Song of songs

 

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By Klaus Döring

October 30, 2026

The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and depth of married union.

U.S. musician and author Ted Gioia argues in his excellent book “Music: A Subversive History” (2019): “At every stage in human history, music has been a catalyst for change, challenging conventions and conveying coded messages — or, not infrequently, delivering blunt, unambiguous ones. It has given voice to individuals and groups denied access to other platforms for expression. Pop music has often been dismissed as ‘lightweight’ given its young audience, simple snappiness and mainstream status, but those elements are really where its strength is concealed. Pop songs don’t originate themes of mental wellbeing, equality, liberty, activism — but they do transmit them to the broadest platforms possible.”

Snap the radio on, zip to any station, and what are you likely to hear? Love songs. Songs of new love, songs of disappointed love, songs of grateful love, songs of crazy love. I still remember my time as a radio host in Davao City several years ago, playing the hits of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Nothing has changed. Times change, but throughout history, the flow of love songs has been a constant.

Plenty of people are surprised or even shocked to find an explicit love song in the Bible — complete with erotic lyrics. But the “Song of Songs” is exactly that. It shows no embarrassment about lovers. Consequently, intermittent attempts have been made to rule the “Song of Songs” out of the Bible. It’s like making it “for adults only.” Imagine, my dear reader, in 16th-century Spain, for instance, professor Fray Luis de León was dragged out of his classroom and taken to jail for four years. His crime? He translated the “Song of Songs” into Spanish.

If you start reading the “Song of Songs,” you will find that this book conveys a very different atmosphere from most modern love songs and pop music. Since love songs are always popular, many people approach the “Song of Songs” with great expectations. However, readers often find the book quite different from what they had expected. One challenge is its poetic imagery. Another is that the “Song of Songs” is hard to follow. One part doesn’t seem connected to the next.

explore the “Song of Songs.” One thing is for sure. You’ll learn a lot about the love between God and His people.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com, or follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn, or visit my blogs at www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Non-native honeybee species found

 

By Razl EJ Teman

MindaNews

EXPERTS from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) are now studying the presence of Apis florea, a non-native honeybee species, in Mindanao.

The species is found in Southern and Southeastern Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia.

Dr. Editha C. Jose, a UPLB mathematics professor and one of the leads of the UPLB Bee-keeping Program, told MindaNews on Friday that they have been studying the presence of this bee species since February this year to validate their hypotheses and establish its profile in the locality.

Jose, who is also president of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), discussed her research on bees in a presentation titled “Interdisciplinary Mathematics: A mathematician’s journey among bees” during the second day of the MSP Davao Region Research Convention.

She said the team is composed of eight experts, including mathematicians, entomologists, and biologists.

Asked whether the presence of this honeybee species is beneficial, Jose said the team is currently investigating whether it competes with native bees for resources when foraging.

“So, we are looking at, are these Apis florea also foraging on the same flowers as our native bees? So that’s our problem. So, we are getting the resource profile,” she said.

Apis florea is identifiable by the red area behind its neck. Jose, however, said the team will also validate other reported sightings of the species in different parts of the country.

Among the prominent pollinating bee species in the country are Apis cerana (commonly known as Laywan), stingless bees, and Apis mellifera (western honeybee).

A study published in February this year documented 10 nests of Apis florea in Davao City, Panabo City, and Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

Jose added the team attempted to establish a colony of the species at a beekeeping site in Toril, Davao City. However, the Apis florea left the area.

The team is investigating the possible reasons for its departure, including the site’s relatively higher elevation and more frequent rainfall.

In Panabo, the colonies have remained in the area.

Jose said the team will visit Samal Island on Sunday to validate another reported sighting of the bee species.

During her presentation, Jose said the team was still trying to determine why these bees remain in specific areas.

She said the team has been conducting experiments, fieldwork, and data collection since February to better understand the species and its behavior.

Based on the February study, the nests were observed on mango, malunggay, Podocarpus sp., sampalok, talisay, and cacao trees.

The team’s ongoing fieldwork has also found that the bees feed on and pollinate mango trees, similar to stingless bees.

One theory the experts are investigating is that the bees may have reached the country through trade, possibly transported aboard boats, she said.

Should the team find that the species is non-invasive and does not compete with other bees, its presence would be good because there would be more bees to pollinate plants, she said. (Razl EJ Teman / MindaNews)

No photo description available.

Alex Eala asserts mastery over Gibson to reach Tokyo Open quarters

 

By Reynald I. Magallon

Published Oct 28, 2026 08:18 pm

Alex Eala recovered from a first-set hiccup and dominated the next two to cruise to a 4-6, 6-2, 6-0 victory over Talia Gibson and barge into the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Open on Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Japan.

Eala had to buck a slow start against the Australian but eventually found her way back into the contest behind her aggressive shots and strong service game to complete the come-from-behind win.

The 21-year-old Filipina asserted her mastery over Gibson who she already faced and defeated twice in International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments. The Tokyo Open was their first meeting in a WTA-sanctioned event.

Although Eala was holding a psychological advantage over Gibson with their head-to-head record, the 22-year-old Australian gave Eala a run for her money in the opening set, breaking through with a backhand winner in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead.

The Filipina tennis returned the favor in the next game but Gibson broke Eala’s serve once more to take the opening set.

Eala, however, came alive in the second and took the first two games, setting the tone to the comeback.

Gibson stayed within striking distance and kept it close, 2-3, but Eala maintained the pressure, saving a break point and then finding her range on the serve to pull away and force the decider.

Feeling the momentum, Eala went on to dominate Gibson and seized a commanding 5-0 advantage — highlighted by a blistering stretch where the Filipina won eight consecutive games.

Gibson tried to stay alive, saving a match point and forcing a deuce but Eala would not be denied and sealed the victory to arrange a clash against the winner of the match between third seed Diana Shnaider of Russia.

DPWH-DOTr secretary switch: Beyond changing faces

lletin Newsroom

Published Oct 29, 2026 12:01 am | Updated Oct 28, 2026 04:03 pm

The decision of the President to switch the heads of two critical government departments is a welcome move, but it also raises an important question: Can changing the people at the top bring meaningful change to institutions whose problems have persisted for decades?

On Oct. 26, Malacañang announced that Vince Dizon would return to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), while Giovanni Lopez would take over the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Palace explained that the reshuffle was intended to accelerate reforms. Dizon was being sent back to ease the daily struggles of commuters, while Lopez, described as a systems builder, was tasked with institutionalizing reforms at the DPWH.

Both departments face enormous challenges. The DOTr must address worsening traffic congestion, unreliable public transportation, delayed infrastructure projects, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. The DPWH, meanwhile, must confront corruption, questionable infrastructure spending, unfinished projects, and the continuing controversy surrounding flood control programs.

Dizon knows these challenges firsthand. In fact, social media memes have even portrayed him as having visibly aged during his stint at the DPWH, perhaps reflecting the enormous pressures associated with leading an agency battered by allegations of corruption.

The symbolism became more pronounced during the two secretaries' joint press conference on Oct. 27. Instead of the traditional turnover of a flag, Dizon handed Lopez envelopes containing documents on alleged corrupt officials, whom he described as “rotten apples.” He urged his successor to remove those responsible while protecting honest employees.

The gesture was revealing. It suggested that the problems confronting the department extend well beyond its leadership. And herein lies the greater challenge—changing secretaries may provide fresh leadership, renewed energy, and different management approaches. But will changing faces be enough when the problems themselves are systemic?

The DPWH and DOTr are sprawling bureaucratic institutions, with central offices, regional units, attached agencies, and thousands of personnel. Their operations depend on established systems, administrative procedures, procurement practices, and organizational cultures developed over many years.

A secretary may issue directives, dismiss erring officials, or introduce reforms. Yet unless these changes reach the foundations of the organization, old practices can easily return once that secretary leaves.

We could appoint 10 different secretaries, but if the underlying systems remain unchanged, the same problems will continue under 10 different names.

What the administration must pursue, therefore, is not simply a reshuffling of personalities but a fundamental transformation of these agencies. Stronger accountability mechanisms, transparent procurement, merit-based appointments, independent monitoring, and enforceable safeguards against corruption must become permanent features of government operations.

Such reforms should not depend on the personal determination of whoever occupies the secretary's office.

We wish Dizon and Lopez success in their new assignments. Their success, if any, will ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos who deserve safer roads, reliable transportation, and infrastructure built with integrity.

But the Marcos administration must demonstrate greater firmness and resolve in pursuing changes that will outlast its remaining years. Cabinet secretaries come and go. They serve at the pleasure of the President, and their faces change with every administration.

Institutions, however, must endure.

The true measure of this reshuffle will not be the personalities involved, but whether it produces reforms that remain effective long after these officials have left office. The next generation of Filipino taxpayers deserves to inherit institutions that function properly, not the same problems under different names.

Singapore and Indonesia set up a task force to combat haze from illegal burning

By The Associated Press

Published Oct 28, 2026 10:38 am

A street vendor walks amid thick haze from wildfires in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Yulianus Stefan Lundju)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia and Singapore agreed Tuesday to cooperate more closely to combat the illegal burning of land that has contributed to a toxic haze that has blanketed multiple cities across Southeast Asia in recent weeks.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir in Jakarta and said afterward that the two countries agreed to establish a task force to strengthen enforcement under existing regulatory powers, and to consider new ones.

The haze comes primarily from western Indonesia where forest and peatland fires often are started to clear land for farming. While such fires are common during the dry season starting in April, this year’s are the worst on record, partly because of hotter and drier weather attributed to the El Niño weather pattern.

“El Niño is a natural phenomenon, but the burning of the forest and land is caused by human actions," Balakrishnan said in a joint press statement. “We have a responsibility to ensure the health of all the citizens of Indonesia and Singapore. Therefore, I hope that the Indonesian and Singapore governments will work together to overcome this challenge.”

The haze in Southeast Asia has triggered health concerns and ignited a public backlash from Singapore, Malaysia and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

A thick haze obscures the skyline behind the Central Business District area in Singapore, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/David Hu, File)

Singapore recently announced it had sent warning letters to 10 Indonesian companies that may have been linked to forest fires.

Nasir added that Indonesian authorities also have taken law enforcement actions resulting in hundreds of individuals and more than 50 companies facing legal proceedings. Some of them have been found guilty under Indonesian law.

“Smoke can cross borders, so can money. That is why we must follow the money trail these companies have left behind. Singapore offered to share data on companies linked to the fires, which we welcome as a valuable opportunity,” Nasir said in the joint statement.

The thick haze has turned the skies orange over the Indonesian sections of Borneo Island, and has spread across neighboring Singapore, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia where it has disrupted life and prompted schools to close.

Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has recorded more than 2,020 square kilometers (780 square miles) of burned land between January and July, while the Nusantara Atlas project estimated that nearly 8,960 square kilometers (3,460 square miles) had burned by the end of August.

Inflation fears drag down PSEi by 1.87%

 Inflation fears drag down PSEi by 1.87%

BY EMMANUEL JOHN ABRIS

OCTOBER 29, 2026

Philippine stocks fell on Wednesday as higher oil prices and a weakening peso stoked inflation concerns, while elevated treasury yields dampened demand for equities.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) slid 1.87 percent, or 107.64 points, to close at 5,653.55.

 

PSE nears full PDS Group takeover

BY EMMANUEL JOHN ABRIS

OCTOBER 29, 2026

The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) is nearing full ownership of Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp. (PDS Group) after signing a deal to acquire another block that would raise its holdings to about 97.63 percent.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, PSE said it had signed a share purchase agreement for 192,776 common shares of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), representing 3.08 percent of PDS.

This brings the local bourse closer to its goal of owning the entire PDS Group, which operates the country’s bond trading platform and provides securities depository services.

This will allow the unification of capital market infrastructure, which has taken decades of on-and-off deal-making.

At the P600-per-share acquisition price listed in the filing, the DBP shares will cost about P115.67 million. The transaction is subject to customary post-closing conditions.

PSE currently beneficially owns 94.55 percent of PDS after buying out banks and other institutional shareholders.

For the broader acquisition program, the filing lists 4.8 million shares, or 76.74 percent of PDS’ outstanding capital stock, and an aggregate purchase price of P2.76 billion.

The pricing was based on PDS’ enterprise value of P3.75 billion.

PDS owns Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., which operates the fixed-income exchange, and a 97.72-percent stake in Philippine Depository & Trust Corp.

PSE wants the acquisition to help companies access both equity and debt funding through a single venue for listing and capital raising.

It also expects the integration of trading, depository, clearing and settlement functions to improve efficiency.

“These transactions are part of PSE’s plan to acquire up to 100 percent of [PDS] to align the Philippine capital market with other markets globally which have a single exchange structure for fixed income and equities,” the exchange said.

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“The transaction results in a vertical integration of the depository function within the same group that operates trading, clearing and settlement of listed securities,” it added.

The DBP deal follows a series of purchases that made PDS a majority-owned PSE subsidiary in December 2024.

In January, PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon outlined a plan to dissolve PDS, with its operating subsidiaries to be held directly by the exchange.

Unbeaten Creamline faces Capital1 in PVL Santiago showdown

 

Games Thursday, Oct. 29

(Santiago Sports Arena, Santiago City, Isabela)

Between an accomplished team and one still finding its footing, the wiser bet would normally be on the former.

But in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series, where unpredictability has become the rule rather than the exception, even the most formidable teams are far from untouchable.

Not even the unbeaten Creamline Cool Smashers.

And certainly not Capital1, a team whose star-studded lineup has the firepower to challenge the league’s elite but is still working to turn individual talent into consistent, cohesive performances.

That contrast sets the stage for a compelling showdown when the Solar Spikers take on the Cool Smashers in a crucial out-of-town encounter at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Santiago Sports Arena in Santiago City, Isabela, where a passionate volleyball following is expected to provide a rousing backdrop.

The day’s doubleheader kicks off at 3:30 p.m. with another pivotal clash between struggling teams PLDT and ZUS Coffee.

The High Speed Hitters finally snapped a two-game slide with a four-set victory over the Solar Spikers last Saturday, while the Thunderbelles remain winless after three outings and face mounting pressure to revive their semifinal hopes.

PLDT overcame a first-set loss to defeat Capital1, 21-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21, on Oct. 24, securing its first victory of the conference.

With only the top four teams advancing from the nine-team, single-round elimination phase, every match carries considerable weight.

Creamline and Nxled, both sporting 3-0 records, have established themselves as early frontrunners, with Choco Mucho close behind at 3-1.

Four more teams are bunched from fourth to seventh place, leaving the race for the coveted semifinal slots wide open.

Capital1, despite its 2-2 record, remains firmly in contention.

But the Solar Spikers must find greater stability and cohesion if they hope to translate their considerable talent into a legitimate Final Four push.

Their challenge is formidable.

Not only must they rebound from their loss to the High Speed Hitters, which snapped a two-game run of five-set thrillers, but they must also contend with a team that has looked increasingly comfortable within its own system.

Creamline’s unbeaten start is hardly surprising.

The 11-time champions have built their reputation on precisely the qualities that often separate contenders from champions: composure under pressure, seamless execution, and the ability to make the right plays when matches tighten.

The Cool Smashers are coming off a four-set victory over ZUS Coffee, 25-19, 16-25, 26-24, 25-17, on Oct. 24, extending their winning streak to three matches.

Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Bernadette Pons, and Pangs Panaga headline a deep, battle-tested crew that knows what it takes to navigate the long road to a title.

The return of playmaker Jia de Guzman has further strengthened the Cool Smashers’ command on the floor, while Kyle Negrito has proven more than capable of providing quality minutes as a setter.

Kyla Atienza anchors their floor defense, while Michele Gumabao, Alyssa Valdez, Bea de Leon, and Sheena Toring give the team a wealth of experience and options.

Rookie Barbie Jamili adds another promising piece to an already formidable rotation.

It is a lineup rich not only in talent but also in championship experience, a combination that allows Creamline to stay composed and productive even when opponents threaten to disrupt its rhythm.

“Syempre ‘yung routine namin. Magre-rest kami then balik kami for preparation nga sa Capital1. Siguro number one, talagang panoorin muna ‘yung mga combination of players ng Capital, kung sino ‘yung mga maglalaro. Dun kami magfo-focus siguro,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

“Kasi syempre ‘yung Capital1 talagang ibang iba ‘yung team nila ngayon so talagang hindi kami pwedeng magpabaya. So back to basics muna kami so tignan natin kung anong mangyayari sa Thursday,” he added.

Capital1, meanwhile, has no shortage of weapons of its own.

Bella Belen, Erika Santos, and Vanie Gandler form a formidable attacking trio capable of giving any opponent headaches.

With Juju Coronel and Jasmine Nabor sharing the playmaking duties, the Solar Spikers possess the offensive firepower to make the matchup far more competitive than their relative lack of experience might suggest.

The challenge is making all those pieces work in unison.

Capital1 must draw more consistent contributions from its middle blockers, including Pauline Gaston, Ezra Madrigal, Cherry Nunag, Pia Abbu, and KC Galdones.

Their work at the net will be especially important against a seasoned Creamline side that knows how to exploit defensive gaps and capitalize on even the slightest breakdown in coverage.

For the Solar Spikers, the issue is less about talent than timing, chemistry, and consistency.

Their roster has the potential to compete with the league’s best, but overcoming a team as polished as Creamline will require sustained discipline, sharper execution, and the maturity to respond when momentum swings the other way.

That is where the Cool Smashers hold a distinct edge.

Their championship pedigree has been forged through years of high-pressure matches, title runs, and close encounters, the kind of experience that cannot be acquired overnight.

Still, the Siklab Series has offered ample reminders that reputation alone does not guarantee victory.

If Capital1 can harness its star power, establish its presence at the net, and avoid costly lapses, it has the tools to threaten Creamline’s unbeaten run.

A Solar Spikers victory would further scramble an already congested semifinal race and establish Capital1 as a serious threat to the title contenders.

Another Creamline win, on the other hand, would strengthen the Cool Smashers’ hold on the upper tier and widen the gap between the frontrunners and the chasing pack.

In a conference where no lead is entirely safe and no contender can afford to let up, the Santiago showdown offers a fascinating test of two different kinds of strength: an emerging team’s explosive potential against a champion’s proven poise.