufräumen und Futternäpfe von Haustieren nach dem Füttern wieder ins Haus holen.   

Pflanzen und andere Methoden helfen gegen Ratten oft besser als Fallen. © Jens Kalaene/dpa/dpa-tmn

Auch regelmäßige Gartenpflege zahlt sich aus: Heruntergefallene Früchte gehören unverzüglich entfernt, Sträucher und Pflanzen sollten regelmäßig zurückgeschnitten werden, damit keine dunklen Rückzugsorte entstehen. Wer seinen Garten sauber hält, macht ihn für Ratten schlicht unattraktiv.

Regelmäßige Kontrolle: So erkennen Sie Rattenbefall früh

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), eine gemeinnützige Organisation zur Unterstützung von Gemeinschaftsgärten, hat einen Ratgeber veröffentlicht, der konkrete Empfehlungen zur Vorbeugung von Nagetieren enthält. Demnach ist das Frühjahr, noch vor der neuen Bepflanzungssaison, der ideale Zeitpunkt für eine gründliche Inspektion des Gartens.