Victory party for Miss Environment International 2023 Shannon Robinson

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Jun 25, 2023 11:37 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Shannon is the first Filipina to win the top title in Miss Environment International which is just on its second staging. She also won Miss Active (Miss Congeniality) and Miss High Fashion Model - 2nd place in the competition. She succeeds Kayra Wouters of Belgium.

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Miss Environment International 2023 Shannon Robinson (Facebook/The Philippine Pageantry)

Irish-Filipina beauty Shannon Robinson went home to an ecstatic welcome from her Mutya ng Pilipinas family after being crowned Miss Environment International 2023 in Mumbai, India last June 15. She completes the back-to-back win of Mutya queens for the first half of the year after Annie Uson Chen was earlier proclaimed Miss Chinese World 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In a victory party at the showroom of CWC Interiors in Taguig City, Mutya ng Pilipinas President Cory Quirino and Chairman Fred Yuson lauded Shannon for working very hard to bring home the crown. " We're very proud and we're very glad that she did,"  the two executives said.

Shannon is the first Filipina to win the top title in Miss Environment International which is just on its second staging. She also won Miss Active (Miss Congeniality) and Miss High Fashion Model - 2nd place in the competition. She succeeds Kayra Wouters of Belgium.

Shannon Robinson with her Mutya ng Pilipinas sister-queens

The 28-year-old Shannon, who is 2022 Mutya ng Pilipinas Luzon, recalled her experience: "I left (the Philippines) a bit overconfident but when I got there (India), I was definitely shellshocked. The competition was really fierce. As you know, I'm pretty new in pageantry and I just didn't expect how tough the competition would be."

"All that time, I was just staying true to myself, from start to finish. I had to trust myself, even when I was doubting," she added.

Shannon said it helped a lot that she had a good support system which included her Mutya family, her boyfriend Curt and her father, the famous 90s DJ John Robinson.

Shannon with Mutya ng Pilipinas chairman Fred Yuson (center) and Mutya ng Pilipinas president Ms. Cory Quirino (right).

Shannon's bio lists her as a singer, model, host, actress, events coordinator, and businesswoman. Before settling in the Philippines, she lived in Japan, UK, Thailand, and US

After winning the title, Shannon vows to vigorously help pro-environment efforts, particularly those that concern the Philippines' polluted oceans, especially those affected by oil spills.

After Shannon's successful stint, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2022 winner is expected to represent the Philippines in Miss Intercontinental 2023 to be held in Egypt later in the year. Other queens who are scheduled to compete are the following: Mutya ng Pilipinas Visayas 2022 Megan Deen Campbell for Miss Asia Pacific International 2023, Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2022 Jeannette Reyes for Miss Tourism International 2023, and Mutya ng Pilipinas World Top Model 2022 Arianna Kyla Padrid for World Top Model 2023.

Tracking a tropical trough and the threat of rainfall in the Philippines...

Mayon records 16 dome collapses, 257 rockfalls, 24 volcanic quakes in 24 hours

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 25, 2023 11:27 AM

  

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Mayon Volcano continued to show “high-level unrest” with the occurrence of some dome collapse pyroclastic density current (PDC), rockfalls, and volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano in Albay, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its bulletin on Sunday, June 25.

Phivolcs defines effusive eruption as the outpouring of lava onto the ground, as opposed to explosive eruption, which is characterized by violent magma fragmentation.

“In the past 24-hour period, very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies,” it said.

“The lava flows have advanced to revised approximate lengths of 1,300 meters and 1,200 meters along Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively, from the summit crater while collapse[d] debris [has] deposited to 3,300 meters from the crater,” it added.

Phivolcs also observed 600-meter steam-laden plumes from the volcano.

The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano produces lava, as seen in this photo taken on June 17, 2023. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)

Alert Level 3 stays

Mayon Volcano has been on Alert Level 3 since June 8, which means that there is a “relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible.”

According to Phivolcs, Mayon may maintain its alert status because it saw its current state to last for a few months, just like the eruption of the volcano in 2014.

The evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone has been recommended due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious of PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice.

It pointed out that heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows on channels where PDC deposits were emplaced.

Likewise, it said that ash fall events may “most likely” occur on the south side of the volcano, based on the current wind pattern.

Phivolcs advised civil aviation authorities to ask pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.

Villafuerte issues appeal to Senate as PH marks 'Day of the Filipino seafarer'

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 25, 2023 11:03 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Amid the celebration of the "Day of the Filipino Seafarer,” Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte, has once again urged the Senate to pass its counterpart measure to the House-House-approved Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Bill.

• The House of Representatives had already passed on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No.7325, or the proposed “Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Act".

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Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (Facebook)

Amid the celebration of the "Day of the Filipino Seafarer,” Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte, has once again urged the Senate to pass its counterpart measure to the House-House-approved Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Bill.

“This is the least that we lawmakers can do for our sailors who are among our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) whose combined remittances have helped prop up our  economy even during times of crises,” said Villafuerte.

Villafuerte, majority leader of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA), noted that Proclamation No. 183 of 2011 declared June 25 of every year as the Day of the Filipino Seafarer, in recognition of local sailors’ invaluable contribution to national growth and development.

The veteran solon also made the appeal amid the expected hiring of more Filipino seafarers following the recent move by the European Commission (EC) to extend its recognition of seafarers' certificates issued in the Philippines.

“Our senators need to act on the pending Senate version of the approved Magna Carta in the House guaranteeing better labor protection for our sailors from the time of their training and recruitment up to their retirement from their jobs,” Villafuerte said.

The House of Representatives had already passed on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No.7325, or the proposed “Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Act".

The bill seeks to bestow sufficient powers upon the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other agencies concerned to better protect some 700,000 Filipino seafarers, whether in foreign-flagged ships or Philippine-registered vessels operating internationally, from the time of their training up to their retirement

“It is only fitting that the 19th Congress write new legislation, in addition to our existing labor laws, in order for us to adhere to internationally recognized instruments such as those from the ILO (International Labor Organization) and IMO (International Maritime Organization," Villafuerte said.

“Unlike other OFWs, overseas-based Filipino seafarers face unique challenges attached to their movement from international waters to different ports of call in various countries. Thus, the laws protecting them can be vague and elusive, making them highly vulnerable to illegal recruitment and other forms of work-related abuses,” he further said.

A six-session online course for writers

 

Through writing, they will discover themselves more deeply.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 25, 2023 00:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Through writing, they will discover themselves more deeply.

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Barbara 'Tweetums' Gonzalez-Ventura

Beginning July 1, a six-session writing course will begin at Sunshine Place. Called “Write About Life,” the online course will be conducted on Saturdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. by Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzalez-Ventura.

This is not an ordinary creative writing class. Participants will learn the best way to share at least one lesson that life has taught them. Through writing, they will discover themselves more deeply and find their voice to share life lessons.

Gonzalez-Ventura is a columnist for the Philippine Star. She is also the author of How Do You Know Your Pearls Are Real?, a 1991 National Book Awardee, and We’re History!, a collection of her columns on ordinary life.  She has been a columnist for 35 years and has been teaching about the art of writing since 1988.

She also served as creative director and editor of Finding the Sun, a book written by members of Sunshine Place: Senior Recreation Center.
Call 0917515-5656 or email hello@sunshineplaceph.com.

Plus, best-of-the treats from Sarah G, KZ, Janine Gutierrez, Kim Chiu, Maris Racal, Awra Briguela, and more

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 24, 2023 07:03 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kick off the best-of-the-best party with a P-Pop bonanza from BGYO, BINI, Alamat, DIONE, Calista, and 1st.One alongside Erik Santos and the whole ASAP family with Robi Domingo, Maymay Entrata, and Donny Pangilinan. The Pinoy pop fever continues as we relive the showstopping solo treat from the country's Popstar Royalty, Sarah Geronimo, and a soulful treat from KZ with Fana and Sheena Belarmino.

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It's a super showdown weekend featuring best-of-the-best acts from the country's sought-after P-Pop groups, plus more stellar face-offs, collabs, and throwback treats from your favorite Kapamilya stars and guest artists this Sunday (June 25) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

Kick off the best-of-the-best party with a P-Pop bonanza from BGYO, BINI, Alamat, DIONE, Calista, and 1st.One alongside Erik Santos and the whole ASAP family with Robi Domingo, Maymay Entrata, and Donny Pangilinan. The Pinoy pop fever continues as we relive the showstopping solo treat from the country's Popstar Royalty, Sarah Geronimo, and a soulful treat from KZ with Fana and Sheena Belarmino.

Keep the showdown vibes popping with a fiery dance-off from Maris Racal and Awra Briguela, plus a sizzling solo treat from ASAP's dance royalty, Kim Chiu, followed by a "Dance U" session from AC Bonifacio, Teacher Georcelle, Kyle Echarri, Jeremy G, Joao Constancia, G-Force, and "World of Dance PH" groups.

Relive your favorite collabs on the ASAP stage, featuring a divas collab from Zsa Zsa Padilla and Regine Velasquez together with Janine Gutierrez; total performances from Darren, AC, and Gab Valenciano; plus an all-balladeer sing-along from Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, and Janno Gibbs.

The super showdown Sunday isn't complete without an all-champions sing-off from Angeline Quinto, Jona, Jed Madela, Sheena, Fana, Elha Nympha, JM Yosures, Khimo Gumatay, and Reiven Umali. 

Then, let's look back on the grand Broadway hits medley act from Martin, Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez, Franco Laurel, Jamie Rivera, Bituin Escalante, and Karylle with New-Gen Birit Idols JM, Lara Maigue, Sam Mangubat, and Enzo Almario.

And wrap up the best-of-the-best party with a 90s hits sing-off from Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa, Jona, Darren, Ogie, and Regine in "The Greatest Showdown."

Let's relive all these showstopping acts from the country's longest-running and award-winning musical variety show, "ASAP Natin 'To," this Sunday, 12 NN on local TV via;Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.

Viewers who use any digital TV box at home, such as the TVplus box, only need to rescan their device to watch "ASAP Natin 'To" on TV5 and A2Z.