Mindanao folk uneasy amid strong aftershocks

 

SAFER HERE Residents of Barangay Bitoon in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, on Monday set up makeshift shelters in a school ground for fear of staying in their houses, which might give way to strong aftershocks in the wake of Saturday’s magnitude 7.4 earthquake. —ERWIN M. MASCARIÑAS

By: Germelina Lacorte - @inquirerdotnetPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 04:40 AM December 05, 2023

DAVAO CITY — Residents in several areas in Mindanao could not rest after another strong earthquake struck Surigao del Sur on Monday, amid the continuing strong aftershocks from the main magnitude 7.4 tremor that hit off the province’s town of Hinatuan on Saturday.

The aftershocks from the magnitude 7.4 quake were also strong, reverberating in many areas across the Surigao and Agusan provinces, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recording close to 2,000 aftershocks as of Monday.

The series of quakes have prompted many residents in Surigao del Sur, particularly in the town of Hinatuan, to avoid staying indoors and instead move into makeshift tents set up outside their homes and nearby school grounds.

At 3:49 a.m. on Monday, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur, at a depth of 30 kilometers (18 miles), some 72 km northeast of the town, the Phivolcs said.

It was felt at Intensity 5 in Cagwait; Intensity 4 in Surigao del Sur’s Tandag City and in Tarragona town of Davao Oriental; and at Intensity 3 in Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, and in Davao Oriental’s towns of Banaybanay and Lupon and Mati City. This was the second strong earthquake to hit Surigao del Sur and the latest in a slew of strong quakes—all concentrated in the same area—days after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Hinatuan on Dec. 2.

From the Cagwait quake, the Phivolcs recorded 190 aftershocks, as of 1 p.m. on Monday, ranging from 1.8 in magnitude to 5.7 in magnitude.

Class suspension

On Monday, some local government units in Mindanao affected by the magnitude 7.4 quake called off classes while school buildings and other private and government structures underwent safety inspections.

In Davao City, Acting Mayor Melchor Quitain, who suspended classes in public schools and implemented a work-from-home scheme in all government offices, said it was done to safeguard the welfare of the public. This developed as Phivolcs recorded a total of 1,898 aftershocks as of 1 p.m. on Monday, with magnitude, ranging from 1.4 to 6.6, as monitored by the Phivolcs Bislig City station.

In Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur province, Mayor Kirk Asis suspended classes at all levels, both in public and private schools on Monday to give way for a thorough inspection of public infrastructures and to assess the damage that the city had incurred. Some cracks have been noted in the city’s Catholic church building, while part of Prince Supermarket’s facade had collapsed, following Saturday’s quake.

The Davao del Norte provincial disaster risk reduction and management office also reported the suspension of in-person classes at all levels in the cities of Panabo and Samal Island and the towns of Braulio E. Dujali, Asuncion, Carment, Santo Tomas, and New Corella to give way to building assessment.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental’s provincial capital, Mayor Michelle Rabat suspended all classes in public schools on Monday, even as the 2,697 people who fled their houses after the quake had returned home on Sunday after the Phivolcs lifted its tsunami alert.

In Agusan del Sur, residents asked the provincial and local governments to provide vehicles to fetch students in other areas of Mindanao affected by the Dec. 2 earthquake.

Panicking

Police Staff Sgt. Joseph Lambo of the Hinatuan police said Sunday evening’s strong quake sent people rushing out of their homes again.

“They were panicking due to the memory of the previous night’s quake,” Lambo told Agence France-Presse (AFP). He said police were checking for any further damage or casualties.

Saturday’s quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific region and sent residents along the east coast of Mindanao fleeing buildings, evacuating a hospital, and seeking higher ground.

There have been no reports of major damage to buildings or infrastructure so far, disaster officials told AFP earlier on Sunday.

A 30-year-old man died in Bislig City, also in Surigao del Sur, when a wall inside his house collapsed on top of him, said local disaster official Pacifica Pedraverde.

Some roads in the city were cracked during the earthquake and aftershocks but vehicles could still drive on them, she said.

A pregnant woman was killed in Tagum City in Davao del Norte province, the national disaster agency said, without providing details.

Two people suffered minor injuries from falling debris in Tandag City, about 100 km north of Bislig, an official said.

The Phivolcs initially warned of a “destructive tsunami” after the first quake on Saturday, expecting “life-threatening” waves, though none occurred and the warning later ended.

The recent temblors came some two weeks after a magnitude 6.7 quake hit Mindanao, killing at least nine people, shaking buildings and causing part of a shopping mall ceiling to collapse.

Philippine Fairy Tales (IX) - Philippinische Märchen (IX)

 

VON DEN ERSTEN MENSCHEN

Die Bagobos im südlichen Mindanao glaubten daran, dass es vor langer Zeit auf der weiten Welt keinen einzigen Mann und auch keine einzige Frau gegeben hatte. Nur Tuglay und Tuglibon, zwei machtvolle Wesen, die die Welt erschaffen hatten, lebten dort.

Eines Tages sprach Tuglay zu Tuglibon: "Liebe Frau, vielleicht wäre es besser, wenn es auf der Welt Menschen gäbe."

"In der Tat wäre es besser", antwortete Tuglibon. "Wenigstens wäre dann jemand da, der sich in dieser schönen, neuen Welt, die wir erschaffen haben, erfreuen könnte. Lass uns einen Mann und eine Frau formen, die den blauen Himmel und das weite Meer lieben werden. Lass uns den Menschen erschaffen, die die Blumen in den Tälern und die Wolken über den Bergen mögen."

So nahm Tuglay ein wenig Maismehl, vermischte es mit Wasser und formte daraus menschliche Gestalten. Dann bedeckte er sie mit Schuppen und hauchte ihnen Leben ein.

Als sich die erschaffenen Wesen auf die Beine stellten, waren sie sehr schwerfällig, denn Tuglay hatte vergessen, ihnen Gelenke zu machen. Sie hatten steife Arme und Beine, und beim Gehen stolperten sie. Sie besaßen außerdem zu kleine Augen, versteckte Ohren und kaum sichtbare Nasen. Mit den steifen Fingern konnten sie nichts festhalten, und weil Schuppen ihre Körper bedeckten, schienen sie eher Kriechtieren ähnlich zu sein als Menschen.

"Die Menschen, die du erschaffen hast, gefallen mir nicht", sagte Tuglibon. "Versuche doch, andere Menschen zu machen!"

Aber Tuglay war mit ihnen zufrieden. "Ich glaube, es fehlt ihnen nichts", erwiderte er seiner Frau.

Aber je länger Tuglibon die Menschen ansah, desto weniger gefielen sie ihr. "Wie wird die Welt aussehen, wenn sie von solchen hässlichen Wesen bevölkert sein wird?" fragte sie. "Ich will, dass die Menschen anmutig einhergehen und dass sie nicht wie irgendwelche Schlangen mit Schuppen bedeckt sind."

"Diese zwei gehören mir", erwiderte Tuglay kühl, "ich werde sie nicht verändern."

Tuglibon widersprach ihrem Mann nicht mehr, aber es verdross sie sehr, als sie sah, was sie Klügeres ersinnen könnte, schleuderte sie ihrem Mann eine Handvoll Maismehl in die Augen. "Jetzt wird er mich nicht bei der Arbeit sehen", dachte sie bei sich.

Schnell bereitete sie aus Mehl einen Teig und begann, menschliche Gestalten zu formen. Zwischen den Knochen machte sie ihnen Gelenke, sie setzte ihnen klare Augen ein, formte ihnen schöne Ohren, machte ihnen grössere Nasen und einen schönen Mund. Sie glättete ihre Haut, damit sie zart und geschmeidig sei, und nur an den Fingerspitzen ließ sie Schuppen. Schliesslich gab sie jedem noch ein grosses Herz, um einander zu lieben zu können, und hauchte ihnen Leben sein.

Als Tuglibon ihre Arbeit beendet hatte, wusch sie von Tuglays Augen das Maismehl ab. Tuglay ärgerte sich sehr, als er feststellte, was seine Frau getan hatte. Aber als er den Mann und die Frau näher betrachtete, überzeugte er sich, dass sie in der Tat viel schöner waren als seine Schöpfung.

"Ich bin froh, dass du sie erschaffen hast", sprach er. "Sie und ihre Kinder werden auf dieser Welt herrschen."

"Sie werden das Schöne lieben und das Böse meiden", setzte Tuglibon hinzu. "Sie werden am Gesang der Vögel ihre Freude haben, sie werden ihre Körper in kühlen Quellen und Fluessen waschen. Sie werden sich lieben, und wenn sie am Tag die Sonne und in der Nacht den Mond und die Sterne schauen, werden sie uns auch lieben, denn wir haben sie erschaffen!"

Als Tuglibon ihre Rede beendet hatte, schaute sie Tuglay an, und beide lächelten dem ersten Mann und der ersten Frau zu. Diese wurden die Ahnen der Menschen, die jetzt die Erde bevölkern.

+++

FROM THE FIRST PEOPLE

The Bagobos of southern Mindanao believed that long ago there was not a single man or woman in the world. Only Tuglay and Tuglibon, two powerful beings who created the world, lived there.

One day Tuglay said to Tuglibon: "Dear woman, perhaps it would be better if there were people in the world."

"Indeed it would be better," replied Tuglibon. "At least then there would be someone to enjoy in this brave new world we have created. Let us form a man and a woman who will love the blue sky and the wide sea. Let us create man, who like the flowers in the valleys and the clouds over the mountains."

So Tuglay took a little corn flour, mixed it with water and formed human figures out of it. Then he covered them with scales and breathed life into them.

When the created beings stood on their feet, they were very clumsy because Tuglay had forgotten to make them joints. Their arms and legs were stiff and they stumbled when they walked. They also had eyes that were too small, ears that were hidden and noses that were barely visible. They couldn't hold anything with their stiff fingers, and because their bodies were covered with scales, they seemed more like reptiles than humans.

“I don’t like the people you created,” Tuglibon said. “Try to make other people!”

But Tuglay was happy with them. "I don't think there's anything wrong with them," he replied to his wife.

But the longer Tuglibon looked at people, the less she liked them. "What will the world look like when it is populated by such ugly creatures?" she asked. "I want people to walk gracefully and not be covered in scales like snakes."

"These two belong to me," replied Tuglay coolly, "I will not change them."

Tuglibon no longer contradicted her husband, but she was very annoyed, and when she saw what she could think of that was cleverer, she threw a handful of cornmeal into her husband's eyes. "Now he won't see me at work," she thought to herself.

She quickly made a dough out of flour and began to shape human figures. She made them joints between their bones, she gave them clear eyes, formed beautiful ears for them, gave them larger noses and a beautiful mouth. She smoothed her skin so that it was soft and supple, leaving only the tips of her fingers with scales. Finally, she gave everyone a big heart to be able to love each other and breathed life into them.

When Tuglibon finished her work, she washed the cornmeal from Tuglay's eyes. Tuglay was very upset when he realized what his wife had done. But as he looked closer at the man and woman, he became convinced that they were indeed much more beautiful than his creation.

"I'm glad you created them," he spoke. "They and their children will rule this world."

“They will love what is beautiful and avoid what is evil,” added Tuglibon. "They will delight in the singing of birds; they will wash their bodies in cool springs and rivers. They will love each other, and when they see the sun by day and the moon and stars by night, they will love us too , because we created them!"

When Tuglibon finished speaking, she looked at Tuglay, and they both smiled at the first man and woman. These became the ancestors of the people who now populate the earth.

+++

Was die deutschsprachige Märchenliteratur anbelangt, so ist das im Dausien-Verlag (1978) erschienene Buch "Philippinische Märchen" sehr zu empfehlen. Man findet es ab und an im Antiquariat oder bei ebay. 

Finally, a nation cares for its caregivers

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 5, 2023 06:05 AM

  

---

In our lives, caregivers have played an integral role, from the moment we are born, during times when we are ill or incapacitated, or during old age. Their roles are indispensable, yet for far too long, they are vulnerable in the absence of legal protection. 

By definition of the law, a “caregiver” refers to licensed health care professionals voluntarily registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and those duly assessed and certified by TESDA. They may be employed directly, full time or part time, part of a private household or nursing facility. To put it simply, a caregiver is someone who gives care to another individual or group of people. 

Over the years, there has been no definitive law protecting a caregiver. This absence has led to a litany of abuses — substandard wages, unfair employment terms, substandard working conditions, etc. The list goes on, and this cycle of abuse has placed a burden on caregivers who only want to have a decent employment. 

This cycle, however, doesn’t need to go on with the signing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 23, 2023, of a law that sets policies aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of caregivers. This is Republic Act (RA) 11965 or “An Act Institutionalizing Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Caregivers in the Practice of their Occupation.”  

“It is hereby declared the policy of the State to recognize the role of caregivers in national development and to institute policies in the practice in the occupation with the end in view of developing competent caregivers whose standards of professional service shall be excellent and globally competitive,” according to RA 11965.

Under this new law, caregivers are assured that their rights are protected. They must be entitled to an employment contract guaranteeing at least a daily minimum wage. They fall under the coverage of existing labor laws, ensuring overtime pay for extended working hours and night shift differentials for those working in the evening. Add to these, they should be paid on time, either once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.  

With the law, they are also entitled to a 13th-month pay, paid leaves, plus coverage by SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG. Departments such as DOLE, TESDA, and the Migrant Workers (DMW) are tasked to oversee the implementation of the law. The DMW is also mandated to oversee protection of Filipino caregivers being deployed overseas. 

The signing of the law by the President was welcomed by various sectors, especially among those who have noted that this is not only timely but relevant in this day and age when Filipino caregivers are in such high demand here and abroad. 

“As we recognize the important role of our caregivers in national development, we must ensure they are protected against abuse, harassment, and economic exploitation,” said Sen. Joel Villanueva, one of the co-authors of the law.

All laws signed by the President are relevant in their ways and in the national context, but RA 11965 marks a significant milestone as it finally recognizes the invaluable contributions of thousands of caregivers — unsung heroes — who tirelessly care for the sick, the vulnerable, the elderly. This law is long overdue, yet we welcome its arrival as this signifies that the nation is finally ready and legally able to truly care for its caregivers. 

Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur aftershocks now over 1,500

This photo shows an aftermath of the Magnitude 7.4 quake in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

Hinatuan Local Government Unit / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake which rocked Surigao del Sur on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday said that it has recorded 1,583 aftershocks so far.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said that the figures were logged as of 5 a.m. on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bacolcol said that the tsunami warning which was issued after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake has already been lifted according to Bacolcol.

He also said that the magnitude 6.8 Sarangani earthquake which occurred in November has no connection to the Surigao del Sur tremor.

“We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability na puwedeng magkasabay," Bacolcol said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.

(We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability that they can occur simultaneously).

“We’re part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, ineexpect na talaga natin yang marami tayong earthquakes, marami tayong active faults, marami tayong active volcanoes, and pwede magkasabay-sabay ‘yan,” he noted, highlighting that experiencing nearly 20 minor tremors a day is considered normal.

(We're part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so we really expect to have many earthquakes, numerous active faults, plenty of active volcanoes, and those can happen simultaneously.)

He also cautioned the public that if a comparable magnitude 7.4 earthquake will occur along the West Valley Fault, it could result in 33,000 casualties in Metro Manila.

In a seperate interview with the STAR, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook Surigao del Sur was undoubtedly a significant event that can be likened to the "Big One" that Metro Manila should adequately prepare for. 

“Magnitude 7.4 is a major earthquake," Solidum said.

As of writing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the Surigao del Sur quake left one dead. It added that its field officers are validating the damage and number of people affected by the earthquake. — with reports from Bella Cariaso.

Which is the most spiciest German cuisine?

 

Volker Eichener

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Professor at Hochschule Düsseldorf

Studied Political Science & Sociology at Ruhr University BochumGraduated 1999

Löwensenf (“lion’s mustard”) from Düsseldorf, which is a really spicy mustard, much spicier than Dijon mustard.

Also, the Germans eat horseradish. Traditionally, horseradish was eaten with salmon, obviously in times when the fish was not fresh. Later, horseradish was watered down with cream and today we do not eat horseradish any more together with high-quality salmon.

There are few dishes which were prepared with good amounts of pepper, e.g. Pfefferpotthast, a Westphalian beef stew. However, the amounts of pepper which were listed in historic recipes disappeared with time. Same with Sauerbraten, another dish from medieval times which was rather spicy.

German cuisine became rather bland, partly because hot spices did not grow in Germany but had to be imported, so they were very expensive.

However, after WW II, exotic spices became available again and some Germans learned to like spicy food, first from the Balkan, later also from China, Turkey, U.S. or Mexico. After the war, the Currywurst was invented, a bratwurst in a ketchup-like sauce with curry powder. Some like to spice it up, even with pure capsaicin.

However, most Germans still have a problem with spicy food. The first chilis (“peperoni”) were served in Balkan restaurants, but quickly, mild peperoni replaced the hot ones. A couple of years ago, the first habanero chiles occured in Germany. Today, you can buy habaneros which aren’t hot anymore. Very strange.

Where true justice and peace can be found

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ONLY in Christ, of course, can we find true justice and peace. Outside of him, forget it. We can only have, at best, some appearance of justice and peace, but not the real ones. In time, the consequences of the counterfeit justice and peace will surely be exposed.

We are reminded of this truth of our Christian faith in the readings of the Mass of Tuesday of the First Week of Advent where we are told that “a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness.” (Is 11,1-2) 

And in the responsorial psalm of that day, these beautiful words are said, which describe the effects of how the spirit of God will have on this rod out of the root of Jesse: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.” (Ps 72,7)

We should just try our best that we base our search for true justice and peace on Christ, the personification of the “rod out of the root of Jesse” that was foretold in the Book of Isaiah. We have to be wary of our strong tendency to rely mainly on our own estimation of things, on our ideologies and philosophies, in our search for justice and peace.

As we can see now, especially in the so-called developed countries that have all but abandoned God and religion in general, and are simply depending on their own ideologies, there is clearly a quagmire of acrimony and finger-pointing. 

Even the commonest of common sense is contradicted as when some people claim that they have a right to abort, or kill, a baby at birth. Politics is not anymore a pursuit for the common good, with God as the ultimate common good, but rather a brazen conspiracy to acquire power and to keep it as long as possible. Of course, it would just be a matter of time before violence, and even war, would erupt.

We need to make a shout-out for the need to return to God if we want to have true justice and peace. With him, as taught and shown by Christ in the Holy Spirit, and as promoted consistently by the Church, we are sure to find justice and peace in spite of our unavoidable differences and conflicts. With him, we can still hold on to the power of love that knows how to keep the unity in the truth among ourselves despite our differences and conflicts.

Obviously, to be able to return to God, we need a lot of faith. We just cannot depend on our reasoning and estimation of things. Thus, in the gospel of the day, Christ told his disciples how lucky they were because they knew Christ. “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see,” he said. “For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Lk 10,23-24)

We should always make Christ as the beginning and end of all our efforts to find true justice and peace in this world!

Philippine Fairy Tales (VIII) - Philippinische Märchen (VIII)

Warum es Erdbeben gibt...

Why there are earthquakes...

In alten Zeiten war das friedliche Land der Tagalen ein blühendes Land. Es herrschte dort ein gerechter König. Die Leute liebten und ehrten ihn. Aber keiner von ihnen hatte den König je gesehen. Sie wussten nur, dass er Lakan Adya hiess. Die Bewohner des Landes führten ein glückliches Leben. Es plagten sie keine Sorgen, sie hegten keine Feindschaft gegeneinander, das Büse waren ihnen fremd, einer nannte den anderen seinen Bruder oder seine Schwester.

Eines Tages wurden sie von Feinden überfallen. Diese entmachteten den gerechten König Lakan Adya, und da ihnen seine Kraft Angst einflösste, schleppten sie ihn auf den Berg San Mateo. In einer finsteren Höhle schmiedeten sie ihn an zwei grosse Steine an. Die Tagalen weinten ihrem König bittere Tränen nach. Seit dem Tage, an dem die fremden sie unterjocht hatten, kannten sie keinen Frieden und keinen Wohlstand mehr. Die Eroberer brachten Unglück, Leid und Not mit sich. Am tiefsten jedoch fühlten sich die Tagalen durch ihre Erniedrigung verletzt. Sie glaubten fest daran, es werde einmal der Tag kommen, an dem König Lakan Adya seine steinernen Fesseln sprengen und sich befreien wuerde. Jedesmal, wenn es ein Erdbeben gab, dankten sie Gott, denn sie glaubten, Lakan Adya bemühte sich , aus seiner Höhle herauszukommen und lasse die Felsen erbeben. Sie glaubten fest daran, bei jedem Erdbeben breche ein Glied seiner Kette entzwei und der König mache mache mehr und mehr seinen mächtigen Körper von den Felsbrocken frei.

"Er muss nur noch einen Fuss freimachen", sagten sie. Sie hofften, dass sie wieder frei und glücklich sein würden und vergossen bittere Tränen.

Diese Sage geht bei den Nachkommen der ehemaligen Untertanen Lakan Adyas HEUTE NOCH!

+++

In ancient times, the peaceful land of days was a prosperous land. There is a just king there. People love and honor him. But none of them had ever seen the king. All they knew was that his name was Lakan Adya. The country's residents lead happy lives. They had no worries, they had no enmity against each other, evil was alien to them, one called the other his brother or his sister.

One day they were attacked by enemies. They deposed the just king Lakan Adya, and because his power frightened them, they dragged him to Mount San Mateo. In a dark cave they forged it to two large stones. The days wept bitterly for their king. Since the day the strangers subjugated them, they have known no more peace or prosperity. The conquerors brought misfortune, suffering and hardship with them. However, the days feel most deeply hurt by their humiliation. They firmly believed that the day would come when King Lakan Adya would break his stone bonds and free himself. Every time there was an earthquake, they thanked God because they believed that Lakan Adya was trying to come out of his cave and was making the rocks shake. They firmly believed that with every earthquake a link in his chain was broken and King Mache Mache released more and more of his mighty body from the boulders.

“He just needs to clear one foot,” she said. They hoped that she would be free and happy again and shed bitter dreams.

This legend STILL runs today among the descendants of Lakan Adya's former subjects!

Was die deutschsprachige Märchenliteratur anbelangt, so ist das im Dausien-Verlag (1978) erschienene Buch "Philippinische Märchen" sehr zu empfehlen. Man findet es ab und an im Antiquariat oder bei ebay. 

5 signs that mean your aircon system needs immediate attention or upgrading

Philstar.com

Given its importance, air conditioners can develop problems over time. Some of these issues can be subtle, while others are unmistakable indicators that your AC needs immediate attention or even an upgrade.

MANILA, Philippines — Even during the chilly holiday season, it's not uncommon in the Philippines to experience unexpected bouts of heat, making our air conditioning systems just as essential as they are in the peak of summer.

Given its importance, air conditioners can develop problems over time. Some of these issues can be subtle, while others are unmistakable indicators that your AC needs immediate attention or even an upgrade.

How can you tell if your air conditioning system has been trying to get your attention, signaling that it's time for maintenance or an upgrade? Here are five signs to watch out for.

1. Strange noises

Unusual or loud sounds coming from your air conditioning system, like clanking, rattling, hissing or banging, are clear indicators of a problem. 

These noises can result from loose or damaged components, a failing compressor or debris inside the system. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant issues and should prompt immediate attention.

2. Excessive cooling time

If your AC takes longer than usual to cool your space or fails to achieve the desired temperature, it's a red flag. This issue could stem from a clogged air filter, refrigerant leaks or a worn-out compressor. 

What’s worse, such prolonged cooling times not only lead to discomfort but can also increase energy consumption and utility bills.

3. Inefficient cooling = higher bills

When your AC works harder to maintain your desired temperature, it not only compromises your comfort but also significantly increases your energy expenses. This can result from an undersized system, poor insulation or a failing compressor. 

So always make sure to check your monthly electricity bills and compare energy consumption as upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit can alleviate these problems and help you save on long-term operating costs.

4. Unpleasant odors

Foul or unusual odors emanating from your AC vents can signal that your system needs attention. 

Musty or moldy smells could indicate mold or mildew growth within the unit, while burning odors might suggest electrical issues.

Addressing these odors promptly is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing further damage to your AC system and even to your health. 

5. Repairs cost as much as a new unit 

It’s not about “girl math,” it’s just about being smart and practical.

For budget-conscious individuals, it's common practice to assess whether a repair is more cost-effective than opting for a replacement. However, when you find yourself scheduling repair after repair for your AC system, and the repair bills start rivaling the price of a new unit, it's a clear signal that it's time to consider an upgrade. 

Older AC units tend to demand pricier components and labor for repairs, which can quickly add up. Evaluating the overall cost of repairs against the benefits of investing in a newer, more energy-efficient system is crucial.

What to consider when upgrading

When it comes to upgrading your air conditioning system, several crucial factors deserve careful consideration. 

In the Philippines where sweltering temperatures are a common challenge, finding a cooling solution that not only provides comfort but also addresses rising electricity bills and the expenses of maintenance and repairs is essential.

Here’s where the Carrier Aura Inverter, Carrier's most efficient split-type inverter air conditioner, enters the picture. This cutting-edge system is designed to offer the highest energy savings, making it a smart choice for Filipino families looking to enhance their home comfort while keeping their budget in check. 

Here are compelling reasons why Carrier Aura Inverter is all about efficiency and why it is the upgrade you need for your ultimate comfort. 

First, lowest wattage. The Carrier Aura Inverter boasts low wattage consumption at just 560W for a 1.0HP unit, unlike other any other type of split-type AC which usually ranges from 670W to 700W. This translates to substantial energy savings.

It is also energy efficient, with an energy consumption rate of only P1.13 per hour (based on testing), which assures you that it’s a cost-effective cooling solution that won't burden your budget.

Moreover, the Carrier Aura Inverter has a number of intelligent, user-centric features that even makes the device more efficient. 

For instance, it has a game-changing intelligent eye sensor that allows the device to conserve energy when no human presence is detected

Other intelligent features include the Breeze Away Technology that enhances your comfort by redirecting airflow intelligently; the Customizable Fan Speed that adjusts the fan speed from 1% to 100%; the "Follow Me" Convenience feature that enables the unit to reach the desired set temperature where the remote control is located; and a vertical and horizontal 4-Way Airflow Control for even distribution of cool air throughout the room.

Moreover, Carrier embraces being a dependable brand for your AC needs by offering exceptional after-sales service with experts accessible through hotline number 2277437 and online channels—ensuring that your AC upgrade is as worth it as possible.

This holiday season, make your home ready to host and ensure your AC is in top, most efficient condition. 

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OPM greats gear up for 'YuleStars Christmas Concert Series'

(Clockwise from top left) Joey G, Angeline Quinto, Ogie Alcasid, Nina, Roselle Nava, Jose Mari Chan and Christian Bautista.)

Anticipation is building up as top OPM singers get ready for the YuleStars Christmas Concert Series, set on November 30, December 1 and December 2 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association (PMAAAI), the series stars Joey G and Angeline Quinto with special guest Ice Seguerra for the November 30 concert; Jose Mari Chan, Christian Bautista and Roselle Nava with the Kilyawan Consortium of Voices for the December 1 show; and Ogie Alcasid and Nina and special guest Ice Seguerra for the December 2 performance.

All artists are excited about their respective repertoire, and looking forward to present their musical numbers. "The fans will surely enjoy this concert and we will make sure to bring joy and Christmas feels to our audience," Quinto said.

"The audience can expect us to sing our love songs and beautiful Christmas songs," reiterated Alcasid.

Aside from the lineup of tunes (that singers usually get to sing only during this season), Nina said that YuleStars is significant to her for two reasons: "One, because it will be the first time Kuya Ogie and I will be together for a concert, two, it is with great pleasure that I get to share my music and talent for such a great cause."

Proceeds of the YuleStars Christmas Concert Series will go to the less fortunate members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc, particularly the fallen and injured personnel and their families.

In separate video messages shown on the Philippine Military Academic Facebok FB page, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., encouraged military and civilians to support the concert series.

General Brawner said, "Giving and sharing are the true meaning of this season. The help that will be given through sponsorship or by watching the show will come a long way for PMAAAI to continue supporting its beneficiaries.

The YuleStars Christmas Concert Series tickets are available via Ticketworld.com.

48 matches usher in World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Nuvali

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• There are 16 teams each in the men and women main draw and the qualifiers alone, according to Suzara, have 32 teams for each gender representing more than 30 countries.

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Forty-eight qualification matches scheduled over 10 hours usher in on Thursday, Nov. 30, a Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Challenge Philippine leg at Nuvali that is bursting at the seams with the host Philippine National Volleyball League (PNVF) needing at least five hotels in and out of Santa Rosa City to billet athletes and officials.

Foreign teams take their turn to train at the Nuvali Sand Courts.

“It’s the biggest beach volleyball competition the country has ever hosted,” PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Wednesday. “It’s the biggest and most prestigious with Olympic and world champions and top-ranked athletes converging in Nuvali.”

There are 16 teams each in the men and women main draw and the qualifiers alone, according to Suzara, have 32 teams for each gender representing more than 30 countries. 

Dozens other teams in both genders are also in town as reserves in the tournament supported by gold sponsors Ayala Land, Mikasa, Senoh, Philippine Sports Commission, Pinay In Action and Smart as gold sponsors and PLDT, Gatorade, Maynilad, Rebisco, Ayala Malls, Department of Tourism, CBPI, Club Laiya, Foton as bronze sponsors.

Nuvali, through Ayala Land, built four world-class and FIVB-standard sand courts and one practice court on a sprawling area fronting Landers.

Hotels within the Nuvali area have overflowed that the PNVF had to book participants in hotels in Silang, Alabang and Batangas.

The qualification matches on Thursday start simultaneously in all four newly-built courts at 8 p.m. with the last matches set for 6 p.m.

The main draw proceeds Friday with simultaneous matches serving at 9 a.m. with the day’s competitions ending with 9 p.m. matches.

Teams have tested the courts in training since last Tuesday, including the Philipine squads coached by Brazilian Jao Luciano Kiodai. 

“We’re going to expect the best of the bests here,” Kiodai said. “But the most important here is to introduce to the Philippines the high level of beach volleyball. “It’s going to be hard, but the process is much more important than the results we are going to have,” said Kiodai, who’s been handling the national squads for a year now.

Jovelyn Gonzaga and Sisi Rondina won the gold medal last year in Subic but the duo already reverted to indoor volleyball, handing the mantle to veterans Jen Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez and national team first-timers Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella.

Kiodai set potent expectations for the nationals.

“We already showed in the last Asian Games that we can play in the world and play the best we can,” he said, referring to last year’s Future finalist Eslapor and Rodriguez, who posted a Philippine-best fifth place finish in Asiad beach volleyball in Hangzhou. 

The Philippine men’s teams are Ran Abdilla and Jeron Requinton, Anthony Arbasto and Alche Gupiteo and the veteran pair of James Buytrago and Rancel Varga.