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Authorities have arrested a claimant of a seized shipment containing P3.16 million worth of illegal narcotics in Makati City, according to a statement released by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last Friday.

Despite the IAEA saying that Japan’s plans for the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment, South Korean protesters turned up in force to protest the visit of IAEA chief.

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. That’s highly debatable.

I admit to getting immensely annoyed when people cannot effectively communicate or comprehend simple instructions. The other thing that vexes me is the almost complete extinction of this thing called “common sense.”

Growing up, my father used to tell me that common sense is not really as common as we think it is. I’m not sure why. But my father was right. Still is.

What I do know is that the idiocy index has been rising faster than the heat index in the last few decades. It’s not just the depletion of the ozone layer that is real.

I hate hearing excuses about how and why something has not been done or has not been done right. If you can’t do it right the first time, just do it again and do it right the second time around. The best apology is still changed behavior.

I don’t understand why some people need to be told twice before their body can be set into motion to perform a task. I also don’t understand why I need to get my heart rate up before people can put in their best efforts to get something done or done right.

I don’t know if it’s the cell sites and/or gadgets frying our brains but many people are afflicted with severe inattention these days.

How can anyone be 20-something and not be able to remember so many things? If you’re 50-something, I can understand the brain fog.

How can anyone be young and tired all the time? Unless you have a medical condition, I suspect some shady reasons.

My mother used to tell me, “It’s easy to tell the hard workers from the lazy ones. The hard workers are always looking for something to do. The lazy ones sit and wait to be told what to do.”

My mother was right. Still is.

Despite all the caffeine imbibed, what is this permanent state of sluggishness that invades so many bodies? Lyme disease, laziness or high blood glucose levels, perhaps?

With all the pastries and sugar-laden beverages people take these days, is it any wonder why so many are so tired all the time?

I’m not a slave driver. Though, I do send emails and messages at three or four in the morning. But I don’t really expect a reply at that time.

I don’t expect others to work harder than me. But I do expect them to do their job well and to give every task their full attention and their best efforts.

I know working smart not working hard is the new mantra. But when it comes to honing skills, there are no shortcuts. You really have to work harder to be better. And that’s how you get smarter.

You set the bar high to improve and grow because when you set the bar low, you stagnate and regress through time.

You never leave anything to chance. You never fall victim to overconfidence and complacence.

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. I don’t believe so. I think some people just don’t have any standards.

I am writing to express my full support for the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign. As the Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, I have closely followed the commendable efforts put forth by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in promoting the Philippines as a must-visit destination.

Since my tour of duty here in Cebu, Philippines, I was able to visit various cities and provinces in the Visayas region, to name a few cities—Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Maasin, Borongan, and of course, Cebu, the most beautiful island—I have seen the stunning and diverse attractions the region has to offer. The initiative of personally engaging with local communities, collaborating with Japanese tourism stakeholders, and documenting my experiences (through my Letters from Cebu) have been crucial in building a positive and lasting impression among Japanese tourists who are seeking memorable travel experiences to the Philippines.

Furthermore, I believe that the “Love the Philippines” campaign holds tremendous potential for attracting an increasing number of Japanese visitors. Japan has been a key market with a significant interest in exploring international destinations: and the campaign can serve as a catalyst to tap further into the Japanese market and elevate the Philippines as a preferred destination for the Japanese.

In conclusion, I am determined to align my endeavors with the objectives of the “Love the Philippines” campaign and will continue to collaborate with and support the tourism sector. I am committed to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm Filipino hospitality.

July 08, 2023 6:00 PM

Observers warn that demolishing red-light districts will only push the women into other areas or other forms of prostitution.

Did you know you can be blind despite being able to see? Sometimes, there are things directly in front of someone, yet can’t be seen. This is because when someone chooses not to understand perspectives, one blinds oneself to what’s around oneself. While drowning in the concepts and ideas one forms numbs us from pains others give, it may also block the good as well. With this in mind, One must ask oneself as well, does living numb suit the life one wants to live?

Though being blind and numb are different things, in the context of accepting positivity, both can’t receive it. I believe both were caused by “wounds” that were inflicted by someone they cared about. These often go unnoticed, which is why Heaven Luck is utilized to locate these. Heaven Luck is a factor of Human success capable of finding out about anyone’s past. With its help, anyone is able to heal from anything and everything.

With all the benefit of Heaven Luck on our side, things should be easy going now, right? Well, knowledge of our wounds will only get someone so far. Finding out what to do with them should be next. That’s why Heaven Luck must always be paired with our Man Luck, another factor that deals with our hard work and preparation. “To heal” has many definitions, so finding out what it means to you and how to get there is an important part of our own journey to self-betterment.

With knowledge and hard work on our side, one is surely to become better with time and consistency; however, one last factor has to be considered, our Earth Luck. Our Earth Luck refers to the energy of where one stays and how it influences and affects us. In other words, it is our environment. No matter the determination one has, Earth Luck is capable of dragging us back. With an environment that’s supportive and positive, anyone can achieve their goals.

“In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king” is a phrase I’m sure you have heard before. When one is lost, one tends to confide in those who one thinks can see. While it is good to be helped by people with similar experiences, their company can lead us to rely on them and push us to be more numb and blind. Though learning to see and feel again means one can be hurt, I believe it is worth it so one can love again. Once one has chosen to see and feel again, with the right people, one will be met with love as just because one was numb to it, the love never left.

My first memorable encounter with the subject of this feature was not in person.

In 2017, when our beloved Ricardo Cardinal Vidal passed away, his wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral became some sort of pilgrimage site for Cebuanos and out of town visitors. The Knights of Columbus would be guarding the area surrounding his coffin in shifts and beside it, a portrait of the Cardinal in his red robe held its own in its place of honor. It was so realistically captured that it seemed that he was seated comfortably, welcoming us to his wake, ever so composed, with the slight hint of a smile and that stare I know so well.

What an amazing piece of work it was from the one and only Jun Impas.

Six years later, and now with the privilege of calling this talented man a friend, we were invited to the launching of his book aptly titled “Pangandoy: The Art of Jun Impas.”

Published by Bamboo Village Publishing in consultation with Ambassador Jose Maria Cariño and co-authored by Jay Nathan Jore, Alyssa Selanova and Sayoka Takemura, this 234-page coffee table book is a feast for the eyes and a joyful peek into how this little boy who grew up by the sea in Dinagat Island became such a celebrated artist.

Background

Florentino Impas Jr. was born in Danao City as the sixth of 10 children in a fisherman’s household. His childhood days were spent in Surigao del Norte where the family had relocated and his experience with hardship at an early age instilled values of industry, diligence and perseverance in him. He would be burning firewood for blocks of charcoal, help his grandparents make and sell local delicacies, while studying at night to complete elementary school.

The young Jun Impas realized early on that he had a penchant for drawing, copying photos from whatever sources that captured his interest. His classmates soon noticed that his work was a notch above the rest and started to pay him for help in their projects. An early pencil drawing of Fernando Poe Jr. copied from a movie was a turning point for him because it made him realize just how much potential he had for this art form.

His older brother, Dodong Impas, was already a noted sign maker in Surigao City at this time and from him, Jun learned the basics of sign art and lettering and the business side of this craft. In time, The Impas Brothers Sign Art became famous all throughout Surigao, especially when it came to making realistic billboards for moviehouses.

Passion

After seven years and many life-changing events, Jun decided it was time to return to his birthplace, Cebu. It was 1992 when he found work as an in-house artist in the Cebu Art Shop and started to meet other artists like Pepe Villadolid and Celso Pepito. Realizing what great potential this young lad had, Celso introduced him to a wider circle of Cebuano artists, enthusiasts, patrons and passionate collectors and it was through these connections that he was finally able to join his first exhibition in Cebu.

His first sale was a still life of flowers with a price of P5,000. In 1993, Jun opened his own studio named Prints and Brushes which would feature him painting live, thereby catching the attention of the public. After befriending renowned sculptor Ed Castrillo and taking his advice to heart, it took Jun five years to finally mount his first one-man show also titled “Pangandoy” in Montebello Villa Hotel which ended with a high note as he sold almost all of 20 of his exhibited works.

The great admiration for Fernando Amorsolo’s talent in portraiture led him to make his wife the subject of his very first piece, as a tribute to her patience and support over the years. When it was put on exhibit, renowned businessman Luis King, fell in love with his work and commissioned him to make almost 30 portraits of the first to third generation of his family.

It was during one of the King family gatherings that Cardinal Vidal became so impressed with his work, that as a result, the family gifted him with a Jun Impas portrait on the occasion of the Cardinal’s 75th birthday.

This painting is the one I am describing at the beginning of this article.

Mission

And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, portraits by Jun Impas encompass a diverse mix of personalities from high society, businessmen, politicians, religious leaders, art lovers from all over the country, not just Cebu. He has painted presidents, cardinals and even Pope Francis himself as photographed by Msgr. Jan Limchua. His recent 10 piece series, called Panagtagbo, chronicles the arrival of Christianity to our shores and was made for the 500 Years of Christianity Celebration. It starts with the depiction of a meeting aboard Magellan’s ship, then to the meeting of Magellan and Rajah Humabon, Magellan meeting Humabon’s chiefs, the baptism of Humabon, the gifting of the Sto. Niño to Queen Juana, the First Miracle, a Babaylon Ritual, the victory at Mactan and finally, the poisoning of the Spaniards. It was sold as a set, because the artist would not have it any other way as he wanted the “whole story” to be in just one place.

Jun Impas is a man on a mission. Still in his prime, his best work is yet to come, such exciting times ahead for this humble man with an immense God-given talent.

@KAREN: As a successful banker, I’ve been dating a freelance architect for over a year. However, I’ve noticed that he lacks a clear future plan. Despite being in his 40s, he’s still renting an unkempt room. While his carefree personality initially attracted me, it has become irritating, leading to frequent arguments. He complains about my organized and rigid nature, which clashes with his laid-back attitude. Considering my age and fatigue with starting over, I’m uncertain if I should continue the relationship solely because of my want to finally start a family.

DJ: The fact that it’s a relationship between two individuals, it’s impossible to do everything in exactly the same way. Variations are fun and exciting. You experience something new. But as the initial high of romantic love wanes, compromise is a permanent fixture. Remember, you both had a life even before you met. It’s just that you may be feeling that the differences are eating your faith in your connection.

How willing and able are you both to adjust or give things up for the sake of a better relationship? Working through this process doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a poor match. It’s a collaboration. If done right, the process of negotiation can only make the two of you resilient and flexible. Unfortunately, the way you tackle the differences may be the one that’s making your love lives worse. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer whether your differences are too much or workable. But how ready are you in honoring one another while at the same time, being open to each other’s influence. Are you inclusive in your attitudes and behaviors? Are you still curious to know more about each other? Remember why it was fun in the beginning. Respect must be there. At the end of the day, you can’t force change.

Are the differences too different or are they workable? When two people are misaligned on something they both consider to be fundamental, the likelihood to try to constantly prove themselves right increases. Given the differences you mentioned, your case is not even about being right or wrong. There are people who thrive at living in the now. I’m sure you’ve heard about certain teachings on mindfulness and living in the present. There’s also nothing wrong about being structured. I was in two highly successful events a few days ago. I admire the dynamics of a couple who both share the passion for excellence and innovation. Can you still do things that you value the most? Trying to shine on a project, a sales pitch or do exceedingly well at a business review for example. Is he part of the solution why you’re bringing your best self at work and in life in general? Being different is a thrill. Though when the variances have something to do with one’s core, these things are difficult to change. Heads up. They make people who they are.

How well are you at communicating? Can you discuss expectations in ways that you can support one another so that the compromise doesn’t feel like a personal attack? Do you listen? You can’t make him your clone. You also won’t be happy over time being someone else just to be in a relationship. Is it possible to create a win-win situation? Talk things through. Something’s got to give to create harmony. You’re both gaining something you want. If you’re asking him to improve on something, be ready to make some changes for yourself too. Making a change doesn’t seem as daunting if no one feels like he or she is losing out.

Starting a family is not a glue to mend what’s broken. Think how your differences can eventually translate to parenting approaches. I suggest you continue to take a step back before moving forward. See more objectively if the differences are complementary rather than being too divergent. The strongest relationships are the ones in which both people can be themselves, working together as partners so they both can bring out the best in each other.

Research group IBON Foundation has thumbed down the labor market gains being touted by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

July 08, 2023 5:25 PM

The Rumah Lat Gallery was also opened on Saturday, showcasing the works of Lat.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calls on Beijing to invest more in efforts to transition from fossil fuels.

July 08, 2023 4:55 PM

More than 200 crude bombs had been seized during the elections.

July 08, 2023 4:24 PM

Dr Yellen said it was critical to keep talking about areas of common interest as well as disagreements.

The Philippine Coast Guard clarified that while Beijing's behavior in the West Philippine Sea continues to be "concerning," positive changes have been noted in recent months — which they claim to be a result of Manila's transparency about the Asian giant's actions.

July 08, 2023 3:00 PM

Many refugees, barred from resettling in Australia, suffer mental health problems due to their poor treatment, advocates say.

Almost half of HIV transmission could be via mother to child, but stigma means many do not get tested for it or for syphilis and other dangerous STIs, or receive treatment.

Kabataan party-list welcomes YouTube's move to terminate Sonshine Media Network International News's online channel, this while urging all digital TV services and social media platforms to follow suit due to its honorary chairperson Apollo Quiboloy's "sex trafficking" charges.

Bishop Pablo David of the Diocese of Kalookan on Saturday was reelected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Overall turnover, however, has more than halved since last year, statistics show

The United States has increased imports of goods from Russia despite its numerous economic sanctions on the country, data published by the US Census Bureau revealed on Thursday.

In May, the volume of products imported from the sanc

The overall turnover, however, has more than halved since last year, statistics show

The United States has increased imports of goods from Russia despite its numerous economic sanctions on the country, data published by the US Census Bureau revealed on Thursday.

In May, the volume of products imported from the