It’s National Coconut Week: Improve production, enhance nutrition

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Aug 25, 2024 00:12 AM

  

---

 

Today, we pause to think about the value of the coconut, also referred to as the “tree of life” for its wide array of nutritional value and uses.  From its water, a high-electrolyte beverage, to its fresh meat with essential vitamins and minerals, to desiccated meat used in baking; to the popular virgin coconut oil (VCO) – the coconut is the “rock star” of local fruits for its widespread popularity.  Who does not know or recognize the coconut in the Philippines? 

The Philippines is the second largest producer of coconuts in the world, next to Indonesia. Based on 2018 data, there are over 347 million fruit-bearing coconut trees in the country, where 69 out of 82 provinces grow it, according to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

August is National Coconut Month. From Aug. 24 to 30, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) celebrates the 38th National Coconut Week “to pay tribute of honor and thanksgiving for the blessings and benefits derived from the coconut industry and to establish a continuing awareness of its lasting importance to our national life.” 

The highlight of this year’s celebration will be the National Ceremonial Planting on Aug. 28, 2024, which will be done simultaneously around the country, in line with President Marcos’ goal of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028. The planting activity aims to address the increasing senility and loss of bearing trees which has reduced the country’s output of coconut fruits and its products.

In June, PCA administrator Dexter Buted, who had sought for a higher budget next year to improve coconut production, said the planting activity will help push the country to be the leading coconut producer worldwide. 

The activities that will be held to celebrate the 38th National Coconut Week are designed to encourage more people to be aware of the many uses of coconut as a cooking ingredient, a source of livelihood, and for nutrition.  It will also have activities that will help the farmers to live more healthy lives while boosting their production. Among these are:

A Coconut Culinary Show will present coconut-inspired recipes for nutritious and delicious food using coconut milk (gata), butter, water, nata de coco, sap syrup, sap vinegar, sugar, flour and virgin coconut oil.

There will be symposiums on the benefits of coconut products held in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Market Development Promotion and One Town One Product. 

A health and medical program aimed at improving the well-being of coconut farmers and their families, will be launched in partnership with the Department of Health. The program will ensure that farmers and their families have access to essential medical services, leading to improved overall health and enhanced financial protection. This will be launched on Aug. 27 in line with the mandate of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

To update farmers on new technologies, an online webinar will be conducted with the theme “Transforming the lives of Filipino coconut farmers through innovative and sustainable technologies.”

Celebrate the coconut fruit in your own way because it is so much a part of our lives in this country. A beverage or food you consumed today likely had a coconut ingredient.  A piece of furniture or furnishing around you came from the coconut husk. 

From nutrition to function, these have been provided by the “tree of life” which is nurtured by the farmers. 

ABS-CBN Music reaps 31 nods from Awit Awards

BINI, Maki, Maymay, and more among this year’s nominees

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Aug 24, 2024 11:46 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• BINI’s “Pantropiko” is nominated for five categories, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Performance by a Group, Best Pop Recording, and Best Engineered Recording, while the group’s “Karera” single is part of the nominees under Best Inspirational Recording and Best Music Video categories.

---

BINI

ABS-CBN Music has received a total of 31 nominations from the 37th Awit Awards, which is set to happen this year. 

BINI’s “Pantropiko” is nominated for five categories, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Performance by a Group, Best Pop Recording, and Best Engineered Recording, while the group’s “Karera” single is part of the nominees under Best Inspirational Recording and Best Music Video categories.

Maki’s viral hit “Saan?” got the prestigious Song of the Year nod as well as a shot to compete in Best Pop Recording. Rising band Nameless Kids is meanwhile nominated in the Album of the Year category for “Manila In Bloom.” 

MAKI

Maymay has a total of four nominations, including Best Global Collaboration Recording and Best Remix Recording for “Autodeadma” featuring Wooseok of Pentagon and Best Regional Recording and Best Engineered Recording for “Tsada Mahigugma.” 

Three up-and-coming Kapamilya singers have also received nods for Best Performance by a New Solo Artist: JEL REY for “hele pono,” Misha de Leon for “Damdamin,” and Lyka Estrella for “Hawak Mo.”

“It’s Showtime” kids Imogen, Kulot, and Lucas are nominated for Best Recording by a Child or for Children for their individual music releases: “Mini Miss U,” “Clap Clap Clap,” and “Learn The 1,2,3,” respectively. 

ABS-CBN’s 2023 Christmas ID theme song, “Pasko ang Pinakamagandang Kwento,” is also part of the Best Christmas Recording nominees.  

Other nominees from ABS-CBN Music are Jamie Rivera, Jed Madela, Francine Diaz, and KD Estrada for “Faith, Hope, and Love” (Best Inspirational Recording) and Troy Laureta, Sheryn Regis, and Wendy Moten for “Come In Out of the Rain” (Best Global Collaboration Recording). Troy’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” is likewise nominated for Best Musical Arrangement along with “Dirty Linen” theme song arranged by Rommel and Idonnah Villarico. 

BGYO’s Akira and JL’s “Be Mine” song for “Senior High” is nominated for Best Original Soundtrack Recording. Kim Chiu’s “Ms. Ukay” earns a nod for Best Novelty Recording while Darren’s “Bibitaw Na” is nominated for Best Engineered Recording. 

P-pop group 1621BC is nominated for “Laruan” (Best Performance by a Group) while  Yosha Honasan is hailed for “Karakaraka” (Best Jazz Recording). Ben&Ben and Belle Mariano’s “Autumn” has earned a nod for the Best Remix category.  

Regine Velasquez slams fake news on breakup with Ogie Alcasid: 'Gusto ko lang semplangin yung nagsasabi na hiwalay na kami'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Aug 25, 2024 08:13 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Regine shared her feelings about the report during an appearanceon the popular noontime program "It's Showtime" on Saturday.

---

 Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Facebook)

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid slammed a report saying that she and her husband, Ogie Alcasid, have separated.

Regine shared her feelings about the report during an appearance on the popular noontime program "It's Showtime" on Saturday. Her full reaction:

"Gusto ko lang semplangin yung nagsasabi na hiwalay na kami. Maghintay ka dyan ha! Maghintay ka! 

"Marriage is difficult. Marriage is difficult the way it is. Pero may mga tao na who's trying to make it more difficult for us, hindi po maganda. Parang ipinapanalangin ninyo na magkahiwalay kami.

"Hindi po kami maghihiwalay ever because we love each other. Our marriage is not perfect. Siyempre ganun talaga may mga issue, issue (sa marriage).

"Pero wala akong issue (sa kanya). Gusto ko lang sabihin na napakabait ng asawa ko. Alam n'yo kung paano ko alam na mabait siya? He is God-centered.

"Ang focus niya kay God. Marami siyang ginagawa pero ang focus niya na kay God pa rin. Hence, ako po yung nagbe-benefit doon. Dahil mahal na maha niya ang Panginoon, Mabait at mabuti siyang asawa at tatay sa aming mga anak. 

"So please! Kung may makita kayong mga write-up or anything (about hiwalayan sa amin), huwag ninyong paniwalaan. Nakikita naman ninyo kami sa social media.

"He's my best friend. I hope he's my best friend, too! Aside from Ryan Bang. Yan lang ang gusto kong sabihin. Kaya maghanda ka dyan ha! Tinitignan kita," Regine said.

After expressing her feelings, Regine kissed Ogie.

Capital1 battles Cignal in PVL knockout quarters

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Aug 24, 2024 10:27 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• And Capital1 hopes to bank heavily on the team’s new-found confidence when it battles No. 2 Cignal while Farm Fresh looks to do the same against the top-seeded Akari in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals Saturday, Aug. 24, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

---

In do-or-die matches, records and rankings are cast aside. What truly counts is resolve, poise and resilience.

Capital1 is hoping to catch a big fish in the PVL quarterfinals. (PVL Images)

And Capital1 hopes to bank heavily on the team’s new-found confidence when it battles No. 2 Cignal while Farm Fresh looks to do the same against the top-seeded Akari in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals Saturday, Aug. 24, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Capital1 Solar Spikers coach Roger Gorayeb is convinced they can give Cignal a run for its money in their 6 p.m. showdown. 

The Akari-Farm Fresh showdown is set at 4 p.m. with the former to repeat its previous victory over the Foxies, where Oly Okaro, the league’s second-leading scorer with 183 spikes, led the Chargers with an 18-point performance.

Although the HD Spikers defeated the Solar Spikers in four sets during the eliminations, Capital1 has shown significant improvement, winning five matches compared to their single victory in the All-Filipino Conference.

Known for his tactical acumen, Gorayeb is expected to devise strategies to disrupt Cignal’s defensive and offensive patterns.

“It’s hard to stop MJ (Perez), but we’ll try to limit her production,” said Gorayeb. “We’ll have to tighten our defense not just against MJ but also against the locals.” 

Conversely, Gorayeb emphasized the need for his locals to step up and share the offensive load to prevent Tushova from getting overworked.

“Everybody must step up offensively to prevent Marina (Tushova) from getting worn out,” he added.

How to avoid the worst of jet lag and maximize your travel time

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Aug 24, 2024 00:13 AM

  

---

LONDON (AP) — It's the bane of many travelers: jet lag. Nobody wants to lose out because they're too tired to enjoy the delights of their vacation spot.
Here are some tips on how to handle jet lag, wherever you might end up.

 

What is jet lag? 

Scientists define jet lag as the effect on the human body of traveling across different time zones. Our bodies have biological clocks programmed into almost every cell in the body, according to Sofia Axelrod, who studies circadian rhythms at Rockefeller University in New York.

“The clock is set by the 24-hour light and dark pattern,” Axelrod said. “Every morning when we wake up, specialized (light) receptor cells in our retina receive a daylight signal, which is transmitted to the brain and from there, the whole body.”

When we travel to another time zone, our eyes receive the daylight signal at a different time than usual, causing our internal clocks to reset. But that process can take awhile — and it’s during that adjustment period that we feel the effects of jet lag. 

Is jet lag preventable?
 

Yes, but that can come at a cost. Malcolm von Schantz, a professor who specializes in circadian rhythms at Northumbria University in Newcastle, said that flying in premium cabins where travelers can stretch out and properly rest, can ward off sleep deprivation, but he acknowledges that isn't an option for most people. Still, he said that timing your flights can help. For example, he suggests flying from Europe to North America during the day, so that it’s evening when passengers land and they can get a proper night’s sleep.

“If you take the evening flight instead, you’ll be woken up at midnight to be served breakfast and land an hour or two later, when both jet lag and sleep deprivation will hit you hard and simultaneously,” he said.

Von Schantz also said flying in newer models with a lighter frame, like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, would help. That’s because those planes can maintain a more comfortable cabin atmosphere, which should help travelers feel less worn out by the end of their flights.

 

What should you do when you arrive? 

Experts say getting exposure to sunlight is critical to resetting your internal body clock. That can mean either avoiding morning sun or deliberately seeking it out, depending on where you’ve travelled from. Getting light in the morning will advance your body clock, while light exposure in the early evening will delay it. Naps are OK, but scientists warn against taking long siestas later in the day, as that might compromise your ability to sleep through the night.

 

Are there supplements or medicines that might help?
 

Melatonin, a hormone that the brain naturally produces when the body thinks it’s night, can be helpful. But it’s not available everywhere and in some countries like the U.K. and France, a prescription is required. Von Schantz of Northumbria University said that one of the advantages of melatonin is that you can start taking it before your journey, to reset your internal clock quicker.

“If you’re in a part of the world where melatonin is available over the counter, you can combine the effects of light and melatonin to achieve the advance or delay (in your body clock) that you need,” he said.

 

What can you do to deal with the effects of jet lag?
 

Business travelers might want to consider arriving a day or two ahead of any important meetings or events, said Russell Foster of Oxford University, who has authored a book on circadian rhythms.

“You should just be aware that if you’re jet-lagged, you’re more likely to make unwise decisions, be less empathetic and unable to multitask,” he said.
Tourists might not need to be as alert as business travelers, but they should still be careful, he said. He advises tourists to get caught up on their sleep before doing anything potentially risky or that requires concentration, like driving.

Foster said he tries to maximize his light exposure when he arrives at a new destination to offset jet lag. But he also has a fallback strategy: coffee.

“I’m not suggesting it’s an ideal thing to do, but caffeine will help override the sleepiness and cognitive impairment you might be feeling as a result of jet lag,” he said.

Hypocrisy, discretion and our inconsistencies

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE are precisely reminded of these points in that gospel episode where Christ issued a series of “Woe to you’s” to some people of the time precisely for their hypocrisy and their very narrow, shallow and outright erroneous understanding of what is right and wrong in their practices. (cfr. Mt 23,13-22)

Hypocrisy, of course, is sinful and should be rejected, since it is an intentional break between what one believes and teaches, and what he practices. It is meant to deceive others and is often motivated by pride, envy, lust, laziness, etc.

Discretion is an act of prudence which allows us to hide certain things for these things ought not to be known. There is such thing as secrecy of office, for example, where confidential information should not be indiscriminately spread, or where some pieces of information are withheld since a person asking for them may have no right to know those pieces of information.

There is also the case of our inconsistencies that are due to our weaknesses, limitations, and sin. That’s when we fail to practice what we believe or preach. These inconsistencies are not necessarily sinful. They are a fact of life, part of our wounded condition here on earth, but we should learn how to handle them properly.

In all these, what is most important to remember is that we should try our best to develop a keen sense of transparency and accountability. These traits assure us that we are on the right path. That is to say, we have nothing bad to hide, and more, we are seeing to it that we are responsible for what God has given us, making these God-given gifts fruitful and productive.

A good sense of transparency will help us develop and sustain our integrity in life. It means that everything that we do is good, that is, morally good. This sense of transparency can only take root when it is based on our faith in God who sets all the laws in our life, and therefore, all that is good for us.

Besides, God actually sees everything. Before him, nothing can be hidden. We therefore have to adapt a lifestyle that would make us do everything in his presence. In fact, we are not simply meant to do things in his presence. It is more to do everything for God’s glory. Thus, when we do things without God in mind, let us be warned that we are already doing things wrongly.

We have to learn to be brutally sincere in everything that we do, and especially when we go to confession and to spiritual direction. We have to learn to lay all our cards on the table so that the human instruments used by God to help us in our spiritual life, can truly help us.

We should not be afraid or ashamed to do so, because in these occasions, it is indeed God who is acting through the human instrumentalities. We have to approach confession and spiritual direction with a strong supernatural outlook, because it is only then that we can go beyond our human respect.

To put it bluntly, we can only be in the truth and at the same time discreet and able to properly deal with our occasional inconsistencies when we are with God. Outside of him, let’s wish ourselves sheer luck, because the most likely thing to happen is to slip from the truth. It´s like chasing the wind. For all the excitement and advantages a Godless pursuit of truth gives, everything would just turn out to be vanity.

Shiela Valderrama Martinez revisits 30-year career highlights in ‘Triple Threat’

 

Carlo Orosa - The Philippine Star 

August 23, 2024 | 12:00am

Shiela Valderrama Martinez is set to take center stage in the highly anticipated “Triple Threat” series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Known for her captivating performances and exceptional vocal prowess, Shiela has been a leading lady in the musical theater industry for over three decades. This time, she steps into the spotlight to share her journey and celebrate the iconic roles that have defined her career.

When asked about how she was selected for the “Triple Threat” series, Shiela modestly admitted, “I honestly don’t know what the selection process is. But I’m glad that they chose me.”

She recalled receiving an invitation from CCP, with Ariel Yuson and Dennis Marasigan personally reaching out to her.

“Of course, I immediately said yes. It’s an honor to be chosen, especially for this category,” she added, reflecting her deep respect for the institution and the opportunity.

Preparation for the concert has been a collaborative effort, with Shiela expressing gratitude for the people who have come together to bring her vision to life.

“I’m grateful that the people I had hoped to be part of this show all said yes and were available,” she shared.

From the creatives to the production team and guest performers, everything is falling into place. Shiela has been deeply involved in the production meetings and rehearsals, ensuring that every detail is perfect.

She also highlighted the importance of staying in peak condition, noting that she has been undergoing fittings for her show outfits and taking voice lessons to be in top shape for the performance.

In the “Triple Threat” concert, Shiela plans to showcase the highlights of her 30-year career in musical theater.

“I’ll be sharing my journey and singing some of the iconic roles that I’ve portrayed,” she revealed.

Fans can look forward to a repertoire that not only reflects her past triumphs but also includes songs from roles she still dreams of playing. The show promises to be a night of nostalgia, inspiration, and musical excellence.

Meanwhile, despite the rise of online entertainment and quick-fix platforms like TikTok, Shiela remains optimistic about the future of theater in the Philippines.

“I think theater in the Philippines is thriving and will continue to do so,” she asserted.

For Shiela, the magic of live performance lies in its personal connection with the audience — a quality that she believes will keep theater alive and flourishing for generations to come.

As a successful businesswoman, entertainer, and mother, Shiela has also mastered the art of balancing her various roles.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa to perform at 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Aug 22, 2024 09:36 AM

  

---

BLACKPINK member Lisa will be performing at the  2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) that will now be held on Sept. 11 at UBS Arena in New York. 

“THE ROCKSTAR #LISA is making her SOLO PERFORMANCE DEBUT at the 2024 #VMAs!!!!!!! Watch live Wednesday, September 11 only on @MTV!” the VMA posted on X. 

BLACKPINK's Lisa will be performing at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) on Sept. 11 (VMA, Instagram)

Her agency, LLOUD, also announced, “LISA is performing at the 2024 #VMAs! Make sure you tune in Wednesday September 11th at 8pm EST on @MTV.”

Lisa was announced as the next batch of performers along with Lenny Kravitz, Halsey and Benson Boone.  

VMA earlier announced that Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, GloRilla and Rauw Alejandro will be performing at the ceremony. 

Lisa’s new song “Rockstar” is nominated in four categories at the VMA: Best K-pop, Best Editing, Best Choreography and Best Art Direction. 

The VMA ceremony was moved from Sept. 10 to Sept. 11 because of the US presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.

Fans can vote at vote.mtv.com until Aug. 30. 

 

RETIREMENT? THE PHILIPPINES GOT YOU!

They got me 26 years ago. Forever and ever. 

First and foremost, the benefits of retiring in the Philippines are that it's the Philippines! The beautiful sunny beaches, the wonderful food, and the welcoming people make the Philippines one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world. Indefinite stay with multiple-entry and exit allowances.

Getting old in bliss is almost everyone’s vision of the future. But one imagines that long-term satisfaction diversely; to live a peaceful and enjoyable life and feel the warmth and sense of belongingness in various facets will always be on the bucket list.

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers countless options to match your needs and prove that it’s truly more fun in the country. From beaches, mountains and natural wonders to historical landmarks, nature adventures and recreational places, the Philippines will suit your interests, tastes and wishes.

Love the beach? Come and visit Palawan. It was ranked as the no. 1 best island in the world in 2016 by a poll from readers of US travel magazine, Conde Nast. Aquamarine-colored water, captivating lagoons, and home the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of UNESCO’s Seven Natural Wonders,

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte is also gaining popularity for possessing pristine sandbars that you must see with your very eyes.

If you aren’t fond of saltwater, let the beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, Cebu City, captivate you. Or pamper yourself in the hundreds of hot spring resorts in Laguna. Oh, did we mention hundred? Check out the marvelous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan.

The country is really rich in natural attractions, let alone the Chocolate Hills of Bohol or the perfect-shaped cone, Mayon Volcano in Bicol.

The Philippines is a tropical country and you will see the sun year-round. But if you want to be in a cool place any time of the year, Baguio and Tagaytay will always be there as your relief. The Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet and an adventure destination lake in Caliraya might amuse you too.

If ever your kind of trip and gratification is unusual, spelunking in the caves of Sagada or Samar will be totally fun. Mountains located in Batangas and Rizal are just waiting for you to be trekked and climbed. La Union and Siargao Island are surfing destinations that offer a thrilling experience at a different level regardless of your age. Hop on an adventure in the currently flourishing Masungi Georeserve in Rizal that leaves its visitors extremely fascinated.

Live and appreciate the basics in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province. Rolling hills, old stoned houses and the very serene environment will give you peace and tranquility.

The Philippines also boasts of cultural heritage sites and restored historic infrastructures. Intramuros, the Walled City within the country’s capital city of Manila, and Vigan’s Calle Crisologo are just a few of those that will take you back to the old times.

Immerse in the local culture and get a taste of the exceptional Filipino cuisine. From local viands, mouth-watering fruits, and unique desserts, everything is a reflection of the provinces’ history, culture, and the people’s way of life. If you don’t feel the wanderlust yet, doesn’t it sound fun to experience riding the Jeepney and Tricycle that are purely “Pinoy” modes of transportation?

Manila is the country’s shopping mecca but major cities and towns are dotted with a variety of shopping malls that house international and local brands.

The booming economy and the low-cost of living will give you more value for your money. Indulge yourself for a fraction of the cost in your home country.

It is the ultimate “home” for everyone because of Filipinos who are known to be one of the most hospitable and the happiest people in the world. Locals abundantly give contagious smiles, genuinely touch lives, and will make your stay worthwhile. The flourishing medical tourism also just adds up to the reasons why you should choose the Philippines.

So why retire in the Philippines? With all the stated facts above and a thousand more that are yet to be expressed and discovered, the answer to that question would simply be, “Why not?”

A month or even a year of stay wouldn’t be enough to savor and relish the country. The Philippines is a good travel destination, isn’t it? Well, it would be best explored if you choose it as your home and your retirement haven. Let yourself experience the perquisites the Philippines has.

Popular Expat Cities Monthly Costs Population

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental $925 134,103
Makati, Metro Manila $1,500 629,616
Subic Bay, Zambales $1,250 111,912
Tagaytay, Cavite $975 85,330
Baguio City, Luzon $950 366,358
Lipa City, Batangas $900 372,931
BGC, Taguig City $1,500 886,722
Davao City, Mindanao $1,100 1,776,949
Cebu City, Cebu $1,200 964,169
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental $1,050 600,78