I love quiet times. Perhaps it is the best sign of my “coming of ageing”, or perhaps it is just the way I am loving that moment when I transitioned into 60 years. No fanfare, no special 60th party. I was alone. But it was not a lonely moment. If I am affected by comparisons to other people who have celebrated their 60th with fireworks and expensive staycations, I would have been the loneliest. One of my friends even told me, seriously, “You are like an outcast!” But sure enough it was the most intimate of my celebrations ever. In the quiet and stillness of that day, God’s love became real. It was a miracle. It was a healing moment.
Month: June 2024
Happy Mid-year!
By DEE AYROSO
News in Pictures | Groups call to free all political prisoners, end torture
SELDA said there are currently 27 documented victims of torture under the Marcos Jr. Administration and 700 political prisoners in the country.
A drag queen’s fight for climate justice, healthcare, and inclusion
Even as an emerging drag queen, Celestia immediately started her career by partnering with the development and humanitarian organization Oxfam Pilipinas to create content about the climate crisis. In the form of reels, she initiated conversations about the connection between the climate crisis and public health, and how the government needs to implement policies that reduce carbon emissions.
Groups hail dismissal of last case vs De Lima
“The political persecution of de Lima reflects the broader context of increasing impunity for human rights violations in the country, including killings, threats, and harassment of political activists, human rights defenders, members of the media, and other targeted groups.” — Amnesty International
Farmers oppose ‘Bigas29’ program, say Filipinos deserve ‘high-quality’ rice
A farmers organization is concerned about the government’s plan of selling “aging but good rice” in Kadiwa stores starting next month, saying it would not offer long-term solutions to the increasing price of rice and other essentials.
Fisher group decries PH Army harassment of Zambales fishers
The livelihoods of fisherfolk in Zambales have been largely affected by the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea and the lower catch due to recurring seasonal loss called “sigwada.” But instead of due assistance, they are subjected to so-called “visits” and interrogation by soldiers.
Oposisyon
Hindi porke’t wala na sa posisyon ay oposisyon na. Hindi maikakahon ang mga indibidwal at grupong kritikal sa administrasyon o gobyerno. May mga kritikong itinataguyod ang kapakanan ng mga naghihirap. May mga kritikong itinataguyod lang ang sarili habang ang mga naghihirap ay lalo pang pinahihirapan.
Balik-Tanaw | Storms at sea
In Sunday’s lection, the disciples find themselves in the middle of a raging storm. Jesus is with them, but he is asleep. The Gospel of Mark shares the detail that he was sleeping on a pillow. Scholars say that pillow was actually a sack of sand for ballast.
‘Country’s educational system, not designed to develop critical and creative thinking’ – teachers group
“The government should provide the education system full funding it needs to address the chronic shortages, uplift the conditions of our teachers and personnel and improve education quality. Through these, we can produce creative and critical young Filipinos who can propel the country to genuine progress.”
In Bohol, release of terminally-ill political prisoner sought
“Rimando is praying for a chance to spend his remaining days in a place with sufficient access to the needed care of his medical condition, and if possible, unification with his family,” a portion of his petition before the Bohol Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 read.