Tag: culture
In Sulu, Eid is More Than a Celebration—Did You Feel the “One Heart”?
At dawn in Sulu, thousands of Tausug faithful gathered not just to mark the end of Ramadhan, but to live out a shared identity—one shaped by faith, forgiveness, and community.
OPINION: The Quiet Power of Hadiyah Offers a Path Beyond Ritual as Ramadan Ends
Ramadan draws to a close on Friday, March 20. Many Muslims find themselves at a familiar crossroads: the end of a month defined by discipline, restraint, and spiritual clarity—and the beginning of a return to ordinary time. The question that lingers is not simply whether the fast was completed, but what remains after it. In
Festival of Lights: What Hanukkah Really Means—And Why it Still Matters
Hanukkah is often reduced to candles, gifts, and fried food. But behind the familiar rituals is a story of resistance, faith, and the enduring power of light in dark times. MANILA, Philippines — Each year, as nights grow longer in the Northern Hemisphere, Jewish families around the world light candles one by one on a
Tungawan: The Hidden Paradise of Zamboanga Sibugay
Tucked quietly between the shimmering coastlines of the Sibuguey Bay and the lush hinterlands of Zamboanga Sibugay lies a town that few have truly explored — Tungawan. Tungawan may appear as just another stopover for many travelers rushing through the highway from Ipil to Zamboanga City. But for those who take the time to look
Opinion I Is Jesus Still Relevant in the Post-Modern Age?
Is Jesus still relevant today? Across the world — from the quiet towns of the Philippines to the sprawling cities of the West — fewer people are going to church. Fewer still identify with organized religion. According to the Pew Research Center, around 28% of U.S. adults now describe themselves as religiously unaffiliated — a
16 Hidden Island Gems in the Philippines You Need to Visit
The Philippines is a dream for island lovers, boasting over 7,000 islands scattered across turquoise waters. While Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, and El Nido dominate Instagram feeds, the country still have 16 island gems that hide countless secret escapes far from the tourist trail. Are you a traveler seeking raw beauty, quiet beaches, and authentic local
Animator Finally Brings Story of Jesus to the Big Screen
For more than three decades, animator-director John Schafer carried a quiet conviction: one day, he would make a film about the life of Jesus. The idea first stirred in the 1990s, when Schafer said he felt a divine prompting to use his talents to share Christ’s story. But he set it aside, waiting for the
From Buug to Abu Dhabi: How Anthony Austria built his name as a top architect
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines – Anthony Tario Austria grew up in Buug, a quiet town in Zamboanga Sibugay where his mother worked the rice fields and later took on odd jobs in Malaysia to keep the family afloat. Life was difficult, but in the middle of poverty, Anthony discovered a gift: drawing. Teachers saw his sketches
Local Pastor Examines the Intersection of Faith and Politics
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — A local pastor and journalist has sparked conversations about the complex relationship between faith, politics, and community development in less developed areas of Southern Philippines. In his post, Pastor Antonio Manaytay delves into the topic “Shepherd for Sale: A Closer Look at the Moral Recovery Program,” a critical analysis of how
What If a Pastor Focused More on Being a Christian Than on Being a Pastor?
Have you ever paused to wonder how life might look if a pastor prioritized their identity as a Christian over their role as a pastor? At first glance, it might seem obvious—of course, being a Christian should come first. Our identity in Christ shapes who we are, while our ministry roles define what we do.
The End of Humanity or a New Beginning? Humanity at a Crossroads
When will the end come for humanity? Will it be through a nuclear holocaust, surpassing critical climate thresholds, the rise of AI-powered robots, or an asteroid reminiscent of Don’t Look Up? This haunting question fuels countless research papers, debates, and late-night social media rants. But according to one theorist, humanity—now 8.2 billion strong—stands at a
Rebuilt in Christ: How Salvation Transforms Every Part of Life
Coming to Christ isn’t just about being forgiven and waiting for heaven—it’s about a complete transformation. Salvation is an ongoing journey of renewal, where God reshapes us into new creations through the power of the cross. It’s a process that touches every part of our lives, aligning us with God’s design. Let’s explore seven key
