PAGASA: 19 areas under ‘danger’ heat index on Palm Sunday

 

Catholic devotees wave their palm fronds or "palaspas" for blessings during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City on Sunday, March 24, 2024, marking the start of Holy Week.

The STAR / Ryan Baldemor

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

April 13, 2025 | 9:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures on Sunday, April 13, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its latest heat index bulletin, PAGASA reported that these areas fall under the “danger” classification, with forecast heat index values ranging from 42°C to 44°C.

The following areas are under the “danger” heat index classification:

NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila: 42°C

Bacnotan, La Union: 42°C

ISU Echage, Isabela: 42°C

Baler (radar), Aurora: 42°C

TAU Camiling, Tarlac: 42°C

Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City: 42°C

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C

Dumangas, Iloilo: 42°C

Catarman, Northern Samar: 42°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 43°C

Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas: 43°C

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 43°C

Aborlan, Palawan: 43°C

Masbate City, Masbate: 43°C

Roxas City, Capiz: 43°C

Iloilo City, Iloilo: 43°C

San Idelfonso, Bulacan: 44°C

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes: 44°C

Sangley Point, Cavite: 44°C

Other parts of the country are also under an "extreme caution" heat index, with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

Meanwhile, some areas are forecast to experience temperatures within the "caution" heat index range of 27°C to 32°C.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight—especially during the hottest part of the day—and limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Cloudy skies, scattered rains

Some areas in the country may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain, according to PAGASA.

Cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi due to the easterlies.

PAGASA warned residents in these areas of possible flash floods or landslides caused by moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also due to the easterlies.

Over 3-M seaport, airport passengers expected as Holy Week exodus starts

BY AARON RECUENCO

Apr 13, 2025 11:19 AM

  

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Authorities are expecting around three million passengers in various seaports and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as Filipinos start the annual Holy Week travel to take advantage of the long holiday break for religious activity, vacation and bonding with friends and relatives.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said they expect 1.73 million passengers in various ports across the country from April 14 to 20 this year, a 3.5 percent increase from the 1.67 passengers recorded last year. 

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said that in the first three weeks of March alone, passenger numbers have already reached 3,027,881, or an average of 1,009,294 passengers per week. 

“For Holy Week, port passenger traffic is expected to peak, nearing pre-pandemic figures, with an estimated 1,729,426 travelers utilized port facilities during the Lenten season,” said Santiago. 

Based on the PPA analysis, the top five ports this Lenten season include the Port Management Offices (PMO) of Batangas with around 20,000-25,000 daily average passengers during peak season.

The Port Management Office Mindoro is on the second spot with highest number of expected passengers, PMO Panay/Guimaras still on the third spot same as last year, PMO Negros Orriental/ Siquijor, and the PMO Bohol on the fifth spot with most number of passengers during peak season. 

Santiago said they already initiated measures in anticipation of the influx of passengers starting Monday as part of the “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.”

The preparations include the conduct of maintenance checks on critical infrastructure, placing standby generator sets for uninterrupted power supply, water systems, and ventilation to mitigate the effects of El Niño and rising temperatures this Lenten season. 

“We are prepared for the increased number of passengers this Holy Week 2025, especially as the Lenten Season coincides with summer, most of our local travelers are really taking advantage of this long days of day-off and for some tourists it is also a great time to explore our islands via sea travel,” said Santiago.  

He said they also mobilized additional personnel and enhanced terminal operations across key ports and optimized passenger terminal facilities to ensure the functionality of security and safety equipment.

He said they also deployed port police for crowd control and assistance.

Santiago said help desks have been established in major ports nationwide for immediate information concerns of travelers along with the port police and representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for a seamless travel experience.  

“With the adequate manpower, appropriate facilities, and back-up systems placed in ports, we can assure the public that we are ready for the influx but then again, it is the peak season so we appeal to our passengers to book their tickets ahead of time and allot extra hours for travel going to the ports,” said Santiago.

NAIA ready 

For its part, the new NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said it is expecting more than 1.18 million passengers from April 13 to 20.

                                              photo: NNIC

NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez said the expected passenger volume is 14.23 percent higher from last year’s 1.04 million.

Alvarez said they also expect flight movements to increase from 6,537 in 2024 to 6,724 this year, with Good Friday, April 18, is expected to be the busiest day, with 851 flights, while Tuesday, April 15, will see the lightest traffic at 818 flights. 

He said they already initiated measures in anticipation of higher volume of passengers, including setting up of assistance desks that will be manned by airport personnel, medical teams, and uniformed officers.  

Additional traffic aides, according to Alvarez, will be deployed to manage curbside and parking flow, while improved Wi-Fi connectivity ensures passengers can stay connected.

“These measures build on the operational improvements made during NNIC’s first six months at NAIA. These include the deployment of more passenger boarding bridges, upgraded security and baggage systems, expanded transport and parking areas, new air-conditioning units, and more reliable power supply,” said Alvarez.

“CCTV systems now cover the entire baggage handling process, further strengthening safety and transparency,” he added.

More than love: What women truly deserve

BY GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

Apr 13, 2025 00:02 AM

  

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THERE'S HOPE!

 

 

In the Philippines, we've grown up on stories that tell us love conquers all. From teleseryes to timeless kundimans, we are taught that no matter the hardship, as long as there's love, everything else will fall into place.

“Love Will Keep Us Alive” may be a karaoke favorite, but it has also become an unspoken mantra in our culture — tender and poetic, yes, but one that can quietly turn into a dangerous illusion when taken as absolute truth.   

Just to be clear, love is beautiful. It is a gift. But love alone should not be a woman’s only pursuit, nor should it be her ultimate salvation. The truth is, women do not need romance to survive or to succeed. What we need and rightfully deserve are respect, emotional stability, peace of mind, and a deep sense of security, the kind that nurtures, not negotiates, our well-being. 

Time and again, we’ve seen women rise, not because of romantic love, but because they were empowered by environments that cultivated their potential and honored their boundaries.

Romantic love, while meaningful, should never be the currency with which we measure our worth. It must not become the reason we remain in spaces that diminish us, drain us, or make us doubt ourselves.

We should never settle for a kind of love that brings more questions than answers, more tears than sleep, or more doubt than assurance. No woman should have to shrink her dreams or dim her brilliance just to grasp on to a love that barely holds her together.

In this 21st century, women are building careers, leading movements, heading households, and changing communities. We are no longer the damsels waiting in towers but architects of our own castles. And yet, amid all these advances, the mindset of some still clings to the old idea that a woman’s fulfillment hinges on finding and keeping a man.

But here's the truth: women can be whole on their own. A good partner complements us, but we are not broken without one.

And just as women are evolving, men must keep up and change too. 

While we now live in a world that champions equality, let us not bury the good values that once defined honorable men. Chivalry, contrary to popular belief, is not dead. That should not be the case.

Respectfulness, gallantry, and principled leadership are not outdated ideals but timeless virtues. In a world striving for equality, these traits should not fade but evolve. Modern manhood is not defined by dominance, but by the ability to lead with humility, protect with honor, and respect women as equals in every sense.

Strength in women does not excuse weakness in men. If anything, it calls them to rise even higher—to be steady anchors, not passive bystanders.

Biblically speaking, men are called to be providers, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. A man who leads with love, supports with strength, and uplifts with humility is a blessing. And when he sees a woman as his equal, not a subordinate, that is real partnership.

To the women, you are not “too much” for wanting more than love. You are not selfish for choosing peace over chaos, ambition over dependency, or self-worth over fleeting affection.

To the men, be the kind of partner who does not dim a woman’s light but helps her shine even brighter. Provide not just financial support but a sense of emotional, mental, and spiritual safety. Lead not with ego, but with wisdom and grace.

In the end, let us not raise our daughters to chase fairy tales, nor our sons to be princes who save. Instead, raise a generation that builds together, grounded in love, but more importantly, in respect, stability, and shared strength.

Because love doesn’t just keep us alive, dignity does too. There is Hope.

Palm Sunday: A reflection on peace and purpose

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 13, 2025 00:03 AM

  

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Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the day the faithful reflects on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. 

Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent which leads to Easter. According to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a humble donkey, while crowds greeted him with palm branches, shouting “Hosanna!” This seemingly jubilant procession was a quiet declaration of a different kind of kingship — one marked by humility, compassion, and sacrificial love. 

Beneath the surface of the joyful procession lies a powerful invitation — not just for Christians, but for all — to pause and reflect not just on spiritual matters but also on the key challenges that affect the broader sections of our society and nation.

Let us reflect on the persistent issue of income inequality in our country, with a significant portion of the population struggling to meet basic needs. Let us rekindle our compassion toward those in need, fostering a society where everyone can thrive, and no one is left behind.

For Christians, the significance of Palm Sunday is multilayered. First, it is a moment of celebration — a recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. But it also carries a heavy foreshadowing. The same crowd that welcomed him with palms and praises would, by the end of the week, call for his crucifixion. This shift reflects the fickleness of public opinion and the danger of misplaced expectations. Jesus did not come to meet political agendas or lead a rebellion; he came to serve, to suffer, and ultimately, to redeem. 

Palm Sunday invites believers to reflect on the nature of true leadership and the cost of discipleship. It challenges Christians to ask: Are we welcoming Christ into our lives for who He truly is, or for who we want Him to be? It also encourages a re-examination of how we receive those who bring uncomfortable truths.

For non-Christians, the imagery of Palm Sunday can still offer meaningful reflection. The palm branch has historically symbolized peace and victory, even in ancient non-Christian cultures. The story of a man riding into a city not to conquer it but to heal it, not to demand allegiance but to offer grace, is a powerful counter-narrative in any context. It’s a call to reconsider what kind of leaders we follow, and what kind of legacy we wish to leave behind.
Beyond its theological implications, Palm Sunday offers a broader, more universal message — one that can speak to people of all backgrounds. At its heart, it is a day that celebrates peace over power, humility over pride, and service over dominance.

In a world that often glorifies strength, conquest, and spectacle, Palm Sunday reminds us that real change, lasting influence, and moral authority often come from those who walk humbly and act with love.

As we face a world fractured by conflict, inequality, and a crisis of trust in institutions, Palm Sunday reminds us that peace is what we should all work for now.  That begins with peace in our hearts and in our homes. 

The path to healing often begins with humility and a willingness to serve. Whether one views Jesus as the Son of God or as a historical figure of unparalleled moral courage, His entry into Jerusalem challenges us all to consider how we respond to the gentle voice of peace amidst the clamor for power.

May this Palm Sunday be a moment not only of reflection, but of rededication — to the values that heal, unite, and uplift us all.

Mariah Carey on her career, Hall of Fame, new music

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Apr 12, 2025 10:28 AM

  

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NEW YORK (AP) — It may be hard to conceive of now, but there was once a lull in Mariah Carey's superstar career. 

In 2001, her film “Glitter” was a commercial flop; the album that followed, 2002’s introspective “Charmbracelet,” was met with a muted response. She was at a crossroads.

And then everything changed. Carey released "The Emancipation of Mimi" in 2005. It joined her athletic R&B-pop with synth-y hip-hop and fun, flirty, enduring hits — she was now only belting when she wanted to, thank you very much. She sounded free, as the title suggested, and the world embraced her for it once again. 

On Saturday, the album turns 20. To celebrate, Carey is gearing up to release deluxe, expanded editions of the album on May 30, featuring bonus tracks, new remixes and much more — including the official release of “When I Feel It,” a song fans have been waiting for since 2005. It was originally planned for “The Emancipation of Mimi” but was ultimately shelved because of clearance issues with its sample of The Dynamic Superiors’ “Here Comes That Feeling.”

 “These are new gems, as far as I’m concerned,” Carey says. “It’s exciting to me.”

Carey discussed “The Emancipation of Mimi,” her recent nomination to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rihanna and plans for new music with The Associated Press. 

The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. 

AP: Has your relationship to “The Emancipation of Mimi” changed over the years?

CAREY: It’s still one of my favorite albums that I’ve done. And, you know, back then when it first came out, everybody was calling it a comeback album. ... I didn’t really agree, because you never think you’ve gone anywhere. You know what I mean?

I just always really loved the songs and the performances. People seem to really be into it. And new fans came from that album.

AP: I hear a lot of creative freedom on that album. Do you think it revitalized your career?

CAREY: I do think it’s got a fun feeling to it and it definitely feels free. I guess it sort of revitalized my career. I spent a while making that album ... working with some great people, some great collaborators. ... It was an experience that I’ll never forget, creating that album. 

AP: In June, you’ll celebrate another anniversary. Your self-titled debut turns 35. When you think back on that time, did you envision this career?

CAREY: I don’t know. I really was just so involved and entrenched in making the music and this new career that I was embarking on. And it was amazing. I mean, it’s what I had wanted to do for my whole life. And then I was doing it.

AP: You’re also a 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee.

CAREY: That’s a huge honor. I don’t know if I’m going to win it, so I don’t want to get too excited about it. So, I just want to say that, again, it’s a huge honor and I guess I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t really thinking about it. And here we are.

AP: It seems like the Rock Hall has become more fluid in their definitions of genre over the years. Missy Elliott was inducted in 2023, for example.

CAREY: I don’t really know if genre matters. I feel like people are more open to all different genres, much more than they were, you know? But I feel like a rock star sometimes.

AP: You know, after Dolly Parton was inducted, she released a rock album. If and when you are inducted, will you finally release your ‘90s grunge album? Fans have been waiting.

CAREY: I mean, I really want to, but I want to do videos, and I have just so many ideas for that.

I don’t think I’ll be able to pull it together by the summer (before the Rock Hall ceremony) but maybe, maybe I’ll release a few songs from it.

AP: During your Christmas Time tour last holiday season, your children Monroe and Moroccan joined you onstage. They played guitar and drums; they were really rocking. Would you ever consider a family rock ’n’ roll album?

CAREY: I would love to. They just have a lot of their own things that they’re doing, and I don’t want to force them to do anything.

AP: And at your final date in Brooklyn, Rihanna was in the front row of the audience. Would you ever work with her?

CAREY: I would love to. Did you see what happened? She wanted me to sign her breasts. I was trying to do it neatly, and it didn’t come out right. So, I tried.

AP: Your last album of original music, “Caution,” came out in 2018. It’s been a minute! Are you working on a new album?

CAREY: I’m not supposed to talk about it. ... But I’m working on something. We won’t say what it is, but something new.