Goodbye America, hello China
Some thoughts on Duterte’s ‘US separation’ announcement I remember writing about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte several months ago when he won the presidential election. I may or may have not…
Category: Lifestyle Columnists
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God’s heart revealed
HOW marvelous are the words of the Book of Wisdom for this Sunday’s Liturgy: “For you love all things that are and loath nothing that you have made; for what…
Nanding & Laura enjoy a second whirl in their first joint birthday fête
Since birth is the window to the chance and all possibilities of a lifetime, there’s nothing more momentous than celebrating it in the midst of friends and relatives…and to make…
Is your heart failing?
How do we know when our heart is failing? This condition could be in its early stage that the individual may not even have enough symptoms to know he/she has…
Time out for the grandchildren
“If you want to civilize a man, begin with his grandmother.” – Victor Hugo So, one moment you’re just a mother, and luckily, you’re done being tied down with your children’s…
The prayer of the humble
“ In our personal practices of prayer, do we show a spirit of humility? Do we come to Mass having an attitude that we’re in church not only to ask…
Charles Simbulan: living a life of inspiration
With a firm hand he shakes my hand, his face seasoned by storm and values. Charles Simbulan smiles kindly, almost trying to disguise shyness. His voice is light hearted, his…
Travelogue: Israel sojourn, the Holy Land Diary
(Part 3 of 3) Knowing that our days were numbered and the overwhelming thrill would soon subside, we struggled to make the most out of every single moment and enjoyed…
Exercise lowers health risks
Is exercise really essential to health? Yes, very much so, especially in lowering the risk for diseases, as shown in the recently published studies discussed below. To illustrate a point,…
New York, my favorite city
New York is full of fragmented people — from those who talk to themselves and move jerkily, to those whose faces are set in hostility or negation. But others live…
The treasure of persistent faith
A PRIEST flew thousands of miles to spend a month with the community of Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. He was in a stage of discernment for God’s further purpose…
The most famous speech in literature
“Be Cheerful sir, “ cried Prospero, “our revels are now ended…” – Parable of the Tempest (Shakespeare) It is said that the wind that scattered the Spanish Armada blew English literature….
Catching up with Krista Kleiner
Krista is a jack – rather queen – of all trades. Aside from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title in 2010, she has made a name for herself in the Philippines…
Travelogue: Israel sojourn, the Holy Land Diary
(Part 2 of 3) If you thought the first three days of our pilgrimage were exhaustingly draining enough, think again… for the following days were earmarked for much challenging trudges,…
Our children’s food
WHAT children eat greatly determines their growth and development, the integrity of their immune system, their body’s ability to ward off infections and diseases, and their morbidity and longevity. The…
Once upon a Secret Service
Once upon a time, the Secret Service had to be an all-embracing elite force — self-respecting, fearless and valiant. They were the ones who took charge of the security and…
The power of full engagement
“AS they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of…
Sanctuaries at twilight
Adult care centers are important fixtures in the Filipino-American community. This little piece takes us not just to a place, but into the minds and hearts, the courage, the wisdom…
Sonia Bermejo’s birthday celebration: A gathering of real people and true friends
Many say that age is just a number. Adding another year to your life means adding another chance at opportunities, meeting new people and making a difference – and the…
Travelogue: Israel sojourn, the Holy Land Diary
(Part 1 of 3) The agonizing fear that kept me tossing on my bed for countless nights prior to my Israel trip (due to the never-ending destabilization attacks and constant…
Stress tests save lives
Almost 4 million people in the United States alone have undiagnosed heart disease. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 735,000 Americans have a heart attack…
The message of ‘Passport to Heavenly Life’ by Camilo C. Graza
In the Bible, in both the Old and New Testament, it is said that it can be read in many ways. For some, it is the purest literature we have…
The world in dire need of douloi — servant-leaders
“WE are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.” — (Luke 7:10) I heard the above words from someone, not word for word, but in a…
A night of the scribes and lensmen with Consul General Adelio Cruz
IT is said that when God wanted to separate light from darkness, day and night were created. When media men had a similar itch, they bonded together. One can count…
Djoanna Garcia-Kocher: On faith, fame and success
A great Athenian playwright named Euripides wrote this about friends: “Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness. “ I have not read Euripides’ work but his…
Glutathione caution
THE glutathione craze seems to have spread to various countries, including the Philippines, inspired mostly by the desire for a fairer complexion and quest for the fountain of health and…
An evening at the opera
I can never quell a stir of fascination, dread and longing when the house lights dim and the curtain parts, but the enjoyment of an opera can begin, not with…
Giving is good for the soul
“ONCE our wealth reaches a certain point we need to begin to give some of it away—not because others need it but because our own health and happiness will begin…
Age Beautifully Cookbook wins Gold in Living Now Awards
Recognizing the year’s best books for better living LOS ANGELES—The 8th Annual Living Now Awards for the year’s best books for better living were announced by the Jenkins Group this…
Inside the death chamber
It was my first police beat assignment and we felt that we had no right to do what we were doing. The killing of a fellow human being was repulsive…