Mayon Volcano Threatens to Erupt

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines' Mayon volcano is putting on a spectacular show as it threatens to erupt.

But don't get us wrong, there is true danger to this development.

It's been 14 years since the last time we saw Mayon's crater glow. Still breathtaking, literally and figuratively.

We have to ask "How can be something be so beautiful and be so dangerous at the same time?"




On 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and buried the town of Cagsawa with tephra, with ash accumulating to 9 m (30 ft) in depth. It buried the Cagsawa church leaving only the belfry visible. 2,200 locals perished in what is considered to be the most lethal eruption in Mayon's history.

In Albay, they also have this so called legend entitled The Legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron. I mentioned it because in some photos showing the lava flow at night, images show what looks like Panganoron is kissing Magayon (Mayon) to calm her down.

Even how fierce and dangerous Mayon is, Panganuron never left her side.

Mayon is truly the epitome of a woman. She's so beautiful and majestic but she can be so dangerous too.

Let's start praying for our fellow Bicolanos residing near it. Mayon Volcano is now on Alert Level 3. I hope everyone evacuated already. It has become dangerous for the people to remain at their homes.

Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara has suspended all classes since January 15, in schools within the villages where residents were displaced and in schools used as evacuation centers. This means children missing their lessons again, another harm brought about by such an impending wrath of nature.

Authorities led by PhiVolcs warn an explosive eruption is possible "within days or weeks." The seemingly perfect cone-shape has been deformed already due to magma flow.

There are circulating reports telling that Mayon volcano could possible make the West Valley Fault in Metro Manila move, inducing fear among many people, especially that an earthquake was felt in the metro a few days ago.

Well, maybe Mayon is just a strong independent volcano that kept silent all these years but grew tired of all the disrespectful jerks climbing up her business and making decisions about her body as if they own her.

Keep safe everyone. Just like before, its eruption would cause a significant impact to all, especially those within its vicinity.

Korina Sanchez-Roxas: Newest Face of Belo Thermage

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Belo Beauty finally bared the newest face of their Belo Thermage and it’s no other than the seasoned journalist, Korina Sanchez-Roxas.

From delivering the news to making the headline, veteran anchor Korina was praised by netizens for her new look in a beauty advertisement.

We would like to interview Korina, and her husband Mar Roxas, to find out their reaction to this amazing transformation.

Also, we would like to personally see Korina ourselves so we could confidently say if it was all nothing but a Photoshop creation, or truly a work of wonder by Dra. Vicky Belo.

While stuck in traffic, people who saw the billboard were like:

"I wonder who this new star is? naka Belo pa ha! PAK!!! si Korina Sanchez man diay ni oi!!! nacacaloca!!! Photoshop? New enhancements? Or maybe just the makeup and styling? Hmmmm...."

"Shock ako while driving buti na lng traffic. Almost got a stiffed- necked kakatingin."

"Honestly, I cannot find Korina in this face... Pero galling ah!"



Though "retokes" are fine, it should really make things look natural and better. With this seemingly younger and fresher look, something is iffy with the nose that makes it look uncomfortably weird...or is it just me feeling strange because it is a total transformation from the original look of Korina. Her face so drastically slimmed down that I thought she was Liz Uy or somebody else.

But the nose is negligible to the overall new look. I would still vote a high score for this surprising transfirmation.

Asking the Right Questions to Measure the Effectiveness of Your Trip Planning

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ready for an amazing trip? I hope so, because I am excited for you! I know why you are here. You’ve always wanted to plan a trip, but never knew how to. Or maybe you though you did and it ended badly. We understand. Planning seems easy at first, but the more you look into it, the more challenging it becomes.

Traveling is the best thing that can happen to any of us – but that’s only after making the plans! Until we get to the enjoyable part, we must go through the necessary to-dos.
So, where do you begin? First, smile! You are going on a trip soon! Breathe in, breath out, and congratulate yourself on the accomplishment. Next, sit down, grab a paper and a pen (or open up your laptop), and brainstorm. Let’s see how to plan an effective trip together and enjoy our stay!


Where do you want to go?

I know there are soooo many opportunities to choose from, but you must pick one. It’s challenging, but you must keep organized in order to plan effectively. Many people talk about traveling like they talk about going to the gym – they pretty much know what they what to do, but they have no clear idea about it. That won’t give you any incentive! It will just distract you from your unorganized itinerary.

Thus:

Make top 5 destination list

Check those countries’ currencies and compare them to the dollar

If on a budget, choose the one that is less financially burdening

If not, pick the one with the greatest reviews

If you really can’t decide, make a Pros and Cons list and go with it


What do you want to do?

There are two types of travelers in this world: backpackers and tourists. Where do you situate? If you are a tourist, you will probably travel with a big suitcase and visit common places. If you are a backpacker, you are most likely going to visit uncommon, uncrowded places, wearing only a small backpack which includes the essentials.

Don’t get me wrong – even if I am a backpacker, I don’t blame tourists. They enjoy their time everywhere they go, and are extremely wonderful people! Being a backpacker is harder and cheaper though. It really depends on your budget and desires. After you’ve decided what type of traveler you are going to be, make a list of activities you want to do and places you want to see.
How much time do you have?

After deciding where you want to go, decide how long you want to stay in each of the places you’re visiting. Don’t make a strict plan and buy all the tickets in advance – that leaves no room for improvising.
Clara Bottom is a world traveler who offers people assignment help whenever they need it. This is how she earns her living and affords to travel the world. She says, “What if you are going to meet the love of your life in Paris and decide to spend one more night there? Buying a ticket beforehand is inconvenient in such situations. Think about the approximate time you are going to spend in each place, and write it down. Don’t set the dates in advance though. It’s boring!”


What’s your budget?

They say you can’t travel without money – that is bee-s. Of course you can. That’s called traveling on a budget. It’s hard, it might be a pain in the bum, you might have to make compromises, but there is a way. There is always a way. Research your costs in advance and make a daily plan. For instance, if you are going to New York, plan to spend around $100 per day. That means $1,000 per week. Always think about it like that!

Laila Johnson, if you decided to be a backpacker, your costs are going to be lower and you might be able to afford traveling for a longer period. If you are a tourist, staying in luxury hotels and having expensive meals will be pretty expensive. Again, it’s solely about your wishes!


Check for deals and book your flight in advance

There are last-minute deals available at times, and their offers are great. Check for those wherever you can! The accommodation prices for such offers are amazing. Also, book you flight in advance in order to avoid high costs. You’ll find great deals on Black Friday, so watch out! Check Skyscanner or Kayak, they always have very good offers.



Conclusion

Now that you are all set, the only thing left to do is have fun! As I’ve said, planning accordingly beforehand is going to save you time and effort during the trip. And aren’t you escaping in order to relax? I hope I’ve helped you with tips on how to plan properly. Feel free to live a comment or feedback of any kind. Good luck, and safe travels!

References:
https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/planning-a-trip/


About the Author:

When Cathy Baylis does not write about personal development and provide motivation tips, she writes interesting facts and stories. She says that writing is her passion, and she enjoys sharing her expertise on the topic with anyone who is interested.

Edward Kelly Elated to Compete Alongside Older Brother Eric at ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Eric and Edward Kelly lived under the same roof for years in their hometown of Baguio City when they were young and shared the same burning passion in martial arts.

Growing up in the small town community of San Tomas Central, located within the city limits of Baguio, Eric and Edward did not always get along with one another as the two fought all the time, sometimes even resulting in injury.

“We were not that close before. We always fought. In short, Eric and I were headaches to our parents,” Edward recalled in jest. “But of course, things change when you grow up and mature. We now appreciate each other’s company.”

Fortunately, when the brothers entered high school, Eric discovered martial arts, and everything would change for both of them.

Edward paid attention to the growing accolades of his older brother and was heavily motivated by it.

“I noticed after he started martial arts that it taught him the discipline not to fight me as a brother. Instead, he started giving me advice through what he had learned,” he bared. “I also joined martial arts because it teaches you discipline, and a lot of other positives, too.”

Years later, both men have made remarkable runs as outstanding martial artists in their respective professional careers.

Eric is now widely regarded as one of the best homegrown martial arts athletes to come out of the Philippines.

A Wushu practitioner who combines solid striking techniques with high-level grappling skills, Eric owns nine scintillating submissions and one knockout out of 12 total career victories.

Eric’s most impressive showing to date came in a submission win over Rob Lisita in July 2014, a performance that earned him the US$50,000 ONE Warrior Bonus.

Meanwhile, Edward is considered as one of the best and brightest featherweight prospects to emerge from the well-established martial arts scene in the Philippines.

With a complete striking and grappling skill set, Edward brings Team Lakay’s world-renowned Wushu to center stage as he showcases his impeccable skillset inside the ONE Championship cage.

In addition, the younger Kelly has won three of his last four bouts under the ONE Championship banner, all by spectacular finish.

The Kelly brothers get a rare chance on 26 January as the siblings will compete side-by-side when ONE Championship holds its first of the four scheduled events in the country for 2018.

Asia’s premier martial arts promotion spearheads ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Eric squares off with Brazilian standout Rafael Nunes on the undercard of ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES, while Edward crosses paths with Cambodia’s Meas Meul in a three-round featherweight clash.

It is the first time both of them will be featured at a ONE Championship event together, and Edward plans to make it a night they will never forget.

“I am so excited because finally, it’s going to happen. It marks the first time that I will compete alongside my older brother. Surely, it’s going to be a memorable night for the both of us,” he said.

“We have the same aim of winning. So making it two for two on this card will make this extra special,” Edward added.

As Eric seeks to get back on the winning track at the expense of Nunes, Edward is likewise looking to move forward in his career after getting his three-bout winning streak snapped by American stalwart Emilio Urrutia in August 2017.

In his next cage outing, Edward goes up against Meul, a undefeated promotional newcomer with six wins to his credit, at ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES.

“My coaches has prepared me well for this. I am not going to disappoint my team and my country when I enter that cage on 26th of January,” Edward assured. “I don’t want to let my countrymen down this time. I am here to give them a great bout. And of course, win the bout in impressive fashion for them.”

Edward has no qualms if he has to go full three rounds with Meul, but he admitted that his sights are always set on securing the finish.

“I am looking to dominate him for three rounds. But hopefully, I can get the finish. A finish will be the perfect way to tell the world that I am back,” he ended.

​​​​​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

DepEd Adopts Philippine Professional Standard for Teachers to Further Improve Educators’ Qualification Skills

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Recognizing the importance of professionalizing standards for teachers and for their continuous development, the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Teacher Education Council (TEC), adopted the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST).

In DepEd Order No. 42, series 2017 or the National Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones stated that the new set of standards for teachers is propelled by the introduction of national and international frameworks, such as the K to 12 program and ASEAN integration.

The PPST outlines the required skills and competencies of quality teachers, enabling them to cope with the emerging global frameworks.

The PPST basically aims to: 1) set the clear expectations of teachers along well-defined career stages of professional development from beginning to distinguished practice; 2) engage teachers to actively embrace a continuing effort in attaining proficiency; and 3) apply a uniform measure to assess teacher performance, identify needs, and provide support for professional development.

Briones pointed out that the PPST will be the basis for all learning and development programs for teachers to ensure that they are properly equipped to effectively implement the K to 12. Teacher quality for the 21st century The PPST targets to produce better teachers in the country by improving their qualifications skills and by increasing their levels of knowledge, practice and professional engagement.

The six modules of the PPST are the following: 1) The Department of Education; 2) The Filipino Teacher; 3) The K to 12 curriculum; 4) The Teaching Process; 5) the Learning Process; and 6) The School and Community Linkages.

These are all anchored on the seven domains that quality teachers should exhibit including: 1) Content Knowledge and Pedagogy; 2) Learning Environment; 3) Diversity of learners; 4) Curriculum and Planning; 5) Assessment and Reporting; 6) Community Linkages and Professional Engagement; and 7) Personal Growth and Professional Development.

Career stages Anchored on the principle of lifelong learning, the set of professional standards for teachers articulates their developmental progression.

Career Stage 1 or Beginning Teachers have gained the qualifications for entry into teaching position; Career Stage 2 or Proficient Teachers are professionally independent in the application of skills vital to the teaching and learning process; Career Stage 3 or Highly Proficient Teachers consistently display a high level of performance in their teaching practice; and Career Stage 4 or Distinguished Teachers exhibit the highest standard of teaching practice in accordance to global best practice.

The regional offices are set to orient their respective schools divisions on the PPST, including the monitoring and evaluation of its implementation. The school divisions will cascade it to schools districts and schools.


2017 PPST activities

DepEd, through the Teacher Education Council (TEC) headed by Director Runvi Manguerra, has initiated the PPST workshops on Module Development, Enhancement and Validation attended by curriculum specialists, school heads, and other stakeholders. A workshop on the Development of Implementing Guidelines for PPST was also conducted in coordination with the Research Center for Teacher Quality (RCTQ), and attended by DepEd Regional Directors and officers of Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) program.

TEC also spearheaded the PPST National Roll-Out, as well as the Teacher Induction Program (TIP) National Orientation of Trainers in three clusters – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which was participated by DepEd Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, chiefs, district supervisors, principals, education program specialists, master teachers, and RCTQ officials. This was followed by TIP module review workshops and module pre-finalization workshops.

The concept of the PPST was first introduced during the First National Assembly of Education Leaders held at PICC, Pasay City, and attended by 3,800 education managers nationwide. It was formally launched during the World Teachers’ Day (WTD) celebration held in Legazpi City that was attended by 6,000 teachers across the country.

Bello Announces Opening of Overseas Filipino Bank on Jan. 18, the Creation of 2 Million New Jobs in 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced that President Rodrigo “ Rody” R. Duterte will launch the first ever Overseas Filipino Bank tomorrow January 18 Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Philippine Post Office Building at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila City, he announced this on January 17 at the Pandesal Forum of 79-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

Secretary Bello said: “This has been the promise of politicians for the past 40 years, but this will be fulfilled tomorrow. The Overseas Filipino Bank will service the financial and other needs of overseas Filipinos, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and of all the country’s workers. This is good news for all overseas Filipinos and for the Philippine economy.” Bello added that overseas Filipino workers could avail of loans from P50, 000 to P350, 000, collateral-free, and with lower interest rates than other regular banks.

Secretary Bello also expressed high hopes that the government’s now stalled peace talks with Communist rebels shall resume soon, he told media that President Duterte is sincere in his wish for achieving “inclusive and lasting peace for the Philippines” and hopes that the Communist rebels will cooperate. Communist Party founder Jose Ma. Sison is former colleague of Secretary Bello and President Duterte, because Bello said he was chairman of the leftist Bayan group in Mindanao during the martial law years which he pointed out was more militant than other Bayan chapters in Metro Manila and other regions.

Bello also announced that government estimates creation of new jobs this year 2018 at 2 million new jobs due to President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program and the TRAIN tax reform law, plus 2 million new jobs yearly for a total of 10 million jobs in 5 years.

For the year 2017, DOLE had inspected 60,732 establishments covering 6.994 million workers and 85,725 workers have been regularized as of January 10, 2018.

Secretary Bello said: “For year 2018, DOLE shall inspect 54,530 establishments to ensure compliance with labor laws and standards, particularly the right to security of tenure. Rest assured that the government-especially President Duterte-is committed to improve the welfare of all workers in the Philippines.”

Men's Wedding Bands Play a Crucial Role in Various Wedding Ceremonies

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Weddings are beautiful occasions not only for the bride and bridegroom but also for the two families as their children are getting united and starting a new life. Weddings can be defined as a ceremony where two people - the bride and the bridegroom - are united or rather get married to each other.

Even though the meaning of wedding is the same all over the world, the rituals performed in the wedding ceremony differ between various cultures, religions, classes, and countries.

The main purpose of this wedding ceremony is to publicly announce the marriage between the two people. This is necessary from the viewpoint of law. How you celebrate this ceremony depends on your financial status and the reputation you have in the society.

However, there are some rituals which are assumed to be compulsory based on the religion and the culture. One should have clear idea about the common types of weddings that takes place through the world.

FamilyMart’s Easy, Tasty Ways Stick to Your Healthy Eating New Year Resolutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here are FamilyMart's Special offers and dishes to help you get fit and fab.

The new year signals a fresh start for everyone. This is the perfect time to achieve that better version of yourself - wiser, braver, and fitter. Always at the top of our resolutions list is to shed off a few pounds or to eat healthier. But sticking to that “become healthier” resolution could be quite the challenge when you’re always tempted to indulge and put off making a trip to the gym.

So, to ring in the new year and help you realistically commit to being healthy, FamilyMart offers you nutritious dishes made specially by the students of Enderun.

Get your dose of protein, fiber, and calcium from a classic Caesar Salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, chicken, and parmesan. You can also opt for something a little bit richer but still filled with vitamins and minerals like Kani Salad composed of crab meat, mayonnaise, and greens. For something more filling, go for the Cobb Salad with all that good stuff like cheese and bacon but heavy on the greens to make it guilt-free. Healthy eating can also be easy on the pockets because these salads are only for P89 each.



FamilyMart is also helping you get fit and fab with special offers from Yoga+. With a minimum purchase worth P150 on Live Light, and Live Right participating items, you can avail of a Trial Drop-In class for only P100. You can also upgrade the offer to an unlimited 2-week package by adding P899. Just visit www.yogaplus.ph to find a Yoga+ branch near you and for more details on their rates.

Sticking to that being fit and healthy resolution could really be doable. So, commit to a better you this year by heading over to FamilyMart for light and easy meals plus great offers for your fitness goals.



For updates, exciting products, and awesome deals, like and follow FamilyMart Philippines on Facebook, @familymartph on Instagram, and @FamilyMartPH on Twitter. For store locations or more information on FamilyMart Philippines, log on to.

FamilyMart is the 2nd largest convenience store chain in the world with over 18,000 stores across Asia. In the Philippines, FamilyMart has branches in Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, Alabang and Laguna.

Government Saves PhP 9-B From Taguig ITX Project

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has managed to save the government PhP 9 billion in the construction of the Taguig Intergrated Terminal Exchange (ITX) project as the private partner, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), agreed to waive the Annual Grantor Payment (AGP).

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said he sat down with top honchos of ALI to forgo the PhP 277 million AGP, which is supposed to be paid on a yearly basis for 35 years.

"Let's find ways how we can stop the practice and paradigm of government paying the private sector royalty grounds as they operate terminals. Under the contract, the government should pay PhP 277 million for the next 35 years," Secretary Tugade said.

Further, Sec. Tugade said that the DOTr has engaged in a discussion with ALI since last year, where they were able to come up with a win-win solution that will ultimately benefit the Filipino people.

"Two things will be done -- the P277 million per year for the next 35 years will no longer be paid, saving the government, this country, no less than PhP 9 billion cashout annually... And two, from the start of its commercial operation, until the end of the concession agreement, ALI will share 2% of their income from the commercial spaces in favor of the government," Secretary Tugade said during the groundbreaking of the Taguig ITX, one of the big-ticket infrastructure projects of the Duterte Administration aimed at further decongesting vehicular traffic on EDSA.

During the ceremony, the transportation head was joined by other members of the BUILDBUILDBUILD Team including DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon.

Taguig ITX project, done in partnership with ALI., will be a 6-storey building on a 5.57 hectare property inside the FTI compound which would house passenger concourse, a centralized ticketing area and several business and retail establishments.

The project will also have a provision for 1,200 public utility buses and vehicles’ bays and parking. Upon its completion, Taguig ITX is expected to house around 4,000 buses and accommodate 160,000 passengers daily. It will also feature a pedestrian walkway connection to the PNR FTI station and the proposed subway system.

Taguig ITX will cater to all provincial buses plying the south of Luzon, Visayas and Mindandao destinations.

The Taguig ITX construction would start by the 2nd half of 2018 and is expected to start operation by 1st half of 2020.

Other high level government officials who attended this morning’s ITX groundbreaking rites at the former NFA warehouse, FTI, Taguig City, include Taguig City Mayor Lani. Cayetano, Cong. Federico Sandoval II (Malabon), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin Delgra III, PNR Chairman Roberto Lastimoso and General Manager Junn Magno, NFA administrator Jason Aquino, and PPP Center Executive Director Boyet Pecson.

ALI chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala , ALI vice chairman and director Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala also graced the ceremony.

Foundation for Media Alternatives Denounces Attacks On Press Freedom & Free Speech

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) condemns all attempts to suppress press freedom in the Philippines. As advocates of human rights and communication rights, FMA believes that freedom of the press and of expression are fundamental to civil liberty and must be upheld especially at a time when the very foundations of democracy are under threat.

On January 15, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked the registration of Rappler, an online media organization in the Philippines. The next day, a subcommittee at the House of Representatives proposed to amend Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution to specify “responsible exercise” as a qualifier for constitutionally protected speech. These two incidents come at the tail end of a series of attacks against Philippine media. In numerous occasions, President Rodrigo Duterte himself has directly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. In one instance, Duterte offered to arrive at a compromise provided that ABS-CBN promotes federalism. Even the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, which has been a staunch critic of Duterte’s war on drugs, was not spared and the renewal of its broadcast franchise was left to languish in Congress after it expired. This, while the administration builds a close circle of bloggers and opinion makers, a select few favored, accredited and resourced by government agents.

Thus, the defense that the Rappler lockdown is an isolated case simply cannot stand. The government has made its message loud and clear: support our agenda or lose your right to operate.

It is time we reclaim our voices and speak back.

Mass media is often referred to as the Fourth Estate, watchdogs against tyranny and a pillar of democracy. It is a major piece in the elaborate system of checks and balances established to prevent abuse of power. Without a free press, without a public sphere that encourages difference and dissent, individual forces increase their capacity to manipulate and monopolize public opinion. Such is exactly how authoritarian regimes are born. This is why we cannot let any attempt to curtail press freedom—however small or “isolated” they may be—simply come to pass.

FMA has always been resolute in its commitment to uphold the freedom of the press, and we will continue to do so. Under international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Republic of the Philippines is bound to protect the freedom of expression and of the press. But when the State itself emerges as a threat to these freedoms, it is up to civil society and the public to defend them.

We, at FMA, therefore call on the Filipino public to continue to stand its ground against the creeping crackdown of the free press masked as legitimate regulation of mass media ownership. This constitutes indirect media censorship masked as regulatory oversight, with a sinister objective of silencing dissent and free expression.


#StandWithRappler #DefendPressFreedom