A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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As of December 3, 2024
December 3, 2024
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HEADLINES
NGO Calls for Slow Steaming Saying Emissions Per Container Is Same as 2018
Phivolcs monitors Kanlaon for 'major' eruption
Over 200 families in Bicol evacuated amid flooding, landslides
Overseas voter registration low — Comelec
Moira says new album ‘I’m Okay’ is her ‘moving forward’ project
Kai Sotto impresses in B. League return after stellar Gilas stint
Grooming your cat
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
FULL NEWSPAPER
Oil steady, traders hopeful on China demand but worried about Fed
HOUSTON, December 3 ------ Oil prices were little changed, as hopes of stronger demand stemming from higher factory activity in China was largely offset by concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates again at its December meeting. Brent crude futures settled 1 cent lower at $71.83 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 10 cents, or 0.15%, to $68.10. A private sector survey showed China's factory activity expanded in November at the fastest pace in five months, boosting Chinese business optimism just as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ramped up trade threats.
Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect last Wednesday, appeared increasingly fragile. The Israeli military said on Monday it was currently striking "terror" targets in Lebanon amid mutual accusations of ceasefire violations between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The Pentagon said that despite some incidents, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was holding. "Increased geopolitical risks remain. Even though the ceasefire is underway in Israel, it seems evident that there are some misconceptions about the legitimacy of the ceasefire," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.
Traders also watched developments in Syria, weighing whether recent escalation could widen tensions across the Middle East and affect supply. Both crude benchmarks fell more than 3% last week, pressured by easing supply concerns from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and 2025 surplus forecasts, despite expected sustained output cuts.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, together known as OPEC+, postponed the group's next meeting to Dec. 5. It will discuss delaying a planned oil output increase scheduled to start in January, OPEC+ sources told Reuters last week. "Attention will be on the potential delay of the planned production hike, as an indefinite delay could alleviate downward pressure on prices," said George Pavel, general manager at Naga.com Middle East.
This week's meeting will decide policy for the early months of 2025. "Money managers are sitting on the fence ... the market is looking for clarity between the implication of the forthcoming Trump administration and OPEC+ supply policy," said Harry Tchilinguirian at Onyx Capital Group. Pressuring oil prices, Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said he has an open mind about whether to cut interest rates again at the Fed's December meeting, with upcoming data on jobs important in shaping the decision.
Higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing, which can slow economic activity and dampen demand for oil.Also pressuring oil, the dollar pushed higher again, after Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS member countries unless they commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that could replace the dollar. A stronger greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more expensive for investors holding other currencies, hurting demand.
Source: reuters.com
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US lawmakers back COVID-19 Chinese lab leak theory after two-year probe
WASHINGTON, United States,December 3 ------ US lawmakers concluded a two-year investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 1.1 million Americans -- backing the theory that the virus likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory. A 520-page report from the Republican-controlled House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic looked at the federal and state-level response, as well as the pandemic's origins and vaccination efforts. "This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic," panel chairman Brad Wenstrup said in a letter to Congress.
US federal agencies, the World Health Organization and scientists across the planet have arrived at different conclusions about the most likely origin of COVID-19, and no consensus has emerged. Most believe it to have spread from animals in China, but a US intelligence analysis said last year that the virus may have been genetically engineered and escaped from a virology lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where human cases first emerged.
The congressional panel was persuaded by the lab leak theory after meeting 25 times, conducting more than 30 transcribed interviews and reviewing more than one million pages of documents. The investigation included two days of interviews behind closed doors with Anthony Fauci, the government scientist who became the nation's most trusted expert in the chaotic early days of the 2020 outbreak. Fauci's clashes with former and incoming president Donald Trump over the response sparked fury on the right, and he now lives with security protection following death threats against his family.
Republicans accuse the 83-year-old immunologist of helping to set off the worst pandemic in a century by approving funding passed on to Chinese scientists they accuse of manufacturing the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Among its headline conclusions, the report said the National Institutes of Health had indeed funded contentious "gain-of-function" research -- which seeks to enhance viruses as a way of finding ways to combat them -- at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Fauci angrily denied covering up the origins of COVID-19 before the panel in June, arguing that it would be "molecularly impossible" for the bat viruses studied at the lab to be turned into the virus that caused the pandemic. But the panel's report said SARS-CoV-2 "likely emerged because of a laboratory or research related accident."
The probe found that lockdowns "did more harm than good" and that mask mandates were "ineffective at controlling the spread of COVID-19," contradicting other research showing that masking in public does reduce transmission rates. Social distancing guidelines also came under criticism, although travel restrictions were deemed to have saved lives. Investigators found that Trump's Operation Warp Speed -- the publicly-funded project to develop COVID vaccines -- was a "tremendous success" but that school closures would have an "enduring impact" on US children.
Source: philstar.com
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MARITIME NEWS
NGO Calls for Slow Steaming Saying Emissions Per Container Is Same as 2018
December 3 ------ The influential NGO T&E (European Federation for Transport and Environment) released new data reporting no real-world improvement in containership efficiency despite investments into new technology. It is increasing its call for ships to sail at slower speeds and use newer technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion. The group seeks to disprove the contention of policymakers and the IMO that higher prices for fuel from emission pricing and fuel standards will lead to efficiency improvements and emissions reductions. T&E commissioned the well-known independent research firm CE Delft to study the relationship between fuel prices and technical and operations efficiency. They concluded that there is no clear relationship between higher fuel prices and better operational efficiency.
Analyzing the EU’s MRV data (monitoring, reporting & verification), they concluded despite price increases over the past six years in fuel, on a per container basis Europe’s container ships are producing the same level of emissions as they did six years ago in 2018. They acknowledge that the EU’s latest shipping data showed a small decline in emissions in 2023 compared to 2022, but they attribute that to a likely fall in trade. “There just aren’t enough incentives for ships to sail more efficiently,” said Jacob Armstrong, shipping manager at T&E. “Shipping companies are reacting to higher fuel prices by buying slightly more efficient vessels. But the data shows that on the whole, transporting containers around isn’t getting more efficient.”
In its analysis of the data and emissions, T&E contends that slow steaming is the most effective measure to reduce emissions. They are calling for the European Commission to propose an energy efficiency measure, which for example, limits ship speeds and promotes technologies like wind-assisted propulsion. They recommend transforming the current CII (Carbon Intensity Index) into “a true energy efficiency measure and align its targets with the IMO’s emissions reduction objectives.” Armstrong asserts, “The biggest improvements in efficiency come from sailing slower. If governments put in place measures that promote real improvements in efficiency, they can slash emissions overnight.”
T&E supports its call for slow steaming publishing models on its website. They said that a container ship sailing between Rotterdam and Shanghai at 75 percent of its speed would cut carbon emissions by 47 percent. They recognize that it would reduce container capacity, but concluded that if one ship was added for every four to make up for the lower capacity, as long as all the ships were sailing at three-quarters speed, it would still reduce CO2 emissions by 34 percent.
The call comes as the IMO continues to address the perceived shortcomings in the CII after it went into force. Reforms were a key point of discussion at the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee this year and are expected to be included in the 2025 vote on the IMO’s next steps toward net-zero shipping policy.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Mexican Congress Debates $42 Head Tax on Cruise Passengers
December 3 ------ Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies last week approved a bill that would remove an exemption for cruise passengers and begin to impose a hefty head tax. The cruise industry and trade associations are calling on the Mexican senate and president to stop the tax which they contend would have a detrimental impact on the country’s economy and investment in the development of the tourism industry.
Under the bill approved by the lower house and sent to the Senate for debate, the Mexican central government would impose a head tax equal to $42 per passenger on all cruise ships calling at Mexican ports. Historically the tax has only been applied to hotel visitors staying for a week and waved for cruises that stop for just a few hours.
Mexico’s ports have been under the authority of the army since 2020 as part of an effort by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and an attempt to crack down on corruption and the illegal trade from the ports. The bill approved by the lower chamber of the government plans to devote up to two-thirds of the revenue from the head tax to the army. In addition, some Mexican states are already charging a $5 tax for passengers raising the potential of a total tax of $47 per passenger.
The cruise industry has a history of discriminating against ports that it believes are imposing excessive fees. They have offered to work with destinations that feel they are being overwhelmed by the growth in the number of passengers but also regularly reposition ships and change ports to avoid high taxes. Alaska almost two decades ago attempted a heft tax and the cruise ships shifted away from the ports. After Alaska rescinded the tax, the cruise industry has worked with the destinations, such as the new voluntary agreement to limit the number of daily visitors to Alaska’s capital Juneau.
Mexico has emerged as one of the two core destinations for much of the cruise industry operating from Florida and along the Gulf Coast, which offers either cruises to the Eastern Caribbean or west to Mexico. The Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) highlights that in 2025, over 3,300 cruise ship calls are scheduled for Mexican ports with a likely 10 million passengers. Cozumel alone received 4.2 million cruise passengers last year and the Costa Maya port developed on the Yucatán Peninsula had over 2.2 million passengers.
The FCCA emphasized that the tax could jeopardize investments being made by the cruise lines and efforts to support the development of Mexican ports and the tourism industry. Royal Caribbean International, for example, announced in October plans for a new water park attraction called Perfect Day Mexico, which would open in 2027 on the Caribbean coast in Mahahual near the Costa Maya cruise port. In addition, the line is also developing a private beach club in Cozumel, Mexico, due to open in 2026.
Mexico would be following the lead of other destinations including the Greek islands which introduced plans for new destination taxes to deal with overtourism. Greece announced fees to especially address the crowding of Mykonos and Santorini during peak season. The FCCA issued a public statement calling on Mexico to eliminate the new tax which is currently proposed to become effective in 2026. They said cruise lines might otherwise be forced to change itineraries.
The Mexican Association of Shipping Agents also called for the president to stop the tax. They warned it would make Mexico among the most expensive destinations in the world and severely impact the country’s competitiveness. The Senate is expected to take up the bill as early as this week. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, could still veto the bill.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Damen expands shore power capacity to support all vessel types
December 3 ------ Dutch Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf, a part of Damen Shipyards Group, has given a green boost to its ship repair, maintenance, conversion, and refit projects by expanding the shore power capacity to cover all types of vessels that call at the yard.
As part of Damen Shipyards Group’s mission to become a sustainable maritime solutions provider, the Amsterdam yard has provided shore power for many years. In this way, the yard offered low-emissions energy to vessels undergoing work in its docks. It was, however, not a solution compatible with all vessels, according to Damen.
With this latest installation, developed by Elma Systems, the availability of clean onshore power converted to 60Hz has been widened to cover all types of ships. “Previously, we were able to provide shore power with 50 hertz. However, we get a lot of offshore, navy and fishing vessels come to the yard for work, and many of these vessels operate on 60 hertz,” Commercial Manager Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf, Jeen van der Werf, explained.
He added that, as a result, the company often had to hire a diesel-powered generator, something the environmentally conscious yard wanted to avoid. “We’re always keen to play our part in advancing maritime sustainability so, when we heard about a 35% temporary subsidy for sea goings vessels from the RVO (Dutch Enterprise Agency) for shore power installations, we were very happy to take part with an investment of our own,” van der Werf said. Specifically, Elma Systems developed a rotary converter that converts the shore power to the desired 60 hertz.
The shore power system of 355A, which is installed on the yard’s floating dock, can support up to 250kVA. However, should more power be required, there is an option to add a battery or secondary power source.
Moreover, the rotary converter is therefore also equipped with a load-sharing system. With this new shore power system, Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf expects to see a reduction in carbon emissions, making a significant contribution towards its sustainability ambitions. “…we value the collaboration that we experienced during this project, from development till installation. It has resulted in a solution that will help, not only Damen, but also the maritime industry as a whole to conduct operations in a cleaner, more environmentally conscious manner in a very smart way,” Marco Roman, of Elma Systems, commented.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Price of gasoline up, diesel, kerosene down
December 3 ------ THE price of gasoline rose on Tuesday, Dec. 3, but that of diesel and kerosene were rolled back. Gasoline now costs 90 centavos more per liter. Diesel is down by 20 centavos, and kerosene by 40 centavos. Oil industry sources attributed the price shifts to a possible US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the downtrend in China's consumption, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries production cuts, and the easing of the output curbs that could begin gradually in April 2025.
OPEC and its allies are said to be discussing further delaying a planned oil output hike that was supposed to start in January, because of global energy market conditions and matters related to the production of crude oil, its flow to markets, and meeting demand. This year, gasoline had a net increase of P11.35 per liter and diesel P9.55 per liter. The price of kerosene has fallen by P1.90 per liter.
Source: manilatimes.com
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Impeachment complaint filed vs VP Sara
December 3 ------ Advocacy groups filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña. The complaint was filed in the Secretary General’s Office at the House of Representatives by civil society organizations, religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and families of victims of extrajudicial killings. It was officially received by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at 4:30 p.m.
The complainants were Teresita Quintos Deles, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Robert Reyes, Randy Delos Santos (uncle of Tokhang victim Kian Delos Santos), Francis Aquino Dee, Leah Navarro, Sylvia Estrada Claudio, Alicia Murphy, Sr. Mary Grace De Guzman, and former Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, among others. They were accompanied by Mamamayang Liberal partylist first nominee and former senator Leila De Lima, who acted as the group's spokesperson. De Lima said there were 16 signatories in the complaint, which stemmed from Duterte’s alleged culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. “Ang wala lang na ground for impeachment is treason. So majority of the grounds are present. And there are a total of 24 articles of impeachment as discussed in the 33-page complaint,” the former senator told reporters.
Cendaña, meanwhile, said that the loyalty of the filers in making Duterte accountable is to the Filipino people and not to any particular politician. “Today, I formally endorse the first-ever and historic impeachment complaint filed by our citizens against Vice President Sara Duterte. This moment marks a critical juncture in our nation's demand for accountability,” the solon said. “I stand in full support of the brave citizens calling for Duterte to answer for her blatant violations of the Constitution, egregious corruption, and complicity in mass murder,” he added.
According to Cendaña, Duterte deserves to be impeached for her alleged abuse of power and plunder of the nation’s coffers. He also said that the country must not allow the Duterte family’s “legacy of corruption and mass murder to persist unchallenged.” “The entrenched culture of impunity and graft will only be dismantled when those who perpetuate and profit from it are held to account. This impeachment complaint is but a first step. It must inspire and pave the way for further efforts to bring the Dutertes and their allies before the altar of justice,” he said. GMA News Online sought comment from the Office of the Vice President, and will update this story once it responds. In a text message to reporters, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III refused to comment, noting that the senators will act as judges should the impeachment complaint reach the upper chamber. "No comment nalang ako kasi potential 'judge' kaming lahat na senators," Pimentel said.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero also aired the same concern prior to the filing of the impeachment complaint. "Won't comment on anything that has to do with 'impeachment' given that we (the Senate) is tasked to hear all impeachment cases. I likewise call on and urge my colleagues to do the same," Escudero said last Friday.
‘Not discretionary’
The Office of the Secretary General confirmed receiving the complaint, emphasizing that the House of Representatives is constitutionally mandated to act on any impeachment complaint filed in accordance with the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The Constitution states that “a verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any Member of the House of Representatives or by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any Member thereof.” “It is crucial to underscore that addressing an impeachment complaint is not a discretionary act for the House of Representatives but a constitutional obligation. The Constitution prescribes clear steps to ensure fairness and adherence to the rule of law,” the Office of the Secretary General said. “Impeachment proceedings is vital to preserve the integrity of the institution and affirming the principle that public officials are accountable to the people they serve. Accordingly, the House will proceed with its duties in this matter, strictly adhering to the Constitution, its rules, and the principles of due process,” it added.
The impeachment complaint was filed a week after Duterte made the controversial remark of contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, if an alleged plot against her succeeds. She later on clarified that her statement was not a threat, saying she only highlighted the alleged threat to her security. She also said that her remark was "taken out of logical context." Authorities, however, have considered Duterte’s remarks as a threat to the President and a matter of national security. Marcos has also vowed to block "criminal attempts" against him. The President, however, later on said he is not supportive of any impeachment plan against Duterte, believing that it would not benefit the lives of Filipinos.
In response to this, De Lima cited that the impeachment move was allowed under the Constitution, and was made solely by individuals from diverse groups. “Hindi namin tinitignan ‘yung mga ganyan kasi ayaw nga namin ‘yan, na ma-perceive kami as favoring any of the political protagonists now. Talagang desisyon ito ng mga indibidwal na mga nag-file coming from various groups,” she said. “Ayaw naming kumupas o sumama sa kung anuman na mga moves nila ng mga nasa gobyerno ngayon, including the President. We cannot be affected by the sire to really make the Vice President accountable because that is in fact recognized by the Constitution,” she added.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Phivolcs monitors Kanlaon for 'major' eruption
MANILA, Philippines, December 3 ------ After two consecutive ash emission events, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said it is monitoring Kanlaon Volcano for a "possible major eruption." Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said Monday that the ash emissions first occurred at 7:46 a.m. until 7:53 a.m. while the second event happened at 8:16 a.m. and lasted for 14 minutes.
"These events generated a grayish column of plumes, rising 400 to 600 meters above the crater before drifting northwest and north-northwest direction as recorded by the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory," Bacolcol told The Manila Times via Viber. Latest emissions suggest that the Negros Island volcano is under a moderate level of unrest, he said. "That's why it is still under Alert Level 2," the Phivolcs chief added. For now, Bacolcol said, the agency will closely monitor the behavior of the volcano following the emissions. "We will closely monitor its movement and check if this (ash emission) would persist and if this will lead to a major eruption," he said.
Phivolcs warned the public, especially those living near the permanent danger zone, to take extra precaution and vigilance as "an eruption may take place anytime."
Source: manilatimes.net
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Scattered to heavy rain over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila — Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines, December 3 ------ The shear line - an imaginary line where the hot and cold air converge - will be bringing heavy to intense rainfall over Isabela on Tuesday and in Cagayan on Wednesday, according to the state weather bureau. It said that it has not monitored any tropical cyclone or low pressure area inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the coming days.
Weather specialist Patrick del Mundo of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the shear line was also affecting Metro Manila, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon and Kalayaan Islands where scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms would prevail.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or "amihan" is bringing overcast skies with rains over the rest of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region and isolated light rains over Ilocos Region, Pagasa said in its 5 a.m. advisory. The rest of the country will be experiencing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpours or thunderstorms due to the localized thunderstorms, it added.
Source: manilatimes.net
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PCG confirms harassment of Filipino fishing vessels
December 3 ------ THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has evidence confirming the harassment late last month of Filipino fishermen by a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter near Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG said it has video footage and photographs shot by a fishing boat that returned to Quezon, Palawan, after the Nov. 28 incident.
PCG spokesman for West Philippine Sea concerns Commo. Jay Tarriela said at a press briefing Monday the Chinese military helicopter, bearing tail number 65, flew as low as 15 feet above the Filipino vessels, a maneuver deemed as an act of intimidation. "This was a clear effort to harass and drive away our fishermen," Tarriela said. The PCG responded by deploying two patrol vessels — the BRP Melchora Aquino and the BRP Cape Engaño — to Rozul Reef. Rozul Reef, also known as Iroquois Reef, is about 128 nautical miles from Palawan and is rich in marine life, making it a critical fishing ground for Filipinos.
Despite its being within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Chinese vessels, including the China Coast Guard (CCG), continue to monitor and impede Filipino fishing activities. During its patrol, the PCG found about 20 Filipino fishing boats near Rozul Reef. It said it distributed Christmas food packs to the fishermen as a gesture of support. Tarriela noted that the presence of PCG ships has significantly boosted the fishers' confidence. "The Chinese are more hesitant to harass when they see the PCG or other Philippine maritime forces," he said.
The PCG documented dangerous maneuvers by the CCG, including one where a Chinese vessel dangerously cut off the BRP Cape Engaño's path at night, risking a collision. "These reckless maneuvers could have resulted in disaster," Tarriela said. In another incident on Nov. 30, two Filipino fishing boats sank in stormy seas. All crew members were rescued by fellow fishers, but the CCG reportedly did nothing to help despite being in the vicinity.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Over 200 families in Bicol evacuated amid flooding, landslides
December 3 ------ Over 200 families in the Bicol region have evacuated since Sunday following the continuous rains over the weekend brought by the shear line, the regional Office of Civil Defense said. OCD-Region V director Claudio Yucot told Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that among those who evacuated were 62 families in Camarines Sur, 61 families in Sorsogon, 57 families in Masbate, and 46 families in Catanduanes.
Yucot said there were rains in Bicol from 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 30 until 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. This caused flooding and landslides in the following areas: Camarines Sur (Cabusao, Lupi, Libmanan, Lagonoy, Siruma, Baao, and Buhi) Catanduanes (Bagamanoc, Caramoan) Sorsogon Albay (Manito) Masbate (Mobo).
Earlier, it was reported that a person died following a landslide in Barangay Anameam in Labo, Camarines Norte. Meanwhile, three people were also reported missing in Camarines Sur. Further, the OCD-Region 5 said there are still families in evacuation centers following the series of typhoons that recently hit the Bicol Region. The agency explained that the homes of the affected families are yet to be repaired. “May mga pailan-ilan na areas na mayroon pa. Nung nakaraang Pepito, may naiwan pa sa center dahil wala silang mauwian. Kasalukuyan palang pinapa-repair ng LGU. Tulad sa Catanduanes, kasalukuyan pa lang nire-repair kasi di pa sila makabalik dahil sira pa ang kanilang mga bahay. Sa area ng Camarines Sur, mayroon ding pailan-ilan na nasa evacuation center ngayon,” said Yucot.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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DSWD rolls out ready-to-eat food pack for disaster relief
December 3 ------ The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially launched on Monday, Dec. 2 the ready-to-eat food (RTEF) pack to enhance food security during disasters and calamities. DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the RTEF packs contain nutritious pre-cooked meals designed to be distributed to affected families within 24 to 48 hours of a disaster’s onset.
"The DSWD collaborated with the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) to create ready-to-eat meals to fill the critical gap when traditional cooking facilities or utensils are limited or unavailable in disaster-affected areas," Dumlao explained in a statement. She added that the RTEF is the outcome of a year-long research effort by DOST and its partners.
During the launch in Pasay City, the DSWD also held a national convention for its climate and disaster resilience projects, Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished). The convention, attended by stakeholders, including local government officials, aimed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and build capacity among project implementers at both local and national levels. The 2024 accomplishments of Project LAWA and BINHI were presented during the event, facilitated by Special Assistant to the Secretary for Special Projects, Isabel Lanada.
Both projects are part of the DSWD’s risk resiliency initiatives, with Project LAWA focusing on helping communities build water reservoirs to address challenges related to dry spells and rainy seasons. Meanwhile, BINHI aims to improve food security by supporting nutritious agriculture for underserved populations. “This national convention marks the culmination of Project LAWA at BINHI’s 2024 implementation and the official launch of the RTEF to the nation,” Dumlao said.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Overseas voter registration low — Comelec
December 3 ------ THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has failed to achieve its target number of overseas voters, netting only 1,254,240 registrants at the end of the seven-month registration period. Chairman George Erwin Garcia said he was disappointed with the results, but noted that even in the past, registration was low for midterm elections.
The Comelec projected 1.5 million registered overseas voters for the 2025 polls. The number was much lower than the 1.7 million migrant workers spread across 92 Philippine posts around the world who registered for the 2022 elections. "The 1.2 million is low. Really very, very low. Maybe because it is a midterm election, but it increases if it is a presidential and vice-presidential election," Garcia said.
Based on records, Garcia said, the biggest number of overseas registrants were recorded in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates, where there are large concentrations of Filipino workers. In areas like the United States and Europe, where Filipinos can apply for dual citizenship, the number of registrants was low, maybe because they feared that registering to vote overseas might hurt their application for other citizenship, he said. Garcia also said he was optimistic that voter turnout among overseas registered voters would be high because internet voting, to be carried out for the first time, would prove to be easy."Once they experience the ease of voting online. I'm sure the number of overseas voters who will cast their votes will dramatically increase compared to 2022," he added. "For me, if the overseas voter turnout [in 2025] would be higher, that would accomplish our goal," he said.
The poll chief said the implementation of internet voting is really meant to increase voter turnout among Filipinos abroad at less cost to the government. Garcia said the Comelec spent more than P400 million for overseas voting in the May 9, 2022 elections but voters' turnout was only 39 percent and even much lower in previous elections. "Spending P411 million (for overseas voting) but resulting in a dismal 39 percent turnout is not value for money... Why are so many overseas Filipinos not voting personally or by mail? Maybe they need another mode," he said.
Overseas voters during the 2022 and earlier elections cast their votes either by mail or voted personally at the Philippine embassy or foreign posts where they were registered. Overseas voters, like the local absentee voters, only vote for president, vice president, 12 senators and one party-list group. In the last election, overseas absentee voting started 30 days before the start of the regular elections but simultaneously closed along with the local voting.
Source: manilatimes.net
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Dolly de Leon wins Best Supporting Actress at Critics Choice AAPI event
December 3 ------ Dolly de Leon brought pride again to the Philippines after bagging the Best Supporting Actress plum at the Critics Choice Association’s (CCA) celebration of the AAPI Cinema and Television. De Leon is among the stars recognized by the CCA for her performance in the film “Ghostlight” at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
During her acceptance speech, the actress expressed her appreciation for her fellow actors, filmmakers, and creatives who have been an integral part of her journey. “This is not just for me, this is for all the talented actors, writers, directors, creatives, who have worked tirelessly to bring our stories to life,” she said. “In a world that often tries to box us in, we’re breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and redefining what it means to be seen on the screen, especially for me as a Filipina.” “To all the AAPI actors and filmmakers, I want to [tell them] to keep dreaming big. Your stories matter and your voices,” she continued.
“Ghostlight,” which premiered in January 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival, stars de Leon, Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, and Tara Mallen. De Leon took on the role of Rita, a community actor who witnessed the film’s central character Dan assaulting a motorist.
Source: inquirer.net
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ABS-CBN's Christmas ID 2024 honors inspiring stories of ordinary Filipinos
MANILA, December 3 ------ ABS-CBN's Christmas Station ID 2024 "Our Stories Shine This Christmas" highlights the inspiring lives of ordinary Filipinos who faced various difficulties yet remained kind and still stood strong, ABS-CBN Head of Creative Communication Management Robert Labayen said. "This year, gaya ng dati, ayaw natin na tungkol sa atin ang station ID. Tungkol ito sa mga karaniwang tao na may magagandang kwento. Talagang 'di natin mapigilan ma-honor ang mga kuwento nila. Lalo na ngayon, sunod-sunod ang bagyo, so hino-honor natin ang mga Pilipino na lumalaban sa anumang bagyo ng buhay," he emphasized.
Labayen is the creative storyteller behind hit ABS-CBN Christmas Station IDs over the past years. He mentioned that for 2024, the station ID has a new visual. "May mga bago tayong visual, mayroon tayong symbol na makikita natin sa lahat ng stories — 'yung Christmas tree," says Labayen. "Sinasabitan ito nila ng mga bagay na mahalaga sa kanila kasi ugali ng Pilipino 'yan e. Doon natin nakuha 'yung inspiration natin, nilalagay natin sa Christmas tree ang mga bagay na mahalaga sa ating values, mahalaga sa ating pamilya," he explained.
Labayen took pride that the station ID is still an "all-star" production, with many Kapamilya stars helping to deliver one big message: a story of kidness that can also inspire others to be kind. "Sana maka-inspire ng kindness sa iba pang makakanuod. Ganoon naman ang Pilipino talagang pagdating ng bagyo, ng kahit anong pagsubok sa atin — nagtutulungan e. 'Yun ang inspiration namin e. Nagtitiwala kami na mas marami pang lalabas na kabaitan ng Pilipino," he said.
Source: abs-cbn.com
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Moira says new album ‘I’m Okay’ is her ‘moving forward’ project
MANILA, December 3 ------ OPM singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre is back in the music scene with a new album entitled “I’m Okay”. During the listening party, Moira shared with ABS-CBN News that the album was two years in the making. What took her so long to finish the music project? Moira said: “It needed its own time. A lot of things - good things, growth takes time. Proper growth takes time. You cannot rush certain things.” She added, “As much as I tried to rush this album, I couldn’t release something that wasn’t real for me. I needed to grow with it, it needed to be true for me.”
Elaborating on “true”, Moira expounded that she allowed herself to go thru all the emotions that she needed to face after her highly-publicized break up with her ex-husband. Moira revealed that in the process of writing the songs for the album, she was able to come up with 60 songs. Out of the 60 songs, only 12 made it to the album. “I allowed myself to be angry, to go through the pain, but also I didn’t want a ‘rant’ album. There were things that I took out, there are things that I can share, but there are things that I don’t have to.” “This is the growing up album.
This is the moving forward album.” So what will happen to the 48 unreleased songs? “Maybe they’ll come out in another season, or for another artist. I don’t know, or maybe not at all. This album is a reminiscent of the lessons I’ve learned, and the season that was.” As this album reflects who Moira is now today, some listeners may find some of her lyrics to be describing or depicting her to be insecure, petty and bitter. “Sabi ko, ipapalabas ko ba ito? But that’s the real one. I feel all those things. I don’t want to look perfect, like hindi ako nagkamali. Ang dami kong mali.”
LESSONS LEARNED
Two years ago, Moira was in the headlines after a highly publicized break-up with her ex-husband Jason Marvin. It took a while before Moira was able to talk about the heartbreaking journey in her life. Admittedly, she said it took a long time for her to finally put into music and lyrics this new phase of her life. She wrote and wrote songs. Went back and forth with her sound engineer and producers, changing lines and lyrics from her songs, making sure what she wants to put out there is what she really feels. And she didn’t want a "rant" album, full of hate and anger.
But she wanted a growth album - a reflection of learnings, lessons and love. “I’m ready to love better,” Moira said on her interview with ABS-CBN News. “I know that in the past there were a lot of growing up that we all had to do. And, there were so many things that were lost in translation.” “There were many things that nobody knew how to do better. And I don’t want anybody getting the full blame for anything because there were two people in a relationship. It takes people to make it work and I’m half to blame for something that didn’t work out. So, if anything in this moving forward phase I think I’m ready to learn better.”
She also quoted and important lesson she recently learned from a friend, “that it’s actually easier to learn things and harder to unlearn things.” Now that she has truly moved on, is she ready to find love again? “And I think I’m ready to explore this new season with a better mind, a calmer heart. I am open to whatever God will allow me in this season.” “For now, I am ready to love people around me better to allow them to speak into my life better. I don’t want to ask for more. I just want to be good and faithful with what He’s giving me.”
Source: abs-cbn.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Kai Sotto impresses in B. League return after stellar Gilas stint
MANILA, Philippines, December 3 ------ After a stellar run with Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Kai Sotto showed no signs of slowing down as he delivered a pair of high-scoring performances for the Koshigaya Alphas in the Japan B. League this past weekend.
In Koshigaya’s first game back following the B. League’s three-week FIBA break last Saturday, November 30, Sotto shot a near-perfect 7-of-8 clip from the field to finish with 20 points, along with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in a tight 94-90 loss to the Fighting Eagles Nagoya. Looking to avoid a weekend sweep at the hands of Nagoya, Sotto then erupted for a team-high 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block as Koshigaya scored a convincing 101-71 payback win on Sunday, December 1.
Prior to his back-to-back scoring explosions for Koshigaya, Sotto made waves for Gilas Pilipinas in its two-game homestand at the Mall of Asia Arena late in November, averaging a double-double of 15.5 points and 12.5 rebounds to help the Asia Cup-bound Filipinos take down New Zealand and Hong Kong to stay undefeated in Group B with a 4-0 card.
Like Sotto, Gilas Pilipinas hotshot Dwight Ramos announced his return to the B. League in style as he went off for a team-best 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in the Levanga Hokkaido’s 84-65 loss to the Hiroshima Dragonflies on Saturday. Ramos – who sat out the Philippines’ 93-54 rout of Hong Kong last November 24 due to a minor calf injury – followed up his 21-point showing with 9 markers, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal in another 87-74 setback to the same opponents the next day.
Former Gilas Pilipinas guard Ray Parks likewise made his presence felt for his B1 squad Osaka Evessa over the weekend. After falling one point short of a double-double with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in Osaka’s 82-77 win over the Ibaraki Robots on Saturday, Parks sizzled for 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists on Sunday as the Evessa repeated with a 74-71 victory.
Elsewhere, both Matthew Wright’s Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Kiefer Ravena’s Yokohama B-Corsairs suffered twin blowout losses. Wright had 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in Kawasaki’s 88-66 Saturday loss to the Alvark Tokyo, before putting up 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal in the Brave Thunders’ 80-62 defeat on Sunday.
Ravena, for his part, tallied 7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals in Yokohama’s 84-67 beating at the hands of the Seahorses Mikawa on Saturday, before coming up with 4 points, 1 rebound, 3 assist, and 1 steal in an 83-65 setback the following day.
After once again missing Gilas Pilipinas’ recent campaign due to a knee injury, AJ Edu suited up for his B1 club Nagasaki Velca on Sunday, but was held to just 2 points on 1-of-2 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 1 block as they proved no match for the Saga Ballooners, 80-51.
The B. League recently announced that Sotto, Ramos, Parks, Wright, Ravena, and Edu will all take part in the B. League Asia Rising Star Game in January. They will join forces with other Asian Quota Imports in the B. League Asia All-Stars squad as they face off with the B. League Rising Stars. Last season, the Asia All-Stars emerged victorious against the Rising Stars, 127-115, with Gilas Pilipinas forward and former Ryukyu Golden Kings Asian import Carl Tamayo showing the way with 18 points.
Source: rappler.com
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Djokovic says he hired Andy Murray as coach due to familiarity
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, December 3 ------ Hiring Andy Murray as his coach came naturally for Novak Djokovic. On a trip to Argentina to play in a farewell match for Juan Martín del Potro, the Serbian explained why he chose his former rival after being without a coach for six months.
Murray and Djokovic announced last week they plan to work together for the Australian Open in January. “Since I was very young, I have played against him… and there are not many people who have won multiple Grand Slam titles,” said Djokovic in Spanish in a press conference before the match against Del Potro.
Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals and finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He ended his playing career after the Paris Olympics in August.
Both men are 37 and were born a week apart in May 1987. They started facing each other as juniors and wound up meeting 36 times as professionals, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 advantage. “He knows my game and everything that I have been through very well,” added Djokovic, currently No. 7 in the ATP rankings. “He knows the things that are wrong with my game, all of my mistakes.” “We played against each other in the biggest stages of our sport, but in the end our friendship was bigger than the rivalry,” added Djokovic. “We are here to celebrate Juan Martin’s career and to enjoy every moment.”
Djokovic has been without a full-time coach since splitting in March from Goran Ivanisevic.
Del Potro, who won the US Open in 2009, won the exhibition match played in Parque Roca, Buenos Aires, 6-4, 7-5.
Source: sports.inquirer.net
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Baltazar unstoppable in Pampanga's Game One win over Quezon in Dubai
DUBAI, December 3 ------ The Pampanga Giant Lanterns flaunted their strength with a breezy 88-71 victory over the Quezon Huskers in Game One of their MPBL Sixth Season National Finals on Monday at the Al Nasr Club's Rashid Bin Hamdan Indoor Hall.
Powered by Justine Baltazar, Archie Concepcion and Brandon Ramirez, North Division champion Pampanga allowed South Division titlist Quezon to score first before seizing control at 3-2 and keeping the rein till the end in the first championship game of a Philippine-based league to be held on foreign soil. Baltazar, on track to retain the MPBL MVP, posted 24 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals while Concepcion tallied 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist.
The stocky but springy Ramirez notched 11 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist and was handed best player honors. Other Giant Lanterns who shone for Pampanga coach Gov. Dennis Pineda were Rence Alcoriza with 9 points and 3 rebounds, Kurt Reyson with 8 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, and MJ Garcia with 5 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 block.
Their combined efforts more than compensated for the early departure of gunner Encho Serrano, who got ejected after catching Huskers star LJay Gonzales with an elbow to the jaw at the 8 minute, 28-second mark of the second quarter and Pampanga ahead, 29-20.
Homegrown Rodel Gravera was the lone bright spot for Quezon, chalking 20 points, including five triples, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal in just 16 minutes and 33 seconds of play. Judel Fuentes, made just three of 16 attempts and settled for 8 points with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, while Al Francis Tamsi ended up with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists for Quezon coach Eric Gonzales.
Game Two of the best-of-five series will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, with the Giant Lanterns, backed by hundreds of Kapampangans, again favored to prevail. The Finals will resume with Game Three on Dec. 7 at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando, Pampnga.
With the 6-foot-8 Baltazar and the 6-5 Ramirez patrolling the middle, the Giant Lanterns ruled the boards, 48-38, and outscored the Huskers inside the paint, 50-32. Back-to-back triples by Gravera and Fuentes helped push Quezon to within 43-49 early in the third quarter, but Ramirez, Concepcion and Jeff Viernes joined forces to quell the rally, 57-43.
The Huskers were further hampered by poor free throw shooting, sinking only three of nine attempts. The Giant Lanterns converted 15 of 22 charities, highlighted by the perfect 6 for 6 performances of Baltazar and Concepcion. Baltazar started hot, pouring in 12 points as Pampanga led, 24-20, after the first quarter. Concepcion then took over in the second quarter, dumping eight points in a 12-2 run that handed Pampanga a 47-32 spread.
MPBL Founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao watched the game promoted by DJMC Events. He will banner an MPBL selection that includes Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes and Operations Head Emmer Oreta against the Dubai All-Stars put up by social media influencer Kris Fade in an exhibition game on Monday.
Source: spin.ph
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Grooming your cat
Should you groom your cat?
In a word, yes! Regular grooming allows you to spend quality time with your cat, as well as providing the opportunity to monitor their health. Grooming also removes dust, dead skin and loose hairs, prevents serious tangling and matting and can improve circulation.
Looking at the condition of your cat's coat can be a good way of checking on their overall health and nutrition. Look for issues such as sore patches, wounds or matted fur, and if the condition of your cat's coat changes, visit your vet for a check-up.
How much time to spend grooming your cat
This depends on your cat, but short, regular sessions are best. Use praise and treats to help your cat associate grooming with nice things. Some cats find grooming uncomfortable, so if you notice your cat twitching, swishing their tail, growling or hissing, end the session.
Many long-haired cats need grooming every day to prevent knots from forming, while short-haired cats generally do a good job of grooming themselves. However, grooming sessions at least once a week are still important to help keep their coat in a good condition.
Grooming a long-haired cat
Use a wide-toothed metal comb and follow the direction the hair grows in naturally. Include your cat's chest and abdomen, behind their ears, the backs of their legs and armpit area, where tangles tend to form.
Tease any knots gently with the comb to avoid damaging the skin. Keep grooming sessions short, especially while your cat gets used to them, and finish with praise and a reward.
Choosing the best grooming comb or brush for your cat
There are a variety of combs and brushes available. Some are specifically for checking for fleas and eggs, while others help tackle the molting season. Others include:
• Specialized dematting combs, which should be used instead of attempting to cut matted fur with scissors, as there is the risk of cutting your cat's skin.
• Soft bristle and pin brushes, which can help distribute natural oils which can help the condition of your cat's fur.
• Slicker brushes, which are good for pulling out dead hair and breaking down mats in long-haired cats.
You can also buy grooming mitts, which are useful for removing the dead hair from shorter-coated breeds.
Source: www.rspca.org.uk
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