5.0-magnitude quake jolts Davao de Oro — Phivolcs

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

A moderately strong earthquake measuring 5.0-magnitude on the Richter scale shook Davao de Oro and nearby provinces on Friday evening, March 11, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its initial bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter of the earthquake was traced 9 kilometers (km) northwest of Monkayo, Davao de Oro, and occurred at a shallow depth of 18 km. It was detected at around 10:14 p.m.

It was felt as a “moderately strong” tremor at Intensity IV in Rosario, Agusan del Sur and Maco, Davao de Oro, while it was “slightly weak” at Intensity II in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur and Intensity I in Davao City.

It said the earthquake may have caused damage to the affected areas.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic in origin, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

It advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur due to this earthquake.

Dauerstress wegen schrecklicher Nachrichten:

Psychologin verrät zwei effektive Methoden gegen die Angst

Von: Juliane Gutmann, Münchner Merkur

Täglich fluten neue Schreckensmeldungen aus der Ukraine die Bildschirme. Manche entscheiden sich für den Nachrichtenentzug zum Selbstschutz. Doch es gibt andere Wege.

Eine Katastrophe nach der anderen: Diesen Eindruck bekommt man, wenn man sich regelmäßig mit den Weltnachrichten auseinandersetzt. Doch Fakt ist: Die guten Nachrichten schaffen es selten auf die Titelseiten der Zeitung und in den Newsticker der Nachrichtenapps – es gibt sie aber trotzdem. Wer gezielt sucht, wird fündig. So gehen viele aktuell auch mit der derzeitigen Nachrichtenlage um: Gezielte Information, statt sich berieseln lassen*. Eine gute Methode, um „ein bisschen Luft zu schaffen zwischen Ereignissen und den eigenen Gefühlen“, zitiert der Deutschlandfunk den Psychiater Mazda Adli.

Felicitas Heyne, Diplom-Psychologin und Familientherapeutin, führt im FOCUS-Interview zwei weitere sinnvolle Möglichkeiten auf, um mit den aktuellen Geschehnissen fertig zu werden.

Aktiv werden hilft gegen Gefühle der Ohnmacht

Es nützt keinem, wenn man sich traurig oder verzweifelt zu Hause einschließt. Ein solches Verhalten begünstigt sogar psychische Krankheiten wie Depression. „Es nützt den Menschen in der Ukraine gar nichts, wenn es uns schlecht geht“, so Felicitas Heyne. Deshalb bräuchten wir im Umkehrschluss auch kein schlechtes Gewissen zu haben, wenn es uns gut geht, so die Psychologin. Um psychisch stabil zu bleiben, sei es wichtig, die Nachrichten-Schreckensbilder im Kopf „regelmäßig mit positiven zu ersetzen und so bewusst einen Gegenpol zu schaffen“, so Heyne.

Eine andere gute Möglichkeit, der aktuellen Situation zu begegnen, sei das Aktivwerden. „Es gibt so viele Möglichkeiten, sich einzubringen – sei es durchs Spenden, Kleidung, Spielsachen oder Medikamente zu sammeln und zu Hilfsorganisationen zu bringen oder selbst auch Flüchtende aufzunehmen – jeder kann etwas tun“, so die Psychologin. Das Handeln und Aktivwerden helfe gegen Gefühle wie Angst und Ohnmacht.

Generell rät Heyne zu einem dosierten Medienkonsum: „Gerade für Menschen, die sehr darunter leiden, ist es momentan wichtig, sich ein zeitliches Limit für den Medienkonsum zu setzen, um sich nicht darin zu verlieren“. (jg) *Merkur.de ist ein Angebot von IPPEN.MEDIA.

Ateneo first, UST last to perform in UAAP CDC

by Carlo Anolin, Manila Bulletin

The Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion will be the first to perform while the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe will cap off the cheerdance competition of UAAP Season 84.

THE NU PEP SQUAD complete the pyramid during the UAAP Season 82 Cheerdance Competition at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay last November 2019. Final date and venue have yet to be announced but the Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion will perform first while the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe will showcase their routine last for UAAP Season 84. (MB File Photo)

Final date and further details have yet to be announced but respective head coaches of different squads took the development to social media.

Defending champions National University Pep Squad will showcase their routine at second, followed by the University of the Philippines Pep Squad, and last season’s first-runner up Far Eastern University Cheering Squad.

Adamson University Pep, Season 82’s second-runner up, will perform fifth, De La Salle Animo Squad will execute at sixth, and University of the East Pep Squad will carry out at seventh.

NU, FEU, and Adamson maintained their spot at the podium for the past two seasons, particularly in the 81st and 82nd.

From 2013 to 2019, the NU Pep Squad have won six of their seven cheerdance campaigns.

Adamson halted NU’s reign in 2017 as UST and UE placed second and third, respectively.

While the venue has yet to be disclosed, the cheerdance competition was held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for the past three seasons.

Cheerdance was among Season 84’s nine events along with men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball, men’s beach volleyball, poomsae, and men’s and women’s chess.

The UAAP is set to kick off on March 26 after almost two years since sporting events were put on a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olympic champ Hidilyn Diaz gets double treat

by Manila Bulletin Sports

Olympic gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz gets a double treat in the March 14 staging of the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.

The 31-year-old history maker from Zamboanga City will be the first ever recipient of the MILO Champion of Grit and Glory award for winning the country’s first ever Olympic gold.

 

The trophy is apart from the prestigious Athlete of the Year award to be bestowed on the Filipina weightlifter during the two-hour affair presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Cignal TV.

“MILO Philippines presents the award to Hidilyn Diaz in recognition of her historic Olympic triumph, borne of her unwavering spirit, dedication, and grit that serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the nation,” MILO said in a statement regarding the choice of Diaz as the deserving recipient of the special award.

As part of the package, Diaz will also receive a year’s supply of MILO products.

MILO officials led by Veronica Cruz, Senior Vice President, Business Executive Officer, MILO Philippines, and Lester P. Castillo, Assistant Vice President, Head of MILO Sports, MILO Philippine, will be on hand to award the trophy to the country’s maiden Olympic gold medalist.

Diaz leads the compact list of 38 awardees to be feted by the country’s oldest media organization in the traditional gala night backed by MILO (official choco milk), 1Pacman, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Philracom, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, Smart, and MVP Sports Foundation.

The Filipina weightlifter will be receiving her third Athlete of the Year trophy to add to her previous award in 2016 and 2018, respectively.

Stocks jump after oil prices eased

by James A. Loyola, Manila Bulletin

The local stock market rose with its regional peers as oil prices eased.

The main index jumped 134.92 points or 1.93 percent to close at 7,124.80 as Conglomerates led the advance while the Mining and Oil dropped along with commodity prices. Volume was lower though at 3.35 billion shares worth P7.59 billion as gainers beat losers 108 to 80 with 47 unchanged.

“Philippine shares posted sharp gains on as the recently surging commodity prices, especially oil, cooled off while the war in Ukraine continues,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He noted that, “ Oil prices dropped in a sudden move on Wednesday, giving back some of the rally this month amid supply disruptions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.“

Philstocks Financial Research and Engagement Officer Claire Alviar said “the local bourse jumped as the global oil prices fell sharply overnight.”

She explained that, “At home, being one of the net importers of oil, the decline of oil prices spurs optimism as it may somehow slow down the increase of oil prices in the short run.”

Over 250 Pinoys now out of Ukraine–DFA

 

Filipinos from Ukraine to arrive in Manila on Tuesday night, March 1, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the DFA)

by Betheena Unite, Manila Bulletin

More than 250 Filipinos in Ukraine are now out of danger, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday afternoon, March 10.

A total of 259 Filipinos have been taken out of Ukraine, DFA Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola said. Of this, 90 Filipinos were already repatriated while 169 nationals are in various safe borders near Ukraine.

Arriola said of the 169 Filipinos evacuated from the war-stricken country, 60 individuals are expected to arrive in Manila on Thursday.

 

Meanwhile, of the 90 Filipinos, who have already returned home, 55 are seafarers.

On Wednesday, March 9, a total of 29 seafarers arrived in the Philippines. They are the crew members of MV Global Aglaia, MV Joseph Schulte, and MV Star Helena.

According to DFA, they exited Ukraine to evacuate to Moldova with the assistance of the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Chisinau and the Philippine Embassy in Budapest. They then left for the Philippines from Bucharest, Romania.

The Foreign Affairs department expects more seafarers to arrive in the country in the next few days through its evacuation and repatriation programs.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola disclosed on Wednesday that they are having a hard time evacuating seafarers, particularly those stranded at the Black Sea.

“Kami, medyo, problemado tayo dito sa (We are facing problems with evacuating) sea-based (workers). POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) is closely monitoring how many Filipinos are stranded sa kanilang (in their) vessels,” Arriola said.

She added that they could not leave their vessels due to the “heavy fighting” and they can only hunker down and take cover amid the intense firing. However, she assured that the government will keep working with Philippine embassies and consulates in the embattled country and its nearby territories to get them out of danger.

Spritpreis-Wahnsinn!

Innerhalb einer Woche verteuerte sich Diesel laut ADAC um 39,4 Cent je Liter und kostet damit im Durchschnitt 2,15 Euro. Für einen Liter Super E10 müssen die Verbraucher aktuell 2,10 Euro bezahlen, das sind 27,6 Cent mehr als vor einer Woche. So teuer war Kraftstoff noch nie. 

Dr. Michael Haberland, Präsident des Autoclubs „Mobil in Deutschland“: „Wenn die Preissteigerungen so weitergehen, haben wir am kommenden Sonntag drei Euro.“

Women's Month: Filipina artists lead Asian auction; Filipina becomes first to exhibit in Barcelona

Renowned Spanish-Filipina painter Betsy Westendorp (left), known largely for her exuberant floras and landscapes, rang in P17.5 million with her towering untitled painting of a floral bouquet (right) at almost 11 feet long and 7 feet wide.

Marane A. Plaza - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — In time for International Women's Month, the spotlight were on women at this year's Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Auction held at León Gallery in Makati last weekend, as powerhouse ladies and female subjects have been made and broke astounding records in today's global art scene. 

Renowned Spanish-Filipina painter Betsy Westendorp, known largely for her exuberant floras and landscapes, rang in P17.5 million with her towering floral bouquet at almost 11 feet long and 7 feet wide. Her painting from 1986 set the tone for the entire auction’s female-centric results. 

"Odalisca (Odalisque)," a Juan Luna masterpiece whose focal point is a woman, also broke a record. The first Filipino artist to put the Philippines on the map set a milestone for Luna watercolors when the 1882-signed and dated work sold for P11.7 million. The languorous depiction of a harem woman comes from the master’s fertile Roman period which produced his memorable "Death of Cleopatra" as well as the historic "Spoliarium."

The working women of Fernando Amorsolo followed suit, beginning with a fetching "kayumanggi" portrait titled "A Typical Filipina Beauty" from 1926, which brought in P10.5 million.

"Mango Gatherers," also by Amorsolo and from 1970, reeled in P13 Million. It was thanks to its distinguished provenance — the society doyenne, Doña Nene Tuason Quimson. 

The imposing "Caryatid" — a column sculpted in the shape of a Grecian maiden — from the Edificio Tuason Building once defined Escolta at the turn of the century. Last Saturday, its iconic status led it to stroll off with P1.6 million. 

Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon revealed that the graceful portrait of another illustrious society matron, Doña Nena Tambunting, was withdrawn from the auction floor last minute — it will instead be donated to the Philippine National Museum’s roster of portraits. 

The Asian Cultural Council Auction was presented by León Gallery and ANCX, and organized by ACC, a nonprofit foundation that provides opportunities for international cultural exchange to artists, scholars, and arts professionals in Asia and the United States. A  "grantmaker, grantseeker, and convener," the organization highlights the importance of cultural exchange "for a more harmonious and peaceful world."

A portion of the proceeds of the annual ACC auction is for the benefit of Filipino artists intent on spreading their wings abroad. One of the auction’s featured artists, ACC grant recipient Nikki Luna, has an ongoing show at the Casa Vicens Museum in Barcelona. She now has the distinction of being the first Filipino to exhibit there.

“It’s a fitting tribute not just to the Asian Cultural Council but also to the cause of all women artists,” said Ponce de Leon.

Why is Philippine music so deeply embedded in our culture?

Bisaya

, https://barokandtakya.com/

Philippine music is deeply embedded in our culture because it is uniquely ours. It reflects the beauty of our language and the richness of our heritage.

Our traditional music is a mix of indigenous and colonial influences, and over the years, it has evolved into a distinctive style that is distinctly Filipino. It is characterized by haunting melodies, intricate rhythms, and soulful lyrics that tell stories of love, loss, and heroism.

Generations of Filipinos have enjoyed Philippine music, and it remains an integral part of our culture today. It touches our hearts and stirs our emotions as no other music can, and it is truly a joy to listen to. Thank you for asking!

Three Filipina queens eye global crowns

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and two other Filipino beauty queens are ready to shine on the international stage as they represent the country in prestigious global pageants in the coming weeks.

Perez flies back to San Juan, Puerto Rico in the hope of continuing her winning streak on the coronation night of the 70th edition of the Miss World 2021 pageant scheduled on March 16 (March 17, 8:00 am, Manila time).

 It will be remembered that the Miss World Organization issued its last-minute decision to reschedule the pageant just a few hours before the Dec. 16 coronation night, due to the alarming and unforeseen surge of Covid-19 cases in Puerto Rico at that time.

To keen pageant watchers, the decision seemed anti-climactic for Tracy, who was then clearly ahead of her game—having just assured herself of a Top 40 spot after winning the Head-to-Head and Beauty With A Purpose challenges.

“It could be frustrating for some, but I tried my best to compose and calm myself because it’s something I couldn’t control. I’ll just take it as a blessing that I’ll have more time to prepare,” said Tracy, during a grand official send-off at the luxurious B Hotel in Quezon City last Saturday, March 5, for the three queens.

Miss Eco Philippines 2021 Kathleen Paton also flew to Cairo, Egypt last March 6 to compete in the 7th edition of the Miss Eco International 2021 pageant, to be held from March 6-18, with the coronation night slated for March 16 (March 17, 12:30 a.m. Manila time).

Miss Environment Philippines 2021 Michelle Arceo feels more than ready to compete in the 1st edition of the Miss Environment International pageant scheduled from March 21-April 2 in Mumbai, India, with pageant proper scheduled on April 2, 5 pm IST/April 2, 7:30 pm Manila time.

Miss World Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria is optimistic about the trio’s impending global conquest.

“With the normalization of the global health situation, I am very confident that Tracy, Kathleen, and Michelle can wave our flag proudly and outperform their competitors every step of the way. In Tracy’s case, the odds are already in her favor, based on her very impressive pre-pageant performance, so we can only hope and pray that she remains in top fighting form,” said Vegafria.

The MWPO also revealed a teaser for its revitalized slogan, “Exceptionally Empowered Filipina.”

“The past pandemic has given us ample time to rethink our strategies, and we feel that a rebranding can do so much to heighten our imaging and marketing potentials, and I’m very proud that our team has churned out a creative synergy that should take us to even unprecedented heights this year,” Vegafria said.

Taking its cue from Miss World Organization founder Julia Morley’s inspiring precedent, the Miss World Philippines Organization hopes to further its noble cause for women empowerment by writing its own unique narrative for its revitalized brand campaign.

The organization’s auspicious rebranding comes close on the heels of its recent announcement for the search for this year’s batch of aspiring queens, with final screening scheduled for April 19 and coronation night on May 29.

More than just being a celebration of exceptional beauty, substance, and purpose, the Miss World Philippines pageant has stood out for championing more relevant advocacies, which have empowered its winning queens to harness their collective energies in furthering their advocacies, which have so far included such relevant issues as cyberbullying, mental health, suicide prevention, gender equality, environmental awareness, and many others.

To date, the brand makeover has already captured the attention of keen pageant fans and netizens online. As evinced by its eye-catching fashion templates on its social media pages, the Miss World PH organization has obviously rewritten its style bible, utilizing slicker layouts and more engaging content.