Magnitude 5.0 quake hits Davao Oriental — Phivolcs

Published January 8, 2023, 8:12 AM

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

(PHIVOLCS)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 5.0-magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental on Sunday morning, Jan. 8.

Phivolcs said the earthquake struck 12 kilometers southwest of Baganga, Davao Oriental at 7 a.m. 

Its instruments recorded the tremor at Intensity II in Nabunturanm Davao de Oro and Intensity I in Malapatan and Alabel, Sarangani; Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; and General Santos City.

The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

Phivolcs advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.

Faith and devotion on the Feast of the Black Nazarene

Published January 8, 2023, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

Every year, there are many feasts and festivals that show religious fervor in the Philippines, and it starts with the most celebrated one – the feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.

It is a feast that attracts such a large number of devotees that its activities stop traffic and work in many areas in Manila. In fact, the President has declared Jan. 9 a non-working holiday in the city of Manila, through Proclamation No. 120.

The extraordinary show of devotion to the Black Nazarene, represented by a life-size statue of Christ carrying the cross which devotees believe to be miraculous, has become an event that shows the heart of faith. Hundreds of photographs and videos have captured the many emotions that overflow during the Traslacion, or transfer of the Black Nazarene statue from the Quirino Grandstand to its home at the Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.  

The Traslacion reenacts the “solemn transfer” of the Black Nazarene statue from a church in Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1767, according to the Quiapo Church website. The wooden statue was brought to the Philippines from Mexico in 1606.

Of all the activities related to the feast, the Traslacion has become the iconic image of the devotion to the Black Nazarene where thousands of devotees escort the image through a distance of only about seven to 10 kilometers but the procession takes many hours, up to 22 hours in 2012 and 2018, news reports said.

Before the pandemic, the Traslacion was a sea of bodies where vignettes of faith and humanity have been the moving images that inspired many to strengthen their faith, and others, many of them tourists, to make time to watch the procession. The number of devotees increase every year because there are those who come in thanksgiving for an answered prayer, and those who come to pray for a request. They join the thick procession clad in maroon shirts, most of them barefoot, and mostly men. Only a few are allowed on the carriage carrying the statue – the Hijos del Nazareno (Sons of the Nazarene), a group tasked to be marshals to keep the statue safe.

During the procession, many acts of kindness are exchanged between strangers. The men nearest to the statue catch towels, wipe the statue, and then throw them back toward the direction it came from. The men farthest from the statue allow a few devotees to “crawl” on their shoulders to reach the image.

ADVERTISEMENT

Devotees believe that touching the image – even with cloth – will have an effect on their prayer petition.
Because of the pandemic, the Traslacion will not be held for the third time this year. Instead, there will be a Walk of Faith that will start after the midnight mass on Jan. 8, at the Quirino Grandstand, where devotees will be allowed to carry their statues of the Black Nazarene. It is estimated to last about two hours.

On Jan. 9, which used to be the day when the Traslacion was held before the pandemic, masses will be held at the Quiapo church to celebrate the devotion to the Black Nazarene.

There are many activities that are held to celebrate the feast, among them the nine-day novena, and the blessing of the privately-owned replica statues of the Black Nazarene which are paraded around the streets of barangays.

But even if the pandemic changed the ways of tradition, it could not stop the devotees to find ways to celebrate their faith. Every Friday, many devotees hear mass at the Quiapo Church to visit the Black Nazarene, a “visit” many of them continued throughout the pandemic, by standing outside the doors of the church.

Olivia Culpo addresses ‘lack of energy’ comment as host of Miss Universe: ‘People are so ruthless’

Published January 8, 2023, 10:44 AM

by Robert Requintina

Olivia Culpo (Instagram)

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo said that she’s excited and ready to host the 71st Miss Universe Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).

“Been practicing screaming all week and not squinting when I read !!!!!! See you next week @missuniverse I can’t wait,” said Olivia on Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Olivia and Jeannie Mai Jenkins have been tapped as replacements for Steve Harvey as the newest hosts of the Miss Universe Competition. 

But pageant fans were cold after it was announced that Olivia will host pageant, citing the lack of the energy in doing the hosting chores.

In addressing the issue, Olivia wrote in the video: “On my way to get Red Bull before hosting Miss Universe because user26263747482 said I need more energy this year.”

Red Bull is a popular energy drink.

Then she wrote on Instagram Stories: “People are so ruthless.” 

In 2021, Olivia hosted the 69th Miss Universe Competition in Hollywood, Florida.

Eighty-four contestants are vying for the title of Miss Universe 2022.

3 weather systems to continue bringing rains in most parts of PH – PAGASA

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

The state weather bureau is monitoring three weather systems – a low pressure area, the shear line, and the northeast monsoon – that may continue to bring rains in most parts of the country in the next 24-hour period.

This newly-formed LPA was last spotted 1,000 kilometers (km) east of southeastern Mindanao. Based on the latest forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), this weather disturbance is less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone.

Due to the combined effects of the LPA and the shear line – a weather system that forms when cold and warm air masses meet – Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao may expect cloudy skies with scattered rain showers on Saturday, Jan. 7. 

The northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan,” will continue to blow cold winds and cause cloudy skies with rains in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon.

“Yung mga pagulan natin ay pinakamatindi dito sa Quezon at bahagi ng Bicol Region, bagamat mas kaunti na kumpara nitong mga nagdaang araw. Gayunpaman, pinag iingat natin ang mga [residente ng nasabing lugar] sa posibleng pagbaha at landslides (The rains are most severe here in Quezon and parts of the Bicol Region, it will be lesser as compared to what was experienced in the past few days. However, we are still reminding the residents of the said areas to be alert against possible flooding and landslides),” said PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estareja in a public weather forecast on Saturday morning.

Lesser rains, according to Estareja, are expected in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon

Mt. Apo via Sta. Cruz Circuit Trail 2022

Sinulog Festival in Cebu City kicks off

by Calvin Cordova 

A CONTINGENT performs during a parade that kicked off the week-long celebration of Sinulog Festival on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City on Friday, Jan 6. (Calvin D. Cordova)

CEBU CITY – The Sinulog Festival is officially back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Top officials of Cebu led by Mayor Michael Rama here and Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, on Friday, Jan. 6, led the launching of this year’s Sinulog Festival and the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu.

This is the first time in two years that a series of physical activities will be held as part of the week-long celebration of the Sinulog.

Last Thursday, Jan. 5, the Augustinian Friars of the Basilica del Santo Niño also launched the 458th Fiesta Señor that kicked off a series of religious activities.

ADVERTISEMENT

Activities for Fiesta Señor include novena Masses and fluvial and and foot processions next weekend.

During the launching, Rama and Garcia attended a novena Mass at the Basilica where thousands of devotees also gathered.

Rama and Garcia described this year’s celebration as “One Cebu Island Sinulog” to highlight the unity among local government units in Cebu.

Covid-19 protocols have eased with most of the churchgoers no longer wearing face masks. With thousands of devotees packing the church, physical distancing protocol was also impossible to enforce.

The launching was highlighted by a parade on Osmeña Boulevard participated in by different universities and colleges in the Metro Cebu area.

Contingents donning colorful costumes showcased different festivals in the country and danced to the Sinulog beat. 

The parade ended at the Cebu City Sports Center where students had presentations. The kick-off ceremony ended with a fireworks display.

Another major pre-Sinulog event, the”Sinulog sa Kabataan,” will be held on Jan. 8, participated by different barangays, towns, and cities in Cebu.

The Sinulog Grand Parade will be held on Jan. 15 at the South Road Properties, the first time that it will be held outside the city proper.

ARE YOU THE NEXT BINIBINI? Search on for Binibining Pilipinas 2023

Published January 7, 2023, 8:51 AM

by Robert Requintina

Do you have what it takes to be the next Binibining Pilipinas?

The search is on for the next batch of Binibining Pilipinas queens!

The full announcement on the official Facebook account of Binibining Pilipinas: 

“Binibining Pilipinas is looking for a new batch of empowered women.

“Be part of the 𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 

“Download the application form here: https://www.bbpilipinas.com

“Deadline of submission is on January 31, 2023. Stay tuned for we will announce more details real soon.

ADVERTISEMENT

The reigning queens are: Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas International; Roberta Angela Tamondong, Bb. PIlipinas Grand International; Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. PIlipinas Intercontinental; Chelsea Fernandez, Bb. PIlipinas Globe; Nicole Budol, 1st runner-up; and Stacey Daniella Gabriel, 2nd runner-up. 

Marcos declares Jan. 9 special non-working day in Manila for Feast of the Black Nazarene

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Despite the absence of the traditional “Traslacion,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila to mark the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

(QUIAPO CHURCH FACEBOOK)

In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, the Manila Public Information Office uploaded a copy of Proclamation No. 120, declaring the said holiday on Monday, Jan. 9. 

The document, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Jan. 6, was confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) later.

“It is but fitting and proper that the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” the proclamation read.

The Quiapo Church is set to conduct two main activities starting Saturday, Jan. 7, leading to the actual feast on Monday, Jan. 9. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional “Traslacion” and “Pahalik” will still not be present during this year’s celebration. These will be replaced by the “Pagpupugay” event and the “Walk of Faith” procession.

Images of the Black Nazarene will be displayed for the “Pagpupugay” at the Quirino Grandstand from Saturday until Monday. The event will have separate lanes for persons with disability, senior citizens, and male and female individuals.

Meanwhile, the “Walk of Faith” procession will be held after the midnight mass on Jan. 8. The procession is set to start at 1:30 a.m. from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.

Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga said all “elements” of devotion will still be present as church members will join the event and pray the rosary.

He, however, encouraged the participating faithful to strictly observe minimum public health standards during the two new activities.

The Lord’s Epiphany: its implications

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THE Solemnity of the Lord’s Epiphany reminds us that Christ is meant for all of us, and not just a few, and like the 3 magi, we should make an effort to look for him, that is, to look for God, in everything in our life—in the persons we meet, in the different situations, conditions and circumstances of our life.

To be sure, God is everywhere. This is how one of the psalms describes this reality: “Whither shall I go from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (139,7-10)

More than that, God’s presence is not merely passive but active. He is always intervening in the existence of all the creatures, ever applying his wisdom through the ceaseless providence that he exercises over all his creation whose nature he always respects, upholds and defends.

And we should not worry too much about the effort involved here because just like what happened to the magi, we would also be helped and led by a star that is none other than our Christian faith, and the many instrumentalities that the Church provides. 

We may not see its light from time to time for one reason or another, but there is no doubt that it is always there. We just have to learn to live with that condition, unafraid in pursuing God’s will no matter what the cost. We just have to learn how to use the means provided to us.

We obviously have to be wary of the unavoidable villains along the way. The Herod of that time can be our own weaknesses, the intoxicating allurements of the world and the wiles of the devil. But as long as we realize that we need to wage a lifelong process of ascetical struggle, then things would just be all right.

Like the magi too, let us offer the best gifts we can give back to God who actually has given us everything that is good for us. We have to learn to repay love with love. We have been freely given, and so we have to learn how to freely give ourselves to God and to the others.

And the best gift we can give him, far beyond what the magi offered, are our own very selves, our whole heart. God himself wants it that way, as one passage in the Book of Proverbs puts it: “My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.” (23,26) Of course, Christ himself articulated it more directly when he said, “Love the Lord our God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt 22,37) 

Lastly, with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Christ, we are actually left with an invitation that can very well be a big challenge for us who profess to believe in Christ. This is none other than the duty to show or reveal Christ, as he is, to others.

This is no mean responsibility to be carried out by us who are his disciples. The ideal to aim at is to have those words of Christ to his disciples said of us as well: “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me. He who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Lk 10,16)

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Asia remembers ex-pontiff Benedict as theologian with deep spirituality

Church and political leaders in Asia paid tributes to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, hailing him for his contributions to peace, harmony, and dialogue in the world.

The former pope died of age-related complications on December 31. He was 95.  A prominent theologian and academic, Benedict made history by becoming the first pope to resign in six centuries, leading to a conclave that elected Pope Francis.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Pope Benedict will be "remembered for his rich service to society." Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hailed Pope Benedict’s non-violent policy and establishment of universal peace. Pakistan President Arif Alvi praised the late pope for his efforts for peace, harmony, and interfaith dialogue, and for his strong advocacy for refugees and migrants.

Park Jeong-ha, a spokesperson for South Korea’s ruling People Power Party, said Pope Benedict’s resignation was “a symbol of the renovation of the Church” while adding that he led “a life as a pilgrim.” Indonesia’s Minister of Religion Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Pope Benedict was an example of humility and committed to bridging differences.

Asia remembers ex-pontiff Benedict as theologian with deep spirituality

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI attends a papal mass for elderly people at St Peter's square on September 28, 2014 at the Vatican. (Photo: AFP)

Meanwhile, at least 15 cardinals from Asia attended the funeral of Pope Benedict at the Vatican on Thursday.

It was an unprecedented ceremony in six centuries as a reigning pope led the requiem procedure for his predecessor. Besides the cardinals, most heads of Asia’s national bishops’ conferences also joined the global Catholic hierarchy for the funeral of the late pope.

The body of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, on Jan 3. Benedict, a conservative intellectual who in 2013 became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign, died on Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95. (Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/ AFP)