Possible 1st cyclone for 2024: PAGASA monitors LPA east of Mindanao

 

Possible 1st cyclone for 2024: PAGASA monitors LPA east of Mindanao. Satellite image shows a low pressure area east of Cagayan province on May 22, 2024

Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com

May 22, 2024 | 2:07pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday it is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao that may develop into the country’s first cyclone of the year. 

The cloud cluster east of southeastern Mindanao developed into an LPA this morning, according to PAGASA. 

The weather disturbance may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tonight or Thursday morning. 

It may affect and make landfall over the Bicol region-Eastern Visayas area by late Friday or on Saturday, still as an LPA. Then, it may emerge over the waters east of Luzon.

The weather bureau said that the development of LPA into a tropical depression around Sunday or Monday is “not ruled out, but less likely.” 

If the LPA becomes a tropical depression, it will be named Aghon, making it the country’s first cyclone of 2024. 

Another scenario shows the LPA recurving over the Philippine Sea near the Bicol Region or Eastern Visayas, potentially developing into a tropical depression by Friday or Saturday.

The Philippines may experience generally fair weather conditions with higher chances of thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening, until Thursday. 

By Friday, the LPA may bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Bicol region and Eastern Visayas. 

The through of the LPA, which may also develop into tropical depression, may dump scattered rain showers over the eastern portion of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, which may trigger flash floods and landslides. 

PAGASA previously said the country may see up to two tropical cyclones this month as hot weather continues to affect the country.

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM ...

While writing my next column, I listened to it. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is a 1931 song with music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt and lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was first recorded in February 1931 by Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, soon followed by Wayne King and His Orchestra with vocals by Ernie Birchill. The most popular version was recorded by The Mamas and Papas in the 1960s, with Cass Elliot singing the solo.

This world always seems to be an unwelcoming place for dreamers. In music, dreamers find a place to let their most sincere emotions come to life in the form of ballads. They take us on a journey, while slowing life down to an almost dream-like state, allowing us to breathe in what the artist is conveying. They gave us the term "crooner," and we drank them like emotional wine. Ballads are nourishment for the soul, and they take us somewhere serene. That's exactly how I feel when I hear the song "Dream a Little Dream of Me."

Dreams at night: At one time, people thought that the figures appearing in  dreams were messengers from Gods. It has been generally believed that dreams came from something outside the persons with special skill.

Today, it is believed that dreams are created by the dreamer himself. And because dreams are something a person creates, they may have a special meaning for the person who dreams them.

Just why you have a particular dream when you do may depend on many things. Your health may have an effect on your dreams. A person who is ill or uncomfortable will have different kinds of dreams than that of a person who is well and happy.

If a person is hungry, or feeling cold, or very tired, his dreams may include these feelings. Many dreams seem to be made up of disguised feelings. Also, the events of the day before may have a lot to do with what one dreams. Often the persons or situations in a dream are those that you met during the day. Or your emotion may make you have the kind of dream you have. Needing or wanting something may be also expressed in a dream, and being frightened may become part of a dream.

The feelings of happiness or disappointment which come out in dreams were probably in the dreamer before. Filipinos get many dreams. They want to be free from all kinds of bondage because it is the only freedom they can see and enjoy the beauty of life. I learned this during the last 25 years staying in the Philippines for good.

Filipinos sing their songs of optimism that the future will be brighter than today knowing that the wheel of fortune will eventually roll up in their favor. Many times, prayers have become a monotonous refrain of hoping, asking and dreaming of better times. "Bahala na ang Diyos" ... God will take care!

Cayetano to lead Senate committees on trade, higher education

 

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected as chair of two influential committees on Wednesday: the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education.

This as the Senate reshuffled its leadership before the sine die adjournment of its second regular session following the assumption of Senator Francis Escudero as Senate President on Monday.

As the new chair of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, Cayetano will oversee matters crucial to both domestic and international trade.

His responsibilities will include oversight of private corporations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the regulation of entrepreneurial practices. Additionally, Cayetano will focus on quality control and consumer protection.

Cayetano's leadership also extends to the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education.

In this committee, Cayetano will address issues directly related to post-secondary and tertiary education, technical education, distance learning, and vocational training. His agenda includes enhancing the welfare of teachers and students by managing scholarships, grants, and incentives.

Further solidifying his influence, Cayetano nominated Senator Francis Tolentino, the newly appointed majority leader, to chair the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Tolentino will ensure the reputation of the Senate and its members.

These recent changes in committee leadership add to the two committees which Cayetano currently chairs, the Committee on Accounts and the Committee on Science and Technology.

With Cayetano's extensive experience and dedication, the independent senator is poised to address issues effectively and drive legislative advancements in trade, education, and government enterprises.###

Explainer: Santacruzan, Flores de Mayo: What’s the difference?

 Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

May 22, 2024 | 12:37pm

From left: Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon is Reyna Elena, her mom Zsa Zsa Padilla is Reyna Emperatriz at Intramuros' Santacruzan procession for 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Every May, apart from Mother’s Day and National Heritage Month, the country observes many summer festivals, particularly, Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo.

Specifically popular in provinces, Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo both involve ladies parading all over town in elaborate gowns, and oftentimes, with an escort and a decorated arch being carried over their heads.

People usually use “Santacruzan” to refer to “Flores de Mayo,” and vice versa, and although there are similarities between the two, they are still different from one another, said The Philippine Heritage Society, an organization dedicated to preserve, promote and disseminate Filipino culture.

According to the Society, Santa Cruz de Mayo, or more popularly known as Santacruzan, “is a highly anticipated event in the Filipino calendar, celebrated across towns and cities in the Philippines. 

“This event is rich in history, religion, and features a beautiful and elaborate parade,” a Society’s representative said in a speech at a grand Santacruzan in Intramuros last Sunday.

“Introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines in 1800s, actually it all started here in Intramuros, is a popular Filipino Catholic tradition that commemorates and retells the story of Queen Helena or Reyna Helena, mother of Constantine the Great who found the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified and was brought back to Rome.”

According to the Society, one difference of Santacruzan from Flores de Mayo is that in Santacruzan, every participant is assigned to represent a Biblical character.

“The virtues associated with the Santacruzan are hope, faith and charity, so these can be seen in the lineup (of queens in the parade),” the Society’s representative explained.

“Today, Santacruzan has evolved from a purely religious parade into an extravagant fashion (presentation)… Beautiful girls from each town are chosen to portray historical figures… and participants wear stunning multicolored costumes…”

The difference between Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan, said the representative, is that Flores de Mayo is a month-long event in May. 

“(It is) a processional pageantry, which honors the Virgin Mary,” the representative said.

“But, the Santacruzan held at the end of Flores de Mayo celebrates the Queen Helena of Constantinople’s finding of the true cross, lending historical reverence to a colorful procession.”

The representative added that the Catholic Church originally used Santacruzan as a preaching tool: “The actual parade of the Santacruzan is an effective way for the younger generation and the Catholic faithful to be (evangelized).”

Philippine Heritage Society President Kate Bellosillo, in a speech before the Intramuros parade last Sunday, said, “We’re going to have a procession to commemorate the search for the Holy Cross after the death of Jesus Christ, by Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. Kaya po ang tawag sa ating celebration today ay Santa Cruz de Mayo.”

“Iba po ito sa Flores de Mayo – a flower festival that pays tribute to the Virgin Mary,” she stressed.

“Truly, the Santa Cruz de Mayo is a symbol of our strong religious tradition as a nation and our deep respect of our religious roots and heritage. Mahalaga pong maalala natin saan ba tayo nanggaling para alam natin kung saan tayo pupunta bilang isang bansa.”

Marcos cites need to invest in women's health

BY BETHEENA UNITE

May 22, 2024 01:44 PM

  

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President Marcos has stressed the need to invest in women's health as it has a "multiplier effect" in the country's healthcare system.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa (Photo courtesy of PPA/Ryan Baldemor)

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Marcos made the statement during a sectoral meeting on Wednesday, May 22. 

The President emphasized the need to invest in women’s health because women are marginalized and they are often the ones who take care of the whole family.

He added that this has a multiplier effect in the healthcare system.

"[W]e talked about the reforms that the President wants implemented in our healthcare system. It focused really on… emphasis on primary care. We talked about how the idea of we’re spending a lot of money on improving a lot of our specialty hospitals but a lot of the diseases that Filipinos die from are actually preventable if we have good primary care services at the local level," Herbosa said in a palace briefing on Wednesday.

"So this was the gist of the presentation where we will focus on: number one, health promotion and disease prevention; number two, acute care; and, number three, women’s health," he added.

During the meeting, the Department of Health presented the National Human Resources Master Plan 2020-2040, which aims to address the gap in human resources for health. This is in keeping with the Philippines’ commitment to meeting the UN sustainable development goals. 

In the discussion, the President highlighted the importance of a few things from the national plan, including the focus on human resources and preventive healthcare, the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services, the corporatization of tertiary hospitals, investing in women’s health, and the need to include the five gems of tourism in the hospital system beyond first aid.

Rabiya Mateo, MJ Lastimosa reveal their favorite candidates in Miss Universe Philippines 2024

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 21, 2024 11:22 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

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The 53 candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024

"Bardagulan" or a "bloodbath." This is how some pageant watchers describe the intense competition among veteran queens who are also frontrunners in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, which will have its grand coronation night at the MOA Arena on May 22.

Rabiya Mateo, who represented the country in Miss Universe 2020, said: "I know! bloodbath talaga. And it makes me excited as a pageant fan because they're really trying to deliver a great show for us."

Meanwhile, actress and host MJ Lastimosa - who represented the country in Miss Universe 2014 - said there is nothing wrong with proclaiming a seasoned queen as the winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

"Ang sabi ko sa kanila, mag-bardagulan sila hangga't gusto nila. It's good for our country, meaning hasang-hasa ang mananalo kasi paghihirapan niya talaga ang korona," MJ said.

Rabiya Mateo

There's a record of seven experienced queens competing in MUPH 2024 and some of them have placed globally. They are Kris Tiffany Janson, Miss Intercontinental 2014 2nd runner-up; Christi Lynn McGarry of Taguig, 1st runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2015; Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Miss International 2018 1st runner-up; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga, Miss Tourism International 2019; Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022; Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021; and Stacey Gabriel of Cainta, Bb. Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up.

MJ, also known in showbiz as Mareng MJ, opined that the seasoned queens have "unfinished business" or "what ifs" in life, and that's why they are returning.

She related this to her own experience, having tried three times before gaining the right to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2014 where she placed in the top 10. "Pag pangarap mo kasi pangarap mo eh.Di mo naman kasi masasabi ang timing, what if ito na yung perfect time for the girl who's returning? For me talaga may the best Miss Universe Philippines candidate win! And  ang Pilipino naman, kung sino ang ipapadala sa international stage, we will support her," MJ remarked.

MJ Lastimosa

Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

The Ilongga beauty queen revealed that she is rooting for fellow Ilongga Alexie Brooks but clarified that she also supports the rest of the girls.

"I'm rooting for Alexi, of course. But also, I have a lot of friends na kasali. And I know also their personal struggles, you know. And I'm also rooting for them. Overall, masasabi ko bilang isang kandidata dati, mahirap po yung pageantry. So instead of comparing or rooting for just one girl, pray for everybody. Kasi hindi madali ang journey nila," Rabiya pointed out.

Meanwhile, MJ admitted that she supports Kris Tiffany Janson because they are batchmates in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, and they have been friends for 10 years.

Adjeng not feeling pressured by new generation of artists

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally.

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

May 22, 2024 08:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

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Adjeng (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Having been in the music industry for almost a decade, singer-songwriter Adjeng continues to thrive. She consistently releases new music and delivers captivating performances at concerts.

During the launch of her album "Unravel," held at the Red Rhino Restaurant in Ortigas, the 45-year-old singer shared that she does not feel pressured to compete with the new generation of artists.

"I just keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure, basta let's just be excellent," Adjeng said during the roundtable interview. 

(I keep moving forward. I just surround myself with excellent people. I like sitting at a table where the conversation is interesting. I don't mind the pressure.) 

After releasing several singles last year, Adjeng couldn't be happier to release her debut album finally. Drawing inspiration from personal milestones and events, Adjeng reveals her vulnerable side of this project.

"I think about this album as a gift. I think about what happens in the unwrapping. That's why using the word "Unravel" is such a strong statement, but it also gives me a lot of opportunity," Adjeng mentioned.

Her debut album is a heartfelt expression of her experiences, conveyed through honest songwriting, authenticity, and unwavering passion for the craft.

She also mentioned that being in a broken state helped her to delve deeper into her feelings regarding songwriting.

"When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact of the brokenness, lalo ka pa lang mahuhulma. Because when I got my heart broken, that's when I started writing," Adjeng added. 

(When I found myself broken-hearted, that's when things started to get deeper when it comes to songwriting, and you know what? I loved the fact that in the brokenness, you can only be molded more.)

Adjeng’s newest single off the album, ‘Still Kilig,’ is a love story in its own right - one where Adjeng sings about her loving relationship with her husband and how it continues to unfold as the years go by. “‘Still Kilig’ is a song I wrote and composed during the recent FILSCAP Songwriting Camp Year 5. 

It also marks the first time I got to work with keyboardist and music producer Gino Cruz, who arranged the song. It shares my take on my marriage's recipe for kilig," she gleefully shared. More than just a recipe for excitement, it also sheds light on the ups and downs of a long-term relationship and how to keep a marriage thriving after all these years.

Maricar likes how her online presence enables her 'to reach more people in a more personal way.'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 22, 2024 09:43 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

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Maricar Reyes (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Pretty Maricar Reyes may not be so visible in showbiz, but she's vocal about loving her "other life" as a content creator and online personality. She's now a thriving author of her self-titled book and maintains the "Relationship Matters PH"  page together with her husband, singer Richard Poon. The page, which discusses family and relationships, has close to a million followers on Facebook.

Maricar's book discusses her journey towards self-healing after that seeming scandal in 2009 when she became a national topic. Many people admired Maricar for handling the situation by just keeping quiet. This is precisely what her book discusses: dealing with online shame and getting oneself out of a messy situation.

It took Maricar about 15 years to face the issue and write it all down. The good thing is that it made her "relatable" to countless others being bullied online or facing some form of stigma.

Maricar likes how her online presence  enables her "to reach more people in a more personal way."

"When people get my book and they tell me a similar story of what happened to them, I like it because we feel connected in some way," she narrated.

Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

"When the pandemic happened, Richard and I needed to re-evaluate things. We decided to focus more on our business, like the chocolate cakes. And then from there, I thought there are other things apart from showbiz, so it's nice to explore that," she reasoned.

She clarified, however, that "if there's an offer, if there's a nice role, then we will consider it." She added that she watches a lot of true crime documentaries and would be partial to doing that type of film.

We teased Maricar that with her fair complexion and slanted eyes, she would fit seamlessly in a Korean movie. At this point, she gave credit to her skin clinic of choice, Velasco Medical Aesthetics (VMA), located at the Inoza Tower in Bonifacio Global City, for her Korean glass skin complexion.

Not all people know that Maricar is a licensed medical doctor and the owner of VMA, Dr. Erika, is her batchmate at the University of Santo Tomas where they studied medicine.

Maricar goes to VMA for the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra, a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment with minimal downtime.

"What I like about this place is that the beauty sessions are really long. You can completely relax, and when you wake up, fresh ka na!," the actress enthused.

"What I also like is that they will only give you what you need. Hindi yung sobra na. Ang gusto ni Doc, parang natural pa rin," she noted.

Maricar was a special guest, along with other celebrities and influencers, at the first year anniversary celebration of VMA recently.

Even though it is located in BGC, Velasco Medical Aesthetics is gaining popularity among office workers for its affordable facials and other beauty treatments. It's an Instaglow facial, which takes an hour and costs P2000. On the other hand, the 14-step Prime Facial - which lasts two hours - is priced at only P3,500.

Daniel Padilla set to attend Bagong Pilipinas concert in Davao

By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 09:07 AM May 22, 2024

Daniel Padilla will be among the guests at the “Pagkakaisa” concert in Davao in June, an event organized by Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.

The actor’s attendance at the show was announced by his mom, actress-TV host Karla Estrada, through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, May 21.

Estrada shared a publication material released by Padilla’s fan club, which shows the details of the upcoming event.

“This is it! See you in Davao del Norte, June 7!” she captioned her post.

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a flagship program of the Marcos administration, is a service caravan that “aims to provide major government services to less fortunate Filipinos in various communities across the country and features the government’s flagship programs.”

How to vote for the next Miss Universe Philippines 2024 winner

 Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night poster

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

May 22, 2024 | 9:07am

MANILA, Philippines — Have you been a member of a selection committee or a judging panel?

Those who have will tell you how difficult it is to weigh your options to arrive at the best results.

Well, tonight is your chance to be the 11th member of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024 judging panel.

In a message on social media, the MUPH Organization wrote, "You can be the 11th judge! Fans everywhere can now vote for their favorite Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finalists and help increase their chances of getting closer to the crown.

"From the Top 20, vote for your favorite to enter the Top 10. And from the Top 10, you can vote again to move up your favorite to the Top 5. From the Top 5, vote one last time for the one you think deserves to be Miss Universe Philippines 2024!

"This is exactly how it feels to be a judge in Miss Universe Philippines! The power to choose our next queen is in YOUR hands!"

Cast your votes using the Miss Universe Philippines app.

Catch the finale later tonight in SM Mall of Asia Arena. Or, you may opt to watch the Livestream via EmpirePH's channel on YouTube. All others can watch the final show on Sunday, May 26, through a delayed telecast on GMA.