Cockfighting Banned in Philippine Region Hit by Bird Flu

At least 300 soldiers sent in to assist in the culling of chicken, quail and ducks in Pampanga

Published: 14:23 August 17, 2017

Barbara Mae Dacanay, Correspondent

 

Manila: Authorities have banned cockfighting for two weeks in the central Philippine province of Luzon, where 37,000 birds have been killed by the avian flu virus on 36 farms since May.

“All cockfighting stadiums were ordered closed in five villages in three towns of Mexico, San Luis and Santa Ana — which were identified within a seven-kilometre quarantine zone in Pampanga,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol told Gulf News.

“H5 avian influenza initially hit farms only in San Carlos and Sta Rita villages of San Luis town, a ground zero located within one-kilometre quarantine zone of Pampanga,” he added.

The move was necessary to stop the spread of H5 virus in central and northern Luzon, Piñol said on Thursday.

He noted that Filipinos are avid cockfighting bettors.

“The agriculture department has also asked the Philippine army to assist in culling 600,000 birds within Pampanga’s seven-kilometre controlled area, higher than the estimated 200,000 birds found in ground zero,” said Piñol, adding, “It’s a no mean job.”

“Some 36 farms owners within the seven-kilometre quarantine zone have surrendered their fowls for depopulation process. At the same time, some owners whose farms are a kilometre outside of the seven-kilometre controlled area have also offered their farms for depopulation process to stop the spread of bird flu. I view this as a patriotic act,” said Piñol.

Explaining the strategy, Piñol said, “Once we have depopulated birds within the seven kilometre controlled area, that means the periphery areas are clean, chances of the virus spreading will be reduced. That would serve as a buffer zone from our ground zero.”

He promised to ask President Rodrigo Duterte to release P52.8 million (Dh4.48 million) to compensate affected farm owners.

Brigadier General Rodel Mairo Alarcon said that 300 soldiers were sent to assist in the culling of chicken, quail and ducks in Pampanga on Thursday.

To protect their health, they were given Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), said Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag.

Two farm workers who had flu-like symptoms turned negative for bird flu. No case of bird flu’s transmission to human has been recorded yet as of August 17, Tayag reported.

A total of 73,110 layered chickens, cocks, fighting cocks, and native chickens have been culled since last week. A poultry owner reported the death of at least 15,000 quail birds in San Carlos village in April and May. The disease has initially killed a total of 37.000 fowls since that time.

Bird flu viruses have spread in Europe and Africa in recent months. The H7N9 strain has led to transmission to human cases, including fatalities, in China.

Nine-year-old Pinay brings 'America's Got Talent' judge to tears

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Aug 16 2017 05:21 PM

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She has yet to disappoint the judges of this year's "America's Got Talent," bringing them to their feet every time she hit the stage. 

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And on Tuesday, nine-year-old Filipina Angelica Hale took it one step further and reduced former Spice Girls star Mel B to tears with her moving rendition of Zedd's "Clarity."

"What an amazing song you've chosen," Mel B told Hale, who lives in Atlanta. "This song is so dear to my heart and you've literally did everything to it. You did it so much justice." 

Shen then praised Hale for the way she interpreted the song, before jokingly adding as she wiped away her tears: "I'm not going to cry."

Angelica Hale got another standing ovation from the judges. Trae Patton, NBC

The other judges had similar glowing reviews for Hale's performance, with Simon Cowell calling her a "very, very special girl." 

Outside of the judges' table, Zedd chimed in with his own comments on Twitter, describing Hale as "crazy talented." 

Hale first impressed the show when she performed her powerful rendition of "Rise Up" as her audition piece. 

She then earned the coveted golden buzzer during the judges' cut round for her stunning performance of "Girl on Fire." 

Stars in Ballet Manila's New Season

Lisa Macuja's singer sister stars in Ballet Manila's new season

By Ma. Glaiza Lee (philstar.com)

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Ballet Manila proudly announces the stellar line up of ballet productions for its 22nd ballet season set to open this August at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

MANILA, Philippines — Ballet Manila (BM) proudly announces the stellar line up of ballet productions for its 22nd ballet season set to open this August at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City.

Dubbed “Flights of Fantasy,” this year's season will debut two all-original productions, which BM artistic director and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde has been working on with internationally-known dancers, musicians and production designers.

“Ibong Adarna,” one of the two original productions, will open its ballet season. It will premiere on August 26, at 6 p.m., with regular show on September 2, at 6 p.m., and matinee shows on August 27 and September 3, at 3 p.m.

Choreographed by Gerardo Francisco, one of the company's principal dancers, this production brings to life Balagtas' classic tale about a mystical bird who can heal in a modern re-telling. Through production techniques, flying sequences and impressive routines, the ballet company will take its audience to the Kingdom of Berbanya, where they will weave timeless themes of family, loyalty, love and courage.

Gia Macuja Atchison, a West End actress and sister of Lisa Macuja, lends her soulful voice as the singing Ibong Adarna to showcase the wonderful music by Diwa de Leon. Angela Blardony Ureta created the script for the production, while make It Happen Workshop takes care of the set and costume design.

After the Ibong Adarna has taken flight, Odette and Odile from "Swan Lake" will give us some dose of romance. One of the world's most enduring classical ballets, "Swan Lake" will go on stage on October 7 and 14, at 6 p.m., and on October 8 and 15, at 3 p.m.

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"Swan Lake" tells the story of an enchanted princess who is cursed to spend her days as a swan unless someone - a prince - who has never loved before swears to love her forever. An evil spirit throws an obstacle in her way through her daughter who, by magic, resembles the cursed princess.

“'Swan Lake' is the ultimate test for a classical ballerina. To dance the dual roles of Odette and Odile is one of the most difficult roles to do because you need to be vulnerable and lyrical as the white swan, and sharp and steely as the black swan,” enthused Lisa.

When planning for the company's upcoming seasons, Lisa is committed to have at least one classical ballet in their repertoire to uphold its Vaganova Academy roots. 

“Ballet Manila has always been known as a company that strictly adheres to the Vaganova technique and Russian style of dancing. That's something that we've always stressed out by staging classical ballets that highlight our technique's strength,” shared the country's prima ballerina. 

BM's "Swan Lake" production will follow the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts. It will feature the music from master composer Peter Tchaikovsky, which will be performed by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov of the Russia's Marinsky Theater. Miguel Faustmann will design set, while fashion designer Michael Miguel will create the new costume.

Hoping to make the holiday season more magical and fantastical, Ballet Manila will stage "Snow White" on November 25, at 6 p.m. Other show dates are December 2, at 6 p.m., and on November 26 and December 3, at 3 p.m.

This holiday offering will be the second full-length production that Lisa will choreograph. The first one was "Cinderella," which was shown at last year's season.

“We are making 'Snow White' a more magical experience for everybody. We are working hard to make sure that our version leaves a mark that will make the holidays more memorable and spectacular,” said Lisa, who did not want to reveal much except that this production will be loosely based on the Grimm tale, with elements from the Disney version of the fairy tale.

Closing the ballet season will be another installment of the popular "Ballets & Ballads." While the ballet company continues to stick to its classical ballet roots, Lisa understands the need to up their game by combining classical and contemporary.

Featuring an expertly curated repertoire of classics and modern music to be performed by balladeer Christian Bautista and the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, "Ballets & Ballads" will be the ultimate romantic treat for the love month.

This culminating production will also premiere British choreographer Martin Lawrance's "Aria," which will feature five of his personal favorite arias from the operas by Bizet, Puccini and Verdi.

Catch "Ballets & Ballads" on February 10 and 17, 2018, at 6 p.m., and February 11 and 18, 2018, at 3 p.m.

A very special department store

SUN, AUGUST 13, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

I am sure, my dear readers, you’re expecting now a write-up about a famous shopping mall in the Philippines. Far from it!

Once upon a time, I drifted back on my lifetime’s way. That’s not bad. That’s sometimes really helpful. During my journey back, suddenly I saw a name-plate: Heavenly Department Store.

I came closer. The door opened itself wider and wider. A swarm of angels gathered together. One of them presented a shopping basket to me. “Enjoy your shopping, but do it carefully!” Everything what a Christian needs, could be bought in this department store. If one couldn’t carry every-thing home, one could be back next day, get the last bit and buy even more.

At first, I bought PATIENCE, the quality of enduring with calmness. LOVE, the human affection, was in the same shelve. A little bit deeper, I found SYMPATHY, the sharing of emotion, interest, and desire, and COMPREHENSION, the capacity of the mind to perceive and understand together with APPRECIATION, the setting of a valued one.

I added packages of WISDOM, the knowledge and the capacity to make use of it and additional bags of FAITH, the belief especially in a revealed religion. I relaxed a couple of minutes and then, I looked for STRENGTH, the important power or vigor and bravery and fearlessness. They should help me to continue my forward to future. I thought myself, that I shouldn’t forget MERCY, the leniency shown to a guilty person, and REDEMPTION, the deliverance from sin.

My basket was already stuffed. I started looking for the cashier. One the way there, I found the PRAYER. I needed it to avoid running dead straight into a sin. An angel advised me also never to forget PEACE AND JOY, hymn of praise and chant.

Now it was really time to pay all those things. But the angel smiled and told me, “Take everything with you, where ever you may go.” I asked, “What do I owe you?” The angel answered, “Nothing, somebody paid already your bills long time ago. His name was Jesus!”

I found this fabulous and wonderful fantastic story in my published documents from September 1988, during my time in Abra while writing a column for the mission oriented TINIG NG BAYAN – a magazine for Filipinos abroad.

This here is a revised version, because in my opinion, no matter where we are living on this globe, we should try to project this timeless legend on to our very personal daily life. You’ll find out, that it helps to survive in our life struggles especially in times right now.

It’s important to realize that we must be able to administer wise our valuable treasure of vital life energy, instead of fritter away with it such as knicks-knacks.

Hot Temperature in Cebu City

Blame high pressure area, weak habagat - PAGASA

By May B. Miasco (The Freeman)

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Weather Specialist Jhomer Eclarino of the Mactan-based Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division for Visayas said the HPA and the weakening of the rain-producing habagat or southwest monsoon caused temperatures to soar. Philstar.com/File

CEBU, Philippines - Are you wondering why the weather in Metro Cebu is hot when it is supposed to be rainy season? Blame a High Pressure Area that is currently prevailing in the region.

Weather Specialist Jhomer Eclarino of the Mactan-based Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Regional Services Division for Visayas said the HPA and the weakening of the rain-producing habagat or southwest monsoon caused temperatures to soar.

In fact, Cebu actually registered last August 6 an air temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius, which was the highest recorded so far this month.

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Eclarino said the temperature’s equivalent heat index, or how it is apparently felt by the human body, was at 39 degrees Celsius, which exceeds the average normal body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.

He said that based on their recent weather monitoring, the “ridge of a High Pressure Area,”  or an extension of a high pressure area characterized by very light winds and clear skies, is over the Visayas region, including Cebu.

An HPA, which is commonly associated as good weather, is the opposite of a Low Pressure Area, which is characterized by cloudiness and rain showers. It is considered as “breaks” from the monsoon events.

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He said the southwest monsoon has weakened as it enhances its strength only when there is the presence of a weather disturbance like LPAs or tropical cyclones, not HPAs.

With people experiencing warm weather, he warned against heat allergies or illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke that is possible on prolonged sun exposure or continuing outdoor activity.

Eclarino advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible, especially if it is not necessary for them to go outdoors. They are also asked to wear light-colored clothing since light colors reflect the sun's energy.

He also advised drinking plenty of water at a regular basis, as the body needs it to keep itself cool. Alcohol, he said, should be avoided as it may dehydrate the body.

Eclarino also advised that the people should regularly monitor weather advisories as significant changes may abruptly occur. (FREEMAN)

Jam For Peace

'Jam For Peace' Series in Philippines to Raise Funds for Marawi Survivors

8/10/2017 by Billboard Philippines

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Courtesy of Billboard Philippines

In August and September, more than 30 local artists in the Philippines will come together for "Jam for Peace" to raise funds for Marawi, including The Itchyworms, Silent Sanctuary, Sud, Save Me Hollywood and Barbie Almalbis.

This August and September, more than 30 local artists in the Philippines will come together to Jam for Peace to raise funds for Marawi survivors.

The ISIS-linked Maute group has been terrorizing the Islamic City of Marawi since May, affecting hundreds of soldiers and civilians. With Mindanao currently under martial law, several efforts to help the survivors have been kickstarted by groups in other regions in the Philippines, including the organization Jampack Music.

A series of benefit shows will take place at four different venues across Metro Manila, featuring acts from Barbie Almalbis, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, Hale, Save Me Hollywood, Ben&Ben, Kitchie Nadal, Sud and April Morning Skies.

"It's high time for musicians to take a stand and call for unity and peace in Mindanao," Jampack Music spokesperson Tommy Tanchanco says in a statement. "We want to affirm solidarity with Marawi in any way we could -- be it performing for a cause, driving more funds for rehabilitation of homes and rescue, and spreading awareness about the plight of our countrymen in the South. We hope to foster a tight community through tumultuous times. We want to be there for everyone."

Check out the poster below for details:

Courtesy of Jampack Music

Jam for Peace

Happy Kadayawan 2017!

Ex-Miss Universe Urges HIV testing in Philippines

Pia Wurtzbach, the Philippines' former Miss Universe and UNAIDS goodwill ambassador for Asia, takes an HIV test in Manila to raise awareness of the issue. - AFP

 

Manila (AFP) - The Philippines' former Miss Universe conducted a public HIV test in Manila on Wednesday a week after the United Nations said her country had the fastest-growing number of infections in Asia.

Pia Wurtzbach, UNAIDS goodwill ambassador for Asia and the Pacific, took the test in front of reporters as part of her efforts to raise awareness of HIV and remove the stigma surrounding the virus in the conservative nation.

The United Nations and the government said last week the Philippines saw a 140 percent increase in new cases from 2010 to 2016, bucking a regional trend that saw infections decline by 13 percent over the same period.

"It is very tricky in the Philippines because we're a predominantly Catholic country and we are conservative. That's why it can be quite a challenge to spread awareness on this issue," Wurtzbach said.

"This is a problem that's really happening right now and if we don't do anything about it, we're gonna be number one in the world."

The nation of 100 million people, of whom 80 percent are Catholic, is heavily influenced by the church which frowns on contraceptive use. Testing for HIV is also considered taboo.

Wurtzbach has been campaigning for HIV awareness since winning the 2015 beauty pageant. She secured the crown following a major blunder in which host Steve Harvey initially gave it to Miss Colombia in error.

On Wednesday Wurtzbach launched an HIV information campaign for young people as she expressed support for proposed laws which would allow 15-year-olds to get an HIV test without parental consent. The minimum age is now 18.

The health department had said most reported HIV cases were among men having sex with men. This group on average started having sex at 16 before they had begun using condoms or taken tests, increasing the risk of infection.

"We hope to see an increase in the rates of regular HIV testing among Filipinos to normalise the procedure as a regular medical exam," Wurtzbach said.