This week is fraught with religious activities. While we’re observing the rituals toward the climax of the Lent, believers of other faiths have also their own com-memorations, particularly the Hindus and Muslims, which are observing the start of spring. Christian churches will be filled to the rafters and brim, starting today, Palm Sunday, as the faithful renew their beliefs on a God that suffered on the Cross and, three days later, rose from the dead.

One of the Catholic occasions this week is the feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker, known as  the foster father of Jesus Christ. As a tribute to this religious character, Negros Navigation has named one of its vessels after him and last week, the shipping company relaunched it with a new image – also as a cruise-conference ship.

Within two weeks, a new batch of graduates will go out of their familiar academic grounds in pursuit of the challenges on a higher plane. Our columnist, Ian Casocot, a faculty member of Silliman University, pays tribute to his Class 2008 at Silliman as he also recalls the joys and tribulations he has encountered through the years as a college mentor. Our other Oriental Negros-based writer, Cecile Genove, discusses the results of a study on the Nursing profession in a number of countries.

This week, Sagay City celebrates its 12th Sinigayan Festival which will be highlighted by an agro-trade fair, sports and cultural activities and the selection of the Sinigayan Queen, among others. Nine young ladies are vying for the title in the pageant which will be held tonight.

Another visit to Puerto Princesa City, host of the forthcoming Palarong Pambansa, brought StarLife to some of the attractions of the Palawan capital. Join us as we rediscover some of the interesting spots of this pulsating place, which became a chartered city late last year.