Deedee Siytangco, Manila Bulletin’s beloved longtime columnist, passes away

BY KRIZETTE LAURETA-CHU

Oct 1, 2023 01:50 AM

  

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in Manila Bulletin know her as an indefatigable columnist who almost never missed her deadlines, and who personally rang up her editors to follow up so she could see her article through—revisions and all—to the very end.

Her Manila Bulletin Lifestyle column, “Angel Thoughts,” which ran for years, always started with an inspiring quote, and tackled personal issues, inspiring stories, and incisive but tame political analysis that was less about personality and more about policy—and latter readers who only knew her gentle voice and warm personality wouldn’t have known how a much-younger Deedee Siytangco had grit and passion as a young writer.

“I worked with Cory (the late President Corazon Aquino) for only three and a half years,” she wrote in an earlier column that came out in 2018. “I was a beat reporter for the Palace before joining her. Presidential advisers pointed out to her that I could help in her media office since I was already a working journalist. Besides, being a woman like her, I could relate (to her). My boss, Don Emilio, told me when I informed him I was joining Cory’s team. The President listened to then Sec. Ping de Jesus and Maria V. Montelibano, who was running RTVM, and I was offered to be an assistant secretary for media.

I took a cut in pay and had no representation funds. All goodwill. During merienda time, my husband Sonny who idolized my boss, would have a fast food store near the Palace deliver snacks for our Press Corp and the photographers who covered the Palace. But then, the ‘Brat Pack,’ savoring true press freedom at last, were mostly disciplined and did not demand ‘freebies.’ I survived mainly because my idol, President Cory, was a joy to work with. She was honest, disciplined, and a no-frills leader. I did not have to lie for her, ever. When talking in her behalf, I vetted everything to her and the hardest thing I had to do was politely turn down numerous requests for interviews, especially from foreign media. My lady boss would tell me, ‘We are not running for public office.’ And that meant, no more interviews. But she also understood how important her pronouncements meant to the people and she would give in and meet the press when I would literally beg.”

Deedee Siytangco’s three years as the President’s close-in defined her career. “She demanded the same kind of honesty and discipline from her co-workers, especially those who had access to her. I was fortunate to have been with President Cory in China when I was just a Manila Bulletin reporter. There, she conquered the Chinese officialdom and the ordinary people who felt great affinity for her after she paid homage to her Chino ancestors in the Co temple in Fujian. I was lucky to be with her in the Bicentennial celebration of France where for two days, she was the state visitor, and our flags flew proudly in the Champs Elysee avenue. She spoke fluent French and this Icon of democracy was everybody’s darling. She also visited the then still-standing Berlin Wall, the Royals of Belgium ! She also was acclaimed in the US and accorded honors by the Congress and the White House. Her Canadian visit was a resounding success and businessmen and women in Toronto wept when in a speech, she recounted her family’s travails during Martial Law. ! was already her assistant secretary for media so I saw the international acclaim for her up close and yes, I basked in the glory of it as a Filipino.” 

And Deedee did bask in the glory of her Filipino-ness, and, later in life, actively participated and headed multiple civic organizations, including Bulong Pulungan, which put in spotlight different personalities and their issues. 

Her daughter, Sandee Siytangco Masigan announced on Sept. 28, 2023 Deedee’s death at age 83, due to septic shock from pneumonia, with significant conditions that contributed to her death including urothelial cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. She asked friends and family to make a donation to the Contemplative Brothers of Mary Mother for the Poor, and that, should people want to give flowers, they make these sunflowers, her favorite—as that was what Deedee would have wanted.

In an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin, Sandee said, “My mother found so much strength and comfort in praying the rosary. She encouraged everyone to do the same.” Even in her sick bed, Sandee said, the rosary hung on her headboard, or clutched in her hand. “Her night time greeting to me, which I will miss very much, ‘Goodnight love, God bless you, and Mama Mary loves you,” Sandee says. “It was a great reminder every night before bed.”

Deedee’s remains will be at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City from 4:00 p.m. beginning Sept. 30, until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. She will then be laid to rest at the columbarium of Our Lady of Dela Strada Parish on Tuesday after a 10:00 a.m. mass.

Mrs. Universe beauties to pay courtesy call to PBBM

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Oct 1, 2023 07:04 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A highlight of the international pageant is the candidates' courtesy call to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in MalacanangPalace on Monday, Oct. 2. On this same day; the ladies will also be welcomed by officials of the tourism department and the Intramuros Administration. In the evening, a party will be dubbed "Salsa Night" in Revel BGC so the contestants can enjoy the famed Manila nightlife.

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Ma. Charo Calalo, National Director of Mrs. Universe Philippines

More than 100 beautiful women from all over the world are arriving in the Philippines this week to participate in the 46th staging of Mrs. Universe, which will be held from Oct. 1 to 9 and culminating in a Grand Coronation Night on Oct. 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

A highlight of the international pageant is the candidates' courtesy call to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Malacanang Palace on Monday, Oct. 2. On this same day; the ladies will also be welcomed by officials of the tourism department and the Intramuros Administration. In the evening, a party will be dubbed "Salsa Night" in Revel BGC so the contestants can enjoy the famed Manila nightlife.

Mrs. Universe is a worldwide pageant established in 2007 and is based in Bulgaria. Each year, it seeks to award "the most honorable woman" who must be involved in a significant cause. To join, candidates must be between 18 to 55 years old.

The Mrs. Universe title has eluded the Philippines since its participation. Still, National Director Maria Charo Calalo expressed hopes that this year's country representatives will make their mark in the highly competitive tilt. Before being granted the pageant's franchise, Charo was Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019-2020  and a Top 18 finalist when she competed internationally in 2019.

 

Charo Calalo (middle) with her Mrs. Universe PH candidates. They are (from left): Betchay De Dios, Monaliza Salenga, Mrs. Universe PH 2023 Arlene Cris Damot, Ma. Steia Sian, Miraflor Rodis, and Shirley Garcia.

Charo likened her candidates to a flower. "Their beauty is unique and incomparable. Meron silang kani-kanilang ganda."

"Ever since I became the national director of Mrs. Universe Philippines, it has been my dream to hold the international pageant here in the Philippines, and now it has come true. I feel pressured but, at the same time, happy. Excited na kaming lahat at malapit na. Maganda at pinaghandaan talaga namin ang event, that's all I can say,"  the beauteous Charo, who is also an actress, stated.

Mrs. Universe  Philippines 2023 is Arlene Cris Damot, and the rest of the members of her court are also competing. They are Shirley Garcia (Mrs. Universe PH North West Asia 2023), Ma. Steia Sian (Mrs. Universe PH North Pacific Asia 2023), Monaliza Hernandez Salenga (Mrs. Universe PH North East Asia 2023), Mira Flor Rodis ( Mrs. Universe PH Pacific Continental 2023), and Betchay  De Dios (Mrs. Universe PH West Pacific 2023).

All six Filipina candidates had their sendoff ceremony at Cerveseria restaurant in BGC last week, where they shared their preparations and expressed their readiness to advocate for the theme of this year's pageant, which is speaking against domestic violence. They also expressed excitement with the pageant's exchange gift activity, where they are expected to prepare souvenirs for each of the 100 contestants. 

Aside from the courtesy call to government officials, Anshari Alonto - managing director of 2xsist Events Productions, which is mounting the Miss Universe PH pageant - revealed the remaining schedule of the one-week stay of the international beauties in the Philippines. These are Sashing Ceremony at Lime Hotel Manila on Oct. 1, Forum and Friendship Night on Oct. 3, Queen's Ball at the Manila Hotel in October, a tour of Manila tourist spots like Rizal Park on Oct. 5, rehearsals on Oct. 6, and a Pre-Pageant night on Oct. 7 where the women will compete for the National Costume and Evening Gown competitions. The Grand Coronation Night ceremonies start at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 with Joaquin Domagoso and other artists as performers. 

Tickets are available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld at 891-9999, or (+63) 905 662 3378/(+63) 926 707 1571.

How do I reach level B2 in German in 3 months?

 

Silviana Ilcus

Neurobiology Stanford student. Art History buff. Sudhof lab research assistant. Journalism aficionado.

This does depend a lot on your starting point, but I am going to give you general advice:

1. Get a good textbook; I had a great experience with Deutsch Na Klar! It also has a workbook with an answer key at the back, so you can really test yourself.

2. Set a pace at which you'd like to go through the book. I don't recommend spending less than three days on any chapter. Don't try to absorb everything in that chapter. Many times you will come across words irrelevant to the topic of the chapter; have a look at them, but don't try too hard to commit them to memory. It's important to keep focused. Go over that chapter a few times; look for materials on the internet relevant to that chapter, such as clips on Youtube about different jobs in Germany when you are learning about careers etc.

3. Watch German films, listen to German podcasts and German radio. Here's a website that actually gives decent suggestions and organizes all media by the level of German for which it is most appropriate: German Materials . Some of my favourite films for the level of German you are targeting were Good Bye Lenin, Viktor Vogel, and The Edukators. I also recommend searching for interviews with the actors in a film after you've finished watching the movie; interviews don't have complicated language for the most part, and they also repeat some of the main ideas of the film.
For radio, I recommend starting with Delta Radio Hamburg (delta radio) because they broadcast an approx. 2 minutes long news snippet every half an hour or so; usually, the snippet is the same throughout a whole day, so hearing it a few times really helps you comprehend it better.

Listen to German music. Some of my favourite German singers/bands are Die Toten Hosen (older rock band, highlights include Tage wie diese, Bonnie und Clyde, Paradies, Steh Auf), Peter Fox (sort of hip-hop, start with Schwarz und Blau, which is a great song about Berlin at night), The Wise Guys (a cappella, look up Jetzt ist Sommer, Nur für Dich), Die Ärzte (Ist das noch Punk-Rock), Die Prinzen (Deutschland). Again, listening to German songs has the advantage of exposing you to the same material over and over, thus really helping you retain more.

4. When you engage with all these German materials, don't be afraid to pause the film/podcast and to play it over again until you understand what they say. When you write down a word that you do not know, try to guess its meaning before looking it up in a dictionary.

5. Talk talk talk talk talk. Try to move to Germany or Austria for a short while, but avoid moving to an area where they traditionally have a strong accent; it's TOTALLY worth it, seeing how my German improved immensely in 6 weeks of living in Hamburg.
Otherwise, try to find some native speakers living in your area. or if there are none, there are some websites which offer conversation practice through Skype for a small charge. One cannot stress enough the value of practicing conversation when learning a new language.

6. If you want to read a book in German once you are around the A2 level, I suggest "Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum" and the Harry Potter books in German.
Alternatively, you can go Thalia.de - Bücher portofrei bestellen (Thalia is a huge chain of bookstores in Germany), browse, and choose something that strikes your fancy; I don't recommend choosing anything above the Young Adult level, though, because of how complicated the vocab and syntax might be.

A DECLARATION OF LOVE TO A COUNTRY

I was 23 when I traveled to Asia for the first time. To Japan. My stopover on the long journey was Manila. That was 1976.

The stay in Manila was just 12 hours, but...? No, that wasn't enough for a declaration of love. The years passed. I traveled all over the world. One day I found myself in the Philippines again. After several stopovers, I landed in Davao City. This is where the blow hit me. Love at first sight. Is there really such a thing? Yes, there is that. One year Rossana and I got married. And yes, I married her entire family. Something that not everyone believes or understands. But that's how it is now. Why am I so firmly convinced that I should make a declaration of love for the country in which I have lived permanently with my wife and family for more than 25 years?

I was already here as a backpacker in 1982. Filipino families invited me to their homes and shared a bottle of Coke with me. They invited me over for dinner and to spend the night while I waited at the bus stop for the next bus. That wasn't always easy or safe in Mindanao in 1982. But I had God...

One day I met Rossana's uncle in Davao City. And I learned again about never-ending help and family ties that I had never experienced before. I came from a broken family...

I lay in my bed that night and couldn't believe such a thing existed...

Long story short. In 1983 Rossana and I got married. The story of my love for the country Philippines began. With “flying hearts” and against all objections from many people around me and my friends.

Many things prevented me from sleeping. The family bond in particular always surprised me. And no one asked whether I was rich or not or how much my salary was in Germany... .

Chapter XVIII of my previous biography explained very well, how everything started ...

(To be continued!)

Why Pinoy Christmas comes early?

Starting our celebration in September helps Filipinos in so many ways

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The 'Ber months mark the beginning of a cultural phenomenon as resilient as our spirit, as cherished as our loved ones, and as timeless as Jose Mari Chan himself.

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By JACQUELINE LUCERO

SIMBANG GABI Many Filipinos go to churches to attend the simbang gabi for nine days.
(Juan Carlo De Vela)

In many parts of the world, Christmas officially begins in December, marked by the first sight of festive lights and the sweet jingles of holiday music. In the Philippines, a unique tradition exists where Christmas cheer ignites as soon as the calendar flips to Sept. 1. Yes, you read that right; The ’Ber months are the starting pistol for a marathon of merriment and festivities in the Philippines!

 

Now, you might be thinking, “September? But that’s still summer!” Well, in the Philippines, we’re not ones to let seasons dictate our Christmas spirit. For us, the ’Ber months signify more than just a change in the calendar; they mark the beginning of a cultural phenomenon as resilient as our spirit, as cherished as our loved ones, and as timeless as Jose Mari Chan himself.

 

So, why does the Philippines start celebrating Christmas three months early? 

One historical aspect contributing to the early Christmas celebration is the story of how Simbang Gabi came to be. During the Spanish colonial era, friars noticed that farmers who had to wake up early for work were unable to attend mass. To accommodate them, the friars decided to hold masses before sunrise, starting on Dec. 16. This tradition became known as “Simbang Gabi.” 

 

Over the years, Simbang Gabi evolved into a beloved Filipino Christmas tradition, with devotees attending the early morning masses, followed by a variety of festive activities. As September turns to October and November, anticipation builds like a crescendo in a beautiful symphony, bringing us closer to the grand culmination on Christmas Eve. This practice symbolizes both the religious significance and the sense of togetherness that Filipinos hold dear during the holiday season, making it a unique and cherished part of Filipino culture.

 

In addition to its historical origins, Simbang Gabi holds a fascinating layer of belief among Filipinos. It is said that completing the nine consecutive morning masses, which start on the dawn of Dec. 16 and culminate on Christmas Eve, is believed to grant any wish. This belief adds a profound sense of motivation and dedication to those attending these early morning services. It transforms Simbang Gabi into not just a religious practice but also a period of hopeful anticipation, where individuals come with their hearts full of desires and dreams, seeking divine blessings during the Christmas season.

 

For the younger generations, Simbang Gabi can sometimes serve as a clever excuse to spend quality time with their boyfriends or girlfriends. In a culture where family values are deeply ingrained, attending mass together provides a convenient cover for young couples to see each other, hidden within the agenda of going to church. This blending of youthful romance with tradition reflects the dynamic nature of Filipino society, where modern relationships coexist with time-honored customs.

 

As the anticipation leading up to Christmas builds, Simbang Gabi becomes a focal point of Filipino communities, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. It’s not just about attending mass. It’s about coming together with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the season. After each early morning mass, the festive activities continue with traditional food, such as puto bumbong, bibingka, and tsokolate-eh cooking outside the church yard, creating a joyful atmosphere that permeates the entire community.

 

In essence, Simbang Gabi encapsulates the intricate tableau of Filipino culture, combining history, faith, aspiration, and even young love into a single tradition. It showcases the Filipino people’s ability to blend old and new, while always cherishing the values of togetherness, faith, and community, making it an enduring and cherished part of Filipino heritage.

 

The sights and sounds of the early Christmas season are equally enchanting. Malls and streets are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, turning every corner into a wonderland. Several places in Luzon, like Policarpio Street in the City of Mandaluyong, The Cross Winds in Tagaytay, The Paskuhan Village in Pampanga, The Fountain of Lights in Nuvali, and the Christmas Village in Baguio, embrace this tradition with gusto.

 

This extended celebration isn’t just about the calendar, it’s about the profound sense of belonging and unity it fosters. In a world that often feels divided, the Philippines’ early Christmas celebration serves as a beacon of unity and love. It’s a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, the power of togetherness and the joy of giving can light up our lives.

 

Perhaps one of the most relatable aspects of this extended celebration is the feeling of nostalgia it evokes. Many Filipinos who live abroad eagerly await the ’Ber months to reconnect with their roots and traditions. The smell of Filipino food, the sound of Christmas songs in both English and Tagalog, and the warmth of family gatherings help bridge the gap between distant lands and cherished memories.

 

The ’Ber months in the Philippines are more than just an early start to Christmas. They are a testament to the resilience, warmth, and generosity of the Filipino people. This unique tradition is a poignant reflection that the true magic of Christmas lies not in the date but in the love and unity we share with one another. 

 

Whether it’s September or December, the Philippines’ heartwarming celebration of Christmas will always make you feel right at home, proving that the enduring Filipino spirit is, indeed, the heart of the holiday season.

'Unbothered' Lala Sotto not resigning after MTRCB denies 'It's Showtime' MR on suspension

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio once again addressed comments about alleged "conflict of interest" after the agency denied Motions of Reconsideration (MRs) regarding the suspension of noontime variety show "It's Showtime."

The MTRCB released a statement last September 28 confirming that it denied Motions of Reconsideration filed by networks ABS-CBN and GMA about the suspension of "It's Showtime" as the result of an alleged indecent incident during the show's "Isip Bata" segment last July 25.

In the July 25 episode, host-comedian Vice Ganda licked icing off the fingers of co-host and real-life partner Ion Perez. The MTRCB also cited the show's past preventive suspensions in dishing out its latest decision.

The government agency held a press conference on the same day to respond to questions and concerns regarding its verdict, beginning with board member Atty. Paulino "Sonny" Cases — head of the adjudication committee handling the case — reading out the statement.

Cases noted that Sotto-Antonio, daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto who currently hosts "E.A.T." on TV5, inhibited from the decision-making process and that the board cannot legally discuss the merits of the case though emphasized due process was observed.

Cases then explained that next step available for "It's Showtime" is to appeal to the Office of the President within the next 15 days, and another MR directed to Malacañang if the show does not receive a favorable response.

If Malacañang denies the MR, Cases said the case could be brought to the Court of Appeals then the Supreme Court who would have the final say on the matter. The 12-day suspension of "It's Showtime!" will begin once all periods and attempts have been exhausted, or if the show chooses to comply.

Sotto-Antonio was asked why not just suspend the "Isip Bata" segement instead of "It's Showtime!" as a whole, and the MTRCB chair said the agency can only suspend a network or production.

"We chose to suspend the production instead... the removal of a segment is on them as well," Sotto-Antonio explained further.

Despite Sotto-Antonio's inhibition from voting on the suspension of "It's Showtime," several members of the public remained concerned that her heading of the MTRCB would still be a "conflict of interest" given her father hosts a rival show.

"I truly believe my being a Sotto or my father's daughter should not be taken against me, instead it should be taken positively that I am someone who grew up in, loves, and understands the industry," said Sotto-Antonio, still acknowledging other people's opinons are valid but she is just humbly doing her job.

Sotto-Antonio added that she would not "satisfy the whims of detractors" by resigning from the top post at the MTRCB.

"I grew up in public scrutiny, I saw my parents always talked about, I would read about my family all the time in the paper," Sotto-Antonio said to members of the media after the press conference. "Bashing is not new to us, to me... I thank God I am unbothered."

Tropical Storm Jenny intensifies, may enhance habagat

13,814 views Sep 30, 2023

Tropical Storm (TS) Jenny has intensified from a tropical depression and although it’s not directly affecting the country now, the state weather bureau noted Saturday that it could enhance the southwest monsoon. I 🎥: DOST-Pagasa

SPORTS in Philippine Daily Inquirer

 

September 29, 2023

Alex Eala "bronzed" herself in her first Asiad.  (Pool photo)

Hey there sports fan, The Asian Games is upon us and the Philippines is again in the hunt for medals in the international arena. It's not going to be easy. So far, our best finish as of this writing is a silver medal from Arnel Mandal, who lost to China's Jiang Haidong in the final of wushu's sanda event.  Things have been going sideways thus far with bets the country was pinning its gold medal hopes on. Margielyn Didal, feeling the effects of her surgically-repaired ankle, surrendered her street skateboard crown. Kayla Noelle Sanchez, the Olympic medalist from Canada who switched federations to represent her parents' home country, failed in her bid to win a medal in the individual swimming events. But there's reason to be optimistic. Alex Eala, at 18 and playing in her first Asian Games, won a bronze medal in wimen's singles, ending a medal drought for the country in the sport that has lasted nearly two decades. Do you know who won bronze medals in tennis for the country in 2006? The answer to that trivia question later on.   Also competing in the Asian Games is the Philippine men's basketball team, which is currently being handled by coach Tim Cone. The team is currently at 2-0, with a big game against fellow unbeaten squad Jordan coming up.  The other gold hopefuls are also still about to compete. EJ Obiena, the pole vault star, and Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the Olympic gold medalist, have yet to see action, while the national boxing squad has done well so far after a round of competitions.

So you'll know where to get your Asian Games fix. (Marlo Cueto)

Meanwhile... There's a lot of great stories going on in the continental Olympics. Just check out our Asian Games archives for stories like China's youngest athlete, at 13, striking gold in front of her home fans. Or, you can also check out our live updates page.  You'll get latebreakers, too, like the Filipinas advancing to the quarterfinals after a 3-0 victory over Myanmar and getting favorable results in other games.  What we're up to next: We'll be pretty much occupied with our coverage of the Asian Games so that's something that we will be devoting our efforts to. We have guys on ground both in China and here in the country making sure we have all bases covered so keep it here with us across all our platforms!  Number of the Week: 9 Age of the Philippines' youngest athlete, Mazel Alegado, who competes in skateboard.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “He’s playing through [the pain] for only one reason: [because] he’s on the national team.” —Germany coach Tim Cone, on Justin Brownlee, who is playing hurt for the Philippines in the Asian Games.

Answer to trivia question above: Cecil Mamiit won an individual bronze in tennis and 2006 and joined hands with Eric Taino for another bronze in men's doubles. THose bronze medals were the last won by the country in tennis until Eala's recent feat. If you got the answer to the above trivia question right, go ahead and give the other questions in our weekly sports quiz a shot. Check them out in our Viber community, which also features the freshest sports updates.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe weekend! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).