Yllana Marie Aduana crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2023

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Crowd favorite Yllana Marie Aduana, who finished college at Centro Escolar University, edged out 27 other eco-warrior candidates in the environment-driven pageant. She was crowned by outgoing Miss Philippines Earth 2022 Jenny Ramp. 

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Miss Philippines Earth 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana (YouTube screenshot

A 24-year-old model and actress, who encourages people to be eco-friendlier and live the zero waste, was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2023 during a competition held in Toledo City, Cebu Saturday night.

Crowd favorite Yllana Marie Aduana, who finished college at Centro Escolar University, edged out 27 other eco-warrior candidates in the environment-driven pageant. She was crowned by outgoing Miss Philippines Earth 2022 Jenny Ramp. 

Yllana, of Siniloan, Laguna, will represent the Philippines at the Miss Earth 2023 beauty pageant in Vietnam later this year. She stands 5'7 tall and measures 33-23-36.

She is a graduate of medical technology at the Centro Escolar University Makati, a satellite campus of CEU Manila, in 2018.

The top five candidates were asked a common question during the final question-and-answer portion. The final question was: "What do you think people in the future would say about your generation?"

She answered: "I would definitely say that our generation, although misconstrued as very ardent, I would have to say that we use our voices for a reason and that is to always speak up for the things that we know are right and for the things that we know we deserve. That is why we are very ardent about it. That is why I’m also conducting colloquiums on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their interconnectedness to nature in hopes to precipitate people’s eco-consciousness because our future is the linebackers and the pioneers of environmental amelioration, and we should always take advantage of it at all costs."

Prior, in the top 10 hashtag question-and-answer portion,  Aduana picked the word "safety" and expounded on food and water security.

"Safety plays a very salient role in our lives. We have to always be secured, not only safe but also in terms of water security, and food security because as Miss Philippines Earth, I know that I am a hardworking person and I can always incorporate this in order for us to achieve safety at all costs and protect Mother Earth the way she protects us all with all safety," she said.

Aduana earlier said that she wants to become Miss Philippines Earth 2023 because "this is really what my heart wants."

"I know that I have the capacity and knowledge to wear the crown and perform the responsibilities of spreading awareness on climate reality, encourage people to be eco-friendlier and live zero waste and a sustainable lifestyle, and most importantly, to take action to prevent ecological collapse and inspire other people through edifying them to do the same," Aduana said. "More than anything, I am primed to be not a queen of the Earth but a queen for the Earth."

Her advocacy is called E.A.R.T.H. Education. Where E.A.R.T.H. stands for Environmental Awareness and Action to Restore and Transcend Home through Education. 

"As an ardent advocate of education and the environment, I am firm in the fact that education is the solution to any problem there is on this planet.

Miss Philippines Earth 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana (center) and her elemental court (Youtube screenshot)

"That’s why through my non-profit organization called Edukasyon for Every Juan, I will use it as my medium to help in the fight against climate change by organizing seminars and colloquiums and educate people on climate reality. 

"One specific approach to do that is through the framework I like to call, the POSITIVE BELEAF framework where P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. stands for all the positive things we can do to be eco-friendlier and when performed, it will result to B.E.L.E.A.F. which stands for a set of positive outcome towards a greener planet," Aduana explained.

Other winners:

Miss Philippines Air 2023: Kerri Reily (Mangatarem, Pangasinan)

Miss Philippines Water 2023: Jemimah Joy Zabala (Puerto Princesa City)

Miss Philippines Fire 2023: Sha'uri Livori (Fil-Com of Melbourne, Australia)

Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2023: Athena Auxillo (Toledo City)

Also in the top 10 were: Queenie Salac (Fil-Com Milan, Italy), KC Falcasantos (Dipolog City), Ma. Cristina Tallador (Iloilo City), Cea de Jesus (Taguig City) and Princes Lazaga (San Jose, Nueva Ecija).

2 Days Of Power Outages In 40 Degrees Heat, Make You Rethink Things

About Us, Two years ago we made a plan we Sold Everything & Now Living In The Philippines On A Budget in 2023, we had paid our debts, sold everything and made a budget. Its been a crazy journey from Cambodia to Albania then in Boracay before moving to Iloilo City, check out why we moved to the Philippines and specifically why Iloilo City.

Magnitude 5.5 quake hits Occidental Mindoro

BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

Apr 29, 2023 00:53 AM

  

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State seismologists on Saturday, April 29, said an earthquake with a magnitude measuring 5.5 jolted Occidental Mindoro.

(Phivolcs)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the seismic event was traced 16 kilometers (km) northwest of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. It was tectonic in origin and it occurred at 12:00 a.m.

Phivolcs’ initial bulletin showed that the following instrumental intensities were recorded: Intensity IV in Puerto Galera and Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Intensity III in Lemery and Calatagan, Batangas; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Magallanes and Tagaytay City, Cavite; as well as Las Piñas City.

Instrumental Intensity II was also reported in Abucay, Bataan; Cuenca, San Luis, Bauan, Laurel, Batangas City, and Sta. Teresita in Batangas; Marilao, Malolos City, Guiguinto, Calumpit, and Pulilan in Bulacan; Tagaytay City and Ternate in Cavite; Muntinlupa City; Abra De Ilog, Occidental Mindoro; and Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said Instrumental Intensity I was felt in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Talisay and Lipa in Batangas; Norzagaray and Obando, Bulacan; San Juan City, Pasay, Malabon, Pateros in Metro Manila; Parañawur City; Guagua, Pampanga; Gumaca, Dolores in Quezon; Cardona, Angono, and Taytay in Rizal, Marabut, Samar; and San Antonio, Cabagan, and Olongapo in Zambales.

Phivolcs said this seismic event may trigger aftershocks.

Tourism stars, vloggers, influencers headline Go Negosyo's tourism summit 2023

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Apr 29, 2023 09:35 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

• A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

• Twenty enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

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Top travel vloggers and influencers who have significantly impacted the country's tourism industry will be recognized during the Go Negosyo Tourism Summit 2023 at SM Seaside City in Cebu City on May 6.

(Go Negosyo / Facebook)

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Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said this as he emphasized how these social media travel and tourism influencers have played a key role in promoting the country's various tourist spots locally and internationally.

Through the internet, Concepcion said the domestic and local tourists could see more of what they can expect when they visit more places in the Philippines.

"Influencers and content creators are important. This is an area that will really help our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises)," he said.

"We hope to have more content creators to market the Philippines in terms of having the best beaches, the friendliest people, even the best food in Asia," he added.

Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

Aside from the influencers and vloggers, 20 enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

The winners will come from MSMEs in accommodations, tour services, unique attractions, food tourism, retail and services, community-based cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism/ecotourism.

Concepcion said vloggers and influencers have contributed directly to the recovery of the country's tourism industry.

"Through their help, our tourism numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels while many income opportunities have opened for our MSMEs in various parts of the country," he said.

Co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board with venue partner SM Seaside City and with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tourism Summit will gather the who's who in the travel and tourism sectors, including industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in a one-day event to tackle the future of Philippine tourism and the economic opportunities it presents, particularly for MSMEs.

To open the event, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco will deliver special messages of encouragement.

The event will also hold panel discussions led by key government officials and industry leaders. The panelists include ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) president Eddy Soemawilaga, Cebu City Mayor Michael Raa, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, PCCI Director for Tourism Samie Lim, AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao, Henann president Alfonso Chusuey, internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito Bengzon.

Clarita Carlos tells Pinoys what the real enemy is

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 29, 2023 10:31 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Professor Clarita Carlos says climate change is the enemy that Filipinos should worry about.

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Clarita Carlos (MANILA BULLETIN)

Professor Clarita Carlos' recent Facebook post reads like a message for Filipinos to set their petty differences aside as she reminded everyone what the real "enemy" is.

According to the former national security adviser, the enemy is climate change and its the bane of Mother Earth.

"Who is the ENEMY? The enemy is climate change...," Carlos wrote.

(Clarita Carlos' Facebook)

"The goal? The survival of our planet!" she added, as if trying to instill urgency to those who read the message.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--mostly resulting from human activity--warns the planet, causing climate change. This has triggered alterations in global weather patterns.

For a climate change-vulnerable country like the Philippines--which sits in the middle of the pacific--the effects could he devastating.

Carlos currently serves as House Speaker Martin Romualdez's chief policy adviser on security and defense concerns.

Ria Atayde: ‘Go ahead, call me fat’

BY NEIL RAMOS

Apr 28, 2023 02:53 PM

  

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Ria Atayde has no problem being called fat.

She has long learned to love and accept her figure.

The actress said proudly, “Beauty comes in all forms and sizes. What matters most is how you feel about yourself."

Inasmuch as she has learned to be confident in her own skin, Ria is also hoping others of her ilk would follow suit noting, “Kung magpapa-apekto ka sa sinasabi ng iba, then wala, your whole life will be affected.”

It is mainly why she agreed to pose as calendar girl for a liquor brand.

“I want to show people that despite our flaws we could be confident in our own skin,” she said, pushing for body positivity.

“Body positivity is all about embracing yourself and understanding yourself,” she noted.

"In this day and age, it is high time we put more importance on this than body shaming."

Ria maintained, “We don’t know what some people are going through. Maybe they look the way they do because it is a choice or maybe they’re going through something.”

The actress then revealed how she has been living sans a gallbladder, that body part which break down and absorb fats from food. More, she is battling hypothyroidism.

She said, “I have hypothyroidism. So, my metabolism is slower than usual. I have no gallbladder. Losing weight is a lot harder for me than it is for other people. So, go ahead. Call me fat. Anong magagawa niyo?”

She related how some friends in showbiz struggle to embrace their bodies because of the intense scrutiny.

“It can be ruthless,” she said.

“That’s why I am advocating for body positivity to do my part in helping those struggling with unreasonably harsh criticism.”

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Where should we invest?.... in planting more trees!

With the constant effort of the provincial government to raise awareness about environmental protection and conservation, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) spearheaded a native tree-planting activity in celebration of the Month of Planet Earth with the theme "Invest in Our Planet."

On April 20, 2023, a total of four hundred (400) seedlings, 50 hills each, of Bitaog, Yakal, Tindalo, Ipil, Bakan, Kupang, Kalumpit, and Lauan were planted at the riverside of Purok 2, 3, 16, 5, 6, and 9 in Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town.

More than 200 individuals from the National, Provincial, and Municipal governments showed their urgency to invest in planting more trees in order to combat climate change and global warming, thereby improving communities and restoring biodiversity.

Moreover, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Presidential Proclamation 1481 on April 22, 2008, designating April 22 as Earth Day in the Philippines. On the same day, Presidential Proclamation 1482 was signed, designating the entire month of April each year as the Month of the Planet Earth.

Let’s remember that it's not only in Earth Month that we should push for climate literacy, grow trees, support sustainable fashion, help end plastic pollution, and clean up, but every day as we #InvestInOurPlanet!

 (Jaynus Fernandez)

Davao Region's COVID-19 rises, Davao de Oro under Alert level 2

A total of 299 new cases of COVID-19 was recorded in the past week, April 10-16, in Davao region which is 34.08% higher compared to the 223 cases recorded on April 3-9, the Department of Health XI says in a situation update on Monday, April 17 this year.

For the past two weeks, healthcare utilization rates in the region also increased from 31.1% to 34.6% for non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) beds and 40.4% to 42.5% for ICU beds.

The increased positivity rate prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to recommend that Davao de Oro province, along with the other 25 provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUC), and independent component cities (ICC), be placed on alert level 2 until April 30 via IATF Resolution No. 6-C, which was signed and approved on April 14.

"The following provinces, HUCs, and ICCs shall be placed under Alert Level 2, without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may be under a different alert level classification," the IATF said.

Moreover, IATF issued Alert level 1 status in some of the municipalities in Davao de Oro including Mawab, Nabunturan, Montevista, and New Bataan and among other areas in the country.

 

According to DOH, Alert Level 2 implied restrictions to some establishments or activities such that they "shall be allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those under 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity".

 

Meanwhile, Alert Level 1 indicated that "intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities" and "all establishments, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards," DOH added.

DOH XI advised the people to be more vigilant and compliant with the minimum health protocols, thereby mitigating the spread of the virus.

"The public is reminded to continue practicing minimum public health standards: wear the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow. COVID-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the region", DOH XI said.

Furthermore, DOH XI added that 3,353,416 people or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region, have been fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2023. (Jaynus Fernandez)

FEAR OF GETTING OLDER

For some, it’s a fear of the physical changes that come with aging. For others, it’s the fear of losing their independence and becoming a burden on their loved ones. And for many, it’s the fear of death itself.

Do you have a fear of aging? We all do, to some extent. Just take a look at what the media and pop culture promote on a daily basis – it seeps with promotions straight from the fountain of youth.

Take it a step further — do you also worry about what will happen when you die?

Unfortunately, many people, especially older adults, feel scared and anxious about aging and death.

As you age, some fears dissipate, yet fears about being over-the-hill can creep into your daily life.

Fear of not living up to expectations, fear of taking risks, fear of retirement, and a fear of the future.

The fear of getting older is something that everyone faces at some point in their life, but what we don’t realize is how much power this fear really holds over us and how it can affect every aspect of our lives if left unchecked.

No matter what form your fear takes, it can be a debilitating force in your life. It can make you worry about things that are far into the future and prevent you from enjoying the present moment.

Sadly, society sees old age as something undesirable and something to be afraid of. And not only could this not be further from the truth, but it’s also a form of ageism — social discrimination against older people.

People worry about losing their looks, their health, and their independence. But there’s no need to fear aging. It’s a natural process that happens to everyone. And it can be a beautiful time of life if you’re mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for it.

We also fear death because it represents the end of our life as we know it. We’re afraid of all the things we’ll never get to do, see, or experience. Death is final, and that can be scary.

Just remember it’s about how you live your life, and not when you die, that matters. Instead of focusing on your fears, focus on living your life to the fullest and enjoying every moment without having to look back with any regret.

To make the most of your time and to help you embrace the journey ahead, read on for six tips on how to overcome the fear of aging and death.

You can educate yourself about what to expect as you age. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about getting older, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to be frail, sick, and unable to enjoy life.

Not to mention, there’s increasing research uncovering the deep impact of trauma, stress, lifestyle, and mental state on the way that you heal and age — regardless of your family history and genetic makeup.

So it’s worth educating yourself about aging and dying. Lifelong knowledge is power, and understanding the aging process and what to expect can help you come to terms with your fear. One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.

I am soon approaching the age of 70. So what! Living in the Philippines for more than 25 years together with my Philippine family. I couldn’t live somewhere alone. I am blessed. I never fear aging or death. Maybe it’s my lifestyle here in the Philippines. Allow me to tell this to you: One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.