Why Dipolog City should be your next travel destination

Get to learn the hidden gem known as the Gateway to Western Mindanao

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Dec 25, 2024 03:10 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Dipolog is renowned for its awe-inspiring sunsets. As the day ends, head to the Boulevard’s peaceful grounds to witness the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. 

Known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao,” Dipolog City is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of history, this charming city offers an experience like no other.

 

The iconic Dipolog Boulevard 

Stroll along the famed Dipolog Boulevard, a picturesque coastal promenade that stretches over 1.6 kilometers. This lively spot is perfect for morning jogs, afternoon bike rides, or simply unwinding with the sea breeze. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as food stalls come alive, offering a wide array of local street food and delicacies.

 

STUNNING VIEW Enjoy the colorful sunsets seen from Dipolog Boulevard (Photo Ambibo)

 

Stunning sunsets that take your breath away 

Dipolog is renowned for its awe-inspiring sunsets. As the day ends, head to the Boulevard’s peaceful grounds to witness the sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It’s a photographer’s dream and a moment to cherish with loved ones.

 

The challenge and beauty of Linabo Peak

For adventure seekers, Linabo Peak is a must-visit. Known for its "3003 Steps to Heaven," this trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of Dipolog City and neighboring towns. It’s also a spiritual journey, marked with Stations of the Cross along the trail.

 

RELAXATION AT ITS FINEST Royal Farm Resort comes with lush gardens and a refreshing pool to take a relaxing dip in (Photo Royal Farm Resort)

 

Relaxation and comfort at Royal Farm Resort

After exploring Dipolog’s attractions, retreat to the tranquility of Royal Farm Resort, where nature meets comfort. With lush gardens and a refreshing pool, the resort offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. It’s the ideal home base for discovering all that Dipolog has to offer.

 

HOLY SIGHT Pay your respects over at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and reflect on life (Photo Ambibo)

 

A gateway to culture and history

Dipolog City is rich in history and cultural landmarks. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, a masterpiece linked to Dr. Jose Rizal, or explore local museums and galleries that tell the story of Dipolog’s heritage.

 

TASTY TREAT Enjoy a taste of Dipolog City by sampling a bottle of Montaño Sardines

 

 The famous sardines

No trip to Dipolog City is complete without bringing home the renowned Montaño Sardines. Famous for their premium quality and delicious taste, these sardines are a symbol of Dipolog’s thriving seafood industry. Available in a variety of flavors, Montaño Sardines are a perfect gift or souvenir to share a taste of Dipolog with family and friends.

 

Experience Dipolog City today
With its captivating landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Dipolog City offers an unforgettable journey for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning sunsets, the adventurous trek to Linabo Peak, or the comfort of Royal Farm Resort, Dipolog is a destination worth discovering.

Local band performs Rosé, Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ in BGC

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Dec 24, 2024 05:50 PM 

Fans of K-pop star Rosé and Bruno Mars were treated to a pop-up performance of the hit song “APT.”  in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig on Dec. 21. 

The Banda San Jose from Las Piñas performed “APT.,” “Number One Girl” and “Toxic Till The End,” all included in Rosé’s debut studio album “Rosie.” 

Rosé (Todd Owyoung) 

Banda San Jose (Photos from Banda San Jose's Facebook account)

In addition, the Banda San Jose also performed Mars’ greatest hits like "Uptown Funk," "Just the Way You Are," and "Locked Out of Heaven.”

“APT.” has topped the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts for nine weeks. 

“The Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, which began in September 2020, rank songs based on streaming and sales activity culled from more than 200 territories around the world, as compiled by Luminate. The Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data and the Global Excl. U.S. chart comprises data from territories excluding the United States,” according to Billboard. 

According to Warner Music Philippines, Rosé’ has set the record for the highest monthly listeners on Spotify by a K-pop artist,  

Mars has amassed over 120 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making him the number one artist in the world, it added. 

Merry Christmas 2024 - Frohe Weihnachten 2024

 

 

Christmas Eve 2024 weather: Shear line, ‘amihan’ to bring rains to Luzon, Visayas

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Dec 24, 2024 10:43 AM 

Parts of Luzon and Visayas are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain on Tuesday, Dec. 24, due to the shear line and the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan.”

(KEITH BACONGCO / MANILA BULLETIN / FILE PHOTO)

In its weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the shear line is currently affecting Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, while the “amihan” is influencing the rest of Luzon.

According to PAGASA, Eastern Visayas, the Bicol Region, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms caused by the shear line. 

Cloudy skies with rain due to the northeast monsoon are also expected in Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija.

The “amihan” will further bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains across the rest of Luzon.

Meanwhile, PAGASA noted that the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized weather conditions.

PAGASA has warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rain, which may intensify at times, or during severe thunderstorms. 

As of 3 a.m., PAGASA reported that Tropical Storm “Romina” (international name: Pabuk) was located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), approximately 250 kilometers west-northwest of Kalayaan, Palawan (Pag-Asa Island). It has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

It’s okay not to be okay this Christmas

Dealing with depression amid the holiday season

BY CHESHIRE QUE

Dec 23, 2024 02:24 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• It’s okay not to be okay for a short while. What isn’t okay is when you no longer get to bounce back and depression already affects your relationships, physical health, and productivity, basically rendering your whole life incapacitated. 

 

The merriest time of the year for most people may also be the saddest one for some. It may be because of a mental illness or circumstances that could cause one to succumb to depression. The death of a loved one, a broken relationship, losing a job, losing a home, a business going bankrupt, being diagnosed with a terminal illness, spending the holidays in the hospital and so on. There are just so many situations when our spirits get dampened, not even the Christmas season can lift them.

 

How does one deal with depression, especially at the time of the year when we are expected to be cheerful? Isn’t it overwhelming to have to put up a face each time? It’s okay not to be okay for a short while. What isn’t okay is when you no longer get to bounce back and depression already affects your relationships, physical health, and productivity, basically rendering your whole life incapacitated. You would need to seek professional help.

 

Dealing with symptoms of depression requires a holistic approach. One that includes being physically nourished with food, being physically active, nurturing spiritual health, being one with nature, and doing activities that will help the brain form new neural pathways, also known as, rewiring of the brain to help one cope with depression better.

 

When one is depressed, the appetite may be affected. Some have zero appetite while others tend to have food cravings and episodes of bingeing. No one has craved a salad in my experience as a registered nutritionist dietitian for over two decades. Cravings would be for sugar and other calorie-laden food which we all know, wreak havoc with our health and mood. 

 

Even when depressed and not having an appetite, you will feel better if you try to get life-giving food into your body for nourishment. This would be a time not to eat for pleasure but to eat in order to help your body produce brain chemicals to stabilize your mood. Not hungry? Just grab a fresh fruit to munch on, and drink lots of water even when you’re not thirsty. Can’t stomach a full meal? Eat a bowl of salad or a comforting vegetable soup. Eating wholesome fruits, vegetables, and grains like oats can help balance your gut microbiome. Your gut cells also produce the same chemicals and mood-stabilizing hormones as your brain. Drink some tea to soothe your nerves as well as feed the good bacteria in your gut. Once you start eating small portions of these life-giving food, your cravings for sweets and unhealthy food will also decrease. You will start to feel better. You’ll observe that the brain fog will slowly go away. Your situation may not change but the way you cope and think will be improved.

 

Are you confined to your bed all day long? Too down in the dumps to even go out? Why don’t you try to stand up and pace in your room while listening to classical music, Christmas carols, or a worship song? Please avoid listening to songs that will only make you cry. It doesn’t have to be a full hour of walking inside the room. 5 minutes at a time will do until you gradually get your strength back and perhaps walk outside for longer periods. When we have movement, our blood circulation improves. Your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients. Exercise also helps in the production of the mood-stabilizing hormone known as serotonin. Endorphins are produced which can alleviate pain and stress. These are your happy hormones. You aren’t expected to get into a high-intensity exercise especially if you weren’t physically active before you got inflicted with depression. All you have to do is begin to move. Gradually increase pace and intensity until you are able to exercise. Don’t think about a full exercise for now. It can get overwhelming. Just stand up and pace for starters.

 

Are you too tense that your body is starting to ache all over? Too anxious that you no longer know what to do because you feel hopeless? Breathe. Practice mindful breathing. The only thing that you can control in your life is your breath. You can choose to hold it or release it. The brain reacts to stress by increasing the respiratory rate to get more oxygen in. This causes the heart to pump faster and cause shortness of breath. Mindful breathing will help calm your nerves down. It will help with efficient blood flow and oxygenation sans the increased heart rate and respiratory rate. Get yourself in a comfortable sitting position with hands on your lap or lying position with a hand over your abdomen. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel your abdomen rise as you inhale. Then slowly exhale and feel your abdomen fall. Repeat this several times and notice that your muscles will be more relaxed. 

 

Functional medicine is a comprehensive approach that targets the root causes of illnesses. The spiritual aspect is a major factor that contributes to one’s health and well-being. Therefore, dealing with depression must also involve faith and spirituality. To give you a sense of purpose, hope, and relationship with a greater being. We may have questions as to why things happened to us. We may feel resentful towards God. However, God is not intimidated by our thoughts and feelings. The first thing to do is pray to Him. I once found myself in a situation where I no longer knew what to pray for. I still prayed: “Jesus, I no longer know what to pray for but I am still praying.” God meets us where our faith ends. It’s not about us but about His unconditional love for us. No matter the gravity of the mistake that we have made. Pray to Jesus – the real reason why Christmas is being celebrated. It’s not the abundance, festivities, and merriment that is important this season. It is ok not to be ok for now. But there is hope for you. 

 

Have a blessed and merry Christmas!

 

cheshireque@gmail.com

“Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord”

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT’S the Good News of great joy for all of us! Let us take time to savor the significance of Christmas so that whatever happens in our life, however the twists and turns of life may take us, we are assured that we have a Savior who will take care of us in all our conditions, whether good or bad.

In one of the readings of the Mass for Christmas, from the Letter of St. Paul to Titus, we read the following assurance: “The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.” (2,11-14)

May we never give in to the subtle tricks of the enemies of our soul—our wounded flesh, the allurements of the world, and the devil himself—who would urge us to fall into discouragement, despair and hopelessness. We have everything that we need to be what God wants us to be, despite whatever failings we will always have.

But let’s go through some process of lifelong training under Christ’s guidance, if not with Christ himself, so that we would learn to live as true children of God as God wants us to be. In this regard, let us learn how to deal with our weaknesses, temptations and all evil and negative things we have to contend with in this life.

That Christ allowed himself to be tempted (cfr. Lk 4,1-13) means that he wants us to know how to deal with temptations. As we can see in that episode, the temptations the devil played on Christ involved good things but poisoned with a bad intention. Temptations are always like that—they will always be based on something good since evil cannot exist without being anchored on something good and true which it tries to distort and corrupt.

Like Christ, what we should do is to clarify the real intent and purpose of the good and the true that the devil and the tempter want to distort. This can only happen if we refer the temptation to God himself, and not just to ourselves and much less to the tempter himself. In the temptations of Christ, Christ clarified things to the devil.

Once we realize the real intent of the good and the true that the tempter uses with deception, let us make use of the very urgings and promptings that the temptation provokes in us to pursue the real intent of the good and the true as defined by God and described by the many instrumentalities we have in the Church.

Indeed, temptations can occasion a great good if we would only know how to see the good and the true that they try to distort, and then channel their urges to do the real good and the true as defined by our Christian faith.

To be sure, this way of reacting to temptations will give us peace and joy, and a drive and a zeal to do good. It will start to heal our spiritual and moral weaknesses. In a sense, temptations, if dealt properly, can be a great gift!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Take it from Kim Chiu: Celebrate the small wins

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

December 23, 2024 | 12:00am

Kim Chiu, the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2025, shares her thoughts about success and life. ‘(As for) my definition of success, (it is) to keep going and never stop. You may take a rest for a while and just keep going and reach for your dreams,’ says she. ‘I also celebrate the smallest milestones and small wins I have.’ 

MANILA, Philippines — Kim Chiu is known to her legion of fans and in the local tinseltown as the “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen” housemate and big winner, The Chinita Princess, and the Kapamilya performer and actress.

Recently, she has been named the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025.

“Minsan akala mo, ito kana, parang (sometimes you’d think) ‘I’ve reached my peak, ito na yun,’ but life gives you a lot of surprises, na parang, ‘Wow, meron pa pala (there’s more I can do),’” said Kim of her latest endorsement and project in a recent press conference. “So, never stop dreaming, never stop believing, and just keep going.”

As for her message to fellow women out there, she shared, “I think this (being a calendar girl) is a reminder that there is no dream that is too big, no milestone that is too far. There’s a saying that goes: ‘Success is not about where you’ve been, (it’s) where you’re willing to go,’” shared Kim, “and that’s my definition of success, to keep going and never stop. Pwede naman mag-stop for a while, (take a) rest and just keep going and reach for your dreams.”

Such an attitude or mindset will make things happen and also bring unexpected blessings.

n established celebrity, Kim is now representing a woman who is confident, empowered, resilient, and strong.

In every endeavor she forays into, Kim said she is happy that her following and “the people who love me and support me, they’ve been with me from the beginning until now. I’m happy to have all of them, kasi alam ko talaga na lagi nila akong pinagtatanggol (because I know they will always defend me) and they give me support every time.”

According to Kim, she did 10 layouts as the Tanduay Calendar Girl and had two-to-three-month preparation, including mental readiness, for the photo shoot.

As a manner of speaking, it took a village to mount such a project. Thus, Kim was grateful to her team and the Tanduay team.

“I think it’s more than just being a calendar girl. It’s about breaking down the barriers. It’s about embracing my confidence, and it’s about celebrating every step of my journey and I’ve enjoyed everything from the start until today, na-e-enjoy ko yung journey ko here in show business and also in my personal life,” Kim shared some of her thoughts during the event and emphasized the importance of celebrating one’s every step to achieve a personal goal.

“Kahit yung two-kilometer run, i-celebrate mo, ‘Naka-two kilometer run ako, congratulations.’ (Even completing a two-kilometer-run, you celebrate it and congratulate yourself),” said she. “So, that’s how I see life, I celebrate even the smallest milestone na meron ako, small wins. If you combine all them together, it’s gonna be extra, extra big.”

For the coming year, especially in its first quarter, what fans can look forward to from Kim aside from being a calendar girl?

She answered, “I also have a movie with Star Cinema with Paulo Avelino, and it’s gonna be this February and the title is ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear.’”

DOH explains ‘holiday heart syndrome’ and tips for prevention this festive season

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Dec 23, 2024 01:50 PM 

Photo from Pixabay

As Filipinos celebrate the holiday season with family gatherings, festive feasts, and joyful reunions, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Dec. 23 reminded everyone to be mindful of their health. 

During the “Ligtas Christmas” hospital preparedness and response rounds, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa highlighted the risks of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, especially when individuals indulge in excesses during the festivities.

The DOH explained that holiday heart syndrome is a health condition triggered by a combination of excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest, and overeating rich, salty, or fatty foods—habits that are common during the holiday season.  

These factors can lead to high blood pressure, resulting in arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), which increases the risk of stroke. 

To prevent such health complications, the DOH continues to encourage every Filipino family to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and discipline during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“The Department of Health cares for our fellow countrymen. Just as you take care of your loved ones, we remind you to avoid overeating salty, fatty, and sweet foods this holiday season. Eat more vegetables and fruits, which should make up half of your ‘pinggang pinoy’ (Filipino plate). Find time to exercise," Herbosa said.

Surge in stroke cases 

During the DOH inspection, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) reported approximately 60 stroke cases from July to November.

Additionally, seven stroke cases were recorded before Christmas, from Dec. 1 to 20. 

The DOH warned that the number of stroke cases could rise further after Christmas and New Year if excessive alcohol consumption and food intake from consecutive holiday feasts are not controlled. 

PHC had already observed a similar increase in 2023. 

In December 2023, there were 38 stroke cases, which rose to 42 by January 2024, marking the highest number of stroke cases for the entire year. 

Similarly, 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome recorded in December 2023 rose to 115 by January 2024. 

The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) also reported a continuous rise in stroke cases, particularly in December, from 2020 to 2023.

The number of stroke patients increased from 188 in December 2020 to 226 in December 2021, and further to 247 in December 2022.

In December 2023, the number of stroke cases at EAMC reached 328.

For the first time, the DOH included private hospitals in the hospital preparedness and response rounds.

In the activity, St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City also reported a rise in stroke cases.

In 2023, the hospital recorded 415 stroke cases, up from 295 in 2022.

From January to November 2024, the hospital discharged 339 stroke patients.

Aliw Awards nominee Joice Espinoza drops original song ‘Pangako Mo’

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Dec 23, 2024 12:45 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Espinoza has garnered a nomination for Best New Female Artist at the 37th Aliw Awards. 

Joice Espinoza

Joice Espinoza, born in Olongapo City, grew up in a family that supported her as a child and encouraged her to discover her authentic self.

Espinoza was intensely interested in music, pageantry, and the performing arts from an early age. She developed a passion for music while listening to theme songs from children's shows and cartoons, and her parents observed her ability to sing in tune.

“I just watched kids' shows and cartoons and sang along to their many theme songs, which was my first introduction to music and singing in general. My parents were amused by my ability to sing in pitch at such a young age. As I grew older, my mother enrolled me in vocal training in our hometown. As the saying goes, practice makes better. I've developed my talents over time by learning new things and participating in competitions to push myself,” she said. 

At the age of 10, Espinoza competed in Princess of the World in Pomorie, Bulgaria, and won in the voice and modeling categories. Her outstanding performance during the talent portion earned her a standing ovation from both the judges and the crowd.

When asked about her memorable experiences in Bulgaria, she shared, “When I won Princess of the World 2017, I was just ten years old. It was truly surprising and unbelievable. I am grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to raise my flag and pride as a Filipino. Exploring a land where roses thrive is an unforgettable experience; the people are friendly and welcoming. Furthermore, the atmosphere and environment are pleasant, with several tourist attractions.”

Espinoza competed on ABS-CBN's It's Showtime's Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 7 in 2023, winning the Daily Winner title. Her career in entertainment began with the mentorship of talent manager John Rey Malto, whose advice has been critical to her development. 

The newbie recording artist just debuted her original song, "Pangako Mo," which was penned by John Rey Malto, musically arranged by Adonis Arcilla, with vocals and guitars recorded by Marvin Querido, and mixed and mastered by Angelo M. Rozul. The song went viral, gaining over 1.2 million views and receiving significant acclaim.

“My manager wrote the song. I've realized that the song is about the beauty of promises kept by those who made them—making you feel loved, cared for, and, most importantly, making your trust actually valuable. It's about romanticizing what love provides and teaches, as well as the emotions it might evoke,” the young singer expressed.

After launching her debut single, Espinoza plans to release more songs about her experiences as a young musician discovering her true voice. She also stated that she wishes to collobarate with Lea Salonga.

“We intend to make more music for people to relate to and listen to. My current musical interests include Broadway musicals and the classical genre. I'm more interested in extending my vocal range and versatility since I want to study and increase my understanding of music and performance in general. I'd love to work with Miss Lea Salonga in a musical theater production; her clarity and execution are simply breathtaking, and I look up to her,” she revealed.

When asked how rewarding it is for her to perform on stage, she responded, “The satisfaction I get from performing is fulfilling. Seeing people having a nice time while seeing me perform makes me happy. I enjoy making people feel like they have someone to relate to. Having a mutual connection with someone allows others to deal more effectively and teaches us to be truly appreciative.”

Espinoza has garnered a nomination for Best New Female Artist at the 37th Aliw Awards. Her original song won the Parai Musical International Awards in Chennai, India, and the Global Music Awards 2024 in California. The music video for her song was also awarded at the World Music and Independent Film Festival in Virginia, United States.