PAGASA: LPA, 'habagat' to drench most of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 3, 2025 06:46 am

Copy Link

X

Facebook

Whatsapp

PAGASA

PAGASA

Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in several areas over the coming days due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) east of Northern Luzon and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, July 3.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 125 kilometers east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, moving northwestward. 

While the probability of its development into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours has decreased from high to moderate, PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the weather disturbance may still intensify in the coming days.

Should it develop into a tropical depression while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it will be given the local name “Bising.”

Dominguez said the LPA is expected to approach extreme Northern Luzon and bring scattered rains, particularly over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, the habagat continues to affect Central and Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.

In its Weather Advisory No. 5 issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA reported that moderate to heavy rainfall (50–100 mm) is expected on Thursday over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte due to the LPA.

Rainfall is forecast to persist through Saturday, with rainfall forecasts of up to 100 mm on Friday, July 4, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and Abra, and on Saturday, July 5, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.

The habagat is also expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday.

Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms, while the rest of the country can expect isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

By Friday, heavier monsoon rains of up to 200 mm (intense) are forecast for Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas may receive 50–100 mm of rainfall.

On Saturday, continued habagat rains are expected over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

PAGASA warned that rainfall could be more intense in mountainous or elevated areas, and that persistent rains over the past few days may increase the risk of flooding and landslides.

Residents, local governments, and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

Dominguez also noted that a tropical storm with the international name “Mun” remains outside PAR, approximately 2,500 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. 

She said the weather disturbance poses no direct threat to the country.

The power of sleep

 By Pinky Concha-Colmenares

Published Jul 3, 2025 12:05 am

DRIVING THOUGHTS

In our regular day, the first thing we often sacrifice is sleep. We give up minutes or hours of sleep for productivity, social obligations, or endless scrolling on our phones. Many of us think we have weekends to catch up on sleep, and there are even those who boast that they do not really need much sleep to function.

But science tells a different story — sleep is not just a passive state of rest, but an active process vital to every part of our health — from our brain to our immune system.

Many still ask: What is good sleep, exactly? The National Sleep Foundation based in the US defines “good sleep” as getting seven to nine hours of uninterrupted rest for adults, falling asleep within 20 minutes of lying down, staying asleep through the night, and waking up feeling refreshed. These qualities of sleep are more important than simply lying in bed for a set number of hours.

Good sleep is essential because it is when the body conducts vital maintenance. During deep sleep, cells repair themselves, tissues heal, and growth hormones are released. The immune system is strengthened to fight infections. The brain consolidates memories, processes emotions, and removes toxins. Studies show that those who consistently get less than six hours of sleep are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

According to a Philippine National Nutrition Survey, about 46 percent of adult Filipinos report poor sleep quality, while nearly 32 percent sleep fewer than six hours per night.

These statistics should cause us to worry because chronic sleep deprivation also impairs judgment, weakens the immune system, and increases the risk of accidents—whether on the road or at work.

One clear example of sleep’s critical role is its effect on driving. The World Health Organization cites drowsy driving as a major contributor to road crashes worldwide. Lack of sleep slows reaction time as much as alcohol intoxication. A driver awake for 18 hours can have impairment equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.05 percent—enough to cause mistakes that can cost lives.

So why is sleep so elusive?

Stress is a major culprit. We worry about work, finances, relationships, or health and that can keep minds racing at night.

Also, the rise of digital devices has worsened the problem. The blue light from screens inhibits melatonin, the hormone that tells our body it’s time to sleep, tricking our brain into staying awake, according to studies.

Add to that noise (from television, neighbors, motor vehicles), uncomfortable beds, irregular schedules, caffeine or alcohol — to name only a few of the factors keeping a good sleep away.

But studies on sleep have enumerated proven ways to reclaim good sleep. First, keep a consistent sleep schedule: going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps your body’s circadian rhythm stay on track. A stable schedule trains your brain to feel sleepy and alert at predictable times.

Second, create a sleep-friendly environment. Make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use blackout curtains, eye masks, earplugs, or white noise machines to block disturbances. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows .

Third, develop a bedtime routine to signal your body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid gadget screens for at least an hour before bed. Try reading a physical book, taking a warm shower, practicing deep breathing, or gentle stretching. These rituals help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

Still on sleep and gadgets, the results of a study released last April said people who spend more time looking at a screen in bed are more likely to report insomnia and sleep loss. The research is based on a Norwegian survey of more than 45,000 students.

The study said each additional hour of screen time was linked to a 63 percent increase in insomnia risk, and 24 minutes less sleep.

Fourth, be attentive to what you consume the whole day, especially at the end of the afternoon. Avoid caffeine after mid-afternoon, as it can stay in your system for six to eight hours. Alcohol brings on drowsiness that puts you to sleep, but it disrupts deep sleep later in the night.

Fifth, stay active during the day. Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Although the studies say you should avoid vigorous workouts within a few hours of bedtime as they can be too stimulating, this does not work for me. I walk with a cyber coach before midnight and I sleep well after the session.

Short naps of about 20 to 30 minutes can restore energy, but long or late-day naps can make falling asleep at night more difficult.

Those who are experiencing chronic insomnia or symptoms of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea — loud snoring, gasping for air, or excessive daytime sleepiness — consulting a doctor or sleep specialist is crucial. These conditions are treatable, and proper diagnosis can dramatically improve health and quality of life.

In a culture that often equates sleeplessness with dedication or toughness, we must remember: sleep is not a weakness. It is a fundamental pillar of good health, just like nutrition and exercise. By prioritizing restful sleep, we protect our hearts, sharpen our minds, stabilize our moods, and live longer, healthier lives.

Tonight — and every night — let us choose to rest well. Because tomorrow’s success begins with today’s sleep.

No. 1 Sabalenka is last top-five women's seed left; Alcaraz wins

 

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her second round women's singles match against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 2.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

By Associated Press

Published Jul 3, 2025 07:00 am

She's also the only one of the five top-seeded women still in the bracket after No. 4 Jasmine Paolini, last year's runner-up, followed No. 2 Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula and No. 5 Zheng Qinwen on the way out.

LONDON (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka joked that she'd love it if the upsets at Wimbledon would stop, which makes sense, given that she is ranked No. 1.

She's also the only one of the five top-seeded women still in the bracket after No. 4 Jasmine Paolini, last year's runner-up, followed No. 2 Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula and No. 5 Zheng Qinwen on the way out.

Sabalenka was two points from dropping the opening set of her second-round match three times on Wednesday, July 2, before asserting herself for a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over Marie Bouzkova.

In all, a record-tying 23 seeded players — 10 women, 13 men — were gone by the end of Day 2, equaling the most at any Grand Slam event in the past 25 years. Five more women joined them by losing Wednesday: Paolini, No. 12 Diana Shnaider, No. 21 Beatriz Haddad Maia, No. 22 Donna Vekic and No. 29 Leylah Fernandez.

“Of course you're going to know the overall picture,” Sabalenka said, then added with a chuckle: I hope it’s no upsets anymore in this tournament, if you know what I mean.”

She is a three-time Grand Slam champion, with all of those titles coming on hard courts at the Australian Open or U.S. Open. She also was the runner-up to Gauff at the clay-court French Open last month — drawing criticism from some over her post-match comments, a flap she and Gauff set aside via social media videos last week — but hasn't been past the semifinals on the grass of the All England Club.

A year ago, Sabalenka was forced to miss Wimbledon because of an injured shoulder.

On Wednesday, the record-breaking heat of the first two days gave way to rain that delayed the start of play on smaller courts for about two hours, along with temperatures that dropped from above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) to below 68 F (20 C).

At Centre Court, the 48th-ranked Bouzkova went ahead 6-5 in the first set with the match's initial service break thanks to a double-fault by Sabalenka. Bouzkova served for that set, and was two points away from it at 30-15 in that game, again at 30-all, then once more at deuce.

But on the last such occasion, Sabalenka came through with a forehand volley winner she punctuated with a yell, followed by a down-the-line backhand winner that was accompanied by another shout.

“That was a tough moment, said Sabalenka, who will face 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu next. “Until that point, (my) return wasn’t great enough to break her serve. I'm really glad ... everything clicked together and I was able to break her back. I kind of like felt a little bit better.”

That sent them to a tiebreaker, and from 4-all there, Sabalenka took the next three points, ending the set with a powerful forehand return winner off a 67 mph second serve. In the second set, the only break arrived for a 3-2 lead for Sabalenka, and that was basically that.

Sabalenka compiled a 41-17 edge in winners while making only 18 unforced errors in a match that lasted a little more than 1 1/2 hours.

cdx-size style=font-size: 20px;>What else happened Wednesday at Wimbledon?

Raducanu defeated 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3, and Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who is seeded sixth, beat Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2. In men's action, two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 20 matches with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 733rd-ranked qualifier Oliver Tarvet, who plays for the University of San Diego, and No. 5 Taylor Fritz got past Gabriel Diallo of Canada 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-3 for his second consecutive five-set win. But No. 12 Frances Tiafoe joined the parade of seeds exiting, eliminated by 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist Cam Norrie 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.

cdx-size style=font-size: 20px;>Who plays Thursday at the All England Club?

Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his 24 major championships at Wimbledon, will lead off the Centre Court schedule on Day 4 against Britain's Dan Evans at 1:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. ET), followed by Iga Swiatek vs. Caty McNally, and No. 1 Jannik Sinner vs. Aleksandar Vukic.

Eric S. Canoy honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering leadership in Philippine broadcasting

 

Eric S. Canoy, Chairman and President of Radio Mindanao Network, Inc.

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Published Jul 2, 2025 11:48 am

In recognition of his enduring impact and exceptional contributions to Philippine media, Mr. Eric S. Canoy, Chairman and President of Radio Mindanao Network, Inc. (RMN), has been conferred the prestigious 2025 Golden Dove Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring over four decades of visionary leadership, innovation, and public service in the broadcast industry.

Mr. Canoy has served as the steward of RMN Networks since 2008, following a tenure in various key roles within the organization that began in 1978. Under his leadership, RMN has not only expanded its nationwide reach but also modernized its platforms, including the landmark renewal of its Congressional Franchise (RA 10818) in 2016. He oversaw RMN’s pioneering efforts in High Definition (HD) Radio and the launch of UHF television channel CTV31, which marked the country’s first foray into international entertainment broadcasting with E! Philippines.

A staunch advocate for regional and hyperlocal storytelling, Mr. Canoy also leads RMN-MMV, the network's exclusive marketing arm, and is the driving force behind Media Bai, the first-ever media summit focused on hyperlocal marketing strategies and content creation for the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) audience.

Beyond RMN, Mr. Canoy has played influential roles in other broadcast entities such as Interactive Broadcast Media, Inc., and serves on the board of Radio Veritas Global Broadcasting System, Inc. In 2010, he was appointed by then-President Benigno Aquino III as President of IBC-13, where he led efforts to streamline operations in preparation for its privatization.

This Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to Mr. Canoy’s relentless dedication to innovation, public service, and the promotion of regional voices in media. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of broadcasters, communicators, and storytellers across the nation.

Apart from this recognition, the RMN Network also garnered other winners in the 28th Golden Dove Awards, such as Best Documentary Program: “Hanip, Harabas, El Niño Phenomenon: Mga Hamon ng Pagbangon”, Best Field Reporter: Chzianelle B. Salazar of DZXL 558 Manila, and most notably, the coveted Best FM Radio Station in Metro Manila, which was awarded to 93.9 iFM Manila.

The Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Golden Dove Awards recognize individuals who have contributed to the advancement of the broadcast industry, elevating the standards of excellence and professionalism, and fulfilling the ideals of the Filipino people.