Yes — but not in words. Your cells do not understand English or Filipino. They do, however, understand chemistry, the language of the body. You see, your brain translates every thought you have, every emotion you feel, into a chemical message. For example: Stress becomes cortisol and adrenaline. Love and safety become oxytocin and serotonin. Gratitude and calm become dopamine and endorphins. How cells talk  The human body has an estimated 37.2 trillion cells that swim in chemical messages 24/7. Neuroscientist Candace Pert, considered the mother of psychoneuroimmunology, presents the idea that emotions are chemical molecules linking mind and body. She authored the book “Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel the Way You Feel” and showed how immune cells have receptors for neuropeptides — the same molecules your brain makes when you are anxious, happy or afraid.  In other words, your immune system eavesdrops on your emotional state. They are one network speaking the same language. So, when you are hopeful, kind to yourself, and feel secure, they receive this message: “It’s safe to repair.” As a result, your digestion improves, immunity strengthens, and wounds heal faster. But when you are stuck in fear, self-criticism, or constantly rushing and trying to catch your breath, your cells get the message: “Danger.” They respond by getting inflamed, conserving energy and sleeping poorly.  This is not magic. It is the science of how thoughts, nerves and immunity interact. Talking to your cells will not cure disease by itself. And it is never a substitute for medical care. But how you talk to yourself changes the chemical environment in which healing happens.  How to talk to your cells  Did you know self-compassion can lower inflammatory markers? When you speak, be specific and kind. Your cells respond better to kind words rather than harsh criticism. Instead of saying “I hate my stomach,” try this: Put a hand on your tummy and say, “Thank you for digesting my food so well. So let’s relax now.”  Visualize the images of real bio­logy. Not light beams. Imagine real physiology: blood flowing easily, heart beating rhythmically, shoulders softening up, gut calming, immune cells moving efficiently. The brain uses similar pathways this way: imagination and action.  Therefore, match your words with the outcome. Your cells listen more to what you do than what you say. Sleep, hydration, sunlight, exercise, laughter and human connection. Ultimately, it’s not whether your cells are listening. They are. The question is: what are you telling them today and every day of your life?  *** Affirmation: “ I speak life over myself.”  Love and light.

Promoting an active lifestyle through sports and community engagement, health supplement brand Healthmate held its “Let’s Play Pickle!” pickleball tournament on Oct. 24 at Dink & Shot in Marikina City, carrying the theme “A Celebration of Wins & Wellness.” The event highlighted the growing appeal of pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Known for its accessible gameplay, the sport offers beginners and experienced players alike a chance to enjoy friendly competition while building coordination, agility and strategic thinking. Through the tournament, Healthmate emphasized the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines, highlighting that wellness goes beyond responding to illness and includes taking proactive steps to maintain overall well-being. “For us, wellness is not just about taking care of our health when we get sick. It is also about staying active, making time for sports and connecting with the community. Through pickleball, we want to show that taking care of ourselves can also be fun and meaningful,” said Dr. Alvin John Francisco, a Filipino physician and medical content creator known as Doc. Alvin. The tournament brought the concept of wellness into a recreational setting, demonstrating how sports can encourage physical activity, social interaction and community engagement. Beyond competition, activities such as pickleball give participants opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts, build friendships and enjoy a shared interest in an active lifestyle. Regular physical activity is associated with several health benefits, including improved sleep quality, better mood and a reduced risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. These benefits underscore the importance of finding enjoyable, sustainable ways to stay physically active. Dink & Shot, a Marikina event venue, provides a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts, supporting the sport’s growing local community through its court facilities and opportunities to play. With “A Celebration of Wins & Wellness” as its guiding theme, “Let’s Play Pickle!” emphasized that success in sports goes beyond match results. Participation, personal improvement, sportsmanship and meaningful connections are also valuable parts of the experience. Through initiatives that combine recreation and wellness, Healthmate aims to encourage healthier routines and stronger community ties by making physical activity more enjoyable and accessible. As interest in pickleball continues to grow, events such as this provide opportunities to introduce more people to the sport and encourage them to explore physical activities suited to their interests and abilities.

GMA Pictures' documentary "58th" was screened in New York.

Lonely Planet describes Đà Nẵng as a city blessed with mountains, long stretches of beach, fresh seafood, and an unhurried pace of life. Access to three World Heritage Sites is another advantage, giving visitors further reasons to stay longer and extend their journey.

Beauty Gonzalez shared her thoughts on age gaps in relationships, saying age has never been a major factor for her when choosing a partner.

Think you can steer a drone using nothing more than your own concentrated thoughts? It may sound like science fiction, but mind-controlled drone-flying is one of the free activities the public can take part in at the upcoming Being Human Festival in Hong Kong. Running from November 5 to 15, the festival is the first Hong Kong edition of the UK’s national festival of the humanities, which was founded in 2014. Organised by the University of Hong Kong (HKU)’s Faculty of Arts under the theme...

Cup of Joe's Symphony concert is getting more star-studded!

Enzo Pineda and Michelle Vito are engaged!

Can a global kung fu superstar famous for death-defying stunts and slapstick humour direct a grand Italian opera? When it was announced that Jackie Chan would direct Turandot for this centenary Sino-Italian production of Giacomo Puccini’s final masterpiece, many in the classical music world were understandably sceptical. Yet, Chan’s first opera production proves that his cinematic flair is a remarkably natural fit for the beloved masterpiece set in ancient China. Premiering in Guangzhou in May...

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has the highest number of companies recognized in Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in Southeast Asia 2026, with 54 Philippine-certified organizations making the annual list.  Released Tuesday by Fortune and Great Place To Work, the ranking recognizes companies that have demonstrated strong workplace cultures, based on confidential employee survey responses and assessments of workplace practices.  The 2026 list drew feedback from 1,322,537 employees across 10 Southeast Asian countries, with Philippine companies accounting for more than half of the 100 organizations recognized.  Leading the Philippine entries is Golden Arches Development Corp., the operator of McDonald’s Philippines, which debuted at No. 7, making it the highest-ranked new entrant. Balibago Waterworks System followed at No. 19, while Megaworld Corp. placed No. 22, moving up significantly from its No. 90 ranking last year.  Other Philippine-headquartered companies recognized include Arcanys at No. 34, D&V Philippines at No. 56, Outsourced Quality Assured Services at No. 66, Universal Robina Corp. at No. 82, GoTeam at No. 83 and Altius Inspiro at No. 96.  The ranking also features international companies operating in the region, including Cisco at No. 4, Synchrony at No. 41 and Atlassian at No. 100.  Charles Plumley, general manager of Great Place To Work Philippines, said the results reflect how companies that invest in their employees can build stronger workplace cultures and improve business performance.  “Global companies have long come to the Philippines for its people, but this year’s Fortune list illustrates what happens when employers invest in building high-performance workplace cultures,” Plumley said.  He noted that 27 companies on the list earned certification exclusively in the Philippines, underscoring the contribution of local teams to the recognition.  “Golden Arches’ debut at No. 7 brings that story to the frontline, where scaling a strong culture across restaurant teams is critical to delivering a consistent customer experience and business results,” he added. “Building great workplaces helps businesses compete on quality and productivity while creating more rewarding careers for Filipinos.”  The recognition highlights companies with different business backgrounds and histories. Golden Arches opened the Philippines' first McDonald's restaurant on Morayta Street in Manila in 1981 and now operates around 800 restaurants nationwide.  Balibago Waterworks, meanwhile, traces its beginnings to 1958 as a local water provider in Angeles City, Pampanga. It has since expanded to more than 90 municipal franchises across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.  Megaworld, the developer behind major townships such as Eastwood City, Uptown Bonifacio and McKinley Hill, recorded one of the biggest improvements among Philippine companies, climbing 68 places from its previous ranking.  Now in its second year, the Southeast Asia edition builds on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For ranking, which has relied on Great Place To Work’s workplace research in the United States since 1998.  The complete 2026 ranking is available at greatplacetowork.com.ph/best-workplaces/sea/fortune.

The series of commemorative activities aim to raise public awareness of the responsibility to preserve and promote heritage values, while renewing heritage education programmes, exhibitions and workshops.

From a humble sari-sari store and eatery serving just four customers a day, Mila's Tokwa't Baboy has grown into a celebrated Pampanga culinary destination, earning a spot in the 2027 Michelin Selected list.

The three-day artistic performance will also contribute to enhancing the Hội An Cinema as a venue for artistic performances, cultural exchange and creative expression.

SB19 joined Japanese television show "DayDay" in a charity initiative supporting children in the Philippines, sending special video messages and gifts to 100 students.

Even by the high standards of contemporary Korean cinema and television, anticipation was palpable when Possible Love premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September. The film marked the first release in eight years from Lee Chang-dong – the novelist, former politician and filmmaker whose previous work, the 2018 mystery drama Burning, was one of that year’s most critically acclaimed. Given that his preceding film, 2010’s Poetry, arrived another eight years prior, new Lee...

Manam’s largest shop to date and Theo & Philo’s first store look to reshape Filipinos’ in-store experience

The Italian Film Festival in HCM City presents six remarkable Italian films that offer unique perspectives on the many facets of everyday life and society in Italy.

There are plenty of reasons to wear waterproof mascara, and none should end with you checking the mirror for panda eyes

Former Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidate Matea Mahal Smith has been crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026.

In “LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines,” 10 comics use every wisecrack and trick up their sleeves to make each other laugh—all while keeping a straight face. At stake? P1 million

The new wave of Filipino F&B is happening right under our noses. Are we building better, or just newer?

Abdul El-Sayed is everything Americans have been brainwashed to fear: a highly educated, articulate, competent, and charismatic brown Muslim son of immigrant Egyptian parents

For those seeking a taste of Vietnamese culture, ‘My Village’ offers bamboo acrobatics, aerial stunts and live music featuring more than 30 traditional instruments. After captivating audiences in 50 cities worldwide, from France and Germany to Australia, now it’s Hanoi’s turn, with regular performances at 42 Tràng Tiền Street from November 3.

Recent high-profile concerts, including BIGBANG, Anh trai vượt ngàn chông gai (Call Me by Fire) and Tinh Hà Say Hi, have attracted between 90,000 and 100,000 spectators over two nights.

“The Remarried Empress,” starring Shin Mina, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Seyoung, will premiere on Disney+ and Hulu on Tuesday, a day earlier than originally scheduled.

Nora Lum is a hapless, clueless kitchen klutz who cannot tell one end of a wok from the other. And with that as her default position as she embarks on an Asian, primarily Chinese, culinary exploration of the United States, with the aim of mastering stove, saucepan and skillet, her prospects look decidedly dim. At the outset of Awkwafina: The Unlikely Cook on Apple TV, Lum confesses that she cannot even “steam an egg”; yet she is an expert at incinerating trays of spare ribs; at turning any sort...

Kiray Celis and her husband, Stephan Estopia, are gearing up to welcome their first child together.

The opening of Hong Kong’s first predominantly Chinese medicine-led hospital last December is a milestone for the city’s healthcare system. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK), in addition to providing pure Chinese medicine services, represents the first time patients are able to receive treatment plans led by that system of healing – while also factoring in expertise from Western medical perspectives where appropriate. By leveraging Hong Kong’s role as an international gateway to...

More than a sweet treat, bánh ít lá gai carries a distinctive flavour, deeply intertwined with the local people's lives, and is an indispensable gift for tourists visiting Gia Lai Province.

Olivia Rodrigo is set to release her first-ever Christmas song, titled “Take Me Home (4 Christmas).”