Dongallo leads UE past Ateneo in UAAP volleyball women’s opener

 Casiey Dongallo (9) and the UE Lady Warriors celebrate their win over Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: June Navarro - Reporter / @junavINQ

MANILA, Philippines–Casiey Dongallo has been augured as the next big thing in college volleyball.

The rookie spiker from Catmon, Cebu was good as advertised, scoring 27 points in her collegiate debut to spearhead University of East’s come-from-behind 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-18 victory over Ateneo on Saturday at the opener of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball.

Dongallo capped her heroics by delivering the Lady Warriors’ last three attacks, shattering the hopes of the Blue Eagles from stretching it further to the limit.

“I’m just thankful to my teammates. I cannot have 27 points without them,” said Dongallo, who compiled the most number of points for a rookie in her first UAAP game.

Kizzie Madriaga, Dongallo’s high school teammate from the California Academy, produced 16 excellent sets and libero Angelica Reyes took care of the defensive end with 22 digs.

“I was able to score those points with the help of my teammates and Kizzie. When I got nervous at the start, my teammates were there to back me up,” said the 18-year-old Dongallo.

Lyann De Guzman compiled 18 points and had 16 digs for the Blue Eagles, who lost for the first time against UE since Season 73 back in 2010.

“This is the first time in 14 years. The reason why we came to UE is to make history and this is a part of it. The rest is going to be a process, so it’s going to take a while,” said UE assistant coach Obet Vital.

The Lady Warriors won only six games the past six seasons, winning only one match each last year and in 2022.

“If we win two (this season), we’ve already matched the last two years. It’s going to be a bonus if we win three. It’s a new system that we brought to UE. We’re happy about the win, but there’s a lot of work ahead of us,” said Vital.

Dongallo, one of the most sought-after high school players before committing to UE with Grace Fernandez, Jelaica Gajero and Madriaga, bagged the MVP plum in CAL’s title-winning campaign in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League last year.

The third set was a real nip-and-tuck affair with UE cutting itself loose from the tight contest with less effort by simply watching the Blue Eagles frustrate themselves.

Zey Pacia’s long wallop that sailed beyond the endline shattered a series of deadlocks that ended at 20.

Then, Riza Nogales’ tip created more space for the Lady Warriors before Tuku’s attempt got smothered at set point.

De Guzman actually scored the tournament’s first kill and several plays later finished off their rivals in the first set with an attack that bounced off the fingers of Dongallo before falling in.

Geezel Tsunashima’s series of strikes set the tone for Ateneo’s opening-frame victory, putting them ahead early, 8-3, before Dongallo and Madriaga made the Warriors look better.

But after Takako Fujimoto drove in the first ace of the season, 16-11, the Blue Eagles charged ahead with De Guzman taking control.

Fortunes reversed in the next set as the Lady Warriors shifted the trend in their favor by seizing the upper hand early built on the efforts of Nogales and Yesha Rojo.

Here’s what you’ll need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

 Reigning Binibining Pilipinas winners (from left) Atasha Reign Parani, Anna Valencia Lakirini, Angelica Lopez and Katrina Anne Johnson. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

By: Armin P. Adina

Here's what you will need to join the 60th Binibining Pilipinas pageant

Avid pageant aficionados had been brimming with anticipation as to when the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) would make its “the search is on” announcement for the 60th anniversary edition. And the wait was finally over after the organization made the call before Valentine’s Day. Now they followed it up with the list of requirements that the aspirants must meet.

Interested applicants will need to download the official application form at www.bbpilipinas.com and submit their accomplished form at the BPCI Office on the 8th floor of Aurora Tower on Gen. Malvar St. at the Araneta City in Quezon City.

The competition is open to Filipino citizens who are born in the Philippines, or have reacquired their citizenship under RA 9225. Those who have also earned natural Filipino citizenship even when they are born outside the Philippines may still join. They may or may not have resided within the Philippines.

Applicants will also need to show their high school or college diploma, present a medical certificate for both physical and mental health and well-being, and a certificate of good moral character provided by a school, church or professional organization.

Ladies also need to bring their photo set cards composed of one close-up and one full body shot. A copy of their birth certificate will also be required.

The deadline for applications is set on March 22, but no final screening schedule has been announced as of this writing.

Bb. Pilipinas is the first and longest-running national beauty pageant in the country. It has produced the country’s most well-loved international beauty queens since its establishment in 1964.

To date, the national competition has collected four wins in the Miss Universe pageant, five victories in the Miss International pageant, two crowns each from the Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe tilts, and several more triumphs in other contests.

Last year, Bb. Pilipinas queens posted podium finishes in their respective global competitions. Nicole Borromeo was third runner-up in the Miss International pageant, while Anna Valencia Lakirini was second runner-up in the Miss Globe contest.

Angelica Lopez, who was crowned Bb. Pilipinas International during the national pageant’s 59th edition held last year, is scheduled to compete in the 62nd Miss International competition on Nov. 12.

Communication – The importance of listening

 By Klaus Döring

A good listener is someone who listens to the speaker to receive and interpret messages accurately. No one likes to communicate with a person who cares only about what they have to say. That’s why, to become a good communicator, you need to be a good listener too.

Active listening is an important part of your communication skill set because it encourages openness, honesty, and success. When you pay attention to your conversation partner, you show that person they are being heard, thus building trust and making that person feel like their words matter to you.

Listening allows us to look within ourselves and become aware of the barriers that inhibit our ability to listen effectively.” As we better understand ourselves, we are then in a better position to understand others and show authentic compassion and empathy.

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, “first, learn to listen”!

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

Listening is a vital element of communication and it is very much different from the human sense of human. A meaningful communication requires both a good listener and a speaker. However, the effect of a listening style may vary depending on the occasions and situations a listener is in.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It’s also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Not only does listening enhance your ability to understand better and make you a better communicator, it also makes the experience of speaking to you more enjoyable to other people.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.

 

Cathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo was hailed as the “Box Office Queen” of her generation for being the first and only Filipina actress who breached the ₱800-Million mark for her top-grossing movies. In 2023, Bernardo was named Outstanding Asian Star at the 18th Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) for the TV series 2 Good 2 Be True, making her the second Filipina actress to win the award.

Manila Bulletin honors Newsmakers of the Year

BY POCH EULALIA

Feb 17, 2024 10:40 AM

  

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NEWSMAKERS — The Manila Bulletin holds its first-ever Newsmakers of the Year Award as it celebrates its 124th anniversary at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. Newsmakers of the Year recognized 10 personalities representing themselves or organizations that have captured the nation’s attention and imagination with their achievements full of inspiration and motivation – Sarisuki, Magdalena Gamayo, Gilas Pilipinas, Kathryn Bernardo, Jeremy de Leon, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Expedock, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Kindred, and Tagbilaran City. Joining them are Manila Bulletin Chairman Basilio C. Yap, MB President and Vice Chairman Emil C. Yap III (second row, fifth and fourth from left) and MB Publisher Sonny Coloma (third row, fourth from left). (Noel B. Pabalate)

 

As Manila Bulletin celebrated its 124th anniversary, it took pride in presenting the first lineup of its Newsmakers of the Year awardees during a special ceremony held on Thursday, Feb. 15, at The Tent City, Manila Hotel.

“The Newsmakers are more than just their stories. They are also catalysts of change, embodiments of inspiration, and living testaments to the power of human potential,” said Manila Bulletin president Emilio C. Yap III during his opening remarks. These 10 individuals and organizations were honored for their remarkable initiatives, achievements, and success stories from the previous year. Their inspiring endeavors have empowered and captivated readers and viewers alike, both online and in print.  

• Magdalena Gamayo, a master weaver of the inabel cloth, is known for her unique weaving techniques. She was conferred with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award in 2012 and recognized as a National Living Treasure. Gamayo celebrated her 99th birthday on Aug. 13, 2023, making her the oldest living GAMABA awardee.

• Expedock, a game-changer in the global supply industry, is an AI-powered supply chain startup that aims to automate the international freight industry. Its founders King Alandy Dy, Rui Aguiar, Jeff Tan, and Jig Young were included in the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list under the industry, manufacturing, and energy category.

• SariSuki, established by Brian Cu, Philippe Lorenzo, Bam Mejia, and Angelo Loo in 2021, is a virtual grocery store that purchases directly from farmers, enabling sustainable opportunities for community sellers. It partnered with AIR21 in 2023 to bring fresh produce from farmers in the province to community sellers in the metro.

• Jeremy De Leon, through his invention of a keychain microscope known as the Make-roscope, has provided users easy access to the microscopic world. His invention allows cameras on smartphones and tablets to magnify objects up to 400 times.The Make-roscope represented the Philippines in the international round of the 2023 James Dyson Award and was awarded as the national champion.  

• Kindred, a pioneering FemTech startup founded in 2022 by Jessica de Mesa and Abetina Valenzuela, is known for its dedication to improving women’s healthcare. It was included in the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2023 list. It also successfully secured $1 million in seed funding just after a year of operations.

• Kathryn Bernardo, hailed by her generation as the “Box Office Queen,” is the first and only Filipina actress to reach the ₱800 million mark for her top-grossing films. Last year, she was named Outstanding Asian Star at the 18th Seoul International Drama Awards for the TV series 2 Good 2 Be True, making her the second Filipina actress to win the award.

• Tagbilaran City, together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, launched the Paleng-QR Ph program in January 2023. The program aims to build a nationwide digital payments ecosystem by promoting cashless QR payments in public markets and local transportation. The program’s rollout was widely accepted by merchants and transport groups in the city's Dao Public Market.

• Gilas Pilipinas, under the guidance of coach Tim Cone, helped bring a 61-year gold medal drought to an end by defeating the Jordanian team and bagging the win in men's basketball at the 19th Asian Games.

• Aboitiz Equity Ventures’ and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc's (CCEP) joint acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) in a $1.8 billion deal made it one of the country’s biggest corporate takeovers in 2023. 

• Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s efforts in transforming Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer earned her the distinction of becoming the first Filipino to be recognized as a “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations Environment Program, the UN’s highest environmental honor.

The Manila Bulletin Newsmakers of the Year Awards was co-presented by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), GCash, SM Development Corporation, and The Medical City. This event was also supported by its major partner SM Supermalls. Each awardee was presented with a uniquely crafted trophy made from an upcycled metal printing plate, an integral item in the newspaper printing process. The printing plate, rolled up and affixed on a wooden block, represents a medium that continues to be relevant and resilient in the digital era.

ASAP Natin 'To' unleashes performances from Joshua, Moira, and Yeng, celebrates Zsa Zsa's 41st showbiz anniversary

Plus, a new single surprise from BGYO and Melai's exhilarating solo act...

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 17, 2024 00:48 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• It's a sure-fire dance fever on the ASAP stage as Kapamilya heartthrob Joshua Garcia swoons fans with his smooth moves alongside next-gen dance princess AC Bonifacio, OG dance idol Shaina Magdayao, plus Jameson Blake, Jeremy G, Aljon Mendoza, and Edward Barber.

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Unleash the party vibes as your favorite weekend viewing habit brings more must-watch performances from your favorite Kapamilya stars this Sunday (Feb. 18) on "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5.

It's a sure-fire dance fever on the ASAP stage as Kapamilya heartthrob Joshua Garcia swoons fans with his smooth moves alongside next-gen dance princess AC Bonifacio, OG dance idol Shaina Magdayao, plus Jameson Blake, Jeremy G, Aljon Mendoza, and Edward Barber.

Follow it up with a fresh back-to-back ASAP concert experience from OPM's hit artists, Yeng Constantino and Moira dela Torre. Also, celebrate the showbiz anniversary of the country's Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla, as she celebrates her 41st year in the industry—joined alongside Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy.

Keep the Rivermaya reunion high rocking with a stacked performance of their timeless hits from Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa, Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Vina Morales, Nina, and more of your ASAP Kapamilya.

Unleash the P-Pop fever with a comeback single performance from BGYO. More dance treats await from next-gen groove idols Gela Atayde, Sheena Belarmino, and Ken San Jose with It's Showtime's Baby Dolls and Fresno Style PH, plus a splashing solo treat from Melai Cantiveros.

Sing your hearts out to your favorite hugot hits together with Bugoy Drilon, Klarisse de Guzman, Lyka Estrella, Reiven Umali, Khimo Gumatay, Fana, Sheena, JM Yosures, Marielle Montellano, JM dela Cerna, Katrina Velarde, and Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 7 grand winner Rea Gen Villareal.

House bill proposes P50,000 as teacher’s monthly pay | INQToday

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives files a bill proposing a significant increase in teachers’ salaries.

Ariana Grande, Mariah Carey collaborating for 'Yes, And?' remix

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Pop singer Ariana Grande tapped fellow artist and "lifelong inspiration" Mariah Carey for a remix of her latest song "Yes, And?"

The track released last January 12 is Ariana's lead single off her upcoming seventh album "Eternal Sunshine," which comes out in full on March 8.

Ariana released a music video for the Madonna-inspired track on the same day featuring choreography that mirrors the song's lyrics about how she deals with the public perception on her personal life, relationships and appearance.

"Yes, And?" was well-received by critics and fans alike, topping global charts, and Ariana is continuing the song's success with a remix featuring Mariah.

The singer confirmed the remix in an Instagram post with a photo of her and Mariah, announcing the track would drop on February 16 and describing Mariah as "the one and only, queen of my heart, and lifelong inspiration."

"There truly are no words that suffice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this dream come true and for sprinkling your brilliance and magic on my little song," Ariana said. "It means more to me than I could ever possibly articulate and I cannot wait for everyone to hear this! I love you eternally!!!!!!!"

Mariah reflected her gratitude in the comments section, "Darling angel, I am so effing excited to be joining you on the 'Yes, And?" remix!! This is such a magical moment!! Love you."

The two artists previously collaborated with Jennifer Hudson for the 2020 remix of Mariah's Christmas hit "Oh Santa!"; both Grammy winners also joined Mariah for a performance of the song last December.

Ariana's last solo release before "Yes, And?" was for her sixth album "Positions" from 2020, though she had since collaborated with The Weeknd, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson and Kid Cudi.

Massive oil price hikes to squeeze consumers’ pockets anew

Gasoline price increase inching close to P2.00/liter

BY MYRNA M. VELASCO

Feb 16, 2024 08:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On the calculation of the industry players, gasoline prices will rise by P1.40 to P1.90 per liter, diesel to escalate by P1.20 to P1.60 per liter; and kerosene prices will go up by P1.20 to P1.60 per liter.

• If based solely on price movements of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) index, the quantified price hikes from the outcome of four-day trading had been: P1.421 per liter for gasoline products; then P1.126 per liter for diesel; and kerosene products by P1.292 per liter.

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Huge cash will be burned at the pumps next week, as oil products are anticipated to be on hefty price hikes again by Tuesday (February 20), according to the estimates of the oil companies.

On the calculation of the industry players, gasoline prices will rise by P1.40 to P1.90 per liter, while diesel prices will also escalate by P1.20 to P1.60 per liter.

Kerosene, which is the other commodity in the weekly price swings and an essential base for aviation fuel, will also tick up by P1.20 to P1.60 per liter.

If based solely on price movements of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) index, the quantified price hikes from the outcome of four-day trading had been: P1.421 per liter for gasoline products; then P1.126 per liter for diesel; and kerosene products by P1.292 per liter.

The final price adjustments will be reckoned after end-week trading on Friday (February 16), but the oil firms indicated that the scenario of elevated prices cannot be reversed anymore.

As the global price compass swung above $82 per barrel in recent days for international benchmark Brent crude, last week’s marginal rollback completely took a reverse turn.

Industry experts noted that the new surge in prices can still be attributed to the raging war in the Middle East with the uncertainties getting more complicated following an impasse on an earlier ceasefire plan between the Israeli and Palestine forces – and the aggravating factor to that is the Red Sea friction which has been whipping up risk premium for oil commodities to stride above $3.00 per barrel.

 Beyond geopolitical events soaring to boiling points, the other factors which precipitated soar in prices had been forecast of trimmed production growth in non-OPEC countries, primarily in Russia and the United States; while the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had kept demand growth projection unchanged for 2024-2025.

Saudi Arabia, which is the world’s biggest oil producer, similarly indicated plans to curb output to 12 million barrels per day level, as it is opting for higher capital infusion to renewables as part of its energy transition investment trajectory.

As emphasized by industry watchers, these global energy development ripples had dominated market sentiments last week; that even the higher-than-expected inflation figures in the US as well as reports of its inventory buildup had not done much to tame spiral in prices. 

Improve quality of life, health care for elderly Filipinos

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 15, 2024 10:25 AM

  

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Yesterday’s 100th birthday celebration of Juan Ponce Enrile, fondly called Manong Johnny, who serves presently as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, calls attention to longevity of Filipinos. 

On Feb. 17, Whang-od Oggay, a Filipino cultural icon, will mark her 107th birthday. According to a New York Times story, she is also known as Apo Maria Oggay, a tattoo artist from the village of Buscalan in Tinglayan, Kalinga-Apayao, and is often described as the “last” and oldest mambabatok;  she belongs to the Butbut people of the Kalinga ethnic group. In April 2023, 106-year-old Whang-od became the oldest person to grace the cover of Vogue Philippines magazine.

President Marcos conferred on Apo Whang-od the Presidential Merit Award in Malacañang yesterday, Feb. 14, “in recognition of her unparalleled contributions to Philippine heritage and culture.”

The Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), displays an infographic in its website that says: “Did you know that Filipinos have a life expectancy of 71 years? This is an increase of 15 years in the average lifespan compared to the 1960s. With the improvement of the Filipino population’s health, there is a need to ensure social security and health services for the elderly.”

The current life expectancy for Filipinos is 71.79 years old, according to Macrotrends, a digital information service that provides access to key economic and demographic indicators. In Macrotrends’ table of life expectancy in the Philippines from 1950 to 2024, the baseline is at 54.49 years in 1950; 60.70 years in 1960; and 63.06 in 1970. If the concept of a generation is flexed to 25 years, the life expectancy in 1975 was 63.23 years, or just slightly higher than the 1970 figure; in 2000, it was at 68.73 years.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 census reports that there were 9,222,672 Filipinos who were 60 years old and over; 5,855,449 were 65 years old and over. Both houses of Congress have passed Senate Bill 2028, Expanding the Coverage of the Centenarians Act. Its actual enactment will come after being reviewed by the Office of the President. This bodes well for Filipino centenarians. As contemplated in the updated Centenarians Act, Filipino senior citizens living in the Philippines or abroad shall be granted ₱10,000 upon reaching 80 years old, ₱20,000 upon reaching 90 years old and ₱100,000 upon reaching 100 years old. 

Senators Imee Marcos and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who sponsored and introduced the bill, respectively, noted that many Filipinos do not reach the age of 100 and are unable to enjoy the “benefits and privileges of the present law which awards ₱100,000 cash to every Filipino centenarian.” They cited the rising cost of living and healthcare expenses that has made it very difficult for senior citizens to afford basic necessities. According to a 2017 UP Diliman study: “Older Filipinos are generally not materially well-off, not well-educated and about half consider themselves to be of average health, but have poor use of health services. They also believe that it would be best living by themselves.”

Beyond increasing monetary benefits, it is imperative that health care services for elderly Filipinos be upgraded significantly – and that they be afforded the opportunity to enjoy gentler, kinder living into their sunset years.