29 candidates vie for Miss PH-Earth 2023

Twenty-nine candidates of Miss Philippines-Earth bring to awareness the essence of trees in this year’s theme ‘MELoves20Three.’ PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

TWENTY-NINE ladies from different backgrounds and from all over the archipelago are vying for the Miss Philippines-Earth (MPE) crown this year.

They were presented to the media at the new Lime Resort Manila on Monday.

Now in its 23rd year, and after carrying themes of flora and fauna in past editions, MPE brings to awareness the essence of trees "in playing a powerful role in addressing the biggest environmental issue planet Earth faces today."

It is aptly titled "MELoves20Tree." Carousel Productions, the homegrown organization behind the pageant, began its introduction of delegates in March through the hybrid platform of virtual and face-to-face events, which is the new norm of pageantry in the post-pandemic era.

The official candidates are: Patricia Nicole Yap of Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur; Meri Lasil Relevo of Balayan, Batangas; Veronica Sinajon of Brooke's Point, Palawan; Nicole Lagera of Filipino Community California, USA; Chrystel Mae Correjos of Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Leahrly Curitana of Casiguran, Aurora; Naoimi Henave of Dasmariñas City; KC Falcasantos of Dipolog City; Josephine Ruhlman of Filipino Community Florida, USA; Ma. Cristina Tallador of Iloilo City; Jireh Calacala of Jones, Isabela; Rowan No of Kalibo, Aklan; Mythosela Villanueva of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Iris Mabanta of Mabini,

Batangas; Kerri Reilly of Mangatarem, Pangasinan; Joselle Gregorio of Mariveles, Bataan; Sha'uri Livori of Filipino Community Melbourne, Australia; Quennie Salac of Filipino Community Milan, Italy; Athena Guardados of Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Jemimah Joy Zabala of Puerto Princesa City; Princess Lazaga of San Jose City; Jeica Czaverika of San Pascual, Batangas; Shaina Nazario of Silang, Cavite; Ylanna Marie Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna; Cea De Jesus of Taguig City; Athena Auxillo of Toledo City; Jamie Angelique Armada of Tuburan, Cebu; Queenzel Daryl Alagao of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Fermizulli Silal of Zamboanga City. The media presentation was hosted by Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel, Miss Earth 2022 Mina Sue Choi and Miss Philippines-Earth 2022 Jenny Ramp.

Pageant enthusiasts and candidate supporters can access more event updates on the MPE website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok. Coronation night is on April 29.

Tsunami warning after Catanduanes tremor cancelled

By Arlie O. Calalo

April 5, 2023 

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has cancelled its tsunami advisory following Tuesday night's magnitude 6.2 earthquake that hit Catanduanes in Bicol Region. Phivolcs had it initially at magnitude 6.6.

Phivolcs chief Teresito "Tito" Bacolcol said the warning was cancelled based on data from the agency's sea level monitoring stations facing the epicentral area which showed that "no significant" sea level disturbances had been recorded since the earthquake struck the town of Gigmoto at 8:54 p.m.

"With this, any effects due to minor sea level disturbances have largely passed and therefore Phivolcs has now cancelled its recommendation issued for this event," Bacolcol said.

Located 150 kilometers northeast of the provincial town, the earthquake had a depth of 72kms and was tectonic in origin, according to Phivolcs.

Nearly two hours later, Phivolcs said an aftershock with magnitude 4.9 was recorded in the same town.

Intensity 4 was felt by residents in Virac, Catanduanes; Intensity 3 in Prieto Diaz and City of Sorsogon, Sorsogon; San Policarpo, Eastern Samar; Allen, Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Laoang, Lavezares, Rosario, San Jose and San Roque, Northern Samar; Calbiga and City of Catbalogan, Samar;

Intensity 2 in Malinao and City of Tabaco, Albay; Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Babatngon, Dagami, Dulag, Palo, Santa Fe and Tanauan, Leyet; Tacloban City; and San Antonio, Northern Samar; and Intensity 1 in Alangalang, City of Baybay and Tabontabon, Leyte.

Meanwhile, Instrumental Intensity 2 was recorded in Legazpi City, Albay; Daet, Camarines Norte; Sipocot, Iriga City and Pili, Camarines Sur; Kananga, Dulag and Abuyog, Leyte; San Roque, Northern Samar; Bulusan and Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; and

Intensity 1 in Ragay and Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Quinapondan, Eastern Samar; Palo and Alangalang, Leyte; Monreal and Uson, Masbate; Gumaca, Polillo, Mauban and

Guinayangan, Quezon; and Donsol, Sorsogon.

Honda Cars PH now under new leadership

Rie Miyake now leads Honda Cars Philippines Inc. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) is now under the helm of Rie Miyake, succeeding Masahiko Nakamura who just completed his tour of duty in the country. Nakamura-san will assume a new post in Honda Cars Korea effective April 1, 2023.

Prior to her assignment in the Philippines, Miyake held different management posts at Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Headquarters in Japan and handled overseas markets such as North and South American countries. Through the years, she gained expertise in automobile sales, parts export, logistics, and business planning operations. Most recently, she was in charge of the Export Planning Department of Honda's global automobile business.

Miyake will be key to the expansion of Honda's business, particularly in steering the company toward carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities. One of Honda's corporate long–term goals is to achieve 100–percent electrification of its automobiles by 2040.

"As we embark on this fresh journey, I want to assure you — the times may have changed so much, but Honda's commitment as the power of dreams has only grown through the years. Please watch out for new technologies to be launched very soon, including HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) that doesn't just have a hybrid emblem, it truly delivers. We will also continue to improve our sales and after–sales operations to give our customers more joy throughout their vehicle ownership," said Miyake.

The ceremony also gave the outgoing president the opportunity to show his gratitude for the support he received. Nakamura also expressed his confidence that Miyake's leadership will further drive the company to achieve higher levels of growth and success.

"Thank you very much for your continued support of HCPI. The past three years have been challenging, but we also learned so many things. What I will remember more is how we all worked together and came out better than before. I am thankful for the dedication of Honda associates and our business partners. We will continue to improve keeping in mind our purpose," Nakamura, for his part, said.

7,030 personnel tapped to secure Holy Week in Davao region

 

PROVINCIALNEWSMINDANAO

BY ANTONIO COLINA IV

Apr 3, 2023 9:32 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – A total of 7,030 security personnel will be deployed in the Davao region to ensure the safety of the people during Holy Week.

Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao (Region 11), said on Monday, April 3, they are composed of 3,700 police officers, 330 augmented personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and 3,000 force multipliers from the advocacy group of the PRO-Davao.

They would be deployed to 304 places of worship, 140 thoroughfares, 70 transportation hubs, 165 commercial areas, and 292 places of convergence.

Police Brig. Gen. Alden B. Delvo, PRO-11 chief, said they would do their best to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of the Holy Week.

He reminded passengers to come to transportation terminals early and avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry.

Police Major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said police here are ready to secure churches as early as Palm Sunday as the security sector anticipates droves of devotees who will attend Mass.

She said people should expect stricter enforcement of security measures during Holy Week processions and other activities that would draw huge crowds in churches here.

“The churches are coordinating with their respective police stations to prepare deployment of security personnel,” she said.
Aside from churches, she said police are also implementing strict security measures in terminals, tourist spots, and even malls.

BI places personnel at NAIA, other int'l airports under heightened alert for Holy Week

BY JUN RAMIREZ

  

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed its personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and in other international ports under heightened alert status in anticipation of a large influx of passengers during the Lenten break.

“We are bracing for a surge in the volume of passenger who are expected to travel in and out of the country during the Holy Week, thus we have to alert our border control officers for any eventuality that may arise during this period,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

The BI chief said they also fielded more than a hundred additional immigration officers to the NAIA to augment the number of manpower manning the immigration booths in the arrival and departure areas.

“This will ensure that our services to the traveling public are not interrupted even if there is a sharp increase in passenger volume," he added.

Tansingco said he  instructed the bureau’s terminal heads in the airports to implement stricter measures in screening passengers and deter any attempts by human trafficking syndicates to take advantage of the occasion in spiriting their victims out of the country.

BI port personnel were also ordered to be vigilant in screening arriving foreigners to make sure that no unwanted aliens are able to slip into the country.

The BI’s electronic gates are fully operational at the NAIA which allows digital processing of arrivals for as fast as eight seconds per passenger.

The BI foresees a far bigger number of travelers who will enter and exit the country during this year’s Lenten break in light of the country’s reopening of its borders after the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Statistics show that passenger arrivals at airports now averages between 30,000 to 32,000 daily, compared to only 6,000 last year.

The number is expected to increase to around 40,000 during on Maundy Thursday onwards.

How to rebook flights amid Cebu Pacific ‘super pass’ glitch

By

 Catalina Ricci S. Madarang

 

(image from https://www.cebupacificair.com)

Redeemed flights from a promotional sale of a budget airline are not refundable, but they can be rebooked.

This rule was stated in the guidelines of Cebu Pacific Air‘s “Super Pass” sale that was the subject of complaints from travelers last weekend.

Cebu Pacific on March 31 rolled out its CEB Super Pass, a massive voucher sale of discounted ticket prices, ahead of the Holy Week season. 

The vouchers are supposedly offered on that day only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Redemption Period: Mar 31, 2023 – Apr 23, 2024, travel period: Apr 7, 2023 – Apr 30, 2024,” the post reads. 

Right after it rolled out, however, the airline received numerous complaints from travelers on its social media accounts.

Complaints include glitches experienced on Cebu Pacific’s booking platform, additional charges and no confirmations about the vouchers they purchased.

CEB’s policies on rebooking/refunding

The CEB Super Pass is a single-use voucher that offers travelers to choose and redeem flights for only a P99 base fare.

On its FAQs page, it was stated that additional fees will still depend on the “destination such as but not limited to, taxes, surcharges, and airport fees all of which will be collected upon redemption.”

The vouchers are also neither refundable nor transferable once travelers redeemed them with their flights.

“Flights redeemed using CEB Super Pass are non-reroutable, non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be converted to a travel fund,” the website said.

Instead, passengers who used the pass for their flights are given the option to rebook.

“Flight changes can be made up to two hours before the scheduled time of departure, subject to availability and fare difference if any, and all other applicable fees,” Cebu Pacific said.

Passengers will also be given rebooking options in case of flight cancelations.

“In the event of flight delays, schedule changes, or flight disruptions, you will be provided options based on the existing flight disruption policy of the airline,” the guidelines read.

CEB Super Pass vouchers can also be forfeited from the passenger.

Here are the following conditions for voucher forfeiture:

• Failure to redeem the CEB Super Mass within the specified redemption or travel period
• Missed the scheduled flight

For rebooking flights that are not canceled by the airline, here are the following steps to make booking changes:

1. Log in to your account at https://bit.ly/MyCebuPacificMB.
2. Search for the specific flight under “My Bookings” then click the “Manage” button.
3. Choose “Change Flight” to select new travel dates, then follow the succeeding instructions to complete your rebooking.

Response to complaints

Following the slew of complaints, at 8 p.m. on March 31, the management of Cebu Pacific issued an apology to its passengers.

It assured those who have purchased the vouchers that they will work on addressing the glitches and other concerns they have received.

“PASSensya! We are sorry for any inconvenience you may have experienced while booking with us today, and we truly appreciate your continued patronage. Once volume normalizes in the next 24 hours, we will be happy to assist you with your concerns through m.me/cebupacificair ,” Cebu Pacific wrote.

In the meantime, the local carrier asked travelers for patience and understanding while waiting for their confirmation emails.

“Guests with vouchers on hold will be sent their confirmation emails within the next 24 hours. We hope for your patience and understanding, and rest assured our teams are working hard to resolve customer concerns,” the carrier said.

13 tips to remember when life gets rough

Think of every ordeal as an educational experience

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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1. What it is.

Suffering only occurs when we resist. If you can affect an aspect, take action. You must accept and let go when the situation is certainly beyond your control.

2. It’s only a problem if you think it’s a problem.

At times, we are our own worst enemy. Instead of breeding negative thoughts and emotions, think of every ordeal as an educational experience.

3. Start within yourself.

Your inner being reflects your outer world. We initially need to transform ourselves first to change our circumstances.

4. There are no failures, only learning opportunities.

Achievers have “failed” over and over. But instead of considering these as letdowns, they did better next time around.

5. Better opportunities are coming

In hindsight, you will be able to see why some prospects did not work out.

6. Appreciate the present.

Every moment is precious and will never come again. Even those that didn’t seem particularly happy can be looked upon as a nostalgic memory someday.

7. Let go of desire.

Most covet a goal when they don’t get it. Their emotions plummet into negativity. Practice a “detached mind”: When you have an aim, be happy whether you achieve it or not.

8. Understand and be grateful for your fears.

Fear can be a great teacher. Overcoming them just needs practice. It can likewise make you feel victorious.

9. Allow yourself to experience joy

Some are too immersed in their problems that they would not even know who they are without them. Allow yourself to be happy, even for a brief moment. Focus on your joy, not your hardships.

10. Do not compare yourself to others.

Be grateful for what you have instead.

11. You are not a victim.

You are the creator of your own experience. You can get out of your hard times. Start with your own thoughts and actions.

12. Things can and do change.

When stuck in a bad situation, we think there is no way out. You need to take action to achieve results. “And this too shall pass.”

13. All is possible.

Miracles happen every day. You just need to believe they do. Once you do, you have already won the battle.

PAGASA: Trough of LPA to dump rains in Mindanao

BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

Apr 3, 2023 09:41 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Residents of Mindanao may experience a rainy Monday due to the trough of a low pressure area spotted outside the country's area of responsibility.

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The trough or extension of a low pressure area (LPA) spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers in Mindanao, said the state weather bureau on Monday morning, April 3.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said the weather disturbance was last spotted 474 kilometers (km) east southeast of General Santos City outside PAR.

“Maliit pa rin ang tiyansa na maging bagyo [itong] LPA pero magpapaulan ito sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao (There is still a little chance that this LPA will become a tropical cyclone, but it will bring rains to most parts of Mindanao),” said Badrina in a public weather forecast.

Filipinos residing in Mindanao were told to be vigilant against possible flash floods and rain-induced landslides that may be triggered by the trough of LPA.

Meanwhile, in the next 24-hour period, a fair but humid weather condition will still prevail in Luzon and Visayas, but Badrina stressed that isolated rain showers may still occur due to the prevalence of localized thunderstorms.

Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 bets presented to media

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The pageant's executive chairperson, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, noted that "for the first time in history, we have partnered with the Miss World Philippines Organization to enable major winners of Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 to automatically compete on the national level in Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines."

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The candidates with the pageant's chair, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Guico (middle)

LINGAYEN - Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 is a prestigious pageant gathering the best and fairest young ladies in this province of three million people. The grand finals of the much-awaited beauty search will be held on April 29 as part of this year's Pistaý Dayat (Sea Festival) celebrations.

In Pangasinense language, "limgas" refers to  "something pure and beautiful."  Last March 26, 25 hopefuls from the different municipalities of Pangasinan presented themselves to the media at the imposing Monarch Hotel in Calasiao. They enlightened everyone about their advocacies and what makes them the best example of an empowered woman who deserves to be crowned one of the major titles on the grand finals night.

The pageant's executive chairperson, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, noted that "for the first time in history, we have partnered with the Miss World Philippines Organization to enable major winners of Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 to automatically compete on the national level in Miss World Philippines and Miss Grand Philippines."

The contestants displayed their intelligence and wit in the Question and Answer session with media

She added that Limgas na Pangasinan is no ordinary pageant as the crowned Queen will take home P200,000 and even the runner-up winners will win cash prizes as well. There will also be special awards for Best in Cultural Costume, Best in Talent, Miss Photogenic and Darling of the Press, among others.

"The provincial government will not only support the winners financially, we will also guide them every step of the way when they participate in the nationals," she revealed.

In his speech at the press presentation, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon "Mon" Guico III remarked that Pangasinan is one of the biggest, richest provinces in the Philippines, that's why they have decided to "level it up" with this year's pageant.

"We want to showcase how beautiful the province is and what the province can do for the nation. We know that this will be the start of something great. Galingan ninyo and make the province proud!," the governor extolled the ladies.

Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III

Mrs. Guico pointed out that aside from being a platform for women empowerment, the pageant  is also a good opportunity for the beautiful contestants to show their unique culture and heritage.

She added that a beauty search as big as Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 will also create a ripple effect in the local economy as it will provide income to the creatives who will be involved in the project, such as designers, make-up artists, photographers and the like.

Following are the 25 candidates of this year's search representing the different towns of Pangasinan:

1. Kathie Lee Berco (Alaminos City)
2. Leah Tingco (Laoac)
3. Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh (Binmaley)
4. Natasha Mae Rivera (Asingan)
5. Sarah Mae Ocampo (Bugallon)
6. Ane Ross Macayana (Mangatarem)
7. Norainne Azarcon (Rosales)
8. Angielyssa Jechelle Obedoza (Villasis)
9. Denise Joy Corpuz Flores (Lingayen)
10. Luna Veronica Disu (San Fabian)
11. Rose Ann Albania (Malasiqui)
12. Maure Charel Cacafranca (Sta. Barbara)
13. Rona Lalaine Lopez (Mangaldan)
14. Shalana Kristi Casiquin (Anda)
15. Bianca Julia Balute (Alcala)
16. Stacey De Ocampo (Bolinao)
17. Angel Marzan (Sta. Maria)
18. Ericka Mae Antolin (Urdaneta City)
19. Ghelsy Reign Ravago (Dagupan City)
20. Shayne Angela Solis (Calasiao)
21. Angel Louise Dolor (Dasol)
22. Jessa Mhey Quimson (Pozorrubio)
23. Khloe Anne Cortez ( Manaoag)
24. Julliane Ponio (Basista)
25. Karel Alejo (Binalonan)

God and the poor

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

THE gospel reading for Monday of Holy Week, taken from the gospel of St. John 12,1-11, reminds us that we should not make God and the poor compete with each other for our attention, care and love. Our attention, care and love for them should always go together. If we love God, we should also love the poor. If we love the poor, it is presumed that we love God first.

This truth of our faith was highlighted when Judas Iscariot complained why a woman wasted precious oil on Christ when it could have been sold and the sale could have been given to the poor.

That’s when Christ told him, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (Jn 12,7-8)

It’s interesting to note that the gospel mentioned that Judas was actually not interested in caring for the poor but that he was a thief and held the money bag of the apostles and used to steal the contributions.

That observation is very important and should be taken seriously, especially among the clergy and those involved in financial matters. It cannot be denied that money can easily corrupt anyone. We should exert special effort to be truly guarded against this temptation. 

And the only way to do that is to be truly with Christ and to have a clear and strong purity of intention every time we handle money. Money should be used to give glory to God and for the common good, giving special preference to the poor. Otherwise, we end up as an easy target to this irresistible temptation.

In this regard, we have to learn how to use money to give glory to God. It cannot be denied that many times we think that money is just a purely personal affair, and that God has nothing to do with it. We have to correct that dangerous misconception about money. We need to realize that money is a very powerful tool to achieve something good or something bad. We need to use it wisely.

Given all these considerations, I imagine that we really need to be prayerful so as to always be in God’s presence, ever mindful of his will and ways with respect to the use of money. We should learn how to be recollected while in the midst of the hustle and bustle of our daily activities and concerns. 

This, of course, will require a certain discipline. We have to train our senses and our other faculties to discern God’s presence and providence in everything. In short, we have to become real contemplatives in the middle of the world.

Thus, a certain plan has to be developed and followed, a plan consisting of a number of acts of piety that can help us to be in God’s presence and to decipher his will and ways all throughout the day and in all kinds of situations that we find ourselves in.

This can mean a daily period of prayer and meditation, recourse to the sacraments, thorough study of the doctrine of our faith, and some devotions that will keep our heart aflame all the time.

We have to learn how to relate everything to God, a process that may involve the practice of relating things to the different lawful authorities that we are subject to. These lawful authorities are God’s immediate representatives to us.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com