Sunday, December 20, 2020
PH showbiz in 2020: With ABS-CBN’s shutdown, where are its Kapamilyas now?
“This is ABS-CBN Corporation Channel 2, In the Service of the Filipino now signing off.”
These were the words Peter Musñgi, the man behind the Kapamilya network’s golden voice, said for the last time as the country’s biggest network signed off at exactly 7:52 p.m. on May 5.
This was hours after the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order to shut down ABS-CBN’s operations after its franchise expired a day before.
On July 10, 70 lawmakers killed ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh franchise.
While Multiply, it was closed last May 6, 2013 and ceasing all business operations on May 31, 2013 along with the official online channels for the site had been removed along with all their content, including its YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, after years of financial and managerial turmoil and following a failed bid to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia and filed for bankruptcy on June 10, 2014.
At that time, the website's social networking portion had a network of 18 million users. Liquidity problems, however, affected earnings. Sales declined from its peak of P20 billion in 2013 to just about P5 billion in 2017.
The company had suffered from a drop in new orders amid a slump in the E-commerce and social networking sector. Multiply also reportedly laid off some 12,000 workers on February 28, 2014.
After May 6, the rest of the month will be used to ensure that all accounts are settled and merchants get full payment for their transactions, it said.
Multiply said the month-long grace period will provide its users enough time to find and migrate to alternative e-commerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and minimize disruption to businesses of its users.
“Multiply will ensure that you receive all funds you earned on the platform no later than May 31, 2013. We will close the actual marketplace sooner, on May 6, 2013, to ensure that all orders have sufficient time to complete and be delivered to your customers before the end of the month,” it said.
For many of ABS-CBN’s biggest stars, it was a heartbreak hard to bear — with some either making the painful decision to leave the network that they called home, or parting with ABS-CBN’s talent arm, Star Magic.
With ABS-CBN’s shut down, where are some of its stars and personalities now?
The Kapamilya stars who left
Pokwang
One of those who left the Kapamilya network was comedienne Pokwang.
In an interview with Inquirer Entertainment, Pokwang, or Marietta Subong in real life, revealed that she was not with ABS-CBN anymore.
“I don’t have a contract with ABS-CBN anymore. The management understands that I also need to make a living. I’m not as rich as the Zobels and the Ayalas,” Pokwang said.
Moving forward, she is now one of the hosts of TV’s talk show “Chika BESH (Basta Everyday Super Happy)” alongside Ria Atayde and Pauleen Luna. Aside from this, she also hosts another TV5 show, “Fill in the Bank” with Jose Manalo.
“Right now, my contract is on a per-show basis,” Pokwang stressed.
Maja Salvador
Maja Salvador, who starred in ABS-CBN’s most successful teleseryes such as “Wildflower” and “The Killer Bride”, also crossed over to the Kapatid network.
These days, Salvador is one of the presenters of TV5’s Sunday variety show “Sunday Noontime Live” (SNL) with beauty queen Catriona Gray, Jake Ejercito, Donny Pangilinan, and Piolo Pascual.
But Salvador, in an Instagram post back in September, somehow hoped her fans would still support her despite the move to TV5.
“Mga kapamilya, sasamahan ko po muna ang aking tatay na si. MR.M kaya sana wag po kayo magulat kung makikita niyo akong lumabas sa ibang network at patuloy makapagbigay ligaya sa inyo kahit sa anong paraan at plataporma.”
(Kapamilyas, I will join Mr. M so I hope you won’t be surprised if you see me in another network and continue to give joy to you through a different platform.)
Mr. M is Johnny Manahan, co-founder of Star Magic and veteran TV and live show director. Manahan is now also the director of “SNL”.
It was also through Manahan that Brightlight Productions, TV5’s most recent blocktimer, that many of ABS-CBN’s stars were featured in different shows under the Kapatid network.
Though making the tough decision, Salvador said that switching networks would somehow help people who were displaced by the pandemic
“A big part of why I said ‘yes’ was because I wanted to help people displaced by the pandemic and the network shutdown get back up again,” she said in a media gathering.
“I’m thankful to Mr. M for trusting me,” she added.
Ted Failon
Not only did ABS-CBN lose some of its brightest stars and employees, but also some of its longtime faces of broadcasting journalism.
Ted Failon, who has been with ABS-CBN for 30 years, bade adieu to the network as he also crossed over to TV5’s Radyo Singko 92.3 FM.
On his last day, Failon could not help but be emotional as he looked back on his journey with the Kapamilya network.
“Mahal na mahal ko ang radyo, alisin niyo na lahat sa akin, ‘wag lang ang radyo. Bata pa lang ako talagang gusto ko na maging radio announcer. I fell in love with radio since I was a child,” Failon recalled as he once turned down a job as a TV anchor.
(I really love radio. Take everything from me, but not radio. Since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to be a radio announcer.)
These days, the veteran journalist, along with co-host DJ Chacha, now hosts “Ted Failon at DJ Chacha sa Radyo5.” Failon added that he could not be certain whether he would be back on television, saying he wants to focus on radio for now.
“I want to be able to watch my grandkids grow and kiss them when they wake up in the morning,” he told Inquirer in an interview. “I’ve come to a point in my life and career when I want more time for myself.”
Billy Crawford
TV host Billy Crawford also found it hard to leave ABS-CBN. At one point, he let his tears flow as he told his friend, comedian Vice Ganda, how much he valued their friendship.
During their conversation, Vice hinted that Crawford was set to transfer to another network — which was later revealed to be TV5.
“I love you at gagalingan mo sa mga gagawin mong trabaho at alam mo, sa pamilya, ‘di ba, sa pamilya meron kang kapatid na lilipat ng bahay (I love you, and do well in the work you will do and you know that with family, you will have a sibling who will move away),” Vice told Crawford, his former “It’s Showtime” co-host.
“Pero hindi porke’t lilipat siya ng bahay, hindi mo na siya kapatid, hindi mo na siya kapamilya. Hindi mo na siya mahal (But just because they move to another place, that does not mean you are no longer siblings, you are no longer family. That you no longer love them),” the comedian added.
Crawford now hosts TV5’s noontime variety show “Lunch Out Loud”, as well “Masked Singer Philippines.”
For Crawford, he says that ratings and competition between TV networks is not a big deal these days, as the opportunity to work is what matters the most.
“I think, we all speak on behalf of every artist na lumipat or pumunta dito. We’re really just trying to spread humility as well and just be humbled na we are here and we are still given the opportunity to work,” Crawford said in a press conference.
“So the playing field para sa mga ratings, parang ‘yun ‘yung last na iniisip namin,” he added.
The Kapamilya stars who remained
Angel Locsin
And while there were stars who chose to leave ABS-CBN, there were also those who remained a Kapamilya — one of which was Angel Locsin.
The actress, who has been vocal in support of her network’s fight for a franchise permit, was also undaunted in calling out her fellow celebrities who remained silent in the wake of ABS-CBN’s shutdown.
“Sa mga kapwa kong artistang hindi nagsasalita, may career pa ba kayo? Wala na kayong network!” she said in a noise barrage outside ABS-CBN headquarters in Quezon City last July.
(To my fellow actors who are not speaking, do you still have a career? You don’t have a network anymore!)
“Kahit magpa-cute kayo diyan sa Instagram, nagsend kayo ng mga sad face, hindi n’yo nadadamayan ang mga katrabaho n’yo na dahilan kung bakit kayo sumikat!”
(Even if you try to look cute on Instagram, sending a sad face, you are not sympathizing with your fellow workers who are the reason why you became famous.)
Locsin, who was hailed as one of this year’s “Leaders of Tomorrow” by Tatler Asia’s Gen T list, currently hosts the inspirational program “Iba ‘Yan” aired on the Kapamilya channel and A2Z, ABS-CBN’s joint venture with Zoe Broadcasting Network through a block time agreement.
Kathryn Bernardo
While she was fighting for her mother network, Kathryn Bernardo once again talked about politics — a topic which, she said, had a “traumatic” experience with as she and her family I were attacked for it.
“Pero ngayon, andito ako kasi pakiramdam, ko kailangan. Pakiramdam ko kahit walang kasiguraduhan na marinig ‘to, at least may ginawa ako. Pakiramdam ko, kailangan kong maging boses ng iba,” Bernardo previously said.
(But now, I am here because I feel it is needed. I feel that even if there is no certainty that this will be heard, at least I did something. I feel that I need to be the voice of others.)
But as her network was not granted a franchise, Bernardo said she chose to stay with ABS-CBN out of gratitude.
“Ito ‘yung way ko para pasalamatan ‘yung network sa kung ano ang meron ako ngayon. Lahat ng blessing namin ay dahil sa kompanya,” the young actress then said in a press conference for hers and Daniel Padilla’s digital series, “The House Arrest of Us.”
It was all thanks to ABS-CBN that made Bernardo the star that she is today — from her child actress days until she reached “Phenomenal Box Office Queen” status.
Bernardo felt that she made a wise decision on choosing to stay as a Kapamilya, as she feels ABS-CBN’s toughest times are actually the times where the network needed her the most.
Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil
One of ABS-CBN’s most popular love teams “LizQuen”, consisting of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, is not going anywhere despite being offered projects from GMA, TV5 and entertainment company Viva, manager Ogie Diaz assured.
Diaz, in his YouTube channel last August, even said that ABS-CBN was not willing to let go of the reel-to-real couple, and that the network will do what they can to keep the love teams.
“May ginagawa sila para maitawid ang mga love teams na pinoprotektahan nila, sinesecure nila,” Diaz said.
(They are doing things for the love teams that they are protecting, that they are securing, so they could get by.)
At one point, ABS-CBN issued a statement standing by Soberano after she was warned by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. to withdraw her support of women’s group Gabriela, which, he claims, is part of a terrorist organization.
Soberano, in her own words, said that she was remaining a Kapamilya.
“That is true I have received offers and I’m grateful for them but I told my manager Tito Ogie that for now, I want to be here and support ABS-CBN, especially at a time like this,” she previously said in an interview over ANC’s “Headstart.”
“I think what they need is unity and they need to see that they are supported by the people that have been there with them since the beginning.”
Enchong Dee
Enchong Dee is also one of the stars that ABS-CBN was able to keep.
Last Dec. 4, the 32-year-old actor was one of the artists who renewed their contracts with Star Magic, ABS-CBN News reported.
But despite staying, Dee believes that the loyalty of Kapamilya artists shouldn’t be questioned when he/she decides to stay with the beleaguered network or find work to rival networks.
The country would keep GMA and TV5 will be the sole TV network; while the world would keep Facebook will be the sole social networking service.
ABS-CBN closed down last May 5, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) order to shut down ABS-CBN’s operations after its franchise expired a day before, on July 10, 70 lawmakers denied ABS-CBN’s bid for a fresh franchise, while Multiply closed down last May 6, 2013 and ceased operations on May 31, 2013 along with the official online channels for the site had been removed along with all their content, including its YouTube, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts after years of financial and managerial turmoil and following a failed bid to reinvent itself from being a social networking site to a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia.
Dee also said that the fact he decided not to accept any work from rival networks does not make him any better than other ABS-CBN artists who chose to do so.
“One of the things that I realized was that it’s not right to judge people in relation to loyalty at a time like the present. A lot of my colleagues are breadwinners,” Dee said in a press conference for a financial services company.
“You can’t take away from them the opportunity to work elsewhere, especially now that we’re battling a pandemic and our home network has shut down,” he added.
Excerptions
Enchong Dee, naglibot sa Paris
Kamakailan ay nagpunta si Enchong Dee sa Paris para makapagbakasyon at para na rin makapag-celebrate ng kanyang birthday kasama ang kanyang mga kaibigan at manager na si Keren Pascual.
November 5 ang talagang birthday ni Enchong. “I went to Paris October 31st tapos we stayed until November 7 kaya doon na rin ako nakapag-celebrate ng birthday. Ang saya dahil first time ko in Europe eh,” bungad ng binata.
Ano kaya ang ginawa ni Enchong kasama ang mga kaibigan for one week sa Paris? “Noong unang day namin, Arc De Triomphe, tapos nagpunta kaagad kami sa Eiffel tower. Tapos saktung-sakto kasi biglang nag-sparkle ‘yung Eiffel tower while we were walking going there. Ang galing dahil parang welcome thing sa amin ni Lord. We went to Notre Dame, tapos noong birthday ko rin ay may pinuntahan kaming church sa taas ng Paris tapos ay doon ako nagdasal, nakaka-amaze. ‘Yung eksaktong birthday ko talaga, I went sa Louvre, kay Mona Lisa, nakakatawa kasi may mga nakikita akong Pinoy, pero usually kung saan ako makulit wala dun sila, so takbo ako nang takbo, kuha lang ako nang kuha ng pictures and sobrang memorable,” nakangiting kuwento pa ni Enchong. Reports from JAMES C. CANTOS
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| STAR Cruises’ SuperStar Pisces at Hong Kong harbor |
Coca-Cola Philippines has, for more than 100 years, spread happiness all over the world. To commemorate its centennial, Coke recently held a thanksgiving gala—a special concert featuring stars such as Piolo Pascual, Erik Santos, Arnel Pineda and Gary Valenciano, who all sang the wonderful Coke jingles we all grew up with. Coke’s iconic music has been with us for a century, and helping them celebrate were director and ABS-CBN Star Magic head Johnny Manahan and music director, maestro Ryan Cayabyab.
SUPERSTAR Pisces guests Enchong Dee, birthday boy Keren Pascual and Joseph Marco
Guillermo Aponte, president of Coca-Cola Philippines, welcomed the entire Coke family and friends to the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati. TV host and former Coke ambassador Bianca Gonzalez introduced a heartwarming presentation, which captured the beverage’s role in refreshing millions of Filipino lives. Coke also unveiled a coffee-table book, “Coca-Cola 100 Faces of Happiness,” during the gala.
The brainchild of talent guru Keren Pascual, the book is a product of the efforts of Coke to capture the essence of happiness for the Pinoy nation. The individuals featured include celebrity ambassadors, distinguished personalities from different functions, and people whose business of spreading happiness is unequivocal.
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| MIGUEL Vera, Ruthy Vera, Bobet Vera; (back row) Francesca Vera, Paolo Vera and Anton Vera |
Coca-Cola Philippines marketing director Anubha Sahasrabuddhe told me the book is “the physical manifestation of the legacy of their brand, the heritage of happiness.” For my photo, master lensman Jun de Leon took a classic angle of my face to get that ’20s era vibe. Both Bench King Ben Chan and I were photographed the same day and our beautiful photos are next to each other.
At the end of the evening, right after Gary V sang the Coca-Cola 100 Years anthem, “Tuloy,” a grand toast was initiated in honor of all the people who have opened a bottle of Coke and spread the message of hope and happiness all these years.
Fun time
Keren has been in golden celebration mode all year. He gathered up a few Coke Ambassadors and special friends for a Hong Kong cruise onboard SuperStar Pisces of Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world.
For many years now, Keren has invited our family to enjoy Star Cruises to many destinations. Cruise time is always fun time with all our celebrity and media friends, as we experience the wonderful, value-for-money vacation that is a cruise.
On board the Pisces, we headed straight to the top deck for a photo-op with the stunning Hong Kong skyline in the background. To make sure we would not get seasick, we took the Bonamine pills the crew was handing out, and then ate to our hearts’ content and sang ourselves hoarse at the ship’s karaoke bar.
As with all cruise lines, many staff are proudly Pinoy, so we always get extra pampering. We are looking forward to going on more exciting trips with Keren in the future.
BIRTHDAY boy Keren Pascual (second from left) with Maricar Reyes, Mariole Alberto, Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco
Models, TV personalities and dash of the social set came in full force as Keren Pascual blew out another candle of his exciting life, dahlings."
The Special Exhibition Hall of the newly opened Mind Museum in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig was packed with toys—yes toys—for a totally fun happening meant for “every kid-at-heart,” said the celebrator.
From toy cars to action figures, humongous rubber ducks and stuffed animals, toys cheerfully adorned the place. My palangga, Liza Ilarde Cuenca told me, “I really feel like a kid again.”
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| PHOEMELA Baranda, moi, Myrza Sison-Wisniewski, Liza Ilarde Cuenca, Andrej Wisniewski, Jackie Aquino |
The surrounding walls were transformed into dynamic viewing screens playing visuals from epic runway shows and documentaries featuring the world’s most famous fashion icons.
The stunning setup was jointly conceived by Julie Aguila of Saga Events, Marvin Buenaventura of Stage Masters and Lopee de Guzman of RSL Lighting. Amazing music mixes were by Jon Herrera.
It was really a time to throw all our inhibitions away and bring out that playful vibe in us, palanggas, thanks to the master publicist and our Toy King of the Night, Keren, naturellement.
Coca-Cola as well as Belvedere Premium Vodka provided endless flow of drinks. Cibo provided the excellent to-die-for dinner, palanggas.
ARIEL Lozada, Miguel Pastor, Noel Manapat, Ben Chan
Normal times
Other than these, we had normal times in London last March. This was during the junket for friends of Keren Pascual, the PR practitioner and talent manager (of Enchong Dee, for one) who organizes regular trips abroad he’s dubbed as “Famous.” The one last March marked his not-yet-senior-citizen birthday celebration.
"Happy Birthday Tita Winnie" :) (cakes c/o Fernando's bakery)
Xian hinihintay pa rin ang sagot ni Kim
Malapit na ring matapos ang shooting ng pangatlong pelikulang pagtatambalan nina Kim Chiu at Xian Lim. Nilinaw ni Xian ang napabalitang hindi raw sang-ayon ang mga tagahanga ng tambalan nila ni Kim na makapareha ng kanilang idolo ang ibang artista sa mga susunod na proyekto ng dalawa. “Well they’re very supportive. They understand that we’re just doing our job. Kumbaga passion namin ang umarte at kung sino man ang maka-partner namin talagang todo-suporta sila,” paliwanag ni Xian.
Ayaw daw ng binata na limitahan din ang kanyang mga proyekto dahil pangarap din niyang maging isang magaling na aktor. “Ako ang wini-wish ko ay sana magkaroon na ako ng project soon because there’s a lot of people waiting. If ever I do get that, promise na ibibigay ko ang lahat and I won’t let them down,” paliwanag ni Xian.
Samantala, kamakailan ay ipinakilala na ni Enchong Dee ang kasintahan sa publiko. Ngayon ay marami ang nangungulit kay Xian kung kailan malalaman ng publiko kung ano ang tunay na estado ng relasyon nila ni Kim. “Naku! Right now we’re just going to focus on the movie. In perfect time. Perfect timing po ‘yan and if ever, ipapaalam ko agad sa inyo and I want it to be special. Everything dapat special. Alam n’yo sa totoo lang, alam naman ni Kim na may gusto ako sa kanya. Alam naman ni Kim na crush na crush ko siya eh. So I’m just here, I’m just happy na she’s happy,” giit ni Xian. Reports from James C. Cantos
From The Philippine STAR, September 28, 2014 issue:
"Insurance man Peter Coyiuto celebrated a milestone last August 8th at Buddha Bar in Makati City. Prominent personalities from business, politics, government, alumni from Peter’s alma mater (De la Salle University and Wharton School), his family and friends attended the special affair. Peter, First Life Financial’s CEO, revealed his less serious side in a dance performance with his wife Elena and their kids, as well as a hilarious video presentation to the delight of the guests. Generous donations from close to a thousand guests went to Caritas Manila, the event’s beneficiary."
Big shout-out for the it-boy
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| Enchong Dee has a quiet birthday dinner at CDP and bumps into friends: Carlo Magdaluyo, Keren Pascual, Korina Sanchez, Margot Torres. |
CONSISTENT, TOP-RATED TELEVISION SHOWS, A multi-million peso hit movies, a string of big endorsements, a handful of upcoming projects that are surely as huge, a legion of die-hard fans and a wonderful family life; just some of the best reasons why today’s it-boy Enchong Dee should be celebrating.
And that’s exactly what happened last November 10 at Mind Museum, hours after his production number in ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show ASAP Natin 'To, when he gathered friends and colleagues for a special moment of annual thanksgiving and celebration for all the wonderful things and opportunities he’s been blessed with throughout the year. The Kapamilya actor’s yearly birthday party proved to be a perfect break from an incredibly hectic schedule, as he turned 31 on November 5, and a relaxing time to hang out with friends who have stood by him as he made his every dream happen.
Some of the personalities with the birthday boy were Jorge Carino and wife Daisy, Vice President Leni Robredo, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano, former Taguig Mayor Freddie and First Lady Kaye Tinga, Ana de Ocampo, Franco Laurel, Carlo Magdaluyo, Anakalusugan Party List Rep. Mike Defensor, Bong Guerrero, chef Noel dela Rama, Karen Davila, Anton San Diego, Bev Llorente, Samantha Lopez, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco, Arnold Vegafria, Perry Lansigan, Mons Romulo, Carol Garcia, Karen Santos, Margie Moran Floirendo, Laurie Westfall, Sharm Hiranand, Marianne Po, Roseanne Belmonte, Agnes Huibonhoa, Jojie Dingcong, Susan Joven, Michelle Tiangco, Melba Solidum, Carol Garcia, Alice Edurado, Mother Lily Monteverde, Roselle Monteverde, Veana Fores, Doris Magsaysay Ho, Margarita Forés, Maricel Soriano, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Jon Herrera and Patti Grandidge, Gian Carlos, Maquie Raquiza, Filbert Kung, Kim Nicholas, Monch Novales, Mo Nuevo, Marivic and Atty. Cesar Pareja, Bro. Armin Luistro, Dinky Soliman, Keren Pascual, Pops Fernandez, Chad Dominic Hernandez, Mikki Gonzalez, Jaru Albert, Nenette Rustia, Ella Zobel de Ayala, Thou Reyes, Charlie Dizon, Jo-Ann Bitagcol, Miah Gomez, Kirby Andres, Korina Sanchez, Margot Torres, Johnny Manahan, Mariole Alberto, Benedicto Sison, Jeff Remigio, Pat-P Daza, Noel Ferrer, Enrico Santos, Joel Mercado, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Joanne Maglipon, Girlie Rodis, Eloisa Matias, Leo Katigbak, Laurenti Dyogi, Shirley Kuan, Law Tan, Dolor Guevarra, Angelica Alita, Bibeth Orteza, Malou Choa-Fagar, Arnel Patawaran, Liza Ilarde and Elbert Cuenca, Millet Mananquil and hubby Robert, son Robby and wife Maxene Magalona, Thelma San Juan and son Luis Carlo, Cory Vidanes, Deo Endrinal, Biboy Arboleda, MTRCB chairwoman Rachel Arenas, Senators Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara and Cynthia Villar, Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, actors and friends Gretchen Barretto with Tonyboy Cojuangco, Cesar Montano, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Gerald Anderson, Arjo Atayde, Ria Atayde, Rayver Cruz, JC de Vera, Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon, Mark McMahon, Xian Lim, Arron Villaflor, Zanjoe Marudo, Janus del Prado, Sam Concepcion, Rodjun Cruz, David Chua, Carlo Gonzales, Mauro Lumba, Philippe Magalona, Joseph Marco, Miko Raval, Inigo Pascual, LA Aguinaldo, Alexa Ilacad, Grae Fernandez, Raphael Robes, Randy See, Tyson Kraft, Sacheen Steinmann, Dimitri Tolenaars, Alison Carlos, Javi Cang, Kim Cruz, Carlos Laurel, Hannah Locsin, Luigi Pumaren, Kat Galang, Paolo Gonzales, Kelsey Merritt and Daniel Velasco. The popular leading gorgeous leading ladies’ actresses Bea Alonzo, Julia Barretto, Iza Calzado, Kim Chiu, Yam Concepcion, Maymay Entrata, Chienna Filomeno, Erich Gonzales, Janine Gutierrez, Julia Montes, Melissa Ricks, Bianca Manalo, Jessy Mendiola, Janella Salvador, Maja Salvador, Daniella Stranner, Kylie Verzosa and Megan Young, comedians Kit-Kat, Pokwang, and Vice Ganda, models Phoemela Baranda and Nicolette Bell, and hair stylists Ton Lao, Liz Uy, and Sidney Yap were also there to make the night even more special.
A prized talent of ABS-CBN Star Magic, Enchong was discovered as a champion swimmer for De La Salle University, where he was a three-time most valuable player in the men’s swimming division and a seven-time swimming gold medalist in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Swimming Championships. He started out appearing in supporting roles in various TV dramas, which eventually led him to become a sought-after endorser for multiple brands. Enchong endorses some of the country’s most reputable brands such as Bench, Bench Body, Timex, Arena Swimwear, Speedo, Adidas, Nike, Jins Eyewear, Coca-Cola, Real Leaf Green Tea, Milo, Powerade, Lucky Me, Jollibee, Convergys, Nike, Bench Skin Expert, GAOC - Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center, Bodyworx Spa and Fitness Club, Technopack and Nutrilite.
It wasn’t until the primetime soap Katorse that he was “accidentally” paired up with Erich Gonzales, Ejay Falcon, and Xian Lim, and they clicked as a love team. A string of bigger projects followed such as Tanging Yaman, a political drama launched before the May 10, 2010 automated elections and Magkaribal, dubbed a “fashion-serye” with Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay, Angel Aquino and Gretchen Barretto, the Philippine adaptation of Mexican telenovela Maria La Del Barrio, Ina, Kapatid, Anak, a “family drama” series starring Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Maja Salvador, Muling Buksan ang Puso, a melodrama series starring Julia Montes and Enrique Gil, A Love to Last, a “romantic family comedy-drama” starring Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, Iza Calzado, Julia Barretto, Ronnie Alonte, JK Labajo and Hannah Lopez Vito and The Blood Sisters, an crime and mystery drama series starring Erich and Ejay themselves.
Let's not forget, that this happening was also Enchong Dee’s birthday. No wonder were giant E’s at the entrance. Over candles and cake, the guests sang Happy Birthday to Enchong Dee. It was truly a fun-filled and delightful evening, especially for our Kapamilya star Enchong Dee.
“To all who attended and helped :) Thank you for making this surprise birthday party a success”, he said.
Cheers!
Saturday, December 19, 2020
2021 budget ready for Duterte signature
Malacañang has received from Congress the P4.5-trillion budget for 2021, which includes allocations for the procurement of medicines and vaccines against COVID-19.
The Office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea yesterday confirmed to reporters that the national budget had been transmitted to the Office of the President (OP).
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the President may sign the budget either on Dec. 23 or 28.
Roque said the OP will review every line and provision in the national budget, and that the President may exercise his line veto powers if necessary.
According to Roque, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado has given assurance that the national budget would be signed before the end of the year. This means that the government will work on a new budget by Jan. 1.
The House of Representatives sent the budget to Malacañang after they finished printing the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco signed the final copy of the GAA last Thursday and will send it to Malacañang after Senate President Vicente Sotto III signs the document.
He stressed that the timely passage of the 2021 budget by Congress would enable Duterte to sign it before Christmas and prevent a reenacted budget like in 2019 that had taken a heavy toll on the economy.
“This 2021 spending plan is the government’s single most powerful tool to fight COVID-19 and help Filipinos and the economy recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic,” the Marinduque congressman explained.
House appropriations committee chair ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap and House secretary general Mark Llandro Mendoza witnessed the signing of the printed copy of the 2021 GAA.
Yap earlier revealed that several institutional amendments were made in the final version of the budget approved by the bicameral conference committee hours before the ratification by both House and Senate last week.
He said the bicam panel, which he co-chaired, has increased to P70 billion the appropriation for purchase, storage, transportation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
In the earlier version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) passed by both House and the Senate, only P8 billion was allocated for purchase of the vaccines under the budget of Department of Health (DOH) for next year, while no appropriation was given for their storage, transportation and distribution.
Apart from this, Yap said the bicam committee also added P2 billion for the procurement of personal protective equipment or PPE, P434.4 million for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, P462 million for the Medical Health Assistance Program and P100 million for the mental health program, all under the DOH.
He further revealed that the bicam panel also approved several other changes in the GAB introduced by the House contingent, including the additional funding of P44.8 billion for the administration’s flagship Build, Build, Build program under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Yap explained that they added infrastructure projects in provinces and towns ravaged by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses last October and November.
He said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also received a budget augmentation of P3.177 billion, a majority of which is for the Office of the Secretary’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program or TUPAD.
Yap said the bicam also increased the budget for Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (LEEP) and the Government Internship Program (GIP) by P5.09 billion, bringing its total to P19 billion.
The TUPAD, LEEP and GIP are government’s social amelioration programs for workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The bicam likewise allotted P1.6 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its alternative family care program, which is designed to provide protective services for individuals, families and communities in difficult circumstances.
185 bills
Meanwhile, Velasco revealed that the House was able to process 185 bills in just three months despite the coronavirus pandemic and the speakership squabble.
“We’re still here, fighting and working. After all that we’ve been through, I could truly say we are a stronger House,” the Speaker stressed in his yearend report delivered to the plenary on the last day of session for this year last Wednesday.
Velasco bared that from the time he assumed office in October, the House already processed 185 bills, including seven that have become laws and 20 more measures to be signed by the President.
He lauded fellow congressmen for remaining steadfast in serving the Filipino people amid the health crisis and consecutive typhoons that hit the country.
Velasco urged his colleagues to still push through and celebrate small triumphs in this season of hope, compassion and charity.
“We can never get tired. Being tired is a small price to pay in a country that has felt the brunt of climate change and yet refuses to bow down. This is a proud country and people. It is our humble privilege to ease the burden of our countrymen,” he said.
The House adjourned session on Dec. 16 and will resume on Jan. 18.
Workers affected by the disruptions caused by the pandemic would continue to receive assistance from DOLE next year as a result of the interventions made by Congress in the P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021, Sen. Sonny Angara said yesterday.
Angara, who chairs the Senate finance committee, said the lawmakers agreed the workers affected by the pandemic should continue to receive some form of assistance from the government in 2021 because many of them are still without jobs.
“Many of our countrymen are still without jobs so augmented the funds of DOLE” for TUPAD and the GIP, the senator said.
For the two programs, he said the budget was nearly doubled from P9.93 billion under the National Expenditure Program to P19.036 billion in the final version of the GAB.
TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.
GIP, on the other hand, aims to provide opportunities and engage young workers to serve the general public in government agencies/entities in projects and programs at the national and local level.
The economy is in the early stages of opening up again after months of little to no activity because of restrictions imposed under community quarantine.
Unemployment hit a peak of 17.6 percent in April before improving to 10 percent in July and to 8.7 percent in October. The October unemployment rate is equivalent to 3.8 million Filipinos without jobs or livelihood.
Also receiving an increase in budget under DOLE is the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), from P391.61 million under the NEP to P491.62 million in the GAB.
The DOLE-AMP is a nationwide safety net program that provides a package of assistance and other forms of interventions as a means of helping individuals/workers and companies, particularly the distressed, in coping with economic and social disruptions. – Paolo Romero
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/12/19/2064849/2021-budget-ready-duterte-signature
Friday, December 18, 2020
Are You Actually A Christian?
Many will say to me on that day, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?" Then I will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:22-23
It was an old historic church and I was a young preacher who was honored to have been invited to speak for the Sunday service. My host was a gray-haired gentleman who had been in that church for more than 60 years so it was only natural that I wanted to extract as much wisdom and personal experience from him as I could muster.
"How many years have you been a Christian?" I asked, and he replied telling me that he had been a member of that church for more than 65 years. He began to tell me about the high days during that period of time, the boards and committees he had served on, and threw in some humor and anecdotes. I was impressed but I didn't get a clear answer to my question, so I rephrased it.
"Was it in this church that you became a believer in Jesus Christ?" "Joined the church at age 12," he said, embarking on another long discourse. By then I was really puzzled. It reminded me of asking questions in a foreign country when the person who answered me didn't understand enough English to get the hang of what I was asking and gave me some strange answers.
"Tell me about how you came to faith in Christ," I asked a third time. With this question, his eyes fell to the ground, and in an instant, I knew he had understood my first question.
He quietly said, "I hate to admit this, but I've never really become a Christian. Joined the church, you know, and served on every board and committee there is but I could never bring myself to admit that I was a sinner and needed to be saved."
What a tragedy! This man knew the language, he knew the songs, he knew the workings of a church but he didn't know Him who told Peter that upon the confession that He was Lord, He would build His church.
Are there many like this? And more pointedly, are you one of them? Jesus spoke words of warning, saying, "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:22-23).
If you don't want to be left behind when Christ returns, you had better learn what you need to do to become God's child. If it isn't joining the church, serving on boards and committees, and being a good person, what is it?
Simply put, three steps are necessary.
Step #1: You must realize that you need to be saved. From what? From your sin which has separated you from God, which has driven a wedge between you and His mercy. Most of us understand this important truth; we just don't know what to do about it. A sense of guilt and shortcoming pervades the thoughts of every honest person.
Step #2: You must believe that Jesus Christ is God's provision for your sin, that He died for you. Paul puts it, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Step #3: Believe that God will honor what Christ did and as you ask His forgiveness, He will forgive you, change your life, and accept you into His family. "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).
What could be a greater tragedy than to go to church for almost all of your life and yet be left behind when Christ returns. Make sure, friend, you are not among those who know a lot about churches but don't know Him who gave birth to the Church.
Resource reading: John 3:1-17
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/are-you-actually-a-christian/
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Can God Really Do Anything?
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Acts 20:24
Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” Some three times, that question is asked in Scripture. But how would you answer it? Today we are faced with a quandary. Either we nod our heads and say, “Yes! God can do anything,” unsure of whether we really believe this, or else we are confronted with empty hands and hearts, wondering why God didn’t step in and reverse some troublesome situations confronting us.
Let’s back up for a moment. A man sitting in prison or at least under house arrest for preaching the Gospel—a man known as Paul, the Apostle—wrote to the Ephesians. The theme of his letter was the church, and those of us who comprise that group made up of every race and culture on Earth. He closes one of his prayers saying, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
For a moment, let’s look at God through the eyes of Paul. He says first that God is able. Here let’s stop for a moment. The verb is able is incomplete. You have to follow it with something. You say, “My company is able to be competitive,” or “That person is able to make good on his word.” It is always followed by something that qualifies the ability of someone or something to perform or do something.
Paul is stressing the all-sufficiency of God Himself. Unlike ourselves, God isn’t limited or restricted by 1) time, 2) space, and 3) human limitations. That’s why He is God and we are finite. We were born at a specific time, but God is without beginning or ending. You are limited by geography and space but God knows no such limits. And certainly there is a limit to what any of us can do. We’re only human, but is God limited?
Moses contended that “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.” Then he asked, “Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). Isaiah said that God knows no limitations as he wrote, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1).
When Paul stressed God’s sufficiency he said it is limited by only two things: what you ask for, and what you envision or imagine, and that leaves out about nothing.
Yes, it’s true that the Bible gives us parameters of what to pray for and how God answers but here He says, “Trust me. See if I will not respond on your behalf. Reach out and ask for a large measure, that your joy may be full.”
Making this intensely personal, why don’t you finish Paul’s statement; “God is able to (and finish the sentence, describing your need). Like what? Like saying, “God is able to bring my wayward son back to Himself,” or “God is able to bring healing and help to our marriage,” or “God is able to provide for all my needs according to His riches in glory.” Remember, you are limited only by what you ask Him, in accordance with His will to do, and what you visualize or imagine.
Friend, the more you know of Scripture, the greater will be your faith, and subsequently the more you will see God’s personal intervention in your own life. May I suggest you find a Bible and go to Ephesians 3:20 and notice that this promise has your name attached to it.
As a paraphrase puts it, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Ephesians 3:20, Message).
Resource reading: Ephesians 3:1-21
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/can-god-really-do-anything/
Curfew sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, muling pinaaga
Ibinalik sa alas-10 ng gabi ang simula ng curfew sa buong lalawigan ng Pampanga simula ngayong Huwebes.
Sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 31-2020 na pinirmahan ni Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda nitong Miyerkoles, muling ipatutupad ang curfew sa lalawigan mula alas-10 ng gabi hanggang alas-3 ng madaling araw.
Pinabulaanan din ni Pineda na magpapatupad ng lockdown sa lalawigan ngayong Pasko, subalit ipatutupad ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay laban sa mga lumalabag sa Ordinance 756, o ang mandatory wearing of facemask, at ngayon pati face shield.
Bawal din ang paglabas at paggala ng mga bata lalo na ang mga nangangarolling at namamasko.
Nasa ilalim ng Modified General Community Quarantine ang buong lalawigan. - ulat ni Gracie Rutao
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/17/20/curfew-sa-lalawigan-ng-pampanga-muling-pinaaga
Food shorts: Biggest Popeyes branch in Southeast Asia opens, Foodpanda reaches 100th city in PH
Check out some of the latest news in the local food scene.
BIGGEST POPEYES BRANCH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA OPENS AT MOA
The biggest Popeyes restaurant in Southeast Asia recently opened at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
The new restaurant boasts of a seating capacity of 200, so customers need not worry about physical distancing when grabbing their Louisiana-inspired treats at the branch.
The inauguration of the new store also marks Popeyes' second branch in the Philippines since the lockdown, after the restaurant at Eton Centris in Quezon City.
CROWNE PLAZA UNVEILS NEW XIN TIAN DI
Executive Chinese chef Peter Yeung and his culinary team are ready to welcome diners as Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s Xin Tian Di has reopened its doors.
Yeung introduces an elevated line of signature dishes that still resembles the restaurant's familiar flavors including Steamed Lobster Dumpling topped with Black Truffle, Deep-Fried Crispy Stuffed Crab Shell with Taro Crust and Seafood, and Hot Prawn Salad.
For guests discerning for a specific cooking style, they may order in advance from the live seafood and cooking selection. The restaurant also has three private dining rooms to choose from.
]More details are also available on Crowne Plaza's social media pages.
DISCOVERY SHORES, CLUB PARADISE OFFER HOLIDAY DEALS
Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan are offering holiday deals for those who are looking to have a getaway before the year ends.
The children will be busy with an array of holiday programs. At Discovery Shores Boracay, their chief joy officers have prepared arts and crafts activities, gingerbread decorating classes, make your-own-pizza activities and a Christmas treasure hunt while at Club Paradise Palawan, kids can enjoy playing traditional Pinoy games by the beach or watching movies under the stars every weekend at 8 p.m. by the poolside, apart from the Christmas treats and trinkets decorating sessions.
For the whole month of December, guests at Club Paradise Palawan have daily access to a Healthy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From 7-10 p.nm., they can either partake on an exquisite wine menu or have a Thai Khan Tok dining experience, showcasing authentic Thai dishes, specially prepared by Thai executive chef Alex Atthasarn.
From December 15 to 30, guests can indulge on Christmas-themed cocktails from 4-7 p.m. while enjoying front row views of the magnificent sunset at the Sand Bar in Discovery Shores Boracay and at the Sunset Deck at Club Paradise Palawan.
A feast is waiting for all members of the family featuring a selection of international dishes and holiday treats at Discovery Shores Boracay, and a nostalgic spread of local favorites at Club Paradise Palawan, on December 24 at 7 p.m.
At 7 p.m. on Christmas Day, they can have a salu-salo with the family featuring Pinoy holiday dishes and festive treats at Discovery Shores Boracay. At Club Paradise Palawan, a sumptuous Italian feast is thoughtfully prepared to match the day’s happy celebration.
For inquiries and reservations, visit the websites of Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan.
FOODPANDA REACHES 100TH CITY IN PH
Foodpanda Philippines has reached its biggest milestone to date with the opening of its 100th location in the country.
The delivery app marked the occasion with a motorcade featuring local riders and the unveiling of its 100th city marker, replete with pink pyro musicals and an official lighting ceremony.
The Philippines now enjoys the distinction of being the first and only Asia Pacific country to have foodpanda available in 100 local markets.
Launched in the country in 2014, Foodpanda is available for free on Android and iOS devices.
JOLLIBEE'S SWEET PIES NOW IN 6-PC BOXES
Jollibee's popular sweet pies now come in six-piece to-go boxes, making it easier to share Buko and Peach Mango Pies with family and friends.
The boxes come in three combinations: 3 pieces each of Peach Mango and Buko Pies, 6 pieces of Peach Mango Pie, or 6 pieces of Buko Pie.
These are now available in all Metro Manila stores for P175 through Jollibee's delivery website, app, and hotline, as well as via GrabFood, Foodpanda, and LalaFood.
The products may also be ordered for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru in Jollibee's Luzon provincial, Visayas, and Mindanao branches starting January 11.
KINDER JOY KICKS OFF CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN
Premium chocolate brand Kinder Joy encourages bonding moments between moms and their kids over Christmas tasks through its latest Christmas campaign.
Actress Camille Prats kicks off the #ChristmasWithKinderJoy campaign on Instagram with her daughter, Nala. The mom-daughter tandem decorated their towering Christmas tree with a parol and Kinder Joy wrapped in limited edition Christmas sleeves.
Former beauty queen Lara Quigaman, who just recently gave birth to her third child, and actress Valerie “Bangs” Garcia also joined the Kinder Joy holiday fun with their children Tobias and Amelia, wrapping Christmas gifts for friends and playmates they have been missing since the beginning of the quarantine.
Kinder Joy is manufactured by Italian chocolatier Ferrero. More details are available on the brand's Facebook page.
MAMA SITA SUPPORTS HEIRLOOM RICE VARIETIES
The Mama Sita Foundation continues to bring Filipino culinary heritage to the fore with its Heirloom Grains Project, which advocates the preservation of upland rice varieties and keep the culture that maintains them sustainable.
It is offering the Heirloom Rice Champorado, which can be purchased in retail outlets online for Metro Manila customers.
More details are available on the Mama Sita website.
MAYA KITCHEN OFFERS CHRISTMAS RECIPES
Maya Kitchen has come up with recipes that will make any Christmas spread any delightful this season.
These include the Marseille Seafood Soup, a light and flavorful French soup that's versatile enough to include the family's preferred seafood; Lechon Belly with Bacon Saffron Rice Stuffing, which combines pork belly lechon, plus some earthy and sweet saffron rice stuffing; and a medley of Mini Bibingka with ube, buko pandan, coffee, or chocolate flavors.
The recipes are available on the Maya Kitchen website.
NUTELLA PARTNERS WITH VIA MARE
Nutella is bringing the all-day breakfast truck back into town and introducing a new pairing -- bibingka and puto bumbong with its hazelnut spread.
The brand has partnered with Via Mare to offer Bibingka con Nutella and its puto bumbong counterpart through the truck, made accessible as pop-up stores go up throughout the metro area.
Its next stop is at Burgos Circle on December 18, followed by Eastwood City on December 19 and 20.
The new products are also available for takeout or delivery via the Via Mare website.
VITASOY INTRODUCES VIRTUAL TOWN
Vitasoy recently launched Vitasoy Milky Town, an online hub where visitors can check out recipe tutorial videos and fun games, and even win prizes in the weekly raffle draws.
They can also engage with Vitasoy Plus Milky online ambassador Danica Sotto-Pingris and other online content creators such as Isha Borromeo, Thea Sy, Team Malunggay, and Haidee and Hazel Quing.
The virtual town is part of promoting Vitasoy Plus Milky, a soy milk drink that is available in supermarkets for P85. It can be also purchased online via Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora.
More details are available at the Vitasoy Milk Town website, with the code milkytime required to enter.
Tolentino bats for redistricting Rizal province, Calaca's cityhood
Senator Francis Tolentino has pushed for two measures concerning the local governments of the provinces of Batangas and Rizal.
During Wednesday's session in the upper chamber, the chair of the Senate committee on local government sponsored House Bill No. 6222, which seeks to reapportion the 2nd legislative district of Rizal into three districts.
To be retained under the 2nd legislative district of Rizal are the following: Cardona, Baras, Tanay, Morong, Jala-Jala, Pililia and Teresa.
The municipality of San Mateo shall be considered as the 3rd district and the municipality of Rodriguez as the 4th district.
Tolentino said this would promote proper representation in the province of Rizal and help local officials better respond to the needs of the residents.
He also sponsored House Bill No. 6598 which seeks to convert the municipality of Calaca, Batangas into a component city.
Prerequisites stated in the Local Government Code have been met by the town, according to Tolentino, as it has a locally generated annual income of P164 million and has 105.49 km2 land area.
Both bills were approved by the House of Representatives in June this year. Senators will have to take the measures up for second and third reading after they resume session on January 18, 2021. —LBG, GMA News
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Here Is The Touch That Heals
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13
Once you have seen the hand of God that reaches out towards His created subjects, you will never forget it. I’m thinking of the tremendous work done by Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel. In that simple depiction is the story of the entire Bible–God reaching out to touch us at the point of our needs. All theology only puts meaning to that truth. All history only demonstrates it. Unlike angry deities who must be satisfied with blood sacrifice–sometimes even the life of your firstborn–the God of the Bible is a loving God who reaches out to touch you at the point of your need, where you hurt.
Long ago Isaiah wrote, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1). Question: When someone reaches out with his hand to touch you, how do you respond? How you answer that question probably reveals a lot about your culture, but more than that about you as a person.
It reveals your security or your insecurity. How so? Well, for a starter, individuals who are paranoid don’t want to touch or be touched. I remember once staying in the home of a pastor whose wife had a phobia of germs. No, she would not shake hands with anyone. So obsessed with the fear of germs and the possibility of catching something, she would wash her hands until they were red and chapped. How different is the reaction of two young people in love whose hands seem to be joined in a perpetual clasp.
Sociologist Sidney Guerron did a study of how people touch each other, and in doing so he traveled the world observing people. He discovered that people meet and converse in public places–coffee shops, tea houses, restaurants and so forth–so he would go somewhere and stay for the entire day, just watching, counting the number of times people would touch each other. In Latin America, he saw a lot of touching. He concluded that some 180 times a day, there was some kind of meaningful contact with other people. In France, not so much–110 times a day there was physical contact, but when he went to England, he saw almost no display of public contact. In Japan, people bowed but unless there was western influence, there were few, if any, contacts.
A Harvard study said that people who grow up in homes where there is warm physical contact are 71% less likely to suffer health problems such as ulcers and heart disease. How is that for scientific proof that certifies the obvious?
Going back to Michelangelo’s image of God’s hand reaching for you, it’s comforting to know that it was He who initiated the search, sending His Son to touch our lives, to bring us back into harmony with His plan and purpose. Time today doesn’t allow my doing this, but a study of those whom Jesus touched reveals He broke with social tradition and freely touched the untouchables–the lepers, the fallen of life, those who were rejects of society; and there was no thought of being defiled by reaching out and touching someone.
There is healing in a touch, so says author and physician Dr. Karl Menninger, and the more estranged and paranoid we are, the more we pull away from each other and from God as well.
Let God touch your life, and with His touch will come emotional and spiritual healing, and the freedom which lets you reach out and touch someone else. “Reach out and touch someone” was the advertising slogan of a phone company–not a bad idea in a world of paranoia and unrest. That’s what you do when God first touches you. It’s still true.
Resource reading: Luke 18:1-43
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/here-is-the-touch-that-heals/