Air traffic software glitch delays Naia flights, 9,000 fliers

 

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:46 AM May 21, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — More than 9,000 passengers—mostly those departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)—were affected by flight delays and cancellations for several hours on Monday due to a technical issue with the navigational air traffic management system.

In an advisory issued at 1 p.m., the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said it identified a “potential problem with the software” in the system of the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC).

“To ensure [the] safety of the flying public, Caap decided to be conservative and control the operations by providing longer separation of departing flights,” it said.

Caap did not give other details but an advisory from local carrier Cebu Pacific said the “main flight data processor of the ATMC system experienced a technical issue.”

The ATMC houses the communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system, which manages and supervises the air traffic activities within the Philippine Flight Information Region.

Caap assured the public that “communication and surveillance at the ATMC remain available and unaffected” during the three-hour period when the software issue was being fixed.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the flight disruptions at Naia, the country’s busiest and main gateway, started around 11 a.m.

A total of 56 flights were affected as of 3 p.m.—36 were domestic (five arrivals, 31 departures), while 20 were international (three arrivals, 17 departures), with the number of affected passengers estimated at 9,240.

Among the worst affected was Cebu Pacific’s Flight 5J 506, which was supposed to depart Naia Terminal 3 at 11 a.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao at 12:10 p.m.

Because of the problem with the ATMC’s system, it was only able to take off almost four hours later at 2:41 p.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao Airport at 3:41 p.m.

By 2 p.m., Caap issued another advisory, saying the “identified problem in the ATMC is now resolved, and regular flight operations are being restored.”

It would take some time, however, for operations at the four Naia terminals to normalize. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines already canceled several flights on Monday afternoon and evening.

To address the situation, MIAA general manager Eric Ines ordered the opening of the Naia runways for 24 hours for airline flight recovery operations.

This was not the first time Caap’s ATMC system malfunctioned. On Jan. 1, 2023, hundreds of flights were delayed and thousands of passengers at Naia were left stranded after the Philippine airspace shut down for several hours when its CNS/ATM system and backup failed. It took days for flight operations to normalize.

Beat the Heat

 

Beat the Heat How we can survive the long hot simmer

May 21, 2024

It may have started raining now, but make no mistake: Per the weather bureau, temperatures will remain high and we remain vulnerable to the extreme heat that scorched us during this year's unprecedented summer season. March 2024 now stands as the hottest month in the planet's climate record, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. It was also the 10th in a row of record-breaking warm months. With climate change, the projection is that we will have to live with hotter and hotter days in the years to come. What can we do to keep ourselves safe and healthy in this increasingly dangerous weather? How do we avoid heatstroke? Are there foods we can eat to keep ourselves cool and hydrated? How do we help lower the temperature in our homes and vehicles? Here's a collection of Inquirer stories that provide tips and other timely reminders on how to survive the long hot simmer we're now experiencing. Always, drink lots of water! How to avoid heat stroke Children, the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses range from mild symptoms such as red and itchy skin (heat rash) to more serious ones including nausea, fainting and muscle pains (heat stroke).

Rondina, Canino join forces as collegiate, pro players banner PH team in AVC Cup

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A mix of professional and collegiate players will comprise the Philippine women’s volleyball team that will compete in the 2024 AVC Cup happening on May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

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A mix of professional and collegiate players will comprise the Philippine women’s volleyball team that will compete in the 2024 AVC Cup happening on May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Sisi Rondina, left, and Angel Canino banner the PH team in the AVC Cup.

Former Premier Volleyball League Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina and last season’s UAAP MVP Angel Canino of De La Salle headline the squad that will be handled by outgoing coach Jorge de Brito.

PVL players in the lineup are returning Japan V.League import Jia De Guzman, Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Cignal’s Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Akari’s Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos and Choco Mucho’s Chery Nunag.

Collegiate players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, as well as University of the East’ Casiey Dongallo are also part of the crew.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara said they are awaiting for the green light on several collegiate players from National University and University of Santo Tomas, who are competing in the UAAP Season 86 finals at press time.

A total of 10 teams are competing this edition, with host Philippines bracketed in Pool A along with Chinese Taipei, India, Iran and Australia.

Pool B comprises Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Rondina recently showed her excitement and enthusiasm to don the national colors while being fresh from Choco Mucho’s runner-up finish in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against Creamline.

Young talents to dazzle in 'Dragons Unleashed' concert on May 22

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 19, 2024 11:41 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents andsharedsome advice on showbiz longevity.

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Irizz

Get ready! The "Dragons Unleashed" concert will dazzle fans as young and fresh talents bring their A-game to the Music Museum in Greenhills on May 22.

The young talents under Dragon Artists Management who will be part of the concert are Shira Tweg, Khai Flores, Christa Jocson, Mira Aquino, Elle Fernandez, RJ Ariar, and Ariz Rodil.

Other talents sharing the limelight are Jace Eusebio, Ash Carpio, Kisha Garcia, Keinrad Estallo, Ruby Garcia, Lindsay Magsaysay, Rjay Quenvido, Mark Cester, Shoogar, and Irizz.

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler. Janna Trias will host the show. Part of the proceeds will go to Servants of Charity. The show is directed by Vivian Poblete Blancaflor.

Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents and shared some advice on showbiz longevity, during an interview in Quezon City recently.

All of you are on equal footing. You have the looks and talents. But at the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to have that perseverance and the patience to pursue what you want.

"Pwede naman kayong sumikat. But the question is longevity. Kaya niyo bang tumagal? Maraming flash in the pan. So sana tumagal sila sa business. Kumbaga kahit matagal ka na, kinukuha ka pa rin. Hindi naman kami nagkukulang (bilang manager). They have workshops sa voice, acting, and dancing. 

(You can become famous. But the question is longevity. Can you last? Lots of flash in the pan. So I hope they last in business. Even though you've been around for a long time, you're still being hired. We are not lacking (as a manager). They have workshops on voice, acting, and dancing.)

"Importante talaga sa akin yung personality. Ugali or attitude ng mga bata. Kahit na may talent ka pero yung ugali mo hindi naman ganun kaganda, wala rin. Kahit na may contract kayo, kailangan ang mutual respect sa isa't isa. They can stay long forever," Bambbi said.

(Personality is really important to me, especially the attitude of children. Even if you have talent, your attitude could improve; nothing will happen. Even if you have a contract, mutual respect is necessary for each other. They can stay long forever.)

When asked which is more difficult to manage, a boy or a girl, Bambbi said, "They're just the same."

It's a dream come true for Bambbi to finally fulfill her dream of managing the careers of newcomers. While she is successfully known as the makeup artist to the stars (Marian Rivera, Ruffa Gutierrez, Aiko Melendez, Janice de Belen, Dawn Zulueta, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Julie Anne San Jose, etc.), this hardworking stylist revealed she has been offered to manage upcoming showbiz talents on many occasions in the past.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Those were the days. Bambbi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Bambbi Fuentes

Those were the days. Bambi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

Then came the pandemic, leading up to the lockdown. The business establishments were severely affected. It was at this point that Bambbi decided to revive her dream of establishing a management agency.

"I told myself, 'I want to give it a try!' One thing led to another. Our first baby was Khai Flores. Then came with a few talents and there were referrals hanggang sa nakabuo na kami," said Bambbi.

YG Entertainment announces studio album for BabyMonster, new music for Treasure

BY JONATHAN HICAP

May 20, 2024 07:41 AM

  

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Yang Hyun-suk of YG Entertainment announced updates for K-pop groups BabyMonster and Treasure. 

BabyMonster, composed of Ahyeon, Ruka, Chiquita, Pharita, Rora, Asa and Rami, debuted on April 1 with the album “BabyMons7er.” 

In a video released on May 19, Yang Hyun-suk said BabyMonster will release a studio album in September or October, while Treasure will drop a new album in the fall. 

BabyMonster (X)

About BabyMonster, he said, “The performance video for ‘Like That’  composed by Charlie Puth, which fans are currently most looking forward to, will be released within this month. You can look forward to that.” "We will definitely release a full album in either September or October,” he said. 

Before this, one of the songs in the studio album will be released “sometime early July.” 

“We are planning the M/V and broadcasting activities for the next song,” he said. 

About Treasure, which debuted in 2020, Yang Hyun-suk said, “Treasure’s last full album was released on July 28, 2023.” 

“We're presenting a new song to our fans after 10 months. During this time, Treasure has been very busy. They're currently on an Asia tour too. Fortunately, we have a 2-3 week break period, which allows us the opportunity to introduce a song called ‘King Kong.’ So I feel very happy about that,” he said. 

“King Kong,” a digital single, will be released on May 28. 

“I think it might be quite different from the music Treasure has released so far. The keyword ‘King Kong’ itself is very strong so I believe they'll present explosive energy with a very strong performance,” he said. 

He added, “Please support the new song 'King Kong' being revealed after 10 months, and I promise to give my all for the Treasure album that will be released this fall.”

Treasure held their “2024 Treasure Relay Tour: Reboot” concert in Manila on May 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Treasure in Manila on May 4 (YG Entertainment)

NAIA flights, ground ops resume as MIAA lifts red lightning alert

 

By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ

INQUIRER.net / 03:27 PM May 19, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Flight and ground operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City have resumed following a brief temporary suspension on Sunday afternoon.

It was temporarily suspended at 2:04 p.m. after the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) issued a red lightning alert.

“The MIAA Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division (AGOSD) has lowered the Lightning Red Alert to Yellow as of 3:32 PM / 1532H. Flight and ground operations at NAIA have resumed,” MIAA said in an advisory.

A red lighting alert is a “safety measure” taken to prevent untoward incidents from happening when lightning is prevalent in the immediate area and may endanger the personnel, passengers, and even flight operations.”

In a thunderstorm advisory issued by the state weather bureau at 2:57 p.m., it said that moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Pampanga, Bataan, and Batangas “within the next 2 hours.”

Letran last team in front of St. Benilde juggernaut

 

Letran last team in front of St. Benilde juggernaut 

College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers. | PHOTO: NCAA

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:10 AM May 19, 2024

If St. Benilde remains unchecked, it will continue a run of wins that has gone on for 30 games thus far.

In the current NCAA Season 99, women’s volleyball championship, Letran remains the last team that can put the brakes on the streak.

So maybe it’s easy to dismiss the Knights, or at least label them heavy, heavy underdogs—emphasis on heavy.

There is one person who doesn’t think so. And he sits at the front end of the Lady Blazers bench.

“Expectations aside, all teams are on equal footing when they get to the Finals,” said St. Benilde coach Jerry Yee. “Both teams have to execute their plans and strategies come game time.”

Don’t be fooled though. Last April 1, the Lady Blazers scored a 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19 win over the Lady Knights, and that was already considered a tough one for the defending champions.

Letran will have to dig really deep to break St. Benilde’s stranglehold of women’s volleyball in the NCAA.

“I am not the only one excited; the whole community of Colegio de San Juan de Letran shares this excitement,” said coach Oliver Almadro, who took over Letran’s squad only this season.

Already a winner

“It’s been a while since the school qualified for the Finals,” added the former Ateneo coach in the UAAP, whose squad finished No. 2 with a 7-2 record before outlasting Lyceum in the semifinals.

“We are so blessed to have reached this far in NCAA Season 99, thanks to the faith, discipline, and determination of the players who embraced the system and their eagerness to learn.”

Whatever happens, though, the team’s common benefactor is already a winner.

Strong Group, whose squads in the PBA and PVL have yet to make their mark, bankrolls both the St. Benilde and Letran programs.

Biggest Solar Storm in 20 Years Has Hit The Earth. But It's Not Over Yet

804,886 views May 16, 2024

The Sun had a busy week. The most powerful solar storm in the last two decades recently hit Earth, creating stunning displays of auroras, often known as the Northern and Southern Lights. This event was caused by a group of sunspots (AR 3664), about 16 times the size of Earth. They released several X-class solar flares and coronal mass ejections directly toward our planet. These solar emissions led to severe geomagnetic storms, ranked at the highest intensity level of G5, marking the most intense storms since the 2003 Halloween storms. So, what really happened on the surface of the Sun that caused the geomagnetic storm? How did it create such a stunning display of light 150 million km away? Finally, and most importantly, what will happen when the sunspot group faces our planet again after two weeks?

Explosion auf der Sonne

 

Explosion auf der Sonne

Auf unserer Sonne kracht und knallt es! Die US-Weltraumbehörde Nasa hat am Dienstag um 18.51 Uhr (MESZ) die stärkste Sonneneruption (Stärke X8.7) seit 2005 gemessen. Der Ausbruch war auf der erdabgewandten Seite. Dem Solar Dynamics Observatory gelang ein Foto, auf dem der helle Blitz (rechts) zu sehen ist.

Explosion on the sun

Our sun is cracking and banging! The US space agency NASA measured the strongest solar flare (magnitude X8.7) since 2005 on Tuesday at 6:51 p.m. (CEST). The eruption was on the side away from Earth. The Solar Dynamics Observatory managed to capture a photo showing the bright flash (right).

Shear line and easterlies to bring cloudy skies with rains over PH

 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that loudy skies with rains will prevail over the country on Sunday due to shear line and easterlies. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa)

By: Luisa Cabato - Reporter / @luisacabatoINQ

INQUIRER.net / 09:30 AM May 19, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Cloudy skies with rains will prevail over the country on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In an early morning forecast, Pagasa weather specialist Grace Castañeda said that overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will still be experienced in some parts of northern Luzon due to the shear line.

“Patuloy pa ring makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tyansa ng mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog ang bahagi ng Batanes at Babuyan Islands dulot yan ng shear line,” she said.

(The regions of Batanes and Babuyan Islands will continue to experience cloudy skies and a high chance of rain, lightning, and thunder due to the shear line.)

“Dito naman sa Metro Manila, maging sa nalalabing bahagi pa ng ating bansa, ay mayroon lamang tayong mararanasan na mga isolated o ‘yung mga biglaan at mga panandaliang pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog lalong-lalo na sa hapon at gabi dulot ‘yan ng easterlies,” Castañeda added.

(Here in Metro Manila, as well as in the rest of the country, we will only experience isolated or sudden and brief rain showers, lightning, and thunder, especially in the afternoon and evening, due to the easterlies.)

As for temperature ranges in key cities and areas of the country for May 19, Pagasa issued the following:

Metro Manila: 25 to 34 degrees Celsius

Baguio City: 18 to 24 degrees Celsius

Laoag City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tuguegarao: 23 to 32 degrees Celsius

Legazpi City: 28 to 33 degrees Celsius

Puerto Princesa City: 27 to 34 degrees Celsius

Tagaytay: 24 to 32 degrees Celsius

Kalayaan Islands: 26 to 34 degrees Celsius

Iloilo City: 27 to 33 degrees Celsius

Cebu: 28 to 33 degrees Celsius

Tacloban City: 27 to 32 degrees Celsius

Cagayan de Oro City: 26 to 33 degrees Celsius

Zamboanga City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Davao City: 26 to 34 degrees Celsius