Demand High for Non-Catholic Weddings

How do you know when the Catholic Church is slowly collapsing? One indicator would be when the traditionally Catholic Ireland allows an atheist group to perform weddings this year for the first time in history. Another indicator is when the few people who performed those non-Catholic rites are overwhelmed by hundreds of couples seeking their services.

According to a report by Tom Heneghan of Reuters, demand for the Humanist Association of Ireland's secular weddings has surged as the moral authority of the once almighty Catholic Church declined in recent decades amid sex abuse scandals and Irish society's rapid secularization.

Anti-Stalking Bill Up in Phil. Congress

It’s about time that the Philippines recognize the harm that stalking can inflict and impose higher penalties for stalkers.

This was the main argument why a bill that declares stalking as a criminal offense and authored by Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Evelina Escudero was submitted to the House of Representatives recently.

The Connection Between Semen and Pesticide

Higher levels of pesticide residue in fruit and vegetables are associated with lower quality of semen, according to a study published very recently.

Its authors said the research was only an early step in what should be a much wider investigation. And their first recommendation, they urged men not to stop eating fruit and veg, and pointed to organically-grown food, or food that is low in pesticides, as options for lowering any apparent risk.

U.S. Presidentiables Supports Traditional Unions

According to a report by Ali Elkin of Bloomberg, more and more U.S. Presidential candidates are distancing themselves from the issue of same-sex marriage (SSM) for good reason. During the last election, liberal candidates were badly thrashed by their conservative opponents because the voters do not support SSM.

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio says he does not believe sexual orientation is a choice for the "enormous majority of people."

4Ps Beneficiary Delivered Inspiring Message

After he topped his Grade 9 class at Bal-ason National High School, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, 15-year old Jachor McCollins Calvo Opaon, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary, cited the big role of the program in his academic success. He also urged his fellow grantees to study hard and not waste the opportunity given by the government, the Department of Social Welfare Department (DSWD) said.

"What we are enjoying now is a gift that must be used properly. Once we waste this gift, there is no way to bring the past back. It is sad to look back on the opportunities wasted and linger on the what-ifs," Jachor emphasized in his message for his fellow beneficiaries during the school recognition ceremony.