A German Expat in The Philippines - Ein deutscher Auswanderer auf den Philippinen

10 hard truths of life

2026-10-27T12:17:29.952+08:00

1. Time always reveal what you truly mean to someone.

2. Ultimately, you only have yourself.

3. Don't be a prisoner of your past; it was a lesson, not a life sentence.

4. Distance doesn't kill relationships; lack of communication and delayed replies do.

5. Your glow changes with good people and good intentions in your life.

6. If it makes you happy, keep it quiet.

7. Life teaches the hardest lessons to the softest hearts.

8. Life in words: Everything you fear will happen.

9. It's okay to disconnect for a while.

10. If nobody helps you, do it alone.

From our Opinion Section

2026-10-27T10:57:52.809+08:00

From our Opinion Section

El Niño: Preparedness must deliver results

As the country braces for a potentially severe dry spell, preparedness must be measured not only by infrastructure and government plans, but by their ability to protect communities, sustain agricultural production, and secure adequate water supplies. Read more

Michelle Dee returns to pageantry, joins Miss Grand International All Stars

2026-10-27T10:41:38.141+08:00

By Neil Ramos

Published Oct 27, 2026 10:06 am

At A Glance

Michelle Dee announces her entry into Miss Grand International All Stars in December during the Monday premiere of her new film, "Red Crown."

Michelle Dee is heading back to the pageant stage, announcing her entry into the upcoming Miss Grand International All Stars pageant during the premiere of her new film “Red Crown” on Monday.

The actress and beauty queen maintained she is doing it for fans.

Recalling her Miss Universe journey in 2023, she said, "I'm so grateful because even though I did not take home the crown, you accepted me like a winner. But I feel like we still have a lot left in the tank.”

The beauty queen added that she was eager to return to the stage and give back to the supporters who have continued to stand by her.

“And I'm so, so happy for all of the support that you've been continuously giving me. And it's time to give back and show them that we are better, brighter, and stronger on the MGI All Stars stage,” she said.

Ahead of the announcement, Dee teased her comeback through an Instagram Reel featuring some of her memorable pageant looks. She accompanied the post with the hashtags #DeePaTapos and #WMMMO, short for “Walang mag-mo-move on.”

Dee won Miss Universe Philippines in 2023 and went on to represent the country at Miss Universe that year, finishing in the Top 10 and earning several special awards.

She previously competed at Miss World in 2019, where she reached the Top 12.

Miss Grand International All Stars held its inaugural edition this year, with Colombia's Vanessa Pulgarin taking the first title.

The Philippines sent five candidates to the competition: Gazini Ganados, Fuschia Anne Ravena, Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart and Keylyn Trajano. Ganados reached the Top 5, while Ravena advanced to the Top 18.

The Miss Grand International All Stars 2026 grand final is scheduled for December 12, 2026.

What do you think of Filipino beauty?

2026-10-27T10:21:10.172+08:00

Ronna Lou

Filipina Writer and Matchmaking Consultant at Philippine-Women.Com

My thoughts on Filipino beauty are slightly complicated. I’ll explain.

Growing up in the Philippines, it was obvious that our country follows Western beauty standards. I see it in newspapers and television shows and even in billboard advertisements. Beautiful for most Filipinos is light skin and a sharp nose. Sometimes, “chinita” or Chinese-looking eyes and delicate features are also beautiful.

(I’ll share photos here of me and some of the women I work with. This is with 100% consent, by the way.)

The one on the left is Emely and the one on the right is Labnes, both from Cebu.

They’re fellow Bisayas, and I think they’re both very beautiful.

But their most prominent features aren’t exactly what you would call traditionally “Filipino” features. I don’t have those features.

So it took a very long time for me to accept that my Filipino nose and Filipino skin can also be beautiful. It took years of work for me to not be influenced by skin-whitening products that are sold all over the country. Or to stop dreaming about having blonde hair like a Barbie doll.

But now that I am older and wiser, and I want to be a good example to my daughter, I have a different view of Filipino beauty.

Even if our Filipino features don’t look like the beauty standards being advertised in movies or fashion magazines, I am proud to look like and be a Filipino.

Because I think Filipinos are beautiful.

What is your one golden rule in life?

2026-10-27T10:01:19.032+08:00

Flavian Mwasi

Entrepreneur | Life Coach | Mentor at Life and Living

If you want to achieve something different, you have to do something different.
Take time to read.
Start believing in yourself.
Don’t make excuses.
Don’t waste time. Lost time can never be recovered.
Trade a hundred failures for one success. It doesn’t matter how many times you fail. Remember, you only have to succeed once.
Make sacrifices to try things. Make sacrifices to get out of your comfort zone. Make sacrifices to do things that are risky, and when you fail, be courageous to stand up and try again.
If you want to escape poverty, you have to be disciplined enough to do things that are not comfortable.
It’s not comfortable to read, but you have to do it.
It’s not comfortable to take actions that may lead to failure, but you have to do it.
Failure is painful, but you have to endure the pain of failure and try again.

This Pinoy ice cream is made with potato

2026-10-27T09:51:16.829+08:00

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com

October 26, 2026 | 2:41pm

MANILA, Philippines – Who says your ice cream has to be all cream and almost nothing else? Award-winning chef Jackie Ang Po, who is best known for creating pastries, desserts and other sweet treats, recently teamed up with Kitchen 143 and Potatoes USA to create a unique ice cream with U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes in it.

Perfectly smooth, creamy, and refreshingly chilled, this icy treat is simply called U.S. Potato Sorbetes. It is great to have especially on a hot day.

U.S. Potato Sorbetes

Ingredients:

50 grams U.S. Dehydrated Potato Flakes

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

50 grams cassava starch

1 1/2 cups evaporated milk

1 1/2 cups condensed milk

250 ml. all-purpose cream per 400 grams

100 grams cheese cubes

10 grams cocoa powder

2 tbsps. ube flavoring

Procedure:

1. Mix together coconut milk, dehydrated potato flakes and cassava starch.

2. Boil evaporated milk and add to coconut milk mixture. Cook until mixture thickens.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients.

4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

5. Remove from freezer and use hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is double in volume. Divide into three pans (400 grams each).

. After 4 hours, add the flavoring in each one and beat until double in volume.

7. Freeze until ready to serve.

SRA backs higher tax on drinks with artificial sweeteners

2026-10-27T09:36:08.307+08:00

SRA backs higher tax on drinks with artificial sweeteners

iSTOCK

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has pushed for the restructuring of the excise on sweetened beverages, arguing that beverages made with natural cane sugar should be subject to lower taxes.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the regulator is pushing for beverages containing natural cane sugar to remain under Tier 1, while beverages made with artificial sweeteners are placed under Tier 2.

Azcona said the SRA hopes that the excise on beverages with natural cane sugar would remain at P6 per liter, or slightly increase it at the most, to avoid affecting both Filipino farmers and consumers.

“The farmers’ suggestion, which is also our stand, is first, the most important thing to do is separate sugar from everything else. Let’s remove all [artificial sweeteners] from the lower tier, all that is not sugar, cane sugar,” Azcona said. “Our prayer is to keep [the excise on sugar] at P6 per liter. If the DOF (Department of Finance) determines an increase, we’re willing to sit down and talk about it,” he told reporters.

“We noticed that when we imposed a higher tax on HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup), manufacturers simply looked at the tax rates and saw that HFCS has higher taxes than artificial sweeteners. They shifted to artificial sweeteners,” Azcona said, noting that artificial sweeteners are cheaper since these require only a small amount to reach the desired level of sweetness.

“At the end of the day, the government didn’t generate additional revenues. Revenue remained the same,” he added.

The Philippine Sugar Millers Association Inc. (PSMA) had urged the DOF to reconsider its proposal to increase the excise on sugar-sweetened beverages as this could affect local sugar farmers amid pest infestations, El Niño and other production challenges.

“The government is encouraging sugar farmers to continue cultivating sugarcane and has recently extended emergency assistance, or ayuda, to farmers struggling to recover from severe RSSI (red-striped soft-scale insect) infestation. Yet the DOF is proposing a tax measure that could further weaken demand for the very sugar these farmers produce,” PSMA executive director Jesus Barrera said.

Under the Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-Economic Sustainability Bill, the government seeks to raise the excise to P20 per liter from only P6 per liter on beverages that use sugar or other caloric or noncaloric sweeteners.

The proposed measure also calls for an increase in excise on beverages using HFCS.from P12 to P40 per liter.

******

Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber

WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

2026-10-27T09:06:36.701+08:00

Sharing valuable information and public service from the No. 1 regional newspaper in Western Visayas. https://lnk.bio/panaynews

Klaus Döring

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

WE HAVE all been there. You wake up in the morning, open your eyes, and suddenly, one mishap follows another. To make matters worse, the radio starts playing Jason Collett’s “When Everything Goes Wrong.” What can you do? Accept the situation, stay calm, and, most importantly, remain motivated during difficult times. Easier said than done, perhaps. I, too, had to learn this lesson the hard way, constantly reminding myself to get back on my feet whenever life knocked me down.

Of course, life’s rough patches sometimes seem as though they will last forever. But remember this: whether you are dealing with work-related difficulties, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last a lifetime. Remind yourself that things will not always be this bad.

When everything seems to be going wrong, it can be difficult to recognize what is still going right. We tend to overlook the good things and focus entirely on the bad. But even during difficult times, there are always reasons to be grateful. Make a conscious effort to recognize the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small they may seem.

One of the most important things to remember is that you still have some control over your circumstances. Even when you cannot control everything happening around you, you can always choose how to respond. Your attitude and reactions remain within your control. Focus your energy on managing what you can change rather than worrying endlessly about what you cannot.

Asking for help can sometimes be difficult. I know because I used to avoid it for as long as possible. That was a big mistake. Seeking help is one of the most effective ways to cope with difficult situations. When people offer assistance, tell them specifically what you need. Never hesitate to reach out to friends and family, whether for emotional support or practical assistance. The victims of the devastating floods in Germany and neighboring areas know only too well how valuable such kindness and support can be.

Lacking confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations can make stressful experiences even more overwhelming. I experienced this myself when COVID-19 changed my life and disrupted my business. But one important lesson I learned is that we are often stronger than we think. You may feel angry, hurt, disappointed, or deeply saddened, but these emotions do not have to defeat you. Difficult times can be endured, and you can find the strength to overcome them.

No matter how terrible a situation may seem, something worthwhile can often emerge from it. At the very least, you may learn an important life lesson. Perhaps you will discover how to avoid repeating the same mistake, or you may find the courage to leave an unpleasant situation behind and pursue something better. Even when things go wrong, try to recognize the opportunities for growth that adversity may bring.

Many people struggle to accept that certain things are simply beyond their control. You cannot change the past, dictate another person’s behavior, or eliminate a loved one’s health problems through sheer determination. Do not exhaust yourself trying to force circumstances or people to change when the outcome is beyond your influence. Spending your time and energy on the impossible will only leave you feeling helpless and frustrated. Acceptance, difficult as it may be, is an essential part of building resilience.

Remember, too, that you have already overcome difficulties in the past. When confronted with new challenges, do not underestimate the strength and determination that helped you survive earlier struggles. Reflect on the problems you have successfully faced and the lessons you learned from them. These experiences can give you the confidence to confront whatever difficulties lie ahead.

Above all, do not forget to take care of yourself. When everything seems to be falling apart, your physical and emotional well-being becomes even more important. Get enough rest, exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. The better you care for yourself, the better equipped you will be to deal with life’s challenges.

Everything is temporary, including the difficult moments when nothing seems to go right. Happiness depends not only on what happens to us but also on how we choose to approach life.

Sometimes, moving forward means taking one small step at a time. Even if those steps seem insignificant, keep moving. Instead of dwelling on the worst possible outcome, consider the opportunities that may still lie ahead. Look for the lessons hidden within your struggles. Challenging experiences often reveal what we still need to learn about ourselves and the world around us. Maintain a positive attitude by focusing on solutions, developing your skills, and recognizing your strengths. Start small, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support and encourage you.

And as you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, consider setting one meaningful goal that can bring lasting change to your life. Sometimes, a clear sense of purpose is all we need to regain our direction and move forward with renewed determination.

There is, of course, that familiar saying: “If anything can go wrong, it will.” This tongue-in-cheek principle, popularly known as Murphy’s Law, has been invoked by economists, sports teams, and even prominent politicians. Human nature and life’s unpredictability seem to ensure that things rarely turn out exactly as planned.

But perhaps that is precisely the point. Life will never be free of setbacks, disappointments, or unexpected challenges. What matters most is not how often things go wrong, but how we choose to respond when they do.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter), or visit my blogs at www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com and www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

Bahala na!

2026-10-27T08:52:20.513+08:00

ABOUT US

The Daily Guardian is a renascent Iloilo-based publishing firm and media outfit with bureaus across Western Visayas and beyond. Led by Iloilo's most respected journalists, we pledge to tell the Ilonggo story as seen through the various lenses of society so that every side may be told.

BUREAUS:KaliboBoracayRoxasBacolodAntiqueGuimarasManila

By Klaus Döring

October 27, 2026

Ever since I was a kid, I have often heard the expression “Bahala na,” usually in reference to being presented with something beyond one’s control and leaving the outcome to fate, God or the heavens.

In later years, as I grew up, I was exposed to many philosophies, religions and histories of different peoples. One of those was the Vikings. Now, as I understand it, the Norse concept of “Valhalla” is sometimes compared with the Christian idea of “heaven.”

Learning this, I have always wondered whether the Vikings ever traveled to the Philippine Islands and whether, possibly, the origin of the expression “Bahala na!” has roots leading back to the Norse “Valhalla.”

Out of the sheer goodness of our hearts — are we really doing even small things for our fellow creatures? Hey, don’t you see it? We are becoming more and more indifferent. We live without concern. We are not making a difference. We don’t even try or think about it. We have no influence or weight — neither good nor bad. Is that really what we want?

The taxi driver knows his way but makes a detour without a twinge of conscience as he takes money from my purse: “Nong, asa ka? Diretso lang!” … “Sorry, sir!”

On the other hand, while walking a short distance somewhere downtown, I don’t care about the (blind?) beggar who might really need a single centavo. Many other “business beggars” or swindlers have dulled my usually open-handed nature. Bahala na — suddenly, I don’t care!

Several years ago, while riding a jeepney (yes, I have always loved doing so!), I listened to two passengers. “You know, our neighbor suffers from lung cancer. He asked me for a loan because he needs to be hospitalized.” “And what did you do?” “Wala, nothing, bahala siya. Why did he never quit smoking, as I told him to a long time ago?”

Well, here we are! Why should I help other people around me if, on the other hand, MY cries for help or urgent appeals have been rejected or intentionally left unanswered? Indifference or egoism? It seems to be a privilege for us to close our eyes, ears and mouths in such an indifferent and shameful way that we hurt those who seek our attention.

Somebody tries to become our friend. Sure, why not?

Somebody is hired as a leader and needs the support of his or her staff. Sure, why not?

Somebody is ill, suffers from persecution and needs us. Sure, why not?

Somebody needs our advice because he or she is facing a difficult decision, homelessness, loneliness or the loss of a job. Sure, why not?

Somebody suffers from overwhelming prejudice, provocation and loss of reputation and badly needs another helping hand. Sure, why not?

Because of indifference, we keep destroying our good nature and the whole globe through unintentional or intentional contamination of the environment. Indifference allows wars instead of encouraging us to seek peace. Indifference allows people to hide behind stupid excuses. Indifference goes so far that employees of a company do not care about their work and jobs, wasting time and money. They must not be surprised if inevitable bankruptcy results.

Bahala na? I don’t care? Another human scourge …!

+++

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

LIVING JUST THE MOMENT

2026-10-26T09:43:18.486+08:00

Living in the moment (mindfulness) means being fully present with your mind, body, and surroundings in the here and now, rather than dwelling on past regrets or worrying about future events

When you live in the moment, you are fully present and aware of the emotions and thoughts that you have right now. If you're not present, your thoughts are either turned towards the past or fixated on the future.

Living in the present moment means no longer worrying about what happened in the past and not fearing what will happen in the future. It means enjoying what's happening now and living for today. Choosing to live in the past or the future not only robs you of enjoyment today, but it also robs you of truly living.

But living in the moment, although difficult, can benefit your relationships, productivity, and, most importantly, overall wellness. Living in the moment is about paying attention to the here and now. Instead of letting your mind wander, you're focused on your current actions, sensations, and surroundings.

Living in the moment means being fully aware and engaged in the present time—mind, body, and soul—instead of dwelling on the past or excessively worrying about the future.

Imagine this: you’re sitting on your couch, watching a movie while eating popcorn, scrolling through Instagram, and half-heartedly listening to your partner talk about their work day. All the while, you’re thinking about a task that you need to do next week.

Later, when you’re lying in bed, you realize you didn’t quite understand the movie, enjoy your popcorn, or hear what your partner said. What’s worse is that you don’t feel relaxed or rejuvenated.

We’re constantly surrounded by distractions, making it difficult to focus on just one thing at a time. Stress, anxiety, and regret can also make it difficult to focus on the present moment. But living in the moment, although difficult, can benefit your relationships, productivity, and, most importantly, overall wellness.

Living in the moment is about paying attention to the here and now. Instead of letting your mind wander, you’re focused on your current actions, sensations, and surroundings.

Learn to grow beyond a moment in your life. Don’t let life pass by you while you’re still stuck at a certain moment in your life. Don’t you give something that power over you or over your life. Learn to look at things exactly as they are without giving them a higher value. Because your life has so much more in it than this. The worst thing you could ever do to yourself is to narrow down your whole story into some of these moments and think that this is it.

Almost facing the age of 73 next month, I learned most of all these things from my Philippine family.

The Regine Velasquez phenomenon: When the voice changes, but the magic remains

2026-10-26T09:32:37.400+08:00

Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star

October 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — There is something fascinating about the phenomenon of Regine Velasquez. In recent clips from her “Finale” concert, one can hear moments when the voice that once seemed capable of conquering every musical mountain struggles to deliver the notes that made her legendary. And yet, the audience continues to cheer. They applaud, sing along and embrace her with an affection that seems undiminished by the imperfections of the performance.

Why? Perhaps because Regine has become something far greater than the voice we have admired for four decades. She has become part of our collective memory.

My earliest recollection of meeting Regine goes back to 1985, at BB’s, the karaoke sing-along bar of the late Bernardo Bernardo. She was there to sing and serve as one of three judges in a singing contest I joined that evening. I could not have imagined then the extraordinary career that awaited this young singer or how profoundly her voice would eventually become woven into the soundtrack of Filipino life.

Over the years, Regine gave us songs that became more than recordings. They became declarations of love, expressions of heartbreak, companions through loneliness and anthems for moments when words alone were insufficient. Her music traveled across generations, finding new listeners while remaining cherished by those who had grown up with her. Few Filipino singers have occupied such a lasting place in the hearts of so many.

But time, inevitably, changes everything — even a remarkable voice.

Regine herself has spoken candidly about the changes she has experienced, including vocal difficulties associated with menopause. She has acknowledged that she can no longer sound exactly as she did 10 or 20 years ago. For a singer whose identity and career have been built around extraordinary vocal command, that admission must carry a particular kind of pain. Imagine spending most of your life mastering an instrument, only to discover that it no longer responds in quite the same way.

Yet perhaps the most revealing part of the story is not that Regine struggles. It is that she has allowed us to witness that struggle.

We live in a culture that celebrates perfection, particularly in entertainment. We expect our idols to remain untouched by age, to reproduce their greatest performances indefinitely, and to preserve the very qualities that made them famous. We can be unforgiving when reality fails to meet nostalgia.

Regine’s “Finale” challenges that expectation. The concert is not simply a celebration of her 40 years in the industry; it is also an encounter with change, vulnerability and the difficult process of letting go. Her decision to step away from major solo concerts acknowledges a truth that even the greatest artists must eventually confront: the instrument may change but the contribution remains.

And then there is the extraordinary gesture of offering free performances to the very audience that helped build her legacy. What a beautiful way to give back. After years of receiving applause, affection and unwavering support, she is giving her audience something in return — not merely a concert, but an opportunity to celebrate a shared history. It feels less like a commercial farewell and more like a deeply personal thank-you.

This may explain why audiences continue to cheer even when the singing is not flawless. They are not necessarily applauding every note. They are applauding the years behind those notes. They are remembering the songs that accompanied their own lives, the performances that moved them and the artist who gave so much of herself to her craft.

To acknowledge that Regine’s voice has changed is not to diminish her. Nor should our affection require us to pretend otherwise. We can recognize the limitations of a present-day performance while remaining profoundly grateful for the artistry that preceded it.

Perhaps this is the real measure of greatness: not the ability to remain untouched by time but the ability to leave something enduring enough that time cannot erase it.

In the end, Regine may no longer be able to deliver every song as she once did. But the songs remain. The memories remain, and the love of her audience remains.

The voice may have changed, but the magic was never hers alone. It lives, too, in the millions of Filipinos who have carried her music in their hearts for 40 years.

And that is a legacy no imperfect note can take away.

Classes in Metro Cebu suspended due to poor air quality

2026-10-26T09:17:22.989+08:00

By Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY – Due to poor air quality, several areas in Metro Cebu suspended face-to-face classes on Monday,.

Among those that cancelled in-person classes for all levels were the local government units of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay cities and the towns of Consolacion, Minglanilla, Compostela, and Liloan.

These LGUs instructed schools to shift to online classes.

“This precautionary measure aims to protect the health and safety of our students, teachers, and school personnel amid unhealthy air quality,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said.

The suspension of physical classes came on the eve of the announcement of the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) that air quality in Metro Cebu deteriorated once again.

On Sunday, the air quality index (AQI) in Metro Cebu rached 180 which fell under the “very unhealthy” category.

In its 4 p.m. advisory on Monday, the AQI improved to 140 but was still “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

With the poor air quality, children, elderly, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions are discouraged from going outdoors.

Wearing masks was also recommended for those venturing outdoors.

The EMB-7 attributed the poor air quality to local pollutants such as emissions from vehicles and industrial outputs.

The prevailing amihan (northeast monsoon) also contributed to the poor air quality, the agency said.

From our Business Section

2026-10-26T09:00:49.291+08:00

From our Business Section

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Commissioner and Airspeed Group of Companies Founder Rosemarie Rafael (left), PCW Co-Chair and Richprime Global Inc. CEO Myrna Yao (center), and Dr. Karen De Asis (right), founder of MKS Marketing Consulting and 2025 ASEAN Women Entrepreneur awardee.

11 ASEAN member states and partner countries in one immersive exhibition in Manila, Nov. 10–12, 2026

“Way of the Weave,” the central theme of the ASEAN Trade Expo 2026, will bring together the cultures, craftsmanship, and enterprises of ASEAN countries and Southeast Asian partners at Okada Manila from November 10 to 12, 2026, as one of the flagship events of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship. Read more

Warning: What every family business needs to know about AI

2026-10-26T08:49:22.494+08:00

My competitors aren’t doing much about artificial intelligence (AI). We’re already ahead of them. Why should I hurry?”

A family business owner said this when I raised the urgency of transforming his company around AI. Think of a US logistics business, well positioned in its market, but operating on very tight margins.

My team and I help businesses make this transition to becoming fully “AI-native.” What does this mean? Becoming AI-native means building AI into the everyday running of your business—how work gets done, how information is shared and how decisions are made.

I explained where AI could improve his operations and offered to help. He shrugged off the urgency. He believed his competitors were moving slowly, if at all.

His conclusion was that he had time. This is wrong. I encounter this problem repeatedly in family businesses: There is no structured approach to AI because the owner has not made it a priority.

Your greatest strength = often your greatest weakness

An owner-led business has an enormous advantage. Decisions can be made quickly. But the reverse is equally powerful. If the owner overlooks a threat, the business remains exposed. If the owner sees no urgency, everyone else learns that there is no urgency.

The owner’s blind spots become the company’s blind spots. This is especially dangerous with AI. You can have talented people experimenting in individual departments while the company as a whole continues operating much as it did before. Employees write emails and produce presentations faster. Yet the underlying business has barely changed.

The owner does not need to become an AI engineer. But the owner must understand enough to recognize what is at stake, develop a vision for the business and bring in people who can deliver it. You can delegate the technical work. You cannot delegate the responsibility for giving the business direction.

‘My competitors are slow’ is no reassurance

There are three problems with the logistics owner’s argument. First, if your competitors really are moving slowly, you have an opportunity to get ahead. Why treat their inaction as permission to waste your advantage? In a business with thin margins, even a modest improvement in operating costs can make a meaningful difference to profitability.

Second, how much do you really know about what your competitors are doing? You do not sit in their internal meetings. You cannot see every project they are testing. A competitor has little reason to announce an advantage before it is ready.

By the time its lower prices, faster responses or better service become visible, you may be seeing the outcome of months of work. Starting then means beginning from behind.

Third, your next serious competitor may be a company you do not currently regard as a competitor. A new entrant can build around AI from the start, without having to defend the systems and habits your business has accumulated over decades.

The pace will differ across industries. But assuming that tomorrow’s competition will look like yesterday’s is a poor basis for protecting a family enterprise.

ILLUSTRATION BY RUTH MACAPAGAL

What does ‘AI-native’ actually mean?

It means designing the business so that AI is part of how work gets done, information moves and decisions are supported. Buying subscriptions for employees is only a beginning.

Think about how information travels through a traditional company. A customer raises an issue. Someone writes a report. A manager summarizes it. Another manager presents it. Eventually, the person with authority hears a filtered version and makes a decision.

An AI-native approach asks how much of that delay can be removed. Can relevant information reach the right people sooner? Can routine work happen automatically? Can a team act within clear limits without waiting for every decision to climb the management ladder?

Leaders and human judgment remain essential. But layers that exist mainly to collect, summarize and pass on information deserve a hard look.

This also requires making company knowledge usable by AI. Knowledge trapped in filing cabinets, scattered inboxes or the founder’s head cannot support the whole enterprise. Records need to be accurate, organized and accessible to the appropriate people and systems.

Where appropriate, record and transcribe meetings with participants’ permission and suitable confidentiality controls. Capture decisions, responsibilities and deadlines so they can be found and acted on. Stop valuable knowledge disappearing when a meeting ends.

For a logistics company, opportunities might include checking invoices, flagging suspicious transactions, reducing repetitive back-office work and responding faster to customers. Better information can also support decisions about vehicles, warehouses and other capital spending.

These are opportunities to test, rather than savings to assume. AI requires investment, reliable information and people who understand the business. Its value must show up in performance.

Give urgency a structure

Announcing “we need more AI” will achieve little. Neither will appointing a younger family member simply because he or she uses the latest tools. Knowing the tools does not qualify someone to lead the transformation.

Start by asking where your business loses the most time, money or customers. Where do people repeatedly enter the same information? Which decisions are delayed because nobody has a clear picture?

Choose an important, manageable process. Put a capable person in charge, give that person access to the relevant expertise and agree what success looks like. Measure the starting point: time taken, cost, errors or customer response. Then compare results after the change, including the cost of implementation.

Train the people doing the work. Explain how their roles will change and involve them in improving the process. Their practical knowledge can help prevent an impressive demonstration from becoming an expensive disappointment.

Set clear boundaries as well. Decide which information can be shared, who can access it and which actions require human approval. AI can produce confident mistakes. Faster work is valuable only when the business can trust the result.

Keep the wider vision in view. Use the first project to learn how to improve the next and connect it to the wider business. A collection of isolated experiments is no substitute for a company moving in a clear direction.

Family businesses can move remarkably fast once the owner commits. Use that strength while you still have room to choose the pace.

The three to thrive

1. Lead the urgency. Make AI transformation an owner-level priority. Learn enough to set the direction, then secure the expertise to execute it.

2. Set your own pace. Assess your opportunities and vulnerabilities. A competitor’s apparent inaction is no reason to postpone your own progress.

3. Give ambition a structure. Start with a measurable business problem, appoint an accountable leader, train your people and build toward a connected, AI-native enterprise.

******

Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber

Indigenous Peoples deserve more than a month of recognition

2026-10-25T11:01:36.886+08:00

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

October is drawing to a close. Soon, November will arrive, followed by the final month of the year. Amid the many issues occupying the country’s attention, one important observance risks passing with little notice: National Indigenous Peoples Month.

Declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 in 2009, the month-long observance with the theme, “Empowering Indigenous Peoples: Strengthening Rights, Culture, and Ancestral Domains,” deserves more than ceremonial recognition. It should remind us that Indigenous Peoples are an essential part of our history, culture, and national identity. Their concerns must be our concerns, too.

Indigenous communities are not simply figures in history books or participants in cultural festivals. They are living communities whose languages, traditions, knowledge, and practices have been passed down through generations. Their understanding of the land, traditional livelihoods, and stewardship of natural resources form part of the heritage that has shaped our nation.

When their ancestral lands are threatened, their traditions disappear. When their voices are ignored, the loss is not theirs alone. It is a loss for the entire country.

This October also marks the 29th anniversary of Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997. The law recognizes and protects their rights, including those involving ancestral domains, cultural identity, and participation in decisions affecting their communities.

Yet nearly three decades after its enactment, considerable challenges remain.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), citing World Bank data, noted that as of early 2023, only 55 of 257 ancestral domains with approved Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title had been fully registered. Meanwhile, Philippine Statistics Authority figures showed that poverty incidence among Indigenous Peoples reached 32.4 percent in 2023, affecting approximately 2.93 million people.

These figures represent communities confronting difficulties in securing their lands, accessing education and healthcare, and obtaining basic government services. They also raise questions about how development is pursued, particularly when projects affect ancestral domains.

During this year's celebration in Cotabato, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Secretary Nancy Catamco emphasized that Indigenous communities must actively participate in decisions affecting their lands and development.

“Our role should go beyond being beneficiaries,” she said.

Her statement deserves attention. Indigenous Peoples should not merely receive the benefits of development. They must have a meaningful voice in determining how development takes place in their communities.

This responsibility does not belong to the government alone.

The media must also provide space for Indigenous Peoples' concerns in the national conversation. Coverage should go beyond cultural celebrations, traditional costumes, and colorful festivals. Issues involving ancestral lands, education, poverty, displacement, and cultural preservation deserve sustained attention in news reports, features, documentaries, and opinion pages.

Their stories must be told, and more importantly, they must be given opportunities to tell these stories themselves.

The same responsibility extends to our schools and universities. Young Filipinos must understand that Indigenous Peoples are not separate from our national history. Their contributions, experiences, and present-day struggles are part of the Filipino story. Learning about them should extend beyond textbooks and occasional school celebrations.

Campus journalists, educators, and student organizations can help bring these concerns into classrooms and public discussions. Through education and meaningful exchanges, the younger generation can develop greater appreciation for the cultures and communities that form part of our shared heritage.

As National Indigenous Peoples Month comes to a close, we must remember that recognizing Indigenous Peoples should not be confined to October. Their rights deserve protection throughout the year, their cultures deserve preservation, and their concerns deserve a place in every discussion about the nation's future.

After all, Indigenous Peoples are not merely part of our past. They are part of our present and future. Their history is our history. Their heritage is our heritage. And their concerns must be our concerns, too.

Popular Ilocano singer killed in motorcycle crash in Ilocos Sur

2026-10-25T10:46:18.455+08:00

By Freddie Lazaro

MAGSINGAL, Ilocos Sur – Singer Wilma Pando Valencia, whose recordings of popular love songs helped promote Ilocano music, was killed in a vehicular accident on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Investigation said Valencia, 56, of Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, was traveling southbound at around 2:30 a.m. when a vehicle sideswiped her motorcycle in Barangay Panay Norte here.

She was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead.

Police said the incident was initially reported as a single-vehicle accident but follow-up investigation led to the arrest of the driver of the vehicle allegedly involved in the crash.

Valencia was popular for her renditions of popular songs, including “Narigat Iti Manglipat” (It is Difficult to Forget) and “Gapu Ken Ayat” (Because of Love), which gained radio airplay and following in Ilocano-speaking communities.

A fellow musician in a social media tribute said Valencia recorded hundreds of Ilocano songs and contributed to the “40 Non-Stop Ilocano Disco Medley” produced by Alfonso Lao. Music listings also credit her as the composer of “Gapu Ken Ayat.”

Fellow musicians and listeners mourned and paid tribute to her for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of Ilocano music.

Valencia was a project development officer for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 1 (Ilocos).

Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) launches second Weaving Training Center in the Philippines

2026-10-25T10:24:00.195+08:00

Guests and community members during the launch of the new weaving training center in Bukidnon which provides a dedicated community space for weaving, skills development, knowledge transfer, and production.

Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) launches second Weaving Training Center in the Philippines

Maybank Foundation, the social impact arm of Maybank Group, and ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, together with the Daraghuyan Bukidnon Tribe, officially launched the Daraghuyan Bukidnon Balay Hu Paglala Ha Abaka – Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) ANTHILL Abaca Weaving Training Centre at the Daraghuyan Tribal Housing Village in Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Read more

HOW TO BE ALWAYS HAPPY IN LIFE

2026-10-25T10:10:22.674+08:00

There is no problem that has no solution. There are solutions to the pains you are passing through.
The way you picture yourself in your mind can affect your happiness. Picture yourself as a valuable and beautiful person. Avoid low self-esteem and inferiority complex.
Do not mind about what people say about you. Some people are sadists. They can just say things just to make you feel sad.
Make friends with reasonable people who make you happy. Do not make friends with people who make jest of you or laugh at you over your challenges.
At your leisure time, keep yourself busy with your favorite hobbies like sports, games, watching movies, surfing the internet, playing computer games, etc.
Do not allow anyone to intimidate you with money and material things. A poor man today can become rich tomorrow. Change is constant.
No matter what you are passing through today, do not give up. As long as there is life, there is hope.
Be very prayerful. Pray without ceasing. Prayer is a catalyst that can speed up your blessings to come to you on time.
Be courageous to go for what you want. Life is all about risk. If you don't take a risk, you will not get the desires of your heart.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
Practice gratitude daily to appreciate what you have.
Focus on your goals and work diligently towards them.

Philippine Peso Forecast to Reach ₱64 Against US Dollar by End of October

2026-10-25T09:57:09.901+08:00

The Philippine peso is projected to weaken further against the US dollar, with exchange rate forecasts indicating a possible ₱64.14 per dollar by October 30, 2026.

Based on the projected figures, the exchange rate could reach ₱64.10 on October 28 and ₱64.12 on October 29.

A weaker peso could increase the peso value of dollar-denominated remittances from overseas Filipino workers and seafarers. However, it may also raise the cost of imported fuel, food, and other essential commodities.

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Mit welcher spirituellen Tradition fühlst du dich verbunden?

2026-10-25T09:51:52.473+08:00

Melchisedek: Der geheimnisvolle Priester zwischen Himmel und Erde

Es gibt Gestalten in der Bibel, die gerade deshalb faszinieren, weil über sie erstaunlich wenig gesagt wird. Melchisedek gehört für mich zu diesen Gestalten. Er erscheint beinahe aus dem Nichts. Abraham kehrt von einem Kampf zurück, und plötzlich tritt ihm ein König und Priester entgegen:

„Aber Melchisedek, der König von Salem, trug Brot und Wein heraus. Und er war ein Priester Gottes des Höchsten.“

1. Mose 14,18

Melchisedek segnet Abraham:

„Gesegnet seist du, Abram, vom höchsten Gott, der Himmel und Erde geschaffen hat.“

1. Mose 14,19

Und anschließend geschieht etwas Bemerkenswertes:

„Und Abram gab ihm den Zehnten von allem.“

1. Mose 14,20

Dann verschwindet Melchisedek wieder aus der Erzählung.

Keine Kindheitsgeschichte.

Keine ausführliche Herkunft.

Keine Genealogie.

Kein Bericht über sein weiteres Leben.

Und gerade diese Leerstelle wurde später zu einem Ausgangspunkt mystischer und theologischer Deutungen. Sein Name wird als „König der Gerechtigkeit“ verstanden, während Salem mit Frieden verbunden wird. Der Hebräerbrief greift genau diese Bedeutung ausdrücklich auf und nennt ihn

„König der Gerechtigkeit“ und danach auch „König von Salem“, das ist: König des Friedens.

Hebräer 7,2

Damit vereinigen sich in Melchisedek zwei Dinge, die gewöhnlich getrennt erscheinen:

Königtum und Priestertum.

Er steht für Ordnung in der Welt und zugleich für die Beziehung zum Göttlichen. Die Hermetik Akademie deutet genau diese Doppelfunktion als eine Brücke zwischen irdischer Existenz und höherer geistiger Ordnung.

Vielleicht liegt darin bereits der erste tiefere Gedanke:

Wahre geistige Autorität besteht nicht darin, die Welt zu verlassen, sondern Himmel und Erde miteinander zu verbinden.

Ein Priester außerhalb der gewöhnlichen Ordnung

Besonders geheimnisvoll wird Melchisedek im Psalm 110. Dort heißt es:

„Du bist Priester in Ewigkeit nach der Weise Melchisedeks.“

Psalm 110,4

Dieser kurze Satz bekommt im Neuen Testament eine enorme Bedeutung. Der Hebräerbrief bezieht ihn auf Christus:

„Du bist Priester in Ewigkeit nach der Ordnung Melchisedeks.“

Hebräer 5,6

Damit wird Melchisedek zum Bild eines Priestertums, das nicht einfach von biologischer Abstammung abhängig ist. Das traditionelle israelitische Priestertum war an eine bestimmte Linie gebunden. Melchisedek dagegen erscheint bereits vor der levitischen Priesterordnung. Der Hebräerbrief steigert dieses Geheimnis noch weiter und beschreibt ihn als „ohne Vater, ohne Mutter, ohne Geschlechtsregister, der weder Anfang der Tage noch Ende des Lebens hat“.

Hebräer 7,3

Das muss nicht bedeuten, dass die historische Person buchstäblich keine Eltern gehabt hätte. Im Argument des Hebräerbriefes spielt vielmehr eine entscheidende Rolle, dass die Genesis keine Genealogie Melchisedeks überliefert. Gerade dadurch eignet er sich als Symbol eines Priestertums, dessen Bedeutung nicht aus einer menschlichen Abstammungslinie abgeleitet wird.

Das finde ich außerordentlich interessant. Denn dadurch stellt sich eine Frage, die weit über Melchisedek hinausführt:

Woher kommt wahre geistige Autorität?

Aus Herkunft?

Aus einem Amt?

Aus einem Titel?

Oder aus der tatsächlichen Verbindung zu dem, was ein Mensch verkündet?

Der König der Gerechtigkeit und des Friedens

Die Namen selbst führen uns weiter. Melchisedek wird als König der Gerechtigkeit verstanden, der gleichzeitig König von Salem, also König des Friedens, ist. Gerechtigkeit und Frieden sind untrennbar miteinander verbunden. Das erinnert an einen anderen Psalm:

„Gerechtigkeit und Friede küssen sich.“

Psalm 85,11

Vielleicht liegt darin ein tiefgründiges geistiges Prinzip verborgen. Frieden ohne Gerechtigkeit kann zu bloßer Ruhe verkommen, während Gerechtigkeit ohne Barmherzigkeit hart und unerbittlich werden kann. Wahre Ordnung erfordert die harmonische Verbindung dieser beiden Elemente.

In der kabbalistischen Interpretation wird Melchisedek mit Chesed in Verbindung gebracht, der Sefirah der Barmherzigkeit, Güte und des göttlichen Wohlwollens. Er wird als Vermittler einer höheren Gnade und Ordnung dargestellt.

Dies führt zu einer faszinierenden Verbindung: Sein Name bedeutet Gerechtigkeit, seine Stadt steht für Frieden und die mystische Interpretation verbindet ihn mit Barmherzigkeit. Vielleicht sind dies die drei wesentlichen Merkmale wirklicher geistiger Führung: Gerechtigkeit ohne Willkür, Frieden ohne Feigheit und Barmherzigkeit ohne Beliebigkeit.

Brot und Wein

Bemerkenswert ist auch, womit Melchisedek Abraham begegnet: nicht mit Waffen oder Reichtum, sondern mit Brot und Wein. Für einen christlichen Leser ist es beinahe unmöglich, dieses Bild zu lesen, ohne an das letzte Abendmahl zu denken, bei dem Jesus Brot und Wein eine neue Bedeutung verleiht. Über den Kelch sagt er:

„Dieser Kelch ist der neue Bund in meinem Blut.“

Lukas 22,20

Obwohl es historisch gesehen voreilig wäre, anzunehmen, dass Genesis die Eucharistie explizit beschreiben wollte, erhält die Parallele innerhalb der christlichen Tradition eine starke symbolische Bedeutung. Melchisedek erscheint mit Brot und Wein, und Christus stiftet mit denselben Elementen den neuen Bund. Darüber hinaus wird Christus im Hebräerbrief ausdrücklich als Priester nach der Ordnung Melchisedeks bezeichnet. Plötzlich entsteht ein großer Zusammenhang zwischen Priestertum, Bund, Opfer, Segen und Vermittlung.

Christus und die Ordnung Melchisedeks

Der Hebräerbrief geht noch weiter. Er beschreibt Christus nicht einfach als einen weiteren Priester neben anderen. Sein Priestertum sei von anderer Qualität.

„Dieser aber hat, weil er ewig bleibt, ein unvergängliches Priestertum.“

Hebräer 7,24

Und daraus folgt:

„Daher kann er auch vollkommen retten, die durch ihn zu Gott kommen.“

Hebräer 7,25

Die tiefere Bedeutung der Mittlerfigur wird hier deutlich. Der Priester steht zwischen Mensch und Gott, doch der christliche Gedanke geht darüber hinaus. Christus vermittelt nicht nur etwas Göttliches, sondern wird selbst zur Verbindung. Deshalb erhält Melchisedek im Hebräerbrief eine so große Bedeutung. Er wird zum Vorbild eines Priestertums, das über die gewöhnliche zeitliche Ordnung hinausgeht.

Genau dieses Motiv wird in christlich-mystischen Interpretationen aufgegriffen, die Melchisedek als archetypische Mittlergestalt und Symbol eines ewigen Priestertums darstellen. Hier, an diesem Punkt, offenbart sich für mich die mystische Bedeutung Melchisedeks. Er steht zwischen verschiedenen Polen: als König und Priester, als Verkörperung von Gerechtigkeit und Frieden. Er begegnet einem Menschen auf Erden und verweist gleichzeitig auf den höchsten Gott.

Die Hermetik Akademie beschreibt ihn deshalb als eine archetypische Brücke zwischen materieller und spiritueller Wirklichkeit.

Vielleicht ist genau diese Vermittlung eine grundlegende Aufgabe geistiger Entwicklung. Denn der Mensch existiert zwischen verschiedenen Ebenen. Wir haben einen Körper, arbeiten, essen und brauchen Geld. Wir gestalten Beziehungen und Gesellschaft. Gleichzeitig fragen wir nach Wahrheit, Sinn, Gerechtigkeit, Liebe, Bewusstsein und Gott. Ein spiritueller Weg, der nur nach oben schaut und die Welt verachtet, bleibt unvollständig. Ebenso bleibt ein Leben, das sich nur auf das Materielle konzentriert und jede höhere Frage ausschließt, unvollständig.

Melchisedek verkörpert symbolisch etwas Drittes: Das Höhere soll im Irdischen wirksam werden.Vielleicht liegt darin das Wesen des Priestertums – nicht aus der Welt zu fliehen, sondern etwas aus einer höheren Ordnung in die Welt hineinzutragen.

Damit berührt Melchisedek auch die Mysterientradition. Einweihung bedeutet dort nicht einfach, zusätzliche Informationen zu erhalten. Ein Mensch kann unzählige Bücher über Kabbala, Mystik und Hermetik lesen und dennoch innerlich unverändert bleiben. Wahre Erkenntnis müsste den Menschen verwandeln. Auch die Begegnung zwischen Abraham und Melchisedek wird deshalb symbolisch als eine Form geistiger Übertragung und Führung interpretiert. Melchisedek erscheint als Mentor, der den Suchenden auf eine höhere Ordnung verweist. Das erinnert mich an einen Satz Jesu:

„An ihren Früchten sollt ihr sie erkennen.“

Matthäus 7,16

Vielleicht gilt das gerade für Spiritualität. Nicht die Menge des Wissens, der Titel oder die Behauptung einer Einweihung bestimmen die wahre Spiritualität. Vielmehr sind es die Früchte, die sie trägt. Wenn ein Mensch wahrhaftiger, barmherziger, verantwortungsvoller, gerechter, demütiger und freier wird, dann beginnt Erkenntnis, Gestalt anzunehmen.

„Seht aber, wie groß der ist, dem auch Abraham den Zehnten gab.“

Hebräer 7,4

Abrahams Gabe an Melchisedek lässt sich als Anerkennung einer höheren geistigen Ordnung verstehen. Darin spiegelt sich der Einweihungsweg: das eigene Ego zurückzunehmen und Wissen, Besitz und Fähigkeiten in den Dienst des Göttlichen zu stellen. Geistige Reife zeigt sich darin, dass Erkenntnis zu Verantwortung und Handeln wird. Denn wahre geistige Autorität dient: „Wer unter euch groß sein will, der sei euer Diener.“

Markus 10,43

An dieses Verständnis des Einweihungsweges knüpft der Ansatz der Hermetik Akademie an: Sie verbindet östliche und westliche Mysterientraditionen zu einem Entwicklungsweg, setzt sie mit moderner Wissenschaft in Beziehung und ergänzt sie durch eigene Forschung zur Bewusstseinsentwicklung. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei die innere Verwandlung des Menschen: Erkenntnis soll zu Verantwortung und geistige Entwicklung zum Dienst werden.

Peso sinks to another record low of ₱63.615:$1

2026-10-24T10:59:25.924+08:00

Peso sinks to another record low of ₱63.615:$1 as speculators test BSP tolerance

The peso slid to a fresh historic-low of ₱63.615 against the greenback on Friday, Oct. 23, from the previous record low of ₱63.52 last Thursday, Oct. 22. Read more

What could happen to Earth in the future?

2026-10-24T10:44:32.861+08:00

BUREAUS:KaliboBoracayRoxasBacolodAntiqueGuimarasManila

3 min read

By Klaus Döring

October 24, 2026

Our planet’s incredible biodiversity is under threat. Deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution are leading to the extinction of countless plant and animal species. Ecosystem imbalance: The extinction of even a single species can disrupt an entire ecosystem.

Welcome to the future! An increasingly globalized humanity is faced with climate change, dwindling resources, overpopulation, and technological upheaval. Diverging paths for humans and transhumans, eco-technic societies dominating the globe, and the accelerating colonization of space are among the possibilities.

Mother Earth provides the plants, animals, birds, and fish that give their lives to feed and clothe human beings, while trees, plants, and soil provide us with shelter, warmth, and a way to grow some of our food. Insects ensure that our plants are pollinated and assist with their growth.

What is happening to Earth right now in 2026? Earth’s average temperature is approaching 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Climate models have warned of an increasing likelihood of reaching or exceeding that threshold.

What is happening to our Earth in 2026? The strength of solar activity will help determine how severe space weather becomes. Powerful solar flares or coronal mass ejections can cause problems here on Earth, too.

Future changes are expected to include a warmer atmosphere, a warmer and more acidic ocean, higher sea levels, and larger changes in precipitation patterns. The extent of future climate change depends on what we do now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The more we emit, the greater the future changes will be.

How can we save our Earth? Protecting our planet starts with simple things we can do to help protect it.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Volunteer for cleanups in your community.

Conserve water. Shop wisely. Use long-lasting light bulbs. Plant a tree.

Geologist Ed Mathez commented: “I wish I could tell you what the future will bring, but no one knows for sure how global warming will play out.

“In fact, not knowing is one of the problems. Global warming is a significant risk to society. On the one hand, we do not know exactly what will happen. On the other hand, we realize that what could happen could be serious. And these consequences could affect different parts of the world in different ways.

“For example, there could be long periods of low rainfall in a particular region. The western United States is one area that is at particular risk to widespread drought.”

Humans’ negative impact on the environment is nothing new. We have always refused to maintain a balance with nature.

We are responsible for the climate crisis we are facing.

I see climate change happening, and I see it getting worse all the time. This makes me wonder what the future is going to look like for us. We have failed to realize that climate change directly affects us and our basic rights, such as the rights to food, clean air, clean water, education, and development. Temperatures are rising, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, and deforestation continues…

There is no us without Mother Nature.

***

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

Was bedeutet eigentlich echte Freiheit?

2026-10-24T10:19:08.760+08:00

Viele Menschen glauben, Freiheit bedeute, tun und lassen zu können, was sie möchten. Sie suchen Unabhängigkeit in äußeren Umständen, finanzieller Sicherheit oder der Möglichkeit, ihre Wünsche uneingeschränkt auszuleben. Doch wie frei ist ein Mensch wirklich, wenn er gleichzeitig Gefangener seiner Ängste, Begierden und unbewussten Gewohnheiten bleibt?

Echte Freiheit beginnt nicht im Außen, sondern in unserem Inneren. Sie entsteht dort, wo wir aufhören, uns von jeder Emotion, jedem Gedanken und jeder äußeren Erwartung beherrschen zu lassen.

Die hermetische Weisheit lehrt, dass der Mensch erst dann zunehmend frei wird, wenn er seine eigene geistige Natur erkennt und Verantwortung für sein Bewusstsein übernimmt. Die Wissenschaft des Bewusstseins eröffnet einen Weg, auf dem wir lernen, zwischen unserem wahren Wesen und den wechselnden Erscheinungen unserer Persönlichkeit zu unterscheiden.

Freiheit bedeutet dabei keineswegs, keine Gefühle mehr zu besitzen oder sich von der Welt zurückzuziehen. Vielmehr entwickeln wir die Fähigkeit, bewusst zu entscheiden, anstatt lediglich auf äußere Reize zu reagieren.

In der Hermetik Akademie wird dieser Prozess durch praktische Selbsterkenntnis, Disziplin und Hingabe an das Höhere vertieft. Der ernsthafte Suchende entdeckt, dass wahre Selbstmeisterschaft nicht durch die Unterdrückung seiner Natur entsteht, sondern durch deren bewusste Veredelung.

Je freier ein Mensch innerlich wird, desto weniger benötigt er Macht, Anerkennung oder Kontrolle über andere. Stattdessen erwachsen Mitgefühl, Liebe und der Wunsch, zum Wohle der Bruderschaft der Menschheit beizutragen.

Echte Freiheit bedeutet nicht, dass sich die Welt nach deinen Vorstellungen richten muss. Sie bedeutet, dass dein innerer Frieden nicht länger vollständig von ihr abhängig ist.

Denn der wahrhaft freie Mensch ist nicht jener, der alles besitzen kann, sondern jener, der nicht länger von dem beherrscht wird, was er zu besitzen glaubt.

What is the greatest truth in life?

2026-10-24T10:08:26.254+08:00

What is the greatest truth in life?

Life is not a straight line. The sooner you realize this, the happier you become.
Nothing is permanent. Money isn't permanent. Your dog isn't permanent, and you're certainly not permanent. Even truth evolves.
You were designed to adapt to change so as to allow evolution to occur with little or no resistance.
Adapt to nature, and live longer.
Argument yields no fruit even if you win.
Even the perfect answer doesn't solve the world's problems.
Death is certain, regardless of how we feel about it or how we try to resist it.
No one is perfect, therefore everything created by human is not perfect.
There are certain things we can't explain, and there are certain things that need no explanation.
Life is constantly fighting you because you're subconsciously fighting life and have never found the perfect harmony with the universe.
You cannot maintain perfection using only a single digit, just as you cannot maintain equilibrium using only one eye, or one arm, or one leg.
Each time you try to convince yourself that God doesn't exist, you are fighting a losing battle against your subconscious and denying yourself perfect peace.

NOBODY IS PERFECT?

2026-10-24T10:00:08.310+08:00

NOBODY IS PERFECT?

Mindanao Daily News

October 24, 2026

176

“Nobody is perfect” is a common idiom meaning that all human beings make mistakes, have flaws, and are vulnerable to error

This famous line is spoken by Osgood Fielding III, played by Joe E. Brown in Some Like It Hot (directed by Billy Wilder, 1959).

Is it true that nobody is perfect? It’s true! No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of being human. If someone you know makes a mistake, try to be understanding and forgiving instead of immediately jumping to criticizing them.

Many of us believe perfectionism is a positive. You may count me in.

More often than I’d like to admit, something seemingly inconsequential will cause the same feeling to rear its head again. Something as small as accidentally squashing the makeup I was bringing my first girlfriend’s family for Christmas can tumble around in my mind for several days, accompanied by occasional voices like “How stupid!” and “You should have known better”.

Falling short of a bigger goal, even when I know achieving it would be near-impossible, can temporarily flatten me. When a former agent told me that she knew I was going to write a book someday but that the particular idea I’d pitched her didn’t suit the market, I felt deflated in a gut-punching way that went beyond disappointment. The negative drowned out the positive. “You’re never going to write a book,” my internal voice said. “You’re not good enough.” That voice didn’t care that this directly contradicted what the agent actually said. And, up to now, I haven’t finished my first book, yet… .

That’s the thing about perfectionism. It takes no prisoners.

If I’ve struggled with perfectionism, I’m far from alone. The tendency starts young – and it’s becoming more common. Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill’s recent meta-analysis of rates of perfectionism from 1989 to 2016, the first study to compare perfectionism across generations, found significant increases among more recent undergraduates in the US, UK and Canada. In other words, the average college student last year was much more likely to have perfectionistic tendencies than a student in the 1990’s or early 2000’s.

It’s heading toward an epidemic and public health issue. It’s a great quotation from Katie Rasmussen.

“As many as two in five kids and adolescents are perfectionists,” says Katie, who researches child development and perfectionism at West Virginia University. “We’re starting to talk about how it’s heading toward an epidemic and public health issue.”

The rise in perfectionism doesn’t mean each generation is becoming more accomplished. It means we’re getting sicker, sadder and even undermining our own potential.

Here is another great example: a perfectionist, French Claude Monet often destroyed his paintings in a temper while saying, ‘My life has been nothing but a failure’.

Perfectionism, after all, is an ultimately self-defeating way to move through the world. It is built on an excruciating irony: making, and admitting, mistakes is a necessary part of growing and learning and being human. It also makes you better at your career and relationships and life in general. By avoiding mistakes at any cost, a perfectionist can make it harder to reach their own lofty goals.

But the drawback of perfectionism isn’t just that it holds you back from being your most successful, productive self. Perfectionistic tendencies have been linked to a laundry list of clinical issues: depression and anxiety (even in children), self-harm, social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, hoarding, dyspepsia, chronic headaches, and, most damning of all, even early mortality and suicide.

“It’s something that cuts across everything, in terms of psychological problems,” says Sarah Egan, a senior research fellow at the Curtin University in Perth who specialises in perfectionism, eating disorders and anxiety.

Culturally, I learned, we often see perfectionism as a positive. Even saying you have perfectionistically tendencies can come off as a coy compliment to yourself; it’s practically a stock answer to the “What’s your worst trait?” question in job interviews. (Past employers, now you know! I wasn’t just being cute).

It is difficult to tell who is motivated and conscientious and who is a perfectionist. .

That inner voice criticises different things for different people – work, relationships, tidiness, fitness. My own tendencies may differ greatly from somebody else’s. It can take someone who knows me well to pick up on them. (When I messaged one of my friends I was writing this story, he immediately sent back a long line of laughing emojis).

Perfectionists can make smooth sailing into a storm, a brief ill wind into a category-five hurricane. At the very least, they perceive it that way. And, because the ironies never end, the behaviors perfectionists adapt ultimately, actually, do make them more likely to fail.

Thinking of perfectionism, makes me think of my own childhood peppered with avoiding (or starting and quitting) almost every sport there was. If I wasn’t adept at something almost from the get-go, I didn’t want to continue – especially if there was an audience watching. In fact, multiple studies have found a correlation between perfectionism and performance anxiety even in children as young as 10.

Mental health problems aren’t just caused by perfectionism; some of these problems can lead to perfectionism, too. One recent study, for example, found that over a one-year period, college students who had social anxiety were more likely to become perfectionists – but not vice versa.

When it comes to the most dramatic example, suicide, numerous studies also have found that perfectionism is a lethal contributor all on its own. One found that perfectionism made depressed patients more likely to think about suicide even above and beyond feelings of hopelessness. A recent meta-analysis, the most complete on the suicide-perfectionism link to date, found that nearly every perfectionistic tendency – including being concerned over mistakes, feeling like you are never good enough, having critical parents, or simply having high personal standards – was correlated with thinking about suicide more frequently. (The two exceptions: being organised or demanding of others).

Some of those criteria, particularly pressure from parents and perfectionistic concerns, also were correlated with more suicide attempts.

In many ways, poorer health outcomes for perfectionists aren’t that surprising. “Perfectionists are pretty much awash with stress. Even when it’s not stressful, they’ll typically find a way to make it stressful,” says Gordon Flett, who has studied perfectionism for more than 30 years and whose assessment scale developed with Paul Hewitt is considered a gold standard. Plus, he says, if your perfectionism finds an outlet in, say, workaholism, it’s unlikely you’ll take many breaks to relax – which we now know both our bodies and brains require for healthy functioning.

After all, many of us live in societies where the first question when you meet someone is what you do for a living. Where we are so literally valued for the quality and extent of our accomplishments that those achievements often correlate, directly, to our ability to pay rent or put food on the table. Where complete strangers weigh these on-paper values to determine everything from whether we can rent that flat or buy that car or receive that loan. Where we then signal our access to those resources with our appearance – these shoes, that physique – and other people weigh that, in turn, to see if we’re the right person for a job interview or dinner invitation.

Fear of failure is getting magnified in other ways, too. Take social media: make a mistake today and your fear that it might be broadcast, even globally, is hardly irrational. At the same time, all of those glossy feeds reinforce unrealistic standards.

In my opinion, and I am not alone with it, it’s the idea that you don’t have to be perfect to be lovable or to be loved. It’s a work in progress. And, what I’ve noticed too, is that, each time I’m able to replace criticizing and perfecting with compassion, I feel not only less stressed, but freer. Apparently, that’s not unusual.

How do you accept that nobody is perfect? If I could give you five tips to help you accept who you are, they would be this:
See your perceived flaws in a whole new light. Nothing is ever completely good or completely bad. …
Practice gratitude daily. …
Recognize that you are not your thoughts. …
Be vulnerable with others. …
Look after yourself.

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