Saving someone’s life involves seeing the signs and triggers according to MakatiMed

The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

 

The loss of the will to live, withdrawing from family and friends, a lack of interest even in activities and things that once sparked joy, and sleeping too much or too little are the classic symptoms of a person who may be courting suicidal thoughts. And yet, as beloved celebrities like chef Anthony Bourdain, comedian Robin Williams, and others who have taken their own lives have shown us, a happy and successful exterior can mask struggles with hopelessness and despair.

While suicide rates in the Philippines are lower than global statistics (an estimate 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, according to the Department of Health), they remain a serious cause for concern. Thirty percent of suicide cases are by individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and whether they push through with it or not, 1 in 5 youths have seriously thought of ending their lives.

What would drive someone to resort to such an irreversible and permanent act? “Mental illness or personality disorder affect a person’s ability to make sound judgement,” says Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, MD, FPPA, FPCPsych, a psychiatrist and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center (MARRC), Institute of Neuroscience, from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“But so can a traumatic life event like a bad breakup, death in the family, physical or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career. A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely. Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives.”

“In other words, certain triggers or stressors compel people to take action and free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.”

The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

“Of course, this is not always easy, as a person thinking of committing suicide can pretend that all is well so as not to arouse suspicion,” explains Dr. Bernardo. “Some even appear suddenly calm and happy after experiencing severe depression. This could mean that they are resolved with their decision to end their life.”

Looking out for a friend or family member with suicidal thoughts is a huge responsibility. Still, if you can prevent them from pushing through with it, you could actually save a life—and that is no mean feat.

Dr. Bernardo cites common triggers and warning signs:

Specific dates and occasions.

Everybody gets a case of the birthday blues: Maybe the special day reminds us that we are getting older or have no one significant to celebrate it with. “Birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals,” reveals Dr. Bernardo. “In fact, an international team of researchers discovered that Monday has the highest risk of suicide mortality, as does New Year’s Day. Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make

Reckless behavior.

Does your friend or family member drink too much, drive too fast, not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication? “A lack of regard for their safety, health, and well-being can mean they no longer value their life,” shares Dr. Bernardo. “Offer to accompany them to their appointments or drive them home when they are under the influence.”

Seeing people.

While suicidals tend to withdraw from the world, others will go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives. Perhaps they will forgive someone—or ask someone for their forgiveness. “It is likely a form of closure before they end things,” says Dr. Bernardo. Giving away prized possessions is another sign of “saying goodbye” by offering something to remember them by. “Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now. It’s a subtle way of saying you will give it back when things get better.”

Talking about suicide is never easy, both for the person contemplating it and the one who speculates a loved one is strongly considering taking their life.

“But it has to be done,” says Dr. Bernardo. “Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen—not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings. Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.”

For the emotionally vulnerable, knowing that someone genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole can be enough reason to live. “Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,” says Dr. Bernardo.

Most importantly, evaluate if a suicidal friend or family member is in immediate danger. Those at the highest risk already have a specific suicide plan, the means to carry out the plan, the time set, and an intention.

“If an attempt is imminent, make sure they don’t have access to lethal objects that they can use to harm themselves like drugs, guns, or knives. And never ever leave a suicidal person alone,” stresses Dr. Bernardo. “The best that you can do is to call emergency services or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

4 Pro Tips for You to Avoid Most Travelers' Mistake

 

Even the most seasoned travelers can forget a thing or two when they travel abroad. On a trip that’s supposed to be fun and full of adventure, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is problems that could have been avoided with better preparation and planning. So, here are four things travelers tend to forget, along with pro tips from some travel experts to help avoid these common travel blunders.

Forgetting about the home

Travel plans begin at home, literally. It’s easy to focus on packing and planning an itinerary and forget to make sure everything is taken care of at home before leaving. The last thing any person wants is to come back from a relaxing trip to a major cleanup job, or worse, discover that their home wasn’t properly secured while they were away.

Many homeowners keep an eye on things through CCTV, while others ask a close relative to drop by every now and then. It’s also important to unplug all electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running. It may seem obvious, but taking care of these things before leaving can give travelers one less thing to worry about while they're on vacation.

Overlooking important travel documents

There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing an important document was either left unfinished or not brought at all. To avoid these moments, it’s important to have a checklist of everything that needs to be completed – such as the eTravel pass – ahead of time. These are easy to put off at the last minute, but doing so often leaves travelers scrambling once at the airport.

Another pro tip is to keep photocopies of a valid ID, your passport, the destination’s visa (if needed), and hotel bookings stored in both your hand carries and check-in luggage. If you lose your luggage, have it swapped, or your passport goes missing, you’ll have proof they’re yours.

Not getting travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off because travelers are hoping they won’t actually need it. But when something unexpected happens on a trip, having coverage can make a big difference.

Maki Santos - Bangkok

For content creator Maki Santos, travel insurance is among her non-negotiables before heading out on her travels. “Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she shares.

Maki - BKK

According to her, travelers tend to assume that getting insurance means dealing with a complicated process or having to spend a lot of money on an already expensive trip. But what they don’t realize is that there are many accessible options that make it easier to get covered these days.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at only PHP 299, with protection covering medical emergencies, flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage, personal accidents, based on their chosen coverage plan. Policies can cover up to PHP 2.5 million, and travelers can avail of coverage for themselves or family members in as fast as 5 minutes, even at the airport, up to 2 hours before their flight.

Not mixing it up with payment options

The way people pay in different countries can be very different. Some destinations are almost completely cashless, while others still rely heavily on cash especially for transportation and night markets. It’s this extra step of research that travel creator Marvin Samaco makes sure to never miss.

Marvin Samaco - HongKong

According to him, “Some destinations especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash- heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there. Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards. Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential. That's why I always research the payment culture of a destination before I travel. I usually end up using a mix of cash, cards, and digital wallets depending on where I am.”

Marvin - HK

GCash allows travelers to manage different payments through a single e-wallet, get access to 0% forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app to make sure they stay within their budgets.

For everyday expenses like dining at restaurants or at the convenience store, users can Scan to Pay via Alipay+ for safe and seamless transactions. For instant, on-the-go payments, especially in high-volume areas or pasalubong shops, users can also Tap to Pay with their NFC-enabled Android phone, so they don’t need to pull out their wallets in the crowd.

Scan to Pay

Meanwhile, the GCash Card offers 0% Forex fees that one can enjoy on shopping purchases abroad. It can also be used to withdraw cash 24/7 from ATMs worldwide.

Tap to Pay

The ultimate travel pro tip: Be ready for the unexpected

The goal isn’t to plan for everything that could go wrong, but to be ready when the unexpected happens. With GCash as a travel partner, travelers can stay ready for any payment moment, wherever their travels take them.

Celebrating National Artist Larry Alcala’s 100th birth anniversary with free exhibit and cartooning workshops

 

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) marks the 100th birthday of National Artist Lauro “Larry” Alcala with a month-long exhibit, titled “Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination,” opening to the public on August 19, 2026, at Gallery 2 of the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City. 

Co-organized with the Larry Alcala Estate, the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), the CCP, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Lennon Group, the exhibit features reproductions of his Slice of Life comic illustrations, original works, memorabilia, and works by members of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas.

Curated by Dr. Jose Santos “Chong” Ardivilla, the exhibit elaborates on how National Artist Alcala’s drawings captured familiar moments in Filipino life and transformed them into humorous stories that people could see themselves in. Showcasing the late cartoonist’s timeless creativity, the exhibit provides an opportunity to share his socio-political observations with the new generation of Filipino artists, comic readers, and enthusiasts.

Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination invites the audience to delve into the same spirit of imagination and poignant appreciation for the mundane that ignited Alcala’s legacy. Known as Mang Larry, the National Artist became a household name in Philippine cartooning by documenting people, their habits, and the experiences that surrounded him.

Among his notable works were the comic strips Kalabog en Bosyo, Siopawman, and Mang Ambo, as well as the weekly cartoon series Slice of Life.

These works helped establish Alcala’s legacy in Philippine popular culture, with Kalabog en Bosyo later earning the title of the longest-running comic strip made by a Filipino.

Mang Larry’s contribution to the arts extended into education and visual communication. As a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring young artists, introducing the country's first college degree course in commercial design.

Through teaching, mentoring, and his own practice, Alcala encouraged younger artists to explore cartooning as both a profession and a way of communicating ideas. He was recognized as the “Dean of Filipino Cartoonists.”

Reintroducing Mang Larry to the new generation of Filipinos

National Artist Larry Alcala - Centennial Celebration Workshop Schedules

The exhibit also honors Mang Larry’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge through a series of workshops. In partnership with the University of the Philippines’ Department of Visual Communication and Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, there will be five (5) workshops on cartooning happening from August to November 2026.

Open to children aged 8 to 10 years old, illustrators Ardie Aquino, Giodesk Guiao, and Celso Quijano Jr. will expound on character design, comic strips, and basic cartooning on August 29.

Comic artists Boboy Yonzon, Barry Jose, and Mike Yonzon will discuss the complexity of expressing thoughts through cartoons on September 5. Both workshops are slated at Gallery 3 of the Metropolitan Theater.

Meanwhile, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez, comic artist Crown Dolot elaborates on the essence of life and form on September 22, while illustrator Sebastian Cacho explains cardboard characters on October 17, and artist Melvin Calingo spotlights moving images on November 21.

For the Larry Alcala Workshop Series at CCP, interested individuals can sign up at https://bit.ly/RTTP-Workshops. All workshops are free of charge. Materials will also be provided to the participants. Registration for the Larry Alcala Workshop Series at the Met will be available on the official NCCA Facebook page.

Through the collaborative efforts of the CCP, NCCA, FHFI, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Larry Alcala Family, UP Fine Arts, Lennon Group, Worldwide Womb, Tony &, Hala! Media,the partners present Alcala’s centennial celebration this year, which commemorates his depiction of Filipinos’ collective experience.

For more information, follow the official social media pages of the CCP, NCCA, Official Larry Alcala, and Lennon Group. To keep up with the CCP’s exhibits, workshops, lectures, and events, check its official website.

Repertory Philippines Brings Magic to the Stage with Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper

 

Repertory Philippines (REP) is bringing a fresh spark of magic to Metro Manila with its latest family-friendly production, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper. Running from August 22 to December 13 at the REP Eastwood Theater, this year’s Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) offering delivers an enchanting story of kindness, courage, and resilience. Co-directed by theater icons Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the vibrant stage musical transforms the beloved fairytale into a fast-paced, heart-warming theatrical experience that will delight children and theater lovers of all ages.

Written and composed by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman—the creative minds behind REP’s past hits Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Prince—this brand-new adaptation is tailored specifically to keep young minds fully engaged. The fast-moving show centers around eight core characters, combining quick scene changes with lively original music. Alongside familiar favorites like the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, and the notorious Stepmother and Stepsisters, audiences will fall in love with Putterman, a mischievous, scene-stealing rat who adds plenty of humor and heart as he helps Cinderella navigate her journey to the royal ball.

To bring this magical world to life, REP has assembled a stellar cast of seasoned theater veterans and bright emerging talents. Taking turns in the iconic title role of Cinderella are actress-singer Katie Bradshaw, Swiss-Filipina performer Ornella Brianna, and Star Magic trainee Julia Santiago. The charming Prince will be brought to life by Khalil Tambio and Starstruck's Radson Flores, with Lance Soliman as cover. Meanwhile, the hilarious character of Putterman is shared by Stephen Viñas and Jay Pangilinan, with Steven Hotchkiss serving as cover.

The supporting ensemble features an incredible lineup of local talent, including Barredo and Mayen Cadd as the Fairy Godmother; Pinky Marquez and Ring Antonio as the Stepmother; Hans Eckstein, Steven Hotchkiss, and Hades Kitane as Frederick; Arielle Magno and Barbara Jance as Stepsister 1; and Sebastian Katigbak and Paul Atienza as Stepsister 2, with Jay Barrameda covering both stepsister roles. A dynamic ensemble and royal entourage—supported by swings Monica Tulio and Deo dela Cruz—round out the cast to create an immersive, full-scale stage spectacle.

Behind the curtain, a top-tier creative team ensures that every moment at the REP Eastwood Theater feels truly spellbinding. The production showcases choreography by Stephen Viñas, musical direction by Phoebe Bitoon, technical direction and lighting by John Batalla, and whimsical costume design by Raven Ong. Lawyn Cruz leads set design, Kayla Teodoro brings custom puppets to life, and Jana Jimenez crafts immersive video projections, all under the production management of Ayam Eckstein and stage management of Jojo Amboy.

Director Joy Virata emphasizes that whether this is a child’s very first trip to the theater or a holiday family tradition, the show serves as an inspiring reminder to hold onto big dreams and practice compassion. Tickets for this limited engagement are selling quickly, so perform your own magic act before the clock strikes midnight. Secure your seats for Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper live at the REP Eastwood Theater before the final curtain falls on December 13.

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Fairytale

Fast-paced scenes, high-energy storytelling, and eight core characters keep younger audiences captivated while weaving in meaningful lessons about empathy and resilience. Alongside classic favorites like the Fairy Godmother, the Prince, and the Wicked Stepmother, the show introduces Putterman, a mischievous rat who adds a dose of side-splitting humor and heart to Cinderella’s quest.

Pinky Marquez as the stepmother with the stepsisters

Repertory Philippines has once again proven its unmatched flair for creating magical, heart-warming family theater with its latest production of Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper. Co-directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the staging strikes a delightful balance between timeless fairy-tale charm and fresh, engaging theatrical energy. Barredo, who also pulled double duty by stepping into the glowing shoes of the Fairy Godmother during opening night, expertly sets the tone alongside Virata, guiding a production that is as visually enchanting as it is emotionally grounded.

Cara Barredo as the fairy godmother and Stephen Vina as Putterman

Barredo brings an irresistible charm to the role, balancing magic with a witty, slightly cheeky demeanor. Her comedic timing truly shines during her interactions with Putterman. The hilarious banter and kinetic energy between the Fairy Godmother and Putterman provide non-stop entertainment, keeping the theater echoing with laughter.

Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella

The show’s comedy delivers just as brilliantly as its heart, driven by effortless comedic timing and sharp stage chemistry. Cara Barredo’s Fairy Godmother brings a delightfully playful, motherly charm to the stage, and her hilarious interactions with Putterman prove to be absolute crowd-pleasers. Adding to the comedic spectacle are the delightfully unbearable stepsisters, whose exaggerated antics, ridiculous arguments, and scene-stealing physical comedy make them absolute joys to watch. Equal commendation goes to veteran performer Pinky Marquez, who portrays the Stepmother with masterclass flair—blending wicked elegance with comedic pomposity, making her a formidable yet thoroughly entertaining antagonist.

Radson Flores as The Prince

Anchoring the entire production are the mesmerizing lead performances of Katie Bradshaw as Cinderella and Radson Flores as the Prince. Bradshaw brings a radiant warmth, vulnerability, and soaring vocal strength to Cinderella, crafting a heroine who is both deeply relatable and inspiring. Beside her, Radson Flores shines as a captivating Prince, bringing effortless charisma, nobility, and an authentic sweetness to the role. Their magnetic chemistry makes the classic romance feel genuinely earnest and fresh. Under Virata and Barredo’s skillful direction, this talented ensemble brings Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper to life as an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud, and soul-stirring triumph for Repertory Philippines.

A sight to behold

The reveal of the ball gown is less a simple costume change and more a synchronized theatrical miracle. As the Fairy Godmother weaves her spell, the combination of clever stagecraft, lighting cues, and seamless practical effects makes the ragged dress dissolve into a breathtaking, shimmering creation right before your eyes. The transition happens with such speed and elegance that you can hear a collective gasp ripple through the auditorium—from wide-eyed children and nostalgic adults alike.

Katie Bradshaw and Radison Flores as Cinderella and the Prince

What makes REP’s execution stand out is how the costume design works in tandem with the performer’s movement. The moment Cinderella spins into her new attire, the golden dress catches the stage lights, turning a simple gown into a central character of its own. It isn't just about showing off fancy fabric; it visually translates her internal metamorphosis—from forgotten, mistreated maiden to a young woman ready to step into her own light.

It is practical stage magic at its finest, reminding us why live theater still holds a spell that CGI on a screen can never quite match.

Interactive Audience Magic 

One of the production’s absolute highlights is its clever break from the traditional fourth wall. During the frantic kingdom-wide search for the mystery maiden, the actors step off the stage and directly into the audience. The crowd lights up as the royal court actually tries the famous glass slipper on eager audience members. This immersive moment transforms passive viewers into active participants in the fairytale, making children squeal with excitement and adults chuckle as they try their luck at fitting into the slipper.

At its core, this adaptation shines bright by weaving a meaningful, modern message into its classic narrative. Rather than relying solely on magical transformations and true love’s kiss, REP's production takes special care to impart lessons of kindness, self-worth, resilience, and looking beyond surface appearances. It encourages the audience, particularly young theatergoers, to realize that true beauty and magic come from within. The show elevates this thematic connection through its brilliant audience participation, most notably during the iconic search for the glass slipper. As characters swept into the crowd to let audience members "try on" the slipper, the theater erupted in sheer delight, breaking the fourth wall and turning the theater into an active, joyful part of the kingdom.

Don't wait until the clock strikes midnight! Secure your seats early to experience one of the top family theater events of the year. Tickets are available through official Repertory Philippines ticketing channels and partner outlets.

Grab the chance to witness REP’s Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper from August 22 to December 13 at the REP Eastwood Theater.

Tickets are now available at TicketWorld and the REP Box Office at the 4/F Eastwood Mall, open on Wednesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-9054013 or 0962-6918540, or send them an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Longtime fans, old souls savor the magic of Bread at Smart Araneta Coliseum

 

Bread's recent stop at Smart Araneta Coliseum gave fans a reason to celebrate the kind of music that never really leaves. Held last August 12, Toast: The Best of Bread drew a strong crowd to the Big Dome, where longtime listeners and younger fans sang along to familiar favorites such as Make It With You and Everything I Own.

For some, the evening brought back memories tied to songs they had loved for decades. For others, it was a chance to hear live the music they first encountered through their parents, family playlists, or karaoke nights. What connected everyone was the ease with which the songs still filled the room, sounding as familiar as ever while finding a place with a new generation. That feeling of continuity made Smart Araneta Coliseum an especially fitting setting for the night.

Bread helped define the soft-rock sound of the 1970s with songs that paired memorable melodies with straightforward, heartfelt writing. Decades later, tracks such as If, Baby I'm-a Want You, and Lost Without Your Love continue to hold a familiar place in Filipino listening habits.

They remain part of classic-hits playlists, family gatherings, long drives, and karaoke sessions, where their appeal often crosses age groups with little effort. Their staying power comes from emotions that remain easy to understand, whether a listener first heard the songs in the 1970s or discovered them only recently.

Filipinos have long embraced music that becomes woven into everyday life, and Bread's catalog has comfortably occupied that space for generations. Over time, the songs have gathered new memories around them without losing the sentiment that made them beloved in the first place.

Smart Araneta Coliseum carries a similar sense of familiarity. For decades, the Big Dome has welcomed generations of Filipinos for landmark concerts, sporting events, and cultural moments that often, become part of their own personal histories.

Some guests at Toast: The Best of Bread may have returned to a venue where they had watched favorite performers years earlier, while younger companions were creating memories of their own in the same space. The setting may have changed with the times, but the feeling of gathering for something special has remained part of the Big Dome's identity.

The same can be said for Araneta City. New dining spots, entertainment destinations, and developments continued to shape the City of Firsts, while its familiar role as a place where people meet celebrate, and spend time together has stayed constant.

"There's a timeless quality to Bread’s music that matches the energy of Araneta City perfectly," said Irene L. Jose, COO of Uniprom, the entertainment arm of the Araneta Group. "Toast: The Best of Bread just brought it all together, showing exactly why those melodies still connect and why the Big Dome holds such a special place in our lives."

For oldies and old souls alike, Smart Araneta Coliseum and Araneta City continue to offer the kind of magic that never needed to make a comeback. And with a fresh lineup of shows and events constantly around the corner, that timeless vibe isn't going anywhere anytime soon!

Whether you're looking for live concerts, massive sports events, or just a great weekend vibe, there’s always something exciting happening in the City of Firsts. Visit www.aranetacity.com and follow Araneta City on social media for the latest updates and event announcements.