Finnegan clinches vault bronze in Asian Championships

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Fil-American Aleah Finnegan boosted her 2024 Paris Olympics campaign after bagging the bronze medal in vault in the Asian Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore Saturday, June 17.

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Fil-American Aleah Finnegan boosted her 2024 Paris Olympics campaign after bagging the bronze medal in vault in the Asian Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore Saturday, June 17.

Aleah Finnegan makes a podium finish in vault in the Asian Championships. (Linee Yeo)

The 20-year-old Missouri-born gymnast, who was second in the qualifications Friday, June 16, posted a 13.483 average in her two vaults to finish behind eventual gold medalist Yeo Seojeong of Korea and Oksana Chusovitina of Uzbekistan.

Yeo, who topped the qualifications, tallied 14.317 while Chosovitina scored 13.517.

Finnegan eyes more podium finishes when she competes in balance beam and floor exercise Sunday, June 18.

She was seventh in balance beam and eighth in floor exercise after the qualifications.

Finnegan, Yulo and another Fil-Am in Kylee Kvamme already booked slots to the World Championships slated in Antwerp, Belgium late September.

The world tilt is one of the qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics where Yulo seeks a second Games appearance.

ENJOYING LAZY DAYS

Having a lazy day gives your brain a break and your body a chance to recover. It also reduces stress which could help you be more productive in your non-lazy days. It is also an easy way to prevent burnout and being susceptible to chronic diseases. "If you don't pick a day to relax, your body will pick it for you.

Indeed, you don't get anything for nothing in life. This is our life's main motto. This is our biography's epigraph - whether we like it or not. Many times, I stressed this already in different write-ups in distinct publications.

I am on my veranda as I write this, and although the month of June has just begun, only a few people seem to be in a good mood. Yes, also today the sky is cloudy and looks like rain. But a wonderful  breeze is around me, and more and more flowers in my big garden are blooming. 

Hurray, doing nothing is really something. No, I am not talking about those people, who just hang out day-by-day and week-by-week by doing nothing and -maybe- just fed by someone. No, I mean doing nothing is really something great after a period  of really hard work. By the way, it doesn't matter, if it regards us or our children.

Talking about our children: School vacations are there, and yes, children also deserve several lazy days. If I talk about my nephews and nieces here, I am surprised to learn: summer school vacations are not equal to three months total laziness. There are dance-, gymnastic- or piano lessons as well as summer classes. Great, guys! I like that!

Of course, time off should be really time off. Days by the beach - with family or alone. I jst enjoyed this for almost one week with my wife. Let's stay outside and do absolutely nothing structured. I love to do drawings, write-ups (that's not work for me!) or reading. There are still books in my library, which need to be 'discovered'.

I still remember several lazy summer days, sitting in the blazing sun (shouldn't be done anymore of course!), eating a Popsicle, getting all sticky, and running away from the bees. Of course, while still in Germany, those old lazy summer days turned into lazy winter days too. Lazy days shaped and characterized my whole (especially professional) life until now.

Relaxation, meditation and reinvigoration are needed. Life, affected by the "burnout syndrome" needs to reanimate with energy. So let's rest for a while to acquire new energy. HAPPY VACATION DAYS!

BLACKPINK’s Jennie apologizes for suddenly leaving stage at Melbourne concert

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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K-pop girl group BLACKPINK member Jennie issued an apology for suddenly leaving the stage during their Melbourne concert on June 11. 

BLACKPINK held their “Born Pink” world tour at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on June 10 and 11. 

BLACKPINK's Jennie (Instagram)

BLACKPINK's Jennie leaving the stage at Melbourne concert (Screenshots from Idolinews video)

BLACKPINK member Jennie's apology (Instagram)

In a video that circulated online, BLACKPINK members were performing ““Lovesick Girls” when Jennie suddenly left the stage and went down towards the backstage. She did not finish the concert. 

YG Entertainment explained that Jennie “was unable to complete the stage due to her deteriorating [health] condition.”

Jennie took to Instagram to apologize for her action and said she is recovering. 

“Dear Melbourne Blinks, I'm so sorry i wasnt able to finish the show on Sunday. I'm doing my best to recover atm [at the moment]. Your understanding and support means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who came to our Melbourne show. Love you guys,” she posted on her Instagram Stories. 

“We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to all the fans who have shown their support for BLACKPINK and those who attended the event. We kindly ask for your understanding in this situation,” YG Entertainment added. 

It explained that “Jennie expressed her strong determination to carry on with the performance until the end. However, following medical advice on site, we immediately took measures to ensure she receives ample rest and stability.” 

“Jennie has conveyed her regrets for not being able to stay with the fans until the end, and assures that she will recover as soon as possible. We will do its utmost to support Jennie's speedy recovery. We would like to ask for your understanding once again,” it said.

Wie hoch wird meine Rente?

Viele Deutsche wünschen sich ein digitales System, um ihre Rentenbezüge einsehen zu können. (Symbolbild) © IMAGO/Zoonar.com/Yuri Arcurs peopleimages.com

Viele Deutsche wünschen sich ein digitales System, um ihre Rentenbezüge einsehen zu können. Das geht aus einer Studie des Digitalverbands Bitkom hervor.

Berlin – Wie hoch wird meine Rente einmal ausfallen? Um diese Frage zu beantworten, muss man sich zum Thema einlesen, Informationen sammeln und dann noch einmal rechnen. Da ist es kein Wunder, dass sich sechs von zehn Deutschen wünschen, stattdessen mit einem Klick zu wissen, wie viel Geld sie im Alter zur Verfügung haben.

Mehrheit wünscht sich digitale Übersicht zur zukünftigen Rente 

Menschen, die aktuell noch nicht im Ruhestand sind und keine Rente beziehen, wünschen sich sogar zu mehr als zwei Dritteln (70 Prozent) eine digitale Übersicht über ihre zukünftige Rente, wie der Digitalverband Bitkom zur Veröffentlichung einer Studie am Mittwoch in Berlin erklärte. 

„Ohne private oder betriebliche Altersvorsorge stünden viele Menschen im Alter vor dem finanziellen Ruin“, erklärte Bitkom-Hauptgeschäftsführer Bernhard Rohleder. Umso wichtiger sei es, den Zugang zu entsprechenden Informationen möglichst einfach zu machen und für Transparenz und einen guten Überblick bei den Leistungen zu sorgen.

Digitalverband bemängelt mangelnde Transparenz bei Rente: Zurzeit zu viel Rechnerei

Wer aktuell herausfinden möchte, wie hoch die Rente im Alter ausfällt, muss laut Bitkom viel lesen und dann „selbst zusammenrechnen“. Digitale Angebote seien noch nicht weit verbreitet. Das zeige sich auch in den Zahlen der Studie: Nur gut ein Fünftel (22 Prozent) der Befragten hat demnach das letztes Paket für die private Altersvorsorge online abgeschlossen, rund zwei Drittel sind dafür in die Bankfiliale oder ins Versicherungsbuero gegangen.

„Eine einfache, klare und digitale Darstellung würde es mehr Menschen ermöglichen, eine selbstständige und fundierte Entscheidung für ihre Altersvorsorge zu treffen“, erklärt Rohleder. Bitkom forderte „verschlankte Förderrichtlinien“ und eine lebenslange finanzielle Bildung, etwa durch Online-Angebote und Smartphone-Apps. Für die Studie wurden dem Verband zufolge tausend Menschen über 16 Jahren befragt. (afp, lf)

When is it okay to be direct and straightforward in the Philippines?

 

Filipino Relationship and Dating

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Following

Answered by 

Rhiza Robles

In the Philippines, people value politeness, respect, and keeping good relationships. This means that communication is often indirect and subtle. But, in some cases, it's okay or even necessary to be more straightforward. Here are some examples:

1. Business and professional settings: In work settings, being clear and concise is generally well-received, especially when addressing business topics, making choices, or offering input. It's important to maintain a professional demeanor and avoid being too confrontational or hostile.
2. Emergency or urgent situations: When there's something important that needs to be addressed quickly, it's usually best to be straightforward and clear in order to ensure prompt action or help. It's important to approach the situation in a friendly and respectful manner, without being too forceful or confrontational.
3. Close relationships and among friends: In close relationships and friendships with high trust and familiarity, being direct and straightforward may be more acceptable. People who know each other well might appreciate honest and open communication.

Showing respect and sensitivity is really important, especially in these kinds of situations. It's always a good idea to be aware of the context and the people involved so that you can be direct in a respectful way.

MY FATHER: WHY I DID NOT TAKE UP LAW IN COLLEGE?

A Father's Day Reflection  

By ReniMV Valenzuela

He took up Bachelor of Law, but ended up disillusioned, even as a bright student, for a reason/s unknown to me. This was my father. What follows are great, personal learnings from him (R.I.P. in Libingan ng Mga Bayani) which I would cherish till next life.

My father would fondly introduce me to anyone as "grandmaster" from the time I was accorded the title by winning the grand prize in a nationwide, telecast on-the-spot painting contest for students at the age of fourteen. He had big dreams for me. I miss Dad. 

Daddy was open for me to take up any course in college except Bachelor of Law.  I then did not understand why, though he was far from forcing his wishes on me. But many years had passed and I realized he was right and I was wrong. Fathers are meant to guide their children, young or old. 

Due to the not so pleasant reputation of lawyers, a joke about them is circulating in social media. The jest proposes that lawyers will not be accepted neither in heaven nor hell not because they are too good or too bad, but because they have no soul. But that's just a joke, a joke though that elicits soul-searching among the concerned group of people. In fairness, I know of a lawyer who is not only a good person. He has a soul too, I discovered. 

Pero papaano nga naman masasabing may kaluluwa ang mga abogado at husgado na kayang maatim at tiisin na mabulok sa kulungan ang mga inosente nang dahil sa kanilang kagagawan (o kaalaman sa "batas") at biktima lamang ang mga ito ng kawalan ng katarungan sa bansa? 

A case in point is the 85 year-old lola (grandmother) I interviewed who has been languishing in jail for several years simply because a drug pusher made her a "courier" of a small paper bag that contained shabu without her knowledge. "Dura lex sed lex" (the law may be harsh but it is the law). Diabolic!

Several similar situations like this (with different cases) in prison camps, notably the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) where I preached Christ and ministered longer to the inmates, for nineteen years. Oddly, the guilty and real bad people, big people (well-connected/protected and well-entrenched) are out there, even in the halls of power, roaming/roaring around circles freely - swaggering and enjoying life, lavishing on their loots/spoils. Moronic!

With so many unwise, cruel and unjust laws and official "skewness" in the land, we need lawyers, judges and justices who have souls; those who don't only interpret the law but administer discretion as well and bring to bear wisdom, chastity, compassion and the Sovereign in their works/profession. 

Heart, reason and conscience that lie beneath every law are what unearth truth and open the eyes of the blind to adjudge cases correctly, fairly, justly. Proverbs 28:5, Psalms 37:27-29, Proverbs 21:15, Isaiah 61:8, Isaiah 30:18-19, Psalm 82:3, Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24. Wake up!

A land may not have laws to govern it but if its inhabitants have heart, reason and conscience, that land may still experience peace and order and could well achieve progress for its citizenry. 

Contrarily, a country may be overflowing with laws (like the Philippines), but if its people, much less its leaders (executive officials, lawmakers, magistrates, police, military, etc.), are tricksters and rogues, that country will ever be besieged by troubles of every sort and be/remain impoverished (in physical and/or spirit), even plunged into chaos/bottomless pit/everlasting darkness. "Sobs and gnashing of teeth."

The reason why I did not take up law in college, aside from the advice of my father, was because I shudder losing my soul from the moment I pass the bar, not to mention the possibility of me as a law student getting lured into entering a senseless fraternity organization, barbarous as it could be and soulless as it could have transformed me to be. 

Finally, and true enough, from all indications and with what has been happening in the country, given the deluge of lawyers (notwithstanding or despicably) in our government who occupy positions of power, it is not surprising that, after all, I made the right decision. 

Thank God. And Thank You Dad.

PS

My father had impacted my life, so much so that I get teary-eyed each time I remember him.  Happy Father's Day! 

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com

DdO’s Technological Demonstration Farm harvests 800kls of Bangus and Tilapia

Davao de Oro --- After four to six months, more than 800 kilos of Polyculture Bangus and Molobicus Red Tilapia were harvested on June 6, 2023, during the one-time harvest festival of the province’s Technological Development Farm located at P-2, Barangay Tibagon, Pantukan, Davao de Oro. 

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Jaime D. Anter said that the farm is a research proposal that intends to discover new technology for the fisherfolks in the province by demonstrating the use of Polyculture on bangus and saline tilapia. 

“Pagmahuman na ang process sa evaluation, the data will tell us if this project proposal will be a recommendatory para mahimong adopted sa atoang lugar particularly sa tanan areas near in shorelines”, Dr. Anter said. 

He added that they choose tilapia because of marketability while its Polyculture improves feed utilization, enhances water quality, and increases total yield and profit. 

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga lauded the success of the project resulting in P104K pesos worth of proceeds. She looks forward that with the help of the aforesaid project, more livelihood opportunities will be given to the people not only in Pantukan but also to the entire province. 

“Kung mo ingon man gud ta ug harvest buot pasabot positive na, kami sa probinsyal nga panggamhanan positbong naningkamot nga matabangan nga mo asenso ang kinabuhi sa mga katawhan sa Davao de Oro pinaagi sa mga programa sa gobyerno”, Gov Gonzaga in her message. 

Present during the activity were BFAR XI Regional Director Raul C. Millana, Mayor Leonel “Jhong” Ceniza, Municipal Agriculturist Alfredo A. Sasutana, and Barangay Officials. (Rheafe Hortizano, Provincial Information Officer, Photos by Jay-Ar Naval)

𝐃𝐝𝐎’𝐬 𝐏𝐇 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

 

𝐃𝐝𝐎’𝐬 𝐏𝐇 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧, 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨—In celebration of the 125th Independence Day and nationhood of the country, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, together with the security sectors and other partner agencies, called for unity to sustain gains of peace and continued positive social change in the province.

The call to action took place at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan town during the ceremonial activity on Monday, June 12, 2023, which also marked the country's commemoration of freedom from Spain as it was declared in former/first President Emilio Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898.

With this year’s theme "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan", the celebration commenced with a reading of the history of Philippine Independence, followed by an entrance of colors, flag hoisting, and singing of the national anthem, signifying the rise of the nation from 333 years of oppression.

In her solidarity message, Joy James "Ka Amihan" Sagino, a rescued friend (FR), thanked the government for their joint efforts to combat insurgency. She urged unity to achieve genuine peace, progress, and development among the communities.

"Today is not only a celebration of our hard-earned independence but also a day of a call to action… our collective responsibility to build a society where Filipinos thrive and succeed. Let us not be fined by the conflicts of our past but let us be driven by the boldness to dream of a better future," Amihan said.

Amihan also reminded leaders of the government to remain steadfast in their commitment to prioritize the needs of the marginalized, the forgotten, and the voiceless.

“May our actions be a testament to our enduring love for our motherland as we work tirelessly to create a country that shines as a beacon of hope for the world.. mabunay ang pilipinas!” Amihan added.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga led the flower offering or entry of the wreath right after the rendition of “Bayan ko” and community singing of “Ako ay Pilipino”. Acting Provincial Fire Marshall Donald Conception represented by Compostela Fire Marshal Patricio Brañanola Jr, Provincial Police Officer Benedicto Faco, and 1001st Brigade Commander Ronnie Babac escorted her during the offering.

“Let’s take the challenge to be the voice of the voiceless and our marginalized sectors, ato na kanunay ipahinumdom sa atong mga pubic officials, employees ug lakip na atong mga atong kapulisan ug kasundaluhan, atong dawatun ang hagit ni Ka Amihan” stressed Governor Gonzaga in her message.

Governor Gonzaga reiterated the significance of the whole-of-nation approach as a driver of positive change in the province. She encouraged everyone to work together and make the people feel that the government truly works.

“We should give more meaning to how and what is to be free or to be independent. Manghinaot ko nga magsiga atong mga mata, maminanaw atong mga dalunggan ug bation nato ang mas labaw nga panginahanglan sa atong katawhan” Governor Gonzaga added.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the Philippine military fired a 21-gun salute in honor of the national flag and the fallen heroes who fought for the country's independence.

Major General Jose Eriel Niembra, 10th Infantry (Agila) Division Commander, underscored in his message said that the security sector is committed to its duty of serving and protecting the beloved country.

“Rest assured that the Agila troopers will continue to embody the values of honor, patriotism, and duty… but remember that independence is not solely the responsibility of the military alone, it is a shared responsibility among Filipinos,” said Niembra.

Further, selected PNP officers demonstrated their unit’s unity through a fancy drill or a display of rifle drill executions. A viewing of the static display and kalayaan exhibit was held at the Capitol lobby right after the drill.

Under Republic Act No. 4166 of 1964, every year's twelfth day of June is declared Philippine Independence Day, and all Filipinos are prompted to observe it with appropriate rites. (Jaynus Fernandez, Provincial Information Office, Photos by Albert Dayao)

Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division

4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro

Press Briefing: Typhoon "#ChedengPH" {Guchol} Update Friday 11AM

Press Briefing: Typhoon "#ChedengPH" {Guchol} Update Friday 11AM | June 9, 2023 DOST-PAGASA Weather Specialist: Ana Clauren-Jorda #WeatherReport #DOSTPagasa #ChedengPH

Pinangat Festival in Albay postponed due to restive Mayon Volcano

BY NIÑO LUCES

Jun 9, 2023 08:28 AM

  

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LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The return of the Pinangat Festival in Camalig, this province, on Saturday, June 10, has been postponed due to restive Mayon Volcano.

MAYON Volcano (Mayor Caloy Baldo FB)

Mayor Caloy Baldo on Thursday, June 8, said the festivity – halted by the pandemic for three years – was moved to a later date as the local government will focus on the safety of residents.

“As Mayor of Camalig, Albay, I understand the importance of the Pinangat Festival in celebrating our beloved town's distinct and rich culture and heritage,” Baldo said.

However, my main responsibility is to ensure the safety and welfare of my constituents, and after various discussions with our local councils and heads, I now firmly believe that postponing the Pinangat Festival (except religious activities) is the best and practical course of action under the current circumstances, he added.

Baldo said that the geographical location of Camalig is always a cause of concern due to its proximity to the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.

Based on latest Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) data, 2,122 or 7,827 individuals need to be evacuated from the PDZ in Camalig.

Affected barangays are Anoling with 397 families, Quirangay with 929 families, Sua with 423 families, and Tumpa with 395 families.

“Let me reiterate that the safety of the Camaligueños will always be my top priority. With the threat of a volcanic eruption looming, it would be irresponsible to proceed with the Pinangat Festival as scheduled,” Baldo said.

“Camalig and other neighboring areas have seen and felt Mayon's wrath, which would definitely rub more salt to the wound if an eruption happens during the festival. From the immediate danger of lava flows, lahar, ash and rockfall episodes, and other toxic materials, its impacts are deemed very troubling," Baldo added.

Pinangat Festival was slated to be celebrated until June 24, the feast of Saint John the Baptist.

Highlight of the festival is longest line of pinangat eating.

"Please know that your lives are more valuable than any activity or any festival. In light of these concerns, I have officially made the difficult decision to postpone the Pinangat Festival to a later date this year. I understand that this decision is disappointing to many, but allow me to assure you that it is not taken lightly. I want to thank you all for bearing with us in this challenging time. Pinangat Festival is a very important event in our town, and I believe that we will come together again to celebrate it even more happily and care-free once the danger has passed," Baldo said.

Department of Tourism (DOT)-Bicol Director Herbie Aguas has issued an advisory that all tourism activities inside the PDZ are strictly prohibited.

"The public and tourism stakeholders are reminded to avoid entering the six-kilometer PDZ due to the threat of sudden steam-driven and phreatic eruptions. In addition, tourism activities at Mayon Skyline are already prohibited," Aguas said.

According to the Albay provincial government website, pinangat is a version of “laing,” a famous native chili-hot dish of Camalig which is a blend of ground pork, coconut milk, diced shrimps, and chili wrapped in gabi leaves.

It added that this dish is well-known among Bicolanos because of its distinctive taste that a Bicolano could perfect.