Your key to a healthy future

How to stay safe amid health and weather challenges

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Sep 16, 2024 05:38 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Unexpected events will always lead to unexpected expenses.

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IIllustration from Freepik

 

As the Philippines faces a challenging convergence of health and weather crises, staying prepared is more important than ever. It doesn’t help that there’s a rise in Monkeypox cases that is currently going along with unpredictable weather patterns. Here are five essential tips to navigate through these uncertainties effectively. 

Stay informed and proactive

Information is key to having a healthy lifestyle. Always remain updated on the latest on diseases like Covid-19, Monkeypox, and other emerging health threats through information from the Department of Health (DOH). By keeping yourself updated, you can adopt preventive measures promptly, such as adjusting your daily routines or seeking medical advice as needed. This can also better protect yourself and your family from potential outbreaks. As for the weather, always stay posted through weather bulletins provided by PAG-ASA.

 

Practice rigorous hygiene 

Cleanliness is vital to preventing infection. To combat the spread of Monkeypox and other infectious diseases, always ensure practicing frequent handwashing with soap and water. Always wash your hands after coming into contact with public surfaces or potentially sick individuals. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to keep germs at bay. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness, as this reduces the likelihood of transmission. These hygiene practices, while simple, play a significant role in controlling the spread of diseases and safeguarding public health.

 

Prepare for weather-related illnesses

Unpredictable weather can lead to a myriad of potential health issues. Wading through flooded waters give the risk of leptospirosis. There’s also the risk of mold forming from wet surfaces. Keep your surroundings clean and dry to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses. Ensure to stock up on emergency supplies like canned goods, bottled water, power banks, and medicine. 

 

Prepare an emergency fund 

Unexpected events will always lead to unexpected expenses. It will always do you good to have a steady financial cushion in times of need. Always set aside a portion of your savings for maintaining an emergency fund. This money is not to be used for your shopping sprees or splurging on the next gadget release. Only use this money should any issues arise due to health problems or damages caused by the unpredictable weather.

 

Utilize flexible financial solutions

When facing urgent financial needs, flexible solutions can offer crucial relief. Mocasa, the Philippines’ first virtual credit wallet, is a financial technology company that can help in covering immediate expenses like medical bills, allowing you to manage your budget more effectively. Through its quick loan option, users are provided up to ₱25,000 with flexible repayment options. Additionally, Mocasa’s zero-interest offers for timely payments can further help in managing your finances efficiently, ensuring you make the most of available resources.

 

By following these health safety and financial tips, you can better navigate the current challenges posed by health crises and unpredictable weather.

Central Europe in grips of worst flooding in decades | DW News

178,027 views Sep 15, 2024 #Europe #Floods #Weather

Flood alerts are in place in many parts of Central Europe, in the wake of torrential rainfall that has caused many of the region's rivers to swell dramatically. Among the worst affected areas are Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. With rain continuing to fall and floodwaters moving downstream, forecasters warn the worst may be yet to come. 00:00 Flooding in Europe 02:32 Journalist Stephan Bachenheimer reports from Passau on Germany's border with Austria

THE WAY OF LIFE

By Klaus Döring

Living a simple life is about paring back, so that you have space to breathe. It's about doing with less, because you realize that having more and doing more doesn't lead to happiness. It's about finding joys in the simple things, and being content with solitude, quiet, contemplation and savoring the moment.

Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire society." As such, it includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art.

Living in the Philippines for almost 27 years now, I learned a lot about Philippine culture.

Driving in big cities, not only in the Philippines, is not a joke for beginners. It's an ordeal, especially driving during heavy traffic hours. One must know where to go and which way to take. Otherwise, one'll end up bumping somewhere somehow... .

But, driving a car in a small village, where roads are simple, is for neophytes an enjoyable one. No traffic, or less traffic, no traffic lights, no complicated ways... .

In the same way, railroads can make train drivers ill at ease when they are also in big cities. I remember Munich in my home country Germany, where railways appear like spider's cobwebs. They go in several directions. No wonder, accidents happen many times.

In life we, too, have roads which lead us in several directions. To go to heaven, man's eternal destiny, one can either choose the shortest road, or one can make detours. Not so many perhaps fall by the way and end up in eternal damnation.

These three things- creating, learning & contributing - are three big sources of meaning in life. They can work independently – meaning, you can make your life feel meaningful by building it around one of these.

There are some of us, Christians, who take the shout-cut road to heaven. This is the road of suffering, of the actual practice of Christian virtues, of serving God and our neighbour. Others take the circuitos road of easy life, thinking that at the end they still have time to amend themselves and lead a good life. This is risky, since no one can guarantee that an opportunity will be given at the eleventh hour. 

Unfortunately, there are still others, who prefer to take that opposite rod, which leads to eternal damnation. So they live, so they die! In John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress", we read, "Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven!"

Homo, quo vadis?

Tropical depression Gener’s landfall possible in Isabela or Aurora within 24 hours — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Sep 16, 2024 08:56 AM

  

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Tropical Depression Gener’s projected track and intensity (PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Monday, Sept. 16 of stormy weather over several parts of Luzon due to the possible landfall of Tropical Depression “Gener” in Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours.

As of 8 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was located 315 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.

In anticipation of Gener’s strong winds, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the eastern and central portions of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, eastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, eastern and southern portions of Apayao, Kalinga, eastern and central portions of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, eastern portion of Nueva Ecija, and northern portion of mainland Quezon, including Polillo Islands.

PAGASA also warned of heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) in Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may affect Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley.

Gener has intensified from a Low Pressure Area (LPA) at 5 a.m. on Monday.

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph and is expected to move westward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said Gener is expected to move generally westward to west-southwestward until Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 18, before turning west-northwestward to northwestward for the rest of the forecast period.

It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.

PAGASA said Gener is likely to experience limited intensification over the next two days but is expected to reach tropical storm category by Wednesday after emerging over the West Philippine Sea.

However, due to its proximity to the Luzon landmass, changes in intensity and track are likely while crossing Luzon.

Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant to empower lesbian community: 'Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 15, 2024 04:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

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The first national pageant for lesbians, dubbed Tomboy Philippines 2024, was launched with the presentation of 30 official candidates in Quezon City on Sept. 14.

Spearheaded by Chit Reyes and supported by Cowee Santos, CEO of Tree House Real Estate and Ventures, the pageant is a bold initiative to celebrate and empower the lesbian community in the Philippines.

"The pageant's mission is clear: to elevate the diverse talents, intelligence, and beauty of lesbians through a platform that fosters inclusivity, equality, and growth. By emphasizing authenticity and talents beyond mere physical appearance, Tomboy Philippines is committed to challenging stereotypes and promoting societal acceptance," Reyes said.

Reyes recalled the journey of the lesbian pageant.

"Nag-start ako noong 2011, Mr. Femme, with Wilbert Tolentino. Siya ang nag-conduct ng gay contest sa bar niya. Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Bakit hindi tayo mag-conduct ng lesbian pageant? Try natin," the confessed lesbian mom said. And the rest is history.

The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

"Ang layunin namin ay maging worldwide at manggaling dito sa Pilipinas. Para maipakita na ang equal rights ay dapat makamtan ng bawa't isa," she said. "Sa matagal na panahon, gay pageants lang ang talamak. Panahon na para makilala ang talent ng mga lesbians."

Reyes shared a powerful message for participants and the community.

"Mga tomboy, matagal na nating ipinaglalaban and equality. Malayo pa pero malapit na. Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin," she added.

This year's official candidates: Anntoi Deloso, South Cotabato; Louie Ele, Nueva Ecija; Rinoa Nicolas, Binangonan, Rizal; Jhan Nanit, Antipolo, Rizal; Bana Daranciang, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Rhed Sasaki, Zambales; JC Lapitan, Batangas; Keith Martin, General Santos City; Jhes Remedio, Muntilupa City; Gele Pablo, Navotas City;

Thea Lising, Angono, Rizal; Banwar Taclibon, Bacoor, Cavite; Armi De Leon, Morong, Rizal; Mosh dela Cruz, Camarines Sur; Miel Cinco, Angeles City; Ace Tenero, Taguig City; Mitzi Ancog, Iligan City; BF Delos Reyes, Bulakan, Bulacan; Elei Reyes, Quezon City; Alliah Briones, Oriental Mindoro;

Gel Grayda, Cainta, Rizal; Ac Cemetara, Pasay City; Bodi Francisco, Abra; Emzz Bernardino, Tondo, Manila; Aj Alecida, Valencia City; Kim Siao, Valenzuela City; Arvy Bodlong, Albay; Prince Obleada, Quezon City; Yanyan Purification, San Pedro, Laguna; and Phao Faraon, Malabon City.

The preliminary competition of Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant will be held at One 690 Entertainment Bar while the grand coronation will be staged at the Music Museum on Oct. 19.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Who run the world

BY Punch Liwanag

Sep 16, 2024 07:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs.

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From left: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan (Images courtesy of Facebook)

If the recent VMAs are any indication, the current vista of pop music is dominated by the ladies. While the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards had its share of top male performers, one only needs to see the caliber of talent and fame on the female side to know that girls are the dominating force in the world of pop today.

Sure, performances by the one and only Eminem and younger acts Benson Boone, Teddy Swims (a favorite), Shawn Mendes, Rauw Alejandro, and OG’s Lenny Kravitz and LL Cool J were notable. Still, it’s the ladies that turned heads. It’s the performances by the likes of Best New Artist Chappell Roan, Halsey (who reinvented with a pop-tinged garage-rock aesthetic), ‘New Woman/Rockstar’ Lisa, Camila Cabello’s “Godspeed” and Artist of the Year Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna-inspired moment is what brought the house down.  

Add the mighty Katy Perry and her robust greatest hits medley to mark her Michael Jackson Vanguard Award for contributions to pop music via her decade-plus run and still on-going career (she plugged a forthcoming album). Katy Perry was presented the trophy by husband Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and was also recognized by MTV on their 40th year anniversary, the Iconic Performance award for her rendering of “Roar” on the 2013 VMA’s. 

Host Megan Thee Stallion took home best art direction (for “BOA”) as the rapper-singer also crushed the Trending Video award with “Mamushi” with a performance featuring Japan’s Yuki Chiba.  Winners also include Billie Eilish, who won with “What Was I Made For?” for (quite the interesting category of) Video For Good, A.K.A. best song with a message. Tyla bagged the Afrobeat category via her club hit “Water.” Anitta for Latin Video OTY for “Mil Veces,” and over in the world of K-pop, Blackpink’s top girl Lisa won the nod for her “Rockstar” video. Dua Lipa’s  “Houdini” is Best Choreography and Arianna Grande got Best Cinematography for “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”. K-pop act all-female group Le Sserafim took the Push performance category with their single “Easy,” as SZA won the Best R&B category for her song “Snooze.”

And while she’s in active audience mode (but had the camera cutting to her vicinity the whole evening), Taylor Swift still took home the biggest moon-man trophy of the night for acing the Video Of The Year Awards for “Fortnight” with Post Malone as well as Best Editing, the Song Of The Summer nod, and the Best Collaboration for said video. Taylor Swift, who was in the headlines just this past week for endorsing US presidential candidate Kamala Harris, is recognized by MTV this year as Artist Of the Year.

And then there’s Sabrina Carpenter who is having a great year just had the VMA’s confirming what everybody (at least those who cares about pop music) already knows: that the diminutive pop dynamite has two of today’s biggest hits with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Both songs have been popping up everywhere and gave Sabrina Carpenter her newly minted pop star status. The “Short n’ Sweet” singer released a full-length album late last month that is chock full of tasty songs that run the gamut, from pop, synthpop, to country and back.

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs. 

And we’re all just living in it.

Interceding for others

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE should develop this practice. Given the truth of our faith that we all form a communion of saints in Christ and in the Church, we should realize that we are so connected with each other that we, with our prayers, sacrifices and good works—can always affect the lives of others hopefully for the good rather than for evil.

This truth of our faith is highlighted in that gospel episode where a centurion sent some people to ask Christ to heal his dying servant. (cfr. Lk 7,1-10) When Christ was approaching the centurion’s house, the centurion asked Christ not to bother to go to the house for he felt unworthy of Christ’s presence in his abode. Instead, he asked Christ just to say the word of healing, thereby expressing the power of faith in the word of Christ.

That’s when the famous lines, that inspired a prayer in the Holy Mass, were uttered: “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.” To which Christ was so impressed that right there and then, the centurion’s servant was cured.

Yes, we should be eager and quick to help and intercede for others. We should never be indifferent to the needs of others even if we have our own needs and predicaments. Actually, our attitude of interceding for others has a way of resolving or at least giving some relief to our own problems and difficulties. 

Our own problems and difficulties should not be a hindrance in our eagerness to intercede for others. In fact, we should make use of our own predicaments to spur us to get more involved in the lives of others. By doing so, we would actually simplify our life, not complicate it.

We very likely would ask, how can that be when we already are burdened by our own problems? And the answer can be that this outlook in life and attitude to our problems can be the practical application of what Christ himself said and encouraged us to do: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Mt 16,25)

The same divine logic can be found in these other words of Christ: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Lk 6,38)

Our eagerness to intercede for others should be based on our faith and love for God. It should never be just a product of mere human calculations. We have to follow what Christ has taught and shown us.

To be sure, we always have the capacity to intercede because even if we can be very limited in helping others materially, our capacity to help others spiritually is unlimited. We can always pray for them, offer sacrifices for them. That’s the least that we can do for others but also the most indispensable.

We need to train ourselves and form our mind and heart to immediately be mindful and thoughtful of them, getting to know them better, empathizing with them, helping them bear with their burdens, whatever they may be.

National Cleanup Month: Better habits lead to efficient waste management

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Sep 15, 2024 01:48 AM

  

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Two recent typhoons have again brought the message of the importance of solid waste management.  Specifically, it highlighted the fact that people’s behavior has much to do with the problem and yet, it can also provide a long-term solution.

Improper disposal of garbage has been identified as one of the major causes of the recent floodings that severely affected the lives of people, especially those living in Metro Manila.  Flooded streets stopped the flow of traffic.  Floodwaters damaged houses and vehicles.  It has brought water-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis, which caused many deaths.  These are now familiar scenes after a heavy rainfall.

After Typhoon Carina in July and Typhoon Enteng in early September, these sad scenes resurfaced. Many photos and videos of tons of garbage, mostly plastic packaging, clogging drainage, flood control systems and rivers presented the problem in stark reality.

These were not the only times that the irresponsible disposal of garbage has been identified as a major cause of floods. After every typhoon dumps heavy rains, the floodwaters rise, and there are reports of the number of tons of garbage, mostly plastics, collected from waterways. 

It’s as if people have not learned a lesson from the past typhoons.

“Cleanup is a step toward a long-term solution,” declares the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in line with the observation of National Cleanup Month.
It is not an easy step to take, though, as government agencies tasked to manage solid waste have experienced.  Until now, the segregation of waste is not yet fully practiced by many households and the collection system not yet implemented in many barangays. 

September should be a good time to organize community action to raise awareness on proper waste disposal and to initiate cleanup programs. It is National Cleanup Month as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 244, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1993. A separate proclamation had designated the third Saturday of September as National Cleanup Day.

“As climate change worsens, this National Cleanup Month reminds us that a clean environment is crucial for the health of our ecosystem. It is also an opportunity to encourage individuals, organizations, academe, and communities to take the initiative and engage in sustainable practices.”

“Community cleanups help enhance the resilience of our communities in several key ways: reduce pollution and floods, ignite climate action initiatives, and build local capacity for disaster response,” the CCC urged.

But more than just preventing floods, the CCC points out: “Inadequate waste management has become a major concern in building a climate-resilient community. Environmental degradation disrupts ecosystems and poses serious risks to public health and safety. Flooded streets, polluted waterways, and the heat-trapping effects of excessive waste contribute to more frequent and severe weather events, underscoring the urgent need for large-scale cleanup efforts.”

The CCC website presents these facts that should encourage more action from communities:

“The World Bank's 2021 report, ‘Market Study for the Philippines: Plastics Circularity Opportunities and Barriers,’ reveals the country's heavy reliance on single-use plastics, such as multilayer sachets and pouches. The Philippines consumes 163 million sachets daily. Each year, the country generates around 2.7 million tons of plastic waste, with an estimated 20 percent ending up in the ocean.” 

We have to adopt better habits that will lead to efficient waste management practices.  When the next typhoon dumps more rain, the floodwaters will come again.

Unleash your inner creative at these fairs and workshops

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Sep 14, 2024 04:27 PM

  

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Manila International Book Fair 2024

When: Ongoing until Sept. 15 

Where: SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City

The Manila International Book Fair is back! Much like in past editions, the Philippines’ longest-running and largest book fair will feature book signings, launches, art workshops, storytelling sessions, and talks that bookworms shouldn’t miss.

Manila Illustration Fair 2024 

When: Ongoing until Sept. 15

Where: UPCFA Parola Gallery Atrium, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City

Manila Illustration Fair 2024 brings together the country’s top visual artists as well as Southeast Asian creatives. Throughout the fair, guests can immerse themselves in various workshops, talks, and portfolio reviews led by industry experts.

Next in Line Museum Guide Project

When: Ongoing until Sept. 20 and 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: Osmeña Hall, National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila City

The National Museum of the Philippines invites you to join the Next in Line Museum Guide Project on three consecutive Fridays. This free lecture-workshop, open to all college students, aims to equip future heritage and cultural workers—particularly those pursuing careers as museum guides—with the skills and knowledge necessary for their dream career paths!

Klook Travel Fest

When: On-going until Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Where: SM Megamall Fashion Hall

Score the best of Klook's travel deals in this fest. There are a lot of promos and discounts to look out for, including 0 percent installment travel packages in partnership with Gcash's GGives and exciting deals during your travels in Hong Kong, Macau, and Switzerland. 

Textured Blooms

When: Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Where: Dolores L. Tan Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center, Taguig City

Learn how to properly mix modeling paint with acrylic paint to create interesting textured paintings with Altaire Bautista at the BGC Art Mart Workshops! This creative session is open to beginners and recommended for ages 12 and above.

Car-Free Sunday at Ayala Avenue

When: Sept. 15, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Where: Ayala Avenue and Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

Get ready, Makatizens! The first anniversary of Car-Free Sundays at Ayala Avenue is coming. This weekend is all about finding your calm and having fun with activities such as the Purple Walk of Love, Yoga at the Park with Movement in Play, and Jump Rope Workout sessions.

Bread Workshop

When: Sept. 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Maker and Made BGC, Taguig City

Discover the joy of bread-making at Maker and Made BGC’s bread workshops. This Sunday’s session will focus on multigrain, country-style, and baguette goodies. Each session includes light snacks, ingredients, baking tools, and discussion.