'Sparkada' ladies face career challenges head on

INSTAGRAM PHOTO/KIRSTENGONZALES_

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

The entertainment world can be as exciting with tons of career paths to choose from but it can also be tough to break into. Just like anybody else, one has got to start somewhere. New members of Sparkle, GMA Network's talent arm, know just that.

Collectively called Sparkada, the fresh faces include Raheel Bhyria, Caitlyn Stave, Roxie Smith, Kim Perez, Tanya Ramos, Kirsten Gonzales, Vince Maristela and Sean Lucas who are all handpicked by renowned star-maker Johnny Manahan. All have the looks and the talent, but the journey to stardom takes more than that to succeed.

Among the discoveries Gonzales found about herself is how she was able to push her limits when it comes to doing what she is very passionate about.

"Akala ko madali lang lahat kasi I think I have the talent na, I thought enough na yun. Pero you really have to exceed the expectations of people and because of that, napu-push ako to get out of my comfort zone and to grow," shared Gonzales in an intimate Zoom conference.

As someone who entered showbiz pretty quickly with no background, Stave also took some time to adjust to the culture.

"I had no absolute idea what to expect but because I'm is super outgoing, super energetic, I wasn't so scared or too nervous upon entering. When I was really there, though, knowing what really goes on, it is hard and it is really difficult. It's not easy. At the same time, I'm also passionate about what I do and I'm having so much fun," Stave enthused.

Being open to new challenges is also what made Smith more confident to where she is now. From being a beauty queen who won Miss Philippines Earth 2020 and competed in other major pageants such as Miss Tourism & Culture Universe 2019 (1st Runner-Up) and Face of Tourism Philippines 2019, she was able to do other things that she never thought she will do now that she is in GMA.

"Totoo pala na you could achieve anything you set your mind and your heart to. Kasi noong pumasok ako akala ko ang mabibigay ko lang is acting.But I get really good feedback with my hosting. So, I am now a morning show host in 'Unang Hirit' which is something I never thought I could actually do and didn't think have the confidence to do," Smith happily said.

Pinoys prioritize hygiene over food during emergencies

By Tiziana Celine Piatos, Manila Times

September 27, 2022

FILIPINOS are more likely to buy personal care and hygiene products than food during disasters or emergencies, a study showed.

A research on Filipino shopping habits conducted by Packworks Sari IQ and which it shared with The Manila Times on Monday showed that 18 percent of the sales of sari-sari or small convenience stores is made up of hair care products.

Laundry supplies were the second most popular items, with 16 percent of sales.

Other purchases, which include oral care, body care, beverages and canned goods, came in third with 15 percent.

Breakfast items like tea, coffee and creamer came in fourth with 14 percent.

Cooking necessities followed at 13 percent, oats and cereals at 13 percent, and pasta and noodles at 11 percent.

Packworks Sari IQ said the research covered purchases in sari-sari stores in areas affected by the earthquake in Abra last June, the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas in March, and Typhoon "Odette" in Leyte in December 2021.

When the Abra earthquake struck, the volume of products in the hair care category spiked by more than 50 percent of sales during normal days.

During the Taal upheavals, sales of hair care products went up by more than 50 percent.

The purchasing priorities were different after Odette devastated Leyte. During that calamity, the sale of noodles and other cooking necessities soared by over 60 percent.

In normal times, hair care products come in last in terms of average consumer spending, second behind pasta and noodles at 15 percent.

"The Philippines is a regular target of natural disasters because of its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Residents at the epicenter opt to buy their immediate necessities from a nearby sari-sari store rather than go to big supermarkets," said Andres Montiel, Packworks' head of Data.

Montiel said it is highly helpful in tracking what items are considered as essential by consumers during natural disasters.

"This can be helpful in demand planning and product seasonality on the brand principal's end," he added.

Oil firms cut pump prices anew

By Ed Paolo Salting, Manila Times

September 27, 2022

Pilipinas Shell, Cleanfuel, PetroGazz and Seaoil announced on Monday that diesel prices will go down by P1.25 per liter and gasoline by P1.65 per liter.

Pilipinas Shell and Cleanfuel said they will reduce the cost of kerosene by P1.35 per liter.

Based on the monitoring of the Department of Energy, as of Sept. 20, 2022, oil companies have implemented a per liter decrease in diesel by P4.15 and P4.45 for kerosene.

These resulted in year-to-date adjustments at a net increase of P30.65/liter for diesel, P25.45/liter for kerosene and P16.50 for gasoline.

Life coach and best-selling author Myke Celis wins Top Celebrity Life Coach Award

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Filipino life coach and best selling author, Myke Celis was recently awarded as one of the Top Celebrity Life Coaches worldwide by leading premiere global professional coach education and training company, Coach Foundation. It is headed by multiple#1 best selling author, Forbes contributor and top mentor Coach, Sai Blackbyrn, a well-renowned figure in the coaching industry himself.

The organizer Coach Foundation shared, “Coach Foundation has proudly awarded Myke Celis as a Top Celebrity Life Coach. This award signifies our recognition of his commitment and dedication to helping others become the best version of themselves. We wish you the best of luck and continued success.”

Coach Myke Celis, who’s known to be a familiar face in media across print, radio, TV and digital as a go-to subject matter expert and resource person in coaching and as the powerhouse best selling author behind the #bestmeever book series, was pleasantly surprised with the win.

“I wasn’t expecting it. When they told me about the nomination and that they will do a background check and research about me if I fit the category, I was like, these guys mean business. So I just let things be and lo and behold, imagine my surprise when I got the award! I am just grateful to be recognized for what I love to do best as I always let my work speak for me.”

Doing what he loves best means coaching celebrities, top executives and highly successful people while mentoring aspiring coaches worldwide. To date, some of his clients have successfully re-launched their careers, became multi-awarded entrepreneurs or on their way to becoming best selling authors, like Coach Myke Celis himself.

“It feels surreal to be chosen as the only Filipino alongside other celebrity life coaches from all over the world and see how much impact they have made in their own space. Contrary to popular belief, being a celebrity life coach is not just about having celebrity or high profile clients or being a familiar face in media — there’s more to than just the glitz and glamor behind the title actually, but rather, it’s about being able to help people, whether in the spotlight or there after, thrive and become their own #bestmeever, no matter how that looks like for them. It’s actually a big responsibility, not only to myself, but to all those who trust and believe in me. And now, as I proudly carry the Philippine flag with me no matter where I go in the industry, I always take that responsibility to heart. It’s a privilege to win for our country.”

Coach Myke Celis is currently the only Filipino nominated in two categories in the international Coach Awards 2022: Best Executive Coach and Best Wellness Coach. You may support him by logging on to www.coachawards.com and click on his name to vote.

Charity should animate our zeal

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

WE should see to it that our zeal to do the things of God is always animated by charity. Without charity, that zeal would do us more harm than good. It would be a zeal that defeats the purpose of serving God.

We are reminded of this danger in the gospel when some of the apostles told Christ to rain fire on those who did not welcome him who was then passing by a certain town on his way to Jerusalem. (cfr. Lk 9,54) Christ had to tell them, “You know not of what spirit you are. The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save.” (Lk 9,55-56)

When the zeal is not animated by charity, it can only mean that that zeal is not righteous, that it does not channel the zeal of Christ who himself once said, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Lk 12,49) It would be a zeal that would only satisfy one’s own desires. It is a self-righteous zeal that often is marked by bitterness and recklessness.

The zeal that is animated by charity is always marked by patience, understanding, compassion, magnanimity. And while it can connote quickness of action, it is also very much compatible with prudence. While it is clear about its focus or goal, which is the glorification of God and salvation and sanctification of man, it is willing to adapt to the way people are. It is quite versatile.

This aspect of the zeal proper to us is very relevant these days since we are bombarded with so many things and have to contend with so many confusing developments. A proper amount of restraint and moderation is needed if only to study things well and come out with a good action plan.

When we have a charity-animated zeal, we would always end up energized and optimistic in spite of the great effort and sacrifice that may be involved. It would be zeal that is self-perpetuating, since it would be fueled more by the grace of God than by our mere efforts.

We have to be careful with the phenomenon that is called bitter zeal. It is the wrong zeal of intending to do good but discarding the requirements and details of charity. It is Machiavellian in spirit.

Bitter zeal makes a person hasty and reckless in his assessment of things. It makes him fail to consider all angles, to listen to both sides, so to speak. He is prone to imprudence.

Inflammatory, incendiary words are his main weapons. Being belligerent is his style. He relishes in rousing controversies and sowing intrigues. He’s actually not as interested in looking for the objective truth and justice as in carrying out his own personal cause.

He is prone to keeping resentments and to being unable to forget the perceived wrongs done on him. He finds it hard to understand, much less, forgive others in their mistakes. He likes to exact vengeance of the tit-for-tat type, evil for evil.

We have to learn the art of loving with the love of God as shown by Christ on the cross. It is a love that is patient, willing to suffer for others. It is gratuitously given, even if it is not reciprocated.

We have to make sure that we are always burning with the zeal of love!

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

PAL resumes operations

By Benjamin L. Vergaram, Manila Times

Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday said it has resumed full operations at its Manila hub as the weather has improved.

PAL said flights to and from Manila will operate today, September 26, except for those previously cancelled.

"Some flights may need to be delayed or adjusted. It will take some time to restore normal schedules even after the typhoon recedes and weather improves," it said in a statement.

The flag carrier needs to reposition aircraft that were held back or diverted to other airports, and adjust schedules based on revised slots and clearances in affected airports in coordination with aviation authorities.

"PAL will keep a close watch on the weather situation at Metro Manila and the central and northern Philippines, as heavy rainfall may continue to affect certain areas. Our main concern is safety, and we may need to cancel or adjust flights if required for safety reasons related to weather conditions," it said.

PAL advised passengers who have flights to or from Manila and other affected areas to check the status of their journey by logging on to www.philippineairlines.com and click the "Flight Status" icon on the main page, and then fill in the flight number (without the "PR" or "2P" designation, just the number itself) and date of departure.

The flight's status is updated in real time.

Classes in NCR called off

By Kristina Maralit, Kaithreen Cruz, Bernadette E. Tamayo, Jomar Canlas and Aric John Sy Cua

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday approved the suspension of work and classes in several regions affected by Super Typhoon "Karding."

"The President has approved the recommendation of the NDRRMC for the suspension of work and classes due to Typhoon Karding," Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles said in a text message to reporters.

Marcos is also "in constant communication" with Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos for possible evacuations, especially in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding, the official added.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended to the Chief Executive the suspension of work in government offices in Metro Manila, Region 1 (Ilocos), Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), Region 5 (Bicol), Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).

"The recommended suspension will prevent any untoward incidents and will ensure the safety of the general public," the agency said.

Ahead of the President's move, several cities in Metro Manila called off classes for today, September 26, because of Karding (international name: "Noru").

Storm Signal No. 4 was raised in some areas in Metro Manila on Sunday as Karding was forecast to cut across Central Luzon.

The governments of Manila, Pasig and Quezon Cities announced the suspension of classes.

Court operations in Regions 3-5, NCR suspended

The Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City and the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Manila also suspended classes in all levels for today.

The Supreme Court suspended court operations in Regions 3 to 5 and the National Capital Region because of Karding.

Acting Chief Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen wrote on Twitter that judges and justices in the other regions can decide whether to call off court proceedings.

Covered by the directive are Region 3 (Central Luzon), Regions 4 and 5 (Southern Luzon), and the National Capital Judicial Region.

Marcos suspends work, classes in several regions

The Senate will not hold session today because of the typhoon.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri issued the suspension of work order on Sunday through Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr.

He said the Senate will resume session on Tuesday.

Signal No. 2 raised in portions of eastern Luzon as ‘Karding’ intensifies into severe tropical storm

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

(PAGASA)

Tropical cyclone Karding (international name: Noru) intensified into a severe tropical storm, with Wind Signal No. 2 now raised over portions of eastern Luzon before Saturday noon, Sept. 24.

Karding further strengthened over the Philippine Sea, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin.

It has maximum sustained winds of 90 kph and gustiness of up to 105 kph, previously.

“This tropical cyclone is forecast to intensify into a typhoon prior to landfall over Central or Northern Luzon,” PAGASA said.

Signal No. 2 was hoisted in the southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue), the northern portion of Aurora (Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag), and Polillo Islands.

Signal No. 1 was raised in the southern portion of Cagayan, the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the rest of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, the northern and central portions of Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, the northern portion of Batangas, Camarines Norte, northern and eastern portions of Camarines Sur, and the northern portion of Catanduanes.

“Winds may reach gale-force in strength in any of the areas where Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted throughout the passage of Karding. Strong winds—strong breeze to near gale strength—will be experienced within any of the areas where Wind Signal No. 1 is currently in effect,” PAGASA said.

“Per latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 4,” it added.

Landfall seen in Isabela-Aurora area on Sunday

Karding was last seen 660 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, or 595 km east of Casiguran, Aurora, and was moving west-southwestward at 25 kph.

Karding is projected to move west-southwestward or westward while gradually accelerating toward the east coast of Isabela or Aurora, where it is likely to make landfall on Sunday morning or afternoon, Sept. 25.

“After crossing the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon, the tropical cyclone is forecast to emerge over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow late evening or Monday early morning (Sept. 25). Karding will then continue tracking westward over the West Philippine Sea for the remainder of the forecast period,” it added.

Brace for heavy to intense rains

PAGASA said light to heavy rains may begin affecting Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and the northern portion of Aurora, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur between Saturday evening and early Sunday morning.

For the rest of Sunday through early Monday morning, heavy to torrential rains may prevail over the southern portion of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and the northern portion of Zambales.

Moderate to intense rains may also prevail over the rest of Central Luzon, while moderate to heavy rains may affect Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Metro Manila, and the rest of Isabela and Cordillera Administrative Region.

“Under these conditions, scattered flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said.

It added that because of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” partly influenced by Karding, occasional rains are possible over most of Southern Luzon and Visayas, especially over the western sections, as early as Saturday

Registration for Manila Bulletin Sketchfest 2022 Davao and Manila in full swing

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

Now in its 11th year, the Manila Bulletin Sketchfest continues to attract students, art enthusiasts of all ages and creative groups from all over the Philippines.

From having only 200 participants and held in one venue in 2011 to having over 2600 participants the last time it was physically held in 2019 in different parts of the Philippines, the Manila Bulletin Sketchfest has grown exponentially to become a nationwide activity and as the signature event of Manila Bulletin. Since its conception, the annual on-the-spot poster making competition has promoted the advocacy of art.

The last two years have proven to be challenging, but Manila Bulletin was able to adapt by going online, and by even adding a digital art category.

There will again be three categories: On-the-Spot, Digital, and Exhibition. On-the-Spot will have three sub-categories of Kiddie, Junior, and Senior. Participants may join one category only.

Participants can win as much as P50,000 worth of prizes, and round trip tickets for two to any domestic destination courtesy of AirAsia for each leg.

This year, Sketchfest is back as a physical event, and will again be in three legs nationwide: SM Seaside Cebu on Sept. 17, 2022, SM City Davao on Oct. 1, 2022, and SM Mall of Asia on Oct. 22, 2022. This year’s theme is “Saving Earth” which reemphasizes the importance of the environment and its conservation.

Registration to the event is still open and is FREE for the Davao and Manila legs. To join, just simply log on to Sketchfest 2022’s official website https://sketchfest2022.mb.com.ph/

Manila Bulletin Sketchfest 2022 would like to thank its partners, SM Seaside Cebu, SM City Davao, SM Mall of Asia, Grab, AirAsia, Casino Filipino, MG Cars, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Palacio de Memoria, and National Museum of the Philippines.

MTRCB on regulating online video streaming services

by Stephanie Bernardino, Manila Bulletin

The Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) recently released a statement regarding talks about them expanding their jurisdiction to include online streaming services as urged by legislators.

According to MTRCB Chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, they will weigh the pros and cons of it.

“The matter will go through the process and will be discussed by the Board. We will assess the impact of legislators’ call to expand the board’s jurisdiction to cover online streaming platforms and applications and come up with a balanced and fair position,” said Lala.

The statement also mentioned how concerned parents have been asking them to clamp down on movies, programs, and videos shown on various online streaming platforms, some of which they claim should be subjected to regulation.

However, other groups have countered the idea noting it could prompt platform creators to collect or increase subscription fees to the detriment of users.

Lala reiterated that they will balance all the concerns raised by various groups.

“I assure the public that the MTRCB shares everyone’s desire to ensure that children are not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age.”