Philippine Army donates 4million to GMA Kapuso Foundation

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine Army donated P4 million to GMA Kapuso Foundation intended for the benefit of those affected by typhoon Odette.

Here's the AFP press statement on their response to #OdettePh.:

"In close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, our disaster response operations are ongoing in areas that were and will be affected by Typhoon Odette. 

These include emergency evacuations, search and rescue, clearing, and transport assistance for the delivery of relief goods.

As the lead agency of the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Cluster, we have mobilized units from our regional commands to the battalion level to ensure the widest coverage possible. 

Air and naval assets are also on call and ready for deployment to support the national and local disaster risk reduction and management councils and other response clusters. 

Other units that are not in the typhoon's path are also on standby to provide support when necessary.

In this trying time, we enjoin those who can help to extend assistance in any way they can to those who are badly affected by this typhoon. Help is on the way and the AFP along with other government agencies are working 24/7 to reach those who are in need."

But why are they donating P4 million to a private, media-related foundation for its relief efforts when it could have given the funds to government agencies directly involved in disaster relief? Why not to NDRRMC, DSWD or to those affected LGUs?

Based on the AFP press statement on their response to #Odette, I don't see giving donations to private foundations in its scope of operations. 

The Oceanic Jewels of the Southeast Asia

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

Southeast Asia is a beautiful destination for a laid-back sailing trip with its warm climates, crystal blue seas and white sandy beaches. This region includes mainland locations such as Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as the island countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei.

The tourism industry supports more than 42 million jobs across South East Asia and contributed almost $400 million US dollars to the economy in 2019. One of the most visited countries is Thailand, followed by Malaysia and then Singapore.

While it is possible to join a group boat tour in many of these locations, hiring your own vessel from a company such as www.borrowaboat.com will give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Southeast Asia is ideal for visitors that enjoy adventurous activities such as exploring historical and cultural sights as well as water sports and scuba diving is likely to feature on your itinerary.

These are just some of the best locations you can visit on a sailing holiday in the Southeast region of Asia:


Thailand’s Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe


The famous Sunset Beach is a 400 meter stretch of white sand on the west coast of Koh Lipe. It is one of the quieter main beaches in the area but can still get busy during peak times.

This beach is ideal for swimming and watching the sunset. There are also several beach bars, with some food options and local delicacies. If you are intending to visit Thailand, why not sail through the crystal waters to this area of Koh Lipe for a relaxing day trip?



Paradise Beach of Bantayan Island

While you won't find a Starbucks or KFC on Bantayan Island, the tourist infrastructure is fairly well developed with luxury resorts and even 4G internet available to visitors.

Another beach worth visiting in Southeast Asia is Paradise Beach on Bantayan Island in the Philippines. This beach is in a secluded location and reaching it will require a motorbike or pump boat.

Due to its quiet location, there are no refreshments available on the beach, so be sure to pack yourself a picnic in advance. The ocean is also ideal for swimming here and snorkelling to see the diverse marine life is encouraged.

Entry to Paradise Beach costs visitors 50 pesos, which is surely worth it for some peace and tranquillity.



Ha Long Bay

Over in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a wonderful place to visit for sailing tourists. There are over 3000 limestone islands to explore. Considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is one of the most popular destinations in the Quảng Ninh Province of the country.

There is a huge amount of biodiversity in Ha Long Bay, making it especially popular with snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. Many geologists visit the area to study its natural rock formations and unique appearance.

If sailing through the area, be sure to stop off at Cat Ba Island. This island has some idyllic villages and a number of lesser-known beaches with white sands and calm waters. It is also great for hiking and cycling and if trekking through natural areas you will see rare wildlife such as langur monkeys and green and hawksbill turtles.



Hoi An Cham Islands

Also on your South East Asia bucket list should be a trip to the Cham Islands off the coast of Hoi An. It is wise to avoid this area during monsoon season between October and February and try to be there between June and August for the best weather and water conditions.

One of the best attractions of the Cham Islands is the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, which sees a high number of scuba divers each year due to its impressive marine life. Within the reserve area there is thought to be around 410 acres of coral reefs and 1,200 acres of underwater plant life.

There is a lot of effort currently being put into sustainable development in the area, to ensure the islands can stay as a peaceful natural centre for biodiversity for many years to come.



Raja Ampat diving site

Lastly, the Raja Ampat diving site in the corner of Indonesia is teeming with marine life. Manta Sandy is one of the must visit locations within Raja Ampat, while Francisco’s Peak is a recently discovered dive site where you can spot rare species such as the phantom pipefish and wobbegongs.

If looking to see some natural coral then Friwin Island is the place to visit, this island is surrounded by coral and a known hotspot for White tip sharks in the deepest parts of the water.

These are just some of the top destinations to visit for those planning a sailing trip to Southeast Asia. Plan your itinerary out before you set sail to ensure you get the most out of your adventure to this diverse and beautiful part of the world.

Young filmmakers explore science mysteries amid pandemic in 5th Indie-Siyensya

Wazzup Pilipinas?!


From the mundane mysteries such as sleep and solar power to social issues such as vaccine hesitancy and environmentally-sustainable fishing traditions, everyday science comes to life in the able explorations of the young documentary filmmakers of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI’s) 5th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition.

Over five dozen entries from schools and individuals all across the Philippines, from Abra to Maguindanao, joined the contest. Their entries consisted of short documentaries relevant to the theme “The Scientist in Me,” aimed at explaining the science behind everyday things.

DOST-SEI specifically chose the theme in response to the need for public safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a way to encourage the youth to see science as an essential part of their everyday lives.

“Science is so much more than just a set of facts: it is a way of life, a way of seeing the world,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo. “This innate ability to see the world anew is a philosophy of hope that is much needed, especially in these times. It is for this reason that we chose the theme, ‘The Scientist In Me.’”

Even despite the constraints of the pandemic, the entries didn’t disappoint.

For the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school, and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, the winners were:

 

1. “Snooze,” a documentary on the science of sleep, by Micah Paulina C. Limlengco of Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus 
2. “Agam- Agham,” a Filipino-language investigation of vaccine hesitancy, by Mary Antonette G. Agapito, Malena Riz C. Ballon, Juliana Krishna W. Guevarra, Val Allen U. Eltagonde, and Divine Mae R. Manadong of Rizal National Science High School (Region4 A) 
3. “Marvels of Science: Non-Newtonian Fluid,” an exploration of the strange properties of a homemade material, by De La Salle University Integrated School - Manila (NCR) 

 

For the “Open Category” for college students, teachers, and S&T professionals, the winners were:  

1. “Sinag,” a look at the surprising science of solar power, by Richelle Joan Gareza Enriquez of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (NCR) 
2. “Super Sci Yan,” an exploration of alternative energy sources, by Kenneth Peterson F. Leviste of Arkos Digital (NCR) 
3. “Yankaw,” an investigative documentary of a sustainable traditional Filipino fishing practice, by Khristine L. Sandoval of NU Sports Academy (Laguna, Region 4A) 

 

The films were judged based on scientific content, idea execution, and filmmaking technique. At stake for each category were trophies and cash prizes worth PhP100,000 for the Best Film, PhP50,000 pesos for the second prize, and PhP30,000 for the third prize. 

 

In addition, both “Marvels of Science: Non- Newtonian Fluid” and “Yankaw” also received the Viewer’s Choice Award, amounting to an additional PhP20,000 each. 

 

The winning entries may be viewed for free at the following link: https://bit.ly/5thIndieWinners.