Miss International Queen Philippines finals on April 14

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

• This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand.

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MIQPH National Director Michelle Montecarlo with candidates based in Europe (Images by Noli Berioso/OPMB Worldwide) 

 Miss International Queen Philippines (MIQPH) is the country's most prestigious pageant for transgender women. This year, members of the LGBTQ community, their supporters, and fans will have a chance to see the head-turning candidates slay as MIQPH 2024 holds its grand coronation night at the Aliw Theater on Sunday, April 14.

The pageant's exciting Preliminary Competition will be held tonight, April 12, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Presented by Pasay City LGU, the audience will have the chance to see their favorite bets slug it out in the Swimwear, Long Gown, Modern Filipiniana, and Advocacy Speech portions. Those who make the cut will be able to clinch a spot in the Top 10 semi-final round.

The MIQPH candidates at Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay

Before this, last April 7,  their regional directors sashed the 33 lovely contestants of MIQPH 2024 coming from all over the country. They also introduced themselves in a formal Press Presentation hosted by no less than Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados at the stately Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay Events Place. Also present was MIQPH 2023 queen Lars Pacheco, who placed in the Top 6 in the international pageant list last year.

Michelle Montecarlo, MIQPH National Director, stated: "This year, we made history by being able to expand our brand and give opportunities not only to Queens who live here in Luzon but also to those Queens who live in Visayas and Mindanao. I'm proud to say that we also have contestants now based in Europe."

The forces behind MIQPH 2024 (from left): Mikee Andrei, Lars Pacheco, Tei Endencia (Executive Producer). Kristine Ibardolaza, Wayne Renzo, and Creative Director Roderic De la Cruz

This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand. The Philippines has had a good winning streak, with three crowned winners in MIQ history. They are Kevin Balot (2012), Trixie Maristela (2015), and Fuschia Anne Ravena (2022).

MIQPH 2024 press presentation host Gazini Ganados Miss Universe Philippines 2019

The MIQPH 2024 candidates are the following:

Jem Tierro - Morong, Bataan 

Mikay Bautista - San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Mhielle Marie Garcia - Angeles City

Red Spiegelman - Pampanga

Sher Cadoy - Nueva Vizcaya

Claui Doromal Rolo-os - Victorias City, Negros Occidental

Mahdison De La Vega - Cebu City

Maria Napoles - Cebu Province

Bella Fox - Aklan

Roxam Delo Santos - Northern Samar

Exur Ranoa - Davao Oriental

Jeysyn Ramos - Davao Del Sur

Nina Marie Similatan - Manay, Davao Oriental

Sheila Magpale - Koronadal City

Trisha Pestano - Iligan City

Sophia Nicole Arkanghel - Laguna

Arell Guache - Batangas

Althea Bulilan - Quezon Province

Pau Telan - Cainta, Rizal

Phia Garcia - Laguna

Asia Mariano - Quezon City

Casey Paculan - Quezon City

Julian Concepcion - Manila City

Vivi Hendendahl - Pasig City

Yuki Roque - Malabon City

Yuumi Garcia - Italy

Shai Yanga - United Kingdom

Lea Pascua - Spain

Tickets to the grand finals are now available at smtickets.com.

The dangers of selling your GCash accounts on social media

As online financial transactions grow, the seemingly harmless trend of selling GCash accounts harbors risks of legal issues, identity theft, and financial losses, signaling a pressing need for awareness and preventive measures

BY ART SAMANIEGO

Apr 10, 2024 10:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Selling GCash accounts on social media can lead to serious legal trouble, including criminal charges, because these accounts might be used in scams and money laundering.

• Fraudsters can use sold accounts to hide or move stolen money, making the original account owners unknowingly part of illegal activities.

• The risk of identity theft increases when accounts are sold, putting personal information in danger and potentially implicating sellers in crimes they didn't commit.Financial losses are a significant risk, as scammers can drain sold accounts, leaving the sellers without recourse.

• GCash and law enforcement agencies are actively fighting against the sale of accounts, highlighting the severity of the issue and the push for legal reforms to tackle such scams.

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In a digital age where financial transactions are increasingly moving online, a new trend has emerged on social media platforms like Facebook, where individuals are tempted to sell their GCash accounts for instant cash. This seemingly harmless offer masks many potential dangers, ranging from legal repercussions to identity theft, underscoring the critical importance of understanding the risks associated with such transactions.

 

There's a dangerous trend of offers to buy GCash accounts for quick cash. Don't be tempted! Selling your account can lead to legal issues, identity theft, and financial loss. Protect yourself and your money. 

With millions of account holders, GCash has become a target for scammers looking to exploit its user base. These fraudsters often disguise their intentions, making the sale of GCash accounts appear harmless. However, the consequences of selling a verified GCash account are far from harmless. The practice exposes sellers to serious risks, including criminal charges, financial losses, and reputational damage.

One of the most alarming implications is the potential legal issues. Accounts sold to scammers often become money mules, used to receive and obscure the origins of illicit funds. This can lead to criminal charges and jail time for the sellers, with GCash accounts being instrumental in concealing the identity of fraudsters amassing large sums of money.

 

The sale of these accounts also opens the door to identity theft. Once in the hands of a scammer, personal information is vulnerable to misuse, potentially leading to illegal activities carried out in the seller's name. Their involvement in scams, knowingly or unknowingly, can trap individuals in criminal operations, further complicating their legal and financial situation. Moreover, the act of selling verified accounts implicates individuals in money laundering activities, as these accounts serve to obscure the source of fraudulent funds. This association with criminal activities poses a risk to one's financial security and tarnishes reputations, making individuals appear untrustworthy to future employers or financial institutions.

Privacy is another issue in these transactions. Sellers inadvertently grant strangers access to their personal data, financial history, and transaction records, compromising their privacy and security.

The financial risks are huge, with scammers capable of draining accounts once they gain control. This can leave individuals facing significant financial losses without recourse. Additionally, victims of identity theft used in scams may face legal penalties, further worsening the situation.

In response to these growing concerns, GCash has taken a firm stance against selling or lending e-wallet accounts, highlighting their use by cybercriminals to conduct illicit activities. The company has collaborated proactively with law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, the National Bureau of Investigation Cybercrime Division, and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, to clamp down on fraudulent practices.

Atty. Maricor Alvarez-Adriano, Chief Legal Officer at GCash, emphasized the company's commitment to combating this issue. GCash supports enacting the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which aims to criminalize the sale of financial accounts, phishing, and other forms of scams. This legislative effort is seen as crucial in strengthening the fight against the proliferation of money mules and scams.

Always remember that the sale of verified GCash accounts poses significant risks, not only to the individuals involved but also to the financial system's integrity. As the digital economy continues to evolve, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes crucial in protecting oneself from the potential dangers of cybercrime.

9 areas may experience ‘dangerous’ heat indices on April 8

BY LIZST TORRES ABELLO

Apr 8, 2024 08:27 AM T

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “dangerous” heat indices may be felt in nine areas in the country on Monday, April 8. 

(Photo from Unsplash) 

Based on the PAGASA's latest heat index forecast, Daet, Camarines Norte, has the highest possible heat index of 46°C, followed by a heat index of 44°C in Cotabato City, Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, a heat index of 43°C may be felt in Aparri, Cagayan, while a heat index of 42°C may be experienced in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Aborlan, Palawan; Roxas City, Capiz; and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture station in Pili, Camarines Sur. PAGASA said heat indices of 42 to 51°C is considered “dangerous,” which may lead to heat stroke when activity is continued, as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are also possible. 

World Health Day: My health, my right

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 7, 2024 00:17 AM

  

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Today, April 7, is World Health Day, an event that has been celebrated annually since 1948 to create awareness on a specific health issue of concern to people all over the world, and to the World Health Organization (WHO). This year, the theme – My health, my right – brings attention to the fact that everyone should have access to quality health services.

According to WHO, more than half of the world’s population – at least 4.5 billion people  – were not fully covered by essential health services in 2021. “Around the world, the right to health of millions of people is increasingly coming under threat” from diseases, disasters, conflict and climate change.

In the Western Pacific Region, two out of every five individuals do not have access to essential health services, WHO Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala said, equating that ratio to an estimated 782 million individuals. These individuals “still do not have full access to at least one essential health service, such as immunization, pregnancy and newborn care; treatments for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and HIV, as well as for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.”

A person’s right to health does not only mean health services but also includes the right to other basic conditions for a healthy life such as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

For instance, people’s health is also affected by climate change issues.  WHO cited the burning of fossil fuels as “simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away our right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every five seconds.”

WHO listed the right to health as: The right to “safe and quality care, without any discrimination; to privacy and confidentiality of one’s health information; to information about one’s treatment and to informed consent; to bodily autonomy and integrity; and to make decisions about one’s own health.” 

World Health Day is celebrated to urge governments to accelerate action on health programs to realize the right to health of their people.

As individuals, we join the WHO in encouraging citizens to join actions and discussions on the health requirements of communities to appeal to political leaders to act on them.  There are many health issues which need more support from the public and private sectors – good nutrition, clean air, and safe drinking water.

In the Philippines, one of the important health issues is good nutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child. “Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days can cause irreversible damage to a child’s growing brain, affecting the ability to do well in school and earn a good living – and making it harder for a child and family to rise out of poverty.”

This is the advocacy of the Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) which calls on government and private sectors to continue this initiative in all barangays around the country.  It is a health program that could be considered as an individual’s, a community’s, or a corporation’s advocacy to make the right to health accessible to more people.

We urge government to craft and implement policies that make quality health services more accessible to all Filipinos, especially those living in geographically isolated areas, keeping in mind that truly, “health is an investment in every country’s present and future.”

PH, EU launch disaster risk reduction and management program to enhance LGUs readiness capacities

BY MANILA BULLETIN

The Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the European Union (EU), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group launched a disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) program on Friday to enhance local government units (LGUs) readiness capacities.

DOF Undersecretary Joven Balbosa; AFD Country Director Benedicte Gazon; DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan; H.E. Ambassador Luc Veron of the Delegation of EU in the Philippines; AFD Executive Director Philippe Orliange; Expertise France Deputy Director of Peace, Stability, Security-Expertise France; Paul Boulet Desbareau, Regional Representative Olivier Sublard, DOST Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Calzado, Jr.;

The Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level Technical Assistance (DRREALL TA) Program aims to support the DILG in reinforcing local government units, specifically in building and enhancing existing capabilities in key DRRM aspects. The DRREALL TA Program will cover activities to address critical gaps, namely, risk-informed planning, integrated capacity development strategies, effective local DRRM funds' utilization, and gender sensitive and socially inclusive disaster response towards ensuring the readiness and protection of citizens especially the vulnerable.

The program also aims to conduct high-level policy dialogue among government and non-government stakeholders in setting important policy directions and solutions that foster co-ownership and accountability.

Co-funded by the EU and the AFD, the €4.28 million or P256 million technical assistance accompanies a programmatic policy-based loan by the French government amounting to €250 million to the government of the Philippines in 2021.

The DRREALL TA Program will be implemented by the Expertise France and will run from 2024 to 2027 in close partnership among DILG, LGUs, partner national agencies and French institutions.

In a recorded statement, the DOF said that the DRREALL Program is a fitting solution to the Philippines' ongoing battle against climate change. "Given our archipelagic nature, each locality in the Philippines faces its own unique set of challenges and vulnerabilities. This [DRREALL Program] will allow us to empower our local government units as we develop climate projects and programs uniquely tailored to their specific needs. By doing so, we ensure sensitivity to localities and increase the likelihood of achieving the greatest positive impact for our people," said Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

EU Ambassador Luc Véron stated, "The European Union is proud to be able to continue supporting the Philippines' efforts to improve the country's climate resilience, most especially at the local level, through blended financing, in partnership with AFD. This project responds fully to the Government's objective to address Climate Change in a more effective and coordinated manner, and should help to take practical steps and support LGUs to move from plans to action. DRREALL is one element in a larger framework of partnership - the Team Europe Green Economy Initiative. As part of this initiative, the EU launched recently the €60 million EU-Philippines Green Economy Programme, which will focus on the Philippines' transition towards a more circular economy, reducing waste and plastic, as well as increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy."

 "The DILG stands firm in our mandate to lead local government units in shaping strategies for local governance, including developing policies, and programs relevant to protecting most especially our local citizens from natural and human-induced hazards. The strengthening of LGUs in delivering devolved services will always be at the forefront of our vision for a climate resilient Philippines. We encourage all stakeholders identified in the implementation of the DRREALL TA activities, to pledge their active engagement, valuable knowledge, and technical expertise for the successful implementation of the Program", said DILG Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan.

For Philippe Orliange, AFD Executive Director of All Countries' Operation, the Philippines is an important stakeholder in advancing France's Indo-Pacific strategy. "The Southeast Asian region houses 14 of the 20 most climate-exposed countries, 54 percent of the global population, and contributes to 40 percent of the global GDP. Through a €250 million policy-based operation in 2021, AFD demonstrated its commitment to a long-term partnership with the Philippines on a territorial approach to enhance adaptation capacities to climate change. Further, we are mobilizing our French expertise network through the CEREMA (public expertise agency for ecological transition and regional planning) for flood risk planning and Expertise France as DRREALL TA project implementor."

San Felipe, Zambales takes pride in its teen queen

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to maketheir mark in pageantry. 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carolleen Marghereth 'Carol' Abundo

This summer, a lot of people will surely flock to San Felipe, Zambales for its pristine natural beauty. Only a three-hour drive from Manila, it's a must-see for its expansive coastline, beautiful mountain views and beaches.

The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to make their mark in pageantry. The latest star to shine is Carol Abundo who was barely 14 when she was adjudged Miss Teen Tourism Philippines and will represent the country in the coming Miss Teen Tourism international competition in June. This early, she is being molded to showcase her best skills by her handler, Bienvinido Gamboa Jr. and  the JosephC Casting Agency of talent manager/national director Josephus Canabuan, the same man behind the success of several pageant winners.

Teen queen Carol Abundo with talent manager/National Director Josephud Canabuan of JosephC Casting Agency

Carol revealed that she wants to be a doctor one day but modelling is something that she has dreamed of since she was three years old. "Little did I know that doors would open for me in modelling. I have been fortunate to join several photo shoots and a runway show. I love how fashion and make-up can transform my innocent face into a variety of characters. I am still gathering enough confidence to walk the ramp as a career but I know I can work it out. The perseverance and determination is something that I got from my mom, Margie, who's an Overseas Filipino Worker."

As San Felipe's beauty ambassador,  the young queen recently made a courtesy call to San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano and barangay Sto. Nino officials led by captain Elbert Abille. 

The mayor noted that Carol's feat will surely be an inspiration to her peers. "Aside from this, we're proud of anyone from our town who will compete nationally or anywhere. One of the things we're promoting right now is our tourism industry. During the rainy season, we have the Keri Khariton Festival where they decorate the karitons and pull the carabaos to go inside the Anghalo Falls. We likewise have the Aldaw Ti Minatay during All Saint's Day and Christmas villages in December."

Teen queen Carol Abundo with San Felipe, Zambales officials led by Mayor Reinhard Jeresano

"When San Felipe is mentioned in a pageant, it's also a promotion for us, especially if we are represented by someone as young and beautiful as Carol," the mayor added.

Carol also paid a visit to San Rafael Technical Vocational High School where she is currently enrolled as a junior high school student. The school's principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata, commented that Carol's crowning as Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 is a "tremendous honor. It highlights our commitment to nurture young talents and empower them to reach for their dreams." 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carol Abundo  with San Rafael Technical Vocational High School Principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata

The principal pointed out that while it's not easy for Carol to juggle her studies and the demands of outside activities, "she remained focused on her goals and her perseverance helped her to overcome obstacles along the way."

"Carol's achievement has inspired and motivated everyone in the school, and we support her all the way. Her success at a young age serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has instilled a sense of pride and aspiration within our school community," Fogata stressed.

‘Dangerous’ heat indices recorded in 13 areas on Good Friday

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Mar 29, 2024 07:49 PM

  

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Heat indices in 13 areas reached the “danger” level on Friday, March 29, according to the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Actors reenact the poignant journey of Jesus to his crucifixion in Cebu City on Good Friday, March 29, 2024. (Juan Carlo de Vela)

The highest heat index of 47°C was recorded in Aparri, Cagayan as of 5 p.m.

Dangerous heat indices were also recorded by PAGASA at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (45°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (44°C); Ninoy Aquino International Airport station in Pasay City (43°C); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C); Alabat, Quezon (43°C); Roxas City, Capiz (43°C); Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (42°C); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C); Mambusao, Capiz (42°C); and Catarman, Northern Samar (42°C).

Heat index is defined by PAGASA as the gauge of perceived heat, accounting for both the actual air temperature and relative humidity.

PAGASA noted that heat indices ranging from 43°C to 51°C are considered to be within the "dangerous" range.

In these heat indices, PAGASA noted that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. “Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure,” it added.

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https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/29/long-weekend-pagasa-warns-of-persistent-hot-humid-weather-ahead