Should ladies pay the bill on a first date? KC Concepcion reacts: 'No way!'

 BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Nov 13, 2023 08:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Splitting the bill is okay at times. Pero huwag naman yung ikaw ang manlilibre sa kanya on your first date. Unless you ask him out at kung gustong-gusto mo siya." 

KC Concepcion (Facebook)

Actress KC Concepcion has expressed that she does not believe that women should be expected to pay on their first date.

On her latest vlog "Ask Me Anything" uploaded on Nov. 12, KC said she would really love for the man to take care of the bill for the first date.

"No way! Not for me!" said KC when asked if ladies should pay the bill on their first date. 

KC added: "I appreciate it when the man shoulders the bill. And ladies, it's up to us too to offer to pay sometimes as well.  I think men really appreciate that. 

"But I think for the first date, I'd really love for the man to take care of the bill. Pero kung hindi ganun ang nangyari, it doesn't mean na hindi okay. But i like to feel like a woman. I like to be kilig. Because I know what I can offer. I know that mag-e-enjoy din siya with me. 

"Splitting the bill is okay at times. Pero huwag naman yung ikaw ang manlilibre sa kanya on your first date. Unless you ask him out at kung gustong-gusto mo siya," she said. 

 

KC, 38, also shared her advice to ladies in their 30s.

"I love being in my 30s. Our 30s are a lot more empowering and a lot more fun in your 20s because you know yourself better, or you should know yourself better—your strengths, your weaknesses, being honest, what you can offer. 

"And hopefully, by now, you already have a job, even if it's not a. career path. Having a job is important. And also you should have more money than you did in your 20s. And you should be more conscious of taking care of yourself. Your skin care, your health. It's like being in your 20s but better.

"You also have your tribe. You know who your true friends are. In your 30s, you also think about doing this for the people you love. When you're still young, especially now, it's a lot easier to travel.

"Mas marami na tayong alam because of social media. I think in your 30s it's a good time to enjoy life. What our lives will look like in the next five years really depends on what we do now," KC also said.

Low Pressure Area to enter PAR, likely to develop into tropical depression

 

By Arlie O. Calalo

November 13, 2023 

MANILA, Philippines: THE low pressure area (LPA) spotted outside the country will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) anytime today and may intensify into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Monday.

Weather specialist Robert "Obet" Badrina said the LPA was last spotted 1,400 kilometers east of north-eastern Mindanao.

"It would likely enter PAR in 24 hours and the potential for this weather disturbance to become a tropical depression was high," Badrina said.

He said the agency has yet to issue a forecast track as it is possible that its direction would change in the coming days.

Pagasa said that the shear line where the hot and cold air converge is affecting Southern Luzon.

The northeast monsoon or "amihan" meanwhile is affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

It will bring overcast skies with isolated light rains in Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Ilocos Region, the rest of Central Luzon and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpour and thunderstorms.

President Marcos has declared 2023 to 2033 as "Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas."

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Marcos said the move was part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen the Filipino people’s nationalism, respect for heroes, and pride for the people’s accomplishment.

Through Proclamation No. 396 dated Nov. 7 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to lead, coordinate and supervise the observance of the “Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.”

"[T]he Filipino nation greatly values the almost a century of contributions of the dedicated individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others, who all work tirelessly to advance historical research, promote the legacy of esteemed Filipino figures through commemorative events, safeguard and restore historic sites, structures, objects, and properties, show reverence for national symbols, and educate the public about their rich history and heritage," the proclamation read. 

The NHCP was also directed to identify the programs, projects, and activities for the celebration of the Dekada. It is set to celebrate its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC).

Under the proclamation, all other agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or-controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges were enjoined to render the necessary support and assistance to the NHCP.

All local government units, non-government organization, and the private sector were also encouraged  to actively participate in the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

How long did it take you to learn to speak German?

Thomas L. Johnson

Former Top Writer (2015-18) & Top Question Writer (2016-18)

12,544 followers

1,000 following

Decades.

I thought I was speaking German after spending months in a Goethe Institute. Then a little kid told me that one learns German “with great effort.” He used the word Muehe (with an umlaut). = Mühe

I thought I had learned German when I studied Germanistik at a German University. Then I had to deliver a paper to the entire Seminar and realized that they were hearing an American trying to speak German.

I thought I had arrived when I did a book presentation of my second book published in Germany. Then a guy wanted me to do a radio interview and I performed at the level of a beginner.

Exactly fifty years after I took my first German class, I am not sure I actually speak German. I have friends with whom I have only spoken German and I have spent a sabbatical in Berlin and dealt with German Publishers. I am still waiting for the jury to say that I actually speak German.

Now I am an old guy and Germans generally understand me when I speak. So I guess the answer is fifty years. It takes about fifty years to learn to speak German.

And it is worth the effort.

Pageant vloggers Tita Lavinia, Norman Tinio share top picks for Miss Universe 2023

 

Bernard Decloedt - Philstar.com

Manila, Philippines  — The heat is on in El Salvador. Exactly a week before the coronation night, pageant enthusiasts are pumped up to know who is going to be the 72nd Miss Universe.

In a Philstar.com exclusive, well-known pageant vloggers Norman Tinio and Tita Lavinia gave their early top picks leading up to the preliminaries this November 15 (November 16 in Manila). 

Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee, or MMD for short, kicked off her Miss Universe campaign with a "Hello, Universe" video that is now viral. She is now leading the "Voice of Change" portion of the competition. 

Norman Tinio is a permanent fixture in Philippine pageantry. He runs a widely followed pageant blog.  TIta Lavinia, meanwhile, is a popular pageant analyst and a certified cat lover. She also has a YouTube channel.  

Below are their top picks before the Preliminaries: 

Norman's list: 

1. Dominican Republic 

2. Nicaragua 

3. El Salvador  

4. Thailand  

5. Philippines 

6. India 

7. Ukraine 

8. Russia 

9. France 

10. South Africa

11. Bahrain 

12. USA 

13. Colombia 

14. Venezuela 

Tita Lavinia's list: 

1. Australia 

2. France 

3. India

4. Thailand 

5. Philippines 

6. Mexico 

7. Colombia 

8. Puerto Rico 

9.    Egypt

10. Russia 

11. Venezuela

12. Nicaragua

13. Dominican Republic

14. El Salvador

This list will definitely change come the preliminaries this coming Thursday (November 16).

Will our very own Michelle Dee clinch our fifth Miss Universe title? 

Stay tuned with the fearless forecast of beauty pageant experts coming soon after the preliminaries!

Cayetano to newly elected barangay officials: Help transform the Philippines into a drug-free country

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday urged newly elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to join the fight toward a drug-free Philippines.

“Magtulong-tulong tayong gawing drug-free ang Pilipinas,” Cayetano told the more than 300 newly elected barangay chairpersons and kagawad of the City of Taguig during their oath-taking ceremony on November 12, 2023.

In his keynote speech, Cayetano identified illegal drugs as a “red line” local officials must never cross or tolerate as it “does not bring any good” to the community.

“Lalo na po na ang klase ng droga na available sa ating mga kababayan ay shabu. Scientifically proven po y’un na sinisira po y’ung utak, nagkakaroon ng violent tendencies, nakakakita ng wala naman,” he said.

The senator said an effective way to beat illegal drugs in the country is to “minister” to the users and pushers, rather than just running after them.

“Malungkot, nawawala sa kanyang sarili, namomoroblema, gutom, walang hanapbuhay – these are some reasons kaya kumakapit sila sa droga,” he said.

“Lahat ng paraan para mawala ang droga, gagawin natin,” he added.

Cayetano also urged the newly elected officials of the city not to succumb to illegal gambling establishments and businesses that promote “immorality” as means of generating revenue for their barangays because they “erode the [City’s] values.”

“There are 1,001 ways na ma-increase ang pondo ng inyong barangay,” he said.

“Ang gusto po ba natin ay panay saya ng laman na kanya-kanya [tayo] at bahala na anong mangyari sa Taguig, or gusto ba nating family-oriented ang Siyudad natin na dedicated sa Panginoon?” he added.

Taguig, also known as a 'Probinsyudad' under the leadership of the senator's wife Mayor Lani Cayetano, is known for its strict prohibition on the construction of bingo houses, cockfighting arenas, casinos, and motels.

“Sana po magkaisa tayo na ang Taguig ay para sa Diyos at ibe-bless ang bawat pamilya,” he said.

Cayetano also addressed the almost 300 newly elected SK officials during their oath-taking on Sunday night, urging them to “keep their integrity” and serve as good examples to their fellow youth.

“Because being a public servant is so personal, it is very important that you keep your integrity. Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no,” he said, quoting from the Book of Matthew in the Bible.

“You have to be the example kasi elected kayo. Remember, people follow what we (elected leaders) do,” he added. ###

Pauline Amelinckx receives Miss Supranational’s ‘Woman of Substance’ award

Pauline Amelinckx (right) receives the ‘Woman of Substance award from reigning Miss Supranational Andrea Aguilera./SCREENSHOT FROM MISS SUPRANATIONAL FACEBOOK VIDEO

By: Armin P. AdinaI NQUIRER.net

Pauline Amelinck received the “Woman of Substance” award from the Miss Supranational organization during the finals of The Miss Philippines Culture and Heritage Celebration last month, the third time that the international pageant has bestowed such a distinction.

“It is a small token to show our respect to Pau-Pau for her dedication, speaking out against body shaming and her #FromTheGroundUpCSI project, which focused on the importance of #environmentalprotection through education,” the Miss Supranational pageant said on social media. The two previous recipients of the award were Jesica Fitriana from Indonesia, and Dr. Julita Kitwe Mbangula from Namibia.

Fitriana was second runner-up in the 2019 Miss Supranational pageant. Then-reigning queen Anntonia Porsild from Thailand bestowed the recognition to her in a trip to Indonesia to see the project initiated by the Indonesia beauty in Bogor in West Java, creating safe spaces for children infected with HIV/AIDs by their parents.

Mbangbula, a physician, finished in the Top 24 of last year’s competition. She was recognized for her medical outreach programs, social welfare initiatives, and health education programs online and in disadvantaged communities. The organization awarded her during the 2023 Miss and Mister Supranational Namibia pageant in March.

Amelinckx finished strong in the 2023 Miss Supranational pageant in Poland in July, placing second to Ecuador’s Andrea Aguilera. The reigning queen flew to the Philippines and personally handed over the trophy to the Filipino beauty during the final competition show of The Miss Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Oct. 24.

“My Pau-Pau, for me it is an honor to give you this third-ever Woman of Substance award. Because of your dedication, for never giving up, for working so, so hard for your community, you deserve it. Pau-Pau, we, our Supra family, we are so proud of you. We love you so much,” Aguilera said.

The awarding took place after Amelinckx delivered her farewell speech as The Miss Philippines. She became the first women to hold the title after Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee awarded her the crown upon her arrival from Poland in August.

This year’s The Miss Philippines is the national search’s first edition. It is a sister competition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant under Empire Holdings Inc. Amelinckx relinquished her national title to Alethea Ambrosio, who made an impact by answering in straight Filipino in the contest.

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Nov. 12, 2023

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#TheManilaTimes #WeatherUpdateToday #WeatherForecast

40 views • Nov 12, 2023 • #TheManilaTimes #WeatherUpdateToday #WeatherForecast

The Essential Philippines: More Than Just The Beaches

The Essential Philippines: More Than Just The Beaches. Dive deep into the 'Essential Philippines' and discover a world beyond its famed beaches and tourist hype. From the rhythmic dances of its indigenous tribes to the harmonious chaos of its bustling cities, this video unveils the heart and soul of an archipelago teeming with stories. Wander through alleyways of its history, savor street food delights, and immerse in centuries-old traditions. Experience the Philippines in its rawest, most captivating form. Join us on a journey that goes beyond the surface and into the very essence of this Pacific gem.

THRILLMAKER: Max Collins on her bestie's Miss Universe chances

 BY JOEE GUILAS

Nov 11, 2023 09:57 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Thrillmaker bumped into Max during the recent tree lighting event of Newport World Resorts, which officially opened the facility’s Yuletide celebration dubbed “The World of Christmas.”

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Max Collins 

She has a very, very big chance of winning. I think she’s so prepared to represent our country to the best of her abilities. I think she’s just gonna rock it.  So I’m really just proud and happy for her.” These were the words of Kapuso actress Max Collins, who, together with Rhian Ramos, are two of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee’s closest friends.

The Thrillmaker bumped into Max during the recent tree lighting event of Newport World Resorts, which officially opened the facility’s Yuletide celebration dubbed “The World of Christmas.”

Looking gorgeous, wearing a sparkly dress that made her stand out that night, the GMA artist fearlessly predicts that her friend will surely bring the country back in the game in this year’s competition after last year’s exclusion of Philippine representative Celeste Cortesi from the pageant’s first cut. Max is confident that Michelle will go far and reach the top 10 and even the top 3 of this year’s competition, with destiny eventually dictating her final ranking and placement. 

 

    

“I’m praying that she wins,” she said.

Admitting that she has had some short exchanges with Michelle since the contest started in El Salvador, Max shared that Michelle has been in high spirits since her arrival despite adjusting to certain things she now has to do independently. 

“She’s been very busy but she’s very excited.  I think she’s more prepared than ever, she’s been waiting for this moment forever. I just know about her excitement and stress as well.  I know she’s kinda stressed out because she’s doing her make-up and her hair on her own.  It’s different to be away from the comforts of home, but she’s always up for the challenge,” Max declared.

Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee

Asked about Michelle’s speculation on the final evening gown, the bestie could only say: “Even the best friend hasn’t seen it.  She’s been very secretive about her final gown.  It’ll be a surprise for all of us.”

Come Nov. 19 (Philippine time), Max will surely be among many fans cheering for Michelle to go all the way and bag the country’s fifth Miss Universe title.  She said: “Michelle, good luck.  We’re all praying for you. Go get that crown!”

For her part, Max has also been winning her own crowns in local show business.  She is currently shooting a new GMA teleserye which is intended to be aired by next year.  The project has Marian Rivera and Gabby Concepcion as her co-stars and is entitled “My Guardian Alien.”  This is the first time Max will be pitting acting talents with Marian, which she took as a challenge: “I thought it was going to be more challenging, but it was fun for me.  I was kinda nervous about it initially, but when we shot the scene, it just came naturally, and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to doing more scenes with her,” she disclosed.

The Thrillmaker and Max Collins

On top of her new TV project, Max is also excited about her film “Firefly,” which made it to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.  In the movie, she shares lead billing with Alessandra de Rossi and Dingdong Dantes.

“It’s a family movie.  It is a beautiful story.  Nakakaiyak talaga yung story. Nakakatuwa, nakaka-aliw, lahat! I really hope that people get to watch it.” 

Well, I’m sure they’ll do but not until after they see how Michelle rules the Miss Universe stage in San Salvador a few days from now!