Category: Philippine Star

In the Philippines, the holiday season begins long before December. As soon as the ber months roll in, homes light up, playlists turn festive, and families prepare for the most anticipated celebration of the year. In the provinces, the holiday spirit carries a special kind of comfort, quiet nights under wide-open skies, gatherings that brim with laughter, warmth and traditions passed down from one generation to another.

This is the best time to start styling your home, little by little. Blast your favorite Filipino Christmas songs and let this article guide you on how to elevate the holiday vibe in every corner of your space.

A holiday look that works beautifully in rural homes is the Whitewood design. It embraces natural textures, warm wood, crisp whites and subtle hints of greenery. The result is serene and stylish, yet very easy to achieve even outside the city, especially in the province.

Living room: Kuwentuhan over a spread of classic Filipino merienda

The living room is often the first stop for anyone who enters the home. It has to be warm and welcoming to reflect the Filipino culture of hospitality, family-orientation and sociability. To achieve this, arrange your living room with cozy furnishings such as sofa and center and side tables. Invite abundance of natural light with airflow-friendly open layouts or through using large windows. Add natural materials such as wood, air-filtering plants or artificial fiddle potted or cactus.

Do not stop there and put holiday comfort with throw pillow cases, and a soft brown carpet that grounds the look in warmth. Freshen up corners with weave basket organizers to keep things neat while doubling as rustic accents.

As the evening deepens, switch on the LED lantern. Its golden glow creates the dreamy, soft shine that mirrors how many provincial homes light up during Christmas nights.

Dining room: Noche Buena moments

No rustic Christmas is complete without a long table filled with Noche Buena dishes. Anchor your dining space with a dining table and chairs. It is perfect to host gatherings that stretch into the night.

Set a festive yet grounded mood with natural placemats and the shiso serving tray. These add artisanal charm. Level up the feast with a nordic flatware set in gold and black, paired with diamond engraved glassware. It’s a simple way to make every serving feel special.

Light plays a big role in setting the tone. A rattan pendant light creates a soft, inviting glow, while the metal candle holders add flickers of warmth. For a subtle touch, place a reed diffuser at the center to complete the mood. The result is a dining room that feels festive, grounded and ready for neighbors dropping in to share a meal.

Bedroom: A retreat after the festivities

When the celebrations end, nothing feels better than retreating to a restful space. A high-quality bed frame anchors the bedroom with a clean, modern profile. Layer it with different kinds of throw pillows for a mix of comfort and style that feels just right for the December chill.

Accent the room with the round mirror and side table, then bring in a touch of greenery with a potted plant. As you wind down, let a table lamp cast its glow.

Why whitewood fits the provincial spirit

The whitewood look fits perfectly with provincial living. Clean whites and warm wood tones reflect the simplicity of rural homes, while rattan accents and greenery embraces the beauty of nature that surrounds them. This theme captures both the quiet and the joy of a Paskong Pinoy. It gives you a home that feels festive and timeless.

No matter where you are, Wilcon Depot makes it easy to bring this look to life. With branches across the provinces, you can find these pieces nearby and start preparing for Christmas today. A whitewood holiday setup is simple to achieve, yet it brings a fresh glow to every provincial home ready to welcome the season.

Carousel Productions, together with Reign Project Management, held a media conference for the reigning Miss Earth Jessica Lane and her elemental court – Hrafnhildur “Raven” Haraldsdottir of Iceland (Air) and Bea Milan Windorski of the United States (Water) – at the Luxent Hotel ballroom in Quezon City.

“I fell in love with the Philippines not only because my close friend back home is a Filipina, but also because I saw the same passion families and communities share with their loved ones.

“After my reign, I will be back here in Manila more often in the future, just like other Earth queens before me,” said Jessica.

“I’ll run away with the crown, I’m not giving it up,” quipped the Australian beauty, whose victory allowed her country to become a pageant powerhouse.

Lane is set to graduate from college next year. The beauty queen advocates sustainable fashion. She noted how Miss Earth empowers young women to create changes and “somehow rectify excesses left by earlier generations.”

“To all global leaders, please listen because people around the world are affected by the onslaught of climate change; as scientists have shown proof, especially the youth whose future you are impacting. I’ve experienced bush fire and flooding in Australia, too! Protection against climate crisis is so important! We are all Earth citizens,” said the reigning Miss Earth.

She recalled a beach cleanup with children volunteers where the participants had difficulty discerning between waste and natural things because they saw shells and garbage as the same, having grown up with trash all their lives.

The mid-afternoon event was graced by Miss Earth 2004 Priscila Mereilles of Brazil and Miss Earth Air 2016 Michelle Gomez of Colombia, as well as Miss Charm Germany 2025 Luisa Victoria Malz.

Platform for good

For Filipina-American Bea, she plans to pursue law in the country.

“I intend to continue my journey in a legal capacity. The realities of climate change is felt by us, especially here in the Philippines. Miss Earth is a ripple effect of change. I will support it for the next 25 years, and the 25 years after that. Miss Earth should connect with a multitude of people,” said Bea.

Bea’s mother hails from La Union, where a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the its coast.

The Filipina-American revealed that she recently joined a rally in Manila and saw how politics is connected with environmental protection. She said that people should communicate more about disaster preparedness, especially in light of recent events.

“Climate will manifest itself until you’re the one filming it. This summer, my hometown in Milwaukee was flooding. As a climate refugee, and if you feel that pageantry can help propel your advocacy, then join the Miss Earth platform. My home state has the largest number of misplaced individuals from causes not of their doing. That’s the reason why I volunteered to be a tutor for English as secondary language since middle school,” she shared.

This year, the Miss Earth Organizations is expecting more or less 80 international delegates. They will all be formally presented to members of the media next week.

Raven, meanwhile, said that she would continue with her Chemical Engineering degree. She sees the Miss Earth as a platform that people can contribute to and advocate for environmental protection.

“I gathered girls from the pageant community in my hometown and went on a cleanup drive. I remembered my mom telling us how she survived a snow avalanche when she was 16. Growing up with this tragic story changed my outlook in life.

“My hometown has 312 people living therein and I felt incredible going on a beach cleanup drive. Don’t let people stop you from doing what you believe in,” the Icelandic beauty said.

The 25th Miss Earth edition finals will unfold on November 5 at the Okada Manila. Stay tuned!

The government has expanded the deployment of mobile soil testing laboratories across the country to help local farmers improve crop yields and cut production costs through better soil management.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said its Bureau of Soils and Water Management has now established these mobile soil testing units across all 17 regional field offices as part of efforts to make scientific analysis of soil quality more accessible to farmers.

‘The DA is offering these services free of charge to farmers growing rice, corn, high-value crops, vegetables and root crops,’ DA officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Roger Navarro said.

‘This is a valuable tool to help boost yields while minimizing the impact on soil health,’ he added.

The agriculture official said the program aims to guide farmers in choosing the right seeds, fertilizers and other inputs suited to their land conditions.

He urged farmers to use the mobile labs to make informed decisions that could help them boost production and reduce expenses.

Each mobile laboratory, valued at around P42 million, can perform advanced analysis of up to 44 parameters, including soil chemical and physical properties as well as microbiological and water composition.

The units are part of the National Soil Health Program, which aims to strengthen data-driven decision-making in agriculture.

Navarro said the expansion supports President Marcos’ directive to modernize Philippine agriculture and increase the use of science-based technologies in farming.

The DA said the wider rollout comes amid concerns over rising fertilizer prices and declining soil fertility, both of which have affected farm productivity in recent years.

It said it hopes the program will help farmers maximize yields while preserving soil quality for long-term use.

The government’s renewed push for soil testing comes as the local agriculture sector shows signs of recovery.

A renewed surge of scams, this time primarily through calls, are hitting Filipinos as fraudsters are employing telemarketing-style schemes to acquire sensitive details like bank details.

Based on Whoscall’s third quarter data, the Philippines is entering a new phase of scam attacks, with criminals focusing their efforts on trying to dupe their targets through calls.

Whoscall, developed by Taipei-based innovator Gogolook, monitored a 78-percent spike in scam calls to 62,390 in the third quarter, from 34,964 in the second quarter.

Gogolook country head Mel Migriño said scammers are abusing the financial and telco industry practice of hiring third-party telemarketers to sell promos to customers. Scammers are using this scheme to deceive victims, pretending, for instance, to offer credit card limit upgrades.

Migriño expects scam calls to become more prevalent in the remaining months of the year. Given this, she warned Filipinos to be extra cautious when taking calls, as fraudsters will try to exploit the holiday season to promote fake incentives, promos and rewards.

On top of this, Whoscall reported a 32-percent surge in risky links to 27,510, attributed to scams that have shifted to chat apps, online platforms and social media.

Whoscall detected a 43-percent increase in loan-related links to 25,309, and it also flagged 1,926 travel scams ahead of the usual trips during the Undas break and Christmas season.

In contrast, Whoscall recorded a 94-percent drop in gambling links to 275 due to the government’s crackdown on illegal sites.

Migriño believes scam calls can hit six-digit levels in numbers in the fourth quarter, as scammers will work double time in duping as many victims as they can during the holiday period. As such, she urged Filipinos to report dubious numbers and risky links so authorities can check on them.

Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder Jocel de Guzman also appealed to Congress to amend the SIM Registration Act. He said it is urgent for policymakers to place a cap on the number of SIMs that can be owned per individual.

In raids on scam hubs, De Guzman said authorities have uncovered criminals owning as many as 2,000 SIMs, all of which are used for fraudulent activities.

Whoscall is an app that can detect scam-linked numbers through its global phonebook, alarming users if calls and texts they are receiving are coming from bad actors.

A confident Rupert Zaragosa surged to the top with a sizzling 64, homegrown contenders found their groove, and an unheralded champion continued to punch above his weight – all setting the stage for a chaotic showdown in the final two rounds of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship.

At the halfway mark of the P3.5-million sixth leg of the Philippine Golf Tour at the Del Monte Golf Club here Wednesday, Zaragosa took command with a two-shot lead at 12-under 132, continuing his scorching form following a dominant win in Negros Occidental last month.

‘Compared to yesterday, my irons clicked, giving me several birdie opportunities,’ said Zaragosa, who torched the course with nine birdies, including back-to-back conversions inside eight feet to cap both nines with 32s.

He shrugged off a birdie-bogey start with four birdies in seven holes at the back, then stayed sharp at the front, birdieing Nos. 2, 6, 8 and 9 in a masterclass of control and confidence.

Still, Zaragosa, whose eight-under card matched the course record set by Clyde Mondilla during his 2023 title win, isn’t looking too far ahead.

‘Nasa likod ko si kuya Reymon, I’m sure kabisado niya ang course,’ he said of local ace Reymon Jaraula. ‘Pero hindi ko na lang iintindihin ang laro ng iba. I will just focus on my own for the next two days.’

Indeed, Del Monte’s own are lurking.

Jaraula rediscovered his putting stroke and fired a flawless 66, climbing to solo second at 10-under 134. The soft-spoken Bukidnon native, who narrowly lost here to Mondilla, is quietly plotting a breakthrough win on home soil.

‘Kahapon nag-struggle sa putting, ngayon nag-click,’ said Jaraula. ‘Focus lang sa laro bukas at kung anong resulta, tanggapin.’

Jaraula’s round was built on precision – six birdies inside six feet and clutch par saves under calm conditions. ‘Importante na pamilyar ka dito sa course na ‘to. Mas maganda kung mananalo ako kasi dito ako nag-umpisa,’ he added.

Right behind him is Michael Bibat, who slipped from the lead with a 71 but birdied his final hole to tie Arnold Villacencio at 136.

A surprise winner of the Match Play Finals at The Country Club last year, Villacencio remains a wildcard in the hunt. While a second-round 69 kept him in contention, the gritty journeyman knows the task ahead is immense.

‘Siguro pag dalawang 68s, may chance na manalo,’ he said, still battling putting issues. ‘Mahirap ang course, sobrang kitid. Bahala na ang Diyos.’

Mondilla, the former Philippine Open titlist, also finally found his rhythm with the irons, producing a six-under round that included a clutch eagle-3 on the par-5 18th.

‘Medyo nag-stable na ang irons. May inadjust ako at nag-work,’ said Mondilla, who had struggled in the first round with five bogeys.

Despite the improved ball-striking, he admits his putting still needs work. ‘I missed at least six birdie chances inside 7 feet. Pero at least nabawi sa last hole.’

After a 320-yard blast off the 18th tee, he struck a 5-iron to within three feet and drained the eagle putt to close at 137, catching Jay Bayron (69), Elee Bisera (71), Yudai Nakakuki (68), Kuresh Samanodi (69), and two-leg winner Keanu Jahns (69) at fifth.

Russell Bautista also made waves with a 66, matching the 138 total of Tony Lascuña (68) and Korean contenders Taewon Ha and Chon Koo Kang, who carded 71s.

With just six strokes separating the Top 14, expect fireworks in the third round as contenders jostle for position heading into Friday’s finale.

Forty-three players made the cut set at 145, including amateur standout Ralph Batican (72-143), as well as seasoned names like Art Arbole (72), Tae Soo Kim (72), Elmer Salvador (69) and Del Monte legend Frankie Miñoza, who faltered with a 76 after a 69.

With Zaragosa in the lead but proven winners like Jaraula, Mondilla and Bibat circling, the final 36 holes promise high drama, sharp shotmaking – and perhaps, another local triumph.

As Zaragosa put it: ‘Del Monte is longer and tougher than Marapara. I’ll need my long irons to deliver if I want to stay in contention.’

The holidays in the Philippines are more than just a season of joy – they are the ultimate test of resilience for businesses, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Every December, the surge in demand brings opportunity but also intense pressure: how do you keep customers happy when expectations are at their highest?

Holiday success for sellers should not only be about hitting sales numbers but also building loyalty that lasts long after the season ends.

The service recovery advantage

No seller wants things to go wrong, but the reality is that they often do during peak season. What sets resilient sellers apart is how they respond. Behavioral research describes this as the service recovery paradox: when problems are resolved exceptionally well, customers become even more satisfied than if everything had gone perfectly.

For sellers, this means treating service recovery as a growth strategy, not just damage control:

Proactive communication. Use templated chat updates or automated messages to handle inquiries. Our data shows that sellers who respond to buyer inquiries on the same day are far more likely to attract first-time buyers than those who take longer to respond.

Quick resolutions. Have ready SOPs for late dispatches, stockouts or damaged items. Don’t wait for complaints or escalation. A swift refund or replacement can turn a potential one-star review into repeat business.

Personalized touches. A simple apology note or a voucher for the next purchase signals genuine care and Filipino shoppers appreciate sellers who show malasakit.

Handled well, mistakes become opportunities to strengthen trust and stand out from competitors.

From rush to resilience

Sellers do not have to scramble all the time preparing for the holidays if they learn to anticipate. Successful sellers practice discipline on two fronts:

Operational discipline. Track your on-time delivery rate weekly, not monthly. Identify which SKUs or couriers are most prone to delays and fix those gaps early. Research consistently shows that dependable delivery is the top driver of repeat purchases in e-commerce. Data shows that sellers who consistently ship out their orders faster are less likely to experience buyer-initiated cancellations. Reliability compounds into loyalty.

Real-time insights. Using analytics to spot trends and plan stock prevents costly stockouts and lost opportunities. Sellers who stock their shops accordingly and minimize cancellations are more likely to retain customers and prevent them from switching to competitors.

The broader industry shift reflects this: e-commerce has become a lifeline for MSMEs, enabling market expansion and direct consumer engagement. Platforms like Shopee provide the campaign tools, customizable storefronts and reliable fulfillment that allow sellers to spend less time firefighting and more time scaling.

Shaping loyalty through micro-moments

Filipino buyers now measure value by the overall experience, not just the price tag. That experience is shaped by micro-moments in the customer journey.

Discovery: Buyers find products through search and categories, amplified by AI-powered listings, livestream selling and affiliate recommendations that help sellers connect faster with the right audience.

Evaluation: Buyers judge credibility through ratings and reviews, AR virtual try-ons and detailed product videos, creating a richer shopping experience.

Transaction: Buyers expect a seamless checkout, supported by multiple secure payment options, zero percent installments and Buy Now, Pay Later. Post-purchase communication is also imperative through a responsive chat and real-time order updates.

Advocacy: Buyers share their experiences after purchase, reinforced by smooth delivery, unboxing and thoughtful follow-up that turn satisfied shoppers into brand advocates.

Two moments matter most: the best touchpoint and the final one – the peak-end rule. Sellers who create a standout interaction, such as a personalized message or small freebie and close with a frictionless delivery and unboxing often win loyalty that outlasts the season.

From knowledge to growth

The strongest sellers pair technology with continuous learning. Shopee University is designed to equip sellers with the practical skills they need to thrive – from shop setup and campaign participation to analytics and marketing. Sellers who complete at least three structured training modules often see a lift in their order performance, proving that knowledge directly fuels growth.

This learning is also reinforced through the Tatak Pinoy MSME Roadshow, which extends training nationwide, even to non-Shopee sellers. By bringing learning opportunities across the country, these initiatives help MSMEs strengthen their operational skills, preparing them not only for peak season but also for long-term competitiveness.

Competing on experience, not just price

At the end of the day, Filipino shoppers know what they want: reliable delivery, transparent pricing, hassle-free returns and genuine service. Sellers who prioritize these experiences don’t just win during Christmas – they build businesses that grow sustainably year-round.

With the right preparation, service discipline and commitment to learning, the holiday rush can be more than a seasonal peak. It can be the foundation for resilience, loyalty and long-term success in the digital economy.

Security Bank Corp. has opened a new branch in Bacoor, Cavite, marking another step in its effort to extend its ‘BetterBanking’ experience to more Filipinos outside Metro Manila.

The newly inaugurated site is the bank’s 362nd branch nationwide and its 11th in Cavite, one of Southern Luzon’s most rapidly developing urban centers.

Located in a high-traffic commercial area, the Bacoor branch provides convenient access to a full suite of financial services for both individuals and businesses.

Security Bank said the expansion supports the city’s growing community of entrepreneurs, professionals and families amid Bacoor’s continued transformation into a vibrant hub for commerce and residential growth.

‘We’ve reimagined the traditional branch experience to provide a seamless blend of personal and digital interactions,’ said Leslie Cham, executive vice president and head of Security Bank’s Branch Banking Group.

‘From welcoming, low counters that encourage conversations to integrated digital tools that make transactions faster and more secure – every detail reflects our commitment to putting customers first,’ Cham said.

The branch design reflects Security Bank’s push to combine human connection with digital efficiency, offering clients the flexibility to manage their finances in person or online.

Last week, the bank announced that it opened its 361st branch in Angeles City, Pampanga. This followed the opening of the Naic and Antipolo branches in September.

It took a village for Barangay Ginebra to tally its first win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, as the Gin Kings blasted the TNT Tropang 5G, 92-77, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Six Ginebra players finished in double digits, led by Japeth Aguilar with 17 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Abarrientos chipped in 14 markers off the bench, while Troy Rosario had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt and Norbert Torres each had 10 points for the winning squad.

TNT actually started the game off with a three-point lead, but it did not take long for Ginebra to find its rhythm and leave the Tropang 5G in the rear-view mirror.

After an and-one play by RR Pogoy to make it a three-point game, 10-13, Ginebra dropped a massive 20-4 run capped by a layup by Norbert Torres to break the game wide open.

That hot start was enough for the Gin Kings to breeze through to the finish line, as TNT could not close the gap to within 10 points.

Simon Enciso tried to shoot TNT back into the game, sinking five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

But Ginebra’s lead was just too big to overcome, as the Tropang 5G had an answer for every run.

Jeremiah Gray produced eight points for the Gin Kings while Sonny Estil had seven.

Enciso top-scored for TNT with 17 points in 17 minutes. Kevin Ferrer chipped in 11 points, as none of the Tropang 5G’s starters finished in double digits.

Ginebra will be back in action against the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the same venue, while TNT will take on the Converge FiberXers on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Ilocos.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has signed the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) requested by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) against 19 individuals on Wednesday, October 15.

Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed with Philstar.com that the department received the ILBO issued by the DOJ on the new individuals tagged by the ICI.

‘Their names have been included in our centralized database, and their travels will be monitored and reported to the DOJ,’ Sandoval told Philstar.com in a message.

This means that their names have been circulated to immigration authorities to monitor the individuals from leaving the country, typically those who are subjects of ongoing investigations or legal cases.

It differs from a hold departure order, which is a court-issued directive preventing an individual from leaving the country.

The ICI earlier requested an ILBO against 19 individuals which including former and current lawmakers and engineers.

Three of the people included in the list had already been issued an ILBO from the initial list in the DOJ’s lookout bulletin issued on October 8.

Behind a local parish lies a behind-the-scenes drama among its leading priests. These clashes could determine its fate: whether forgiveness will bloom or failure will bring the whole place down. Whatever the outcome, it’s all part of being human – something Teatro de San Pedro Calungsod (TSPC) masterfully portrays through its true-to-life stories on stage as a form of evangelization.

‘Tulo Ka Dagway sa Pari’ centers on the conflict between the young Fadz Elmert and the older Father Pio, while Padre Iko attempts to remain optimistic as he reaches his twilight years despite growing tensions inside the parish.

His oldest play to date, playwright and TSPC founder Msgr. Agustin Ancajas first wrote the play in 1993 as a seminary thesis based on the Enneagram of Personality – a concept that describes human personality through nine interconnected types defined by different motivations and behavior patterns.

After making revisions that included cutting nine leading characters into three, Ancajas directed the play in 2000 at the University of San Carlos-South Campus’ Rudolf Rahmann Cultural Center, with Fr. Eduardo ‘Daddy’ Villaluna as Father Pio, Fr. Isaias ‘Bobbitt’ Gerali as Fadz Elmer, and Fr. Murphy Sarsonas as Padre Iko.

The show had its restaging at the Marcelo Fernan Cebu Press Center last month, with Cornell Anthony Tudio playing the role of Fadz, Rennedy Cabaluna as Father Pio, and Florencio Villacorta as Padre Iko. They reprised their roles from the 2023 production at the same venue, which served as its 30th anniversary presentation.

Also joining them are supporting cast members Mary Ann Dumaran as the parish cook Conching, Eldryn Padigos as parish worker Pedring, Genelyn Aves as benefactress Lourdes, Alexander Sebalda as Bishop Leo, and Elbert Ydeme as mechanic Bodie.

Their recent performance coincides with the Jubilee Year, which encourages followers to go through spiritual renewal and reconciliation – the underlying themes of the story.

‘The play is very internal that it reveals an insider story of what’s going on in the leadership of the church,’ Ancajas told The FREEMAN. ‘A lot of people who served for their church can relate because they are familiar with the misunderstandings and conflicts. But at the end of the day, it’s always God’s grace that leads to reconciliation and redemption for everybody.’

Through dialogue-heavy scenes and monologues, the conflict among the priests stems from their contrasting personalities and differing views on how to lead their parish, fueled by egos and generational gaps. As tensions rise, particularly between Fadz and Pio, it raises the question of whether the church can continue to serve without resentment, which in turn affects their ministry.

‘We are drawn to our own issues in life. But we never lose hope because in the end, it can be resolved through communication,’ Villacorta said. ‘It’s always God’s grace that helps us go through our situations, and we never lose hope despite our differences.’

‘In spite of those differences, there is diversity,’ added Cabaluna. ‘The love of God reveals each one of us, and at the end, we have love and forgiveness and mercy from God.’

In a review of the 2000 production for a magazine, Amor Hernando praised the play for its eloquent portrayal of complex characters and how their psyches impact their parish.

‘Neither a satire nor a morality play, this play plumbs the depths of the human psyche by presenting the struggles of three priests within the context of the Filipino church, which is still concededly traditional, not excepting Cebu,’ the critic wrote.

‘It demonstrates how the emotional and psychological struggles of the three priests could affect their ministry at definite phases in their lives. The existential vulnerability constricts the quality of service, the givenness, the agility to become the pastors people expect them to be.’

While the play may have been written decades ago, its story remains timely – especially for its target audience, who may be all too familiar with such struggles.

‘This is a play that shows the human side of priests. What’s important is that the grace of God continues to purify the priests and their service, love for the church, and nurture their relationship with the people in their parishes,’ Ancajas said. ‘Even younger people who attended said that they could relate to a story like this. What’s important at the end is that there is openness for forgiveness and reconciliation.’