The Beauties of Bohol

FUNFARE By Ricky Lo (The Philippine Star) 

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Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto and wife Pureza Veloso award the 2017 Miss Bohol winners, from left: Bianca Gaviola (Barangay Tagbilaran City, third runner-up); Gazini Christiana Jordi (Barangay Loon, first runner-up); Pauline Amelinckx (Barangay Tubigon, winner); Angelika Concha (Barangay Calape, second runner-up); and Maria Andrea Cuarteros (Barangay Jagna, fourth runner-up)

Aside from the serenity of the Chocolate Hills (back to original shape after a killer quake ruined some of them), the leisurely cruise along the Loboc River (turned enchanting by color-changing lights along both banks, donated by the family of Ben Chan) and the deepening mystery of the widening eyes of the Tarsier (the longer you gaze into them), Bohol boasts of natural beauties that easily disarm a visitor with pristine smiles.

Described as “natural” because they are presumed to be untouched by cosmetic surgery, 20 of those beauties (the same number of barangays) competed for the 2017 Miss Bohol title, parading before a panel of “beauty-expert” judges composed of Renee Salud; director Tony Reyes; Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo; Boholana actress Rich Asuncion; Air Asia Commercial head Gerard Penaflor; and reigning queens Mariel de Leon (Bb. Pilipinas-International), Karen Ibasco (Miss Philippines-Earth) and Mary Ann Mungcal (Miss Global Philippines).

The candidates were serenaded by StarStruck discovery Migo Adecer who acknowledged the ladies with a stem of red rose each after a well-applauded song number. Properly trained, Migo could develop into a charming performer, just wait and see.

After the two-hour pageant hosted by 2009 Miss Earth Sandra Seifert and Vince Velasco (son of STARsports columnist Bill Velasco), declared winner was Pauline Amelinckx (from Barangay Tubigon), a 20-year-old Fil-Belgian fresh International Studies graduate from Cebu Doctors Hospital, who is a deadringer for Bea Alonzo. Her runners-up: Gazini Christiana Jordi Ganados (Loon), first; Angelika Concha (Calape), second; Bianca Gaviola (Tagbilaran), third; and Maria Andrea Cuarteros (Jagna), fourth.

Asked how she felt being at the other end of the stage this time, Mariel admitted that she was as nervous as she was during the Bb. Pilipinas pageant.

“Like during the pageant,” said Mariel, “the hardest part was the Q&A. I picked Miss Tubigon because she knew what she wanted to say and she said it well, very natural, neither rehearsed nor scripted.”

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Now preparing for Ang Panday, her movie debut for the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) produced, written, directed and starred in by Coco Martin, Mariel clarified that she never said she didn’t want to go into acting (she’s more inclined toward classical singing). Why the, uhm, change of mind?

“I’ve never really closed my door to showbiz. The opportunity is too big to turn down,” added the daughter of Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andolong. “My parents are happy for me because they really wanted me to be in showbiz.”

Mariel is two inches taller than Coco. Wouldn’t there be any height problem between them?

“Sana wala,” Mariel smiled. “Otherwise, that can be easily remedied.”

A star material herself (paging Star Cinema, Viva Films and Regal Films!), Miss Bohol Pauline (an only child) was born in Belgium where she finished prep school and kindergarten. Her Belgian father moved the family to the Philippines where he chose to retire. Pauline studied high school in Iligan City before proceeding to college in Cebu, initially enrolling for Medical Technology course (“Not my line”) before shifting to International Studies.

“I wanted to work as a flight attendant because I love to travel until I changed my mind,” she said. “And now I want to join foreign service.” That is, unless a movie company “snatches” her.

Incidentally, another Boholana beauty, Lola Primitiva Veloso celebrated her 90th birthday with family members who flew to Tagbilaran from abroad and other places in the country on July 23, the day after the Miss Bohol pageant. Lola Priming is a retired teacher. Rich Asuncion attended the party with her two younger siblings. Nice to learn that she had their family house renovated and her parents’ fish business is thriving. 

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2017 Bb. Pilipinas-International Mariel de Leon, one of the judges…

(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)      

Our children’s mother earth

WED, AUGUST 23, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

By KLAUS DÖRING

Yes, it’s again the topic, we should really think about. Also here in the Philippines. Ok, here’s anew string of examples, my dear readers. But, don’t expect good news.

Greenland, the great island is being called already the Land of Ice being on fire. Why? A recent report says the Arctic may be ice-free by 2040. The Antarctic is also melting, albeit far slower, and in a less regular pattern.

The Arctic is melting much faster than expected, and could even be ice-free in summer by the late 2030’s, a report from the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program suggests. Previous studies had forecast an ice-free North Pole in summer by mid-century. Wow.

While the outlook is bleak for the Arctic, there is a silver lining for the Antarctic: As I said before, the ice is melting at a slower rate than previously thought. Although glacier flow has increased since the 1990’s, scientists from University of Leeds have found the melting rate to be only around a third of what was previously projected. A section of a glacier in Greenland is seen from NASA’s Operation IceBridge research aircraft along the Upper Baffin Bay coast on March 27, 2017.

Operation IceBridge studies the processes that link the polar regions with the Earth’s climate system. Rapidly changing polar ice means researchers need to use highly sophisticated airborne technology to measure annual changes in thickness and movement – onboard a retrofitted 1966 Lock-heed P-3 aircraft.

But the Antarctic is still melting. And a rapidly advancing crack in its fourth-largest ice shelf could soon see one of the largest icebergs ever recorded in human history break off into the sea. Scientists agree that global warming causes both the ice in the North and the South Pole to melt. Air temperatures are climbing, and so are water temperatures. This makes the ice melt faster. The period of winter where the water is actually cold enough to freeze is getting shorter, which means ice floes are getting smaller.

Greenland, home to the world’s largest permanent ice sheet outside Antarctica, is being swept by wildfires. Yes, the land of ice is on fire. A really breath away taking situation. Scientists say global warming and increased plant cover are likely factors. Since late July, wild-fires have raged across an ever-larger area of the landmass – and with greater intensity – than ever before observed.

Honestly folks, it really scares me although experts say it is too early to draw firm conclusions linking the fire to climate change be-cause no long-term data is available to put the blaze in context. However, unusually warm and dry conditions this year could have been a factor.

Let’s face this: “It’s unprecedented in the short 18-year observational record,” Jason Box, a climate scientist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, said in an interview with German TV yesterday. “We also know that temperatures in Greenland are probably higher [than they have been over] the last 800 years.” Wow again!

Although the origin of the blaze is unclear – with lightening and a stray cigarette as possible suspects – what is clear is how it has been spreading across remote areas of grassland and low shrub. Greenland’s is indeed getting greener and greener. It conjures images of white, frozen expanses. But Box says global warming means it’s getting greener all the time. “There’s a shorter snow-cover season, and that allows the plant life to expand,” he explained.

The Arctic is heating up around twice as fast as the global average. At the same time, rainfall around the world is also increasing – and that trend as well is more present in the Artic. “More rain is a widespread symptom of climate change,” Box said. “You get more precipitation – and where you get the biggest increase is in the Arctic.”

For Greenland, warmer, wetter conditions mean more vegetation – which, seemingly paradoxically, could be a factor for the fire. And my next question is: what will be the impact of these fires on the ice sheet and surrounding areas?

Fact is: Greenland’s ice sheets melt, that contri-butes to sea level rise. And if we add North- and South Pole and their vanishing ice and snow? Yes, also the Philippines are in danger. Not this year or next year. But … !

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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!