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THE government could earn at least P200 million by auctioning the 13 smuggled luxury vehicles owned by contractors Sarah C. Discaya and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ F. Discaya, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The vehicles, which were issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs), are now in the custody of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

They were transported to the BOC compound in South Harbor, Port Area, early Wednesday morning, after establishing sufficient grounds for seizure due to irregularities in their importation and documentation.

In a media viewing on Wednesday afternoon, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno explained that if the Discayas fail to prove that the vehicles have valid documents and that proper duties and taxes were paid, the vehicles will be forfeited and will go to the government.

Once forfeited, Nepomuceno said the government could auction, destroy or donate the vehicles.

However, he said that the BOC will not destroy the vehicles since it will just be a waste of what the government could earn. Donating them to government agencies would be inappropriate, he added. We will make sure that if an auction is conducted, it will be transparent and competitive so that the collection of the government from those vehicles will be used for the government’s programs, Nepomuceno said in Filipino.

The 13 seized vehicles have a combined market value of P290 million. The costs would be based on current appraisals and depreciation of the vehicles, which should not exceed 10 percent.

The government could raise a minimum of P200 million to P220 million from selling the smuggled vehicles, Nepomuceno said.

Aside from losing their high-end cars, the Discayas also have tax liabilities due to the illegal entry of the vehicles into the country’s ports.

Nepomuceno said the rule of thumb in taxing luxury vehicles is to multiply the cost by one and a half.

For example, if a luxury car is priced at P30 million, then the Discayas would have to pay another P45 million by ways of taxes and duties, Nepomuceno said. If the vehicles were auctioned, the taxes would not be included, he added.

On how soon the auction will be, he said the BOC will do it as soon as possible. Nepomuceno added that the process will still go through checks and balances and will have to be approved by the Secretary of Finance before proceeding with the auction.

The Discaya family will still be given an opportunity to prove that their documents and payments are correct, he said.

The vehicles under the BOC’s custody are: Toyota Tundra; Toyota Sequoia; Rolls-Royce Cullinan; Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 AMG SUV; Mercedes-Benz G 500; Lincoln Navigator 2021; and, Bentley Bentayga. According to the BOC, these vehicles do not have import entries, lack Certificates of Payment (CPs) or have fraudulent CPs.

The Lincoln Navigator 2024, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade 2021, Maserati Levante Modena, GMC Yukon XL Denali and Cadillac Escalade ESV all have import entries. However, these vehicles guarded by the BOC, also lack or have fraudulent CPs.

The remaining 17 vehicles also in BOC custody are subject to transaction audit by the Post-Clearance Audit Group.

Earlier in September, the BOC conducted a search operation at the premises of the Saint Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp. in Pasig City, owned by the Discaya family, which led to the discovery of 30 vehicles now under BOC custody.

Despite a slowdown in population growth, the Philippines’ population is expected to keep rising due to ‘population momentum,’ officials from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said.

‘We are slowing down in terms of our population growth rate. But because of a large population base from previous years, driven by high growth rates in the past, this phenomenon is what we call population momentum,’ CPD Division Chief Mylin Mirasol C. Quiray said during a press conference organized by Bayer Philippines Inc. and UNFPA Philippines.

She said that even with the fertility rate now at 1.9, which is below the replacement level of two, the total population will continue to increase because those already born will mature, have children, and add to the population.

Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo, president of the Forum for Family Planning and Development, echoed Quiray’s explanation, comparing population momentum to a moving car that continues to roll forward even after the brakes are applied.

Family planning

Raymundo highlighted the success of family planning programs in the Philippines, which began in the 1970s with contraceptive services and health interventions. These efforts brought down the population growth rate from three percent at that time to the current 2.1 percent, reaching what is considered the replacement level, meaning the population can sustain itself without rapid growth.

‘Technically, that term [replacement level] means we’re now able to just replace a woman with another person and the father with another person. So it’s a success,’ she emphasized, noting that this stage is what many countries aim for when implementing family planning programs.

She noted, however, that while this decline is a positive development, it also brings a new challenge: the growing proportion of young adults, often referred to as the ‘demographic dividend.’

‘When the rate of growth of the population declines, that means we really want the number of babies to be less. Or the rate of growth is really measured by the number of babies that you bear vis-à-vis the number of total population,’ Raymundo said.

‘As the number of young adults grows, they are expected to drive the economy, but only if they are provided with education, employment, and opportunities for development,’ she added.

Maximizing potential of the youth

Raymundo emphasized that the country’s focus should now shift from controlling population growth to maximizing the potential of its youth.

‘Our demographic situation has improved, but the challenge is to ensure that this larger youth population has access to education, income, and opportunities for a better life. That is our new problem; not runaway growth, but making the most of our demographic dividend,’ she said.

Based on the 2024 Census of Population, the country’s population stood at 112.7 million, up by 3.7 million from 2020. While the population continues to increase, the annual growth rate has slowed to 0.8 percent from 2020 to 2024, nearly half the 1.6 percent recorded between 2015 and 2020. This deceleration has been linked to declining fertility and birth rates, elevated mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic, and subdued migration.

However, experts cautioned that certain demographic challenges, particularly the rise of adolescent pregnancies, may undermine these gains and affect the country’s long-term human capital development.

Adolescent pregnancies

Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data show that adolescent pregnancies among those aged 10 to 14 are on the rise again, with reported cases increasing from 2,411 in 2019, slightly dropping to 2,113 in 2020, then rising again to 2,320 in 2021. The number climbed further to 3,135 in 2022 and reached 3,343 in 2023.

By region, the highest proportions of adolescent births were recorded in Region 12 with 13.7 percent (9,501 out of 69,223 births), Region 10 also at 13.7 percent (10,895 out of 79,551), and Region 9 with 12.6 percent (6,987 out of 55,313).

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region posted 8.4 percent (2,146 out of 25,447), Region 4A had 8.2 percent (17,764 out of 217,906), and the National Capital Region recorded the lowest proportion at 7 percent (11,551 out of 164,002).

CPD pushes teen health measures

Quiray pointed to social, cultural, and educational gaps as drivers of adolescent pregnancies, citing the lack of open family discussions on sex, cases of abuse by older partners, and gender power imbalances.

She also emphasized the lack of comprehensive reproductive health education, with many adolescents turning to social media as their main source of information.

‘That’s why we are engaging micro-influencers and focusing on online platforms, because that’s where young people are,’ she said.

She said findings from the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study show that increased exposure to online pornography has further complicated the issue, underscoring the need for stronger legislation.

‘That’s why we are advocating for the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to be passed in the 20th Congress,’ Quiray emphasized, noting that it was filed by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Rico to strengthen existing measures.

Comprehensive approach

Quiray said addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach. This includes reproductive health education, greater access to health information and services, protection from abuse and violence, and socioeconomic support for young mothers to prevent repeat pregnancies.

She also emphasized that young people must be empowered to participate in policymaking, describing them as ‘the voice of the voiceless.’

To further raise awareness, Quiray cited ongoing efforts to promote reproductive health through platforms such as ‘I Choose,’ and Malayaako.ph.

‘Policies and education are really key to preventing adolescent pregnancy and addressing its costs,’ she said.

She added that local government units play a critical role, stressing that programs, budgets, and policies at the community level are essential to sustain adolescent health and development initiatives.

‘Social media shapes contraceptive choices’

In 2024, Bayer Philippines and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) conducted the ‘Digital Conversion Study’ (DCS), which found that social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok play a significant role in shaping contraceptive choices among Filipinos.

The study also revealed that respondents preferred digital materials presented in engaging formats, featuring real individuals sharing factual information about various family planning and contraceptive methods.

Building on these findings, Bayer Philippines and UNFPA recently launched the 2025 initiative, ‘Building Adolescent Peer Champions for SRHR,’ aimed at empowering young people to advocate for positive attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The program trains both adolescent and adult social media influencers in SRHR communication and provides mentorship for content creation. Adult champions, including parents and community leaders from Pasig and Navotas, will also participate in workshops to support and amplify the campaign’s message.

THE popular Spanish film festival PELÍCULA-PELIKULA is returning to Makati City for its 24th edition from October 10 to 16.

Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes, ‘PELÍCULA.’ has become a much-awaited annual event in Philippine theaters. This year’s festival will showcase more than 20 acclaimed films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.

The festival will open on October 10 at Ayala Triangle Gardens with the screening of El 47 (Marcel Barrena, 2024). Then throughout the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of genres, including dramas such as Soy Nevenka (Icíar Bollaín, 2024) and Nosotros (Helena Taberna, 2024); documentaries such as Un hombre libre (Laura Hojman, 2024) and La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés (C. Tangara, 2024); and animations such as Mariposas negras (David Baute, 2024) and Robotia (Diego Cagide and Diego Lucero, 2024).

In addition to Spanish productions, the official selection will feature films from Latin America: the Argentinian drama Por tu bien (Axel Monsú, 2024), the Brazilian Até que a música pare (Cristiane Oliveira, 2023), Uruguay’s Becho (José Infantozzi, 2024), and the Peruvian Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024). Filipino cinema will also have its place through the program En corto: Short films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain, which will be screened on October 16.

Like in previous years, spectators will decide the Audience Choice Award-one of the festival’s most beloved traditions since 2004. Viewers may vote for their favorite films after each screening. The winning title will be announced on October 16, and will be screened again that evening at Power Plant Cinema 6 during the festival’s closing.

Special sections and activities

MARKING its return to Makati City, PELÍCULA will treat audiences to the extravaganza of Cine Maratón at Ayala Triangle Gardens on October 11. It will feature an entire day of films such as Dalia y el libro rojo (David Bisbano, 2024), Tasio (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), Solos en la noche (Guillermo Rojas, 2024), and Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024) from 11:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The festival will also include parallel activities. On October 11, Instituto Cervantes will also offer an activity related to films for children, where the Spanish Cultural Center will invite young participants to join fun and creative activities such as crafts and games that spark their imagination and curiosity.

The following day, October 12, before the screening of Robotia at 2 p.m. in Power Plant Cinema 6, kids will have the opportunity to win several footballs and an official T-shirt donated by Real Madrid C.F. through Manila-based Peña Madridista Emilio Butragueño.

The country’s basketball and volleyball champions, TNT Tropang 5G and PLDT High Speed Hitters, are teaming up for the ultimate fan celebration, ‘Champions Together,’ on Monday, Oct. 6, at the One Ayala Mall Activity Center in Makati City.

Open to everyone, the whole-day event will bring fans closer than ever to their sports idols through fun activity booths, interactive challenges, and exciting game zones that open starting at 12 noon.

Those who complete all the stamps on their ‘Champions Together’ activity passport will also unlock a chance to snag exclusive merch, score autographs, and snap photos with their idol players and coaches from the two powerhouse teams when the program starts at 6 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed for free exclusively on PusoP.Com: Your Game, Your Community.

Beyond all the fan activities, ‘Champions Together’ underscores the PLDT Group’s broader mission to support Philippine sports and connect communities through meaningful and memorable on-ground and online experiences.

‘Sports have the unique power to connect and inspire communities. Through ‘Champions Together,’ we are not just celebrating the teams’ dedication and hard work but also honoring the unwavering support of the fans who fuel their success,’ said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

‘We thank our management for this amazing opportunity to give back to our Ka-Tropas, who have always been our source of strength and inspiration in every game. We can’t wait to see them and thank them personally,’ said Roger Pogoy, Team Captain of TNT Tropang 5G.

‘The fans are a huge part of our journey, and we can’t wait to share this special day with them. We hope to see everyone join the fun and cheer with us as we get ready for the new season,’ added Kath Arado, Team Captain of the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

The 11-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Champions TNT Tropang 5G has built a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in Philippine basketball, known for their relentless grit and bringing ‘saya’ to millions of Ka-Tropas nationwide.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the reigning PVL Invitational and On Tour Champions, continue to inspire and win the hearts of volleyball fans across the country with their teamwork, passion, and energy.

Don’t miss the country’s biggest fan meet, ‘Champions Together,’ happening Oct. 6 at One Ayala Mall Activity Center! For updates, follow the official Puso Pilipinas and Smart Sports accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

There is a growing sense of foreboding over the continuation of the war in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting backlash at home. Questions are being raised about the flow of Western aid and the specter of corruption in its use, even as reports of desertion at the front undermine Ukraine’s military readiness.

Zelenskyy’s push for more Western assistance is colliding with a Europe weary of the war’s economic costs. Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland-all carrying public debt near 90 percent of GDP-are seeing growing domestic discontent. Economists warn that further aid and expanded anti-Russian sanctions risk tipping these fragile economies closer to financial crisis, potentially pushing debt levels above 100 percent of GDP if the conflict drags on.

Western efforts to cripple Russia’s economy have largely failed. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, in an interview with The New York Times, admitted grimly: ‘Russia is now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as NATO does in a year.’ This imbalance underscores Ukraine’s mounting challenges-from dwindling resources to declining morale.

At home, Zelenskyy faces a worsening manpower crisis. Reports indicate widespread failure of mobilization efforts and critical shortages of personnel. Independent experts estimate that since the start of the conflict, more than 260,000 Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts. Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, has publicly opposed harsher penalties for desertion, warning that they would only drive more soldiers into hiding until the war ends.

Ukraine’s economic crisis is equally dire. The country faces what analysts describe as ‘complete bankruptcy,’ compounded by a mass population exodus, including conscription-age men. Recent reporting by The Financial Times revealed Ukraine lost nearly $770 million to corruption and failed arms procurement deals-funds that were paid to intermediaries for weapons and ammunition that never arrived. The European Union has since moved to strengthen oversight over its pound 50 billion support package set to run through 2027.

Across Europe, popular support for the war is eroding. Citizens, already burdened by inflation and illegal migration concerns, are questioning why billions are sent to Kyiv while domestic needs go unmet-especially when allegations of theft by Ukrainian officials surface regularly. The corruption angle is one piece of the puzzle that has enveloped the European Union’s citizens’ resolve to continue funding Zelenskyy’s military might.

There is also the incipient effect of the rise in prices in these European economies that is hurting the decision of the citizens to go with the flow of more aid for the war theater in Ukraine. Another sore thumb is the increased influx of immigrants that encumber EU’s resources.

Washington, too, appears to be reassessing its role. Aid volumes have declined, and US President Donald Trump recently suggested that regaining lost Ukrainian territory may now hinge primarily on European support. His remarks, echoed by observers at the UN General Assembly, signal a possible shift of the financial and political burden from Washington to NATO’s European members.

What is equally striking is the sense of stalemate now creeping into the war’s narrative. Western publics, once galvanized by the defense of democracy, are beginning to tune out, fatigued by grim headlines and endless requests for funding. Without a new strategic vision-one that combines accountability with a credible path to de-escalation-the war risks becoming a frozen conflict that drains resources for years to come.

The danger is not just military defeat for Ukraine, but the corrosion of public trust in democratic governments that cannot explain why the war drags on with no clear endgame. For Europe, this trust deficit could embolden far-right populists who are already capitalizing on economic grievances and migration fears to challenge centrist coalitions.

If Zelenskyy wishes to sustain international support, he must not only hold the line militarily but also prove to his partners that aid will not vanish into black holes of corruption. Transparent reporting, joint oversight with donor nations, and a realistic plan for negotiation must become part of Kyiv’s message. Otherwise, the war may continue to be fought with dwindling resources and diminishing goodwill-a path that could lead to Ukraine’s isolation just when it needs allies the most.

XDS-Astana rider, Matteo Malucelli continued to display his power to once again securing a stage victory at the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi 2025 (PLTdL25) from Kuala Terengganu to Kemaman, covering a distance of 140.8 kms on Wednesday.

In a finish that was predicted to end in a bunch sprint, Malucelli, who had previously won Stages 1 and 3, completed a hattrick and equaled his achievement when he was with JCL UKYO last year.

Nevertheless, he credited the success due to the hard work and tactics from his teammates for bringing him into the right position for the final sprint, where he defeated Manuel Penalver (Polti VisitMalta) and Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) with a time of 3 hours 17 minutes 56 seconds.

The win provides a 10-second time bonus, extending his lead in the overall General Classification to 22 seconds over his closest rival and 26 seconds ahead of teammate Aaron Gate, accumulating a total time of 13 hours 15 minutes 45 seconds to secure him the PETRONAS Green Jersey.

Furthermore, he has also widened the gap in the points classification for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Orange Jersey (Sprint King) by accumulating 57 points, 24 points ahead of his closest rival, Blikra.

Meanwhile, Patrick Eddy continues to wear the BubblesO2 Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains) with 15 points, having prevented his nearest challenger from Burgos-Burpellet BH, Jambaljamts Sainbayar, from collecting points at the sole Category 4 climb zone in Kijal.

Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) rider from Kazakhstan, Vadim Pronskiy, also retained the Rakan Muda White Jersey as the Best Asian Rider by riding safely within the main peloton.

With a short and flat route, Malucelli said his task of finding a stage victory for a great team like Astana was made easier. ‘It’s an amazing feeling, it feels like a continuation of my good performance last year. The wins in the previous two stages removed a lot of pressure. Today, I still felt strong, and my teammates did an excellent job. I executed a perfect sprint in the last 200 meters.

But for Thursday’s stage (the climb from Temerloh to Fraser’s Hill), I will try to defend, at least the Sprint King jersey,’ said the Italian rider who joined Astana at the start of 2025.

He stated that throughout the race, Astana calmly controlled the pace despite a small breakaway group ahead, and only became aggressive in the last few kilometers, where he was expertly positioned by Alexander Vinokurov and Aaron Gate, especially through the final two right turns towards the finish line.

Local and TSG fans’ hopes, which were initially high when Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli was seen in the three-rider breakaway group, were dashed when the national champion, who had won the two sprint zones in Marang and Paka was caught by the peloton led by Astana and Uno-X, about 4km before the finish line at Taman Bandar Cukai, Kemaman.

The race, which started at Dataran Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, officiated by the Chairman of the Terengganu Youth, Sports and NGO Development Committee, saw riders start under a scorching 31-degree Celsius heat with Nur Aiman, Vojtech Kminek (Burgos), and Yauheni Sobal (Chengdu DYC) formed the early breakaway.

However, Kminek decided to slow down the pace and rejoin the peloton, while Aiman and Sobal worked together until Kijal, before Sobal also dropped back. When Nur Aiman rode solo, he was easily caught by the peloton.

‘It wasn’t meant to be, but I tried my best today. I will keep trying in the next stages,’ said Nur Aiman who was still proud of the Most Combative Rider award for the fourth stage.

Malaysian Pro Cycling (MPC) rider, Mohammad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil, was the best Asian and ASEAN rider for the stage, finishing in seventh place.

However, several minor accidents occurred at the back of the peloton, and three riders failed to finish the stage (DNF) and are out of the competition, meaning only 115 riders will start Stage 5 Thursday.

Stage 5, covering a distance of 123.1km, is considered one of the decisive stages of this year’s PLTdL25. It will start in Temerloh, featuring three sprint zones in Mentakab, Bukit Damar and Mempaga, before riders face the first climb, Category 3 in Raub and then the final Category 1 summit finish at the Fraser’s Hill Clock Tower.

Set your creativity afloat and capture the beauty of the sea in watercolor!

Enroll in a six-session course on Seascape Painting at Sunshine Place as part of its Watercolor Masterclass Series every Saturday starting October 16, 2025 from

2;00 – 5:00 pm.

Visual artist Sir Jen Consumido, who promotes watercolor as a fine art medium, will guide workshop participants step by step as they explore techniques for soft sunsets, rolling waves, rocky coasts, and even boats at rest by the seashore.

Participants will learn mixing ocean blues and coastal color palettes; painting skies, clouds, and horizons; creating wave textures and reflections; adding details like sand, rocks, and boats; and designing dramatic, atmospheric seascapes

By the end of the series, they will have a collection of beautiful seascape studies and a completed, gallery-worthy final piece-plus the confidence to paint the ocean anytime inspiration strikes.

IT is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. We look at colleagues who seem to be climbing the ladder faster, friends who appear to have more exciting lives, or neighbors whose families look perfect. Social media adds to the pressure. In just a few minutes of scrolling we can find ourselves asking why our lives do not look as polished as what we see online. The truth is that constant comparison is draining and it steals the joy that could be found in our own journey.

One way to avoid this trap is to remind yourself that what you see is rarely the full picture. A friend may post photos from a beach trip but you do not see the months of stress that led to that short break. A coworker may receive recognition at work but you do not see the late nights or personal struggles behind the achievement. Social media is often a highlight reel. Remembering that no one shares everything helps you keep perspective.

Another helpful approach is to practice gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling envious of someone else, pause and list three things you are grateful for in your own life. These do not have to be grand or extraordinary. It could be as simple as having a meal you enjoyed, a friend who listened to you, or a small task you managed to finish today. Gratitude brings your attention back to what is already working for you instead of focusing on what you think you lack.

You can also set personal goals that are based on your own values rather than on what others are doing. For example, instead of thinking that you must earn as much as a certain classmate, focus on what financial stability means for your situation. If your goal is to save enough to cover three months of expenses, then reaching that goal should be the measure of your progress. When goals are personal and meaningful, you are less likely to compare them with the achievements of others.

Limiting exposure to triggers is another practical step. If you notice that certain online accounts always make you feel worse, consider muting or unfollowing them. If you find yourself repeatedly comparing your home or possessions to those of a neighbor, spend less time looking at what they have and more time improving what is within your reach. You cannot control what others post or own, but you can control what you allow yourself to consume and dwell on.

It also helps to celebrate small wins. If you cooked a new dish for the first time, give yourself credit. If you finished a report ahead of schedule, acknowledge the effort. If you made it through a stressful week, recognize your resilience. These small celebrations create a habit of valuing your progress and make you less dependent on comparing yourself to others.

Surrounding yourself with supportive people also makes a difference. When you are with friends or family who encourage you, you feel less the need to prove yourself. A circle that appreciates you for who you are helps remind you that you are valued, even without constant comparison. Choose to spend more time with people who uplift you rather than those who compete with you.

More importantly, practicing self-compassion is vital because it shapes the way you respond to your own shortcomings and challenges. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being like someone else, learn to acknowledge your efforts and accept that mistakes are part of growth. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who has fallen short of a goal by reminding them of their accomplishments, encouraging them to keep going, and assuring them that setbacks do not define their worth. Offering yourself the same patience and understanding helps you recover faster, stay motivated, and build resilience.

Avoiding the trap of constant comparison does not mean ignoring the achievements of others. It means appreciating them without turning them into a measure of your own worth. You can admire someone’s talent without believing that yours is less valuable. You can be inspired by a friend’s success without feeling that you are failing. Life is not a race where only one person can win. Each person is on a different path with different challenges and different blessings.

The next time you catch yourself scrolling through social media or admiring someone else’s success, pause and remind yourself that you are only seeing part of the story. Shift your focus back to your own journey and notice how far you have come, even in small ways that are easy to overlook. Appreciate the blessings already present in your life, set goals that reflect your own values, and give yourself credit for both big and small wins. When you choose to celebrate your progress instead of comparing it to others, you create room to live more fully, with a sense of peace that comes from walking your own path with clarity and gratitude.

Steve Kerr insists he is perfectly content coaching the Golden State Warriors in a contract year without worrying about negotiations or what’s next until the season is done.

He trusts owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy to have those discussions when the time is right for everybody, whether that ends up being during the season or once it’s over many months from now. Kerr doesn’t anticipate having those discussions for a while.

‘I’m very comfortable just going into this season with a year left. I’m so aligned with Mike and Joe that we talked about this. There’s no reason for discussion, concern, this is kind of a point in our relationship. Let’s just see how it is at the end of the year,’ Kerr said Tuesday. ‘I love my job, I love what I’m doing every day, can’t wait to get to the building. Hopefully I’m here for another few years but I think it makes sense for the organization and for me just to see where this thing is at the end of the year, where they are, where I am. Hopefully that means we run it back, we keep going with this group, and that’d be awesome.’

Kerr, who turned 60 on Saturday, begins his 12th season leading the Warriors having won four NBA titles and now with son Nicholas as an assistant coach on his bench, too, after being promoted from the G League Santa Cruz Warriors.

Whether Kerr, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will all depart together in some kind of fairytale farewell from the franchise is uncertain. Whatever happens, Kerr cherishes the special postseason runs and championships they’ve shared together.

Kerr owns a 567-308 regular-season record and guided the team to five straight NBA Finals that included the Warriors’ first championship in 40 years following the 2014-15 season.

The Warriors lost in the second round of the playoffs and want to chase another championship, and that is Kerr’s focus – not his own situation.

‘I’m not the slightest bit concerned about it. I don’t think about it,’ he said. ‘I just think it makes perfect sense for all of us. I’ve said this before, however this ends it’s going to be done in a really quality way. It’s going to happen the right way. If it’s meant to be for me to keep going then I’m going to keep going, and if it’s meant to be for the team to move on to somebody else there will be nothing but gratitude and appreciation. So this makes it easy for everybody.’

For now, he’s ready to get back to work. Day 1 of training camp was Tuesday and the Warriors host the Lakers in their preseason opener Sunday at Chase Center.

Golden State can move ahead now that restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga’s contract stalemate has resolved and center Al Horford’s signing can become official. Curry’s younger brother Seth is also joining the roster.

Kuminga agreed to a two-year contract Tuesday that could be worth up to $46.5 million if the Warriors exercise their option for 2026-27, according to a person with knowledge of the contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t made a formal announcement.

‘I’m lucky to coach the group of guys that I’ve been able to coach,’ Kerr said. ‘So I don’t spend a lot of time reflecting on the last 11 years, but I do embrace the fact that I get to do this every day. I’m very lucky.’

LeBron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice of training camp with a minor injury Tuesday.

James has ‘a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute,’ coach JJ Redick said after the workout at the Lakers’ training complex.

James will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons when the Lakers open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Golden State. That game is the target for James and the Lakers, who will work together to manage the 40-year-old superstar’s workload against injuries and exhaustion, particularly during training camp.

While the top scorer in NBA history still might play during the preseason, Redick said the Lakers are ‘playing the long game with LeBron.’

James was named to the All-NBA second team last year after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds while staying largely healthy and playing in 70 games. Redick said the Lakers want to keep James close to full health throughout the season, with the goal of being prepared for the playoffs.

Gabe Vincent (left knee), newcomer Marcus Smart (left Achilles) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee) also didn’t fully participate in the Lakers’ first practice.

Los Angeles opens its preseason schedule Friday night in Palm Desert, California, against the Phoenix Suns.