Rains to prevail across most parts of the Philippines due to LPA, ‘habagat’

 

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Jul 16, 2024 #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, July 16 said a low pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring rain showers across most parts of the country in the next 24 hours. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/16/rains-to-... Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBull...

Celebs welcome Willie’s return to TV

 

Willie Revillame is flanked by Win Girls (from left) Roberta Tamondong, Gab Basiano, Christine Bermas, Boobsie Wonderland, Inday Fatima, Cindy Miranda, and Ana Ramsey at the ‘WIL-come Back Party’ on Sunday at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City.

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

July 16, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Some local celebrities wished Willie Revillame well and for his newest show, “Wil To Win,” to be a success. Willie mounted a “WIL-come Back Party” on Sunday at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City.

In a video greeting, shown on a stage screen, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star Coco Martin congratulated the host for his grand comeback on television via his TV5 program.

“I’m sure that you will help a lot of people and make them happy,” Coco told Willie. “You already know (this) and I always say this to you, ‘You are my personal idol.’ I admire you because of the goodness of your heart, (you’re) helping a lot of people and (you’re a) professional. God bless you and more power to you. I hope we will see each other soon. We love you.”

In response, Willie expressed his gratitude to Coco for his kind words and greetings, quipping, “I like your bangs ha (laughs). Coco, thank you. Coco is very kind. Coco, to Julia (Montes) and to your kids, family, thank you. We spent time together during Holy Week. And I hope that you will invite me as a guest in ‘Batang Quiapo.’ I will give you jacket.”

Richard Gomez, as well, extended his congratulations to Willie, saying, “I hope that ‘Wil To Win’ will soar up, soar high. There’s nothing that I want but to wish you the best.”

“Kuya Wil is a friend, brother of every Filipino,” described Randy Santiago of Willie. “He has changed the beliefs of every person. Kumbaga siya ay isang kakampi. That’s what Filipinos saw in him, talagang tinatangkilik siya.”

Aga Muhlach, on the other hand, cited how Willie’s show will bring joy to people.

“It also gives inspiration and happiness (to them),” he added. “Willie always said that life is difficult nowadays, so we have to be happy. We have to extend help. Maraming nag-aabang sa kanya because he has helped so many people. A lot of people have already lost hope. When they see Willie, they feel that they have hope.”

“We’ve received plenty of questions and we want to make sure that we’ve answered them all,” Willie said during the event. “We want to start making people happy and give away prizes to the viewers kaya tuloy-tuloy na ‘to.”

During the “WIL-come Back Party,” the veteran TV host handed out prizes to audiences and viewers and also entertained the audience by performing Tagalog songs.

Willie was joined by Win Girls Ana Ramsey, Inday Fatima, Christine Bermas, Cindy Miranda, Boobsie Wonderland, Gab Basiano, and Roberta Tamondong on stage.

“Wil To Win” airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. on TV5 and other Cignal channels.

BSP: Remittances growth hit 5-month high in May to $2.58B

 

By: Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 02:06 AM July 16, 2024

Money sent home by Filipinos abroad posted its best expansion in five months in May, although figures showed growth of remittances might be plateauing despite the peso’s weakness.

Cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.58 billion in May, up by 3.6 percent compared with a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday. Data showed this was the highest year-on-year growth of remittances since December 2023.

But despite that increase, remittances might not be receiving a significant boost that typically comes from a weak peso, which is now trading at the 58-per dollar level.

Year-to-date, remittances had grown by an annualized rate of 3 percent to $13.37 billion.  Data showed cash transfers from Filipinos abroad have been growing at around 3 percent since late 2022, with the BSP projecting the average growth of such inflows to settle at that level again in 2024.

Jeremaiah Opiniano, professor at University of Santo Tomas and executive director at the Institute for Migration and Development Issues, said this trend may “signify a plateau” that had not changed so far despite the currency’s slump.

Stability

“For the past two months (April and May 2024), overseas Filipinos did not take advantage of the low currency exchange rates to motivate them in sending more money,” Opiniano said.

“One would wonder if the efforts of Filipinos abroad to earn more and send money home may have been stretched,” he added.

Money sent home by Filipinos overseas is a major source of purchasing power in the Philippines, where consumption typically accounts for over 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). That said, a plateauing remittance growth may translate to sub-par support to consumer spending.

But John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, is seeing “stability” in the current trend.

“Historically, as BSP data reflects, remittances have been consistently stable and increasing given the volume and distribution of Filipinos all over the world driven by various motives in sending remittances,” Rivera said.

Dissecting the BSP’s report, remittances from land-based Filipino workers went up by 3.8 percent to $2.06 billion in May while those from sea-based workers inched up by 2.6 percent to $520 million.

PVL Reinforced Conference fires off Tuesday

Jul 15, 2024 02:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

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Six teams open their respective title campaigns on Tuesday, July 16, when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference fires off at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Creamline seeks for an unprecedented ninth PVL title when the Reinforced Conference fires off on Tuesday, July 16, at the Philsports Arena. (File Photo/PVL Images)

Galeries Tower and Nxled raise the curtain in their 2 p.m. tussle, while Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh both seek for strong starts when they collide at 4 p.m.

But focus will be on multi-titled Creamline, which squares off with PLDT at 6 p.m. as it guns for an unprecedented ninth league title this import-flavored conference last played in 2022. 

Apart from parading their respective acquisitions in the inaugural Rookie Draft held last week, the teams are also expected to showcase their respective imports to add fuel in their bids.

The Cool Smashers, banking on their All-Filipino Conference title victory, are leaning on American import Erica Staunton to boost the squad as they play without star player Jema Galanza due to national team duties.

The 6-foot-1 Staunton boasts of credentials as a two-time All-NCAA member, having played for Northeastern University and University of Georgia.

Staunton is expected to team up with a formidable lineup spearheaded by Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga and rookie libero Aleiah Torres, who was selected 12th overall in the draft.

PLDT is also bursting with promise with the expected return of Mika Reyes in the fold to join forces with veteran setter Kim Fajardo, Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, new recruit Angge Alcantara and Russian reinforcement Elena Samoilenko.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, will have Brazilian import Monique Helena and rookie Julia Coronel in teaming up with Jewel Encarnacion, Roma Joy Doromal and Dodee Batindaan, while Nxled will have Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon, Jho Maraguinot and Bang Pineda.

Not to be outdone are Chery Tiggo, which has Katherine Bell, Ara Galang, EJ Laure and Abi Maraño, and Farm Fresh, which has a new coach in Shota Sato and promising players in Jolina Dela Cruz, Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray and Colombian import Yeny Murillo.

How MSJO won gold— and a case for Filipino musicality

By John Silva, Philippine Daily Inquirer

With all the whooping and hugging and shaking hands to celebrate the gold prize victory at the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music Festival—well deserved at that—I had a chance to see the full concert competition among the various orchestras coming from other parts of Europe, the United States and as far as Australia.

Identifying with Christ on the cross

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WHEN Christ told his disciples these shocking words: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword,” (Mt 10,34) the upshot is actually that he wants us to identify ourselves with him through the cross, through a lot of suffering that is due to all of our sins.

He wants us to realize that the mystery of the cross is where we can find the infinite and unconditional love of God for man. When we encounter the cross of any kind—physical or moral pain, etc.—we are actually given an opportunity to be like Simon of Cyrene who, without any obligation to carry the cross, offered to do so if only to help out of love for the redemption of man.

When we carry our crosses with the mind of following Christ, we actually become glorified also in Christ. We can indeed echo St. Paul’s words, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal 6,14)

It’s when we embrace the cross that we deny ourselves so we can be filled with no other intention than to follow Christ. Christ himself said it clearly: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16,24)

It’s when we carry the cross with Christ that we would experience what Christ told his disciples, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Mt 11,30) It’s when we would experience peace and joy despite the pain and suffering. It’s also when we have the chance to purify ourselves and to atone and make reparation for all the sins of the world.

We should have the same attitude of St. Paul with regard to any form of suffering when he said: “I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the Church.” (Col 1,24)

We need to realize that given the unavoidable sinfulness of man, we should be eager to put this love for the cross the way Christ and the saints loved the cross, as an essential part of our spirituality. 

We need to make the cross of Christ attractive to everyone. It’s the Good News that would liberate us from a narrow understanding of all the sufferings in this world. It is what makes our love real love, a vital participation of the very essence of God which is love.

We really have to know why the cross is essential and indispensable in our life. And by knowing the purpose of the cross, we mean that we need to refer everything in our life to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ where the cross plays a crucial role.

Yes, that’s right. We need to refer everything to the cross because that is how everything in our life, whether good or bad, big or small, spiritual or material, would find its true and ultimate meaning and purpose.

We need to know the purpose of the cross because the cross, through Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, is where everything in our life is resolved. Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is the culmination of Christ’s redemptive mission on earth.

This is the purpose of the cross in our life. It is to instill in us the proper attitude and virtues with respect to our sin, before it is committed and also after it is committed.

Kathryn Bernardo: I’m open to change and transformation

 

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

July 15, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Following her fiery, steamy dance performance at the Century Tuna’s Superbods 2024 Awards Night held last Tuesday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo shared the preparations she took to execute the much-talked-about act.

“Actually, I started preparing for that prod I think last week but then G-Force headed by Ritz, he was preparing for it I think for like a month,” the Kapamilya star recalled when asked during the event hosted by Robi Domingo and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.

“And they were very patient. So I’d like to thank Teacher Georcelle and G-Force for being so supportive. And of course, the preparation for the body, (it took) months of preparation. Ever since I did the TVC (television commercial), I continued working out with my trainor, who is Mauro Lumba,” continued Kathryn and introduced the Superbods 2014 winner, who was among the crowd. “He’s been very patient as well, so shoutout to my trainor.”

Kathryn says it took months to prepare her body for the dance production choreographed by G-Force. — Photo by Jesse Bustos

She reiterated her gratitude to G-Force for the dance prod and Mauro for her body preparations, adding that she also did a lot of activities and maintained a healthy and balanced diet. “I know what to eat na, everything is ready and I’ll just reward myself after this.”

The canned tuna brand campaign this year is “Best You Ever,” an advocacy that promotes self-love and self-improvement. It also celebrates the journeys, personal growth, and overall wellness of Filipinos as they become the best versions of themselves.

Kathryn on the question if she’s the best version of herself at this stage in her life: ‘To be honest, I think I’m a work in progress. Not yet. But I tried to be better every day… And I feel like andaming pang mangyayari and I’m just open to change and transformation.’

For Kathryn, being the best version of one’s self comes with growth. “And ang galing because the campaign of Century Tuna is just so empowering (and) to be part of a movement like this (is also empowering). And for me, as long as you have awareness and you have the willingness to grow every day, I think that itself is like being the best version of yourself already.”

She also expressed that she believes in the “one percent better” concept. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with that. Like every day, you try to be one percent better. I just keep it in mind every day that you can’t do anything overnight. So one percent progress, little wins, it will progress and to give yourself a few months and maybe a few years or maybe a year and then you see a huge difference. You have to keep in mind that it won’t happen overnight. Just baby steps.”

So is Kathryn the best version of herself at this point in her life?

“To be honest, I think I’m a work in progress. Not yet. But I tried to be better every day… And I feel like andaming pang mangyayari and I’m just open to change and transformation.”

It has always been a dream for Kathryn to be part of the Century Tuna brand’s family and now that she is in, she couldn’t be more grateful. As she elaborated, “My 2024 started doing a campaign with them. And it was so special and then now, we are here in the finals and it took months and months of preparation. And all I can say is that I’m very, very grateful.”

She, as well, extended her congratulations to all the participants of Superbods 2024. “They’ve been working so hard. Some of them, I’ve talked to before, they have been preparing for months, some of them for years, just for tonight. And all of them are (already) winners. You can see their dedication and they inspired me as well. So congratulations to all our contestants. You all look beautiful and sexy tonight. And yeah, I’m just happy to be part of this movement.”

Filipino fitness influencer and Mister Tourism World Philippines Jether Palomo and Miss Tourism World 2022 first runner-up, beauty queen and fitness enthusiast Justine Felizarta were named Male Superbods Grand Winner and Female Superbods Grand Winner, respectively.

Jether and Justine will take home P500,000, tax-free each, as prize money. Patrick Patawaran and Jessica Marasigan were also declared as Superbods runners-up.

Other special awards were also given to the following candidates: Slay the Runway, awarded by Jojo Bragais, to Jether and Jessica; Super Stunner Award (Photogenic) to Aaron Davis and Jessica; Perfect Smile Award (Urban Smiles) to Jether and Jessica; People’s Choice Award to Jether and Inka Magnaye; Bench Active Lifestyle Icon Award to Aaron and Hazel Ortiz; Superdad and Supermom Award to Carlo Adorador, Imelda Schweighart, Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan;

Anytime Fitness’s Unstoppable Award to Carlo Adorador and Jasmin Ariola; Ageless Award to Derick Hibaler and Miaow Ayesa; Masflex’s Flex Like a Superbod Award to Jether and Brooke Barredo; Garmin’s Best Yesterday Award to Jether and Inka; Fitness Breakthrough Award to Angel Mallari and Keylyn Trajano; Belo Skincare Sensation Award to Aaron and Jessica; and E-commerce Superstar Award to Jether.

The celebrity judges who formed the panel committee during the competition were Miss Universe 2015 and Century Tuna Endorser Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Primetime and Box Office Queen and Supermom Marian Rivera-Dantes, Aga Muhlach, and Richard Gomez. They were joined by PC&V Communications, Inc. president Carol San Pedro, Century Pacific Food, Inc. vice president and general manager for branded tuna division Carlo Endaya, and Century Pacific Food, Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon.

Reig reigns; Burgos repeats in 5150 Bohol

  

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AT A GLANCE

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BOHOL – Two years after stunning a stellar field in the 5150 Subic, Irienold Reig, Jr. showcased his potential once again by dominating the men’s category of the Sun Life 5150 Bohol, capturing the overall crown on Panglao Island Sunday, July 14.

 Irienold Reig, Jr., left, and Erika Burgos (Sun Life 5150 Bohol)

Erika Burgos, on the other hand, reasserted her dominance in the women’s category, repeating her victory in the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run race of the event held under the Olympic-style setup at one of the country’s top triathlon hubs.

However, the 5150 Bohol event was marred by tragedy during the first leg of the competition. 

In an official statement, the Sun Life 5150 Bohol Triathlon expressed deep sorrow: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of a race participant at 5150 Bohol. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion, with event medical personnel providing support onsite before transporting to hospital where the athlete sadly passed away.”

The statement continued: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to offer our support. We appreciate the quick work of onsite safety personnel who provide the athlete with medical support.”

Despite this somber incident, Reig’s standout performance was notable. The rising star from Quezon City took charge right from the opening swim leg, clocking 19:32. He then thwarted Satar Salem’s charge in the bike segment with a time of 1:00:46, finishing strong in the closing run stage (38:25) under overcast skies.

Reig finished with an overall time of 2:03:32 and also claimed the age group honors in the 20-24 division. This performance far surpassed his clocking in his breakthrough win in Subic in 2022, where he timed 2:12:49 to claim both the overall crown and the age-group category (15-19). 

Joshua Ramos placed second in 2:09:06 with leg times of 19:38 (swim), 1:02:32 (bike) and 41:37 (run), while Paul Jumamil took third place honors in 2:10:46 from times of 21:52, 1:00:22 and 43:48.

Salem, the 2022 winner here, posted the best time in bike (58:39) but settled for a 21:19 clocking in swim and 45:39 in run to wind up fifth in 2:11:02 behind fourth placer Edgie Arances, who also clocked 2:11:02 with leg times of 23:44. 1:02:57 and 39:25.

Burgos similarly stamped her class early in her side of the race. She clocked 20:30 in the swim, slowed down in the bike segment in 1:12:41, but like Reig, finished strong with a 42:07 run to claim the women’s overall title by seven minutes in 2:20:26 in the event was organized by The IRONMAN Group Philippines/Sunrise Events, Inc.

Burgos matched Reig’s feat by capturing the 20-24 trophy.

Katrina Salazar came in second in 2:27:21 with leg times of 21:31 (swim), 1:14:46 (bike) and 45:52 (run), while last year’s runner-up Leyann Ramo failed to sustain a big bike performance and settled for third in 2:27:56 with leg clocking of 23:48, 1:10:51 and 46:58 in the race sponsored by Sun Life Philippines.

Other age-group winners were (women’s) Khimberly Paquibot (20-25) (2:43:07); Ramo (30-34) (2:27:56); Lyllian Grace Banzon (35-39) (2:37:24); Patricia Anne Castillo (40-44) (2:49:57); Glena Rose Alejado-Lim (45-49) (2:50:34); Luzviminda Pine (50-54) (3:13:35); Celma Hitalia (55-59) (2:48:32); and Jo Cudmore (60-64) (3:41:11); 

(Men’s) Daireic Keith Cañete (15-19) (2:14:03); Salem (25-29) (2:11:02); Jumamil (30-34) (2:10:46); Kristiane Glendale Lim (35-39) (2:14:18); Arthur Abogado (40-44) (2:14:21); Wendill Gaco (45-49) (2:32:00); Roman Menz (50-54) (2:27:15); Andreas Goros (55-59) (2:31:30); Robert Shannon (60-64) (2:46:58); Nick Cudmore (65-69) (3:05:54) and Eliseo Villanueva (70-74) (4:12:59). 

Binibining Pilipinas 2024 winners reveal their favorite beauty queens

Jul 14, 2024 03:47 PM

  

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The winners of the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant (Facebook)

By Robert R. Requintina

In a moment of vulnerability, the newly crowned queens of Binibining Pilipinas 2024 expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the fans' support and acknowledged their pivotal role in the pageant community. They emphasize the need for sensitivity in comments, as they, too, are human. 

Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra and Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay made the appeal during their visit to the Manila Bulletin main office in Intramuros last July 12.

"We appreciate your support. Thank you for posting. Without you, pageants would not have reached this far. But we must be sensitive about what we say because we are also human," said Myrna.

She added: "We are not perfect, and we commit mistakes. But that doesn't mean we can be criticized that much to the point you will break a woman down. Let's be kind to one another."

Jasmin said, "To the pageant fans, two things: we appreciate you guys. We thank you for all the support throughout the pageant journey. You are the reason why pageants are still thriving and relevant in the Philippines and why many people and ladies aspire to be beauty queens.

"And No. 2, I hope the pageant community is kinder to one another, especially the ladies. We are on a platform where we are open to criticism, but that does not give us the license to bring a lady down. I hope we embody pageants, which are women's empowerment. We empower women regardless of how they look and regardless of size. The standard now is diverse, and we are starting to appreciate different kinds of beauty," Jasmin said. 

Binibining Pilipinas 2024 queens visit the Manila Bulletin main office in Intramuros on July 12. From left: Crystal Jean Dela Cruz, Bb. Pilipinas 1st runner-up; Myrna Esguerra, Bb. Pilipinas International 2024; Mae Kimberly De Luna, winner, 2024 Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Award;  Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2024 Jasmin Bungay; and Trisha Martinez, Bb. Pilipinas 2024 second runner-up.

Emotional

At the Manila Bulletin office, pageant veteran Trisha Martinez, who placed 2nd runner-up in the Bb. Pilipinas 2024 beauty contest, became emotional as she remembered the criticisms she faced from fans during the prestigious national pageant on July 7.

"There's too many to mention. Although she was not there, it was Mariel De Leon. We have a similar body type. So, I was body-shamed for being a bit bigger than the prototype of a beauty queen.

"So I'm size-medium, I am size-large. So when I knew Mariel was crowned, I think in 2017, I thought na puwede rin pala. So Mariel was a huge part of my motivation," Trisha said.

Jasmin was visibly moved at this moment.

"Whenever Ate Trisha mentions bashing, I feel that the people outside do not know what's happening inside. If you ask any of the ladies kung mananalo so Trisha, kung may reklamo sila just because of her extra excess, walang makakapag-sabi. We see how she is throughout the journey. If she won a crown that night, no one would contest because of her size.

"People say Ate Trish was a front-runner; some would say na hindi because she's big. Pero sa amin talaga, she is a deserving winner," said Jasmin.

Trisha commented: "Last year, when I joined Binibining Pilipinas, I was not bashed. I was one of the fan favorites.

"Pero hindi nila nakita yung part of me na malaki ako. But the second time was difficult because one single mistake, people would see you.

"This time yung body ko ang napansin nila. I improved on my pasarela and my communication skills. Pero hindi nila napansin yun.

"Pero I became a runner-up and I could still see comments na hindi raw kasi ako nag-diet kaya runner-up lang siya. It hurt so much," she said.

Trisha, who shed tears, said she felt her efforts for this year's competition were invalidated. She believes there will always be bashers in her life.

"But you know what, kahit na ano pa ang marating mo sa buhay, there will always be trolls. May comment talaga sila sa'yo. That's part of being a beauty queen," Trisha also said.

Myrna said criticisms do not define a person, but "you define who you are."

She added: "Comments that matter will come from people who matter. The people you love."

"Ate Trish, we love you," Jasmin said.

Favorite beauty queens

The Binibinis continued to answer the question about their favorite beauty queens.

"As for favorite beauty queens, I go for the current ones. I would say Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray.  Dalawa talaga. Hindi kasi ako makapili," Jasmin said.

She also said: "Aside from bringing honor and pride to the country by winning Miss Universe, they represented multi-faceted women. Like Pia, now she is venturing into an image of being an author and international brand ambassador. So, it just attests to how far we can go as women.

"Even with Catriona Gray, during her journey, she set the standard so high for the next beauty queens, for us, the next generation, to further develop ourselves into holistic women so that they will not look down on beauty queens. During her stint, she used the platform to introduce our country well. So I admire both of them because they represent powerful women," said Jasmin.

Myrna voted for Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj.

"She was there during the coronation. During rehearsals, we gathered around her, and she prayed for everyone. Sobrang special ng moment na yun because maraming girls ang umiyak during that moment.  It tells a lot about how God works in our lives. As a born-again Christian, it's amazing how God can make your life bigger than you can imagine. 

"In life, it's not enough that you are doing better. There should be a purpose for why you are doing things you are good at. So I love how Venus influenced people, and she's fearless in showing how God transformed her life. I applaud her for that," the beauty queen from Abra said.

Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Award

Crystal Jean Dela Cruz, 2024 Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up, said she also admires Venus.

"I can relate to her because she came from the province with no water or electricity, and I felt that, too. Even if I look like a girl with a multicultural background, I have to make my way to the places I want to go. She has changed many lives by bringing positivity and inspiration to me and other girls. She came from humble beginnings, and she worked her way up. I like to be her. During the rehearsals, I saw her. I was a fangirl at that moment. You can feel her authenticity, and she's like a storyteller to me," she said.

Mae Kimberly De Luna, winner of the Manila Bulletin Readers Choice Award, said Samantha Bernardo inspires her.

"The first time I saw her, it was love at first sight. She's so beautiful, and I met her two years ago. I learned her stories, and that's when I realized she inspired me. But if I were to choose,  dalawa sila: Samantha Bernardo, and Pia Wurtzbach. We've seen their struggles and challenges in Binibining Pilipinas, which left a mark. They said never to give up on your dreams. They also came from humble beginnings. And no matter their challenges, they fight for it," said Kim.

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!