Year after year

YEAR AFTER YEAR

Gift giving and receiving and Christmas simply but surely go together. Many times, it's incurring our indignation. Only reluctant, many of us defer the most important decision during the most jolliest season of the year. What is the best Christmas gift for our loved ones??? Is it really an important decision, or does it delete the real meaning of Christmas? I am sure, many of us know the real answer.

The giving spirit of the holiday season seems to fade in the light of necessary obligations and finances, along the painful dilemma of giving gifts to those who want to buy for as opposed to those for whom you should buy!

Let's think about it: To whom are we obligated at Christmas: our boss, our cousins, our parents, our partner or our children and friends as well? What about the children? Should they give presents to people either then family members? How about the innumerable large families especially in the Philippines, because of econimics, resort to name drawing process at Christmas.

For me, firstly, Christmas is spirit. You can always find ways to give gifts without expenses. The most well known and always remembered gift is to do to someone like giving time. In my family we do this mostly during the season holidays. 

But if I look more around, mmh, sad to say, that "time as gift" doesn't satisfy most of all.Well, it's okay. There are so many ways to use your mind in terms of giving someone other things than putting Peso, Euro or Dollar notes. I am sure you know, that home made gifts can be also a very good idea... .

Sure, there is etiquette of gift giving at Christmas and also other occasions. Homemade gifts are most appropriate especially as Christmas gifts, according to Stuart E. Jacobson, book author of "The Art of Giving". Allow me to quote Jacobson, "Homemade gifts are wonderful. A gift of imagination, a gift of creativity, a gift, that shows (also!) time was put into it. A created time is a wonderful present."

When considering a homemade gift, instead of tumbling through crowded shopping malls (as I tried again yesterday - just 31 days until Christmas!) and getting a headache (I really got!)! While stumbling from one mall to the next, I found out again, that the real and whole essence of giving a gift is to bring pleasure to the person receiving it. Jacobson says in his book, "Homemade gifts are also ideal for children to give as presents. Kids can create things because they have unique imagination. Children should feel free to give something to anyone they spend a lot of time with. No monetary value should be placed on what a child should give to someone."

Very well said. I am just afraid, that it seems more or less impossible nowadays in these modern times... .

Miss Universe 2017 Pageant Takes on New Format

By: Robert R. Requintina, Manila Bulletin

The announcement of the Top 16 semifinalists for the Miss Universe 2017 beauty pageant takes a new twist during the finals in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov. 26 (Nov. 27 in Manila).

“For the first cut, three candidates from each region will be selected based on scores plus one spot for the girl with the most votes in that region,” said Norman Tinio, of normannorman.com, a popular blog on international and local beauty pageants, during an interview in Parañaque City on Thursday night.

Miss Universe 2016, Iris Mittenaere and the 92 Miss Universe contestants stand on stage during rehearsal at the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on November 22, 2017.
(AFP PHOTO / THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION / Patrick PRATHER / MANILA BULLETIN)

Tinio said: “And then, there will be four remaining Wild Card spots from around the world.”

“So there will be four girls from the Americas, four girls from Europe, four from girls from Asia, Africa and Pacific; and four wild cards. A total of 16 semi-finalists,” said Tinio.

While fan votes will help advance a candidate to the Top 16, unconfirmed reports said that the 92 candidates will choose among themselves a girl who will also join the Top 16 semifinalists.

The worldwide fan voting for the Miss Universe 2017 pageant will end on Nov. 25, one day before the finals.

In high spirits 

Rodgil Flores, head of the Kagandahang Flores beauty camp which trained Miss Philippines Rachel Peters, will fly to Las Vegas to catch the Miss Universe pageant on Sunday, Nov. 26. Flores will be accompanied by his cousin Gio Flores.

Also, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and mentor Jonas Gaffud of the Aces and Queens beauty camp have left for Las Vegas for the Miss Universe contest.

“On our way to Las Vegas! Excited for Miss Universe 2017,” said Gaffud as he shared a picture with Wurtzbach at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Parañaque City on Thursday.

Wurtzbach has been chosen as one of the telecast judges in this year’s pageant.

Flores said Peters is in high spirits as the pageant date approaches despite the controversy on social media that leaked her reported evening gown for the finals of the Miss Universe contest.

Reacting to the design of the evening gown that leaked, Flores said: “She brought six gowns for the Miss Universe contest. We have already chosen which gown she will wear in the finale.”

He refused to confirm if the evening gown that went viral was for the finale. “Abangan na lang po nila. Ilang araw na lang naman.” (Let’s just wait for the finals).

Peters slammed the uploader of her evening gown on the Internet.

“To whoever leaked pictures of my evening gown, thank you for teaching me a lesson about being more careful who you trust.

“Not sure what your intentions were but no matter what, you’re not dragging me down.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the dress you wear, how you walk or even the elements of surprise. What’s important is that you are kind and true to yourself… that’s when a girl truly shines!” said Peters.

It has been a tradition for the management of the Bb. Pilipinas beauty contest not to reveal the outfits of their competing delegates to international pageants until the finals night.

Flores said he texted Peters after the preliminary competitions.

“I congratulated her for her wonderful performance. Basta happy s’ya at happy kami kasi andun ‘yung control, very queenly s’ya,” said Flores. (I’m happy and we’re happy (during the preliminaries) because the control is there, she’s very queenly).

Flores said that based on the performance of Peters in the preliminaries, “she deserves a spot in the Top 16.”

Sought to give his final advice to Peters, Flores said: “Just stay focus. This is it! Ang lapit-lapit na! You worked so hard for the past years, eto na yung culminating night.”

Flores also said the Bicolana beauty queen is not the type of person who will back out because of pressure.

“Gagalingan pa n’ya lalo kasi na-inspire s’ya dun sa comments and reviews sa prelims n’ya which is outstanding naman yung performance n’ya. At saka boto lang po kayo for Rachel,” said Flores. (She will do her best in the finals because she was inspired by the positive reviews and comments she got during the preliminaries which is outstanding. Let’s continue to vote for Rachel).

Philippines acts wow judges in Asia's Got Talent semifinals

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Nov 24 2017 12:22 AM

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The Philippines already has one act in the grand finals of the second season of "Asia's Got Talent." 

There could be more to follow after Thursday's episode of the talent show, judging from the reactions to the performances by several amazing Filipino talents. Check them out below: 

1. DMX Comvalenoz

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

From Compostela Valley, DMX Comvalenoz received a rousing reception for yet another highly-entertaining, flip-heavy routine. 

"You are not in the banking business. You are not in the computer business. You are clearly in showbusiness," David Foster said. 

2. Fitri Cerado

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

Cerado's cover of Guy Sebastian's "Angels Brought Me Here" had Foster saying that she deserves to be in Broadway. 

The grand finalists will be determined through public votes. 

To cast one, those interested will need to follow the instructions that can be found on the official website of "AGT." 

A world without fossil fuels?

SAT, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

A world without  fossil fuels?

As today's Editoral in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR (November 17, 2017)  goes: "President Duterte has changed heart and now gave the Department of Energy the green light to consider plans to reactivate the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. This after the Philippine and Russian governments agreed to cooperate in the development of national nuclear infrastructure in the country... ."

Allow me to ask: Is it possible to fulfill all our global energy needs with renewables only? And which technologies work best to help us transition to a world without fossil fuels? Scientists give answers at COP23, which is still ongoing in Bonn/Germany at this moment.

"A full decarbonization of the electricity system by 2050 is possible for lower system cost than today based on available technology," said Christian Breyer, who heads a team of international researchers at Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) in Finland.

Breyer and his team looked at data from all over the world, such as energy consumption, demographic development and weather. They also analyzed which technologies are expected to be the cheapest in the next three decades.

"Energy transition is no longer a question of technical feasibility or economic viability, but of political will," Breyer added. Breyer's team and NGO Energy Watch Group (EWG) presented their findings at COP23 in Bonn.

And I learned: falling costs give rise to solar power. Why? Due to rapidly falling costs, solar photovoltaic (solar PV) and battery storage are the main drivers of securing the global energy supply. Solar PV's share of total power supply is expected to rise from 37 percent in 2030 to almost 70 percent by 2050, the study said.

Wind energy would make up 18 percent, hydropower 8 percent and bioenergy 2 percent of the total global energy mix by 2050, according to the scientists' estimates.

The energy mix would of course look slightly different in areas with a lot of wind and fewer hours of sunshine, such as in Europe's and Asia's northern regions. 

  

And here are several Germany's climate innovators: A sunny future for e-cars? To guarantee access to electricity day and night reliable storage is of course a must. According to Breyer's simulation, about 30 percent of overall demand in 2050 will be met by storage output and 95 percent of that, in turn, will be covered by batteries alone. The study's authors have calculated with a global population of almost 10 billion people by 2050 - that means the world's hunger for power is expected to double as a result.

Twice as many new jobs? Maybe These changes are obviously helping with air quality and overall a more healthy environment, but they also help with jobs. At the moment, there are about 19 million people who are employed in the energy sector - half of those are working for the coal industry. These jobs will be made redundant by the transition to renewables; however, twice as many new jobs would be created as a result, according to estimates.

Huge strides towards cutting down emissions - another headline nowadays!  At COP23 in Bonn, delegates are trying to come up with ways to reduce carbon emissions to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and help mitigate climate disasters.

Global energy production - especially coal - contributes to 20 percent of all carbon emissions. If the electricity system were to only be powered by renewables, emissions could drop by 60 percent by 2025. By 2030, they could drop by 80 percent.

"Such a scenario is indeed realistic, since renewable energy sources are becoming cheaper and cheaper," said climate economist Claudia Kemfert of the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin (DIW) when the study was released.

Now, is it utopia or realistic scenario?

"We've seen in the past that all studies did underestimate the development of renewable energy. That's why it's going so much quicker than anticipated and we are looking ahead to the next three decades, where we can meet the target of 100 percent renewables in our energy mix," Claudia Kemfert added.

Energy Watch Group head Hans-Josef Fell agrees with that assessment and says the finance sector also plays a huge role in accelerating this dynamic. "Financial institutions now regard investments in coal, nuclear, oil and gas as risky and terminate their commitments," he said.

Renewable energy sources are regarded as safe alternatives. That is a fact!

"This scenario is essentially the basis if we want to fulfill international responsibilities as laid out by the Paris agreement," said Stefan Gsänger of the World Wind Energy Association. But he was also quick to point out that this is by no means a market-driven self-seller. "I hope we'll build up enough pressure on political decision makers all over the world," he added.

European Member of Parliament Arne Lietz of the Social Democrats says there is still a huge deficit.

"This scenario shows that we must urgently rethink current politics," he said. "But politics are not there yet." Lietz added that "big lobbyists trying to influence the government to keep investing into fossil fuels and ruin economies" were blocking efforts.

Back to nuclear power - and please allow me again to quote today's MIRROR-Editorial:  After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Ukraine back in 1986 all governments should really think twice and act with caution. 

Filipina crowned Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017

By Rosette Adel (philstar.com) 

 28  370 googleplus1  0 

Cebuana beauty Jodel Mesina is the new Miss Top of the World Plus Size. Mrs/Miss Top of the Wold Plus Size 2017/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines —Another Filipina beauty gave pride to the country as Philippines’ bet to the Miss Top of the World Plus Size 2017 bagged the title in Singapore on Monday.

Jodel Mesina, a 35-five-year-old Cebuana, bested 15 other candidates from other countries in the international pageant.

X

The Miss and Mrs. Top of the World pageant for plus-sized beauties was organized by Kristine Lindenblate in 2013. The competition sought “personal development of the candidates and helps everybody remember beauty and promote charity within the framework of the beauty pageant.”

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Following Mesina as first runner-up is Singapore's bet, Priscilla Boh Rui Yee, followed by Latvia’s Viktorija Brovuna as second runner-up, and Thailand’s Phanpapon Paopan as third runner-up.

On the other hand, Myanmar’s Sandy Min Aung bagged the Choice of People Award while Surinam’s Illanga Bel was named the pageant’s beauty queen.

Mesina wishes to empower more women after her win.

Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

"I'd like to thank all the beautiful plus size queens from all over the world who made this journey extra wonderful. I am sharing to you my crown... Let us continue to empower, inspire and help every woman to pursuit (sic) their dreams and make it come true like everyone of us did... And thank you lovely foundress Kristine Lindenblate. I love you all!!!" Mesina wrote on her Facebook account.

Mesina has returned to her hometown in Cebu on Tuesday morning. 

Philippines to implement family planning law ...

... in blow to church

The announcement marked a victory over the influential Catholic church

Published: 15:59 November 16, 2017

AFP

 

MANILA A long-awaited Philippine family planning law to provide free hormonal contraceptives is finally going ahead, health officials said Thursday, ending a two-year impasse in which the Supreme Court demanded proof that they did not cause abortions.

The announcement marked a victory over the influential Catholic church which counts most of the Philippine population as followers and opposes all forms of artificial contraception.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said 51 types of contraceptive pills, coils and injectables could now be distributed to the public after the Food and Drug Administration certified they did not cause abortions, defeating a petition filed by a Catholic group.

“It is now all systems go for us in the Department of Health to implement the (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health) law,” Duque told reporters.

For years, the Church has waged a bruising battle against government efforts to promote birth control despite the country’s widespread poverty and ballooning population.

The reproductive health law granting access to contraceptives was passed in 2012 despite strong Church opposition. However abortion remains illegal.

A religious group filed a case with the Supreme Court charging that many of the government-issued contraceptives were abortifacients and therefore banned.

This prompted the court to issue in 2015 a restraining order on the 51 contraceptives pending a finding by the FDA.

Government stocks of the contraceptives, acquired before this court order, are now being delivered to health offices and development groups to ensure they can be distributed before they expire, Duque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a fierce critic of the Catholic church who was elected last year, has promised to deliver the free contraceptives to women as part of his reproductive health push.

Despite Church lobbying to cut funding for contraceptives, Duque said the government had budgeted 4.2 billion pesos ($82 million) for implementation of the law this year.

The head of the government’s Population Commission, Juan Antonio Perez, said the two years that the court order was in place had likely resulted in 500,000 unplanned pregnancies.

Perez said that the Philippines had 20 million women of reproductive age, six million of whom were already using contraceptives.

Perez added a million more were expected to start using contraceptives each year now that the ban had been lifted.

Manila Subway Project Moves Forward

... as Japan, Philippines exchange notes

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte look at each other before the 20th ASEAN-Japan Summit in Manila, November 13 2017. Ezra Acayan, Reuters, Pool

MANILA – (UPDATE) The Philippines and Japan on Monday exchanged notes on Japanese assistance for infrastructure, including Metro Manila's first subway.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe witnessed the signing of the diplomatic notes on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Manila late Monday. 

A loan agreement is expected to be signed in January after the exchange of notes, according to a timeline of of the subway from the Department of Transportation.

The Japanese government will provide 104.53 billion yen (P46 billion) for the first phase of the project, which is expected to transport approximately 500,000 passengers per day by 2027.

The subway will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig City and may be extended to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The exchange of notes also covered a 9.4-billion yen (P4 billion) loan for the "Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway" from Plaridel, Bulacan to Manila and a 2.5-billion (P1 billion) yen grant to rebuild war-tor Marawi City.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said these 3 projects were part of Tokyo’s financial support to the Philippines worth 1 trillion yen over the next 5 years.

In response to the Alessandra de Rossi - starrer '12'

By: Giselle Sanchez, Manila Bulletin

Last Wednesday, the movie “12” starring Alessandra de Rossi and Ivan Padilla came out in cinemas. It was written by the de Rossi herself with movie trailer gone viral. In the movie, the award-winning actress stated 12 reasons couples separate.

Alessandra de Rossi

Today I will focus on the opposite of that because not all couples are doomed for breakup. Since I recently celebrated my 17th wedding anniversary with my husband Emil Buencamino, let me give you 12 pieces of advice for couples to stay in love.

1. May forever kung masipag ka. The saying “walang forever” only applies to couples who are not willing to work on their marriage. When there is a problem, do not allow it to simmer. Talk about it before you go to bed. If the problem cannot be resolved overnight, work on it. Do not sweep it under the carpet.

2. Make time for each other. The word busy only happens when you allow it. Setting time for each other is still a choice.

3.  Laugh with each other, even if it is the corniest joke, laugh. The effort your partner makes to make you happy is enough.

4. Cry with each other. Make your partner your best friend, a shoulder to cry on. Someone you can open up to. Do not choose another person of the opposite sex to be your best friend. Choose your partner.

THE AUTHOR with husband Emil Buencamino

5. Dream with each other. It helps when your partner knows the desires of your heart and the status of where you are right now in your ambitions and goals. If the dream is far from being reached, your partner can give encouragement.

6. Always set a sexy time at least once a week. Ladies do not be embarrassed to plan your sexy time with your husbands. Do this before someone else plans a sexy time with your husband.

7. Love yourself. You cannot love others if you cannot love yourself. Take care of yourself. Exercise. Have a haircut. Dress up. Take a bath.

8. Physical contact is very important. Without physical contact, you will just end up as best friends and not lovers anymore.

9. Pride is the root of all evil. The reason you cannot forgive is because you love yourself too much. If you really love your partner and are willing to work on your marriage, you will have to learn to let go, let God, move forward.

10. Talk to each other. Communication is very important. Tell stories, books you’ve read, people you met. Without communication, you might as well just be strangers. And do it personally. Texts and e-mails are okay but a face to face conversation beats all bonding moments.

11.  Go on vacation with each other. Date each other to different places. Another place, another atmosphere helps build love and memories.

12. Pray with each other. God should be your third party. God can help unlock the healing of a hurting heart, a hard habit to break, an annoying attitude, a dying relationship. The only key is faith.

90 percent of vehicles tested in Davao City ...

... fail emission tests

By Yas D. Ocampo, Manila Bulletin

DISMAL RESULTS – Personnel from the Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office conduct an emission test on a government vehicle in Davao City. About 90 percent of those tested failed the tests. (Keith Bacongco)

Davao City – About 90 percent of vehicles tested for emission by the Environmental Management Bureau ((EMB) did not pass standards in this city, as set by the Clean Air Act, according to officials.

Speaking at the bimonthly Connect Health and Wellness Forum at SM Lanang Premier, EMB engineer Melvin Dapitanon said that the results of their November 7 joint roadside emission assessment showed that most of the vehicles tested did not pass the emission tests.

These included around 30 government vehicles.

“Sa roadside inspection of the PUJs, most of the diesel engine failed with the emission standard of the Clean Air Act,” Dapitanon said.

The joint emission testing activity tested around 80 vehicles from PUJs, government vehicles, and passenger buses.

Only one of the 20 buses from the Bachelor Express did not pass the test, as most of their fleet were already Euro 4 compliant, he noted.

The bus tests were conducted last November 9 at the Bachelor motorpool in Ma-a.

Only 10 percent of the tested vehicles were PUJs, with the rest being private and government vehicles.

During the testing, the vehicles were merely tagged and required to come back for testing the following week.

Penalties for failing to mee emission standards begin at P1,000 for violators, according to Dapitanon.

The local ordinance, meanwhile, requires vehicles that do not pass emission standards to be brought to the motorpool of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) within 72 hours.

As early as 2015, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had already released standards that regulated the emission of mobile sources of air pollution.

The guidelines were made available via DENR administrative order 2015-04.

By 2018, new vehicles will be required to be subjected to Euro 4 standards, which mean lower emissions, less aromatics, and better combustion performance for vehicles.

Roller coaster life

SAT, NOVEMBER 11, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

Yes, nowadays, for many of us life is indeed an emotional roller coaster. All over the world. Political instability, wars, terror attacks, climate change with extreme natural disasters, questionable global economical situations, illnesses or diseases.

A day starts with traffic jam and continues with terrible conditions at the workplace. The crab mentality seems to become nothing unusual now. In any case: everyone for himself. Each one by himself/herself/itself alone is quite nice, but together we have a problem. So what! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Well, sweet words might be easy to say; nice things are easy to buy; but good people are different to find. Life ends, when you stop dreaming; hope ends, when you stop believing; friendship stops, when you stop sharing. A good friend of mine sent me this quotation. I commented back: So very true and very well said!

Our life is borrowed – from God. No rental charges are collected from us. Many of us have forgotten this and live life at his fullest. Our life is equal to a book from a library that lends one. But how insatiable and unbearable are we in disdainful acting towards life and therefore to ourselves?

Life seems to be nothing, just being ready to riddle one with bullets. Life seems to be nothing, just being broken through the indifference and unreliable and immoral behavior. Life seems to be nothing for those people who don’t understand cries from the heart of other people around them – cries for their hearts and families, for justice and for many other things.

Life with all its ups and downs, is just a loan, but for many of our fellow creatures it just seems to be nonsense to be littered like dump. And, if people try to survive, especially during these days, and if they just experienced (once more!) indifference, arrogance, ignorance or cheating by whomever – they will give up!

I can assure you that every one of us can at first help in prayers and, in reading the bible. “Proverbs” is the probably most down-to-earth book in the bible. Its teachings prepare you for the daily life, the street and the market place, but not for the schoolroom. The book offers warm pieces of advice you get; practical guidance for making your way on earth. Proverbs covers any kinds of questions you might have right now. Anybody can relate to the generalities of Proverbs, because this book simply tells how life works most of the time.

While writing this piece, I observed that more and more people struggle through life: tired, hopeless, experiencing their rock-bottoms, believing in fallacious “people” around them. I also observed a lot of people living a thief life, as if it has been giving them without limitation.

Is our world order in danger?