LIST: Miss Universe 2022 Top 20 prediction

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

Among the ladies predicted to enter the Miss Universe 2022 Top 20 are (from left) Ashley Cariño (Puerto Rico), Celeste Cortesi (Philippines) and María Fernanda Aristizabal (Colombia). The Miss Universe 2022 coronation night will be held on January 14 (January 15 Manila time) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

MANILA, Philippines — On January 14 (January 15, Manila time), the 71st Miss Universe titleholder will be proclaimed through a live telecast from the Ernest N. Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The new winner, a "transformational woman," will wear Mouawad's new Force for Good crown.

With the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) under a new ownership, the new queen's reign includes the unveiling of the soon-to-be launched Miss Universe bottled water (priced at 12 baht) in Thailand. This only means that she will not only be a champion from the pageant, but also an influential face for the new MUO's universal campaigns.

So, it's quite difficult to determine in which mold the new winner should come from. Will she have the presence of the titleholders from the Catalina swimwear years? Will she be like those from the Trump era? Or will she be more like the queens from the IMG era? The answer remains to be seen.

Even with those considerations, frontrunners and dark horses have their sights on winning the elusive crown. The USA is working on its ninth, Venezuela on its eighth, Puerto Rico on its sixth, and the Philippines on its fifth.

At this point, it's still everybody's game. Join us in a little guessing game by whittling down the 84 entrants — yes, Miss Kazakhstan Diana Tashimbetova has pulled out of the race — to the semifinal round of lucky Top 20 placers.

Here are the countries we strongly feel have a chance to make it to the semifinal round. We present them in alphabetical order. They are:

- Monique Riley (Australia)

- Mia Mamede (Brazil)

- Maria Fernanda Aristizabal (Colombia)

- Floriane Bascou (France)

- Ivana Batchelor (Guatemala)

- Divita Rai (India)

- Virginia Stablum (Italy)

- Laksmi De-Neefe Suardana (Indonesia)

- Hannah Iribhogbe (Nigeria)

- Alessia Rovegno (Peru)

- Celeste Rabimbi Cortesi (Philippines)

- Telma Madeira (Portugal)

- Ashley Cariño (Puerto Rico)

- Ndavi Nokeri (South Africa)

- Alicia Faubel (Spain)

- Anna Sueangam-iam (Thailand)

- Viktoria Apanasenko (Ukraine)

- R'bonney Gabriel (USA)

- Amanda Dudamel (Venezuela)

- Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau (Vietnam)

There's one other candidate we hope would get well from her COVID-19 confinement, Gabriela dos Santos of Curacao. Should she make it to the preliminaries, we feel that, like last year's Clemence Botino of France, she'll have a strong chance of making it to the semifinal round.

This list, however, may stay the same or vary slightly after the preliminaries. A lot can happen by then.

The Miss Universe 2022 preliminary competition is slated to unfold on January 11 (January 12 in the Philippines), while the National Costume presentation happens the following day. Stay tuned!

LIST: Concerts in the Philippines this 2023

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

Clockwise from top left: Blackpink, Carly Rae Jepsen, The 1975 and Harry Styles

MANILA, Philippines — A new year brings a new set of 12 months full of opportunities, and with many artists flocking back to the Philippines to engage with Filipino fans, the concert scene is getting back to its brightest.

Last year saw the gradual return of several artists, bands and groups — some returning, others for the first time and a number of them visiting the country twice in a year — and the stage is set for more arrivals in 2023.

Check out the upcoming international music acts performing in the Philippines in 2023:

Wavy Baby Music Festival (Marreco Lot, Mandaue City, Cebu) - Jan. 13 to 14

The Wave Baby Music Festival in Cebu is headed by James Reid's Careless label where several of its artists will be performing.

Invited to headline the festival are R&B singers Pink Sweats and Destiny Rogers, Korean artists Sunmi and The Rose, Thai rapper Bambam, pop singer JVKE and electronic acts Bag Raiders and Yultron.

Additionally, The Rose will also have a comeback concert on Jan. 14 at the SM North Edsa Skydome.

ITZY (Mall of Asia Arena) - Jan. 14

The rising K-pop girl group will perform back-to-back nights in Manila as part of their "Checkmate World Tour."

AOMG (New Frontier Theater) - Jan. 15

The "Follow The Movement: AOMG World Tour" brings to the Philippines K-pop hip-hop artists Simon Dominic, Loco, Gray, Leehi, Yugyeom and Woo for a special night at the New Frontier Theater.

Ne-Yo (Araneta Coliseum) - Jan. 23

Award-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo returns to Manila with back-to-back sets at the Araneta Coliseum to perform some of his greatest hits.

Enhyphen (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 3 to 5

The young K-pop boy group are coming back to the Philippines for a proper concert that isn't just one night but three at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of their "Manifesto" world tour.

Boyce Avenue (Araneta Coliseum, Waterfront Hotel & Casino, SMX Convention Center Davao) - Feb. 11, 12, 14

A Valentines concert awaits for Filipinos in Manila, Cebu and Davao as cover band Boyce Avenue returns to Manila to deliver all the necessary feels, with the help of local artists The Juans (only for the Manila concert), Adie and Nobita.

Mamamoo (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 12

Also hyping up emotions on a different spectrum is K-pop group Mamamoo as it makes its debut visit to the Philippines for the Asian leg of their ongoing world tour.

Wallows (New Frontier Theater) - Feb. 15

Alternative-rock band Wallows will begin their "Tell Me That It’s Over Asia Tour 2023" in Manila, performing songs from their three extended plays and two albums, the latest one lending its name to the tour.

The Vamps (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 17

The British pop-rock band will be performing in the Philippines for the fifth time this February as part of their "Greatest Hits Tour." Their last visit was in 2017. 

Conan Gray (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 18

Young singer Conan Gray has included the Philippines, his first visit to the country, in the Asian leg of his "Superache" tour.

PLUS63 Festival (SM Seaside Complex Cebu) - Feb. 18

This music and arts festival is making a grand comeback after two years with headliners such as Joji and Kehlani, the former recently visited the country last month for Head in the Clouds Manila.

Backstreet Boys (Mall of Asia Arena) - Feb. 20

Get ready to throw back the years as the Backstreet Boys returns to the country. The boys included the Philippines in the 2023 Asian leg of their "DNA World Tour," the 2019 edition of which was their last time in Manila.

Westlife (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 20 to 21

In true boy group rivalry fashion, Westlife will also be performing in Manila on the same day (plus one extra concert the next day) for their "Wild Dreams" tour to perform "all the hits."

OneRepublic (Araneta Coliseum) - Feb. 23

Manila will be the first Asian stop of OneRepublic's "Live in Concert" tour, almost seven years since the group last performed in the Philippines.

Wanderland (Filinvest City Events Grounds) - March 4 to 5

Perhaps the biggest music festival in the Philippines, Wanderland is making a grand comeback with headliners Carly Rae Jepsen and Phoenix, and supporting acts Sunset Rollercoaster, Men I Trust, No Rome, Stephen Day, Balming Tiger, George and Leo Wang.

Arctic Monkeys (Filinvest City Events Grounds) - March 6

A somewhat extension of the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival is a concert by British rock band Arctic Monkeys the very next day in what will be their first-ever Philippine show.

Simple Plan (New Frontier Theater, SMX Convention Center Davao) - March 10, 12

Bringing the rock vibes to Manila and Davao this March are Simple Plan for their "The Harder Than It Looks" tour.

Stray Kids (Mall of Asia Arena) - March 11 to 12

K-pop group Stray Kids have included Manila in their second world tour. The group initially had to cancel their supposed second visit back in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harry Styles (Philippine Arena) - March 14

"Come on Harry, we wanna say good night to you!" Harry Styles will be returning to the Philippines for a third time, his second as a soloist, this March for his "Love on Tour."

Bryan Adams (Araneta Coliseum) - March 15

Also making a Philippine comeback is award-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams as part of the Asian leg of his “So Happy It Hurts" tour.

Sting (The Theatre at Solaire) - March 17 to 18

Just as big a return awaits Sting, the former lead singer of English rock band The Police, after more than a decade who will bring his "My Songs" tour to Manila with his eldest son Joe Sumner as a special guest.

Blackpink (Philippine Arena) - March 25 to 26

In what is primed to be the biggest concert of 2023 in the Philippines so far, K-pop girl group Blackpink is returning this time for their "Born Pink" world tour.

The 1975 (Mall of Asia Arena) - May 3 to 4

English pop-rock band The 1975 are certain to remind Filipinos once again of heartbreak, longing and love when they come back this May for their "At Their Very Best" Asia tour.

Oil prices down this week

Richmond Mercurio - The Philippine Star 

Rino Abad, Department of Energy’s oil industry management bureau director, said chances are high for a rollback in the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene this week based on the first four trading days of the week.

MANILA, Philippines — Pump prices are seen going down this week, with a hefty rollback possibly in store for diesel and kerosene.

He estimates a price reduction of not more than P0.50 per liter for gasoline and a decrease of around P1.50 per liter for both diesel and kerosene.

“There is a trend that demand is going down in the first quarter,” Abad said in an interview with dzBB yesterday.

“If China does not control its COVID cases for the next two months, then chances that prices will further go down become higher. So it depends on how fast China can recover,” he added.

Cleanfuel, for its part, said the running trend as of Jan. 5 showed a possible reduction of P0.50 per liter in gasoline prices and a decrease of P2.20 per liter for diesel.

The final price adjustments will be announced by oil companies on Monday and will take effect the day after.

Should the forecast rollbacks push through, it will end the three straight weeks of increases for gasoline and kerosene, while also preventing two consecutive weeks of price hike for diesel.

Noli de Castro returns to ‘TV Patrol’ starting on Jan. 9

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Noli de Castro

Veteran broadcast journalist Noli de Castro will mark his comeback as news anchor of TV Patrol starting on Jan. 9.

Noli will be anchoring live from the Quirino Grandstand for the latest news and updates on the celebration of the ‘Nazareno 2023’.

“Magkita-kita tayo sa Lunes. Live ho ako sa Quirino Grandstand para sa TV Patrol,” Noli said in his TeleRadyo program “Kabayan” today (Jan. 6). 

Noli will join TV Patrol anchors Henry Omaga-Diaz, Karen Davila and Bernadette Sembrano in delivering the news to Filipinos anywhere in the world. He will also continue hosting his public service show “Kabayan” and the morning newscast “TeleRadyo Balita” with Joyce Balancio on TeleRadyo.

“TV Patrol” airs on weekdays at 6:30 pm while “TV Patrol Weekend” airs on weekends at 6 pm with Alvin Elchico and Zen Hernandez. It is available on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, youtube.com/ABSCBNNews, news.abs-cbn.com/live, and other ABS-CBN News digital platforms.

 

Reasons to be optimistic about our economic outlook this year

Published January 9, 2023, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

The year 2023 has been acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund as a year of global economic recession that would hit one-third of the world’s economy.

The economic difficulties have been brought about by Russia’s war in Ukraine, causing oil prices to rise to historic levels, disrupting global supply chains, causing currency fluctuations and the ensuing wild inflation in all economies. The world is in disarray.

Latest data, however, seemed to smoothen the soothsayers’ dim predictions. If we are to believe our own economic data indicators, we are in for a relatively smooth ride this year. 

Consider some of the recently released data. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the inflation rate in December rose by 8.1 percent on annual basis from 8.0 percent the previous month.

Although it is the highest in 14 years, it is lower than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) target band that inflation in December could peak at 7.8 to 8.6 percent. The 8.1 percent inflation in December also brought the actual full-year average at 5.8 percent, which is also on point with BSP’s previously announced 2022 average forecast of 5.8 percent.

The BSP, whose policy is anchored on inflation targeting, said that the latest 8.1 percent inflation is consistent with its assessment of elevated inflation that will hit its high in December before slowing down in 2023. This means the pace of growth in prices of goods is decelerating. For 2023, the BSP forecasts inflation at 4.5 percent, still above the 2-4 percent target. By 2024, the forecast is 2.8 percent.

Another positive economic indicator is what the PSA reported on Friday, Jan. 6, that the level of unemployment in the country dropped to 4.2 percent last November from 6.5 percent in the same month a year ago. It is also down from 4.5 percent in October. 

The latest jobless rate was also the lowest since April 2005. Accordingly, the employment rate increased to 95.8 percent, or an additional 4.2 million persons getting jobs. This brings the total employment to 49.7 million.

On the foreign exchange side, the central bank is doing a good job in stabilizing the wild swings that we’ve seen in the peso sometime in September last year. So far, the peso is holding up. The local currency remains in the P55-level against the greenback, a wide distance from the P68-level projection of a not-so responsible economist.

Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno has declared the “worst is over” and there are many reasons to be optimistic this year. The pandemic, though still a threat, is actually now behind us with readily available vaccines.

Despite the country’s mounting debt burden, the world’s major credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch have maintained the Philippines’ investment grade credit ratings.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) forecasts that the domestic economy will grow by 6-7 percent this year. This is still one of the highest, if not the highest, growth rates among peers in the region.

The budget for 2023 was approved in time, meaning there will be no disruptions in the release of funds for major infrastructure projects and government services. 

All these are silver linings in our recovery efforts.

136 volcanic quakes recorded in Taal Volcano in past 24 hours

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, MB

Taal Volcano (PIXABAY)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Sunday, Jan. 8, that it recorded 136 volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours.

In the volcano bulletin released this Sunday, Phivolcs said the earthquakes lasted two to four minutes. 

It also noted the occurrence of a 600-meter “weak” emission of steam-laden plume.

Moreover, Phivolcs observed an “upwelling” of hot volcanic fluids in the Taal main crater lake.

It said that Taal Volcano averaged 8,575 tons per day of sulfur dioxide (SO2) when it was last measured on Jan. 5.

It pointed out that the active volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which means it is still in an abnormal condition.

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At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island, Phivolcs said.

It “strongly” recommended that entry into TVI—Taal’s permanent danger zone, especially the vicinities of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, should be strictly prohibited.

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.

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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