Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, Fiesta Haraya Bai 2024 is a huge celebration of creativity and culture. There’s tons of exciting workshops and activities, all focused on the arts—think film, theater, music, animation, and so much more! If you didn’t make it today, don’t worry because the biggest events are happening this Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8, 2024.
So, let’s check out on the event’s programs for the weekend:
SATURDAY
Day 2 of Fiesta Haraya Bai Fair 2024 is all about the art of creation—whether it’s weaving stories for the stage or crafting plotlines for video games. One of the exciting highlights is a deep dive into the making of the new Cebuano musical, “Hopeless Romantics Inc.,” directed and written by Jude Gitamondoc. He’ll be sharing the magic behind the play’s music and how it all comes together, including the beautiful song “Breathe You,” originally sung by the talented, and now fashion icon, Heart Evangelista. It’s a chance to see the creative process firsthand and get a sneak peek into the making of the incredible musical which will be staged in February 2025!
Day 3 promises an unforgettable closing program, packed with exciting opportunities! You’ll have the chance to be mentored by the talented Dwende Winners, plus enjoy grand performances from the Knapsack Dancers. The day will also feature a showcase of incredible talents from Musika Haraya, all leading up to the grand Cebu Music Expo finale.
DTI-Region 7 has plenty more exciting events and activities lined up, especially as we approach the new year. So, if you’re craving more, make sure to support their upcoming programs and events, and take every opportunity to celebrate and embrace the rich and creative Filipino and Cebuano culture that makes us proud!
Danao City has recently been classified as a second-class income city, meaning it’s raking in between 1 billion and 1.3 billion Philippine pesos in revenue! This is more than just a shiny new title; it’s a clear sign of its booming economy and its irresistible charm for attracting investments!
Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano emphasizes that this upgrade will lead to increased optimism and efforts to draw investments in various sectors, particularly manufacturing and business process management (BPM). The classification is expected to benefit the community through job creation and sustainable growth initiatives.
Danao City has a history of industrial presence, with established companies like Cebu Mitsumi and Republic Cement contributing to its reputation as an investment destination. Mayor Durano mentions that his grandfather’s efforts in attracting industrial investments have had a lasting impact on the community.
Mayor Durano also unveiled a fantastic new addition to the city’s bustling business scene—a brand-new commissary for Jollibee Foods Corp., set to open its doors next year! This sprawling two-hectare facility is poised to meet the food processing needs of beloved brands like Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking across the Visayas. Best of all, it’s expected to create a whopping 600 jobs, bringing a wave of opportunity to the community!
But that’s not all! To supercharge industrial growth, Durano shared that the city has given the green light to its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), which carves out designated areas for agricultural, industrial, and agro-industrial development. A generous 300 hectares are now open for eager locators, complete with essential infrastructure like water and electricity already in place. With the city council’s approval secured, the plan is now awaiting the final nod at the provincial level. Exciting times are ahead!
Danao City aims to diversify its economy by ramping up its BPM sector! With 2,000 freshly trained graduates ready to dive into the BPM world, the city is buzzing with excitement over plans for a dedicated BPM facility. But that’s not all! A cutting-edge digitalization roadmap is in the works, transforming Danao into a vibrant IT-BPM hub. And to make remote work and online education a breeze, free internet access will soon blanket every barangay.
Overall, this upgrade sends a clear message: Danao City is not just dreaming of a brighter future—it’s making it happen! With a focus on boosting industrial capacity, attracting investment, and enhancing the livelihoods of its residents, the city is stepping boldly into a world of progress and optimism.
No, you can’t blame method acting for your real-life actions…such as cheating on your partner.
Photo from Pexels
Becoming an effective actor requires a wide range of skills, including the ability to disconnect from reality when performing. This is why there are many different acting techniques designed to help actors improve their craft, one of which is method acting.
Recently, the term gained attention after Anthony Jennings’ ex-girlfriend, Jamella Villanueva, shared “receipts” revealing his alleged affair with co-actor Maris Racal. According to Villanueva, Jennings believed that making his co-star feel loved and appreciated was the only way to ensure their work went smoothly and for his partner to perform well, especially since she was going through a tough time.
Method acting isn’t a new concept in the entertainment industry, and it’s not just Jennings who has used it to enhance his performance. However, not every method actor has ended up in a cheating scandal because of it.
Actors Who Opted for Method Acting
Let’s take a look at other actors who’ve taken method acting to extreme lengths to fully immerse themselves in their roles:
Mon Confiado
Mon Confiado, one of the most well-known method actors in the Philippines, shared that to authentically portray a “taong grasa” (a homeless person) in the film Sa Kabilang Dako, he spent a night on the streets without money, trying to survive as his character would.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro once took the streets as a cab driver for him to get to know what it’s like being one to characterize his role in “Taxi Driver.”
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone pushed his co-actor to throw real punches during the Rocky films. The iconic scene where Rocky and Drago exchange real blows nearly cost Stallone his life. “Later that night, my heart started to swell, my blood pressure went up to 260, and I thought I was going to meet the angels. I had to be rushed to intensive care and flown from Canada to California,” Stallone recalled on Good Morning America.
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey took his portrayal of Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon to such extremes that the production crew grew frustrated with him for continuing to act like the comedian, even when the cameras were off.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage went to extreme lengths for his role as “Al Columbato” in Birdy. He pulled out his own teeth and wore the same bandages for five weeks. His dedication helped bring the film to life, winning the Grand Prix Spécial du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival, one of its highest honors.
Christian Bale
Christian Bale shed 62 pounds for his role in The Machinist, surviving on a diet of apples, coffee, water, cigarettes, and whiskey to portray his character.
Austin Butler
Austin Butler, as he plays the role of “Elvis Presley,” shared that he opted to take on an Elvis speaking voice to get to know and embrace the character, and soon he admitted that it took a toll on him, “You can lose touch with who you actually are. And I definitely had that when I finished Elvis — not knowing who I was.”
Jared Leto
Jared Leto took his commitment to the Joker role in The Suicide Squad to another level, allegedly sending his co-stars strange gifts like condoms and anal beads, just for fun.
There are other method actors, both in Hollywood and in the Philippine entertainment industry, however, the aforementioned are the notable ones who really caught the attention of the public. But the question is, should we add Jennings to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below, Sugboanons!
At midnight on December 4, 2024, social media exploded when Jam Villanueva posted about the cheating allegations against her ex-boyfriend, Anthony Jennings—AND THERE WERE RECEIPTS!
Of course, netizens quickly took screenshots of the post and spread it across the internet, making it go viral. By the morning of the same day, people began commenting, and many started bringing up Maris Racal’s previous partner, Rico Blanco, as he remained silent on the matter.
The “receipts” Jam shared included several photos, showing proof of Anthony and Maris’s private moments, from their “hot” conversations and dating days to the denied allegations and broken promises of “never again.”
While Jam’s intention was likely to find peace of mind, her actions raised concerns from legal advisors, who warned that this could lead to a legal battle over libel and invasion of privacy.
In today’s world, where social media is a go-to platform for airing personal issues, discovering infidelity often prompts people to share private conversations online. But the question remains: even if you’re not married, is it okay to post the chats of your cheating partner?
Screengrab from Jamela Villanueva’s Instagram AccountScreengrab from Jamela Villanueva’s Instagram Account
Libel: The Risk of Defamation
Libel is a serious offense in the Philippines, and people, including those in the media, have faced legal action for it. In our country, and in many others, libel is considered a criminal act.
According to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code, the offense is when someone publicly accuses another person of a crime that could damage their reputation. In connection, since Jam posted her accusations on social media, she may also be in violation of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. This law covers libel committed online, including on social media platforms and websites.
Therefore, if you post intimate or any sort of incriminating conversations that may harm other people’s reputation, you could be accused of libel in return, even if your claims are true. The Philippine law doesn’t give out free passes to the cheated for as long as what you shared and spread about defamed another party; and you may face up to four (4) years in jail for such an act.
Screengrab from Jamela Villanueva’s Instagram Account
Anti-Privacy Law: The Right to Privacy
In today’s world, protecting our privacy has become more important than ever. Along with the potential for a libel case, Jam’s actions may also violate Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This law ensures that individuals have the right to keep their personal information and communications private, including text messages, emails, and chats. It prevents the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and private content, such as the chats Jam shared.
While posting and sharing private conversations, especially on social media, might seem like a normal response for many, there are other options that could have been considered. But, let’s be honest, if we were in her shoes, we might have found ourselves torn between sharing the truth and dealing with the hurt in private as well, and that’s understandable especially through all the hurt and anxiety one may have acquired during the messed up breakup. And, the fact that Maris and Anthony are public figures only added fuel to the fire as netizens began questioning Jam’s intentions, wondering if she was seeking the spotlight rather than just sharing her pain.
But, what do you think, Sugboanons? Should the scorned partner post proof of the cheating scandal or must it be kept between the involved parties only? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In recent news, the Philippine Eagle chick, named “Chick Number 30” hatched via artificial insemination, died 17 days after its birth. The chick was the first successful hatchling in the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s new facility, raising initial hopes for conservation efforts.
The chick likely died due to yolk sac retention, a condition where bacteria enter the egg or infect the chick after hatching. This is a known issue in poultry but was unexpected here due to strict hygiene protocols. Symptoms, including labored breathing and sneezing appeared shortly before its death.
Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation
CHALLENGES IN THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE CONSERVATION
Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation
There are only 392 pairs of Philippine Eagles left in the wild, and only 30 have been born in captivity. Eagles are difficult to breed with some attacking potential mates. Each pair requires at least 4,000 hectares of forest, a rapidly vanishing ecosystem in the Philippines.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation’s goal is to release captive eagles into the wild. However, they have not succeeded in this goal in 37 years of operations. The organization continues to refine its breeding and chick-rearing protocols to avoid similar losses in the future.
Here’s the bigger picture; the death of “Chick Number 30” serves as a stark reminder of how fragile endangered species are and underscores the immense difficulties of conserving them. It also highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and improving breeding programs to ensure the survival of species like the Philippine Eagle.
Photo from the Philippine Eagle Foundation
So the next time you spot an eagle—or even just hear about one—give it a nod of acknowledgement. These species don’t just rule the skies, they embody the fight to preserve what’s wild and wonderful in our world.
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other” –Bill Vaughan
Photo from Pexels
November is almost over, and you know what that means—drumroll—it’s officially Christmas Season! Tis the season to be jolly, to deck the halls, and to kick off the merriest time of the year.
And, let’s be honest, what’s Christmas without a little gift-giving? Sure, you might pick a random name from a jar, and boom—you’re the lucky gift-giver for someone, with all the suspense of keeping your secret identity hidden until the big reveal. But is that really all there is to it?
Oh no, my friends. We’re just getting started!
This year, why not take the holiday spirit to the next level? Think less “just another sweater” and more “thoughtful, funny, or maybe even mystical gift exchange”—because who says you can’t sprinkle a little mischief into your merry-making?
Picture this: a gift exchange with a twist! Get creative with your wrapping, throw in some riddles, or maybe even deliver your gift in the most unexpected way. Who’s the mysterious Santa behind the mask? Will they figure it out before they open the gift? It’s a challenge, a game, and an adventure all wrapped into one.
So, don’t just settle for the same old gift exchange—let’s make gift-exchanging a memorable experience by adding a little extra fun and creativity to the tradition. With a bit of imagination, the process of giving and receiving gifts can be just as exciting as the presents themselves.
WHITE ELEPHANT
Photo from Pexels
White Elephant is a hilarious and often chaotic holiday party game where participants exchange wrapped gifts in a playful and strategic way. The goal is simple: you never know what you’ll get, and there’s a lot of stealing involved.
What you need is a wrapped gift; each participant brings one gift (the more quirky or funny, the better!). Make sure the gift you bought is universal—meaning anyone wants the gift or suitable to anyone. For instance, the gift can’t be a T-shirt because everyone has different sizes. What if the shirt ended up with the one who can’t wear it?
How to Play:
Set Up: Everyone gathers in a circle around a pile of wrapped gifts.
The First Player’s Turn: The first player (based on the number drawn) selects a gift from the pile, unwraps it, and shows it to the group.
The Next Player’s Choice: The second player can either:
Steal the gift the first player opened, OR
Pick a new gift from the pile and unwrap it.
If Your Gift is Stolen: If someone steals your gift, you can either:
Pick a new gift from the pile, OR
Steal from someone else who hasn’t had their gift stolen yet.
Continue the Game: The game continues with players taking turns to either steal or choose a new gift. You can set a limit on how many times a gift can be stolen (e.g., if a gift is stolen twice, it stays with its final owner).
The Final Round: Once all the gifts have been opened, the game ends, and everyone walks away with a gift (either stolen or newly picked).
WISHLIST
Photo from Pexels
Ready to spice up your gift-giving game? This isn’t your typical Secret Santa—this time, everyone is in the dark. That means you won’t know who you’re buying for, and you won’t know who’s buying for you. It’s a mystery wrapped in a riddle, and it’s here to make holiday gifting a whole lot more exciting.
Gift-giving can be tough—especially when you’re shopping for people you don’t know well, like colleagues. But don’t panic! Wishlist can save the day.
Instructions:
Create Your Wishlist: Each participant makes a list of a few things they’d absolutely love to receive. But here’s the catch—your list goes under a secret code name. That way, no one knows whose list is whose. Let the mystery begin!
Mix it Up: After everyone’s submitted their lists, toss them all into a jar. Mix it up good—this is where the fun begins.
Draw Your Secret Receiver: Pick a random list from the jar. Now you’re on the hook for finding the perfect gift for that person (don’t worry, they’ve already told you exactly what they want!).
This way, everyone gets something they actually want—and you can skip the gift-giving stress! The element of mystery will keep everyone on edge, eagerly awaiting the big reveal. Who’s your secret Santa? And who are you secretly gifting? The suspense will eat you alive… in the best possible way.
CHRISTMAS CAROL HOT POTATO
Photo from Pexels
Get ready to jingle all the way into a hilarious holiday tradition with Christmas Carol Hot Potato! It’s a merry mix of gift exchange, Christmas cheer, and musical madness
In this game, wrapped gifts are passed around while jolly Christmas tunes fill the air. But here’s the twist — when the music suddenly stops, whoever is holding the gift gets to keep it! No sneaky swapping, no “oh, I wanted that one” complaints — just pure holiday fun as you try to outsmart your friends and family.
How to Play
Set the Stage:
Lay out all your wrapped gifts in one place where everyone can see them. Gather your crew in a circle, ready to put their festive faces on.
Start the Music:
Queue up the Christmas playlist (nothing too slow — we’re talking upbeat carols here, people!). Make sure the volume’s just right — loud enough to get everyone in the holiday spirit, but not so loud it drowns out the laughter.
Pass the Gift:
Now, the fun begins! Start passing the first gift around the circle. The goal? Keep it moving to the rhythm of the music. You can pass it fast, slow, or get a little cheeky and try to mess with your friends’ timing. Keep ‘em guessing!
Stop the Music (Uh-oh!):
At random intervals (because who doesn’t love a little suspense?), pause the music! BAM! When the music cuts, the person holding the gift is stuck with it. No more passing, no more stealing — they get to keep it, and the crowd goes wild!
Repeat Until All Gifts Are Claimed:
Continue playing round after round until all the gifts have been handed out. You might end up with the one you wanted… or the one you didn’t see coming. Either way, everyone wins when the holiday cheer is in full swing!
BOOK SWAP (Only Applies to Book Lovers)
For that group of friends who are so addicted to books they can’t leave the house without one tucked under their arm, it’s time to unlock the mystery of a bookish soirée like no other. This Christmas, shake up your gift-giving routine and host a Mystery Book Exchange? A book swap is a fun way for book lovers to share books and discover new authors and genres.
Picture this: beautifully wrapped books, cryptic clues, and the thrill of unwrapping a story you never saw coming. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to host a gift exchange without the stress of shopping! Now, go grab a book from your shelf you don’t need anymore, and give it to someone who needs it now. It’s okay if you haven’t read it, maybe someone else will love it. Who knows? You might walk away with a hidden gem you never would’ve picked yourself—and isn’t that the best part?
Rules:
Wrap your book: No need for fancy wrapping paper—brown manila paper works just fine. After all, it’s the mystery that counts!
Clue it up: Write a short clue on the package. Could be a vague hint about the book’s genre, a memorable quote, or a teaser about the plot.
Number off: Everyone draws a number to determine the order of selection. When your turn comes, you get to choose a book from the pile. But…
The Steal: You’re allowed to steal a book from someone who’s already picked one.
The Three-Time Rule: A book can only be stolen three times. After that, it’s locked in, and the last person to steal it gets to keep it.
The Grand Reveal: After everyone’s had their turn, it’s time to unwrap your book!
Now, take your pick. Which of these gift-exchanging ideas will bring the most fun to your holiday gathering? Grab your friends, family, and colleagues, and get ready to host the Christmas party everyone will be talking about long after the last gift is unwrapped!
Isang kamot sa naumod kada lumbaanay nga duwa sa Christmas party!
Photo from Pexels
Ah, Christmas. For kids, it’s the most magical time of the year—no school, delicious food, and of course, the Christmas party! The excitement of class parties filled with food, games, and performances (that you secretly dreaded but still did) was enough to make us feel like little stars. And who could forget the mandatory parlor games? These games weren’t just for fun; they were an integral part of every party, so much so that we sometimes looked forward to them more than the Christmas presents!
Now that we’re older, and probably too “mature” to scream for presents, we’ve moved on to more sophisticated types of fun. But what if we brought back those timeless classics?
So, here are the top Filipino Christmas party games we should never forget—and totally revive at our next celebration!
Planting Rice
As soon as eating time is over, our teachers immediately put forward the empty cola bottles and plastic straws, and that’s when we knew that it’s time for one of the most competitive games ever invented: PLANTING RICE!
Photo from Unsplash
How to Set Up
Make 2 teams.
Line up 10 empty cola bottles for each team.
Give each team 10 plastic straws.
How to Play
The first player in each team holds all 10 straws.
When the game starts, he has to plant a straw into each cola bottle, one by one, until all bottles are filled.
Once the last straw is in, the player has to take out the straws in reverse order, starting from the last bottle, and put them all back in his hand.
After that, the player passes the 10 straws to the next teammate, who will repeat the same steps.
The first team to finish planting and removing all their straws will win!
It’s a game that requires speed, focus, and a little bit of teamwork. But, PRO TIP: plant and remove 2 straws at the same time to do it faster.
Sack Race
Who can forget hopping inside a sack and trying to beat everyone to the finish line? It’s a fun game that everyone—kids and adults—can enjoy. It gets a little crazy when the sack gets tangled or when someone falls, but hey, it’s all part of the fun! Plus, it’s a great way to show off your sprint skills or, in our case, just have a good laugh trying to get out of the sack quickly.
Photo from Canva
How to Set Up
Make 2 teams.
Give each team a sack.
Place a chair at a reasonable distance for each player to go around.
How to Play
Each player will hop inside a sack and make their way towards the chair placed in front of them.
When the player reaches the chair, he must go around it while still in the sack.
Then, the player must hop back to the starting line, take off the sack, and pass it to the next player.
The first team to finish all players hopping and passing the sack wins!
This is a fast-paced game and is one that’s prone to injuries, or at least falls especially when the sacks are a bit smaller than the size of the players. So, if you’re the game master, make sure to prepare sacks that your players can actually get in to lessen the injuries.
Trip to Jerusalem
The Trip to Jerusalem (or Musical Chairs) is one Christmas game that never gets old. The best part? It’s a race against time and everyone’s inner drama queen as the music stops, and we scramble to find a chair. One by one, chairs get eliminated, and someone always ends up dramatically throwing a tantrum when they’re out.
Photo from Canva
How to Set Up
Get at least 8-10 players.
Arrange chairs in a circle, but always have one less chair than the number of players. For example: If you have 10 players, set up 9 chairs. If you have 11 players, set up 10 chairs.
Prepare some fun, lively music.
How to Play
When the music starts, players must walk (or dance!) around the chairs in a circle, staying a little bit away from each one.
When the music stops, everyone must quickly sit in a chair.
The player who doesn’t find a chair is out of the game.
After each round, remove one chair, and keep playing until only one player remains!
It’s all about strategy and presence of mind for the players as they go around a trip to Jerusalem!
Longest Line
This is one of the games that I dread the most, especially if I end up wearing a very simple attire during the Christmas party. It’s a test of creativity and resourcefulness because you’ll see people using belts, shoelaces, scarves, and whatever they can find to have the longest line.
Photo from Canva
How to Set Up
Get at least 8-10 players for each team.
Prepare a big space for everyone to spread out.
Have a measuring tape ready to measure the line.
How to Play
When the game starts, each player must use whatever they’re wearing—belts, jackets, hair ties, even shoes—to create a long line.
The longer the line, the better! Players MUST link their items together to stretch the line as far as possible.
The team with the longest line wins!
It’s a game of creativity, so get ready to laugh and watch everyone scramble for ways to stretch their wardrobe to the limit! I once had a classmate who took everything off, leaving just his boxer shorts and camisole on because he really wanted their team to win.
Paper Dance
The type of game that I always end up losing because of my large physique–the PAPER DANCE! The most essential attribute that a player must have to win this game is balance and a quick mind, especially when it’s done by pair!
Photo from Canva
How to Set Up
You can choose whether to have each player be a pair or just individuals.
Prepare one newspaper for each player/duo.
Have your tunes ready for them to dance to.
How to Play
Players must dance while the music is playing.
When the music stops, they must quickly hop onto the newspaper and stand on it.
After each round, players must fold the newspaper in half to make it smaller.
Anyone whose foot touches the floor or can’t fit on the smaller paper is out of the game until only one pair or player is left on the tiniest folded paper.
It’s like a mini version of dance floor survival, where you have to be quick on your feet—and pray the paper doesn’t rip under pressure! Another version of it adds the need for players to be very steady and not move while pausing, making the game a “PAPER STATUE DANCE,” where a whole new level of balancing is needed.
So, Sugboanons, it’s time to bring these games back and get the Christmas party vibe going again! Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, these classic Pasko games will make you laugh, bond with loved ones, and relive the magic of Christmas just like we did when we were young.
The Board of Directors of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) approved the expansion of services for dental coverage.
Health Secretary Teodroa Herbosa expressed the importance of oral care for Filipinos and to make it accessible in order to improve the country’s overall health care.
Photo from Canva
The following are the inclusions for the new dental coverage:
Emergency dental service
Oral examination
Dental cleaning
Flouride varnish application
Fissure sealants
Emergency tooth extraction
Dental consultations
Class V procedures
Dental Care for As Low As Php 1,000.00 Annually
Dental care will soon be available for as low as Php 1,000 annually. This package covers up to two visits per year, with a Php 300 payment per visit, and includes all essential services. PhilHealth members can also opt to add up to two more teeth annually for more complex procedures.
Photo from Canva
Other Better Benefits Aiming for Board Approval
Recently, PhilHealth has been actively exploring additional healthcare services to benefit Filipinos. With the approval of the new dental care coverage, we are now awaiting the announcement of the other four “Better Benefits” inclusions they shared:
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) or heart attacks Continuum Care Package
Maple Syrup Urine Disease, Methylmalonic Acidemia/Propionic Acidemia, Galactosemia, Phenylketonuria, Gaucher Disease, Pompe Disease, Fabry Disease, MPS II (Hunter Syndrome), MPS IV (Morquio Syndrome), and Osteogenesis Imperfecta Health Care Package
Peritoneal Dialysis Additional Coverage Inclusion
Physical Rehabilitation Health Care Package
More detailed information will be disclosed by PhilHealth soon, so stay tuned mga tingsi-on nga Sugboanon!
What a drenched day it is in Cebu! This week, we have generally experienced fair weather with no significant disturbances. That’s good news, right?
Photo from PAGASA
As of Friday, today, by the end of the week (Saturday), the weather will shift mostly from cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms. PAGASA hasn’t monitored any low-pressure area currently yet, but stay updated by the news.
Photo from Canva
Temperatures today will slightly cool to a range of 27°C and 31°C. On Saturday, expect a cooler range of 25°C to 30°C. The hottest part of the day is between 10AM to 3PM. And tonight occasional downpours are expected. Wind will be light to moderate through the week, with coastal waters remaining calm to slightly rough.
Photo from Canva
Cebu has a chance of storms over the weekend. The public is advised to keep monitoring PAGASA updates, particularly for thunderstorm advisories, which are available on their Facebook page. You should stay informed, especially if planning outdoor activities.
99% of Filipinos can hold a tune; hi to the 1%, okay pa mu?
When the world hears the word “Filipinio,” only two things come to their minds- one is, best nurses, and two, best singers! But, how did we end up being known as the “Singing Country?” Well, we dug a bit into how it all came to be, and here’s a jist of it:
We had the harana tradition
Photo from canva
Although di na uso ang harana, we still do serenades when courting, just not blatantly in the middle of the street where the entire neighborhood will know of it, but it’s done discreetly, either through a private song rendition or via song request to a DJ.
We sing religiously (as a predominantly Catholic country)
Photo from canva
Masses are filled with songs, for almost every part of it. And because we’re a religious country, we have embraced hymns and choral music. In connection, the Philippines is also known as one of the countries who keeps bagging trophies and awards for international choral competitions; which is not a surprise at all!
Karaoke is in our genes
Photo from canva
Karaoke is our culture, regardless of where you are in the Philippines; be it in a public and private space. Because of that it has made singing accessible to anyone, whether you have formal training or not.
We established global recognition
The names of Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Apl de Ap, Garry V. and Morisette Amon are some of the leading Filipino-bloods whom our international folks already know of. Due to that, we have music schools, local competitions, and live performance shows that help in improving our singing skills.
In sum, the Philippines’ reputation as a “singing country” is the result of its strong musical traditions, the widespread popularity of karaoke, a deep-rooted culture of performance, and the country’s natural vocal talents. So, ang pangutana, apil ba ka sa mga talented singing Sugboanons?
