Angat Dam’s water level may no longer hit 180-meter critical mark

JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

Angat Dam’s water level may no longer hit 180-meter critical mark

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, May 25, said the water level in Angat Dam may no longer dip below its 180-meter minimum operating level until the end of June, following the rains in the past few months.

As of 6 a.m., Wednesday, Angat Dam’s water level was at 190.60 meters, down 0.15 meters from Tuesday’s 190.75 meters, but still within the rule curve elevation of 184.14 meters.

PAGASA defines the rule curve as the minimum reservoir elevation needed to be maintained by dam operators to ensure the availability of water for irrigation, power generation, and domestic supply.

“Nilagpasan na niya yung sinasabi nating rule curve so masasabi natin yung water level sa Angat ay safe na na maitatawid natin itong dry season na hindi bumagsak ang water level katulad noong previous years (It has already surpassed the rule curve so we can say that the water level in Angat is safe. We have already passed the dry season without the water level falling like in previous years),” Edgar dela Cruz, weather facilities specialist of the PAGASA’s Hydro-Meteorological Division, said during a forum on Wednesday.

Given the forecast rainfall of 316 millimeters and dam allocation of 75 cubic meters per second, Angat Dam’s water level will be at 188.27 meters by the end of June.

This means that although Angat Dam’s level is below its 210-meter normal high water level, it will be above its 181.90-meter rule curve elevation.

Based on PAGASA’s projection, dela Cruz said the water level in Angat Dam will not be less than 180 meters until the end of June.

PAGASA had earlier projected that the water level in Angat Dam, Angat Dam, which supplies 98 percent of Metro Manila’s water requirements, could breach the 180-meter minimum operating level around May.

New Indicator For a Stroke

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. Chicken Soup)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Source: facebook.com/bd.doctor.hosital

BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

"Relationship" comes from the Latin "referre" or "relatum", which means "to bring back".

In one of my penultimate columns, I tried to explain, "when to keep our mouth shut"! Silence is also an answer - sure! But some of my readers posed the question, if also broken relationships can be only restored by silence or waiting. My answer is YES and/or NO!

Sometimes, it's a miracle what a small dose of determined silence can do. Relationships are ALWAYS worth restoring, because life is all about learning how to love and how to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict. The bible told us that all of us have been given the ministry of restoring broken relationships.

Broken or cooled down relationships can be noticed at any corner. Restoring them is equal to peacemaking or peacekeeping but also not avoiding facing conflicts. Running away from a problem (and then keeping the mouth shut!), pretending that the problem doesn't exist or being too afraid to talk about it, that's how the hypocritical coward acts.

I always love to talk to God before I talk to a person. Later, I can find the right moment and take the initiative to restore broken relationships or face the problem. I can even look out for others' interests first. I can use "my telescope of life" (from the Greek word "skopos") and play close attention. I can start with sympathy but not with great solutions right away. I can confess my part of a possible conflict.

Paul said in Romans 12:18: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody!" In resolving conflicts, a word not to be spoken may be the choicest word of all, or IF WE TALK, HOW we say it, is important. 

The US-author Rick Warren confessed in one of his books; "We can establish a relationship even when we are unable to resolve our differences. Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions. But, we can disagree without being disagreeable. The same diamond looks different from different angles. God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in-arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue!"

Despite what people tell you, burning bridges is a great way to keep pace in the rat race – dancing in the flames of a burnt bridge is great motivation to work faster and keep pushing forward. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to go back and rebuild a broken bridge for the sake of the better good.

Idol Philippines all set for a comeback

 

By Christina Alpad, Manila Times

Almost three years since it hailed Zephanie Dimaranan as its grand winner, reality singing competition "Idol Philippines" is all-set for a grand comeback, ready to discover a new idol.

Season 1 judges "Asia's Songbird" Regine Velasquez and Moira de la Torre will return for another round of talent search. Vice Ganda and James Reid, who previously joined Velasquez and de la Torre, are no longer part of the competition.

They will be replaced by "Mr. Pure Energy" Gary Valenciano and Parokya ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda.

"I'm so so ready to pour some energy and to share all I've learned through the many years of music I've been given with all the hopefuls, as I take my seat in the panel of idol judges this season," new judge Valenciano said.

De la Torre, meanwhile, shared a behind-the-scene footage from one of their first activities as judges. Even if it's her second already, the 28-year-old singer said she still feel overwhelmed to be surrounded by OPM icons.

"Napakalaking karangalan ang maging isang hurado sa Idol Philippines kasama ang ilan sa mga taong nagsilbing inspirasyon sa akin nung nangangarap palang ako at ngayon kami naman ang tutulong sa pagtupad ng mga pangarap ng bagong hopefuls. Mahaba-haba pa ang journey na to, pero ngayon palang nagpapasalamat nako kasi sobrang saya at thankful ng puso ko dahil sa inyo," she wrote on Instagram.

Finally, Miranda revealed that he was actually asked to join as a judge in season 1.

"I declined because I didn't think it would be fair for me to judge in a singing contest, knowing na di naman ako magaling kumanta," the rock icon admitted in an Instagram post.

So what made him change his mind this time around?

Miranda answered, "They explained to me, extensively, that even though it is still primarily a singing contest, hindi lang ito sa boses magkakatalo."

Another change viewers will see this season is that of the host.

Robi Domingo will replace season 1 host Billy Crawford. The latter has transferred to TV5 in 2020.

"It is my honor to be part of this very iconic show. A new level of Idol experience ang sama-sama nating aabangan as we look for our next Idol. I'm so excited for this one," said Domingo.

"Can't wait to share the talent, stories and kulitan of everyone here as we search for the next 'Idol'," he finally added.

ABS-CBN has yet to announce the premiere of Idol Philippines season 2.

WITH SHENNAH ROMANILLOS

Miss Universe Philippines queens turn into Disney Princesses

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

From left: Rabiya Mateo as Ariel, Celeste Cortesi as Cinderella and Bea Gomez as Belle

BJ Pacual, BYS / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Ace lensman BJ Pacual, in collaboration with BYS cosmetics and Disney Princess, photographed reigning Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Silvia Celeste Cortesi, together with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, as three Disney princesses.

"A modern-day princess is, first of all, someone that is brave; someone who is not afraid to take risks and to always chase after her own dreams. Somebody who is courageous and brave enough to accept her weaknesses, her flaws, and always go after whatever she wants to pursue in her life," shared Cortesi, who was photographed as Cinderella.

BJ's photographic work, as well as the montage captured during the photo shoot, were presented to members of the media during a sit-down dinner at the Siren Studios in Makati City recently. Simply dubbed "BYS x Disney Princess Collection Launch," the formal affair brought together beauty queens and creatives in a spirit of fun and fellowship.

"Thank you for giving us this collaborative project. We don't usually get freedom in our line of work. Me and my team are so grateful that we were able to bring BYS and Disney Princess' vision to life," confessed Pascual.

The elegant banquet, prepared by multi-awarded Chef Margarita Fores, was an eight-course affair with wine pairing.

"Our first Disney makeup collection is at Watsons stores. It will empower young ladies who are not afraid to face the world and the challenges it brings, as well as limitless opportunities. And this is a testament to how far women go and succeed. Courage and kindness embody the true character of every Disney princess. There's more to just endorsing brands and labels; they can be causes and initiatives too," said BYS Philippines executive Angie Goyena.

"A Disney princess is someone who is kind and  compassionate, just like each one of us MUPH queens who are the princesses of BYS Cosmetics that represent one trait of each. For me as Belle, I represent beauty and intelligence. Modern-day princesses are more than just beautiful 'coz they have innate beauty which is more than physical. They have kind hearts, beautiful minds that exudes more than just their physical attributes," enthused Bea, who was photographed as the heroine from "Beauty and the Beast."

The collection offers variants with color palettes that fit different types of princess characters.

"A modern-day princess needs to be courageous. She needs to be a risk-taker because there are lots of stereotypes in this world that will put you in a box. You need to have the heart, and the freedom to be who you really are - to break expectations, to spread your wings and have the  courage to conquer the universe. Once you have courage, a lot of great and beautiful things will come to you and you will make it happen," intoned Rabiya, who was photographed as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid."

BYS, as a makeup label, espouses their campaign tagline "Be yourself."

Is it safe to eat raw garlic every day?

 

Lucia Garcia

My name is Lucia Garcia, 36 years old. I was graduated from the Pritzker School of Medicine at University of Chicago, my major is clinical medicine. I have been working at Hospitals. I am fully committed to helping people take control of their health and realize their potential as human beings. As a doctor, my motto is “Knowledge not shared is wasted”.

People in many countries have the habit of eating raw garlic.

Germans like to eat raw garlic. According to statistics, Germans eat 8,000 tons of garlic every year.

According to the World Health Organization report, the average life expectancy in Germany is as high as 81 years, which is among the best in the world.

Many experts believe that the longevity of Germans is closely related to their eating garlic.

In Germany, garlic is known as a natural anti-cancer drug, a powerful antibiotic, and the king of longevity. Germans believe that eating more garlic can lead to health and longevity.

Many studies have shown that garlic has a strong antioxidant effect, can effectively remove harmful free radicals and delay the body's aging process.

Lifetime validity of birth, death and marriage papers ‘won’t affect’ PSA’s income

File photo

By : PHILIP A. CEROJANO, TITO P. TAN, SunStar Cebu

A MEASURE approved by the Senate which mandates a lifetime validity of birth, death and marriage certificates would not affect the income of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Senate Bill 2450, which was passed on third and final reading on Monday, May 23, still awaits approval by President Rodrigo Duterte before this would become a law.

The proposed law seeks the permanent validity of the certificates of live birth, death, and marriage issued, signed, certified or authenticated by the PSA and the local civil registries, as well as the reports of birth, death, and marriage registered and issued by the Philippine Foreign Service Posts.

Claire Coronado, PSA 7 spokesperson, said not covered by the bill is the certificate of no marriage (Cenomar), which expires every six months.

She clarified that PSA’s income won’t be affected by the proposed law, adding that clients will still need to get a new copy of their certificates of live birth, death and marriage from their office if they are required to submit or present the authenticated copy in their future transactions.

She said the PSA issues the authenticated or original copy of the certificates, and once the clients have run out of the original, they would still go to PSA to get one.

If the employer or agency accepts a photocopy of the certificate, there is no need for renewal, Coronado added, stressing that the birth, death or marriage certificates they issue have no expiration dates.

Most government agencies and other business establishments require their clients to submit original copies of birth, death and marriage certificates.

Coronado said if the bill is passed into law, it would address the long lines of people seen every day at PSA offices.

Martin Nievera keeps passion for music alive

By Ricky L. Calderon, Manila Times

Forty years into a storied showbiz career, prime balladeer Martin Nievera is as busy as ever and has written a new song to boot.

In his usual upbeat self, Martin exclaimed, "I've been great! Trying to keep busy, trying to keep sane." And asked how he keeps himself positive, he jokingly answered, "These are the times we not supposed to be positive remember? We're supposed to be negative!"

And just like that, he jumps right into storyteller mode.

Martin Nievera is excited to perform before a live audience for his 40th anniversary in the music business.

"The old meaning of 'positive' is what I wanted to bring back," Martin claimed. "I'm one of those singers who sings about the 'sad' love songs, the 'I can't make it' love songs, the 'I want you back' type of songs. This time, I wanted to finally have a song that was positive."

Enter "Smile Again."

For this, Martin found inspiration in the situation we've all been in the past two years.

"I think If I were to speak for everybody, what everyone's been going through, in their quiet time, and believe me we've had a lot of those, they're thinking of happier days that once was, and happier days that are to come, sana!"

Martin said about the genesis of his new song, "There are dreamers like myself who can put himself out of a negative situation and find something good in it all. Like being able to do the things I haven't been able to do before or to appreciate the life that I have now. So, when Homer Flores sent me the melody and the music..."

He said that he got the inspiration for his lyrics, from singing a particular classic.

"I've always ended a show (during those shows online during the pandemic) with the (Charlie Chaplin) song 'Smile.' A serious song, written by a comedian reminding everybody that there will be happier days to come."

Stating that he wanted something similar that inspired the same feeling, Martin thought of the title "Smile Again" and "After I had that title, everything was easy."

"I just wrote all of the beautiful thoughts that come to my mind and thinking in third person, I thought of how other people can relate to this song and (that's how) I realized the words that I chose. I think everyone can relate to that, everyone wants some reason, big or small, to smile again."

And just like that, Martin Nievera has written his first ballad after a long while.

He added, "It's so funny, when there was no pandemic, I was down. But during the pandemic I think I was the most positive," exclaimed Martin. "What kept my mind busy was doing things I took for granted way before when I was so busy trying to be famous, you know, trying to be a singer and making some hit songs and hit concerts. I forgot that that God put me on this Earth, not to make money, not to be famous, but to be a singer, to sing."

And what a wonderful sounding new song it is that Martin Nievera has brought--a big, piano-driven, feel-good ballad that can sit nicely alongside his greatest hits. A relaxed little tune that in Martin Nievera's own words, is the type that can "heal and inspire."

"I remembered that I was supposed to be the guy you run to, to feel a certain emotion."

"I realized again my love for singing."

Martin related how excited he was to perform before a live audience. "It seemed I was back during my Vicor days. The people cheered when they saw me onstage. The people were excited to see a live show. They were hungry to see someone go onstage live," said the Concert King.

"After two years of just performing in a virtual show, I am very happy and excited to see the faces of the audience. Doing a live concert was some kind of experiment for me. And I love being the guinea pig. Will the people come and watch? Will they wear masks on the show or not?"

Martin is celebrating his 40th anniversary in the music business on July 5. He has indeed gone a long way. From being a singer, he became a TV host. He has been singing in "ASAP" and he has a talk show on ANC titled "LSS."

"I need to reinvent myself so that I can connect to the millennials. But when I have concerts, the audience wants me to sing Be My Lady. It's one of the most requested among my songs. But I have to accept that some of my songs represent a certain niche in the industry."

Martin says he is still enjoying his musical journey and he will continue singing until the next 40 years, even in a small venue. He wants to continue sharing his music.

BBM eyes economic stimulus measure

PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. File Photo

By Catherine S. Valente, Manila Times

PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is looking at the national budget for 2023 to fund an economic stimulus measure that will help those severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking to reporters at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Monday, Marcos admitted that most of the 2022 budget has been disbursed "but not all of it has been spent, so we still have some breathing room."

He added that only a little was left of this year's budget "that's why we will have to look to the new budget, the budget for 2023, which is presently being written."

Marcos said his administration intends to allocate funds for investment-led expenditures that will bring profits to the government.

He did not elaborate, but investment expenditures are those that stimulate the economy such as infrastructure.

"We have to look at that to find sufficient funds for the things we want to do. Basically, move some public expenditure away from non-investment expenditures to more investment expenditures, again to revitalize, to retool the economy," Marcos said.

He, however, was not keen on a proposal to sell some government assets in order to generate more funds to pay for the country's growing debts.

"I'm always very wary of selling government assets. As a matter of principle, I'd rather not," Marcos said.

House leaders led by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez are looking to pass a stimulus package dubbed "Bangon Bayan Muli" Bill under the 19th Congress, which will convene after June 30.

Romualdez, Marcos' cousin, said the measure will allow the president-elect to use resources available during the final months of 2022 to address the country's pandemic response and use leftover funds to stimulate the economy.

Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman, however, said the next administration may not have enough funds for another stimulus package as the government has already disbursed 90 percent of the P5-trillion national budget for this year.

"Unless the new administration can find or create fresh funds, the stimulus package monikered as 'Bayan Bangon Muli' will be mere sloganeering and simply a change in nomenclature from the original Bayanihan," Lagman said, referring to the two stimulus packages approved by President Rodrigo Duterte during the pandemic.

Two Bayanihan laws have been passed to supplement funds for the recovery and response of the government against the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the same time, Marcos said that the Philippines needs to have higher power supply to accelerate the industrialization of crucial sectors affected by the pandemic.

He discussed with South Korean Ambassador to Manila Kim Inchul the revival of the mothballed nuclear power plant built during his late father's administration.

Marcos said the South Korean envoy offered his country's help in reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in Morong, Bataan.

"Napag-usapan namin ng South Korean ambassador 'yung offer nila at 'yung nakapunta na dito na expert ng nuclear power para tingnan ang Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, para makita kung ano pa ang puwede pang gawin, kung puwede pang ituloy o kailangan na ba magtayo ng bago (We discussed with the South Korean ambassador their offer, and their nuclear power expert already visited the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, to see what else could be done, whether or not it could be revived or if a new one should be built)," the former senator told reporters.

"Binuhay namin muli ang diskusyon na 'yun (We revived that discussion). Although they have come before, we will now study their recommendation, their findings and we will see if we can still apply," he added.

Marcos noted that a power facility needs to have "at least three years of lead time" before it can be fully utilized.

"Kahit na hindi aabutan ng administrasyon ko (Even if it will not happen during my administration), we still have to start somewhere," he said.

"Isa sa pinakamalaking problema (One of the biggest problems) is the supply of power. If we are going to industrialize post-pandemic... then the power sector must be ready for that," he added.

The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program.

However, the project was mothballed because of corruption allegations and safety concerns.

A study conducted by Russia State Atomic Energy Corp. in 2017 said the rehabilitation of BNPP will require from $3 billion to $4 billion.

Final date and venue of Miss International 2022 beauty pageant revealed

Hannah Arnold (Instagram)

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

The Miss International 2022 beauty pageant will be held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on Dec. 13, organizers announced on Monday, May 23.

“The 60th Miss International Beauty Pageant 2022 will be a historical moment as we witness the crowning of the next queen who will be succeeding the lovely and elegant Sireethorn Leearamwat of Thailand. Are you ready? Graphics by @yuffiegfx,” read the art card for the prestigious beauty pageant.

Hannah Arnold will represent the Philippines at the Miss International stage.

On May 5, Hannah said she is thrilled to see her photo on the Miss International page.

“Para sa’yo Pilipinas 🇵🇭🌸💕

“Nakakakilig to see myself on the Miss International page 🥺🥰. A pageant I have admired since my fellow Masbateño Ate Bea Santiago shared an inspirational message full of Hope and gratitude on that stage. A pageant that taught us about cultural understanding when Ate Kylie Versoza raised our flag. A pageant that celebrates beautiful Binibinis and 6 Filipino queens before me. 😍

“I know we still have a few months until the 2022 pageant, but all of us candidates and the organization are just so excited that everything is starting and that the international audience will be together again in Japan🙏🇯🇵, wrote Hannah.

 

The Philippines captured the Miss International crown six times: Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verszosa (2016).