This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Showing posts with label Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz. Show all posts
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday, Jan. 24 that Luzon could experience “record-low” temperatures early next week, as the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” intensifies.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja said cooler weather is expected to affect “many parts of Luzon,” especially during the early morning hours of Monday, Jan. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, when temperatures may drop to their lowest levels for the month.
The temperature forecast for January ranges from 19°C to 33.9°C in Metro Manila, 10.2°C to 27.8°C in the mountainous areas of Luzon, 13.1°C to 35.5°C in the rest of Luzon, 20.1°C to 35°C in the Visayas, 13.7°C to 33.4°C in the mountainous areas of Mindanao, and 18.8°C to 37.1°C in the rest of Mindanao.
As the amihan strengthens over the weekend, Estareja said light rains are expected to affect Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, Bicol, and surrounding areas.
He added that the effect of the amihan may extend to the Visayas.
By Saturday, Jan. 25, the influence of the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will persist across Visayas and Mindanao, where scattered rains and thunderstorms are likely to affect Caraga, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and nearby areas.
From Sunday, Jan. 26 to Tuesday, Jan. 28, PAGASA also forecasts the return of the shear line, a weather system formed by the collision of warm and cold air masses, due to the strengthening amihan.
Estareja said this will bring scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over portions of Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas.
Meanwhile, isolated light rains are expected to prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
This photo shows the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s devastation in Brgy. Poblacion 3, Laurel, Batangas on Oct. 29, 2024. (Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin)
In 2024, the Philippines experienced one of its most devastating storm seasons, with 18 tropical cyclones, including five that reached super typhoon strength.
The year started quietly, with the first tropical cyclone forming in May, followed by a calm period until July.
However, from late October through November, a series of powerful cyclones struck one after another, causing widespread damage across the country.
Overall, 2024 saw five tropical depressions—Butchoy, Gener, Igme, Querubin, and Romina; three tropical storms—Dindo (Jongdari), Ferdie (Bebinca), and Helen (Pulasan); two severe tropical storms—Enteng (Yagi) and Kristine (Trami); three typhoons—Aghon (Ewiniar), Marce (Yinxing), and Nika (Toraji); and five super typhoons—Carina (Gaemi), Julian (Krathon), Leon (Kong-rey), Ofel (Usagi), and Pepito (Man-yi).
Unprecedented onslaught of storms
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed that, for the first time since 1951, four tropical cyclones were simultaneously active in the Western Pacific in November 2024.
PAGASA’s Climate and Agrometeorology Division Chief Thelma Cinco said the occurrence of consecutive, powerful cyclones “could be indicative of climate change.”
International experts have also linked the extraordinary cyclone season to the “supercharging” effects of climate change.
A study by the World Weather Attribution found that climate change has intensified storm strength, causing faster wind speeds driven by warmer oceans and a more unstable atmosphere.
Back-to-back cyclones’ formation
PAGASA explained that tropical cyclones form when certain environmental conditions, such as warm ocean waters, high humidity, and favorable atmospheric conditions, are present.
Warm ocean temperature, usually above 26.5 degrees Celsius (°C), provides the energy for cyclone formation, while high humidity contributes to cloud development.
In addition, low-pressure systems at the center of cyclones intensify winds, further fueling the cyclone's growth.
PAGASA noted that in the weeks leading up to the record event, ocean temperatures around the Philippines ranged from 28°C to 30°C—well above the threshold for cyclone formation.
“This is the main reason that fueled the series of tropical cyclones,” PAGASA said.
“The environment was generally favorable for tropical cyclone formation and intensification for the past weeks,” it added.
‘La Niña-like’ conditions
PAGASA also pointed to the “La Niña-like” conditions in the Pacific Ocean as a significant factor in the behavior of the cyclones.
The persistent conditions led to the warming of sea surface temperatures near the Philippines, which, in turn, triggered the formation of an unusually high number of cyclones.
PAGASA further explained that these climate conditions also amplified the effects of other rain-bearing weather systems across the country.
Climate outlook for 2025
Despite sea surface temperature anomalies in the monitored region remaining within the cool ENSO-neutral range, La Niña-like conditions are currently prevailing in the tropical Pacific, PAGASA said.
The agency also noted that a return to ENSO-neutral conditions—where neither La Niña nor El Niño is present—could occur during the March-April-May 2025 season.
PAGASA forecasts “near-normal to above-normal” rainfall conditions across most of the country in January 2025, with some exceptions in Northern Luzon.
From February to March, “generally above to way above-normal” rainfall is expected in most areas, while the western parts of Ilocos Region and Central Luzon may experience “below to near normal” rainfall.
From April to May, Mindanao and the Visayas could experience “near to below normal” rainfall conditions.
PAGASA pointed out that the probability of above-normal conditions remains high across most parts of the country during the next six months.
It added that two to eight tropical cyclones may enter or form within the country’s area of responsibility from January to June, with zero to one cyclone expected in January, February, March, and April, and one or two expected in May and June.
As Filipinos celebrate the holiday season with family gatherings, festive feasts, and joyful reunions, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Dec. 23 reminded everyone to be mindful of their health.
During the “Ligtas Christmas” hospital preparedness and response rounds, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa highlighted the risks of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, especially when individuals indulge in excesses during the festivities.
The DOH explained that holiday heart syndrome is a health condition triggered by a combination of excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest, and overeating rich, salty, or fatty foods—habits that are common during the holiday season.
These factors can lead to high blood pressure, resulting in arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), which increases the risk of stroke.
To prevent such health complications, the DOH continues to encourage every Filipino family to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and discipline during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“The Department of Health cares for our fellow countrymen. Just as you take care of your loved ones, we remind you to avoid overeating salty, fatty, and sweet foods this holiday season. Eat more vegetables and fruits, which should make up half of your ‘pinggang pinoy’ (Filipino plate). Find time to exercise," Herbosa said.
Surge in stroke cases
During the DOH inspection, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) reported approximately 60 stroke cases from July to November.
Additionally, seven stroke cases were recorded before Christmas, from Dec. 1 to 20.
The DOH warned that the number of stroke cases could rise further after Christmas and New Year if excessive alcohol consumption and food intake from consecutive holiday feasts are not controlled.
PHC had already observed a similar increase in 2023.
In December 2023, there were 38 stroke cases, which rose to 42 by January 2024, marking the highest number of stroke cases for the entire year.
Similarly, 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome recorded in December 2023 rose to 115 by January 2024.
The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) also reported a continuous rise in stroke cases, particularly in December, from 2020 to 2023.
The number of stroke patients increased from 188 in December 2020 to 226 in December 2021, and further to 247 in December 2022.
In December 2023, the number of stroke cases at EAMC reached 328.
For the first time, the DOH included private hospitals in the hospital preparedness and response rounds.
In the activity, St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City also reported a rise in stroke cases.
In 2023, the hospital recorded 415 stroke cases, up from 295 in 2022.
From January to November 2024, the hospital discharged 339 stroke patients.
As the world turns and the year draws closer to its end, the Philippines will soon experience its longest night of 2024.
This year’s December or winter solstice, which falls on Dec. 21, marks a moment when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, signaling the start of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year during the December solstice.
While the difference in day length is less noticeable in tropical countries like the Philippines, the solstice still offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the Earth’s journey around the Sun.
In Metro Manila, on Dec. 21, the sun will rise at 6:16 a.m. and set at 5:32 p.m., giving the region 11 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
After the December solstice, the nights will slowly get longer, and the days will start to get shorter, bringing more darkness as we move toward the new year.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Wednesday, Nov. 27 of possible flash floods and landslides in parts of Mindanao and Northern Luzon due to continuous rains from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the northeast monsoon (amihan).
PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected to affect Caraga, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi due to the ITCZ—a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge. It is also known for being a breeding ground for tropical cyclones.
Meanwhile, the amihan will bring cloudy skies and rains to Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
PAGASA warned that moderate to heavy rainfall from both weather systems could lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in these areas.
The amihan may also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains to the Ilocos Region.
The rest of the country will experience similar conditions, triggered by localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant for flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.
Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.
Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.
Forecast track and intensity of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) as of 8 a.m., Oct. 23, 2024 (Courtesy of PAGASA)
Twenty-six areas have been placed under tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 and 33 areas under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) approaches Luzon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In the PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Infanta, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan), including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon).
Areas under Signal No. 1 include Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, northern portion of Negros Occidental (Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bacolod City, San Enrique, Murcia, Silay City, City of Talisay, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, City of Victorias, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City), northern portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City, City of Guihulngan), northern and central portions of Cebu (Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay), including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte (including Siargao-Bucas Grande Group).
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Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 105 kph.
The storm’s center was located 310 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and is expected to move west-northwestward at 15 kph.
PAGASA said Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.
Heavy rainfall forecast
Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.
PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rainfall in Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quezon.
Moderate to, at times, intense rainfall is also expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.
The trough or extension of Kristine may also bring moderate to, at times, heavy rains to Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.
The rest of Mindanao is likely to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Kristine’s trough.
PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards on hazard maps, and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.
Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.
This screenshot of the Taal Volcano shows a minor phreatic eruption at the Main Crater at 7:21 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2024. The eruption was documented by thermal cameras at the Daang Kastila Observation Station (VTDK) and an IP camera at the Taal Volcano Observatory (TVO) in Barangay Buco. (Courtesy of Phivolcs/Facebook)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Taal Volcano experienced a minor phreatic or steam-driven eruption at 7:21 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, which produced a plume that reached a height of 2.8 kilometers.
Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 is still in effect for Taal Volcano, which has been under this alert status since July 11, 2022.
Under Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Furthermore, Phivolcs said the degassing of high concentrations of volcanic SO2 continues to pose significant long-term health risks to communities surrounding Taal Caldera that are frequently exposed to volcanic gases.
It strongly advised against entry into TVI, Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly near the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.
Local government units are also encouraged to monitor their communities’ preparedness and implement appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with long-term degassing and related phreatic activity.
Tropical Depression Gener’s projected track and intensity (PAGASA)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Monday, Sept. 16 of stormy weather over several parts of Luzon due to the possible landfall of Tropical Depression “Gener” in Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours.
As of 8 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was located 315 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.
In anticipation of Gener’s strong winds, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the eastern and central portions of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, eastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, eastern and southern portions of Apayao, Kalinga, eastern and central portions of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, eastern portion of Nueva Ecija, and northern portion of mainland Quezon, including Polillo Islands.
PAGASA also warned of heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) in Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may affect Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley.
Gener has intensified from a Low Pressure Area (LPA) at 5 a.m. on Monday.
It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph and is expected to move westward at 10 kph.
PAGASA said Gener is expected to move generally westward to west-southwestward until Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 18, before turning west-northwestward to northwestward for the rest of the forecast period.
It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.
PAGASA said Gener is likely to experience limited intensification over the next two days but is expected to reach tropical storm category by Wednesday after emerging over the West Philippine Sea.
However, due to its proximity to the Luzon landmass, changes in intensity and track are likely while crossing Luzon.
