There were tense moments in recent years in the relations between the Philippines and China, putting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a quandary, but now, at the end of the second decade of the 21st century, a regime of peace and cooperation has developed, ensuring long-term development and progress for the country and the region.

PAGBABAGO                         

HOTSPOT

MEDIUM RARE

Fifty-one days after the November 3  national elections in the United States,  the elected members of the National Electoral College assembled in their respective states last Monday, December 14, and  cast their votes for president and vice president of the United States.

THINKING PINOY

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Family histories are replete with dramas and surprises. My own siblings’ history towards marriage was no exception: each one had a particular “script” with twists and turns, yet ending more or less happily. The story of Joseph and Mary unto becoming a family shares the human element of possible hindrances and dilemmas. What perhaps saves the relationship in danger is Joseph’s unfailing obedience to God’s word and, of course, God’s faithfulness to his promise that with God nothing is impossible. Human calculations or readings of situations may not be dependable and secure, but God’s constancy and faithfulness are. Are you going through some kind of dilemma now? Have you wrestled with it alone and humanly, or have you tried consulting God?

CHANGING WORLD

Five years ago, the  nations of the world, including the Philippines, met in Paris, France,    on the world’s climate problem —  rising world temperatures due to carbon emissions from the  world’s industries, causing the polar  ice  to melt, ocean levels to rise, and spawning more destructive typhoons and hurricanes.

In these extraordinary times of a global health pandemic, we are reminded how interconnected the world has become—our health, our food, and our economies are reliant on the safe, orderly, and regular movement of people.  And, migrants—especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)– have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID 19.     

It’s the week before Christmas Day and despite the  continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, our people are determined to celebrate the holiday, perhaps not as exuberantly with the revelry of  previous years, but with greater  reverence and a greater sense of gratitude that we have survived the difficulties of the past months, including the death of so many loved ones.

MEDIUM RARE