Baguio, Benguet forest fires worsened by strong winds

 

By: Kimberlie Quitasol - Correspondent

MOUNTAIN BURNING The dry condition in the Cordillera region has contributed to forest fires that have so far hit more than 200 hectares in Mountain Province and Benguet since last

BAGUIO CITY—Forest fires continued to spread across different areas in this city and nearby Tuba town in Benguet province on Wednesday, threatening residential areas as firefighters struggled to extinguish the flames due to strong winds.

According to the Baguio City Fire Station, a forest fire broke out near an army detachment of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) compound and razed a portion of the nearby mountain in Barangay Loakan.

The fire that hit parts of the mountain terrain beside the PMA area began on Tuesday and was still raging as of Wednesday morning, affecting about 20 hectares.

PMA officials were on alert as to the possibility of the fire reaching the military school’s premises, the Inquirer learned.

Although there were no reported injuries, fire investigators warned residents near the area of the potential danger to properties and lives.

Firefighters from the PMA Fire Station, the nearby Camp John Hay Fire Department and Sunshine Fire Volunteers helped put out the fire.

Residential area

Another incident of forest fire engulfed Mt. Sto. Tomas Forest Reserve in Tuba, sparking concern among residents as the flames were seen approaching their homes in the villages of Camp 4 and Camp 6 on Wednesday.

Firefighters from Baguio and Tuba responded to put out the blaze but authorities have yet to determine if the fire could be immediately contained, citing the possibility of reigniting.

Investigators said they were still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Residents reported that the intense fire resulted in a widespread layer of ash fallout and a thick haze covering Tuba and this city.

On Feb. 8, a forest fire, lasting for more than 24 hours, also struck Mt. Sto. Tomas within Sitio Cabuyao.

Since last month, more than 200 ha of forested areas in the Cordillera region have been destroyed by fires, data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the Cordillera showed.

The BFP also reported at least 13 incidents of forest and grass fires in Mountain Province and in Benguet’s mining town of Itogon since January.

Firefighters have been employing both aerial and ground-based “suppression strategies” to prevent the flames from spreading and causing massive damage.

Abby Clutario explores love's many expressions in new album Lambing

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

February 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Singer-songwriter Abby Clutario treats fans and music aficionados to an album titled Lambing under AltG Records. The latter is composed of two originals Laho and Naglalambing and three cover songs that speak about the different facets and forms of love.

Kapuso multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abby Clutario, will drop her first album titled Lambing with AltG Records tomorrow, Feb. 23, on all streaming platforms worldwide.

The concept behind it, as Abby shared in a recent virtual interview, “is very close to us (or to our hearts). That’s love.”

Regarding its title, she added that lambing is one of the many expressions of love, and is associated with being nice and sweet to the significant other or special someone, if one may add.

“When we say in Filipino lambing, maglalambing, palambing naman and try to translate any of it in English, there’s no English word that will encapsulate its meaning,” Abby reflected. “The five songs that are here in the album have all forms of love in them.” So, the two originals and three cover songs are perhaps Abby’s take on lambing (fondness) and love.

“The carrier single is Laho, followed by Naglalambing and our favorite songs, which I released last year, they’re included in it, Chichi Wo Motomete (the “Voltes V” theme song). There’s Tadhana (by Up Dharma Down) and the original theme song of ‘Mulawin,’ Ikaw Nga,” said she.

The songs demonstrate the how-tos of showing love, like when one is shy about it, deals with a feeling of fear, wishes to reconnect with a former lover, or expresses it to a parent.

“So iba-iba at mahuhuli naman nila yun (the expression of love is different and varied, but the listeners will understand each expression) once they listen to the album as a whole,” shared she.

As for composing the originals, Laho and Naglalambing, Abby had music partners and guest artists who helped her put them together. However, she was in charge of the main instrument on each track. It’s a good thing that her previously released covers complement each other and the new singles. They all support the theme of love.

“I wanted to release an album in the love month,” said she. “We, Filipinos, when it comes to love and love songs, we’re really game for it.”

Asked what musical instruments are being highlighted in the songs, Abby answered, “With the cover songs (that I’ve released) before, the chapman stick is highlighted. You will still hear it in Chichi Wo and Tadhana. But for all the other songs, they are mostly keyboard-based, either with a piano sound or a synth sound. I also worked with awesome artists on this album, you will also hear (guitar), especially in Laho. It is a guitar-driven song, meron din kayong maririnig na ganun.”

As a music artist, Abby is wearing different hats — from being a composer, singer to instrumentalist and arranger. She knows that choosing the right set of musical instruments plays a key role in setting the mood of any song.

“When you’re choosing instruments or you’re already choosing instruments to represent your whole song, it’s usually called areglo or arrangement. Yes, I take that into consideration because I’m an arranger myself,” said she.

“When we compose, we already think of, let’s say, ito yung magandang tunog para dyan (this is the good sound for this) or this will complement these instruments.”

Being a multi-faceted talent is something Abby aspires to.

“Yun din yung gusto ko na makilala ako. Kumbaga, I’m a singer-songwriter. I get to play and I can make my own songs, but at the same time, I can support somebody.”

She was referring to another aspect of her music career, which Abby described as the “session world.”

“That’s where I just play keyboards for somebody (or fellow artists) to support them in their own kind of music,” said the singer.

To further introduce Lambing to the public, Abby will embark on an album tour as her publicity team informed this paper. The first stop is at 88 Fryer on Feb. 22, today. Joining her in the musical treat are Plume, Pido, and Charlene Ong as guest performers. She will grace 70s Bistro and 19 East on March 2 and 12, respectively. Abby concludes the tour on March 22 at Tago Jazz Bar.

(For details, visit www.gmanetwork.com.)

Beating the heat: How to survive summer in the Philippines

BY ZEKINAH ELIZE ESPINA

Feb 21, 2024 10:47 AM

  

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Summertime in the Philippines brings more than just fun in the sun; it also brings with it oppressive heat and humidity that can be difficult to cope with.

(Photo by Jhames Pineda)

Everyone needs to stay cool and safe, locals and visitors alike, as temperatures rise and humidity levels soar.

That is why the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, Feb. 21, stepped up to ensure the public is well-prepared to navigate the scorching temperatures safely.  One of the recommendations emphasized by the DOH is the avoidance of outdoor activities during the midday sun when temperatures reach their peak intensity.

Recognizing that errands are sometimes unavoidable, the department advises scheduling them during the cooler periods of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon.

"Keep hydrated! Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight, loose clothing to prevent the body from overheating," stressed the DOH.

However, during extreme heat waves, there's a big risk of getting sick from the heat, especially with something called “heat stroke.” 

Heat stroke signs, symptoms

The DOH outlined the signs and symptoms, including fever exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, flushed and dry skin, and irregular sweating patterns.

Additionally, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, cramps, or seizures serve as warning signals.

To address these risks, the Health Department provided first aid tips to mitigate the effects of heat stroke.

First aid

Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to seek refuge in a cool or shaded area promptly. 

Moreover, the department recommended removing clothing that traps heat and applying cold compresses to areas such as the armpits, groin, neck, and back.

In cases where symptoms escalate, seeking immediate medical attention from the nearest primary care provider is strongly advised after administering initial treatment.

With temperatures on the rise, the DOH is urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being throughout the summer months.

By taking these simple precautions, everyone can stay safe and enjoy all the beauty and fun the Philippines has to offer, even during the hottest months of the year.

Crossovers crush Solar Spikers for first PVL win

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

Feb 21, 2024 01:08 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Chery Tiggo made its title campaign felt with a 25-6, 25-15, 25-15 rout of newcomer Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, Feb. 20.

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Chery Tiggo made its title campaign felt with a 25-6, 25-15, 25-15 rout of newcomer Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, Feb. 20.

Chery Tiggo Crossovers open their season on a winning note. (PVL Images)

The Crossovers flexed their might against the jittery Solar Spikers with new recruit Ara Galang leading the all-around charge to claim their first victory and join the Petro Gazz Angels in the winning column.

Galang, who came from the disbanded F2 Logistics, came through with 12 points built on nine kills, two aces and one block. 

“Excited lang talaga to play with my new teammates,” said Galang. “Hindi mahirap yung adjustment pero alam naming marami pa rin kaming kailangan gawin para i-improve yung game namin.”

Chery Tiggo, which hopes to eclipse its fifth-place finish last year, started hot with an 11-2 start and went on to dominate the opening set before encountering stiff resistance from Capital1 in the next two frames.

Mylene Paat took charge of the Crossovers’ offense by pouring all her 11 points on attacks, while skipper Aby Maraño and Ponggay Gaston combined for 11 points.

Jannine Navarro, Sydney Niegos and Patty Orendain tried to lift Capital1 by teaming up for 16 points, but their efforts went futile.

DZBB strengthens primetime line-up beginning February

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 20, 2024 11:09 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “The new DZBB Primetime line-up strengthens our commitment to keep our Kapuso listeners informed. With news always fast-developing, we have the responsibility to keep information up to date,” says GMA First Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona.

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Arnold Clavio

GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz delivers more breaking and up-to-the-minute news reports and critical commentaries with its new line-up of radio news programs on “DZBB Primetime,” airing on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

At 5 am, Kapuso listeners can tune in to the early morning news program, “Buena Manong Balita.'' Host Orly Trinidad delivers news that matters to the everyday life of Filipinos, plus on-the-ground reporting by a team of Super Radyo DZBB reporters.  “Buena Manong Balita '' is also simulcast on Dobol B TV from 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.

Connie Sison

Coming at 6 a.m is “Melo del Prado Sa Super Radyo.” Radio anchor Melo del Prado delivers the top stories of the day along with razor-sharp commentaries. Listeners should also look forward to insightful analysis on the most pressing issues.

Joel Reyes Zobel

Listeners don’t have to worry about missing the headlines, thanks to the multi-awarded “Super Balita Sa Umaga, Nationwide” at 7 a.m. The nationwide newscast is delivered by the no-nonsense tandem of Melo del Prado and Joel Reyes Zobel.

Melo del Prado

At 8 a.m. is “Saksi sa Dobol B.” Listeners tuning in at the later hour can catch up on the news, and be informed further with forthright discussions, interviews and commentaries from anchors Joel Reyes Zobel and Rowena Salvacion.

Completing the new DZBB Primetime is “One on One: Walang Personalan” at 9 a.m. Anchored by seasoned hosts Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison, the program is well-known for its casual and candid yet uncompromising manner of news presentation.

Orly Trinidad

“The new DZBB Primetime line-up strengthens our commitment to keep our Kapuso listeners informed. With news always fast-developing, we have the responsibility to keep information up to date,” says GMA First Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona. “Our radio anchors’ commentaries provide facts and additional context for listeners. As a result, they don’t just hear or listen; they also understand.” 

Rowena Salvacion

Tune in to Super Radyo DZBB 594kHz for DZBB Primetime Mondays to Fridays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Viewers can also catch this new line-up from 5:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. in Dobol B TV on GTV.

Online listeners can tune in to the live audio streaming of Super Radyo DZBB programs on https://www.gmanetwork.com/radio/streaming/dzbb. Watch and subscribe to its official YouTube channel @dzbb594. 

Typical Filipino (XLII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XLII): The Filipino Child - Das philippinische Kind

In ländlichen Gegenden werden die Kinder zu Hause geboren. In der Stadt nicht unbedingt. Aber, die ganze Familie nimmt an den Ereignis teil. Nicht allein die Mutter kümmert sich um das Kind, auch der Vater, die Großeltern, Onkel und Tanten und die, sofern es welche besitzt, älteren Geschwister. Es selbst wiederum lernt von Anfang an, sich um die jüngeren Geschwister zu kümmern. Als Ergebnis dieser Erziehung ist sich das Kind seiner selbst immer nur in der Beziehung zu anderen bewußt.

Guthrie und Jiminez-Jacobs* stellen in einer Studie zu diesem Thema fest: "Das philippinische Kind ist niemals allein. In einem Haus mit nur einem Raum vielleicht - mit mehreren Geschwister oder dort wohnenden Verwandten, kann es mehrere Jahre dauern, ehe das Kind zum ersten Mal die Erfahrung macht, sich außer Sichtweise der anderen zu befinden. Außerdem wird es viel getragen, herumgereicht und berührt und schläft niemals allein in einem Bett. Da das Kind in solch ununterbrochenem Kontakt zu anderen steht, entwickelt es viele Techniken des Umgangs mit Streßsituationen, die unausweichlich auftreten. Weil die Aktivitäten seiner nahen Umgebung so grundlegend wichtig sind, wird die Ausprägung und Struktur seiner Persönlichkeit von seinen Beziehungen zu anderen geprägt."

* Child rearing and personality development in the Philippines.Authors:George M. Guthrie, Pepita Jimenez Jacobs (Author) Print Book, English, 1966. Edition:View all formats and editions. Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, 1966

 In rural areas, children are born at home. Not necessarily in the city. But, the whole family takes part in the event. It is not just the mother who takes care of the child, but also the father, grandparents, uncles and aunts and, if the child has any, older siblings. In turn, it learns from the start to look after its younger siblings. As a result of this upbringing, the child is only ever aware of itself in relation to others.

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In rural areas, children are born at home. Not necessarily in the city. But, the whole family takes part in the event. It is not just the mother who takes care of the child, but also the father, grandparents, uncles and aunts and, if the child has any, older siblings. In turn, it learns from the start to look after its younger siblings. As a result of this upbringing, the child is only ever aware of itself in relation to others.

Guthrie and Jiminez-Jacobs* note in a study on this topic: "The Filipino child is never alone. In a house with only one room, perhaps - with several siblings or relatives living there, it can take several years before the child becomes a child For the first time, the child has the experience of being out of sight of others. He is also carried, passed around and touched a lot and never sleeps alone in a bed. Because the child is in such constant contact with others, he develops many techniques for dealing with stressful situations , which inevitably occur. Because the activities of those around him are so fundamentally important, the expression and structure of his personality is shaped by his relationships with others."

* Child rearing and personality development in the Philippines.Authors:George M. Guthrie, Pepita Jimenez Jacobs (Author) Print Book, English, 1966. Edition:View all formats and editions. Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, 1966

The power of God’s word

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WHAT reassuring description we have about God’s word! From the Book of Isaiah in the first reading of the Mass for Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent, we read: “As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, ang give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my words be…” (55,10-11)

What should then be our attitude toward the word of God? I would say that basically it should be the same attitude that we have toward God himself. And the reason is this—since God is absolute simplicity with no division, parts or distinction in his being, his word must be his being also, his whole divine substance himself. 

We, on our part, make some distinction between God in his being and in his word because that is how we understand things in general. We need to distinguish and analyze things, breaking them into parts, before we can arrive at the whole, integral picture.

In fact, in the Trinitarian nature of God, the Second Person whom we refer as the Son, is described also as the very Word of God, the Divine Word, who is God himself insofar as he perfectly and fully knows himself and all his creation. So, God’s word is God himself!

The word of God which now comes to us with some human and natural instrumentalities through the Gospel or the Sacred Scripture together with Tradition and the Church Magisterium, should be regarded in that light. 

Its primary purpose is to bring us back to God. And so more than just giving us some helpful earthly knowledge, it gives us the ultimate spiritual knowledge we need to return to God. This character of God’s word is described in the following words in the Letter to the Hebrews:

“For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two-edged sword, and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (4,12)

Its purely eternal, spiritual, sacred and transcendent nature is now subjected to the conditions of time, culture, history, etc., in view of how we are. But we should not forget that it is primarily purely eternal, spiritual, sacred and transcendent, which with our spiritual powers plus God’s grace we can manage to abstract from its temporal, material, mundane and prosaic condition.

Let’s remember that God became man. With his incarnation, the divine word assumes the nature of a human word. And just as God became man to bring man back to God, his divine word becomes human word to bring and reconcile the latter with the former where it comes from and where it belongs to.

Since God’s word is God himself and God is everything to us, we have to understand that it contains everything for our needs, especially our ultimate need to be with God. All things true, good and beautiful are contained in the word of God.

Thus, insofar as our sciences, arts and technologies contain truths, goodness and beauty, no matter how technical they are, we have to conclude that they also come from God’s word and belong there also. 

Anyone who does not acknowledge this truth about our sciences, arts and technologies can be considered ungrateful and presumptuous. We need to overcome the dichotomy that detaches our sciences, arts and technologies from God’s word.

Would I live Here? DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINES

 

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Feb 20, 2024

Would I live here? DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINES Exploring more of Davao City in a short time! Beautiful parks, people and food! Crocodile Park was definitely a memorable experience!