Papal decree elevates Antipolo Cathedral into Southeast Asia's 1st International Shrine

BY NEL ANDRADE

  

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The Antipolo Cathedral, otherwise known as the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City, is now officially the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, making it the first international shrine in Southeast Asia and the 11th in the world.

The Diocese of Antipolo and the Antipolo cathedral, in an announcement on March 13 on its social media pages, said that the Vatican
has finally issued a decree, elevating the cathedral into an International Shrine.

The shrine received the Papal decree on March 13, the 10th anniversary of the papacy of Pope Francis.

The decree will take effect on March 25, coinciding with the occasion of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and the anniversary of the departure of the image of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buenviaje) from Acapulco in Mexico, to the Philippines.

The cathedral said the Vatican, prior to the issuance of the decree, announced in June, 2022, that it has approved the petition of the cathedral, through Antipolo Bishop Francis Mendoza De Leon, and the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines for the elevation of the shrine into an international shrine, making the Antipolo’s cathedral as the very first to become an international shrine in Southeast Asia and eleventh worldwide.

Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector of the Antipolo Cathedral revealed that a solemn declaration of the shrine, which is being anticipated by the church and the devotees, may happen sometime in July, with the bishops of the Philippines possibly attending the momentous occasion.

“Our Shrine, being an international shrine, is a great blessing and a responsibility to the entire Diocese of Antipolo and the whole
country especially to the devotees of the Blessed Virgin. Many thanks to Pope Francis for appointing our shrine as an International Shrine as well as the CBCP and the bishops of the Philippines! Thank you so much to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin of Antipolo!” Tolentino said in a message sent to Manila Bulletin, when asked by this reporter for his reaction.

Tolentino bared that at present, the cathedral's main altar, where the 17th century old image of the Blessed Virgin used to be displayed, is undergoing minor repainting and improvement and may be finished before the Holy Week.

DOH, DepEd urged to launch more HIV awareness, campaign information among Filipino youth

 

NEWSNATIONAL

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 

  

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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday, March 15 called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to step up efforts on raising the youth’s awareness on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
 
Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, made the call following the release of the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines for January 2023, which revealed that 86 cases were recorded among children and adolescents or those aged 19 and below. 
 
The same study cited that 79 percent of these cases were prevalent among adolescents aged 10 to 19, while seven were less than 10 years old.
 
“Nakakaalarma at nakakalungkot isipin na kung sino pa ang dapat na binibigyan ng dobleng pag-aaruga dahil sa kanilang murang edad at kahinaan ay sila pa ang nakakaranas ng matinding pagdurusa (It is alarming and sad to think that those who should be given double care because of their young age and weakness are the ones who are experiencing great suffering),” Gatchalian said in a statement.
 
“Ang nakababahalang balitang ito ay kinakailangan ng mas maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan ng DOH sa iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga lokal na pamahalaan para ikalat nang husto ang kaalaman tungkol sa sakit at kung paano maiwasan ito (This alarming news calls for closer collaboration by the DOH with various government agencies and local governments to widely spread knowledge about the disease and how to prevent it),” he said.
 
The same study also showed that the total number of new HIV cases for the month of January was 1,454. Of the 1,365 reported cases acquired through sexual contact, 998 or 70 percent were males who reported having sex with another male, 193 or 13 percent were males having sex with females, and 240 or 17 percent were males having sex with both males and females.
 
Gatchalian pointed out the findings of the University of the Philippines Population Institute’s (UPPI) 2021 Young Adult and Fertility Sexuality Survey (YAFSS) also revealed that youth awareness of HIV and acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) dropped to 78% in 2021—the lowest recorded since 1994 when the rate of youth awareness on HIV and AIDS was 95 percent. 
 
In 2013, the percentage of youth who were aware of HIV and AIDS already dropped to 85 percent.
 
Because of this, the lawmaker said he will pursue a Senate inquiry on HIV infections among youth, as well as adolescent pregnancies. 
 
Last year, Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No.13 in a bid to review and assess the DepEd’s implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
 
“Nais nating tiyakin na sapat ang kaalaman ng ating mga kabataan pagdating sa HIV, lalo na’t maaaring magdulot ito ng pinsala sa kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan. Susuriin natin kung paano natuturuan ang ating mga kabataan upang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga kalusugan (We want to make sure that our young people have enough knowledge when it comes to HIV, especially because it can cause damage to their health and well-being. We will examine how our youth are educated to take care of their health),” the senator stressed. 

Scattered rain showers, thunderstorms in Mindanao due to LPA

DWD-Warnung bereits am Morgen: Wetterkarte färbt sich orange - Sturm-Alarm in ganz Deutschland

Erstellt: 14.03.2023, 07:13 Uhr

Von: Michelle Brey 

Am Dienstag erwartet uns ungemütliches Wetter in Deutschland. Der DWD warnt am Morgen für ganz Deutschland.

München - Am Montag kamen in weiten Teilen Deutschlands echte Frühlingsgefühle auf. Angenehme Temperaturen und Sonnenschein ließen sich im Freien genießen. Schon am Dienstag ist jedoch das ungemütliche März-Wetter zurück. Es wird stürmisch, kalt und nass - und das nahezu im ganzen Land.  

Hintergrund ist dem Deutschen Wetterdienst (DWD) zufolge eine „markante Kaltfront“, die Deutschland von West nach Ost überquert. „Dahinter strömen deutlich kältere Luftmassen polaren Ursprungs ein“, heißt es im DWD-Warnlagebericht. Ein Mix aus Wolken, Sonne, Wind und Regen erwartet auch Wetterexperte Dominik Jung von wetter.net.

Wetteraussichten: DWD warnt für ganz Deutschland

Der DWD warnt am Dienstagmorgen vor markantem Wetter in ganz Deutschland. Dementsprechend ist die komplette Wetterkarte orange - stehend für die Warnstufe zwei - eingefärbt. Die Unwetterwarnung gilt im Norden Deutschlands teilweise bereits für morgens ab neun Uhr, in der Mitte und im Süden ab zwölf oder 14 Uhr. Gewarnt wird vor Sturmböen, die sich gebietsweise in ihrer Stärke unterscheiden. 

Von starken bis stürmischen Böen (55 bis 75km/h) über einzelne Sturmböen (bis 85km/h) bis hin zu schweren Sturmböen (bis 100km/h) ist alles dabei - so etwa „im Alpenvorland ausgreifend bis nach München“. Auf einzelnen Berggipfeln könne es auch zu orkanartigen Böen mit bis zu 115 km/h kommen. An der Nordsee seien stürmische Böen und Sturmböen aus nordwestlichen Richtungen möglich, schreibt der Wetterdienst.

Ausnahmslos orange eingefärbt: Die Wetterkarte des DWD zeigt für ganz Deutschland Warnungen der Stufe 2 (markantes Wetter) an. © Screenshot Deutscher Wetterdienst

Im Tagesverlauf, so der DWD, könne es zudem zu „schauerartig verstärkten Niederschlägen“ kommen. In den westlichen und zentralen Mittelgebirgen ebenso wie im Harz seien schon ab Nachmittag mit ersten Schneeschauern zu rechnen. Zu Frost, Glätte und teilweise auch Schnee komme es in der Nacht auf Mittwoch. Dementsprechend sehen auch die Temperaturen für Dienstag aus: Die Höchstwerte erstrecken sich ab acht Grad im Nordwesten bis 16 Grad im Osten. Ab dem Nachmittag soll es dann kühler werden. 

Das Wetter für die Restwoche: Trend macht Hoffnung auf den Frühling

Die milden Temperaturen am Montag waren offenbar nur ein erster kleiner Vorgeschmack. Diesen könnten die kommenden Tage schnell vergessen machen. Doch ganz so ungemütlich, wie es am Dienstag in Deutschland sein soll, wird die restliche Woche laut den Experten aus Offenbach nicht. „Der Frühling hat Lust und versucht es immer wieder“, resümierte Jung dazu passend am Montag mit Blick auf die Wetterlage. Gegen die Kaltluft aus Nordeuropa habe er es jedoch noch immer schwer, sagte der Meteorologe.

Einen Anlauf nimmt der Frühling diese Woche jedenfalls erneut. Von Mittwoch an steigern sich laut DWD nämlich die Temperaturen, sodass am Freitag (17. März) vielerorts die Winterjacken wieder gegen Frühlingsjacken getauscht werden können. Ein Überblick:

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. File Photo

By Eugene Y. Adiong, Manila Times

March 14, 2023 

BACOLOD CITY: Checkpoints may scare away tourists, especially foreigners, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson claimed on Monday.

"I understand that there are more security checkpoints in Negros Oriental. This is not good for tourism, especially for foreigners," Lacson said.

The governor added that Filipinos "understand checkpoints but foreigners don't like it."

Police and military checkpoints were established 21 areas in the island to heighten security and help pursue the suspects behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo who remain at large.

"Basically, the instructions of the President was to suppress criminal activities and impunity in Negros Oriental," said Lacson, adding that the Philippine Army sent reinforcements in the province.

"This is the judgement call of Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez to carry out the order of the President. Hopefully, they can resolve the issue on the suspects that have not been arrested yet. It would be good if they could be identified as to their whereabouts and arrested."

He also said that the sooner the security forces apprehend the suspects "the better for the island."

"Negros Occidental is open for tourists. We just have to be prepared, especially resort owners to accept more visitors," he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Cenon Pancito, acting spokesman of Special Joint Task Force Negros (SJTFN), said that a ceremonial send-off of troops from the 11th, 62nd, 94th, 7th, 79th and 15th Infantry Battalions was held on Sunday in Siaton, Negros Oriental, following the activation of the task force for the security operations in the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.

The SJTFN is composed of the Army's 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigade, and six of its Army battalions, as well as PNP Special Action Force and other police units.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said troops were deployed in the third district of Negros Oriental, including Basay, Bayawan City, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Dauin, Zamboanguita and Bacong areas.

"Seaports as well as airports will also be covered," Salayo said.

The Philippine National Police has also deployed additional Special Action Force troopers to augment local police units.

Salayo allayed fears that their additional tasking will compromise their anti-insurgency operations.

Davao Oro declares state of calamity

By Ruth Palo

March 14, 2023 

DAVAO CITY: The province of Davao de Oro has been placed under a state of calamity due to the extensive damage from the series of earthquakes that hit the province last week.

In a resolution passed on Saturday, March 11, through a special session, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan said the declaration would allow the provincial government to immediately address the needs of its residents displaced by the earthquakes.

Based on Section 21 of Republic Act 10121 or "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010," at least 30 percent of the local disaster risk reduction management fund "shall be allocated as Quick Response Fund or standby fund for relief and recovery programs in order that situation and living conditions of people in communities or areas stricken by disasters, calamities, epidemics, or complex emergencies, may be normalized as quickly as possible."

Based on the latest situational report of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council, a total of 194,057 households or 229,647 families were affected by the series of strong quakes.

It also reported that the recent earthquakes left an estimated damage of P265 million to infrastructures.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake rocked Davao de Oro and neighboring provinces last March 6 while two more strong tremors ranging from magnitude 5.6 to 5.9 were reported the following day with epicenters in the municipality of New Bataan in said province.

Currently, all the concerned agencies are in close coordination to address the need for potable water to nine evacuation centers situated in the towns of Maco, Nabunturan, and New Bataan.

PH cyberattack defense now more robust --- PBBM

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Mar 13, 2023 11:15 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• President Marcos described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

• Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

• Featured photo: President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)

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The Philippines now has better defenses against any attack on its cybersystems following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would assist its premiere intelligence agency, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos said this as he witnessed the signing of the MOU between the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Malacañang on Monday, March 13.

Under the MOU, the NGCP will provide technical assistance to the NICA, especially on energy-related security issues, that will significantly contribute to the latter's endeavors in cybersecurity.

In his speech, the President described the signing as "important" in the country's continuing efforts to protect itself against cyberattacks, noting that businesses, which he likened to wars, will now happen in cyberspace.

"That is why we are continuing to shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity," Marcos said.

"This is an important day because now we have made robust the defenses against any possible attack on our power systems, on any other of the elements in our everyday lives that require power, and, for that matter, that require the exchange of secure information amongst ourselves in society," he added.

President Marcos thanked the NGCP for taking on this initiative as it addressed concerns that the involvement of foreign entities in the Philippines' power transmission system would threaten the country's security.

"This is a very good step towards answering that challenge. It is but one step because we are continuing to do this-- not only with NGCP-- but we are developing our cyber systems," he said.

"We are developing our cyber systems so that we are secure and so that the data that we need to collect and to disseminate is available to us and we are able to do and handle that data in a secure fashion without the risk of it being used, somehow, against the Philippines," he added.

According to the President, the MOU between NICA and the NGCP will clarify the requirements of the Philippines' intelligence services to ensure that the country is safe and secure.

He said there would be more similar partnerships to help sectors that could be assessed at risk regarding cybersecurity. However, those that we will be done "quietly."

"But, nonetheless, it is something we must continue to develop, and it is a good development," Marcos said.

"It is a good signal to all of us who have concerns in this regard that we are doing many things to make sure that the Philippines remains secure, that the Philippines remains in accordance with international law, and that the Philippines and its people can rest assured that their territory, their data, their personal information will not be used against us and that they can feel secure," he added.

The MOU was signed by NGCP president and chief executive officer Antony Almeda and NICA chief Gen. Ricardo de Leon.

Based on its website, the NGCP is a privately owned corporation taking the lead in the operations, maintenance, and development of the country's state-owned power grid, which is an interconnected system that transmits gigawatts of power from where it is made to where it is needed.

On the other hand, the NICA, as the government agency mandated to direct, coordinate, and integrate all government activities involving national intelligence, commits itself to providing the NGCP with intelligence that will aid in protecting power transmission assets operated and maintained by the NGCP across the country. 

Meet the young women of ABS-CBN Music

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 14, 2023 09:49 AM

  

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The young women of ABS-CBN Music

Brave, empowered, and unique.

These words describe today’s young Kapamilya singers who are gradually carving a name in the industry with their talent, ingenuity, and musicality.

Meet some of the talented artists from the ABS-CBN Music roster who use their music to support their fellow women:

Angela Ken

Angela Ken

Discovered on TikTok with her then unfinished song “ Ako Naman Muna ” that eventually
turned out to be a massive hit upon release, Angela Ken is one of the fastest-rising artists
today because of her relatable and empowering songs. Last year, she was also able to
showcase her versatility in the iWantTFC Originals series “Lyric and Beat.”

Belle Mariano

Belle Mariano

Belle Mariano has fully blossomed from being a timid child star to a young superstar that
she is now with hit movies, series, and music in her portfolio. Her single “ Sigurado ,” one of
the tracks in her debut album “daylight,” already earned 25 million Spotify streams, and
fans can look forward to more of her songs this 2023.

CESCA

CESCA

Star Pop recording artist CESCA released her debut EP “Travel” last year, taking listeners on
a journey of leaving own’s bubble to boldly take risks and face hardships. Her soothing voice
now shines in “Kung Makakapili Lang,” one of the theme songs of ABS-CBN’s hit series
“Dirty Linen.”

Cool Cat Ash

Cool Cat Ash

Cool Cat Ash, named PMPC Star Awards for Music 2021 Novelty Artist of the Year and 2022
Rock Artist of the Year, actually started in the music industry when she was just five years
old. Today she is also a songwriter, music producer, sound engineer, DJ, and film scorer
who is currently studying Music Production at Berklee College of Music in Boston. She also
co-founded a female-led music production company, Aunorable Productions, with her sister,
Marion Aunor. She has just released a song called “Changes” about embracing constant
changes in life, including the good, the bad, and everything in between.

FANA

FANA

The former “Idol Philippines” season 1 contestant FANA is out to make a name for herself
not only with her edgy musicality but also with her wit as she joins the cast of the newest
iWantTFC Originals series “Teen Clash.” Last year, she lent her voice to the alternate song
“Sa Dulo,” one of the soundtracks of “The Broken Marriage Vow.”

Janine Berdin

Janine Berdin

“Tawag Ng Tanghalan” season 2 grand champion Janine Berdin made waves in 2022,
capping off the year by gracing a billboard in Times Square in New York as the cover of
Spotify’s EQUAL playlist. She also launched her debut album, “WTF i actually wrote these
songs” with six relatable tracks she penned herself. This month, she happily shared that she
has fulfilled her dreams of having her own band. She is also set to release a new single,
“bntp,” on Friday (March 17).

Maymay Entrata

Mamay Entrata

From her “PBB” days to becoming the ‘Amakabogera’ that she is today, Maymay Entrata has
evolved to become a successful P-pop soloist. Her “Amakabogera” music video has
generated over 20 million views on YouTube to date and she even got a nomination from no
less than MTV Europe Music Awards for Best Asia Act in 2022. Recently, her “ Puede Ba ”
music video already hit over 1.1 million views on YouTube.

Trisha Denise

This talented but low-key singer-songwriter has written many songs for her fellow
Kapamilya singers, such as Belle, Maymay, and Moira dela Torre. Trisha Denise’s album
“Piece of the Puzzle,” showcased her artistry while also giving inspiration to her listeners.
She recently sang “Hindi Pa Natin Alam,” a collaboration with Benedix Ramos and one of the
theme songs of the iWantTFC Originals “Tara G.”

Vivoree

Vivoree

The former “Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7” housemate has turned a new leaf in her career
upon the release of her solo single, “ Matapang ” that speaks of becoming fearless with one’s
feelings. Vivoree is also set to work with some of the most talented female songwriters and
producers this year for her much-awaited coming-of-age EP.

Zachary

Zachary

Last year, Zachary debuted with her alluring sounds “ dahan-dahan ” followed by “RBND.”
This time, listeners can expect more modern pop and R&B songs from this young Filipino-Canadian songstress that promise to dwell on real experiences and sentiments of today’s youth.

Check out the music of Angela, Belle, CESCA, Cool Cat Ash, FANA, Janine, Maymay, Trisha
Denise, Vivoree, and Zachary. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,  Tiktok , and YouTube.

BIR honors top tax paying celebs of 2022

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

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Several celebrities were recently honored during a ceremony hosted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in a Quezon City mall recently.

This, for being among top tax paying personalities of 2022.

Among those cited were Coco Martin, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Anne Curtis, Willie Revillame, Jed Madela, and Bugoy Drilon.

Also making it to the BIR list of top tax paying celebrities were Liza Soberano, Vic Sotto, Judy Ann Santos, Sarah Geronimo, Maja Salvador, and Michael V., among others.

In his speech, Daniel thanked the agency for the recognition.

"Maraming-maraming salamat po sa award na ito at maraming-maraming salamat sa dami naming binayaran na tax," he quipped.

Kathryn, on the other hand, said: "Hopefully, this would inspire everybody to do our responsibility bilang Pilipino na magbayad ng tax."

Anne echoed the same thing.

"I just wanna say that now I am a mother, I think it's so important that we lead by example to the future generations and encourage others to think about the progression of our country as well for the future generations that have yet to come," she said. "So, let's all lead by example and support the BIR and let's pay everything on time."