Oil prices back on hefty hikes next week

BY MYRNA M. VELASCO

Oct 21, 2023 08:34 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• 

---

Filipino consumers will brace for new wave of roller coaster ride of hefty price hikes at the oil pumps next week, with diesel rising by as much as P1.20 to P1.70 per liter, based on the calculation of the oil firms.

For gasoline products, this will also increase by P0.85 to P1.35 per liter; while kerosene prices will go up by P1.20 to P1.60 per liter, according to the estimates of the industry players.

The oil companies will be adjusting their prices on Tuesday (October 24) based on the swing of prices as anchored on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), which is the adopted pricing reference of the country’s deregulated downstream oil sector. 

As culled from MOPS-calculated adjustments, the anticipated spike in diesel prices would be P1.203 per liter; gasoline at P0.882 per liter; and kerosene will be P1.241 per liter.

Nevertheless, the final adjustments at the gas pumps may differ because there are other factors affecting price fluctuations – including foreign exchange rate, biofuel costs, market premium as well as the precarious sway of competitive forces in the market.

Prior to this round of cost movements, a monitoring report of the Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that price swings since the start of the year had logged net increases of P12.25 per liter for gasoline; P11.35 per liter for diesel; and P5.94 per liter for kerosene.

As indicated by industry experts, one of the major developments that sent global oil prices on the escalation track had been the announcement of the United States on the replenishment of its strategic petroleum reserve or SPR. 

The US Department of Energy (DOE) primarily sounded off plans on buying 6.0 million barrels of crude oil for its SPR that will be up for deliveries within December 2023 to January next year.

The other geopolitical events that impacted world oil prices had been the US enforcement of further sanctions on Iran; while a counterweight to that had been the easing of sanctions on Venezuela.

Of the colliding factors, however, the end game for prices in the world market still tracked uptrend, with international benchmark Brent crude surging past $93 per barrel last week.

Market watchers noted that the lingering Israel-Palestine war may have already started taking its pinch on oil markets, but it remains to be seen how wide it could really influence market fundamentals in the weeks ahead.

For the Philippine market, the rising tide of the black gold will continue to fuel uncertainties not just on the consumers’ pockets, but on the overall wellbeing of the country’s economy.

Having an Anti-Hazing Law is not enough; what is needed is a change in culture

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 21, 2023 00:05 AM

  

---

Hazing, or more specifically deaths caused by hazing in the Philippines, is a very disturbing situation. This year, there have been two known incidents of death by hazing, one last February and another just this month.

It is alarming enough that these deaths are still happening, and even more disturbing that the cases persist despite the country having an Anti-Hazing Law. There have been arguments made to push for stricter laws against hazing, for dealing heavier punishments to those found guilty of violating such laws, and for giving the relevant agencies more power to implement them. 

Are these, however, really enough?

It has been done before. The 1995 Anti-Hazing Law has been improved to cover every possible action that can be considered hazing with the 2018 version or Republic Act 11053, which has arguably tougher repercussions for violators. And as the cases of hazing deaths that followed since suggest, even this has not been enough or much of a deterrent.

This is because the problem is not in the law but in the existence of a particular kind of culture prevalent, albeit not in an open manner, in Philippine colleges and universities.
Hazing, although openly condemned by everyone who is in these institutions of higher learning, is seen by some like a necessary right of passage — one that those who go through it are even proud to proclaim as if wearing a badge that distinguishes them from the rest — by some who think that it is alright to have initiation rites in joining fraternities and/or sororities.

There is a culture that allows for hazing to be carried out by fraternities like an open secret. The even sadder thing is that those who have gone through such an experience, whether it is the potentially lethal ones or the more subdued and embarrassing ones, brag about surviving their fraternity's or sorority's initiation rites. 

Sure, an argument can be made to prove that initiations and hazing practices are two different things. But are they really? The culture that allows for one is the same that lets the other persist. It is one of those things that, as Filipinos say, is “okay lang naman basta huwag mahuli,” which in the case of death by hazing would be “huli na” or too late.

While we  now have stricter anti-hazing laws, we need to change the culture that celebrates violence as proof of loyalty or, and this is the sadder reality, as a badge of brotherhood.

Why is the German language so complex?

 

S D

833 followers

29 following

Rapidly starting to think of myself as a “citizen of the world” because I have lived or spent significant time in 5 countries and can see the good and bad in each of them. I love to travel, because I enjoy learning from different cultures, and enjoy opening myself up to different ways of doing things, not just mine.

Politically a centrist - I know this because those on the right say that I must be a socialist and the ones on the left say I am a political conservative, so I know I must be doing something right (and no, no amount of bullying will change how I choose to self-identify).

Religiously agnostic - I very much respect people’s rights to believe whatever they want, as long as they can respect mine.

I will let labels describe me, I will not let labels define me. If you are going to judge me based on your understanding of what the few things I have shared above mean, then we probably aren’t going to have much of a constructive discussion.

Originally Answered: Why is the German language to needlessly complex?

There are 38 languages that have masculine and feminine nouns, including French, Spanish, and Italian. 37 have 3 grammatical genders, including German, Dutch, Latin, Russian, Norwegian and even Old English, and 12 languages have more than 3 - the most being Shona (spoken in Zimbabwe) with 20.

So if that is the criterion you are using to indicate complexity, then German is far from being the worst.

As for its use - it’s a very good way to distinguish between similar-sounding words, for one.

For what it’s worth, Germans say that English is incredibly complex to learn to speak properly. With German you have a set of rules and very few exceptions to them (like irregular verbs) - with English there are fewer rules but lots of exceptions, especially in things like correct word order. Pronounciation is also a thing - in German, if you know how it’s spelled, you know how to pronounce it - in English you have to learn how to pronounce it for the different meanings. In German if you hear it you can usually spell it, in English you often can’t.

Examples are words like “enough” and “through”; “too” and “to”; “sew” and “threw” - so many examples. That becomes incredibly complex.

'Journey to Bethlehem' to come to PH cinemas

The greatest story ever told comes to life on the big screen this Christmas season. "Journey to Bethlehem," an upcoming Christmas musical starring Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim and Antonio Banderas as King Herod, opens in Philippine cinemas in December.

The movie weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told.

The movie weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told.

The movie retells the story of a young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility, a young man torn between love and honor, and a jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown with a twist.

This live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family weaves classic Christmas melodies with humor, faith, and new pop songs in a retelling of the greatest story ever told — the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. A unique new entry into the collection of holiday classic movies, this epic Christmas musical is unlike any before it.

Directed by Adam Anders, with screenplay by Adam Anders and Peter Barsocchini. Produced by Brandt Andersen, Adam Anders, Ryan Busse, Stephen Meinen, Alan Powell, Steve Barnett.

Fiona Palomo, who plays Mary, and Milo Manheim, who plays Joseph, are joined by Omid Djalili, Rizwan Manji, Geno Segers, MŌRIAH, Joel Smallbone, Lecrae, Stephanie Gil and Academy Award nominee Antonio Banderas.

Magnitude 5.9 quake rocks Davao de Oro — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 20, 2023 07:51 AM

  

---

Phivolcs

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Davao de Oro province early Friday morning, Oct. 20, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said the earthquake, which struck at 2:58 a.m., had its epicenter 35 kilometers (km) southeast of New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

It occurred at a shallow depth of 13 km beneath the epicenter. 

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity V (strong) in Caraga in Davao Oriental and New Bataan, Maragusan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.

It was also felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Nabunturan, Compostela, Monkayo, Mawab, Montevista, Laak, Mabini, and Maco in Davao de Oro; Intensity III (weak) in Davao City and Tagum City in Davao del Norte; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Bislig City and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

It also said that there may have been damage caused by the earthquake and warned the public about potential aftershocks. 

Future of fashion: This dress can change its patterns with just a click of a button

 Software company Adobe unveils its 'Project Primrose'

BY JOHN LEGASPI

  

---

In the past years, we've seen the line between the tech and fashion industries blur. We saw how AI can influence a designer's creative process and how the digital space continues to create new landscapes for retail to explore. This time, their colliding worlds produce something wearable.

At Adobe Max 2023 in Los Angeles, software company Adobe unveiled its latest innovations, from photo and video editing to 3D designs. During its “Sneaks” segment, it presented its take on the future of fashion, which is a dress can change its patterns with just a click of a button.

Under the “Project Primrose,” the cocktail dress is made of sequin-like pieces that are reflective light-diffuser modules" which have tiny liquid crystals commonly used in smart window applications. 

“Project Primrose blurs the line between technology and fashion, demonstrating the potential for flexible textile displays—and turning clothes into creative canvases,” as per Adobe. “This interactive dress can offer infinite style possibilities, displaying content created with Adobe Firefly, After Effects, Stock,and Illustrator.”

Christine Dierk wearing her digital dress (Stills from Adobe/Youtube)

Leading the presentation was Adobe researcher Christine Dierk, who crafted the dress. As she modeled the digital dress, it shifted its color from cream to metallic silver with just a press of a button. The dress can also present different patterns like stripes and chevron, among others.

“Unlike traditional clothing, which is static, Primrose allows me to refresh my look in a moment,” Christine said during her presentation.

Apart form its changing looks, the dress is also animated. Its body sensors allowed the patterns to be in motion as Christine moved her body. 

“Fashion doesn’t have to be static, it can be dynamic and even interactive,” Christine said. “And we’re excited for a future where there’s more ways to express yourself.”

Savannah Davison shows way as PLDT denies Akari for first win

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Oct 19, 2023 07:29 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• PLDT drew strength from Savannah Davison as it denied Akari’s third-set fightback, 25-16, 25-16, 25-23, for its first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Oct. 19.

---

PLDT drew strength from Savannah Davison as it denied Akari’s third-set fightback, 25-16, 25-16, 25-23, for its first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Oct. 19. 

 Savannah Davison powers PLDT. (PVL Images)

The High Speed Hitters bounced back after their sorry opening game loss against the Cignal HD Spikers and hung tough until the end to turn back the Chargers for a 1-1 record. 

Davison poured 19 points on 14 attacks, three blocks and two service aces to lead the balanced production of PLDT.  

Dell Palomata and Erika Santos delivered 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Royse Tubino finished with 11 markers of her own. 

Trailing 12-16 in the third set after Palomata’s back-to-back points, Akari went on a 6-2 counter to put the match in its first deadlock. 

The game was tied four more times and even saw the Chargers take over the lead thrice before Mika Reyes ended it for the last time with a drop ball, 22-all. 

From there, the High Speed Hitters took control with a 3-1 finishing kick capped by Davison’s crosscourt shot. 

Meanwhile, Akari absorbed a 1-1 record as its third-set surge fell short, failing to carry over the momentum from its impressive opening victory over the F2 Logistics.

Faith Nisperos and Dindin Manabat led the way for the Chargers in the losing end with 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

What does “Ich gönn dir” mean in English?

 

Susanne Ary

Oh, that’s a tough one. There is no word that matches the meaning exactly. The verb might be easier to grasp if you look at the corresponding noun, “Gönner” = a person who “gönns”. It can mean sponsor, patron or benefactor but it also has a demeaning ring to it as in “sugar daddy”. “Gönnen” always happens from a higher status to a lowe one, like granting someone’s wish just because you have the power to, allow a person to enjoy something although you have to power to disallow it.

It’s also used in a self-referential way which creates a slight ironic undertone:

Ich bin auf Diät, aber ich gönne mir das Eis jetzt.

I’m on a diet but I allow myself to enjoy the ice cream now.

When used in the negative, it means being jealous, begrudging someone, envy someone:

Er gönnt seinem Kollegen die Beförderung nicht.

He is jealous of his coworker’s promotion.

Hope this helps.

Flu-like illness cases rising due to weather changes — expert

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 19, 2023 12:20 PM

  

---

Infectious disease expert Rontgene Solante said influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, characterized by cough, body aches, sore throat, and occasional fever, are prevalent in most regions of the Philippines due to changes in weather patterns.

Photo from Pixabay

"This is brought about by reasons na medyo malamig na, medyo maraming days na tag-ulan (that it is quite cold and there are quite a few rainy days). It’s also the same pattern of increase in the cases as we had last year," Solante, who is also the president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said in a televised interview on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

He pointed out that the country consistently experiences an increase in ILI cases from August to November, with elevated numbers continuing into early January. 

Photo from Pixabay

How flu spreads

"We have to remind everyone na just like Covid-19, madaling magkahawaan 'yan through droplets or aerosols. So ibig sabihin 'pag mayroong isa dyan o dalawang nagkakasakit, and then 'yung physical distance, hindi na natin na-observe ngayon, especially sa mga paaralan, sa mga public areas, mataas talaga ang risk ng infection or transmission (It easily spreads through droplets or aerosols. This means that when there are one or two sick individuals, and physical distancing measures are not being observed, especially in schools and public areas, the risk of infection or transmission is significantly high)," Solante explained.

He emphasized the importance of public education on wearing facemasks as a barrier to infection, particularly for vulnerable populations, as severe cases of ILI can occur.

"Kung sino man 'yung mga may sintomas, we highly advise na 'wag munang papasok, you have to rest, sa bahay lang muna (Whoever has symptoms, we highly advise not to go to work or school for now. You need to rest and stay at home)," he added. 

Solante said ILI symptoms typically disappear within three to four days, but staying at home is important to protect others and prevent the spread of the illness.

He also highlighted the growing challenge of distinguishing between Covid-19 and influenza due to their increasingly similar symptoms, with the new omicron variant of Covid complicating the diagnostic process.

“Nandito tayo sa ganitong klaseng stage ngayon na Covid cannot be differentiated from influenza; napakaimportante pa rin na we have to protect ourselves (We are at a stage now where Covid cannot be differentiated from influenza; it's still very important that we have to protect ourselves),” he pointed out.

Solante further explained that the public should be aware of the differences in complications between Covid-19 and influenza.

He noted that Covid-19 can cause long-term complications, also known as "long Covid," particularly in vulnerable populations.

Vaccination encouraged

Solante emphasized the importance of the influenza vaccine, particularly for children and the elderly, noting that the DOH has launched a community-wide awareness campaign to promote vaccination against this illness.

“Isa 'yan sa mga una nating advocacy ngayon na sana magpabakuna na ng influenza at this point in time para maiwasan ang pagkakahawaan (One of our primary advocacies right now is for people to get vaccinated against influenza at this point in time to prevent the spread of the disease)," he said. 

DOH on Wednesday said 151,375 cases of ILI have so far been recorded this year.

This is 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 ILI cases reported during the same period last year. (Zekinah Elize Espina)