Philippine Airlines is bolstering its Cebu hub just in time for the upcoming high-demand travel season by reintroducing domestic flights from Cebu to Luzon and Mindanao. This expansion now offers passengers a broader and more convenient network of choices, with a total of 210 weekly roundtrip domestic flights originating from Mactan-Cebu International Airport!
Photo from Unsplash
PAL’s Route Expansion
Starting from December 15, 2023, PAL will commence daily flights connecting Cebu and General Santos City, as well as daily flights linking Cebu and Legazpi’s Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay.
PAL President and COO, Captain Stanley K. Ng, expressed optimism about these domestic flight resumptions, as they will not only facilitate travel from Cebu to various domestic destinations but also seamless connections to international destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo Narita, and Seoul Incheon.
Bantayan Island, Cebu | Photo from Unsplash
Improved Customer Satisfaction
These flights will employ the De Havilland DHC-8-400 Series, which offers 86 seats, including six Comfort Class seats. The schedules for these routes have been strategically planned to cater to passenger convenience.
Traveling is definitely back on the map, and on a surge after the lift of the constraints brought upon by the pandemic. With the competitive nature of the airline industry, it is definitely a step forward for PAL for making these adjustments.
According to scientists, the annual ozone hole that forms over Antarctica has expanded to a size close to a record, as of September 16, 2023. Satellite imaging data revealed that the ozone depletion area had grown to 26 million square kilometers, roughly three times the size of Brazil.
Photo from Copernicus Sentinel/ESA
This ozone depletion phenomenon is a recurring event over Antarctica caused by the presence of substances in the stratosphere and the unique environmental conditions in the region. The size of the ozone hole fluctuates from August to October, usually reaching its maximum extent between mid-September and mid-October. This year, the ozone hole started early and rapidly expanded in mid-August, making it one of the largest on record.
In January 2022, the eruption of the Tongan underwater volcano led to the injection of a significant amount of water vapor into the atmosphere. This water vapor, which has reached the south polar region after the 2022 ozone hole, may have contributed to an increased formation of polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds could facilitate the reaction of chlorofluorocarbons, accelerating ozone depletion.
While ozone depletion is not a primary driver of global climate change, there is evidence suggesting that rising global temperatures, coupled with factors like wildfires injecting smoke into the stratosphere, could impact ozone holes and the Earth’s climate system. Ozone holes may influence the progression of seasons and have complex effects on the planet’s climate.
Meranie Gadiana Rahman, a Filipina beauty queen hailing from Hawaii, emerged as the winner of the 46th Mrs. Universe pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. India claimed the first runner-up position, followed by the Philippines, Black Sea, and Moscow.
Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram
Meranie shared her emotional journey, emphasizing her pride and honor in securing the Mrs. Universe title. She had been competing in pageants for the last five years, facing both victories and defeats. Regardless of the outcomes, she saw every loss as a stepping stone to her dream of winning one of the most prestigious titles in the pageant world. Her victory made history as the first Filipina to achieve this feat in the 46-year history of Mrs. Universe.
In 2021, Rahman had also participated in the Mrs. World competition.
The Advocacy of Meranie Gadiana Rahman
Meranie is determined to use her title to advocate against domestic violence and will pursue various projects to raise awareness about important issues such as school and internet bullying and postpartum depression.
Issues such as domestic violence and postpartum depression are very important especially within the audience and reach of a platform such as Mrs. Universe. Within that age group of women, it is very likely that those are things that they have encountered, or perhaps their peers. Feminism is centered on promoting women’s empowerment and agency in their lives, which is why this is a significant statement for the winner of Mrs. Universe to make. Domestic violence can rob individuals of their agency and hinder their ability to make choices, hence addressing and preventing domestic violence is integral to fostering women’s autonomy and control over their own lives.
On the other hand, postpartum depression is a mental health issue that disproportionately affects women during and after pregnancy. The importance of addressing mental health concerns boils down to women to ensure their overall well-being and quality of life.
Both domestic violence and postpartum depression are often stigmatized, which can isolate women who experience these issues. Meranie advocating for these issues is a step forward to breaking these stigmas, creating an environment in which women can seek help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Photo from meraniegadianaofficial on InstagramPhoto from meraniegadianaofficial on InstagramPhoto from meraniegadianaofficial on Instagram
Meranie Gadiana Rahman on Representing Hawaii
When asked about representing Hawaii instead of the Philippines, Meranie clarified that she represents both. Hawaii is her heart, known for its diversity, aloha spirit, and natural beauty. She highlighted her strong connection to Hawaii, where she has lived for many years. Still, her roots in the Philippines run deep, having been born and raised in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, and educated in Cagayan de Oro City. This deep connection to both Hawaii and the Philippines inspired her to represent both places in the pageant.
On October 3rd, stolen PhilHealth data began leaking in the dark web, and two days after, the information was disseminated further through the messaging app, Telegram.
What Kind of Information Leaked?
Photo from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Facebook Page
With 730 gigabytes of information even when the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) cybersecurity division was only 90% done with analyzing the data, over one million Philhealth membership registration forms have been breached.
Labeled as the “Medusa ransomware attack”, it is reported that so much private information has been stolen, including PhilHealth members’ information, along with their receipts signifying their PhilHealth contribution. In these receipts, the 12-digit PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) of the member can also be accessed.
Other Recent Breaches of Data
Since the 2016 Comelec hacking which resulted in the breach of private information of an estimated 55 million registered voters, the Medusa ransomware attack has been the biggest. However, there have been multiple incidents of breaches of data in the country as of recent.
Photo from Unsplash
Back in April, records leaked from the National Bureau of Investigation, Special Action Force, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Philippine National Police. The Department of Information and Communications Technology stressed that this is something the state ought to take action about because of the increasing instances of data breach in the country, not only affecting individuals, but national government agencies at large.
Information Secretary Ivan Uy has expressed his grievances over their limits in the check and balance of national government agencies because of the budget cut imposed on the country’s cybersecurity. According to him, the budget for the next year is a stark contrast to 2022 which was P1 billion.
Rejection of Confidential Funds Requested by the DICT
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has requested a P300 million confidential fund for the sector in 2024, to which House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro declined. According to Castro, what we need are more auditable funds in order to hire more equipment for cyberspace protection.
Photo from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Facebook Page
Castro mentioned that at a time like this, fixing the fact that the Philippine cyberspace is unmanned is far more effective than to be more untransparent. Previously, in 2019 and 2020, DICT was granted a confidential fund of P400 million and P800 million respectively.
When we think of functions, our brains usually redirect us to a concrete room with white walls, stiff tables and people in suits. Percée Cabin Resort offers us a fresh take on functions and vacations with their Bohemian style construction that won’t only help you reconnect with nature, but also loosen you up and make you feel like you are on an actual vacation instead of a planned event!
Photo from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook Page
The Percée Cabin Resort Function Hall
The Percée Cabin Resort function hall is definitely one of the things you should look forward to if you plan to go there. With an affordable budget of ₱2,000, you can relax and enjoy at the pool with your friends, and you can also use the spacious open venue to hold programs, games, and activities to do for a birthday party, a team-building, you name it!
Nothing screams mental repose more than this getaway, with their function hall rained upon by nipa fringes with the fresh air making them dance. You may use the wooden hammock around the area if you wish to take a rest, or you can chika in their payag with your friends. You may also set up a music night at the function hall or even have karaoke. The possibilities never end given this wonderful place where you get to have control over your dream event.
Photo from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook Page
The Percée Cabin Resort Cabins and Rooms
The beauty doesn’t stop at The Percée Cabin’s exterior. Of course, they offer a beyond comfortable place for you to lay your head to rest as well. Among their rooms, you may choose to have an air-conditioned room with one or two beds. Their beds don’t fall short in following their motif either – they have a wooden bed frame with varnished wooden sticks that will never make you forget where you are. Their room chandelier projects mesmerizing light patterns, further stressing the fact that you are in paradise.
A cabin resort is not really itself without cabins. Here, you may rent to use their native cabins for your stay. Their native cabins are extremely cozy and intimate given its tiny space. It is made of nipa, and just like traditional Filipinos, all you have to do is open a window to get some fresh air, and because this is far from the city, it is guaranteed that the air is cold and crisp. The low ceiling truly makes the experience better and home-like in a way.
Reward yourself with a getaway in the North by going to this newly-opened resort. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of both our natural resources, and the traditional architectural materials our ancestors used to make use of in pre-colonial times. Book a room in The Percée Cabin Resort now!
Photo from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook PagePhoto from Percée CABIN Resort Facebook Page
BY BUS: From the North Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Sogod, and ask the driver to drop you off at Cebu North Coast Beach Resort in Sogod. The place is relatively new but some drivers and conductors are already familiar with the place so ask first before hopping in the bus to make sure.
Heads up, Horror Fans! The trailer for Piolo Pascual’s first horror movie is finally out.
Photo Screenscap from Mallari Trailer
Mallari is inspired by the real events that follow the Philippine’s first and only recorded serial killer, Fr. Juan Severino Mallari.
The trailer starts off with an eerie door sound and a creepy image of a child that sets the thriller mood of the film. Moreover, a series of clips showing what would transpire in the movie are also shown, leaving the viewers on the edge.
The movie is shot in different historical locations in the Philippines. However, a set depicting a village was also built to add a setting to the movie. One thing to look forward to is that the film will be set in three timelines namely the Spanish Colonization, Post-war times, and the present-day (2023).
Could this be the new best Filipino horror movie yet? Will Piolo bring justice to the role? We’ll find out.
2023 International Media Awardee, Yong Chavez gets selected as one of the voting bodies for the Golden Globe Awards.
Photo from Golden Globe Awards Website
The entertainment journalist has been in the media scene for 15 years and has been providing Filipinos with professional coverage during the hottest red carpet scenes in Hollywood.
“As an entertainment journalist of more than 15 years, she blazed the trail for her community by becoming the first Filipino TV journalist to cover Hollywoo’s biggest red carpet events including the Primetime Emmys, Academy Awards, and SAG Awards,”
the Golden Globe Awards Website wrote.
Photo from Golden Globe Awards Website
ABS-CBN posted a congratulatory message on Facebook, and the comment section quickly flooded with netizens congratulating the journalist.
Gilas Pilipinas reclaims the gold spot during the Asian Games after 61 years with a score of 70-60.
Photo from The Philippine Sports Commission
The game was held in Hangzhou, China. Moreover, Justin Brownlee led the team by scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Ange Kouame contributed 14 markers and 11 boards. In addition, Chris Newsome added 13 points, and Scottie Thompson added 11 points.
The Philippines claimed a 13-point lead during the first half. However, Jordan was able to take the first half from a 16-3 to a 31-31 deadlock. Gilas broke the deadlock and outscored Jordan during the third quarter. The scores went from 20-10 to 51-41 before the fourth quarter.
Photo from The Philippine Sports CommissionPhoto from The Philippine Sports Commission
Finally, because of the consecutive points from Kouame and Thompson, the score became 60-50. With 1:44 minutes left, Gilas scored 64 points with Kouame’s putbacks.
The last time Gilas Pilipinas won the Asian Games was way back in 1962, and now they have claimed their spot.
Ej Obiena is hailed as the World’s No. 2 vaulter. EJ now holds a 5.9m record, beating Japan’s Seito Yamamoto. The games took place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
Photo from Philippine News Agency
Obiena received a hero’s welcome upon returning to the Philippines. Not only that, but he also received a P10 Million incentive from Chiang Kai Shek College, Obiena’s high school alma mater. Here is the breakdown of the cash incentives:
Incentive from Johnson Tan: P3 Million
Incentive from Carlos Chan of Oishi: P1 Million
Incentive Anson Tan, Quanzhou Philippines Association President: P1 Million
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc.: P5 Million.
Photo from EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena Facebook Page
“I’m blessed to call this my home,”
the pole vaulter expressed during his welcoming ceremony at the CKSC auditorium.
Johnson Tan expressed that they are ready to support EJ for his training and participation in the Paris Olympics.
Photo from Philippine News Agency
But wait, there’s more. Obiena will also receive P2 Million from the Philippine Sports Commission and P1 Million from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Annie Ramirez, hailing from the Philippines, is a name that has been gaining recognition in the martial arts world for her exceptional skills and dedication to jiu-jitsu. Over the years, Annie honed her jiu-jitsu skills, competing in various local and international tournaments. Her unwavering commitment to her craft led her to achieve remarkable results, making her a force to be reckoned with on the international jiu-jitsu scene.
In an outstanding display of skill, Ramirez secured a 2-0 victory over Galina Duvanova from Kazakhstan in the championship match, maintaining her flawless record after winning her initial three matches. Annie Ramirez clinched her country’s third gold medal, marking the Philippines’ second gold in jiu-jitsu at the 19th edition of the continental event. She achieved this remarkable feat by dominating the women’s -57kg category at the Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium on Friday, October 6.
The Asian Games 2023: A Platform for Excellence
The Asian Games have always been a prestigious platform for athletes across Asia to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level. Competing against some of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in Asia, Annie faced formidable opponents throughout the tournament. Her journey to the gold medal was marked by intense battles, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination.
Annie Ramirez’s gold medal victory in jiu-jitsu at the Asian Games 2023 holds immense significance, not just for her but also for the sport itself and her country.
Jiu-jitsu has been steadily gaining popularity in Asia over the years, and Annie’s victory serves as a testament to the sport’s growth in the continent. Her success will likely inspire more young athletes to take up jiu-jitsu and strive for excellence in the martial arts. Notably, Annie’s achievement has brought immense pride to the Philippines. Her dedication and hard work have not only made her family and country proud but also inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Annie Ramirez’s success in a traditionally male-dominated sport challenges stereotypes and encourages gender equality in sports. Her victory is a powerful reminder that women can excel in any discipline they choose.
