Girls’ Generation’s Yuri to hold fan meeting in Manila

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 5, 2023 04:04 PM

  

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Yuri, member of K-pop group Girls’ Generation, will be coming to Manila to hold a fan meeting in July. 

The official Twitter account of Girls’ Generation and Yuri made the announcement on June 5 as well as events company CNCA. 

Girls' Generation member Yuri (Instagram) 

(CNCA)

The K-pop idol will be holding her “Yuri 2nd Fanmeeting Tour: Chapter 2” in Manila on July 9, 7 p.m., at the New Frontier Theater. 

“Are you ready for a new chapter? YURI is finally coming for her first-ever solo fan meet in Manila on July 9, 2023 (Sunday) 7PM at The New Frontier Theater! Tickets will be available on http://ticketnet.com.ph or any TicketNet outlets later at 3PM!” CNCA posted on Twitter. 

Yuri’s second fan meeting will be held in Seoul on July 1 followed by Manila on July 9, Bangkok on July 22 and Taipei on Aug. 6. 

Besides singing, Yuri has also ventured into acting, starring in dramas such as “Good Job,” “Bossam: Steal the Fate” and “Fashion King.”

Heavy rainfall causes road inconvenience to Davaoeños

Vehicles wade through the flooded road in Lanang area of Davao City on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Heavy rains on Monday night swamped many parts of the city causing traffic congestion and temporary closure of some business establishments. (MB Video by Keith Bacongco)

‘Increased unrest’: 74 rockfall events at Mayon Volcano in past 24 hours

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 6, 2023 09:49 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Phivolcs said the rockfall events lasted one to four minutes.
• “Moderate” degassing from the summit crater continued, which produced steam-laden plumes that drifted to the west-southwest. 
• Alert Level 2 was raised on June 5 due to the "increased unrest" at the Mayon Volcano. 

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 74 rockfall events at Mayon Volcano in the last 24 hours as a result of the ongoing volcanic unrest.

In its bulletin issued at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, Phivolcs said the rockfall events lasted one to four minutes and “emplaced lava debris on the southern gullies within a kilometer from the summit crater.”

“Thin brownish-gray ash from the rockfalls also drifted to the general southwest,” it pointed out.

According to Phivolcs, “moderate” degassing from the summit crater continued, which produced steam-laden plumes that drifted to the west-southwest. 

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 208 tons per day when it was last measured on June 5.

Phivolcs’ visual and camera monitoring of the Mayon Volcano on June 5, 2023 (Screengrab from Phivolcs)

“Short-term observations from EDM and electronic tiltmeter monitoring show the upper slopes to be inflating since February 2023. Longer-term ground deformation parameters based on EDM, precise leveling, continuous GPS, and electronic tilt monitoring indicate that Mayon is still inflated, especially on the northwest and southeast,” Phivolcs said.

Alert Level 2 was raised on June 5 due to the "increased unrest" at the Mayon Volcano. 

“The public is reminded that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruptions,” Phivolcs said.

“Entry into the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone must be strictly prohibited to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfalls, and landslides. In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Mayon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth, or dust mask,” it pointed out.

Phivolcs also requested that authorities advise pilots to avoid flying near the volcano's summit because ash from a sudden eruption can be dangerous to aircraft. 

Shades of green: How to create a garden in shady areas

Gardening is a popular hobby that allows people to connect with nature and beautify their surroundings. However, not all gardens have access to abundant sunlight. Shady areas pose a challenge for gardeners, but with the right knowledge and techniques, it is possible to grow plants successfully even in these conditions.

BY JAMES TABABA

Jun 5, 2023 01:01 PM

  

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 (Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash)

By JAMES TABABA

Gardening is a popular hobby that allows people to connect with nature and beautify their surroundings. However, not all gardens have access to abundant sunlight. Shady areas pose a challenge for gardeners, but with the right knowledge and techniques, it is possible to grow plants successfully even in these conditions.

Choosing the right plants

When it comes to gardening in shady areas, selecting the right plants is crucial. While not all plants thrive in shady areas, many shade-tolerant crops are available. Choose for shade-tolerant varieties that thrive with limited sunlight. There are several vegetables that can tolerate shade to some extent. Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, and herbs like parsley and mint can grow reasonably well in shady areas. However, it's important to note that most vegetables thrive in full sun. Additionally, many beautiful flowers are well-suited for shady gardens. Some popular choices include impatiens, begonias, and ferns.

Ensuring sufficient lighting

Although shade gardens lack direct sunlight, there are ways to maximize the available light. Trim or remove overhanging branches to increase the penetration of natural light. Additionally, consider using reflective surfaces such as light-colored fences or walls to bounce light onto plants. In extreme cases, supplementing with artificial lighting, such as grow lights, can help provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth.

Controlling weed growth

Weed management is crucial in any garden, including shady areas. Weeds compete with plants for nutrients and resources, hindering their growth. To control weeds effectively, employ strategies like regular hand-pulling, using a hoe, or applying organic mulch. Mulching is particularly beneficial in shady gardens as it helps conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

Pruning and maintenance

Proper pruning and general maintenance are essential for the health and appearance of shade plants. Pruning helps maintain the shape of plants, remove dead or damaged foliage, and promote airflow. Trim back overgrown branches to allow more light to reach the lower parts of the plants. Additionally, regularly check for signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies and take appropriate measures to address them promptly.

By choosing shade-tolerant plants, preparing the soil, providing adequate lighting, managing weeds and pests, and maintaining proper pruning and care, you can create a lush garden in even the shade-covered spaces.

Outsmarting the know-it-all

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE should never dare to deceive God. In the gospel, there is a part where some leading Jews dared to trap Christ in his speech. (cfr. Mk 12,13-17) They asked if it was lawful to pay census tax to Caesar. 

Of course, Christ knew what was behind that question. He therefore asked them to show him a denarius. And since the image of Caesar was in that coin, he just dismissed the whole issue by telling them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” So, their “gotcha” question completely backfired.

The same thing happened when they accused Christ of casting out demons by the power of the ruler of demons. (cfr. Mk 3,22) That’s when Christ pointed out the inconsistency in their logic. “How can Satan drive out Satan?” he asked. “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mk 3,23-25)

Clearly, when one is driven by unbelief and hatred, his reasoning can go off the rails, even the simplest of logic is thrown out. We need to do everything to always strengthen our belief in God, the very cause, origin and pattern of unity amid the vast and increasing diversity and variety of elements we can have in this world.

Nowadays, we are seeing the intriguing phenomenon of asserting what is right and moral as wrong and immoral, and vice-versa. What is clearly an expression of true freedom is now called slavery, and vice-versa. What should clearly be considered as taboo is now regarded as a human right. The forms of self-contradictions go on and on.

To correct this situation or, at least, to deal properly with it, we need to take care and strengthen our belief and our charity. We cannot take this duty for granted, especially now when the world is sinking in confusion and error as it distances itself farther from God.

            

            In many places in the world today, people are now legalizing and inculturating outright immoralities and perversions, rationalizing them as part of their human rights, their freedom, or as a gesture of tolerance on a multiplicity of preferences, etc.

            

            This is a big challenge for all Christian believers who want to be all-the-way consistent with their faith and with humanity itself, for the issues at hand are not just a matter of a particular religion but rather that of our common humanity.

            

            And the Christian faith is not meant only for a few. It is for all, though it obviously is not meant to be imposed on everyone. It has to be accepted knowingly, freely, lovingly, that is, with charity.

Instead of responding to evil with evil, hatred with hatred, we should rather respond to evil with good, hatred with love. That way we turn things around, rather than plunge into the spiral of evil and hatred.

This was specifically articulated by St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans where he said: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Rom 12,17-20)

We have to try our best to erase whatever disbelief, doubt or skepticism we can have as we consider this teaching, since most likely, our first and spontaneous reaction to it would precisely be those reactions.

Pagasa: Potential LPA may enter PAR Monday

(A cloud cluster is being monitored. This is the one expected to become a low pressure area and enter the Philippine area of responsibility. We will continue to monitor this because it is possible that today or tomorrow, this will become a certified low pressure area.)      

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau is monitoring two weather systems, one of which is a possible low pressure area (LPA) that may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Monday or Tuesday.  

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), one of the weather systems is already an LPA on the western side of  the country but is not expected to enter PAR. 

“Isa namang cloud cluster ang minomonitor natin sa kasalukuyan. Mas ito po ang expect natin maging low pressure area at pumasok sa Philippine area of responsibility. Patuloy natin itong imomonitor kasi posible po ngayong araw o bukas ito’y maging ganap na low pressure area,” said Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina. 

“Habagat” rain 

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon or “habagat” is forecast to trigger rain over western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan, said Pagasa. 

Pagasa added that Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.  

No gale warnings have been raised by Pagasa on Monday, but warned of possible flash floods and landslides in areas affected by rainfall.

Luzon

Metro Manila: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Baguio City: 16 to 23 degrees Celsius

Laoag City:  25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tuguegarao: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius

Legazpi City: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius

Puerto Princesa City: 25 to 31 degrees Celsius

Tagaytay: 22 to 30 degrees Celsius

Kalayaan Islands: 26 to 31 degrees Celsius

Visayas

Iloilo City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Cebu: 26 to 31 degrees Celsius

Tacloban City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Mindanao

Cagayan De Oro City: 25 to 31 degrees Celsius

Zamboanga City: 25 to 32 degrees Celsius

Davao City: 24 to 33 degrees Celsius

NAIA Terminal 3 saddled with longer passenger queues

 Rudy Santos - The Philippine Star 

Passengers wait in line at the immigration area as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 services more international flight departures and arrivals.

MANILA, Philippines — Passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 are facing long lines at the immigration area, particularly during peak hours, as the gateway handles 143 departure and 144 arrival flights daily.

The Media Affairs Division of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said that for local air carriers, Cebu Pacific Airways operates 23 international destinations and 35 domestic flights while AirAsia Philippines operates 13 international flights each day at the NAIA Terminal 3.

In addition, 16 foreign airlines operate at the same terminal: All Nippon Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airlines, Emirates Air, United Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar Aisa/Japan, Scoot, Starlux Airlines, Jeju Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Thai Airways and Gulf Air.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed the increase in passengers coming through Terminal 3 and, in order to cope, it has maximized manpower and adjusted the number of open lanes as needed.

“We have likewise resumed posting updates on social media of our operations during weekends and holidays, for the guidance and convenience of the traveling public,” Sandoval said.

She also assured the public that BI is committed to providing seamless and efficient border management. “There is a move by the Manila International Airport Authority to add immigration counters in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 to ease long lines of passengers, especially counters for overseas Filipino workers,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MIAA have jointly submitted a proposal for the NAIA-solicited Public Private Partnership project to the National Economic and Development Authority Board for approval.

The project aims to enhance NAIA’s capacity, improve passenger experience and ensure safe operations by requiring an interested private concessionaire to invest in modern air traffic control equipment, rehabilitate runways and taxiways and improve existing terminal facilities.

Pagasa sees 10 to 15 cyclones this year amid El Niño

By Arlie O. Calalo

June 5, 2023 10

The El Niño phenomenon is likely to occur late this month or by July but some areas in the country, particularly Luzon including Metro Manila, may experience above normal rainfall conditions, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Monday.

The weather bureau said that 10 to 15 tropical cyclones may enter or form within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from June to October this year.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the onset of the wet season does not mean that there would be rain all the time during this period.

"We have this what we call monsoon breaks wherein we can experience cloudy but hot weather due to the absence of the southwest monsoon," Estareja said.

He said that despite the onset of El Niño, which leads to dry spells and droughts, some areas may also have above normal rainfall.

"In fact during the third quarter of the year, it is possible that the country will experience strong typhoons and heavy rainfall and only on the last months of the year and first quarter of 2024 that we may experience less rainfall," the Pagasa forecaster said.

El Niño is a weather condition characterized by unusually warmer than average sea surface temperatures at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.

Citing Pagasa's monitoring track, Estareja said some of the tropical cyclones may make landfall in Luzon and Visayas while others may enhance the southwest monsoon specifically in the western part of the country.

In the next 24 hours, the weather agency said the southwest monsoon will affect the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan will likely have overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

The southwest monsoon and localized thunderstorms, meanwhile, will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpour and thunderstorms may be experienced, the weather bureau said.

Cong Duterte facilitates cash-for-work payouts for over 3,000 Davao folk

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 5, 2023 01:35 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Over 3,000 Davao City folk receive their payouts from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, thanks to the action of the office of 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte.

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Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte

Carpenters, laborers, shine boys, street vendors, unemployed residents, senior citizens, and victims of fire incidents.

These were among the over 3,000 people who received payouts for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Davao City, as facilitated by the office of 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte.

As per Duterte's office, a total of 5,430 individuals applied for TUPAD, which is a program of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE). The agency conducts the assessment after the profiling of applicants is completed by the first congressional district office.

The payout distribution began Friday, June 2, and is ongoing. A total of 3,422 individuals have already received their payouts.

Their salaries are pegged at minimum wage.

Duterte's office and the DOLE–Davao have long been partners in assisting thousands of impoverished residents through the TUPAD program.

TUPAD is a cash-for-work program for displaced individuals with limited employment opportunities or those who only work seasonally. It provides immediate assistance to its beneficiaries for at least 10 days, and a maximum of 30 days, depending on the specific job requirements.

The beneficiaries were given opportunities by the government in various community improvement projects, including tree-planting, gardening, canal de-clogging, and refurbishment of tourist attractions.

Duterte himself has committed to aiding individuals who require assistance, while DOLE has ensured the continuity of the TUPAD program.

Duterte, a former House deputy speaker, is on his second term as a congressman.

He is the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Angelica Lopez: From Palawan to the international stage

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 5, 2023 08:25 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."

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Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez from Palawan wearing a gown by Louie Pangilinan

More than a week after being crowned, Binibining Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez can only look back at that epic moment when her life changed.

She never thought that she could win  Bb. Pilipinas  International because she was not a  "hot pick"  of pageant experts for the said title.  Her hopes were dashed when Anna Valencia Lakrini was first called the new Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023. Desperation turned to surprise when Angelica heard her name announced after that.

"I was hopeless na po that time because the hot picks put me as a possible winner for Miss Globe.  I was made to believe I'm not the type of girl who can compete for Miss International because (this pageant) was looking for a white-skinned girl with a Barbie face. But I'm so happy that the judges were able to see how good my performance was," the dusky beauty from Palawan remarked.

The 22-year-old Angelica is well aware of some people's reactions after she was crowned.

"A lot of people tell me that I'm not good enough, that I'm too exaggerated when it comes to my pasarela, and that I'm not a good fit for Miss International. I believe these criticisms will not help me grow. I need positive vibes every day so, as much as possible, I ignore these people. I know who I am,"  she stressed.

Angelica competed in September of last year for Miss Asia Global 2022 held in Penang, Malaysia. She emerged first runner-up. Prior to this, she was in the Top 16 of Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

Angelica turned introspective when she recalled this time in her life.  " Losing is always sad but I believe it's part of the journey. If you experience defeat, you should not linger in that situation too long  because it will only hold you back from appreciating the present and what the future holds."

The Bb. Pilipinas 2023 court (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, 2nd runner-up; Bb. Pilipinas Globe Anna Valencia Lakrini, Bb. Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez; and Katrina Anne Johnson, 1st runner-up

Angelica's message to other women in the same situation is this: "We should always have that hope and faith within us, that everything will be okay. If you are determined enough, if you are willing to put your heart and mind into everything that you do in life, then you can be the best version of yourself."

She believes all the training primed her to be in top form for the Bb. Pilipinas finals.

"I feel grateful to have won. It takes a lot of practice and hard work just to come to this point in my life, It was so hard. There were many challenges along the way but it's really God that's my source of strength. I owe to Him every victory that I have," she noted.

Angelica has come a long way from being the simple girl who never got complimented for her looks.  Her late mother was her first cheerleader, telling her that she had good skin and was beautiful in her own way. Angelica was only 14 when she was approached by one of her mentors to join a pageant because she had "potential."

"I eventually loved to be in the pageant industry. Before, it was only an avenue for me to help my mother. Later on, I realized it's more than just earning money. It's a way to help the causes that you care about. It's also a good avenue for inspiring other people and that's what I'm doing right now,"  narrated  Angelica, who is also the ambassadress of Alima Philippines, a non-profit organization helping the less fortunate.

Because she expects to compete in 2024 yet for Miss International, Angelica hopes for a long reign filled with activities. She also dreams that opportunities will open for her someday in show business as she really loves to sing.

"I learned how to work when I was very young so when it comes to work, I'm always excited. Even if the call time is early in the morning, I don't hesitate to say yes!" Angelica enthused.