Possible cyclone could enter PAR as 'Simbang Gabi' starts — PAGASA

James Relativo - Philstar.com

December 16, 2023 | 12:54pm

MANILA, Philippines — PAGASA is closely monitoring a developing low pressure area (LPA) situated east of Mindanao, a weather disturbance that shows potential for intensification into a tropical depression.

There are indications it could enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Saturday.

The LPA was last seen 1,225 kilometers east of southeastern Mindanao, according to DOST-PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina in a forecast shortly before 5 a.m.

"Based on our last satellite images, [the LPA] is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility," said Badrina on Saturday morning in Filipino.

"It could enter the PAR this Saturday, and we are not discounting the possibility of it intensifying into a tropical storm."

PAGASA predicted one tropical cyclone before Christmas and possibly another before the year ends.

Badrina's forecast came as the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo) began early Saturday morning, with Catholics flocking to churches until Christmas eve.

"Whether it becomes a tropical cyclone or not, we expect that the low pressure area... will bring rains especially starting tomorrow, particularly in the eastern section of Mindanao and Visayas," the PAGASA official added.

"It could also be the case that, because of the expected shear line in the next few days, parts of Bicol Region could experience some rains."

If the low pressure area strengthens into a cyclone and enters the PAR, it will be named "Kabayan." This could mark the 11th cyclone to enter the region in 2023."

From aides to RNs: DOH honors newly registered nursing scholars

BY RHOWEN DEL ROSARIO

Dec 15, 2023 07:53 PM

  

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Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa, on Friday, Dec.15, honored the 147 new registered nurses who were scholars of the department's nursing scholarship program.

Photo from DOH

DOH said that out of the 179 scholars who took the recent nursing board examination, 147 passed and are now officially registered nurses (RNs).

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/4/doh-welcomes-new-nurses

The DOH scholarship program, launched in partnership with the Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC), offers free online review and mentorship to aspiring nurses to help nursing graduates take the board exam with ease.

 

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/1970/1/1/free-online-review-offered-for-nle-retakers

It said it is open to nursing graduates who are currently working in private hospitals, government hospitals, private companies, and other government institutions.

Also, the scholars are not required to have a “service contract” after they graduate, as they are free to choose where they want to work.

“The CBRC does not require the scholars to have a service contract as all we want is for them to pass the board and join our nursing force,” CBRC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Carl E. Balita said.

He stressed that this partnership aims “to create a model that helps them to undergo review while working and without any bond of service.”

“Wherever these new nurses may choose to go, the beneficiary remains to be humanity and career advancement is their choice,” he added. 

Balita, however, hoped that many of these new nurses would choose to serve the Philippines, especially amidst the high demand for Filipino professional nurses abroad.

Meanwhile, Herbosa commended the program's success and pledged to continue this project as a “public-private partnership to benefit the health human resources of our health care system.” 

Melai Cantiveros brings house down with funny speech at Asia Artist Awards

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Dec 15, 2023 01:02 PM

  

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Filipino actress Melai Cantiveros-Francisco brought laughter to the delight of the audience and stars at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in the Philippines on Dec. 14 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. 

Cantiveros-Francisco, star of the film “Ma'am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul,” was given the Best Actor Award at the AAA along with Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Lee Dong-hwi and Lee Joon-hyuk. 

Filipino actress Melai Cantiveros-Francisco on the red carpet at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) on Dec. 14 at the Philippine Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

Wearing a pink gown, Cantiveros-Francisco elicited laughter and cheers from the audience as she made her speech for the award. 

“Magandang buhay (Good life). If someone question why I have award, don’t worry I question too,” she said. 

She added, “Because I just received award all of my life from my mother and father every time they are angry too.”  

“Tonight my heart is very ‘kuwan’...the best. I think because God moves in mysterious ways. And it because of the Pulp Studio, my Pulp Live World, Pulp Studio family. To my director of ‘Ma’am Chief,’ Madame Kring Kim, Sir Jimmy Kim and to my producer, I cannot believe the food that they eat, why they choose me,” she said. 

Melai added, “To Sir Vernon Go and Inang Reyna, Happee Sy-Go, thank you so much for this award. Thank you AAA. I cannot believe this happening. I’m so, I’m very sorry to the Koreans I acted like this. But I’m so overwhelmed to this kind of award. And I offer this award to my co-actors in this movie. I love you all. Thank you Lord. To my family, we will serve the Lord.”

“Ma'am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul” is Pulp Studios’ first film project and it was shot in South Korea and the Philippines. It was released in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 15. 

The 2023 AAA was presented by Pulp Live World, Star News and TONZ Entertainment. Its sponsors were Metrobank, Smart x VIU, McDonald's, Colgate, and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.  Its broadband partner was PLDT x Smart, and the livestream partner was Lazada. 

Western Visayas residents receive livelihood boost through Cayetano-DSWD partnership

 

PRESS RELEASE

December 15, 2023

Hundreds of residents from the provinces of Antique and Guimaras received livelihood aid from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano on December 11 and 12, 2023.

The two-day visit of their offices in Western Visayas reached out to different sectors in partnership with the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which aims to provide capacity-building to improve the beneficiaries' socio-economic status.

On December 11, 140 women and farmers from San Remigio, Antique, received livelihood assistance of P15,000 each. Playing a vital role in making the outreach activity a success, San Remigio Mayor Margarito "Mar" Mission Jr. expressed his gratitude to the senators for the support for Antiqueños.

“We’re so grateful to all your help to my constituents here in San Remigio. The 140 beneficiaries of the livelihood program are experiencing a 360-degree turnaround in their lives because you've given them a chance to start anew,” he said.

The following day, the offices of the Cayetanos proceeded to Guimaras to extend aid to 400 women and small business owners of the province. With the assistance of Governor Joaquin Carlos “JC” Nava, deserving members of these sectors were provided livelihood assistance.

Among the beneficiaries was Roselyn Lucbane from Buenavista, who shared that she had longed to start a business but financial constraints have held her back. Now, with the support she received, it is possible for her to finally pursue her business endeavors.

“Salamat po sa binigay niyo sa amin na tulong. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo, hindi po kami magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makapag-hanapbuhay. ‘Wag po kayong magsawa na tumulong sa mga mahihirap,” she said.

From the municipality of San Lorenzo, Lylanie Ayos, another beneficiary, thanked God for using Senators Alan and Pia as instruments to positively impact and change their lives.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa pang-hanapbuhay, may pagkukunan na po kami ng pang-araw-araw namin. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Diyos dahil binigyan Niya kami ng mga tao na tululong sa amin, sina Senator Pia at Alan Peter Cayetano,” she said.

Senators Alan and Pia have been working together with different agencies to reach different provinces across the country to deliver essential aid to marginalized Filipinos. 

Days before the visit to Western Visayas, their offices had already extended assistance to Cagayan de Oro, Palawan, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).###

Which is the most spiciest German cuisine?

Erik Hörnfeldt

Which is the most spiciest German cuisine?

Most German Dishes are robust, hearty and direct. If there is hot it will mostly come from horse radish, mustard, garlic or from hot paprika.

Remember, these people are beer drinkers and appreciate everything that goes with those beers.

Like these:

Pepper salami. They do one covered with garlic too.

The street food staple Curry Wurst is pretty hot too.

Usually mustard comes in mild and hot, and “scharf” means hot.

Steak is sometimes served with grated horseradish and an egg yolk

The not very politically correct name Zigäuner Art (Gypsy Style) usually means that the dish, often a Schnitzel, is served with a hot pepper mix.

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WATCH: The trailers of 10 official entries for 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 15, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On Saturday, Dec. 16, the stars of the 10 entries of this year's MMFF will join the annual Parade of Starsat the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) area.

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All is set for the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, the stars of the 10 entries of this year's MMFF will join the annual Parade of Stars at the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) area. 

The parade will showcase decorative floats carrying stars representing the 10 movies in this year’s movie lineup: “A Family of 2 (A Mother and Son Story),” “Kampon,” “Penduko,” “Rewind,” “Becky and Badette,” “Broken Heart’s Trip,” “Firefly,” “GomBurZa,” “Mallari,” and “When I Met You in Tokyo.” They will be shown in cinemas nationwide beginning Dec. 25.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which organizes the anticipated annual festival, advises motorists to avoid the parade route as thousands are expected to watch the star-studded parade.

The parade will kick off at 2 pm from the Navotas Centennial Park and will travel through C4, Samson Road, and Mc Arthur Highway up to the Valenzuela People’s Park, where the main event will occur. It will run for 8.7 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of three hours.

In the meantime, check out the official trailers of the 10 entries for the 49th MMFF. Relax and enjoy the movies: 

 

The Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

December 15, 2023

It's going to be a clash of heavyweights for the PVL crown. (PVL IMAGES)

Hey there sports fan, Creamline reached the Finals undefeated. Choco Mucho took the longer route there. But it made the Big Dance anwyay.  So we're at this point: The two most popular teams in the Premier Volleyball League will duke it out for the All-Filipino crown.  The Cool Smashers drew first blood with a collected effort in Game 1. In case you're still counting, that's 10 straight games now that Creamline has beaten its sister team. You can tell the Flying Titansare desperate to end that run of losses. And they have no choice on Saturday but to end that slump. The Cool Smashers will be gunning for the close-out win at Smart Araneta Coliseum.  The fireworks in Game 1 managed to refocus the spotlight on the court. Before the Finals got going, a pair of stunning news hijacked the volleyball conversation as F2 Logistics announced it was disbanding its squad while Akari announced the resignation of coach Jorge de Brito, who will leave the squad after its most successful conference in its young franchise history. All it took was a deadlock in Game 1 after two sets and a Choco Mucho lead in the third to make everyone forget the off-court news. Meanwhile, in Choco Mucho's dramatic win over Cignal, there was cause for worry over at the Flying Titans' camp in the fourth set when Deanna Wong looked to be in unbearable pain during a timeout. As it turns out, Wong aggravated a knee injury and the pain was worsening with each passing minute. But the ace setter gritted her teeth and buckled down to work, setting up a crucial point in  the play immediately after that timeout as Choco Mucho held on for the victory.

The Green Archers are champions once again.  (UAAP MEDIA)

Meanwhile... If you still need your UAAP basketball fix, go ahead and visit our archives and enjoy reading about La Salle's amazing journey to the UAAP crown (And also if you want to read stories and features about Far Eastern U's victory in the Cheerdance Competition).  But wait, there's more.  University of Santo Tomas also made history by finally ending National U's domination of women's basketball in the UAAP, with a dramatic Game 3 victory sealing the school's return to the throne. If you want to read the exclusive features we did on the Tigresses, subscribe to our digital platform, Inquirer Plus, through the link below.  What we're up to next: There's the PBA Commissioner's Cup, which is slowly heading to a busy Christmas week schedule. We'll also be covering Sunday's NCAA men's basketball Finals decider between Mapua and San Beda. We'll also have a lot of guys on ground to cover Saturday's Game 2 between Creamline and Choco Mucho so keep it here with us across all our platforms.  Number of the Week: 30 That's how many straight games Creamline has won in the PVL All-Filipino conference so far. And the Cool Smashers have yet to lose there.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “[Leading the team is] my responsibility and I don’t want to let the team down.” —Deanna Wong, Choco Mucho setter, on playing the fourth set of a semifinal duel against Cignal with a bum knee.

Don't forget to try our weekly sports quiz which you can access by joining our Viber community, which also featres the freshest sports updates.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe weekend! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).