PH offers sympathies with quake-hit Türkiye

by Joseph Pedrajas

The Philippines has expressed sympathies with Türkiye and its people following the devastating earthquake that struck one of its major cities and left dozens dead.

As of press time, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday it has not received any information that a Filipino citizen has been affected by a quake that hit Gaziantep on the Türkiye-Syria border. Filipinos in Hatay, Adana, and Mersin are also safe. 

Residents search for victims and survivors amidst the rubble of a building that collapsed, following an earthquake in the village of Azmarin, near the Turkish border in the north of Syria’s rebel-held northwestern Idlib province, early on February 6, 2023. At least 100 have been reportedly killed in north Syria after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that originated in Türkiye and was felt across neighboring countries. OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP

But DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Ankara will continue to reach out to the Filipino communities there. Based on statistics, there are around 4,006 Filipinos in Türkiye, mostly concentrated in Istanbul in the northwest.

“We wish for the speedy recovery of the wounded and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims,” DFA said as it expressed condolences to Türkiye and its people.

A total of 76 individuals were reported dead in the quake, according to Turkish officials, which expect the figures to rise.

Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adıyaman, Malatya, Şanlıurfa, Adana, Diyarbakır, and Kilis, are among the provinces that have suffered damages, officials added.

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“The Philippine Embassy is ready to assist Filipinos affected by the earthquake and may be reached via telephone and WhatsApp (+905345772344) and via email at ankara.pe@dfa.gov.ph,” DFA said.

GOSSIP GIRL: Carpenter’s daughter wins Aqua Queen of the Universe

by Giselle Sanchez, MB

Aqua Queen of the Universe Debora Celedio Mariotti

Debora Celedio Mariotti, 22, daughter of a carpenter in Bohol, won the national pageant Aqua Queen of the Universe, a project of Respect: Noble Queen of the universe Ltd.

“Someone posted in a freediving group on Facebook that they are searching the 1st Aqua Queen of the Universe 2023 and one of our students in freediving class mentioned me in the comment section. At first, I did not want to join because I thought the contest was only for pretty, smart and rich ladies. Fortunately, they said that it’s not all about beauty nor stature, but it is all about your passion and love for our ocean. So, I decided to join because it is open to everyone from the ages 21-51 years old who can dive 5-7 meters underwater. Out of 15 delegates around the Philippines I managed to reach the top 3 and eventually got the title of the first Aqua Queen of the Universe 2023.”

Aqua Queen of the Universe Debora Celedio Mariotti (center) and other winners of the competition

The pageant ceremony was held in Panglao, Bohol last month.The Aqua Queen of the Universe pageant advocates to preserve and protect our environment particularly our oceans and natural waters. 

Truly this pageant does not prioritize the financial or social status of the woman but instead they highlight on what women believe and stand for.

Debora tells Gossip Girl: “I want to represent the modern woman who is an agent of change and to motivate aspiring ocean enthusiasts to be mindful of our environment. Freediving is a sustainable activity, hence, I want to encourage everyone – regardless of age, to learn this sport and create a mindset concerning marine conservation and restoration. I advocate freediving as a sport because it is a life changing experience. Also freediving has a lot of benefits. It helps to master a variety of relaxation and concentration techniques that will help you make your daily activities more conscious and become more calm. It strengthens your lungs and can help reduce anxiety. It gives you more self-confidence. It gives you the feeling of being one with the ocean and the beautiful creatures in it. It increases endurance and vitality plus you gain new friends. Aside from those I mentioned, you can apply it for marine operations – survival and rescue training, coastal clean ups. You can freedive to collect garbage in the ocean. Freediving is not just reaching attainable depths but a tool to preserve our ocean.”

The new beauty queen says that freediving was not her first love but it was because of her first and only love, her now husband, Giorgio Marrioti, who got her to love freediving. “I did not know how to swim and was scared of the deep ocean. My sister introduced me to Giorgio who is an Italian freediving instructor of Blue Freedom Apnea. On our first date, he brought me to the ocean. He showed me the beauty of freediving. He gave me the motivation to overcome my fears. I found it fascinating, so I began taking swimming lessons. As I got stronger and more determined to tackle my anxieties, I developed an addiction to facing them head-on. I became hooked on them. I then learned about the different freediving techniques. The happiness and fulfillment from freediving are simply unrivaled. It’s an adventure that helps me relax more. It frees my heart and spirit. When I go freediving and see those sea turtles and fish swimming past me, I feel like I’m in heaven. I finally took up freediving as a hobby, and I enjoy it immensely. I find exploring the ocean to be a truly magical experience.” You can follow Debora in instagram @deborahfreediver and their free diving school @freedivingparadise in ig and @bluefreedomapnea- freediving club in Facebook. You can contact them at 09955317185.

Heftige Erdbeben erschüttern die Türkei und Syrien: Stärke 7,4 und 7,9 - Zahlreiche Todesopfer bestätigt

Schweres Erdbeben erschüttert die Türkei und Syrien. Das Epizentrum lag nach Angaben des Geoforschungszentrums Potsdam in beiden Fällen nahe der Stadt Gaziantep unweit der Grenze zu Syrien. © Screenshot GFZ

Gleich zwei heftige Erdbeben erschütterten in den frühen Morgenstunden den Südosten der Türkei und den Nordwesten Syriens. Das Ausmaß der Katastrophe ist noch nicht absehbar.

• Schweres Erdbeben erschüttert Türkei und Syrien: Mindestens 200 Menschen sind ums Leben gekommen
• Starkes Erdbeben der Stärke 7,8 erschüttert Grenzregion: Rettungsteams suchen aus dem ganzen Land werden zusammengezogen
• Dieser News-Ticker zum katastrophalen Erdbeben in der Türkei und Syrien wird regelmäßig aktualisiert.

Update von 6.35 Uhr: Die Zahl der Erdbebenopfer steigt weiter an. Bei dem schweren Erdbeben in der türkisch-syrischen Grenzregion sind mindestens 170 Menschen ums Leben gekommen.

Schweres Erdbeben erschüttert Türkei und Syrien: Mindestens 200 Menschen sind ums Leben gekommen

In der Türkei starben mindestens 76 Menschen, wie die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur Anadolu am Montag unter Berufung auf die Katastrophenschutzbehörde Afad berichtete. Mindestens 440 Menschen seien verletzt worden. In Syrien seien zudem mindestens 99 Menschen ums Leben gekommen, berichtete das Staatsfernsehen unter Berufung auf das Gesundheitsministerium. 

Update von 6.18 Uhr: In der Nacht hat ein schweres Erdbeben Teile der Türkei und Syrien verwüstet. In Syrien sind nach Regierungsangaben mindestens 42 Menschen ums Leben gekommen. 200 Menschen wurden in den Provinzen Aleppo, Hama und Latakia verletzt, wie der stellvertretende syrische Gesundheitsminister Ahmed Dhamiriyeh der staatlichen Nachrichtenagentur Sana sagte.

Laut Sana stürzten in zahlreichen Städten Gebäude ein. Fotos zeigten, wie Rettungsteams Menschen auf Tragbahren wegtrugen. Der Leiter des Nationalen Erdbebenzentrums Raed Ahmed sagte laut Sana, dies sei das stärkste Beben in Syrien seit 1995.

Update von 5.50 Uhr: Bei den Erdbeben in der Südosttürkei sind nach Medienberichten mindestens 38 Menschen ums Leben gekommen. Zahlreiche Menschen seien verletzt worden, berichtete die Nachrichtenagentur DHA am Montag unter Berufung auf lokale Behörden. In der Provinz Sanliurfa seien mindestens 15 Menschen ums Leben gekommen, berichtete DHA unter Berufung auf den Gouverneur Salih Ayhan. Der Gouverneur der Provinz Malatya, Hulusi Sahin, meldete demnach 23 Tote. 

Auch in Syrien wurden Todesopfer gemeldet. Das schwere Erdbeben nahe der Grenze der Türkei zu Syrien hat alleine in Syrien nach Regierungsangaben 42 Menschenleben gefordert. 200 Menschen wurden in den Provinzen Aleppo, Hama und Latakia verletzt, wie der stellvertretende syrische Gesundheitsminister Ahmed Dhamiriyeh der staatlichen Nachrichtenagentur Sana sagte. Laut Sana stürzten in zahlreichen Städten Gebäude ein. Fotos zeigten, wie Rettungsteams Menschen auf Tragbahren wegtrugen. Der Leiter des Nationalen Erdbebenzentrums Raed Ahmed sagte laut Sana, dies sei das stärkste Beben in Syrien seit 1995.

Die Rettungsorganisation Weißhelme sprach ihrerseits von Dutzenden Toten. „Wir reagieren mit allem, was wir können, um diejenigen zu retten, die unter den Trümmer liegen“, sagte der Leiter der Gruppe, Raed Al Saleh. „Die Lage ist sehr tragisch“, sagte ein Mitglied der Gruppe.

Ursprungsmeldung: Istanbul - Zwei heftige Erdbeben der Stärke 7,4 und 7,9 haben kurz nacheinander am frühen Montagmorgen den Südosten der Türkei erschüttert. Das Epizentrum lag nach Angaben des Geoforschungszentrums Potsdam in beiden Fällen nahe der Stadt Gaziantep unweit der Grenze zu Syrien. Demnach ereigneten sich die Beben gegen 4.17 Uhr (Ortszeit/2.17 Uhr MEZ) und 4.28 Uhr (Ortszeit/2.28 Uhr MEZ) in einer Tiefe von 10 Kilometern. Bei den Erdbeben in der Südosttürkei sind Menschen ums Leben gekommen. Das sagte der türkische Innenminister Süleyman Soylu am Montag, ohne eine Anzahl zu nennen.

Cultural Center of the Philippines begins much-needed transformation

CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo with various equipment for the Main Theater. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

Beginning this year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is closed to make way for its much-needed three-year redevelopment. The goal is to transform the iconic structure into a state-of-the-art center for artistic excellence and cultural celebration.

The CCP is already over 50 years old and so retrofitting and refurbishment are necessary for it to continue to perform its roles as the premier national institution promoting Philippine arts and culture.

The planned redevelopment will retain the iconic architecture and focus on structural improvements including upgrading its fire, drainage, electrical and environmental protection systems as well other building codes.

Moreover, the project is a climate change adaptation measure that will integrate sustainable features to improve energy and water efficiency, to name a few. "The building has gone through leaks, corrosions, and flooding and other issues from various typhoons and earthquakes over the years. We are also looking at technological and aesthetic upgrades responsive to CCP's future programs and activities, particularly the comfort, safety and overall experience of performers, audiences, employees and other stakeholders," CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo said in a statement.

CCP will also add facilities to make the building gender-responsive and inclusive for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and more, fulfilling its vision of being a globally competitive, self-sustaining and future-ready destination.

The initial budget of P900 million was allocated for the rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, initially coming from the proposed budget for an Artist Center. The Pasay City Government is set to give the greenlight to kick off the first phase of the project, concentrating on the improvement of the center's main performance venues — Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino and Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo — as well as the relocation of offices and theaters. This will take up about 40 percent of the budget, while the rest will be appropriated for the second phase, which will cover the repair of facilities such as the hydraulic lift, Freight elevator, LED lights, Rigging system, acoustics. But given the scale and ambitions for the project, more funds may be needed.

Throughout the project, CCP reaffirmed that it will continue its operations and will take it as an opportunity to work with artistic communities and bring its programs closer to the people in different parts of the country. On top of continued live performances and training, CCP will also strengthen its online presence.

"We hope that through our increased geographical presence and more outreach activities, the public will know that we are relentless in offering arts and cultural experiences for people from all walks of life. While we are temporarily closing our home, our commitment to fulfill our duties will even be intensified," said Moran-Floirendo added.

The redevelopment of CCP supports the national priority to accelerate the reopening of travel and the economy and the creation of jobs. It also aligns with the CCP's mission as the premier arts and culture institution of the Philippines to strengthen the Philippine brand.

"We are rebuilding a center for culture and arts that will push the country forward. We request everyone's support and trust that the endeavor will set the stage for further creative and cultural development as well as international collaborations, showcasing the unique talent and spirit of the Filipino," Moran-Floirendo ended.

Davao Norte boosts tourism activities

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: The Davao del Norte provincial government has recently launched a program aimed at boosting the tourism industry and economic activities in the province.

The program dubbed #DavNorTravels is a flagship initiative of Gov. Edwin Jubahib's administration, with the goal of showcasing the natural and cultural beauty of Davao del Norte to both local and international tourists.

"DavNor Travels is not just a tourism program but a step towards making Davao del Norte a destination of choice for tourists and investors alike. With this program, we aim to create new job opportunities, stimulate local businesses and boost the local economy," Jubahib said.

With its diverse cultural heritage, breathtaking natural wonders and rich history, Davao del Norte has much to offer to tourists, and through the #DavNorTravels, both local and foreign tourists alike get to experience the province's best.

"Our goal is to make Davao del Norte a hub for tourism and economic growth, and I am confident that with the support of our local government units, the private sector, and the community, we can achieve this. I invite everyone to visit Davao del Norte and experience its rich culture, beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality."

Jubahib alongside other provincial officials led by provincial tourism officer Noel Daquioag, visited the famous tourist and emerging destinations in the towns of Santo Tomas, Talaingod, New Corella and Panabo City, among other areas.

The province's contingent was also joined by local government officials, business leaders and community members. It can be recalled that the Jubahib administration funded several tourism-related infrastructures in various local government units in a bid to position the province as a prime tourism destination in the Davao Region.

In 2023, the Jubahib administration funded P3.84 million to operationalize Davao del Norte's Sustainable Tourism Development Program to boost the tourism industry and stir economic activities in the province.

The tourism industry in the province is classified as sun and beach tourism, diving and marine sports tourism, education and agri-tourism, sports tourism, MICE, events tourism, cultural tourism, and ecotourism.

The province has identified three major areas of destination where people can visit and go.

These are the Island Garden City of Samal with its white sand beaches, diving sites, and water sports, the vast banana plantations in the mainland and the highland journey in nature and culture that include waterfalls, rivers, springs, and lakes at the towns of Kapalong, New Corella, Asuncion, San Isidro and the Ata-Manobo Cultural village in Talaingod.

With its commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage, the #DavNorTravels program is poised to become a game-changer for the province and its people.

Magnitude 4.5 aftershock rocks Davao de Oro — Phivolcs

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

(PHIVOLCS)

A 4.5-magnitude aftershock rocked Davao de Oro shortly before Sunday evening, Feb. 5, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in an earthquake bulletin.

Phivolcs said the quake struck 7 kilometers northwest of Compostela, Davao de Oro around 5:59 p.m. 

It was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Compostela and New Bataan in Davao de Oro; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Maco, Davao de Oro.

Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity I in Davao City.

The 4.5-magnitude quake was determined to be an aftershock of the 6.0-magnitude tremor that jolted Davao de Oro on Feb. 1

Phivolcs said the 6.0-magnitude earthquake was generated by the movement along the Philippine Fault—a major tectonic feature that transects the whole Philippine archipelago from northwestern Luzon to southeastern Mindanao. 

Metro Manila’s air temperature dips to 20.6°C

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, MB

Metro Manila (UNSPLASH FILE)

Metro Manila’s air temperature dropped to 20.6 degrees Celsius (°C) on Sunday morning, Feb. 5, making it the region’s coldest day so far this year.

Based on the data of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the 20.6°C air temperature was recorded at the Science Garden monitoring station in Quezon City around 6 a.m. 

PAGASA attributed the cold weather to the prevailing northeast monsoon or “amihan.”

Based on PAGASA’s data, the top 10 stations that recorded the lowest air temperature throughout Sunday were:

Baguio City (13.0℃)

Tanay, Rizal (18.3℃)

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Malaybalay, Bukidnon (19.0°C)

Basco, Batanes (19.1°C)

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (19.4℃)

Abucay, Bataan (19.8°C)

Baler, Aurora (20.5°C)

Sinait, Ilocos Sur (20.5°C) 

Science Garden, Quezon City (20.6°C)

Casiguran, Aurora (21.0°C)

PAGASA expects cold surges due to the northeast monsoon until the end of the month.

According to the weather bureau, surface air temperatures are expected to be generally slightly below to slightly above average in most parts of the country except for a few areas that may experience cooler than average (Coron, Romblon and Maasin) and warmer than average (Iba, Dipolog and Misamis Oriental) temperatures from January to March.

PAGASA said that the gradual weakening of the northeast monsoon is expected in March, signaling the onset of dry and warm season in the country because the air temperature will gradually increase.

Hidilyn Diaz named PSA’s Athlete of the Year

by Manila Bulletin Sports

There’s still plenty of gas left in the tank for Hidilyn Diaz.

More than a year since giving the Philippines its first gold medal in the Olympics, the Filipina weightlifter hasn’t slowed down yet and reached another milestone in her storied career.

Hidilyn Diaz will be honored with her third PSA Athlete of the Year trophy in the last five years. (File Photo/AFP)

Diaz, 31, finally stamped her class in the IWF World Weightlifting Championships behind a dominant sweep of the women’s 55-kilogram class during the 88th edition of the meet held at the Gran Carpa Americas Corferias Convention Center in the Colombian capital of Bogota. 

Behind a golden treble, the Zamboanga City native ruled the snatch with a lift of 93kg and 114kg in the clean-and-jerk, for a total of 207kg and a breakthrough in the world meet following five failed bids in previous campaigns.

The special feat completed Diaz’s bucket list of winning a gold in international events, from the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, World Championship, all to the way to the Olympics, a feat no other Filipino athlete in history had ever achieved.

In recognition of the latest in a long line of honor she brought to the country, the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) will bestow Diaz anew with the Athlete of the Year award.

The humble Filipina weightlifter will be honored with her third Athlete of the Year trophy in the last five years during the traditional San Miguel Corporation (SMC)-PSA Awards Night on March 6 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

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In all, this will be the fourth Athlete of the Year honor for Diaz, making her only the third person since 2000 to win the award four times after world boxing greats Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.

“Hidilyn Diaz was the unanimous choice as Athlete of the Year for 2022 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association. Her latest triumph is a testament to her being a true world-class athlete who continues to be an inspiration to the Filipino people since her historic gold medal win in the Tokyo Olympics,” said PSA president Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.

The gala night presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, won’t be possible without major backers Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, MILO, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, and ICTSI.

The year that passed was truly memorable for Diaz, who also won a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

An enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Hidilyn kicked off her 2022 campaign by retaining the gold in the women’s 55kg event during the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam last summer.

Two months later, she entered a new phase of her life by marrying long-time coach and fiancé Julius Naranjo in Baguio City. 

Following a brief rest, Diaz was back in active competition and soon after, conquered the world with her golden feat in Bogota.

Get free VIP tickets and more to BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink’ concert at PH Arena with Globe

by Jonathan Hicap

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will be holding their “Born Pink” world tour at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on March 25 and 26.

For those who were not lucky to score tickets, here is your chance. Globe is giving away VIP with Soundcheck tickets and more to BLACKPINK’s concert through various promos that are available until Feb. 15. 

BLINKs can get the highly coveted concert tickets in five ways:

– For Globe Prepaid customer, subscribe to GO+400 via the GlobeOne app

– For Globe Postpaid customer, apply or renew to the ONEPlan 1799 or 1999

– For Globe Platinum customer, apply for Globe Platinum ONEPlan or GPlan Plus 

– For Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi customer: Subscribe to FamSURF999 via the GlobeOne app

– For Globe At Home Postpaid customer: Apply for GFiber Plan 1699

The promo is open to all Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, Platinum, Home Prepaid Wifi, and Globe At Home Postpaid subscribers nationwide. There are several tickets up for grabs for lucky BLACKPINK fans for March 25 and 26.

Globe is making BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” world tour the ultimate stan experience yet for BLINKs and Globe subscribers with promos on the way.

Be on the lookout for exclusive merch and more unique on-ground experiences during the two-day concert. Join Globe KmmunityPH to get first dibs.

To know more about how you can win the VIP with Soundcheck event tickets, visit http://glbe.co/BORNPINK.

PHILIPPINES MOUNTAIN CABINS - Best Views In Malaybalay City! (Bukidnon)

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN CABINS, FOGGY RIDGE VIEWS... THIS WAS SUCH AN AWESOME DAY IN MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON! I have been to this part of Mindanao many times, but I have never explored this part of Malaybalay... and wow is it ever a must visit! Driving up a dirt road, within minutes I was experiencing cool temperatures, beautiful ridges, and finding myself drinking hot chocolate (sikwate) at mountain cabin cafes! Certainly these must be some of the best views in Malaybalay! I definitely want to come back to the places I explored on this day with my motor in Mindanao, and having an overnight hangout with barkada. I can only imagine waking up at one of these mountain cabins... the view and cool temperatures must be amazing! Malaybalay Bukidnon... so great motoring around!