‘Amang’ maintains strength as it traverses the coastal waters of Camarines Sur

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 12, 2023 2:40 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Amang is expected to move generally northwestward in the next 12 hours and is expected to pass through the eastern localities of Camarines Sur, Lamon Bay, and Quezon, with the possibility of passing near or over the Polillo Islands.
• Due to the continuous strong winds brought by Amang, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Laguna, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.
• Amang may also bring rains to Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the southern part of Aurora until Saturday, April 15.

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Tropical depression Amang maintained its strength as it traverses the coast of Caramoan, Camarines Sur on Wednesday afternoon, April 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its latest bulletin.

PAGASA said Amang maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph as of 2 p.m., Wednesday.

It is moving north-northwest at a speed of 10 kph.

Amang is expected to move generally northwestward in the next 12 hours and is expected to pass through the eastern localities of Camarines Sur, Lamon Bay, and Quezon, with the possibility of passing near or over the Polillo Islands.

PAGASA said Amang will be over the coastal waters of Paracale, Camarines Norte in the next 12 hours; over the coast of Panukulan, Quezon in the next 24 hours; and in the vicinity Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in the next 36 hours.

This satellite image from PAGASA shows the location of tropical depression Amang as of 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Strong winds, heavy rains persist

Due to the continuous strong winds brought by Amang, tropical cyclone wind signal number 1 remains hoisted over Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Laguna, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.

“Areas under Wind Signal No. 1 may experience strong winds—strong breeze to near gale strength—associated with the tropical depression, which may cause minimal to minor impacts to life and property,” PAGASA warned.

Amang may also continue to bring heavy rains over Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and the southern part of Aurora until Saturday, April 15.

“Under these conditions, isolated flash floods and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days,” PAGASA said.

The weather bureau is not ruling out a “considerable” change in the track forecast in its succeeding bulletins due to the weak and disorganized nature of the tropical depression.

It added that Amang may weaken into a low pressure area on Wednesday evening or Thursday, April 13, due to the “combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion, and increasing vertical wind shear.”

1st SUMMER MMFF: And the nominees are ...

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Apr 11, 2023 2:47 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Golden Globe and Bafta nominee Dolly de Leon is head of the jury for this year's filmfest.

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The inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival has revealed its nominees hours before the awarding ceremonies which will be held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on April 11.

Golden Globe and Bafta nominee Dolly de Leon is head of the jury for this year's filmfest.

Eight films are vying for the first Summer MMFF. The Summer MMFF Gabi ng Parangal will have its live telecast on OnePh at 8 PM and 10:45 p.m. for the delayed telecast on TV5.

Without further ado, here is the list of nominees for the first Summer MMFF.

By the numbers:

Here Comes the Groom: 10
About Us But Not About Us: 10
Unravel: A Swiss Side Love Story: 8
Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko : 7

Big stars confirmed for MUPH 2023 coronation night

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Apr 12, 2023 07:59 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.

• For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.

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Miss Universe PH 2023 candidates during the press presentation in Taguig City last April 11.

Starstruck. That's how Miss Universe Philippines wants its audience to feel as it announced a celebrity-studded line-up for the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2023 Coronation Night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 13.

The list includes two of the hottest local movie stars as event hosts, a couple of international performers, with the special attendance of reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel and the new Miss Universe Organization owner, Anne Jakrajutatip of Thailand.

Miss Universe Philippines director of communications Voltaire Tayag revealed during the Press Presentation of the pageant's official 38 candidates that Kapuso stars Alden Richards and Xian Lim will be this year's hosts. Reporting on the backstage happenings will be Tim Yap and  Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.

Earlier, it was reported that K-pop star Nam Woo-Hyun will be performing during the finals. Yesterday, April 11, Tayag bared the addition of American Idol 11th season runner-up. Jessica Sanchez is one of those who will render a song number.

Pageant veterans Michelle Dee (left) of Makati and Samantha Panlilio of Cavite are in this year's batch of MUPH candidates

MUPH national director Shamcey Supsup said that Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney will fly into town on the first week of May. "She will have a lot of activities with us prior to the coronation and she will be here to attend the coronation with us."

"Apart from her, we are also inviting other Miss Universe winners. We will have a lot of other guests coming. We always want to top what we did last year," Shamcey added.

So far, the only previous queen who has been confirmed to arrive is Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, but the MUPH executives hinted that there could be more who will attend.

For the first time, three women who are already mothers made it to the final cut after the pageant announced that it will accept applicants regardless of their marital status.

The three women are Miss Benguet Joemay-an Leo, Miss Quezon City Mary Eileen Gonzales, and Miss Paranaque, Clariele Dacanay. Meanwhile, one of the contestants, Claire Inso of Lapu-Lapu, said she joined even though she is only 5 feet 4 inches because MUPH also lowered the height requirement.

MUPH National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee

A few pageant veterans are also in this year's batch which includes last year's winners Michelle Dee ( Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022) and Pauline Amelinckx ( Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022).

Shamcey said that they're not just looking for someone with a beautiful face and body. "We are looking for someone who is strong, independent, and knows that her work starts the moment she wins. Carrying the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage is such a big responsibility. It has to be someone who is already strong in mind, body, and spirit. She should have a purpose bigger than her ambition," stated the Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up.

Tickets to the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night are available at smtickets.com under the following prices: P12,780 (VIP), P5,270 (Lower Box), P1,490 (Upper Box), and P500 (General Admission).

This year's official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023:

1. Jannarie Zarzoso, 24, Agusan Del Norte
2. Avery Marianne Sugcang, 21, Aklan
3. Kristen Mae Boccang, 23, Apayao
4. Jan Marie Bordon, 22, Bacolod
5. Alexandria Bollier, 25, Bacoor City
6. Krishnan Marie Gravidez, 22, Baguio Cityty
7. Karen Joyce M. Olfato, 25, Batangas
8. Joemay-an Leo, 27, Benguet
9. Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, 27, Bohol
10. Princess Anne Marcos, 24, Bulacan
11. Shayne Glenmae Maquiran, 25, Capiz
12. Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 27, Cavite
13. Dianne C. Padillo, 27, Cebu City
14. Emmanuelle Fabienne Camcam, 28, Cebu Province (aka Emmanuelle Vera)
15. Klyza Ferrando Castro, 23, Davao Oriental
16. Airissh T. Ramos, 26, Eastern Samar
17. Vanessa Tse Wing, 26, Guimaras
18. Chloei Darl Gabales, 21, Iloilo City
19. Kimberlyn Jane Madamba Acob, 24, Isabela
20. Clare Sanchez Inso, 24, Lapu-Lapu
21. Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee, 27, Makati City
22. Iman Franchesca Cristal, 24, Mandaluyong City
23. Christine Joy Salcedo, 24, Marinduque
24. Vanessa Maria Yuson Matzeit, 25, Negros Oriental
25. Layla Yousif Adriatico, 26, Northern Samar
26. Laicka Bonquin Implamado, 26, Occidental Mindoro
27. Louise Joy Gallardo, 21, Palawan
28. Mary Angelique Manto, 26, Pampanga
29. Clariele Dacanay, 24, Parañaque City
30. Kali Navea-Huff, 27, Pasig City
31. Mary Eileen Palencia Gonzales, 27, Quezon City
32. Lesly Joy Sim, 26, Quezon Province
33. Rein Hillary Carrascal, 25, Sorsogon
34. Kimberly Escartin, 25, Southern Leyte
35. Hyra Desiree Betito, 26, Surigao del Norte
36. Nikki Justine Breedveld, 26, Taguig City
37. Christiana Afia Yeboah, 25, Tiaong, Quezon
38. Christine Juliane Opiaza, 23, Zambales

Attention all passengers! No more paper-based departure cards starting May 1

The eTravel portal will soon be used for both departing and arriving passengers.

BY JOHANNES CHUA

  

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“One less thing to worry (and carry) as you don’t need to bring a pen and fill up a paper departure card when you leave the country. Starting May 1, 2023, passengers will only need to answer an e-departure form via the online portal eTravel (https://etravel.gov.ph). 

According to a statement from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the discontinuation of the use of paper-based departure cards is to “lessen the requirements of departing passengers.” 

“The eTravel platform will soon be used for both arriving and departing passengers,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. 

By answering online, you save a few precious minutes. However, you may only register within 72 hours (around three days) prior to your arrival or departure in the Philippines. An eTravel QR Code will be generated, which will be the one to be presented and scanned at the airport counters.

A project of different government agencies (such as the DICT, DOT, DOJ, DOH, etc.) working hand-in-hand to digitalize government processes and forms, the online portal has a “save” mechanism that allows you to retrieve your previous details. Therefore, there’s no need to fill up your birthdate, passport number, etc. again and again when you have another international trip.   

“This is a major step in streamlining documents presented by departing travelers, allowing for faster and more efficient immigration processing,” said Tansingco. The BI also reminds the public that accessing the eTravel website is absolutely free of charge. No bank details, credit card numbers, or online payment will be required from the website user. 

Landing page of the eTravel portal. Starting May 1, this will be used for both departing and arriving passengers in the Philippines.

The paperless transaction is absolutely good news from the BI. Aside from being a faster process, imagine the resources (and money) saved from tons of paper used to print these departure cards, which may or may not be useful at all. This is definitely a win for the environment! 

The digital details will also help the BI collect more accurate data, better screen passengers, and detect any anomalies or discrepancies faster. Digital tools will aid BI personnel as they implement their mandate and fulfill their role as they combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, or unlawful border entries/ departures. 

This new development also puts our country “at par” with other countries that do not require passengers to answer in any form of paper. All transactions at the airport are done on digital platforms, using apps or websites that have tabs for easy inputting of responses. It is also safer this way, as close contact is prevented, one of the lessons we learned from the pandemic.

So, as part of your future travel, don’t forget to bookmark this website: (https://etravel.gov.ph). You save time, you help the planet, and you have a better travel experience. 

Temperatursturz nach Frühlingserwachen in Bayern: Wie lange geht das trübe Wetter noch weiter?

 Von: Christian Einfeldt

Viel Regen und Wind: Wann kommt der Wetterumschwung in München? (Symbolbild) © IMAGO / aal.photo

Das Münchner Wetter bleibt im April 2023 vorerst wechselhaft. Aktuell dominieren Regen und Wind – auch Schneefall ist möglich. Wann wird es endlich besser?

München – An Ostermontag gab es ihn, den lang ersehnten schönen Tag weiten Teilen Bayerns. Viel Sonne und dabei Temperaturen um die 18 Grad. Doch wenig später macht trübes Wetter die Erinnerung an Ostermontag wieder vergessen. Statt frühlingshaftem April-Wetter gibt es in der bayerischen Landeshauptstadt aktuell viel Wind und Regen. Doch wie wird das Wetter die nächsten Tage? Wann wird es mal wieder richtig schön in und um München? 

Weiter ungemütlich: Münchner Regenwetter setzt sich fort

Das Münchner Wetter zeigte sich am Ostermontag von seiner besten Seite: Es war frühlingshaft. Kurz danach sollte es jedoch schon bald wieder zuziehen. Der Regen brachte dann auch wieder Temperaturen von unter zehn Grad mit sich. Zeitgleich machen sich Münchner Hoffnungen, dass sich die Sonne wieder zeigt – dann jedoch länger als nur für einen Tag. 

Wetter in Bayern: Die spektakulärsten Bilder aus den vier Jahreszeiten

Fotostrecke ansehen

Die Wetteraussicht auf die kommenden Tage der Woche zwischen dem 11. und 17. April 2023 machen die Erwartungen zunichte. Die Wahrscheinlichkeit auf Regen ist hoch, wie wetteronline vorhersagt. Zudem wird eine Windstärke zwischen 8 und 26 km/h erwartet – Stärke 4 auf der Beaufort-Skala. Experten sprechen von einer „mäßigen Brise“ – alles andere als gemütlich. Die durchaus realistische Vorstellung, dass neben Regen auch Schnee auf Bayerns Landeshauptstadt fällt, machen die Prognosen für so viele nicht besser – Besserung ist erst gegen Ende des Monats in Sicht/

Frühsommer in München: Wettermodell erwartet Ende April einen Umschwung

Aktuell bleibt es in München also erst einmal windig und nass. Die Temperaturen liegen dabei zwischen 5 und 14 Grad. Mal ist es ein leichter, mal ein gemäßigter Regen – möglich auch Starkregen kombiniert mit Schneefall: Es ist wechselhaft – das soll sich laut wetter.de zunächst rund um den 20. April ändern. Laut Wettermeteorologen sei es der Beginn eines Frühsommers. In Bayern zeigt sich dieser Wetterumschwung mit Temperaturen bis zu 25 Grad.  MEIN BEREICH

Dass der April für sein wechselhaftes Wetter bekannt ist, zeigt er im Jahre 2023 eindrucksvoll. So sind die vermehrten Sonnenstunden rund um den 20. April wieder einmal nur von kurzer Dauer. Ende April deutet das Thermometer schließlich erneut nur auf Temperaturen, die gerade so zweistellig werden. Im Gegenzug ist jedoch auch dieser Zustand nur von kurzer Dauer.

Zum Monatswechsel April/Mai kommen die frühsommerlichen Temperaturen zurück. Das soll dann auch erstmal bis Mitte so bleiben, bis zum Zeitraum, der das Ende der Eisheiligen einleitet. Ausgenommen sind nur vereinzelte Tage, an denen das vorzeitige Sommerwetter mal eine Pause macht – angesichts des aktuell konstant ungemütlichen Münchner Wetters ist diese Aussicht wohl zu verkraften.

Alle Nachrichten aus ganz Bayern lesen Sie immer bei uns. News und Geschichten aus dem Freistaat sind nun auch auf unserer brandneuen Facebook-Seite Merkur Bayern zu finden. 

God is always around

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THE story of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus (cfr. Lk 24,13-35) reminds us that God is always around. We should make this truth of faith a strong and constant conviction of ours, especially in moments and situations where we find ourselves in difficulties. We should never allow ourselves to sink in some discouragement and depression because God would always be around to help.

As the story goes, these two disciples were sad after witnessing the death of Christ on the cross. They thought he was the one who would save Israel from bondage. Without knowing it, Christ approached them and engaged them in some conversation that left them astonished with what they heard from him. Finally, they recognized him at the breaking of the bread when they invited him to take supper with them.

We just have to remember that God never abandons us and is, in fact, all ready and prompt to come to our aid, albeit in ways that we may not realize, at first, just like what happened in that story of the two disciples.

We should not allow our feelings of sadness to be so dominant and pervasive that we shut off God’s many and often mysterious ways of helping us. If we do not pose a deliberate impediment to God’s ways, there is always hope. In our darkest moments, some light will always come piercing and dispelling the darkness away.

In so many ways, God will remind us, as Christ did to the two disciples, about the meaning of all human suffering, and of how our suffering can be a way to our joy, to our fulfillment as a man and as a child of God. He will explain to us why we have suffering in this life and how we can take advantage of it to derive something good from it.

And like the two disciples, let us feel reassured by these truths of our faith. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Lk 24,32) they said in amazement.

We should learn to trust in the loving and all-wise providence of God, and while we have to do our part, we should also realize that we are not meant to solve all our problems in life. We just have to abandon ourselves in God’s providence. He will be the one to resolve, complete and perfect everything.

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mt 6,26)

With these words, Christ clearly tells us to be trusting of God’s ever-wise and merciful Providence. He will provide everything that we need, especially the one that matters most to us. We may experience some privations, some losses, etc., but if we stick with God, we know that everything will always work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28)

With all the things that we have to contend with in this life, we certainly need to have a healthy sense of trust in God’s loving and wise providence, abandoning ourselves in his will and ways that often are mysterious to us and can appear to be contrary to what we would like to have.

A healthy spirit of abandonment in God’s hands is necessary even as we exhaust all possible human means to achieve our goals or simply to tackle all the challenges, trials and predicaments of our life. We should never forget this truth of our faith.

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

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

An intoxicating love

You’re so intoxicated with each other. You tell your friends (and each other) how it’s so different with this person. They are unlike anyone you’ve ever met. They’re so special, so unique. You’re moving too fast but neither of you care. You love each other, you’re together and you don’t want anyone else. Within a couple months you’ve integrated fully into each other’s lives and you absolutely love it. You’re drunk, you’re wasted, high, intoxicated. You just know that this feeling will never end, it will last forever and you will die in a blissful, blurry euphoria of each other’s love. Until it all comes crashing down.

US musician and author Ted Gioia argues in his excellent book Music: A Subversive History (2019): “At every stage in human history, music has been a catalyst for change, challenging conventions and conveying coded messages – or, not infrequently, delivering blunt, unambiguous ones. It has given voice to individuals and groups denied access to other platforms for expression. Pop music has often been dismissed as “lightweight” given its young audience, simple snappiness and mainstream status, but those elements are really where its strength is concealed. Pop songs don’t originate themes of mental wellbeing, equality, liberty, activism – but they do transmit them to the broadest platforms possible”.

Snap the radio on, zip to any station, and what are you likely to hear? Love songs. Songs of new love, songs of disappointed love, songs of grateful love, songs of crazy love. I still remember my time as a radio host in Davao City several years ago playing the Hits of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Nothing has changed. Times change, but through history the flow of love songs is a constant.

Plenty of people are surprised or even shocked to find an explicit love song in the bible – complete with erotic lyrics. But “Song of Songs” is exactly that. It shows no embarrassment about lovers. Consequently, intermittent attempts have been made  to rule “Song of Songs” out of the bible. It’s like making it “for adults only”. Imagine, my dear reader, in 16th century Spain for instance, professor Fray Luis de Leon was dragged out of his classroom and taken to jail for four years. His crime? He translated “Song of Songs” into Spanish.

If you start reading “Song of Songs”, you will find out that this book conveys a very different atmosphere from most modern love songs and pop music. Since love songs are always popular, many people approach “Song of Songs” with great expectations. However, readers often find the book much different from what they had expected. One is the poetic imagery. Second: “Song of Songs” is hard to follow. One part  doesn’t seem connected to the next.

Try to explore the “Song of Songs”. One thing is for sure. You’ll learn a lot about the love between God and His people.