BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for April 17, 2024
HEADLINES
US, China officials discuss Middle East, Taiwan, South China Sea
World leaders call on nations to swiftly ratify U.N. ocean treaty
Panama Canal to Add Back Daily Transits as Rainy Season Approaches
Mission to Seafarers joins SSI stressing key role of seafarers in decarbonizing shipping
Five European countries open their doors to cross-border CO2 storage
55 Chinese vessels spotted in West Philipine Sea – official
Luzon, Visayas grids placed under red, yellow alert
DOH records 1,477 pertussis cases nationwide
PH embassies not yet raising alert levels in Israel, Iran
LTO orders additional 6.5M plastic cards for licenses
42 to 47ºC peak heat index recorded in 15 areas
Pagadian airport closed for a month for rehab
Metro Manila’s water supply remains stable despite scorching heat
Catriona Gray on ‘advocacies, pageantry business’ during Miss Universe reign
Saab Magalona gets real about personal challenges, shares reminder about social media
Tireless at 63, Randy Santiago dances, jumps, gyrates and sings onstage non-stop
Chery Tiggo sweeps PLDT to join second spot tie party in PVL
LeBron, Steph Team USA lead guns
Alex Eala exits W125 Portugal tournament
Don’t Worry, Be Happy—12 Ways to Stay Positive
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US, China officials discuss Middle East, Taiwan, South China Sea
WASHINGTON, USA, April 17 —— The top US diplomat for East Asia discussed Middle East developments, the South China Sea and Taiwan issues with Chinese counterparts in Beijing, the State Department said, the latest effort by the two countries to stabilize rocky ties.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink met with Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, as well as with Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Qiu Kaiming, the State Department said in a statement on the April 14-16 visit.
The officials, including US National Security Council senior director for China and Taiwan Sarah Beran and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, discussed bilateral, regional and global issues, including the Middle East, China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base, cross-Strait issues, the South China Sea and North Korea, the department said. “The visit builds on recent high-level diplomacy with the PRC to manage areas of difference as well as areas of cooperation, while reducing the risk of miscalculation,” it said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.
The statement gave few details on the talks. Though US officials say communication channels with Beijing have largely normalized after months of heightened tensions, they have also warned that Chinese support for Russia’s war in Ukraine put stabilizing ties at risk. The meetings come ahead of the May presidential inauguration in democratically governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, and after the US held summits last week with both Japan and the Philippines that focused on pushing back against China in the South China Sea and elsewhere. In meetings with the Philippines, the US reiterated its “ironclad” support for the Philippines amid Manila’s maritime dispute with China in the South China Sea, in which there have been several tense run-ins in recent weeks.
Source: rappler.com
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World leaders call on nations to swiftly ratify U.N. ocean treaty
ATHENS, Greece, April 17 —— The European Union and the governments of 13 countries, including the Philippines urged nations to prioritize the ratification of a U.N. treaty to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing and other human activities.
The EU and the governments of Belgium, Bermuda, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, South Korea, Nigeria, Palau, the Philippines and Seychelles committed that the “High Seas” treaty swiftly secure the 60 ratifications needed to get into force at an “Our Ocean” conference held in Athens this week. The global pact to conserve biodiversity in the high seas was formally adopted by the United Nations last year and is seen as a crucial tool to meet a target to protect 30% of the Earth’s land and sea by 2030, known as “30 by 30.” So far, four countries – Palau, Chile, Belize and the Seychelles – have formally ratified the treaty, while 89 countries have signed it, expressing their intent to ratify it. The European Union committed to spend 3.5 billion euros ($3.71 billion) to protect the ocean and promote sustainability through a series of initiatives this year, its top environment official said on Tuesday.
In total, more than 400 new commitments amounting to $10 billion were announced during the conference. The EU’s 40 commitments, announced during the annual conference, range from fighting marine pollution to supporting sustainable fisheries and investments in the so-called blue economy – sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources for economic activity. “We hope to gather the other 60 ratifications needed for the agreement’s entry into force as soon as possible,” said EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius. “The ocean is part of who we are, and it is our shared responsibility.”
Warming oceans
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said last month that ocean temperatures hit a record high in February, according to data that goes back to 1979. Overfishing and plastic pollution are also major threats to oceans. The biggest part of the EU funds will be used to support 14 investments and one reform in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Other EU initiatives are directed to helping African countries develop their blue economy.
Greece will spend 780 million euros on 21 commitments which include a ban on bottom trawling in all of the country’s marine protected areas, he added. The country also pledged to create two more marine parks, one in the Aegean Sea for the protection of seabirds and one in the Ionian Sea for the protection of sea mammals, which will cover more than 4,000 sq km (1,545 sq miles) of areas protected under the EU’s Natura 2000 network of sites. “Mitigation and adaptation are not enough. We must also focus on protection and restoration to insulate land and seas from harmful human activity and to give space to nature to heal,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The marine park in the Aegean Sea has irritated neighboring Turkey, which said last week that it was not willing to accept a possible “fait accompli on geographical features whose status is disputed”. In response, Greece accused Turkey of “politicizing a purely environmental issue”. Environmental groups have also urged Greece to halt its gas exploration plans in the Ionian Sea. The “Our Ocean” conference has mobilized more than 2,160 commitments worth approximately $130 billion since its launch in 2014.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Panama Canal to Add Back Daily Transits as Rainy Season Approaches
April 17 —— After months of increasing restrictions due to falling water levels in its reservoir, the Panama Canal Authority will continue its gradual restoration of daily transits and add a foot to the maximum draft. The decision was made after an analysis of the water levels, efforts to save water and increase storage, and a slight increase in rainfall levels in April ahead of the traditional rainy season.
The increase in transits is especially good news for bulkers, car carriers, and gas carriers as well as smaller containerships as the increases in transits are slated for the original Panamax locks. After a week-long period of maintenance in May that will restrict transits, the number of daily crossings will be increased primarily for the” Supers” category, Panamax vessels with a beam over 91 feet. Five slots will be restored for a total of 18 daily transits for Supers with a total of 31 daily transits being conducted.
Starting in June, the Panama Canal Authority will also add one additional slot for the largest vessels transiting the canal through the new Neopanamax locks. They will increase from seven to eight the number of vessels and as of mid-June also add one foot back to the maximum authorized draft. It will increase to 45 feet as of June 15, which while below the pre-draft levels which were as high as 50 feet, will still further reduce the challenges for the largest ships. Some containerships have been transshipping boxes across the isthmus to reduce their draft.
These moves come in advance of the rainy season which traditionally runs from May to December in Panama. Last year, the Panama Canal Authority reported a significant decline in rainfall resulting in the driest October since 1950. The authority had mapped a strategy that could have seen transits fall to a lower of 18 per day but they were able to cap the restrictions at 22 daily transits.
Shipping lines have managed during the restrictions as the authority encouraged more use of reservations to reduce waiting times. Some ships diverted around South America, but the routings were complicated by the problems in the Red Sea which forced further diversions. Today, the Panama Canal reports that 30 vessels with reservations are in the queue for transit and just 11 without reservations are waiting. The numbers peaked at over 100 vessels in the queue in late 2023 and now the average waiting time is down to between just over one and two and a half days for vessels without reservations.
In an advisory to customers, the authority wrote that it plans to continue to further ease the restrictions based on the success of its water conservation efforts and expected rainfall. They hope to return to the level of 36 to 39 daily transits and be back to “normalized operations” by 2025. Last week, the government of Panama reported that it was also taking long-term steps to enable further overland transport of cargo. Called the Multimodal Dry Canal project, they said they would employ existing roads, railways, port facilities, airports, and duty-free zones to create a new “special customs jurisdiction” to provide a dry route as an alternative to the water bridge.
Maersk at the beginning of 2024 formalized a similar service. The shipping company broke its Pacific route into two loops at Panama with containers traveling overland between the vessels on the Atlantic and the Pacific. The company recently announced as of mid-May it would restore the single ship routing eliminating the need to move containers overland. As Panama struggled to manage the impact of the drought, both Mexico and Honduras sought to increase competition. Both countries outlined plans for overland rail service to move containers coming from Asia to the United States.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Mission to Seafarers joins SSI stressing key role of seafarers in decarbonizing shipping
April 17 —— The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) has welcomed The Mission to Seafarers as its newest member, further highlighting the importance of seafarers and seafarers’ rights and welfare in building a sustainable maritime industry. As explained, SSI members, spanning the maritime ecosystem, are united by the belief that sustainability needs to be a core priority for the sector – and that a sustainable industry considers all three elements of environmental, social, and governance (ESG). SSI’s ongoing work on seafarers’ rights and welfare has resulted in the delivering of seafarers’ rights Code of Conduct (developed with the Institute for Human Rights and Business and the Rafto Foundation) and has supported the development of the RightShip Crew Welfare Tool.
Moving forward, and with the added support of the Mission as a full member, SSI will continue to advocate for the importance of seafarers to the shipping sector as it works to decarbonize – as valued stakeholders and experts on the specific challenges of operating a zero-emission vessel and on the impacts of new technologies and ways of working on life at sea. ”We are delighted to be joining the Sustainable Shipping Initiative at a time when the industry is facing tough choices toward meeting their ESG goals. Seafarers are at the forefront of delivering change for industry, and yet often their voices can get drowned out. We have worked with SSI on a number of initiatives in recent years, and feel the time is right for us to formally unite. We look forward to giving crews the voice they deserve in this vital working group,” Ben Bailey, Director of Program, the Mission to Seafarers, commented.
“Seafarer well-being is not just an ethical imperative, it’s essential for a sustainable shipping industry. By uniting all those committed to supporting positive change for seafarers, we can ensure a truly just transition towards a more sustainable maritime sector. One that places seafarers at the heart of everything we do,” Steven Jones, SSI’s CEO, said. “This collaboration benefits everyone and we are delighted to welcome the Mission to Seafarers to the SSI. Not only as a voice for seafarers but as a catalyst for change, ensuring positive discussion translates into real world improvements in the lives and experiences of all at sea.”
Last year, a DNV study found that a staggering 81% of seafarers expressed a necessity for partial or complete training to effectively handle the advanced technologies expected to be deployed on future ships. Additionally, over 75% of respondents indicated a need for training on new fuel types, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), batteries, or synthetic fuels. The demand for training on emerging fuels like ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol surged even higher, reaching 87% among survey participants.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Five European countries open their doors to cross-border CO2 storage
April 17 —— Five northern European countries – Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden – have laid the foundations for Europe’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure by joining forces to conclude arrangements on the transport and storage of carbon across borders.
As the ability to move CO2 across borders is perceived to be essential in the quest to create Europe-wide access to a portfolio of potential storage sites, the arrangements between Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden, made on April 15, pave the way for cross-border transport and geological storage of captured CO2. While Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden have each established an arrangement on the cross-border transport of CO2 with Norway, Sweden and Denmark have also made a similar arrangement. These agreements allow for the removal of some of the obstacles on the way to a well-functioning carbon capture and storage market in the wide North Sea region.
Terje Aasland, Norway’s Minister of Energy, commented: “Norway has great potential to store CO2 and I am pleased that other countries will store CO2 in Norwegian storage sites. The capacity is enormous. The climate challenge transcends borders, and it is crucial that we put in place solutions for transport of CO2 across national borders. This is an important day for the climate, for our industries and for the first full-scale European CCS project Longship.”
Northern Lights, which is part of the full-scale Longship CCS project that entails the transportation, receipt, and permanent storage of CO2 in a reservoir in the northern North Sea, has welcomed the bilateral agreements Norway signed with Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden to enable cross-border CO2 storage, as a “very encouraging” development.
This CCS project demonstrates Norway’s efforts to develop a full-scale carbon capture and storage value chain. Owned by Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies, Phase 1 with a capacity to inject up to 1.5 million tons of CO2 per year is scheduled to be ready for operation in 2024. The captured and liquefied CO2 from European emitters will be loaded and delivered to the receiving terminal in Øygarden on board two LNG-powered, wind-assisted CO2 transportation ships.
Jacob K. Clasen, Deputy CEO of Danish Shipping, noted: “When it comes to capturing and storing CO2 underground, Denmark is right at the forefront. It’s very positive that the Danish government is also proactive in establishing agreements with our neighboring countries, which can contribute to scaling up the entire CO2 sector and establish the necessary infrastructure. At Danish Shipping, we have members ready with the ships that will help transport CO2. All this can help make Denmark an important European CO2 hub.”
Danish Shipping, which sees Scandinavian CO2 cooperation as a “crucial” step in establishing European CO2 infrastructure, has underlined that the new agreements with Norway and Sweden enable the transport of CO2 across Scandinavia for underground storage. The company believes that CCUS has the potential to become “a new Danish industrial adventure.”
Paul Van Tigchelt, Belgian Minister of the North Sea, remarked: ”Developing new methods to reduce CO2 emissions is crucial for the future of our planet. This is a promising climate technology. The sea can play a key role in this regard. Not only has it always been of great importance in regulating our climate, but it also offers opportunities for carbon capture and storage. Over the past 2 years, we have already concluded agreements with the Netherlands and Denmark. Today, we are taking another important step with Norway to store captured CO2 in their depleted oil and gas fields.”
Alongside renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, the rollout of CCS is seen as the right move to curb the greenhouse gas emissions footprint. In line with this, Zuhal Demir, Flemish Minister for Justice and Enforcement, Environment, Energy and Tourism, is convinced that the cooperation between Flanders and Norway will serve as a boost for the future development of the CCUS-value chain since Norway’s “great potential” turns the country into fertile ground for the storage of CO2.
Romina Pourmokhtari, Sweden’s Minister for Climate and Environment, outlined: “Beside extensive mitigation, the capture and storage of CO2 will be necessary to curb the climate crisis. CCS and BECCS will play a key role towards EU’s 2050 objective for climate neutrality and negative emissions thereafter. Sweden has a great potential för BECCS and we already have projects underway. These agreements are essential for Sweden and its industry in realizing a fossil free future.”
The agreements come after Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands took steps to bolster cooperation within the European Union (EU) on carbon capture and storage with a declaration that paints carbon capture, utilization, and storage as a key climate tool. Moreover, Norway and the Netherlands inked an arrangement for energy cooperation around the North Sea in 2021, including carbon capture and storage. Similar arrangements were put in place between Norway and Belgium in 2022 and Denmark in 2023, along with a joint declaration with Sweden in 2022. Aside from this, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands penned arrangements for the cross-border transport and storage of captured carbon in 2022 and 2023.
Lars Aagaard, Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, emphasized: ”In order to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, we need carbon capture and storage. In order to reach climate neutrality by 2050 in Europe, we need carbon capture and storage in a larger, international scale. Today’s arrangements are two great steps in the right direction. It’s all hands on deck – and I’m glad to see both Norway and Sweden joining our work towards an international industry for carbon capture and storage.”
While multiple decarbonization tools are available, CCS is seen as a tool that can capture some of the emissions that are very difficult to prevent. However, getting rid of those emissions by capturing and storing them is considered necessary to reach Europe’s climate goals, thus, this makes carbon capture and storage “an essential climate tool,” according to the Dutch government.
“Storage of CO2 is a cost-effective means of reducing emissions on time to reach the EU climate targets. This cooperation between Norway and the Netherlands on cross-border CO2 transport, is an important step in the development of an open European CCS market,” underlined Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy of the Netherlands. “It contributes to the EU climate goals and economic development. I am hopeful that this declaration will soon be followed by concrete project between the Netherlands and Norway.”
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
55 Chinese vessels spotted in West Philipine Sea – official
MANILA, April 17 —— About 55 Chinese vessels were monitored in islands and features occupied by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea on Monday afternoon, the Philippine Navy reported.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said two China Coast Guard ships and 24 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted off Bajo de Masinloc. One CCG ship and five Chinese fishing vessels were also seen near Ayungin Shoal. Trinidad added that one CCG ship and 19 CMMVs were monitored near Pagasa Island, two CMMVs near Panata Island, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel near Lawak Island.
“Their activities have been varied. Some of them would be lying to or stationary, others would be moving, doing patrols,” Trinidad told reporters in a regular press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. He said the figure was higher than the 45 Chinese vessels sighted in the West Philippine Sea on April 10. Meanwhile, Trinidad noted that the rotation and resupply mission to eight features in the West Philippine Sea was ongoing. These include Lawak Island, Kota Island, Likas Island, Patag Island, Parola Island, Pagasa Island, Panata Island and Rizal Reef. The RoRe mission to Ayungin Shoal is still in the planning process, he added. “The RoRe is a regular resupply and rotation of troops subject to the requirements of the troops in terms of the need to resupply them and to bring them back, so it’s an operational requirement that will be conducted when needed,” he said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Luzon, Visayas grids placed under red, yellow alert
MANILA, Philippines, April 17 —— With several power plants either offline or operating at reduced capacity, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Luzon and Visayas grids on red and yellow alert status. Under red alert status, power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the grid’s regulating requirement. Yellow alert is raised when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.
The NGCP said the situation might require manual load dropping (MLD). The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it was ready to implement rotating power interruptions. In a statement, the NGCP said it put the Luzon grid under red alert from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m., later extended until 11 p.m. Yellow alert was up from 1 to 2 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. The Visayas grid was on yellow alert from 2 to 4 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m. and extended until 9 p.m. as 12 power plants went on forced outage and five running on a limited capacity. In its statement, the NGCP said 19 power plants in Luzon were on forced outage and three operating on derated capacities. The situation translated to unavailability to the grid of 2,117.3 megawatts.
Peak demand in Luzon was 13,024 MW as against available capacity of 13,537 MW, while in the Visayas, peak demand was 2,440 MW vis-à-vis available capacity of 2,742 MW.
Marcos: Address power issues
President Marcos directed the monitoring of the country’s power situation and the adoption of conservation measures as alert levels were raised in the Luzon grid due to supply issues. “In light of the recent red and yellow alerts in the Luzon grid, I have instructed the Department of Energy to closely monitor and coordinate with all stakeholders to address the situation,” Marcos said in an X post yesterday. ‘I have also directed all government offices to set the standard in conserving energy and minimizing power consumption,” he added. The President said it is “crucial” for everyone to work together to ensure a stable power supply for the next couple of days. “Let’s adopt energy-efficient practices and stand together to overcome this challenge,” he added.
Meralco said it is “ready in the event the implementation of manual load dropping or rotating power interruptions will be needed as part of our responsibility to manage the system.” Parts of Metro Manila, Rizal Province, Laguna, Batangas and other neighboring municipalities have tentative schedules for MLD. However, in an afternoon update, Meralco said so far it “did not resort to any (MLD) or rotating power interruptions.” “This is partly due to the help of our big-load customers, which collectively de-loaded around 300 megawatts under the interruptible load program (ILP),” Meralco said.
Meralco said in March that 105 companies expressed commitment to participate in the program. The forced outage of power plants in Luzon and the Visayas resulted in power loss of 1,811.3 MW and 414.9 MW, respectively.
Source: philstar.com
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DOH records 1,477 pertussis cases nationwide
April 17 —— The Department of Health (DOH) announced, that it has recorded a total of 1,477 pertussis cases nationwide from January 1 to April 6, resulting in 63 fatalities.
In a statement, the DOH noted that these cases “continue to rise” steadily. Despite this, the DOH assured the public of its ongoing outbreak response immunization efforts, anticipating the arrival of three million pentavalent or 5-in-1 vaccine doses by June or sooner. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the importance of improving response processes. “Just like in the emergency room, the fast and focused pace of an outbreak response highlights areas for improvement so we can save lives better,” Herbosa said. “We are looking at adopting processes like Framework Agreements for procurement so that we can buy the vaccines faster,” he explained. Herbosa added that “this is the way forward, even as we exhaust all possible means now to get what we need.”
As it awaits the arrival of three million pentavalent vaccine doses, the DOH is also securing Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT) doses to mitigate potential vaccine shortages by May. The DOH also noted that the private sector maintains stocks of pentavalent and TDaP vaccines in the Philippine market. Regions experiencing a sustained uptick in pertussis cases over the past six weeks include Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Bicol Region.
Children under five years old represent the majority of pertussis cases at 76 percent, while adults aged 20 and above comprise only around four percent of cases. Cautious in interpreting trends, the DOH acknowledged the possibility of fluctuations in case numbers due to delayed consultations and reports. Moreover, it noted that the impact of intensified immunization efforts may not be immediately reflected in the data, with effects expected to manifest four to six weeks after implementation.
Source: mb.com.ph
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PH embassies not yet raising alert levels in Israel, Iran
April 17 —— There are no recommendations yet by the Philippine embassies in Israel and Iran to raise the alert level there following the missile attack launched by Iran against Israel over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
During the Bagong Pilipinas briefing, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega said that they are waiting for the recommendations from Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro ‘Junie’ Laylo Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to Iran Ambassador Roberto Manalo. He said that Alert Level 2, which prohibits the sending of Filipino workers, is raised in Israel, but those who already have the proper work documents are allowed to come back. “Wala pang balak so far pero mag-issue ng advisory sa mga Pilipino na mag-ingat lang doon sa Israel na sumunod sa mga patakaran ng pamahalaan,” De Vega added.
Filipinos are instead advised to avoid non-essential travel to Israel because even though the situation there is normal, the DFA undersecretary said it could still turn bad. “Sa Iran naman, wala pang advisory… There are 2,000 Filipinos there. Karamihan sa kanila mga Iranian citizens so kinukupkop din sila ng Iranian authorities.”
De Vega also expressed confidence that Filipinos understand the situation in the Middle East and that they are ready in case it worsens. “The best way to help our kababayan is diplomatically. The Philippines joins other nations in working, in calling for non-escalation of the tension or violence. Sumunod lang sa advocacy natin sa international law,” he said.
On April 13, Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones against Israel in what signals as the first time Tehran launched a direct military assault on Israel despite decades of enmity dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This happened less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli attack in Syria killed two Iranian generals in Iran’s consular building. But on Monday, April 15, Israel’s military chief said that the country will respond to the attacks even as world leaders urged it not to retaliate.
De Vega said there are more or less 30,000 Filipinos, including permanent residents, in Israel, but only a few of them express their desire to go back to the Philippines even during spates of violence there. “Usually, ang mga umuuwi dahil walang trabaho o matagal nang overstaying, may edad na,” he explained. “Pero ‘yung mga umuuwi na natatakot are very rare kasi iyong mga kababayan natin sa Israel are ready dahil alam nila volatile situation doon kaya handa parati sila.”
The DFA official assured that the Philippine government is ready to help those who want to go home, and that the embassies have contingency plans.
Source: mb.com.ph
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LTO orders additional 6.5M plastic cards for licenses
MANILA, Philippines, April 17 —— The Land Transportation Office (LTO) started the nationwide distribution of plastic-printed drivers’ licenses, with the first one handed out by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista at the LTO central office in Quezon City. It was the first plastic license to be issued since October last year after the Court of Appeals lifted last month an order stopping the delivery of plastic cards to the agency.
By Monday, the LTO had received 1.6 million, or half of the 3.2 million pieces of plastic cards, it procured last year from winning bidder Banner Plastics Card Inc., which was awarded another contract on Tuesday for an additional 6.5 million plastic cards. “With the 6.5 million plastic cards we procured, and the incoming 3.2 million from last year, this will be more than enough to cover the 4.1 million backlog from last year, as well as to fill in our requirements for this year,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said.
According to Mendoza, the delivery of the additional plastic cards would ensure continuity in the agency’s efforts to address the backlog in plastic-printed driver’s licenses.
Source: inquirer.net
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42 to 47ºC peak heat index recorded in 15 areas
MANILA, Philippines, April 17 —— A peak heat index ranging from 42ºC to 46ºC was recorded in 15 areas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said. Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
According to Pagasa, a heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC is considered part of the “danger category” as it may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion — and even heat stroke with continued exposure. Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, the following areas registered a heat index of or above 42ºC:
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 43ºC
• Bacnotan, La Union: 43ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan: 42ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42ºC
• Casiguran, Aurora: 42ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite: 42ºC
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas: 44ºC
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan: 44ºC
• Aborlan, Palawan: 46ºC
• Virac, Catanduanes: 42ºC
• Pili, Camarines Sur: 42ºC
• Iloilo City, Iloilo: 43ºC
• Dumangas, Iloilo: 43ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 42ºC
• Tacloban City, Leyte: 43ºC
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses can be prevented by observing some precautions:
• Limit the time spent outdoors.
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid taking tea, coffee, soda, and liquor.
• Use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors.
• Schedule heavy-duty activities for the cooler periods of the day.
In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
• Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/her down with legs elevated.
• If conscious, have the person sip cool water.
• Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin, and provide ventilation.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• Bring to a hospital immediately.
Source: inquirer.net
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Pagadian airport closed for a month for rehab
April 17 —— The Pagadian City Airport is closed temporarily for one month to pave the way for rehabilitation works. Airport operations are suspended until May 15, 2024.
According to the local government, some parts of the runway will have to be fixed because of cracks. Travelers who have booked flights to and from Pagadian during this period are advised to coordinate with the airline companies for possible rerouting or rebooking of flights.
The city government said the temporary closure will not have a big impact on the city’s economy as the Ozamis Airport is located nearby. “Paningkamutan nila mahuman within 3 weeks’ time. Wala tay eroplano, April 15-May 15. Way byahe. Dili ra kaayo matandog (ang economic) kay pwede ra ka mosakay sa Ozamiz,” Pagadian City Mayor Sammy Co said.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Metro Manila’s water supply remains stable despite scorching heat
April 17 —— Metro Manila’s water concessionaires assured the public, that despite the sweltering temperatures and dwindling water levels at dams, their supply operations remain normal. With the forecast of scorching temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius in 24 areas across the country, Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services have stated that they are implementing programs to ensure a consistent water supply. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring a steady water supply for households, commercial areas, and communities in both the east and west zones.
Amid rising heat index, Manila Water said it is prioritizing distribution of water supply to schools and hospitals, particularly those serving underprivileged communities. Currently, Manila Water serves 1,915 public and private schools and 383 public and private hospitals in the eastern parts of Metro Manila and Rizal.
In western Metro Manila, Maynilad said it continues its augmentation efforts to meet the increasing demand during the prolonged warm weather. Jennifer Rufo, Manynilad corporate communications head, said that their operational water treatment plants (WTP) and ongoing maintenance activities play a crucial role in ensuring an ample water supply. “We are still able to retain normal service levels because allocation from Angat Dam for MWSS is retained at 50 cubic meters per second [cms]. This, along with our supply augmentation projects, enables us to meet water demand despite the increasing heat levels,” she told Manila Bulletin.
In the latest update from Manila Water’s dam monitoring report, water levels at both Ipo and La Mesa dams are now below their normal operating ranges, while Angat Dam remains above its minimum operating level. Despite concerns regarding the decline in water levels, Rufo is urging all consumers to prioritize water conservation practices. “There’s only so much we can do to generate more water supply. The consumers can contribute greatly by using water responsibility. This way, we can work together to preserve the water supply in Angat Dam until the rains come to replenish it,” she said.
On a related news, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed a 5.5 percent improvement in total water use efficiency (WUE) in 2022 compared to previous years.
Source: mb.com.ph
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Catriona Gray on ‘advocacies, pageantry business’ during Miss Universe reign
April 17 —— It’s been six years since Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe, and she remained proud of how it turned out. Despite this, she recalled certain moments where she felt a “little disheartened” about not being able to balance her advocacy-driven initiatives and the business aspect of pageantry.
“I think I might’ve made everyone’s lives harder,” a laughing Gray said in a sit-down interview with Mega Magazine editor-in-chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro on the magazine’s YouTube channel on April 12, as she touched on the impact of her coronation in the global tilt.
When asked about “setting a standard” in pageantry, Gray recalled how there “was no such thing as a national costume” or “creating content” to showcase what a representative’s country had to offer. “I’m so proud of how it turned out. I took a lot of risks. I did so many things that I haven’t done before or haven’t been popularized back then. Our standard has gone through the roof,” she said.
Despite this, the former titleholder pointed out that representatives shouldn’t feel pressured to follow in her footsteps because one’s pageant journey “will always be about the girl.” “The whole show that Miss Universe and other pageants is a display of a representative to represent their culture or a part of their country, getting people to know more. With that being said, I love what it has created,” she said.
Miss Universe ’employee’
The interview then touched on the three important lessons Gray took to heart during her reign. One of which is to “be present” especially with a lot of things happening at once. “I didn’t consider myself a public figure until the moment Philippines was called. It felt overwhelming at times, I wasn’t used to people pulling me in [different] directions and having interactions with [people]. I had to constantly tell myself to be present,” she said.
Gray appeared to be deep in thought as she opened up about being “thrown into the loop” after winning the title. This led her to explain that before winning Miss Universe, she was a leader of her team in the Philippines. But throughout her reign, she “became an employee” of the Miss Universe Organization. “[I also learned to] regain your power in a way you can only control for yourself,” she said. “There was a reshifting. I’m not a leader, I am a follower. At first, that disheartened me a little bit because there are a lot of projects I wish I could’ve created when I won. I envisioned that I would do so much on-ground community work.”
The beauty queen then clarified that while she understood that prioritizing “profit-making events and big press type of engagements” is crucial in the “business aspect of the pageant system,” she didn’t understand why it couldn’t be balanced with advocacy-driven “on-ground initiatives and community work.” “My message on the night that I won, was that I am a queen of service and people. I had to say to myself that I can’t control it,” she added. “But I couldn’t control it, but I could control myself. So I channeled all my energy into planning what I wanted to do after my reign, it’s kind of regaining my power again.” During the interview, Gray also pointed out that ending a Miss Universe reign is not the “peak” of a beauty queen since there are many “peaks” one can achieve, even if it’s not done in a “public” way.
Source: inquirer.net
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Saab Magalona gets real about personal challenges, shares reminder about social media
April 17 —— Saab Magalona opened up about some things she has been finding challenging in her latest Instagram Reel.
In the video, Saab is doing her makeup while text captions are flashed on screen. The celebrity mom and podcast host said, “Reminder that social media is curated. Here are some things that you don’t see me struggling with.” Her struggles include getting nothing done on her to-do list and not delegating tasks to others “because I think no one will understand.” Saab also shared some more difficult moments which involve her kids. “I feel like I’ve already failed my children by bringing them into this awful, dying world,” she said.
Saab added, “I fear I won’t be physically strong enough to carry Pancho when he gets bigger,” and “My heart stops when I’m not with my kids and I get any sort of text from whoever is with them.” She also has this to say about posting online in her caption: “Social media is like a table of framed pictures of your family’s best moments. The kicking, screaming, blood, and gore aren’t there.” “Just reminding everyone that we can’t fully know what’s going on with someone based only on their posts. Try not to compare your own journey to what other people are posting,” she added.
Saab is open about the details of Pancho’s birth story, cerebral palsy, and how he bravely fought through his health challenges. Saab and Jim call him their “miracle boy.” Meanwhile, the couple’s youngest son Vito has shown his love for music with his impressive singing and drumming skills. Jim and Saab opened the kids play studio Puddy Rock Studio in 2023.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Tireless at 63, Randy Santiago dances, jumps, gyrates and sings onstage non-stop
MANILA, Philippines, April 17 —— Just when he turned 63, singer-TV host Randy Santiago stopped singing his hit ballad, Hindi Magbabago, and resorted to all upbeat numbers with his guest artists in “EyeCon,” his latest live concert last weekend held at the PICC Plenary Hall.
That was something new for Randy, who got used to singing ballads in most of his concerts. In “EyeCon,” however, he tirelessly sang one upbeat song after another from start to finish. “You will witness an extraordinary concert,” Randy promised his audience. “I can see everyone. We are here to party. This is your music, your party, your experience, your ‘EyeCon.’”
From his opening salvo — Corey Hart’s Sunglasses at Night — to his final number, Jump, The Heat Is On and Footloose, Randy evidently rocked the stage non-stop with his guests. He jumped like he was still in his twenties. Sunglasses at Night saw Randy with his back-up D&G Dancers, all wearing shades, his trademark get-up and donning hot pink attire. He reached out to his audience literally. He went from end to end, shaking their hands, while some posed with a quick selfie as he sang and walked towards the crowd from the top of the stage to the end row.
Randy generously performed for his audience. The concert apparently didn’t scrimp its budget but even offered more. While guests normally rendered a number or two in their usual solo spot, Randy made an effort to figure in a production number with every guest. First to join him onstage were his “Triple Treat” show co-hosts back in the ‘80s, Gino Padilla and Juan Miguel Salvador, who carried out a Go West medley with him – King of Wishful Thinking, We Close Our Eyes, and Call Me. “This brother of mine still has very high energy,” Gino remarked after witnessing Randy’s moves. Gino and Juan Miguel dished out a Prince medley – Kiss, I Would Die for You, and Let’s Go Crazy. Young all-female quartet and P-pop group Calista – Anne, Elle, Denise, and Dain – impressed with their spot number, Race Car and carried a Dua Lipa hit, Cold Heart, with the man of the night, Randy. Polaris artists, who are all winners of ABS-CBN singing contests, displayed their impressive vocal talents before the crowd as they rendered a Motown medley. Their voices soared. Winners of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Duets JM dela Cerna sang I Can’t Help Myself and Marielle Montelibano, without a trace of her birthmark on the face, belted out Stop In the Name of Love.
Grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 4 JM Yozures crooned Superstition. Jezza Quiogue, third placer from the same season, carried out Dancing in the Streets. Idol Philippines Season 2 grand winner Khimo sang I Got You. “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 6 champion Lyka Estrella delivered Respect. To say that the young singers were good would be merely an understatement. They were rewarded with a thunderous applause after they performed. The Polaris boys joined LA Santos to render a Bruno Mars medley with Randy – Treasure, 24K Magic, Finesse, and Uptown Funk. Dingdong Avanzado, who was seated in the audience, was pulled by Randy to render a few lines of Treasure with him. He did a few more solo spots, like Smooth and Livin’ La Vida Loca, before his female guests joined him in performing onstage. Rachel Alejandro, who started going on tour with Randy when she was only 17 in “Wild Eyes: Maximum Intensity,” dished out a Gloria Estefan medley – Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet – before singing We Built This City with Randy. Nina, meanwhile, who was admittedly under the weather that night, nonetheless still managed to deliver what was expected from her. She sang We Belong Together back to back with Love on Top, then did a duet of Whenever I Call You Friend with Randy.
Randy’s most awaited guest was apparently reserved for last. Before Randy did his final numbers, concert queen Pops Fernandez returned the favor to Randy after the latter guested in her “Always Loved” concert last February. Incidentally, the concert will go on tour in the US. Pops rendered Dance Again medley – Titanium, Laser Lights, and Domino – before performing Rhythm of the Night with Randy. A medley of Randy’s hits – Paikot-Ikot, Babaero, and Siguro – was delivered to the audience who was still in high spirits after Randy performed onstage for two-and-a-half hours. Then came his encore of Jump, The Heat Is On, and Footloose. “Nakakataba ng puso na nandito pa kayo at sumusuporta sa akin up to now at hindi niyo ako iniwan,” Randy told the crowd. “I’ve been in this business for 38 years. Hindi ko na hinintay ang 40. Baka hindi ko na kaya. Pero hindi niyo ako pinabayaan. It was 1986 when I started my solo career (after Cicada). I hit it big in 1987 with Hindi Magbabago.” The concert definitely didn’t disappoint the full-house crowd at the PICC Plenary Hall. Musical director was Rey Cantiong of Six Part Invention, while the band was Randy’s back-up. Stage director was Jay Klio Bermudez.
Source: philstar.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Chery Tiggo sweeps PLDT to join second spot tie party in PVL
April 17 —— CHERY Tiggo crossed over PLDT, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20, to ride on an all-important five-game win streak in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena. Eya Laure went full throttle for the semis-seeking Crossovers with 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks to snap the High-Speed Hitters’ five-game unbeaten run.
The Crossovers forged a four-way tie for second place with Petro Gazz, PLDT, and defending champion Creamline at 7-2 (win-loss) ahead of their last two prelims matches in what will be a photo finish for the top four places. “Collective effort talaga ‘yung kung paano kami nanalo (ngayon versus PLDT). Lahat ginagawa kung ano ‘yung trabaho nila. Isa (ito) sa mga pinaka-magagandang nangyayari. Nagkakamali, slow start, pero eventually, na-rerecover namin kung anong meron kami. “‘Yun ang pinaka-magandang nangyayari sa ngayon kasi kung ano ‘yung in-eensayo namin, nag-rereflect kung paano kami maglaro. Pero ‘yung dedication ng mga players kasi, sila talaga ang gumagana diyan. Sila ang nagta-trabaho ng lahat,” said Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes.
EJ Laure (10 points) and Ara Galang (nine points) drove past a troubled PLDT side and had the lion’s share of the Crossovers’ 38 attacks, eight blocks, and two aces. Such a strong offensive showing in the one-hour, 40-minute straight-sets contest was paired with just 18 unforced errors. Emotions ran high for the High-Speed Hitters but Savi Davison’s game-high 22 points and 10 receptions fell flat without a reliable scoring support. Majoy Baron had the second-best points total with just six markers on four attacks and two blocks.
Kath Arado threw her best shot on floor defense with 16 digs and 10 receptions but couldn’t deny a red-hot Chery Tiggo offense. Although the Crossovers trail the four-way logjam with an inferior match points total and set ratio, they can make the most of a favorable two-game closing stretch versus Akari and Galeries Tower. It only gets tougher from here on out for PLDT as its final two matches will be against its fellow semis-seeking sides in sister team Cignal and defending champion Creamline.
Source: spin.ph
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LeBron, Steph Team USA lead guns
MANILA, Philippines, April 17 —— Team USA will bring the big guns to the Paris Olympics. NBA superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry will reportedly spearhead a powerhouse USA squad bent on dominating Olympic men’s basketball for the fifth straight edition.
According to multiple outlets such as USA Today and ESPN, the Americans have already picked 11 from the original pool of 41 for the Paris mission. Aside from two-time Olympic gold medalist James, Olympiad debutant Curry and three-time winner Durant, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton will also be in the roster.
Coach Steve Kerr will have at his disposal size, scoring, defense and star power in this bid to extend the golden run Team USA started in 2008 in Beijing. The star-studded crew will initially face 2023 FIBA World Cup runner-up Serbia, debuting South Sudan and the winner of the upcoming Puerto Rico Olympic Qualifying Tournament in the preliminaries in the French capital.
Kerr and his high-powered troops will try to reestablish American dominance after failing to win a medal in the last major tournament, the World Cup in Manila last year. Composed of rising stars from the NBA, Team USA settled for fourth in the global meet after losing to Canada in the bronze-medal game, 118-127 in overtime. From that group, only Edwards and Haliburton will return and get a crack at Olympic glory.
Source: philstar.com
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Alex Eala exits W125 Portugal tournament
MANILA, April 17 —— Alex Eala bowed out of the WTA 125k Oeiras in Portugal after a close 3 set loss to a Russian foe in the round of 32. Eala’s opponent was originally Gabriela Lee of Romania, but was replaced by lucky loser, Russian Julia Avdeeva.
Avdeeva ranked 208th in the world by the World Tennis Association. Eala took the first set but lost in 3 with Avdeeva winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Some good news for Eala as of April 15, as she achieved a new all-time career high in women’s singles tennis.
She moved 3 places up from no. 172 and is now rank no. 169 in the world. Eala has started the clay court season and expected to compete at the French Open Qualifiers later in May.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Don’t Worry, Be Happy—12 Ways to Stay Positive
You could accurately consider positive thinking a habit you can develop. Some people are naturally better at it, while others are inclined toward pessimism. Whichever way your default attitude leans, positive thinking is a habit you can develop with practice.
1. Engage in Positive Self-Talk
Positive thinking usually begins with self-talk, the flow of thoughts that go through your head without being spoken aloud. Self-talk can be optimistic or pessimistic, logical or emotional. Perhaps you are wondering how to change your thoughts from negative to positive. You can develop a habit of positive self-talk by adhering to a simple rule: Don’t say things to yourself that you would never say to a friend or loved one. Be as accepting, understanding, gentle, and encouraging with yourself as you would be with someone you hold dear.
2. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an important aspect of positive self-talk that deserves its own entry on our list. It’s easy to dwell on the negative things in life. We all have stressors and problems that can seem insurmountable at times. But if we take a step back and think about the things we’re thankful for, it can help us to maintain a positive attitude. Make it a habit to remind yourself of what you are grateful for daily. You could keep a gratitude journal and update it each evening before bed. For example, you might be thankful for your family, your health, your job, or your home. Or maybe you’re grateful for more minor things, like a sunny day or a good cup of coffee. Whatever it is, taking a moment to appreciate the good can help to chase away the bad.
3. Identify Areas for Improvement
While practicing positive self-talk and being more conscious of all you’re thankful for, you will naturally encounter plenty of negative thoughts. When negative thoughts inevitably pop into your head, examine them from a logical perspective. When we have negative thoughts, our brains may be telling us something is wrong, but instead of beating yourself up, brainstorm ways to improve or build yourself up by reminding yourself of your positive attributes. And if you evaluate the negative thought and conclude it’s illogical or not serving you and your happiness, try reframing it in a more positive light.
4. Spend Time with Positive People
It’s no secret that the people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence our lives. Our relationships can impact everything from our physical health to our mental well-being. When you are around optimistic people, their good attitude can rub off on you. Being around positive people can help you to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Optimistic people tend to be more fun to be around and can help you enjoy life more. They may also help you to stay motivated when times are tough. Nothing can derail your efforts to develop a more positive outlook like Negative Nellies and Debbie Downers, so make an effort to spend time with positive people.
5. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your physical health and your attitude are closely connected. Taking care of your physical health can help you have a positive attitude. When you feel good physically, you’re more likely to feel good mentally and emotionally. When you’re physically healthy, you have more energy and stamina. You’re able to think more clearly and make better decisions. You’re also better able to cope with stress and handle difficult situations. Taking care of your physical health is an integral part of taking care of your overall well-being. You can improve your mood, reduce stress, and increase your energy level by making healthy choices. These benefits can all contribute to a positive attitude.
6. Remember to Laugh
For those trying to maintain a positive attitude, laughter can be a valuable tool. Laughter has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and even improve immune function. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which have natural mood-elevating properties. Laughter also helps to distract us from negative thoughts and worry, and learning to laugh when life tries to break us down can build resilience. And remember, laughter is contagious, so if you’re feeling down, try spending time with friends or family who can make you laugh. You’ll soon find that your outlook on life is much sunnier when you take the time to chuckle every day.
7. Treat Your Self
It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. When you make time for self-care, you’re investing in your overall health and well-being. And while it may seem like a luxury, treating yourself to some self-care can actually help promote a positive mindset. When you take care of yourself, you’re sending the message that you’re worth taking care of, which helps to boost your self-esteem and confidence. Plus, taking care of yourself can help reduce stress and anxiety. When you make time for self-care, you’re investing in your future health and happiness. So go ahead and book that massage, take a relaxing bath, or treat yourself to a new book or outfit. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
8. Develop Morning & Evening Routines
When it comes to developing a positive mindset, routines can be critical. By taking the time to establish a morning and evening routine, you can help set the tone for your day and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Start by taking some deep breaths and setting your intention for the day ahead in the morning. Then, take some time to stretch or do some light exercises to get your body moving. After that, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast and spend time planning your day. In the evening, wind down with a relaxing activity like reading or taking a bath. Then, write down three things you are grateful for from the day. Finally, spend a few minutes visualizing your ideal life and what you want to manifest in the coming days. By taking just a few minutes each day to focus on your mind, body, and spirit, you can help create a positive mindset that will lead to lasting success.
9. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings and positively impact our mental and physical well-being. For example, it can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It can also improve our focus, memory, and sleep quality. In addition, mindfulness has been linked to several physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can learn to be more present and focus on the positive aspects of our lives, promoting a more positive mindset and helping us to lead happier and healthier lives. You can practice mindfulness by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and noticing any physical sensations or thoughts that arise without judgment. Or, try a guided meditation or a yoga class to help increase your mindfulness skills.
10. Avoid Negative Language
Our words have power. The language we use can affect our mood and how we think about ourselves and others. Negative language, such as gossiping or complaining, can lead to a negative mindset. On the other hand, using positive language can help to promote a positive mindset. When we focus on positive words and affirming statements, it can help us to see the good in ourselves and others. It can also allow us to feel more optimistic about the future. So next time you’re tempted to gossip or complain, take a moment to consider the impact of your words.
11. Be Curious
Being curious has many benefits. It can help promote a positive mindset, increase knowledge and understanding, and provide a sense of satisfaction. We are more likely to explore new ideas and concepts when we are curious. We are also more likely to be open-minded and receptive to new information. Additionally, curiosity can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving ability. So if you want to improve your mind, start by being more curious. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop learning.
12. Seek Out New Experiences
Why don’t you take your curiosity further and actively seek out new, exciting experiences? A dream trip is an excellent way to discover novel sights and experiences. But, while packing your bags and jetting off to an unknown destination can be reinvigorating, new experiences don’t have to be limited to physical travel. Trying something new—whether it’s experimenting with a new recipe, learning a new skill, or exploring a different part of your city—can also promote a positive mindset. Why? Because when we step out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and ways of thinking. We also give ourselves a chance to learn and grow. So, next time you’re feeling negative or bored, try something new. It may just be the change you need.
Source: www.chcp.edu
Our Services
- Devote every managerial effort to become more efficient and profitable.
- Continue to employ competent and fully certified seafarers for our customer in order to gain excellent standing with both local and foreign governments, maritime unions, training institution, P & I Correspondent and the likes.
- Control the manning process systematically; be flexible and proactive in fulfilling both seafarers and customers’ requirements, presenting innovative solutions wherever possible.
- Keep excellent market knowledge and ability to respond quickly to any changes in order to provide a sustainable service to customers.
- Become a market preference in terms of high quality service.
Our Mission
- Maintain pools of highly qualified, motivated and dedicated seafarers who fulfill the demanding requirements in safeguarding the safety of ship and the environment.
- Lifetime Profession- Develop training and education program that involves many initiatives geared towards ensuring that personnel starting their employment with MBM are given every opportunity to progress their career through the ranks and via shore-based employment.
- Provide a decent and stable working environment so that both seafarers and shore staff can contribute to the best of their abilities.
- Transparency and Honesty- Be fair and have corporate financial activities comply with rule of law.
2012 CAR CARRIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
We are please to announce that 10 vessels have demonstrated excellence in safety, delay-free, and bunkering-saving operations and have thus been selected to receive the Car Carrier of the Year Award for 2012
The M/V Santa Lucia saved human lives.
The M/V Santa Lucia, an 180,000-ton bulk carrier we operate with 22 Pilipino crew, saved human lives.
In the early hours of March 16, while sailing in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia, on a voyage from Japan to Australia, the ship received a distress call from an Indonesian fishing boat.
The M/V Santa Lucia proceeded to the site and rescued all 15 crew members from the boat. All the rescued crew were safe and sound and handed over to Indonesia’s coast guard in the afternoon of the same day.