Frayna, Fronda, Canino impress in Germany

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Aug 19, 2024 05:00 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• World Chess Olympiad-bound Janelle Mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Ruelle Canino made significant gains with solid performances in the Sparkassen Trophy tilt in Dortmund, Germany over the weekend.

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World Chess Olympiad-bound Janelle Mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Ruelle Canino made significant gains with solid performances in the Sparkassen Trophy tilt in Dortmund, Germany over the weekend.

Janelle Mae Frayna

Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster thus far, downed German FIDE Master Timo Kuppers in the ninth and final round to finish with 5.5 points for a share of 37th place.

Fronda fell to German International Master Gerlef Meins in the last round and wound up with the same score as Frayna. 

From their performance, Frayna earned 23 elo rating points and should have her current rating increase to 2185 from 2162 while Fronda jumped from 2089 to 2140 after gaining 51 rating points.
It came more than a week after their impressive finish in Vlissingen, the Netherlands where Frayna finished in a share of 13th with 6.5 points and Fronda in a group at No. 16 with six points.

Canino, 16, for her part, was equally impressive as she ended up with five points despite defaulting her first three games after some travel hitch and losing her fourth-round duel with India’s Arun Manukonda.

She finished with five points though and earned 96 rating points and should improve from 1908 to 2004.

Next stop for the troika, whose trip is financed by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is the Open Internacional d’escacs Santis-Ciutat de Barcelona scheduled Aug. 23 to Sept. 1 in Spain.

From there, they’ll be flying back on home Sept. 3, rest and join with the national team seeing action in the biennial Olympiad edition scheduled Sept. 10 to 22 in Budapest, Hungary.

There is no health without mental health

Shattering the stigma

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 20, 2024 00:20 AM

  

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Photo: Christopher Catbagan / Unsplash

By HONEY REYES 

 

A silent epidemic in Manila's busy heart shadows the vibrant Filipino life. Mental health challenges, once secret and shameful, now affect many.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can be overwhelming. They can leave people feeling isolated and hopeless.

Today, we call for a collective awakening. It's time to break the stigma around mental health and focus on every Filipino's well-being.

 

The pervasive nature of mental health challenges

Recent studies reveal a dire state of mental health in the Philippines. The WHO estimates that 3.3 million Filipinos have depression. Another 3 million suffer from anxiety disorders.

These numbers are a fraction of the actual burden. Stigma and a lack of awareness prevent many from seeking help. Untreated mental health issues harm more than individuals. They affect families, communities, and the nation.

Productivity declines, relationships suffer, and the economic cost is significant. It is time to acknowledge the urgency of this crisis and take decisive action.

 

Breaking the stigma

The first step to a healthier Philippines is to shatter the stigma around mental health. We must make open talks about mental health a norm everywhere: homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We must educate ourselves and others about mental illness. We must challenge harmful myths and stereotypes.

Fostering empathy can create a safe space. This will allow people to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

 

Prioritizing mental wellbeing

Prioritizing mental wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity. As we care for our physical health, we must also nurture our mental and emotional health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet reshape our mental health. Additionally, it is crucial to seek professional help when needed. Mental health professionals can provide support, guidance, and treatment.

Building supportive communities is another crucial aspect of prioritizing mental wellbeing. Families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors can help create a safe, supportive space. It should be a place where people can share their struggles and seek help.

 

The role of government and institutions

Individual efforts are vital. We need a united effort from the government and institutions to tackle the mental health crisis. To create a healthier Philippines, we must invest more in mental health services, improve access to care, and implement mental health policies.

The journey towards a mentally healthier Philippines begins with each one of us. We can create a supportive society by breaking the stigma and prioritizing wellbeing.

It will empower everyone to seek help. Remember the WHO's words: "There is no health without mental health." Let us work together to break the silence.

Dengue is surging—here’s a refresher on this deadly infection

LIFESTYLEHEALTH AND WELLBEING

Essential information for dengue prevention

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 20, 2024 00:34 AM

  

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The city of Ormoc has recently been placed under State of Calamity due to a dengue outbreak. The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas has been ringing the alarm on dengue deaths and illnesses in the province. There has been 13 deaths and 5,730 cases recorded from January to July this year, which means its 152 percent higher than the 2,273 cases and seven deaths in 2023. Dengue fever, recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne illness globally, affects approximately 400 million people each year and is prevalent in over 100 countries. 

Despite the growing threat, many myths and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding of dengue. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for effective prevention and protection.

Here are some of them.

 

Myth #1: Dengue fever cannot be contracted more than once.

Fact: The dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes. Immunity from one serotype does not protect against the others, making subsequent infections possible and potentially more severe.

 

Myth #2: Dengue is contagious.

Fact: Dengue is transmitted through bites from infected female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti3. It cannot be contracted through human contact or respiratory droplets, making mosquito control essential.

 

Myth #3: An infected mosquito only breeds in dirty stagnant water. 

Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs in any stagnant water, whether clean or dirty. Common breeding sites include basins, pots, jars, and rain gutters. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent mosquito infestation.

 

Myth #4: Dengue fever is only a risk during the rainy season.

Fact: While the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding sites, dengue fever is a risk year-round due to mosquitoes being attracted to carbon dioxide and heat.

Myth #5: The body can naturally recover from dengue fever without medical intervention.

Fact: Dengue fever usually presents as a week-long episode of severe headache, vomiting, and muscle pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as some individuals may require hospitalization despite initial recovery with rest and hydration.

With no specific cure for dengue fever, the focus must remain on preventive measures and accurate information. 

Tip: To help manage dengue, and the high costs that come with it, some insurance companies offer financial assistance for dengue medical care. For instance,   PruLifeUK’s protection products like PRUDengue Medcare and Medcare Pro offers coverage especially for dengue cases. 

Le Sserafim reveals concept photos for upcoming album ‘Crazy’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Aug 19, 2024 09:03 PM

  

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K-pop girl group Le Sserafim unveiled three sets of concept photos for their upcoming fourth mini-album “Crazy” coming out on Aug. 30.

The photos were revealed following an electrifying album trailer and genre-spanning track samplers for each track of the album.

The first batch of photos titled “Thundering Cedar” visually embodies "Crazy" itself with the quintet’s hair levitated by static electricity, while they intensely concentrate on something outside the frame that is anything but ordinary.  

The unique setting is complemented by glowing lightning, a common motif also seen in the album’s trailer and track samplers, that delivers to viewers the overarching message of the album: “Let’s just go crazy together with Le Sserafim.”

 Le Sserafim (Source Music)

Taking a 180-degree turn from the eye-catching set of the previous concept, “Odd Fairy Floss” incorporates the quintet’s real-life favorite items, including sweet desserts, crocheted hats, and cute dolls.  

Stimulating viewers’ imaginations, the members appear to be floating or exploring a dreamlike world, with their bodies either grown as giants or shrunken as fairies. Text bubbles of what seems to be the members’ quirky thoughts, such as “Now, i am ready for a crazy adventure,” catches viewers’ attention.

The final concept “Heathers Rock” captures the quintet in five very different outfits ranging from flowy dresses, simple sportswear, to hip-hop style looks. Each member engages in seemingly out of the ordinary activities within ordinary settings, such as DJing on an apartment staircase, jumping rope in a neighborhood alley, and posing in front of a trash can. Not limiting themselves from time and place, the quintet is immersed in what they want to do, right here, right now. The group photo also includes Kim Chaewon holding up a flag that reads “Crazy Kids Never Die,” which also appeared in the album trailer, piquing curiosity for the upcoming album.

Le Sserafim will reveal the album’s tracklist on Aug. 22 and highlight medley on Aug. 23. 

 

 

 Le Sserafim (Source Music)

 Le Sserafim (Source Music)

ACCESS gets P76 million from EU for Mindanao flood aid

ACCESS will deliver food, clean water, sanitation facilities, and protection assistance to the hardest-hit, least-served, most remote communities

Manila, Philippines, 19 August 2024 – The ACCESS consortium – made up of five international and nine local organizations implementing the ACCESS Project – has secured PHP 76 million (EUR 1.2 million) in funding from the European Union (EU) to deliver timely, appropriate, life-saving aid to communities in Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat who were affected by the July 2024 flooding and landslides.

 

Said Ansherina Talavera, Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Coordinator of consortium lead CARE Philippines: “As humanitarian workers, we’re committed to addressing human suffering wherever it is found, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable. This funding from the European Union helps us support the hardest-hit communities, who are not only dealing with the aftermath of floods and landslides but are also facing the ongoing challenges of conflict and climate change.”

 

Existing organizational presence enabled quick response

The consortium had been on the ground when floods and landslides hit the region, allowing it to immediately assess the situation, identify urgent needs, and deliver initial relief. This established presence in Mindanao and across the Philippines is made possible by the ACCESS-initiated Equitable Partnership Alliance – a non-formal network of local, national, and international non-government organizations committed to delivering quality humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding programs in the country.

 

The funding will help ACCESS provide food assistance, clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and essential services protecting the rights and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of affected families. As with all its emergency response efforts, the consortium will target the hardest hit, least served, difficult-to-reach areas, prioritizing low-income households for whom recovery may be challenging, and including older persons, pregnant and lactating women, persons with disability, female-headed households, and households from indigenous groups.

 

From El Nino to floods and landslides

The massive flooding and landslides – the result of the interaction of multiple, successive weather systems, including the southwest monsoon – came just as families were recovering from the impacts of El Nino. Many had also been grappling with the protracted, decades-long conflict across Mindanao.

 

Urgent needs

Among affected and displaced individuals, the consortium found high levels of food insecurity; significant losses in incomes and livelihood assets; poor water supply, sanitation, and hygiene conditions; extensive damages to belongings and the loss of important civil documents; heightened risks of sexual violence and exploitation against women and children; and a need for mental health and psychosocial support.

 

Said Talavera, “ACCESS is focused on providing urgent aid and helping families rebuild their lives with resilience and dignity."

 

About ACCESS

ACCESS (Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies in Accessing Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services) is a multi-year, multi-sectoral project funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The ACCESS Mindanao flood emergency response will be implemented by consortium members ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, and Save the Children Philippines, together with Oxfam Pilipinas and United Youth of the Philippines-Women.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tanya Mariano

Communications Specialist, CARE Philippines

tanya.mariano@care.org

Tanya Mariano  |  CARE Philippines  |  Communications Specialist for ECHO Actions

Cedar Executive Bldg II, Unit 512, No. 26 Timog Ave corner Scout Tobias St, Quezon City Philippines

Contact: +63917-851-4881   | (+632) 8351-6458

CARE PH Facebook | CARE PH Twitter | CARE PH Website

Creamline meets Chery

Joey Villar - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines —  Michele Gumabao proved that Creamline is not just about having its top players around.

“Creamline isn’t just one player, it’s really the whole team and we’re really one big family, same program, same training and our coaches treat us just the same,” said Gumabao, who is expected to step up anew as shorthanded Creamline tangles with Chery Tiggo in today’s PVL Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

“Sa coaches namin hindi nila hinahanap kung sino wala. We just need to really step up para sa mga hinihintay naming bumalik,” she added.

Gumabao has been providing not just strength but also leadership in the absence of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza, and has averaged 16.5 points in its first two outings.

Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel wears fan letters in 'Drag Race Philippines' appearance

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2022 and Filipino-American designer R'Bonney Gabriel appeared on reality competition show "Drag Race Philippines" in an outfit made from letters sent to her by fans and supporters.

The second episode of "Drag Race Philippines" Season 3 carried a sustainability theme where the competing queens had to make two outfits: one from sari-sari store products and one from recycled material provided by production.

R'Bonney, an advocate for sustainable fashion, was the special guest judge for the episode and joined in on the challenge's theme.

The beauty queen-designer stitched together fan letters to cover her shoulders, legs, and hair.

"Kept all my fan letters from last year and incorporated it into my guest judging look I designed for 'Drag Race Philippines' because I love y'all," R'Bonney said in one Instagram post, and in another said, "I had a feeling that hoarding all my fan letters would come in handy one day."

R'Bonney is the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss Universe and since her coronation has made frequent visits to the Philippines.

Drag queen Myx Chanel won the episode's maxi challenge and badge with their superhero-villain concept while contestants Angel and Tita Baby were dramatically spared from elimination by host and main judge Mama Pao Ballesteros.

Style Weekend forum: What’s your favorite Filipino book?

Here are the top picks of some book influencers

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

  

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The month of August is a significant period where we celebrate the beauty and history of our language in a celebration called Buwan ng Wika. With the theme  “Filipino: Wikang Magpalaya,” this year’s celebration is highlighting the role of our language in promoting peace and unity. 

To mark this celebration, Style Weekend asked some book influencers what their favorite Filipino books are. 

‘Cave and Shadows’ by Nick Joaquin

On the surface, it’s about a man who returns to Manila to solve the mysterious death of his stepdaughter. It’s a crime thriller and mystery, but Joaquin goes deeper and explores themes like identity, history, religion, and colonialism.

This is a meaningful recommendation as this year marks Joaquin’s 20th death anniversary. There is a renewed interest in the National Artist’s body of work, including the reprinting of his books, the launching of the Nick Joaquin Foundation, and the theatrical staging of Kisapmata, the Mike de Leon film adapted from the author’s “The House on Zapote Street.”—Koji Arsua, writer and book content creator.  

‘Of Flowers That Bloomed in Fire & at Night’ by Jerico Silvers

In the midst of the pandemic, this book illuminated my darkest days and helped me find solace and understanding during challenging times. This book has been an unwavering friend, aiding me as I journey through the toughest stages of my life.

This book is truly special and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of comfort. It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve come across, blending self-help and poetry in a way that feels like a warm embrace.—Jucelle Garcia, BookTok influencer.

‘Desaparesidos’ by Lualhati Bautista 

This book delivered everything I hoped for and more—a heart-wrenching story set during a defining moment in Philippine history, written with boldness and courage, yet strikingly relevant to today’s society. It’s graphic, raw, honest, and deeply moving all at once. I’d go so far as to call it Bautista’s best book of all time.—Kat Leonorio, professional teacher and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024. 

‘Si’ by Bob Ong

Sinimulan ni Bob Ong ang librong ito sa dulo at tinapos sa pinakasimula. Isasama ka ng librong ito sa buhay ng karakter na busog sa pag-ibig at mga pagsubok sa buhay. Manipis lang ang libro, pero pakikiligin, patatawanin, at paiiyakin ka. Ipapakita rin ng kwento ang kahalagahan ng pamilya, pagpapatawad, at pagkakaibigan. Ang ganda ng pagkakasulat– parang hinihele ka ng mga salita. Bubuuin ang puso mo para lang durugin ng huling pahina (Bob Ong started the story at the end and ended it at the beginning. This book will take you on a journey about the character’s life—full of love and challenges. It’s a short read but will make you feel the love, laugh, and cry. It shows the importance of family, forgiveness, and friendship. It was beautifully written. It’s like a lullaby; it will make your heart complete, only to shatter it in the end).—Gerald, The Bookworm, Book content creator.

‘Lalani of the Distant Sea’ by Erin Entrada Kelly

Released in 2019, this middle-grade fantasy novel follows the story of a young girl, Lalani Sarita, from Sanlagita. When an overlong drought came upon Sanlagita, Lalani decided to go beyond the island and find both the solution and the truth.

Powerful and imaginative, Lalani is a highly-recommended read for readers of all ages. What made it more accessible to Filipino audiences are the references scattered all throughout the book, coded and reimagined from different Filipino mythology and folklore. We have a nunso (nuno sa punso), fei (diwata), and mindorens to name a few. It also delivered a fresh perspective about childhood thinking while also highlighting classic Filipino traits such as generosity and bravery even in the most challenging times.

Lastly, one of the many takeaways from ‘Lalani’ that spoke to me is about taking risks even when no one believes in you and challenging the system.— Saimon or Sai, petroleum engineer and co-founder of #AkdangPinoy2024. 

ANYTHING IS ACCEPTABLE

There are no rules for behavior, dress, etc. Today, in terms of clothing, almost anything goes, but they recall when the dress code was strictly formal.

If people say 'anything goes', they mean that anything people say or do is considered acceptable, and usually they mean that they do not approve of this. [disapproval] In the 90s, almost anything goes. See full dictionary entry for go.

Well, you see, in olden days, a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking, but now, God knows, anything goes.

Good authors too who once knew better words now only use four-letter words writing prose, anything goes.

The world has gone mad today, and good's bad today, and black's white today, and day's night today, when most guys today, that women prize today, are just silly gigolos.

And though I'm not a great romancer, I know that you're bound to answer when I propose, because anything goes.

Originally used in the 19th Century as 'Everything goes', it simply means that one can do whatever one likes, without rules or consequences.

Anything goes? Yes, it seems so: illegal logging, natural disasters, improper disposal of garbage, climate change, melting icebergs, "my neighbor goes on burning rubber and plastic" (GRABE!), poisonous waste products ... !

Guys, when will you stop doing this? Or, are you waiting for the next tsunami and taifun taking away your family and all your belongings and properties?

Since years, I have on my desk a wonderful brochure entitled "Q&A Questions and Answers on YOUR ecosystem" - mentioning and explaining 365 (!) reasons to stand up for Mother Nature. And to be counted as "Barkada ng Kaliksan"! It's really a primer on environment care, produced by the Kinaiyahan Foundation, Inc. and BARog KA likupan DAbaw, Inc. (BARKADA) with a foreword by Elisea G. Guzon, former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Even having the fumes of burned poison garbage in my nostrils (I usually enjoy writing my columns somewhere outside in my tropical green garden!) I still study this valuable brochure.

Yes, anything goes! It really seems true! Why should one think about the ecosystem and its structures? Or, solar-energy and life on earth and why should it be protected? The effects of global warming can be seen more and more, but deforestation and profits kill the thoughts and deeds about the value of forests and how to protect them!

Fertilizer and its problems are known, but who really cares? Pesticides and their problems are very well known too, but who really cares? Anything goes? How do we handle major consumers of water managing water resources? Are we overusing groundwater?

Climate change, greenhouse-effect, gases that pollute the atmosphere, acid rains, and biodiversity are foreign words to these people, who continue to destroy our globe and provoke the next natural disaster. The above-mentioned brochure, mentioning the Top 30 Environmental Issues in the 21st Century, is not the only written examination or rebuke. I wish and pray for many followers. For our next generations!

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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or X - (Twitter) or visit www.germanexpatinthephiilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com .

Cayetano: Faith-driven vision key to personal and national transformation

 

PRESS RELEASE

“Ang iyong sense of purpose ay magandang bagay sa iyong vision.”

This was the message of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in his inspirational speech at the 42nd anniversary celebration of Mandaport Apostolic Pentecostals (MAP) on August 18, 2024 in the City of Taguig.

Drawing inspiration from the recent triumph of Paris 2024 Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo and other Filipino athletes, Cayetano emphasized that their clear vision propelled them to success and continues to drive them forward.

“Dahil klaro sa kanila na gusto nilang maging champion athlete, may vision sila. Ngayon, nagkakaroon sila ng purpose kapag may laban [tulad ng Olympics],” he said.

The senator stressed that a clear vision, purpose, and identity are crucial to achieving success as these elements cultivate the discipline needed to fulfill one's goals.

“Kapag klaro po ang iyong vision at mayroong plano, purpose, at identity, babantayan ka Niya. Kung nandiyan ang tatlong ‘yan, magkakaroon ng disiplina patungo sa iyong vision,” he said.

Cayetano noted that some people struggle to find their vision because they let the negative influences of the world cloud their judgment and obscure their path.

 “Marami tayong mga kapatid na hindi umaabot sa vision kasi nauunahan ng kasinungalingan na ikaw ay hindi special. ‘Pag ikaw ay may identity sa Panginoon, alam mong mahalaga ka sa Panginoon,” he said.

 He also emphasized that a strong foundation – rooted in the Word of God – significantly impacts not only an individual’s vision but also the country's vision toward true transformation.

 “Marami tayong darating na magagaling na politiko at sistema galing sa ibang bansa, pero kung wala ang salita ng Diyos, walang transformation,” he said.

“Ang mas mahalaga po nating task ay ayusin ang pundasyon sa ating sariling pamilya, sa sariling community, sa sariling church,” he added.

In closing his remarks, Cayetano urged the members of MAP to continue inspiring the public, much like Filipino athletes do, saying that preaching becomes more effective when it also inspires.

“Success inspires; your church will inspire. Pero ano ang mag-i-inspire sa’yo? Is it the gold medal, or is it the Word of God? Mas maganda kung both,” he said.

“Sa lahat ng ating ginagawa, dapat ginagawa natin para sa Panginoon,” he concluded. ###