𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗗𝗱𝗢 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆

To empower coconut farmers and strengthen the coconut industry in the province, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the PLGU-Philippine Coconut Authority, successfully conducted the 2nd Provincial Coconut Summit held at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School on August 22, 2023.

DTI Provincial Director, Atty. Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said the summit is one of the steps of the government that aims to provide a platform for stakeholders in promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development toward the resilience of the coconut sector in the province.

This year’s celebration highlighted several components such as the plenary session, panel discussion, showcasing of food and non-food products through product exhibit, and profiling and registration of coconut farmers.

Status and updates on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) were discussed by the Philippine Coconut Authority during the plenary session. Sunrise Ventures Corporation also provided inputs on business opportunities for Coco Sugar Production.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga graced the event with commitment of support “𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑢𝑛 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜, 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑎𝑘𝑢𝑠𝑜𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠, 𝑘𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑖 𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑜𝑘-𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑢𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑜𝑑 𝑝𝑎 𝑛𝑔𝑎 ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛, 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝑢𝑢𝑚𝑎”.

Gov Gonzaga also led the induction of officers for the Coconut Industry Resource Circuit for Leadership Empowerment and Development Davao de Oro (CIRCLED DdO).

More than a thousand coconut farmers gathered at the event, and around 100 key stakeholders, experts, and enthusiasts from across the coconut industry shared a day of insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning.

“𝑁𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑖 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑔𝑖ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑔 𝑠𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑏𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑜 𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑡𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑘 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑢𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑎 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑠𝑎𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖ℎ𝑖𝑦𝑜 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑡 𝑢𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑢𝑏𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝑢𝑢𝑚𝑎 𝑠𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎,” statement of Mary Ann C. Cabillon, Chairperson of Comval Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative in New Bataan.

She also expressed gratitude to all the concerned government agencies for providing assistance and support from various trainings, orientations on value-adding and production technologies, and the provision of coconut seedlings. (𝑅. 𝐻𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑛𝑜, Photos by Jonie Cadiz)

Gov. Gonzaga joins 5th League of Provinces of the Philippines General Assembly

Davao de Oro Gov. Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga joined the 5th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City on August 26, 2023.

The LPP brings together more than 80 strong provincial leaders from across the country as it deliberates on current issues, fosters inter-provincial collaboration, and focuses on sustainable development in the region.

Headed by its National President, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., the assembly discusses crucial events and topics aimed at strengthening ties among provinces and enabling them to work together on shared challenges and opportunities. Among those shared in the panel discussion includes the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election 2023, the Provincial Integrated Water Security Planning, Mainstreaming Climate Change in Local Planning and Programming Process, Integrating all provincial jails within the jurisdiction of BJMP, and sharing of best practices of the Province-wide Universal Health Care Program of La Union, among others.

Thus, encompassing a wide range of topics, the assembly served as a platform for the LPP members and key stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices, including Gov. Gonzaga, who actively joined in the discussion.

The gathering of the LPP is yet another testament to the power of unity and collaboration, and that “inter-provincial cooperation will drive positive change, enhance resilience, and ensure a brighter future for all Filipinos.” (PAO-IPRD DDO)

Magnitude-5.5 quake jolts Davao Occidental

BY MIKE CRISMUNDO

Aug 29, 2023 11:04 AM

  

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BUTUAN CITY – A magnitude-5.5 earthquake jolted Davao Occidental on Tuesday morning, August 29.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded  the earthquake at 1:59 a.m. and its  epicenter was 214 kilometers southeast of Balut Island in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The tremor had a depth of 15 kms, Phivolcs said, and was felt at Intensity I  in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Malungon and Kiamba, Sarangani. 

Aftershocks were expected but no damage is expected.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Southern Mindanao and the Davao Occidental Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council(DRRMC) reported no damage or injury from the earthquake.

Minutes earlier at 1:51 a.m., a magnitude-4.1 tectonic earthquake was recorded and its epicenter was 358 kms southeast of Balut Island and had a depth of 70 kms, Phivolcs said.

No damage or injuries were reported from this earthquake. 

Philtoa's 4th GMM celebrates inclusive tourism and love for the Philippines

General membership meeting reveals plans and programs to revitalize Philippine tourism

BY REY ILAGAN

  

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DOT Secretary Christina Frasco with Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) recently hosted its 4th General Membership Meeting at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City in Muntinlupa, with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as keynote speaker. Led by Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, the meeting also highlighted Bacolod City as the featured destination, with Mayor Alfredo Abelardo "Albee" Benitez in attendance.

Secretary Frasco commended Philtoa for its unwavering commitment to revitalizing Philippine tourism, highlighting the association’s promotion of inclusive tourism development in both established and emerging destinations.

"We recognize that there are several emerging destinations across the country that, if given the right assistance, attention, development, and promotion, have the potential to become key destinations, as far as tourism is concerned,” the tourism chief said. “This is why I'm very grateful to Philtoa, because their focus has not been our world-famous destinations alone, but also in giving opportunities to emerging destinations. This is reflective of true shared tourism governance, where the private sector mobilizes the industry to assist the government to ensure inclusive tourism development." 

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez 

With this, Bacolod City also took center stage at the 4th GMM as a growing "super city" with exciting advancements in tourism, including infrastructure, art, culture, and culinary experiences. Mayor Benitez highlighted upcoming projects such as the Bacolod Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people for MICE events; the Bacolod Masskara Museum/Trade Center; and the Orange Project, a prominent art gallery. The renowned Masskara Festival, spanning three weeks, promises a vibrant celebration of sports, food, spirits, and festivities.

To further underscore its commitment to fostering partnerships and growth within the industry, Philtoa President Abling-Yu announced the upcoming 34th Philippine Travel Mart, scheduled from Sept. 1 to 3 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.

She stated: "We are grateful for the strong partnerships with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Airlines, BPI, and our media partners. The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is not only a showcase of our country's incredible destinations but also a celebration of our industry's resilience and strength as a major contributor to the country’s growth and progress.”

The association also welcomed 10 new tour operators, an immigration services agency, and 15 hotel and resort properties, increasing the total membership to over 500. 

These additions include Big Golden Furby International Travel and Tours, Inc.; BNG Travel and Tours Services, Inc.; ETravel Zone; ETravelPH Events Management Services; Festive Travel and Tours Services; Godspeed Travel & Tours Corp.; Group Tours Specialists, Inc.; Jimwell Travel and Tours; Landsair Tours and Travel Corp., Mariaynah Travel and Tour; MFly Travel and Tours; RIOR Wanders Travel and Tours; Tobi's Travel & Tour Services, Inc.; Travel Enterprise Corporation; Walk the Planet, Inc; Alpha Suites Makati; Ambassador in Paradise Resort Corporation; Best Western Plus Metro Clark; City Garden Grand Hotel; Discovery Samal; Holiday Suites; Red Hotel, Inc.; Richmonde Hotel Iloilo; Sol y Viento Mountain Hot Spring Resort, Inc.; Timberland Highlands Resort; and ACN Southern Immigration and Educational Services.

As the tourism industry rebounds post-pandemic, Chroma Hospitality Group Vice President Carmela Bocanegra encouraged Philtoa members to capitalize on the opportunity for a strong comeback. “Make 2023 the time of the great comeback,” Bocanegra said.

Secretary Frasco echoed this sentiment, inviting Philtoa to continue showcasing and enhancing the best of the Philippines' destinations. She emphasized that loving the Philippines involves introducing innovative solutions aligned with global tourism trends and localizing that love within specific destinations.

"To love the Philippines is to highlight our love of country, our pride of place, our love for each other, and is a reminder and a call to action," said Frasco. "To love the Philippines... is to try to understand what we can do to introduce difficult but helpful solutions or programs that have never been done before, but are being implemented now in response to global tourism trends. To love the Philippines is to localize this love in your specific destinations."

Alex Eala improves to career-high No. 195 in WTA rankings

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The country’s top Filipino tennis player propelled 22 notches from No. 217 to a career-high No. 195 following her last two performances in Great Britain.

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Alex Eala continued her rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) after breaching the Top 200 rankings this week.

Alex Eala is now one of the top 200 female tennis players in the world. (File Photo/Alex Eala Facebook)

The country’s top Filipino tennis player propelled 22 notches from No. 217 to a career-high No. 195 following her last two performances in Great Britain.

She claimed her fourth pro title at the W25 Roehampton before settling for the runner-up honors in W25 Aldershot.

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Now playing in the pros full time, the 18-year-old Eala hopes to add more trophies in her growing collection when she competes in the ITF Tour campaign in Japan and China starting next week.

She is also expected to carry the fight for the Philippine team in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China slated Sept. 23 to Oct. 8. 

Alex Eala continued her rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) after breaching the Top 200 rankings this week.

Marcos to lead Heroes Day rites; Gen Z students weigh in on holiday

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Aug 27, 2023 05:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This year's observance theme is "Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan."

• The National Heroes Day is one of the oldest public holidays in the Philippines. The celebration started during the American Colonial Period and became a holiday through Republic Act (RA) No. 3827 on Oct. 28, 1931.

• Laws about the holiday did not specify any hero for Filipinos to celebrate, allowing the public to commemorate the bravery of anyone who has "braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice, and freedom." 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will lead the country in remembering the country's fallen heroes as Filipinos mark National Heroes Day on Aug. 28.

Libingan ng mga Bayani (Photo from Libingan ng mga Bayani’s official Facebook page)

Marcos will lead the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City.

The event will take place on Monday morning with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner joining the President.

Other expected guests are Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson, and Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano.

During National Heroes Day, the country is expected to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for its liberation from foreign entities. Last year, President Marcos paid tribute to the countless Filipinos "of extraordinary courage and valor" who fought and sacrificed to establish and preserve the nation.

He also encouraged the citizenry to "never forget" them as their legacy and heroism live on in the hearts of medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens.

Marcos likewise honored modern-day heroes such as farmers, teachers, police, military, barangay officials, community leaders, ecological warriors, healthcare workers, overseas Filipino workers, and those working in other sectors.

This year's observance theme is "Karangalan, Katungkulan, Kabayanihan."

When did it start?

The National Heroes Day is one of the oldest public holidays in the Philippines. The celebration started during the American Colonial Period and became a holiday through Republic Act (RA) No. 3827 on Oct. 28, 1931.

Initially, the law declared the last Sunday of August of every year an official national holiday until the late President Jose P. Laurel signed Executive Order No. 20 on March 20, 1942, which set the National Heroes Day on the 30th of November, coinciding with the celebration of Bonifacio Day that started in 1921.

In 1952, the late President Elpidio Quirino reverted the date of National Heroes Day to the last Sunday of August. This continued until former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law RA 9492, which moved the holiday to the last Monday of August. This was to promote "Holiday Economics," which aimed to reduce work disruptions and allow extended weekends to boost domestic tourism.

What makes a hero?

According to the Official Gazette, the laws about the holiday did not specify any hero for Filipinos to celebrate. This allowed the public to commemorate the bravery of anyone who has "braved death or persecution for home, nation, justice, and freedom."

To student writer Aaron Sabile, 21, a hero can be defined as someone who has morals and is compassionate and hardworking.

"A hero can be someone who has no extraordinary powers but has the power of moral code or dignity and knows what is right from wrong," he said.

"Someone who understands compassion, hard work, and belongingness," he added.

For 20-year-old student paper editor-in-chief Hannah Leonardo, a hero explores new things to improve any situation.

"I believe that what truly makes someone a hero is a willingness to learn or explore something new to know what change they need to create— even if discomfort is part of the process," she said.

"Having that mindset proves to me that people are doing something not for the sake of being praised by others but because of their genuine regard for their surroundings," she added.

Both students also agreed that it is important for Filipinos to continue celebrating National Heroes Day.

"Everyone loves heroes, and National Heroes Day is a great way to honor and commemorate those heroes who established the country's basis of independence and made the world a better place," Sabile said.

"Such commemoration can help us remember and not turn the things our heroes fought for in vain— I believe that having the consciousness about our heroes from the past would help us envision the future they once believed in and push us to start actions that would inform change," Leonardo shared.

Miley Cyrus: Introspective Barbie

 BY PUNCH LIWANAG

  

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AT A GLANCE

• At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

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Miley Cyrus (Image courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Philippines)

After breaking big with her previous single, “Flowers,” pop’s favorite wild child, Miley Cyrus, turns introspective on her latest single, “Used To Be Young.”

After her number one hit “Flowers” – a song about staying sane and strong post-breakup – Miley Cyrus is ruminating about life on this rising mid-tempo ballad, the latest single from her most recent album “Endless Summer Days.”

At 30, Miley is still too young to contemplate her life choices. But 30 is probably 50 for someone thrust into the entertainment world at a young age. And the irony of it is that her wild ride started as a teen actor during her Disney days as Hannah Montana.

From “Party In The U.S.A.”  to her eventual one-eighty turn as a twerking wild child in “Wrecking Ball,” Miley’s been around enough to have her fair share of shedding images (to the extreme at that).

And that’s what she’s singing about at the onset as she goes, “The truth is bulletproof, there’s no foolin’ you / I don’t dress the same, me and who you say I was yesterday have gone our separate ways / left my livin’ fast somewhere in the past ‘cause that’s for chasin’ cars.” And what a wild ride it has been so far, but just before the first chorus kicks in as if with a pang of mixed regret realization, she adds: “turns out open bars lead to broken hearts and going way too far.”

So though it may sound as if she’s regretful, it’s not so when she intones at the chorus: “I know I used to be crazy, I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young.” She says: “It’s fine, I’ve had a good run.”  

She confirms this in her own words when she describes “Used To Be Young” as “honoring who we’ve been and celebrating who we will become.” She goes on to say that she’s learned much from her experience. “I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic about the future.”

With the arrangement starting with an arena-ready piano motif, we’re immediately reminded of similar power ballads of hers that echo that same big-ness. There’s “The Climb” from 2009 and another twerk-era hit in “We Can’t Stop.”

Chime-y keyboard sounds that eventually give way to a full chorus, punctuated here with a prominent, ethereal-sounding slide guitar and an almost hypnotic but steady drum beat.  

Kudos to Miley for writing such heartfelt lyrics, but credit goes to producers Michael Pollack and Shawn Everett for nodding to two big Miley signature tunes in one go.

Miley Cyrus is in her Debbie-Harry and-Joan-Jett-inspired rock and roll phase as deep as her long legs can take her. It’s all so interesting as her other eras were, but “Used To Be Young” is a nice break – and a reminder of what has been and will be – for long-time fans as we all wait for what comes next from this pop chameleon.

By the way, Miley acknowledged her fandom when she said something about being grateful to her loyal fans about dreams being her reality and that she’s sincerely thankful for the steadfast support.

Keep making tunes like these, and you'll always have our ears, Ma'am Miley.

'The Missing Husband' delivers suspenseful action drama

Beginning today, a unique story of action suspense drama is coming on GMA Afternoon Prime via "The Missing Husband."

The series is headlined by some of the country's brightest stars Yasmien Kurdi as Millie, Jak Roberto as Joed, Sophie Albert as Ria, Joross Gamboa as Brendan, and Rocco Nacino as Anton.

Also starring in the action-suspense drama are Nadine Samonte, Shamaine Buencamino, Michael Flores, Maxine Eigenmann, Cai Cortez, Bryce Eusebio and Patricia Coma.

"The Missing Husband" follows the story of OFWs in Qatar, Anton and Millie, who venture to work abroad away from their families to save enough money for their future. However, their plans were disorganized when Millie got pregnant. They try to start anew in the Philippines. After getting married, the two signed up for an investment opportunity. Anton invests all their life savings and invites several others to join.

Later on, Anton finds out that the business is a scam. He and Millie lost all their hard-earned possessions, which caused conflict in their marriage. Things become more complicated when Anton started receiving death threats from those he invited to the investment scheme.

Anton promised Millie that he would fix everything. Until one morning, Anton vanishes, leaving blood all over their kitchen. Was there someone who tried to kill him? Or was it all part of his escape plan? Where can Millie find her missing husband?

The highly-talented creative team behind "The Missing Husband" is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan, creative head Dode Cruz, head writer Marides Severino, writers Renato Custodio Jr., Mark Duane Angoas, Maria Christina Velasco, and brainstormer Cynthia Paz.

Catch the world premiere of "The Missing Husband" — under the helm of esteemed director Mark Reyes — Mondays to Fridays at 4:05 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits.

Why Pinoys take care of each other

 Understanding the concept of ‘kapwa’

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Social interactions in the Philippines are like a never-ending dance, and kapwa is the rhythm that keeps us all in sync.

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By JACQUELINE LUCERO

Photo from Philippine Red Cross (Manila Bulletin)

Ah, the Philippines—land of sunny beaches, delectable soy sauce-based dishes, and a unique cultural concept that sounds like the perfect plot twist in a telenovela—“kapwa.” It’s like the Justice League assembled, but for everyday life. So, grab your halo-halo and get ready to dive into the wonderfully puzzling realm of kapwa, where social interactions are like a dance party, empathy flows like a waterfall, and community feels like a massive family reunion that never ends.

At its core, kapwa is that feeling you get when you meet someone and think, “Hey, we’re not so different, you and I.” It’s like discovering a long-lost sibling who shares your obsession with ’90s boy bands or your inexplicable fear of garden gnomes. Kapwa is a universal head nod, a wink of recognition that says, “You and I, we’re cut from the same cloth of this crazy, beautiful, and occasionally bewildering world.”
Now, let’s venture into the world of “kapwa-tao.” Imagine you’re at a Filipino fiesta, surrounded by a sea of joyful faces, each more familiar than the last. Kapwa-tao is the enchanting idea that we’re all interconnected, like a tapestry woven with the threads of our shared experiences, joys, and sorrows. It’s that heartwarming realization that the stranger enjoying lechon beside you isn’t just any stranger—they’re part of your kapwa-tao, your extended family of humanity.

TULONG SA KAPWA Residents of Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City receive free medicine, and vitamins, and undergo free checkups during an outreach program (Calvin D. Cordova)

Social interactions in the Philippines are like a never-ending dance, and kapwa is the rhythm that keeps us all in sync. Picture yourself at a lively karaoke session, belting out “My Heart Will Go On” as if you’re auditioning for the next season of The Voice. Kapwa is that knowing smile from your friends, the nod of encouragement from strangers, and the shared laughter when you hit that high note like a pro (or not). It’s like a backstage pass to the grand concert of human connection, where we’re all headliners in each other’s lives.

Empathy? Oh, kapwa takes empathy to a whole new level. It’s like having a sixth sense for understanding and feeling what others are going through. If your friend stumbles into a bad hair day, you’re right there with them, commiserating like you’ve both just experienced a national hair crisis. It’s as if we’ve all been handed a pair of empathy goggles that allow us to see the world through each other’s eyes. When your kapwa-tao faces a challenge, you’re there on the front lines, ready to offer a listening ear, a comforting pat on the back, or even a bowl of freshly cooked tinola—because, let’s be honest, tinola has magical healing powers.

BAYANIHAN Volunteers and workers of Valenzuela City Hall join together in repacking relief goods to
quarantined residents following the enhanced community quarantine enforced by the government
to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) (Photo Jansen Romero)

Now, let’s gather around the kapwa bonfire and talk about community. In the Philippines, a community isn’t just a group of people living in the same area. It’s a web of kapwa connections that span generations. Kapwa binds neighborhoods together like a tightly woven barangay (community) basket, where everyone’s happiness is a shared responsibility. Need to build a house? Call your Kapwa neighbors for a bayanihan (community) gathering, and watch as walls are raised and bonds are forged over shared sweat and laughter.
In a world where “individualism” often takes center stage, kapwa stands front and center as a shining beacon of togetherness. It’s the ultimate potluck dinner, where everyone brings their unique flavors to the table, and the result is a feast of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Kapwa isn’t just a concept. It’s a way of life, a cultural treasure that reminds us that we’re all connected in this magnificent tapestry of existence.

Kapwa and kapwa-tao are the warp and weft that make up the fabric of Filipino identity. They’re the secret ingredients in our halo-halo, the soulful notes in our karaoke anthem, and the hand that reaches out to lift us up when we stumble. Kapwa is the embrace of a friend, the understanding glance of a stranger, and the laughter that echoes through the streets of our communities. So, the next time you share a meal, a story, or even just a smile with someone, remember that you’re engaging in the timeless dance of kapwa, where “me” and “we” blend together in a harmonious and endlessly fascinating embrace.