Always nourish the faith

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE are familiar with the story of the doubting Thomas who later on turned to be a fervently believing Thomas. (cfr. Jn 20,24-29) It’s a story that can only remind us of our duty to always nourish our faith to such an extent that Christ’s words to Thomas can also be applied to us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

We have to be wary of the danger of starving our faith by neglecting its abiding need for nourishment. Especially nowadays when we are bombarded with so many distracting elements that would lead us to ignore this responsibility, we need to make some special effort to truly nourish our faith by availing of the relevant means of ongoing formation.

We need to convince ourselves that giving priority to this need is all worthwhile. It does not at all undermine our other needs in life. In fact, giving priority to the nourishment of our faith would make sure that the attention we give to our other needs would be most proper and would be put on the right track.

For this we always are in need of constantly studying our faith, progressively translating what we learn from such study into appropriate attitudes, virtues, words and deeds to such an extent that whatever we do in life is always guided and inspired by our faith and not just by some sheer human wisdom and cleverness.

While faith is first of all a gift, and of the spiritual and supernatural kind that is given to us gratuitously, we have to realize that we also need to correspond to it. We just cannot and should not be casual about this duty to correspond properly to it. It’s a serious duty that once neglected can lead to disastrous consequences.

Especially to those who regard themselves quite gifted intellectually and in other aspects of human life, there is a need to be so humble as to always feel the need to be guided by faith first and always rather than simply by their human powers and other resources.

We have to follow the example of Our Lady whose faith was highly extolled once by her cousin Elizabeth who told her: “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Lk 1,45)

That’s because when she was told by the Archangel Gabriel that she was going to be the mother of the Son of God, she first asked how it could happen since she knew not man. But when the heavenly messenger told her that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and that she would conceive a son in her womb, she immediately said, “Be it done to me,” even if what she was told cannot be explained humanly.

We have to understand that with respect to our faith, we are not expected to understand everything. We, of course, should try to understand the truths of our faith, but we should always realize that with faith, we can be dealing with supernatural truths and mysteries that are beyond our human capacity to understand. 

We should just say, yes, to it not because we understand it, but rather because of the one who told it to us, the one who cannot lie. Faith always involves trust, just like in our ordinary daily affairs when we would just do things without asking so much why we need to do them. We simply do them because we trust in the ones who ask us to do them.

‘Anti-poor’: Tulfo slams gov’t plan to tax junk food

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 

  

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Senator Raffy Tulfo on Sunday, July 2 criticized the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) “anti-poor” plan to impose taxes on junk food and other food items next year.
 

                                        Sen. Raffy Tulfo (Senate PRIB Photo)

Tulfo pointed out it would be the poorest of the poor that heavily rely on these affordable food items would be the most affected.
 
Instead of these, the senator said the BIR should consider taxing cosmetics and other luxury items. 
 
“Bakit pinagdidiskitahan ng BIR ang mga chichirya at nais nilang patawan ng buwis ang mga ito (Why is the BIR even considering taxing junk food)? This is very anti-poor!” Tulfo said.
 
“Kung ang pakay nila ay para makalikom ng dagdag kita para sa kaban ng bayan mula sa mga consumer products, bakit ‘di nila punteryahin ang mga luxury items gaya ng mga food supplements, protein bars, energy bars, slimming drinks pati na maging mga cosmetic products (If their goal is to raise more revenue for public funds from consumer products, why don't they target luxury items such as food supplements, protein bars, energy bars, slimming drinks and even cosmetics)?” he pointed out.
 
Finance Secretary Ben Diokno had said the Department of Finance (DOF) plans to impose a ₱10 per 100 grams or ₱10 per 100 milliliters tax on pre-packaged foods, including confectioneries, snacks, desserts, and frozen confectioneries.
 
But Tulfo said that if the BIR badly wants to boost public revenue, it should focus train its sights on food supplements and cosmetic products, which are both part of a multi-billion peso industry.
 
The lawmaker said he believes food supplements and cosmetic products would still be bought by the middle income earners regardless of the price. 
 
On the other hand, Tulfo said the Department of Health’s (DOH) should prompt manufacturers to decrease the sodium content of packaged food. 
 
He said this would be a better alternative that giving approval to the proposed tax measure to supposedly discourage consumers from buying junk food that they said could lead to obesity and diabetes.
 
According to Tulfo, Singapore manufacturers were able to find low sodium substitute for processed food product without heavily affecting the taste. 

Chua, Aranas nip Germany, reign supreme in World Cup of Pool

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Jul 3, 2023 07:27 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Johann Chua and James Aranas endured some tense moments to deliver a performance to remember in Lugo, Spain, nipping the German duo of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to crown themselves the kings of the 2023 World Cup of Pool 9-ball Championship early Monday morning, July 3.

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Johann Chua and James Aranas endured some tense moments to deliver a performance to remember in Lugo, Spain, nipping the German duo of Joshua Filler and Moritz Neuhausen, 11-7, to crown themselves the kings of the 2023 World Cup of Pool 9-ball Championship early Monday morning, July 3.

Johann Chua (left) and James Aranas celebrate their World Cup win. (Photo from Matchroom Pool)

Unseeded in the tournament with a tough task on hand, the blazing duo completed the improbable run which could serve as a spark for the country's resurgence in the sport the Filipinos used to dominate in the past two decades.

Adding cherry on top, the pair's victory broke the tie in overall wins as the Philippines bagged its fourth title against China's three after the 2006 and 2009 triumph of Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, and the 2013 conquest of Dennis Orcollo and Lee Van Corteza.

Mayon lava flow advances 2.7 km from crater — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

  

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The lava flow from Mayon Volcano continued to cascade down its slopes at a “very slow” rate and has now reached a length of up to 2.7 kilometers as of Sunday, July 2, said the Philippine Institute and Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

From 5 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, to 5 a.m. on Sunday, July 2, Phivolcs said the very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies on the southern and southeastern flanks, respectively.

Lava flows measuring approximately 2,700 and 1,300 meters have descended to the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively.

Phivolcs said rockfall and pyroclastic density current (PDC) occurrences were also observed at the Mi-isi, Bonga, and Basud gullies.

Basud Gully is on the eastern portion of Mayon Volcano.

Phivolcs said volcanic debris has descended 4,000 meters from the crater.

The “very slow” lava effusion from Mayon Volcano's summit crater continues on June 26, 2023, causing incandescent rockfall and pyroclastic density current (PDC) activity along the Mi-isi and Bonga Gullies. (Screengrab from Phivolcs)

2 PDCs, 397 rockfalls, 4 volcanic quakes

During the 24-hour monitoring of the Mayon Volcano, Phivolcs also recorded two lava dome collapse-triggered PDCs that lasted two minutes, 397 rockfall events, and four volcanic earthquakes.

A significant amount of gas was also constantly released from Mayon, which caused its emission of steam-laden plumes about 1,500 meters high before dissipating to the southwest, south-southwest, and northwest.

Phivolcs noted that the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) averaged 864 tons per day when it was last measured on July 1.

‘Intensified’ unrest persists

Mayon Volcano is still under Alert Level 3 as it is “currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days is possible.”

Phivolcs strongly recommended the evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

In addition, it advised communities to maintain increased vigilance against PDCs, lahars and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows.

Pilots were also asked to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from a sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.

According to Phivolcs, communities on the southern side of Mayon Volcano may most likely experience ash fall events based on the current wind pattern.

Showdown at high noon

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jul 2, 2023 12:25 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Last Saturday, July 1, Filipino viewers were captivated by the return of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and their Dabarkads on their latest show "EAT" aired on TV5. Vice Ganda was cheered as he made a grand entrance in a helicopter to launch "It's Showtime" on GTV Channel. Fans of "Eat Bulaga" on GMA expressed their excitement as Isko Moreno, Paolo Contis and the other hosts welcomed TVJ to their new home and promised to deliver even more fun and entertainment.

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TVJ and the Legit Dabarkads do an elevator selfie after their successful launch show on TV5 (TVJ official Facebook page)

By Robert R. Requintina & Annalyn Jusay

Philippine television is alive once again after three daily noon shows aired simultaneously and fought for audience, ratings, and advertisements.

Last Saturday, July 1, Filipino viewers were captivated by the return of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and their Dabarkads on their latest show "EAT" aired on TV5. Vice Ganda was cheered as he made a grand entrance in a helicopter to launch "It's Showtime" on GTV Channel. Fans of "Eat Bulaga" on GMA expressed their excitement as Isko Moreno, Paolo Contis and the other hosts welcomed TVJ to their new home and promised to deliver even more fun and entertainment.

E.A.T. is the title of new VJ show

E.A.T. is the title of the legendary noontime show of Tito, Vic, Joey, and the Legit Dabarkads which premiered July 1, at its new home on TV5, the Kapatid network.

The whole gang was treated to a rousing, emotional welcome at the TV5 HQ in Mandaluyong City. Aside from being shown on TV5 free TV, the show was also aired on Cignal, Sat Lite, and streamed on Youtube and Facebook. As previously announced, viewing stations in malls and public places were also set up so that legions of fans can join in the fiesta.

TVJ's family members were there to give their moral support and were seen as teary-eyed at one point. Among them Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, Helen Gamboa (wife of Tito Sotto), Pauleen Luna (wife of Vic Sotto), Eileen Macapagal - De Leon (wife of Joey), Oyo Boy Sotto, and Kristine Hermosa.

The hosts said  the title E.A.T. stands for a lot of things (Eto Ang Title, Eto Ang Tadhana, Eto Ang True, etc.) but it appears that they will use the title until there's an official decision on who is the rightful owner of the term "Eat Bulaga!"

"Simula ng bagong pakikipagsapalaran. Dito tayo bubuo ng kuwento. Ito na ang bago nating simula," TVJ said as they made a dramatic entrance to the TV5 studio wearing red shirts. The show stretched to almost five hours with the trio singing classic OPM hits like " Ïkaw Lang ang Aking Mahal" and " Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko."

Paolo Ballesteros dressed up as Vice Ganda from the rival noontime while Ryzza Mae Dizon impersonated Miss Tapia. The rest of the Dabarkads such as Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Wally Bayola, Jose Manalo, Carren Eistrup, and Ryan Agoncillo delighted the audience with their song and dance numbers.

The show's special guest was megastar Sharon Cuneta  She sang her hits " Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" and " Bituing Walang Ningning" with TVJ.

Sharon, who is the niece of Helen Gamboa-Sotto, took a swipe at TVJ's former producers when she remarked: "Karangalan ko pong narito ako dahil bumalik sa ere ang ating show ng TVJ. Pero talagang sumama ang loob ko dahil dapat inalagaan kayo. Ayoko ng pinagdaanan nyo. You didn't deserve that."

(It's an honor for me to be here now that your show is back on air. But I admit I was hurt because they should have taken care of you. I did not like what you went through. You didn't deserve that.)

E.A.T. will be shown on the noontime slot of the Kapatid network from Mondays to Saturdays. In its launch episode, it introduced some of the segments that people can start joining starting next week. Some of these are the kiddie contests " Wala Ka Sa Apo Ko," " Vortas 5" and "Wag Kayong Ganun" which replace " Bawal Ang Judgmental."

The cast of 'Eat Bulaga' (Alexa Miro Facebook)

'Eat Bulaga' congratulates TVJ

The revamped "Eat Bulaga" concluded with a moving and inspiring statement from its hosts during its first month-sary celebration on GMA Network on July 1.

"Ang bagong 'Eat Bulaga,' hindi na ito tungkol sa mga hosts. Tungkol ito sa mga viewers," said Isko Moreno, at the end of the program. "That's why kung mapapansin ninyo, bagong pamamaraan ng pagbibigay saya. Kaya nga tinatawag naming tulong at saya. Yun ang handog ng 'Eat Bulaga.' "

(The new Eat Bulaga is no longer about the hosts. It's about the viewers. That's why if you notice, we have a new method of giving fun. That's why we call it service and fun. That's the offering of Eat Bulaga.)

Isko continued: "Minsan sa buhay natin meron tayong napapamahal sa isang bagay o isang tao. But life must go on. Kapag iniwan ka, palitan mo agad. Tama naman di ba? Yung magdyo-dyowa? Kailangan ninyong mag-move on."

(Sometimes in our lives, we fall in love with something or someone else. But life must go on. If they leave, you change them immediately. Isn't that right? You have to move on.)

"If there's one good thning, eto pangkalahatan na ito, about what is happening in noontime show today, ultin ko, buffet na po. Marami na kayong mapagpipilian. In our own little way, kami'y magsisikap, na makatulong at makapagpasaya. Basta ang aasahan ninyo, ang bagong 'Eat Bulaga,' ay tungkol na sa viewers."

(If there's one good thing, here's the general thing, about what is happening in the noontime show today, I repeat, it's a buffet. You have a lot to choose from. In our own little way, we'll try to help and make you happy. The new 'Eat Bulaga,' is about the viewers.)

Paolo Contis, one of the hosts, said: "Katulad nga ng sinabi ni Yorme, ang noontime (show) ngayon ay parang buffet, pero sana, kami ang lagi ninyong piliin. Happy July 1. Today is our month-sary."

(Just like Yorme said, today's noontime (show) is like a buffet, but hopefully, you will always choose us.)

At the start of the program, Paolo said: "Masasabi nating Ito na ang bagong era ng noontime show habit ninyo. Alam namin na updated kayo sa mga nangyayari. Gaya ninyo excited din po kami.

(We can say that this is the new era of your noontime show habit. We know that you are updated with what is happening. We are as excited as you are.)

"Para sa karamihan isa itong malaking kumpetisyon. Pero para sa programa tulad ng 'Eat Bulaga,' na 44 years na na nagpapasaya, hindi po ito kumpetisyon. Ito ay aming inspirasyon."

(For most it's a big competition. But for a program like 'Eat Bulaga,' which has been entertaining for 44 years, it's not a competition. It's our inspiration.)

Isko said: "Mahal namin kayo. May sakit o wala, the show must go on. Lalabis-labisin na namin. To Tito Sen, Vic, and Joey and their Dabarkads, congratulations sa inyo!

(We love you. Sick or not, the show must go on. We're going to go all out. To Tito Sen, Vic, and Joey and their Dabarkads, congratulations to you!)

"Masaya kami may bago na kayong tahanan. Masaya kami kasi marami ng pagpipilian ang mga tao. Marami na kayong choices.

(We are happy that you have a new home. We are happy because people have many choices. You have many choices.)

"Taos puso sampu ng aming mga kasama, staff, production, the management, TAPE Incorporated, we warmly welcome and congratulate Tito, Vic and Joey. Congratulations po!" Isko added.

On May 31, TVJ and their Dabarkads left GMA Network following issues with TAPE Inc., producer of the longest-running noontime show "Eat Bulaga."

Replacing TVJ and Dabarkads were Paolo, Alexa Miro, Bayani Agbayani, Buboy Villar, Betong Sumaya, Cassy Legaspi, and Mavy Legaspi. Other hosts were added to the show, including Isko who debuted in the program on June 10.

Jhong, Vhong, Vice, Anne, Barbie, Sanya, Alexa, and Belle on 'It's Showtime' (ABS-CBN)

'It's Showtime' premieres on GTV 

ABS-CBN's and GMA's biggest stars came together to mark another milestone as they joined the debut of "It's Showtime" on GMA's second free-to-air channel, GTV.

The popular noontime show opened with an all-star number featuring It's Showtime hosts Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Kim Chiu, Amy Perez, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, Cianne Dominguez, Jackie Gonzaga, MC and Lassy with Kapamilya stars Belle Mariano, Alexa Ilacad, Jolina Magdangal, Chie Filomeno, and Erik Santos, and Kapuso stars, Sanya Lopez, Rodjun and Rayver Cruz, Pokwang, Mark Bautista, and Barbie Forteza. Famous content creator AC Soriano meanwhile joined the show's gap show, "It's Showtime Online U."

"It’s really happening. Buong bansa at buong mundo ang saksi dito sa makasaysayang selebrasyon natin. Wala nang titindi sa pinakamatinding plot twist ng taon. Dahil ang Kapamilya at Kapuso ngayon ay pinag-isa. Nakakatuwa na pinagsasama-sama ang Kapamilya at Kapuso stars," Vice said.

The show's hashtag #GnaGsaShowtime trended no.1 on Twitter worldwide as soon as the opening number began. Also making it to the trending list were Belle, Christian, Barbie, ABS-CBN, Argus, and Rayver Cruz. 

ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak and head of TV Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi joined the madlang people in the studio to show their support for the whole "It's Showtime" family. 

Vice thanked GMA’s bosses chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, president and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., executive vice president and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and senior vice president for programming, talent management, worldwide, and support group, and president and CEO of GMA Films Annette Gozon-Valdes for giving "It's Showtime" a new home.

"Maraming salamat po pati na rin sa mga Kapuso na naki-party at naki-sayaw sa akin noong nagshoot ako sa GMA. Ang sarap ng pagtanggap at pagmamahal niyo dyan," the unkabogable star said.

Aside from the explosive numbers from the Kapamilya and Kapuso stars, Vice surprised the madlang people by riding a helicopter from ABS-CBN compound to GMA Network and performed "Glad You Came" with cheering Kapusos and dancers in front of the GMA Network Center. 

"Unbreak My Heart" stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap, Joshua Garcia, and Gabbi Garcia were present to witness the big day on television.

The premiere episode on GTV was also the grand finals of the first "Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets, wherein Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna won as the grand champions.

They garnered a total average score of 98.3 percent from the combined hurado scores from judges Louie Ocampo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nyoy Volante, Marco Sison, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Jona, and Darren Espanto plus Kapuso singers Christian Bautista and Mark Bautista. They beat John Saga and Kim Nemenzo with 95.3 percent and Eumee Capili and Anton Antenorcruz with 91.6 percent. As the first "TNT Duets" champion, JM and Marielle received P500,000 and a trophy designed by Toym Imao. 

As the first season of “Tawag ng Tanghalan Duets” came to an end, “It’s Showtime” also teased its viewers to watch out for the seventh season of "TNT" today, July 3. (With a report from ABS-CBN)

PLDT overpowers Akari

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The High Speed Hitters are off to a winning start after spoiling Faith Nisperos’ debut with the Chargers for their first win in Pool A.

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PLDT overpowered Akari, 25-15, 25-19, 25-22, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Saturday, July 1, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The High Speed Hitters are off to a winning start after spoiling Faith Nisperos’ debut with the Chargers for their first win in Pool A.

Dell Palomata and Rhea Dimaculangan lead PLDT to its first win against Akari in the PVL Invitational Conference. (PVL Images)

Rhea Dimaculangan, who tallied five points and 11 excellent sets, had the full rotation working with her playmaking as the High Speed Hitters finished with a balanced scoring.

Dell Palomata top-scored for PLDT with 14 points on 10 attacks, three blocks and an ace, while Jovielyn Prado finished with 13 points.

Mich Morente, for her part, added 11 points highlighted by three service aces.

It was an 18-5 start in the opening set for PLDT after Dimaculangan’s 1-2 play kept Akari’s defense scrambling.

The Chargers momentarily recovered and went on a 5-1 run capped by Lycha Ebon’s back-to-back points to cut the deficit by a single-digit, 19-10.

However, Morente took flight and hammered down three consecutive hits to widen the gap anew, 22-10.

Akari then pulled itself within nine after another 5-2 run finished off by Dindin Santiago-Manabat’s crosscourt attack, but Palomata punctuated the set with a quick hit.

After trailing 12-7 in the second set, Akari managed to dig itself out of the deficit and for the first time put the match at a deadlock of 13-all.

But it was the last time the Chargers came that close to PLDT as it quickly regained full control of the game to seize a 2-0 set lead.

The High Speed Hitters jumped to a 13-8 lead in the third set, but the Chargers showed some resistance and were able to close the gap at 21-18 through Trisha Genesis’ crosscourt shot.

Jessey De Leon and Palomata, though, scored two successive points for PLDT to maintain some distance from Akari.

Santiago-Manabat continued the fightback for the Chargers with an off-the-block hit before committing a costly service error that put High Speed Hitters at match point, 24-19.

A 3-0 run gave Akari some semblance of life, but Palomata got back on her feet and denied Genesis at the net to seal the win for PLDT.

Meanwhile, Santiago-Manabat was the lone double-digit scorer for Akari with 10 points as Nisperos was held to a five-point outing.

The Chargers joined the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the Gerflor Defenders in the losing column in Pool A with one each.

Meteor showers to illuminate PH skies in July

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jul 2, 2023 10:28 AM

  

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Filipinos may get to see three meteor shower events this month, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its July astronomical diary.

PAGASA said the Piscis Austrinid, Southern δ-Aquariids, and α-Capricornids meteor showers will all be active this month.

The Piscis Austrinid meteor shower will be visible from July 15 to Aug. 10 with its peak on July 29.

“It will be active from the time its radiant, Piscis Austrinus, begins to rise in the southeastern sky at 8:47 p.m. until before sunrise, producing an average of five meteors per hour,” PAGASA said.

“The number of visible meteors increases as the radiant rises to its highest point in the sky around 2 a.m.,” it added.

The southern sky on July 29, 2023, at 2 a.m., during the peak of the Piscis Austrinids when the shower’s radiant represented by the solid green circle is most prominent in the sky. (PAGASA) 

However, it pointed out that the waxing gibbous Moon may cause substantial interference in the observation of this meteor shower event.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the Southern δ-Aquariids meteor shower will be active from July 12 to Aug. 23 with its peak activity on July 30.

It is anticipated to produce 25 meteors per hour. 

The α-Capricornids will also be active from July 3 to Aug. 15, with its peak activity on July 30, PAGASA said.

Five meteors are expected to be produced every hour.

“Both of these meteor showers (Southern δ-Aquariids and α-Capricornids) can be found in the southeastern sky, and are likely to produce their best displays around 2 a.m. when their radiant point is highest in the sky,” PAGASA said.