The resilience of television

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

May 8, 2024 05:27 AM

  

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OF TREES AND FOREST

The media landscape has changed tremendously over the past couple of decades. I remember when I was young the source of entertainment and information was the radio. At night, some of us would gather around the radio listening to soap operas and the news.

Then the television came along and changed our entire way of life. Our information, our source of entertainment revolved around that box with antenna that broadcast news and TV shows initially via black and white then later in full color.

TV and radio are still around but advances on communications technology, the ubiquity of the internet and smartphones and the prevalence of social media has upended the reign of TV as source of information. It has also threatened the viability and existence of traditional media. Traditional newspaper circulations have dwindled and TV has seen a decline in viewership.

According to a 2023 study entitled, Digital 2023 Global Overview Report by Meltwater and We Are Social, there are 85.2 million internet users in the Philippines. Just to gain a bit of a perspective, in 2013 the number of internet users was 32.3 million. Those who use social media said that their primary reason for using social media was to keep in touch with family and friends (69.2 percent) followed closely by “reading news stories” (47.3 percent).

A very recent poll by Publicus Asia Inc. conducted from March 14 to 18, 2024 showed that 65 percent of Filipinos browse the Internet as their main source of news. Interestingly, television is still hanging tough. The survey found that “61 percent of Filipino adults access Facebook to get their news, while around 65 percent still consume news through television.”

This mirrors the 2021 study made by the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government which found that 79 percent of Filipinos often get their news from random feeds on the social network. But again, television was second at 66 percent, followed by YouTube at 57 percent and other news websites at 54 percent.

A Pulse Asia survey during the same year actually found that television was still king despite the quick ascent of the internet as a source of news and information. Ninety one percent of respondents said they get their news from television, 49 percent from radio and 48 percent from the Internet. What do these numbers tell us? 

Filipinos, in this day and age, use multiple sources to get their news and other information. Despite being bombarded by news—real and fake—from various social media platforms a good number of Filipinos remain devoted to their TVs. In fact, despite complaints about the proliferation of fake news, social media has added additional options for information sources. I think television can play an important role to checking false information. Ideally, social and traditional media should be able to co-exist harmoniously to provide accurate and timely information to our people.

These thoughts and numbers were at the back of my mind when we decided to welcome TV Patrol to the Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) broadcast. This was part of the agreement that we signed with ABS-CBN Corp. that will officially bring, on May 13, iconic Filipino entertainment programs and relevant news to more audiences via our free-to-air channel ALLTV. This is all part of ALLTVs commitment to provide quality entertainment and timely information to the Filipino nation.

Television will remain an integral part of the lives of Filipinos. Sure, things have changed. We no longer have those big, bulky TV boxes, we now have slick, slim and smart TVs. No more antenna that you need to adjust constantly in order to get a strong signal. The screens are LED, OLED or QLED instead of the grainy black and whites we used to enjoy years ago. But I think the essential lesson remains the same—we need information and we need to be entertained.

There might come a time when artificial intelligence will render the TV extinct, but for the time being let us enjoy this wonderful box that has been our trusted companion, whether alone or in communion with others. (mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com)

NU, FEU battle for last UAAP women’s volleyball Finals slot

 

Gerzel Petallo and Alyssa Solomon in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

By: June Navarro - Reporter / @junavINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:30 AM May 08, 2024

The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, when asked what motivates them to prove doubters wrong in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament Final Four, said nothing about looking to add to their vast collection of championships.

“We are super eager to enter the Finals. Season 84 was our inspiration to get here,’’ said ace setter Tin Ubaldo after they reduced their semifinal clash opposite National University to a rubber match not many believed was necessary after the Lady Bulldogs came into the round on a rampaging seven-game streak.

The Lady Tamaraws, though, have all the mental edge on their side going into the 4 p.m. game at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday after dumping the top-ranked Lady Bulldogs in straight sets last Saturday. The winner advances to face University of Santo Tomas in a best-of-three title series starting on Sunday.

While the Far Eastern-National U series will go the distance, Santo Tomas last Sunday dethroned the La Salle Lady Spikers in one pulsating game in their side of the Final Four, as the Lady Tigresses returned to the championship series after five years while seeking to win their first title in 14 seasons.

Winding up dead last in Season 84 is what Ubaldo is talking about, for it was a campaign that could easily be the worst finish for the Lady Tamaraws in their rich UAAP history.

“Looking back, we won’t let that happen again,’’ said Ubaldo, whose 16 excellent sets aided an unexpectedly short 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 conquest of the Lady Bulldogs, a team they haven’t beaten for six straight games dating back to 2022.

Hitters Chenie Tagaod and Faida Bakanke will be the main offensive options for Ubaldo, with Gerzel Petallo, Alyzza Devosora and middle blocker Jean Asis as well as Mitzi Panangin to play big roles as the Lady Tams seek to win it all again for the first time since 2008.

“I don’t want to feel that down again. But it’s not over yet, we need to be at 100 percent as we go all out [in the rubber match],’’ said Tagaod.

But the Lady Bulldogs are not the type to succumb in the face of tragedy.

They swept their way in the second round with their confidence going sky-high only to come crashing back to Mother Earth with that Saturday thumping.

Offensive trio

Aiming for a third straight championship appearance and a second crown, the National U offensive trio of Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Vangie Alinsug should make amends after the Lady Bulldogs came out flat in the series opener and never really recovered.

Setter Camilla Lamina and veteran Sheena Toring as well as middle blockers Erin Pangilinan and Chams Maaya are also expected to step up of NU is even thinking of making this one close.

“We really wanted this. Our team believed that we could beat them,” Far Eastern coach Manolo Refugia said. “We were considered gatecrashers, but now we’ve become serious title contenders.’’

Batangas, Makati bets lead Miss Philippines Earth 2024 medal tally

 

Ira Patricia Malaluan (center) with Gwen MariePerion (left) and Jeyzel Ann Reyes/MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH FACEBOOK PHOTO

By: Armin P. Adina

The Miss Philippines Earth 2024 pageant is nearing the homestretch, with all the preliminary events concluded and the coronation night just a few days away.

And months after the official delegates have been chosen, a few ladies have reaped medals from the auxiliary activities, with Ira Patricia Malaluan from Batangas City leading the pack, followed closely by Sam Samara from Makati City.

Both ladies have collected a total of three medals. The Batangueña beauty topped the “Darling of the Press” poll, while the Makati lass won the beach wear competition.

Additionally, Malaluan finsihed second and Samara placed third in both the evening gown and swimsuit competitions.

Kristel Codas from Iligan City topped the talent competition, and placed second in the beach wear contest, while Irha Mel Inutan Alfeche from Matanao, Davao Del Sur, won the swimsuit competition and finished third in the beach wear contest.

Potential LPA may enter PAR this weekend — PAGASA

128 views May 7, 2024 #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, May 7, said a low pressure area (LPA) may form and enter the country’s area of responsibility by weekend.

Weird but true!

A mistaken belief accompanies us each and every second of our life. Incorrect decisions and wrong doings are part of our daily life.

It is almost a ridiculous fact that man wants to know certain truths about mundane things. But really, he seems least interested in even mundane truths as can be read many times in our daily newspapers or online for example. There seem to be too many rash judgments, and the readers absorb these and make these their own. A fatal attraction!

This is sometimes referred to as journalistic mentality wherein accusations are generously made without proof. Evolution started this trend, when scientists stated for example that man evolved from the apes -  without proof. The only proof they had was the missing link, and, if I am not mistaken, it's still a missing proof until now.

To look for proofs is a mental activity, which is no longer a common thing nowadays, because it takes really time, effort and is too serious to think about. Yet in Christian education, thinking right is very important.That's why Philosophy is important in Christian life. To avoid error in thinking, the rules of right reasoning must be studied and mastered. Is it really totally neglected in today's modern education?

Thinking is actually an enjoyable activity but when one is pressured to get a good job for one's sustenance, then the other more mundane becomes attractive. After all, great thinkers often do not get (good?) jobs... .

Spiritual writers like the British Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) noticed that mankind had stopped thinking even two centuries ago. Wow. That was during his age.

Man probably stopped thinking even earlier. He has ceased many times to search for the truth. It's easier to listen to gossip and believe in it. What a sign of weak minds!

Too often we are blind to the truth. As a consequence, we easily believe in lies; we only have to like it. Too bad, if people always like to close their eyes and ears especially while experiencing the delusion of error.

PAGASA on severe heat: Worst is over

 

E-bikes, e-trikes, tricycles and pedicabs are seen passing by along Recto Avenue in Manila on April 13, 2024.

Ryan Baldemor / The STAR

Bella Cariaso - The Philippine Star 

May 7, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The worst is over in terms of the record-high temperatures and searing heat, with many areas in the country possibly experiencing thunderstorms in the second half of May, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It is possible that the hottest temperature for this year has been recorded after an actual temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius was observed in Tarlac on April 27, PAGASA climate monitoring and prediction section chief Ana Liza Solis said yesterday in a radio interview.

“Hopefully, this is the hottest daytime temperature for this year,” Solis added.

But many areas could still experience a high heat index between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius, she noted.

There is a 60 percent possibility that La Niña will prevail in June, July and August, she added.

“The peak of El Niño is in March, April and May. Many areas have already declared a state of calamity and hopefully this will not increase,” Solis said.

Localized thunderstorms could occur in the second half of May, she noted.

“This will lessen the high heat index that we are experiencing. If the localized thunderstorms will persist and there will be big weather systems like low-pressure areas, intertropical convergence zones or typhoons, this can trigger the declaration of the onset of the rainy season,” she said.

El Niño could also delay rains in the country, she added.

“Hopefully we can experience rains but historically, Angat Dam usually fully recovers at the start of July, August, September, so there was a lag in the recovery of Angat Dam,” Solis said.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, Angat Dam’s water level dropped by 0.45 meters, reaching 185.65 meters compared to the previous 186.10 meters.

It was 5.65 meters above its minimum operating level of 180 meters and 26.35 meters below its normal high water level.

Be not afraid

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THE story of Paul and his companion, Silas, going to many places to preach and to convert many people, and in the process met severe opposition also and were, in fact, imprisoned and later released in a miraculous way, somehow tells us that we too, if we have to be consistent to our Christianity, should be bold in proclaiming Christ to the world, willing to face whatever difficulty we can meet along the way. (cfr. Acts 16,22-34)

We should not be afraid to do so, because in spite of whatever difficulties and contradictions we can meet along the way, God will always take care of everything. He has the last word. We may undergo a lot of suffering and can be martyred even, but the victory of Christ for us is always assured.

What we have to do is to always be bold and magnificent in carrying out this duty of spreading the Word of God far and wide. This task should give us the greatest joy since we would be truly following what Christ wants us to do.

It’s important that we set our mind and heart on this divine wisdom that tells us that our joy is in following the will of God as shown to us by Christ and the Holy Spirit. It’s important that this joy and its accompanying peace of mind is always felt even if we cannot avoid the most painful suffering along the way.

It would be good if everyday we set some apostolic goals and missions for us to accomplish. This would make our life dynamic, putting it in some adventure that should captivate all our faculties. These goals and missions may be big or small. What is important is that they should urge us to action in order to obey God’s will.

Even in terms of mental health, this duty to undertake apostolic goals and missions can be very helpful. It would put us in a positive and constructive frame of mind. It would fill us with a healthy sense of duty, keeping us away from the dangers of idleness, laziness and that state of just floating around aimlessly.

It would be good if at the end of the day, as we go to bed, even if there are still issues to resolve and mistakes to correct, we should feel happy and fulfilled, and at peace because of the apostolic goals and missions we carried out. This is the ideal way to end the day—happy and at peace, reconciled with our Lord because whatever mistakes and sins we commit, we can always ask for pardon and God will always be merciful.

We should avoid ending the day in a state of anxiety, apprehensions and the like. These are highly toxic to our spirit. They affect even our bodily health. What should prevail in our mind and heart is that of joy and peace, again in spite of things that we still need to work out.

Let’s hope that we can make these words of St. Paul our own also: “In all things we suffer tribulation, but we are not distressed. We are sore pressed, but we are not destitute. We endure persecution, but we are not forsaken. We are cast down, but we do not perish. We are always bearing in our body the dying of Jesus so that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodily frame.” (2 Cor 4,8-10)

Reader's Digest UK closure: Reasons behind the shutdown after 86 years

'I am very sad to share that Reader’s Digest UK has come to an end'

BY ANGELA JAVATE

May 6, 2024 11:25 AM

  

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The United Kingdom edition of Reader’s Digest magazine is shutting down after 86 years of operation.

Eva Mackevic, the magazine’s editor-in-chief of six years, announced on April 29, 2024, via LinkedIn, that Reader’s Digest UK has come to an end.

“After 86 wonderful years, I am very sad to share that Reader’s Digest UK has come to an end,” Mackevic wrote in her post.

She also talked about how Reader’s Digest UK struggled to adapt to changes in the magazine industry. “Unfortunately, the company just couldn’t withstand the financial pressures of today’s unforgiving magazine publishing landscape and has ceased to trade."

Photo screen-grabbed  from Reader's Digest website

The Reader’s Digest official website also announced the end of an era for the the magazine's publication on May 3, 2024. "We regret to advise that after 86 wonderful years, Reader's Digest UK has ceased to print the monthly magazine with immediate effect. Our editor-in-chief has shared a heartfelt tribute to our cherished readers," said on its official website. 

Reader’s Digest was first published in the United States in 1922 by DeWitt Wallace and Lila Bell Wallace, and it became a popular general-interest magazine across the world.

Sunshine Cruz slowing down in showbiz to prioritize her daughters

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 7, 2024 00:16 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sunshine confidently asserts that she is presently thriving in a life full of happiness and contentment.

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Sunshine Cruz (2nd from right) with daughters Angelina, Sam, and Chesca (Facebook)

Actress Sunshine Cruz has announced that she is slowing down her showbiz career to focus on her three daughters.

"I want to focus on my kids muna kasi malalaki na sila. And they need guidance," said Sunshine. Her three lovely daughters are Angelina, Chesca and Sam.

She added: "Kasi si Angelina last year na niya sa college. So, Dean's List with honors. Sam, first-year college, Dean's Lister's din. Second honor naman si Sam. Cheska just finished her senior high. 

(Angelina is in her last year in college. She is on the dean's list with honors. Sam, a first-year college student, is also on the dean's list. Sam is second honor. Cheska just finished her senior high.)

"First choice niya sa school is Ateneo. Nakuha naman niya. So meron na akong Atenista at dalawang Lasallian. Kaya ko pa naman mag provide. Andyan din naman yung tatay nila so co-parenting kami.

(Her first choice in school is Ateneo, which she got. So, I already have Atenean and two Lasallian. I can still provide them. Their father (Cesar Montano) is also there, so we are co-parenting.)

"All of them sing, but the ones who have a contract with Universal Records are Sam and Angelina. Pero focus pa rin talaga sila sa studies. Ang pagtatrabaho kapag maganda ang natapos niyo, mag uunahan pa sa inyo ang trabaho," she said. 

(All of them sing, but the ones with a contract with Universal Records are Sam and Angelina. But they are still really focused on their studies. They should study hard so that they can have a good job.)

Aside from taking care of her children, Sunshine said she wants to rest for a while, considering she has been working non-stop since 2013.

"I want to rest because I've been working on overlapping projects since 2013. So I think this time mas maganda na magfocus muna ako sa mga bata," said Sunshine during the launch of her latest endorsement for Thiocell Glutathione Lozenge, which was held in Quezon City recently. Thiocell is the first and only Glutathione in lozenge form that allows glutathione to be absorbed by the body quickly, safely, and effectively, as reported in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Sunshine confidently asserts that she is presently thriving in a life full of happiness and contentment.

"My life is very happy. I am happy and content. I have endorsements. God is good. Bihira sa age ko na 46 at pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin ng mga brands. So that alone, I am very blessed. 

(My life is happy. I am happy and content. I have endorsements. God is good. It's rare at my age of 46, and brands still trust me. So that alone, I am very blessed.)

"And I have three beautiful and intelligent kids. So wala na akong mahihiling pa. Kung ano man ang dumating sa akin at kung ano man ang hindi dumating sa akin, I am still blessed.

(And I have three beautiful and intelligent kids. So I can't ask for anything more. Whatever comes to me and whatever doesn't come to me, I am still blessed.)

"I have to guide them and self-love muna. We have to love ourselves first. Alagaan natin ang sarili natin dahil isa lang ang katawan natin. We cannot expect a person to love us kung hindi natin muna mamahalin ang sarili natin," she added.

(I have to guide them and self-love first. We have to love ourselves first. Let's take care of ourselves because we only have one body. We cannot expect someone to love us if we don't love ourselves first.)

Sunshine Cruz

Advice for her girls

Sunshine allowed her daughters to date now that they are no longer minors.

"Meron ng nanliligaw matagal na. Very open ang communication ko sa kanila tungkol dyan. Alangan naman magtago or tumakas yung bata. 

(I have an open communication with them about being courted. At least they are not hiding or running away.)

"So mas maganda alam ng nanay. Kasi ang nanay naman ang makakapag advice ng maganda at maayos para sa mga bata.

(So the mother knows better. The mother can give proper advice to the children.)

Sunshine reminds her children to be cautious and avoid acting foolishly.

"Don't be stupid. Be careful. Kasi sayang naman ang galing nila sa school. Isang pagkakamali lang magbabago na ang buhay mo. So hinahayaan ko naman na enjoy nila ang kanilang kabataan kung gusto nilang lumabas with friends. 

(Don't be stupid. Be careful. It's a shame, considering they are educated. Just one mistake and your life will change. So I let them enjoy their youth if they want to go out with friends.)

"Hindi na sila menor de edad so pwede na silang makipag date. So the only thing that I can do is mag advice sa kanila at kausapin sila. It's up to them kung papakinggan nila ako but of course nandoon ang prayers na sana pakinggan nila ako.

(They are no longer minors, so they can start dating. So the only thing that I can do is give them advice and talk to them. It's up to them if they listen to me, but I pray they do.)

Sunshine's three girls understand her and allow her to do things that make her happy.

"You do what makes you happy. You deserve to be happy, Yun ang lagi nilang sinasabi sa akin. Kait ano ang decision ko, nirerespeto naman nila. Alam nila whoever makes me happy. Kung bumili man ako ng aso, masaya sila para sa akin," said the actress when asked if her children limit her from doing things that bring her joy.

Sunshine Cruz (center, seated) poses at the launch of her latest endorsement for Thioell

Staying healthy

As she turns 47, Sunshine reveals she maintains a healthy lifestyle and gets plenty of sleep.

"47 years na ako in July. I sleep a lot. I drink lots of water. Mahilig talaga akong matulog. Lead a positive life. Umiiwas lang ako sa mga negativity. Minsan may anxiety rin tayo. I say with my kids. Kapag kausap ko sila ang saya-saya. Ang kukulit.

(I will be 47 in July. I sleep a lot, drink lots of water, and like to sleep. I lead a positive life. I avoid negativity. Sometimes, we also have anxiety. I stay with my kids. It's fun when we are together.)

"We love dogs. Therapeutic sa amin ang dogs. I also work out three to four times a week. Now, I have a personal trainer, not just tone and firm. I'm building some muscles, she added.

(We love dogs. Dogs are therapeutic for us. I also work out three to four times a week. Now, I have a personal trainer, not just tone and firm. I'm building some muscles.)

At 48, Geneva Cruz feels younger and stronger than before

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

May 7, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Geneva Cruz may be 48 now, but she amazingly feels stronger than when she did in her 20s and 30s.

“I believe that it’s never too late to improve one’s health and strength,” admitted Geneva. “When it comes to fitness, there are no shortcuts; you only get out what you put in.”

For somebody who used to dislike running, it is surprising that Geneva is now setting her sights on joining the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic this coming June, a first for her.

Joining a triathlon was never in Geneva’s bucket list. “I had never experienced the ‘runner’s high’ many runners talk about,” Geneva said.

“However, that pushed me to want to know what it feels like, so I started participating in more fun runs including 5k, 10k and 21k races, as well as a duathlon (run-bike-run) and cycling races.

“I continued to join more races until I finally felt the runner’s high, which only happened recently. Last year alone, I completed 14 races and last April was my 17th race.”

Geneva is excited to see how far she can push herself and what she can achieve through the experience. She likes to challenge herself because it helps her grow. She is preparing for the June triathlon and even learns how to swim.

“For me, the race is not only about winning, but also about the journey of training and the challenges that come with it,” Geneva admitted. “I believe overcoming the challenges will make me physically and mentally stronger and help me become a better version of myself.”

“But I never do those challenges without preparation, so I always incorporate cardio and endurance training, strength and conditioning under coach Kelvin Labrador of Fit Twenty-One Gym. I also do some mobility and flexibility (yoga and dance) on my own at home.”

Two years ago, it will be remembered that Geneva constantly wanted to challenge herself. During the pandemic, she signed up as a reservist of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), recruited by her Smokey Mountain friend, 2nd lieutenant Tony Lambino, in 2022.

“We went to the mountains where we had our PAFR (Philippine Air Force Reserve Command) FTX (Field Training Exercises) for four days,” Geneva shared. “That’s what excites me because I’m learning a lot with my training in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“I joined the reservist because I want to help without entering politics. We go on medical missions, join the manpower and assist in many places around the Philippines and encourage more Filipinos.”

When she became an army reservist, Geneva struggled with her scoliosis because they all had to carry a heavy backpack and the M16 while doing their basic citizen military training,

“I knew I had to learn how to manage my thoracic scoliosis better and that came with physical therapy treatment combined with chiropractic therapy, strength and conditioning, and now, swimming.

Geneva Cruz: ‘When it comes to fitness, there are no shortcuts; you only get out what you put in.’

“Being in the military reserve grew me a stronger backbone and I am willing to use it to assist others and my loved ones in times of need.”

As an Aries-Dragon, Geneva remains very agile and active more than three decades after she joined the entertainment industry as a female soloist of Smokey Mountain quartet, with Lambino, Jeffrey Hidalgo and James Coronel.

“It’s not just dancing with me now,” Geneva said. “I ran. I do marathons. At 48, I have become this strong woman. Strong not just on the inside, but even on the outside.”

Participating in a triathlon is a personal challenge for Geneva. It didn’t just start out with a dare. Nor did anyone challenge her in any way. She didn’t just wake up one day and say, “I want to join a triathlon!”

“It just seems more fun than just running in itself because you get to do more than just running,” Geneva maintained. “I also want to prove to myself that with proper training, people in their 40s and 50s can achieve the same physical feat as younger individuals.”

Losing her mom to COVID-19 in 2021 prodded Geneva to step up her fitness game. “My sisters started training with me and our cousin Glenda (Cruz Bayona) at the gym, joining us at fun runs only this year, which has been very exciting,” Geneva shared. “I stay in training mode and have more fun with my friends and family.”

Her male, pro-athlete friends inspired her and also her cousin Glenda. Inevitably they became Geneva’s inspirational pegs in fitness. Her cousin, Glenda, likewise enlisted for the triathlon.

“Glenda encouraged me to get into weightlifting and running and she also became my gym buddy,” Geneva offered. “She introduced me to Fit Twenty-One Gym two years ago and they showed me that it could be done. Since then, I never looked back at my old self.”

That made Geneva say to herself, “Yeah! I want to be like them! I want to be lean and mean! I want to be a winner!”

Geneva acknowledges her weakness — swimming — and knows she needs to work harder at it.

“I have mighty long fingers and feet (laughs). Kidding aside, all thanks to my fantastic coach, Al Gonzales, who was introduced to me by my triathlete BFF Jeffrey Hidalgo.”

With just a month away, Geneva observes a proper diet (clean eating and no junk foods or sweets), swim classes, fun runs, cycling, weights, yoga, pilates, even dance, and of course, recovery in between.

“After realizing that the fire inside me needed to be balanced by more graceful activities, I decided to stop taking taekwondo lessons and chose to learn how to swim, instead,” Geneva said.

“Joining an event like this triathlon, I know I will gain strength both mentally and physically and even become a better swimmer. I will be able to use it to finally join the Philippine Air Force Search And Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT), so I can serve my country better,” Geneva asserted.