thepensociety

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Philippines: Magnitude-6.0 earthquake occurs in Davao Region at around 14:02 March 7

BY: GAB BATICAN

A magnitude-6.0 earthquake occurred in Davao Region at around 14:02 March 7. The epicenter was about 4 km (2.5 miles) southeast of San Mariano. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 39 km (24 miles), and strong shaking was probably felt near the epicenter in southeastern Davao del Norte, most of Compostela Valley, and southwestern Davao Oriental provinces, with moderate-to-light shaking across the rest of eastern and central Mindanao. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred only 19 minutes ago 40 km east of Magugpo Poblacion, Philippines, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported. The quake hit at a shallow depth of 10 km beneath the epicenter near Magugpo Poblacion, Davao, Philippines, early afternoon on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, at 2:02 pm local time. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report. A second report was later issued by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), which listed it as a magnitude 5.8 earthquake as well. Other agencies reporting the same quake include the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) at magnitude 6.2, France's Réseau National de Surveillance Sismique (RéNaSS) at magnitude 5.7, and the citizen-seismograph network of RaspberryShake at magnitude 5.8. Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake should have been widely felt by almost everyone in the area of the epicenter. It might have caused light to moderate damage. Moderate shaking probably occurred in San Mariano (pop. 18,700) located 20 km from the epicenter, Compostela (pop. 42,600) 28 km away, and Nabunturan (pop. 16,700) 30 km away. In Magugpo Poblacion (pop. 233,300) located 40 km from the epicenter, New Corella (pop. 20,600) 42 km away, Monkayo (pop. 51,400) 45 km away, Mati (pop. 105,900) 53 km away, and Panabo (pop. 84,700) 55 km away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking. VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.

DAVAO! Comelec notes increase in registered voters for BSKE

THE Commission on Elections Davao Region (Comelec-Davao) in Davao City has reported a significant increase in the number of registered voters in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec-Davao spokesperson Atty. Gay Enumerables said in an interview with SunStar Davao on May 8, 2023, in 2022, for the month of August, the city had a total of 4,411,035 registered voters. She added that as of March 6, 2023, there is now a total increase of 61,714 registered voters in the city. The increase in registered voters can be attributed to various factors, such as the growing population of the city and the intensified voter registration campaigns of the Comelec. However, she said that there is a notable decrease in SK voters by 11,243. Meanwhile, following the upcoming BSKE, Enumerables said volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. Said volunteers have conducted various initiatives in partnership with Comelec, such as setting up mobile or online registration campaigns in barangays for voter assistance. They have also collaborated with different organizations to encourage eligible voters to register. “As usual yung mga challenges during voter’s registration is yung sa deadline na ng mga tao,” Enumerables said when asked about the usual challenges the Comelec faces during elections. Enumerables also said that they are already going to different schools, primarily senior high schools, to conduct voter’s education for students. “Ang nagko-coordinate sakanila is ang DepEd (Department of Education). So nagbi-visit sila sa mga senior high every Friday. May mga schedules sila, may mga schools na pinupuntahan. So doon, ini- explain ang barangay elections and who are qualified (DepEd is the one coordinating with them. They visit senior high schools every Friday. They have designated schedules and schools to visit. So that’s where they explain barangay elections and who is qualified for them), she said. With the growing number of registered voters in Davao City, Comelec-Davao reminds Davaoenos of their right to vote and encourages them to uphold the integrity of the election process by avoiding unlawful practices such as vote-buying.

2 OFWs repatriated from Sudan arrive in Davao- MAY 9 2023 TWO overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who were affected by the unrest in Sudan have returned to Davao on Friday, May 5. In a report from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the two OFWs, who hailed from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, were identified as Silas Jomel Mallari and Hamprey Manipi. According to Mallari, they went through a lot of hardship during their stay in Sudan due to the ongoing air strikes, bombings, and gunshots.

He said that he saw dead bodies left on the road. The nervousness they felt, he added, was intense because they were only three kilometers away from the war zone. Mallari worked as a chef in Sudan for the past eight months. According to OWWA, there are 20 OFWs from Davao Region working in Sudan. In addition to the data are 18 OFWs who have been rescued and are just waiting to return to the country. In April, clashes broke out across Sudan, particularly in the capital city of Khartoum, between the rival camps of Sudan military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This forced the Philippine government to undertake a massive evacuation operation for the hundreds of OFWs in Sudan. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac is currently in Egypt to help oversee the repatriation efforts of the Philippine government.

[thepensociety]

SUV driven by a minor, went straight inside the convenience store

BY: XYZA JEAN TRABADO

There are things that we don't expect to happen in our area, things that even if we are surprised, there are still many things that can happen that we don't expect. We are all different, have different beliefs, do different things in the world, so whenever there are changes, even we are surprised that there is such a thing. An SUV literally "drive-thru" into a convenience store in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City early Saturday morning. According to Mav Gonzales' report on 24 Oras Weekend, I saw on CCTV the SUV turning to park at the convenience store. But instead of slowing down, the SUV drove straight into the building. Glass was shattered and shelves of merchandise were plowed over. Like a news story on Monday, the child who destroyed 7/11 because his parents left him alone, right? Parents really trust their children so much that if we have parents who are not willing to do that. There are parents who, no matter what you say, prefer your health. It's not new to people, it's just their imagination, can such scenes happen in real life? There is so much going on in the world that even parents are letting their children be free when they are not yet of legal age. So many accidents happen now, because other parents are like that. They give their children freedom but freedom without their guidance and no rules. Like the children in the tondo? Stray kids and kids who don't obey curfew.

This incident in Paranaque surprised all the residents here especially 7/11 because if you yourself you will wonder why the child was allowed to leave their house or why the child was allowed to go out even at night. They say that the boy had a driving lesson that night, but many also say that the boy just wandered around with no one to support him. This is a good example of what is happening today, the children who no longer obey their parents. Like the girls who will surprise you who get pregnant early because they are good at hiding their secrets from their parents. Children who are aware of reality early but are not guided well, children who are not even taught good manners so if you see on the streets there are children who like to throw stones or are disrespectful. There are many more examples that we can easily see today because of the children scattered on the road. There are children who even if left by their parents can take care of themselves, can protect themselves, children in the province who know how to cook despite being abandoned by their parents, children in the province who know how to work even without parents . They say that a child's environment either makes him or her grow up to be kind or disrespectful. He sees and adopts how to socialize. So when we see children, we immediately think that the people in their house should do the same. So what happened to the kid who destroyed 7/11 was even harder on the owner's side. Because that is a child and the child cannot be imprisoned but the parent can be imprisoned. This surprised many people because the car was really entering inside 7/11 and their goods were hit, fortunately there were no people at that time.

In a fast incident that day, it was not expected that someone would be hurt and someone would be hurt very badly because of the fast driving of the driver. The security guard and the cashier of the store were shot and both hit . They were immediately given first aid. According to Mav Gonzales' report on 24 Oras Weekend, I saw on CCTV the SUV turning to park at the convenience store. But instead of slowing down, the SUV drove straight into the building. Glass was shattered and shelves of merchandise were plowed over.

Not everyone knows if it was intentional or if the driver was angry or if he lost his brakes that night because it can be seen that he just went straight and didn't even stop at the parking area. When the barangay responded, it turned out that the driver was only 15 years old—without a license and without an adult in the vehicle. According to the Parañaque Traffic Bureau, the minor was arrested for driving without a license, and being involved in an accident. Because the child cannot be jailed yet because he is young and does not have a driver's license, his parents were given the money to pay and the store owner talked to them. The vehicle was also impounded. It is said that the family of the driver and the convenience store and its employees have settled. "To minor children, young people, don't try to drive a car because we don't have a license…Our parents, their children can be monitored," reminded Barangay Moonwalk Chairman Obet Alano. In truth, children are not expected to do things that we know can be accidents or things that they may not be aware of yet. If there are children who learn easily, there are also many children who sometimes lose their brakes. They still need guidance if you want the child to learn immediately, he still needs to be told, guided and protected. Even though the child has matured, he is still a minor child.

[thepensociety]

Long live king, Charles and Queen Camilla

The wait is now finally over!

Long live king, Charles and Queen Camilla

On May 6, 2023, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were officially crowned as the King and Queen of the United Kingdom and other commonwealth realms. After the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth, her majesty's eldest son was expected to be crowned, and on May 6, 2023, it became official.

More than 2,000 people were invited to the coronation, and many of the guests were high-profile guests from around the world. Some of the notable guests were the Crown Prince of Norway, Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Prince Radu and Margareta of Romania, Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan, Gabon's President Ali Bongo Ondimba and wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba, King Felipe VI and Letizia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene, Grand-Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Grand-Duchess Maria Teresa,Yang di Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Letsie III, King of Lesotho, and royals from around the world also attended the coronation ceremony. In addition, leaders from the United States congratulated the newly crowned king and queen, while China opted for "cooperation and peace."

With the newly crowned King and Queen, changes in the country are expected, from the national anthem to coin stamps and bills. Legal changes are also expected, and even the royal cipher will change. The Queen's "EIIR" stamp is now located beneath an image of the St. Edward's Crown in the royal monogram known as the Royal Cypher, but this may soon change, with this

Long live the King, and all hail the Queen!

The wait is now finally over!

Swifties around the world were thrilled as Taylor announced the release date of its highly anticipated own version of "Speak Now."

Taylor Swift took to Instagram to announce the release of her own version of the album "Speak Now." With six additional tracks written solely by her, her version of the album will be released in July of this year, and Swifties can’t wait for it.

According to the star herself, "The songs that came from this time in my life were marked by their brutal honesty, unfiltered diaristic confessions, and wild wistfulness. I love this album because it tells a tale of growing up, flailing, flying, and crashing... and living to speak about it."

And as a Swiftie myself who grew up with her music, I also can’t wait for it. If I could just fast forward to the time I would do it, that’s how I'm excited about this coming release of her own version. I can’t wait to listen to her version of my favorite tracks, Enchanted, Dear John, and Back to December, and listen to her newly written songs.

Taylor Swift is one of my favorite artists and will always be. With her great skills in writing and enchanting voice, I can't help but fall in love with her. With this upcoming release, I’m sure not just me but also Swifties around the world are all hyped up and can't wait for it.

[thepensociety]

Southeast Asian Games 2023

BY- MELANIE J. REAL

The 2023 Southeast Asian Games, also known as the 32nd SEA Games, is scheduled to be held in Cambodia. It is a multi-sport event that brings together athletes from countries in Southeast Asia to compete in various sports. The exact dates and list of sports for the 2023 SEA Games have been announced on May 5-17 2023 and will be held in Phnom Penh Cambodia, it is expected to include many popular sports such as athletics, swimming, football, and basketball, as well as traditional Southeast Asian sports. The announcement was made at the Southeast Asian Games Federation Council meeting in Singapore, in conjunction with the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, by the President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Thong Khon.

The Philippines was originally scheduled to host the game, but was pushed forward to 2019 after Brunei withdrew to host the event. This is the first time that Cambodia hosts the games, as the 3rd Southeast Asian Peninsular Games in 1965 was canceled due to the political situations in the country at the time. The event was planned to feature 40 sports. The final number is 37 sports. All 11 members of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) are expected to take part in the 2023 SEA GAMES. There's are the list of all the participating and delegates: Brunei (65), Cambodia (896) hosts, East Timor (90), Indonesia (599), Laos (576), Malaysia (677), Myanmar (341), Philippines (860), Singapore (558), Thailand (846), and last is the Vietnam (702).

Allyssa Valdez was tapped as the Philippines flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last Friday at the 60,000 seat Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh Cambodia. Valdez will lead an all-female Philipiine delegation during the parade of nations. The POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said that Allyssa best fits our goal of an almost all female delegation in the opening ceremony. “She’s not only the face of the Philippines volleyball but Philippines sports as well”. Carrying the country’s colors is nothing new for Valdez, who was also the flag bearer back in the 2015 Games held in Singapore. “It’s such an honor to be the flag bearer for

this year’s SEA games. It’s a big responsibility but I'm grateful for the trust given to me once again” said Valdez, the captain of the Philippines women’s volleyball team.

There are some of the players in the Philippines who win with a gold, silver, and bronze medal: Ej Obiena wins third straight gold, he clenched his third gold in the men’s pole vault at the SEA GAMES with a new meet record of 5.65m. He beat the previous record of 5.46m he set in Vietnam last year. Xiandi Chua delivers Philippines swimming first gold medal, Xiandi won the country’s first swimming gold in record breaking fashion after the women’s 200m backstroke (2:13.20). Chua broke the SEA GAMES record and best teammate Chloe Isleta record as the Philippine swim team won a silver medal (2:16.19). Filipino mixed martial arts veteran Robin Catalan reigned supreme in the kun bokator men’s 50 kg category, defeating Indonesia's Ada Permana in the gold medal fight. The 32-year-old Catalan beat Cambodia’s Sovan Nang by narrow decision to beat Permana in the semifinals score (58-52, 18-13, 22-28) for gold.

Carlos Yulo once again proved his leadership in Southeast Asian gymnastics, completing the men’s individual all-around triple with a total score of 84. Thanh Tung Le and Phuong Thanh Dinh of Vietnam took silver and bronze with overall scores of 80.45 and 78.15 respectively. Meanwhile, Vietnam beat the Philippines in the men’s team event for the second consecutive year with a gold medal total of 313 points. The five member Filipino crew of Yulo , Juancho Miguel Besana, Ivan Cruz, Jan Gwynn Timbang and Justine Ace de Leon took home the silver again with a combined score of 305.25.

The Philippines men’s volleyball team beat Singapore 25-23 ,23- 25, 25-22, 25-23 at the crucial moment to finish fifth in the group stage. Jade Disquitado and Fil-Am Steve Rotter had the biggest hits, but it was Javi Sumagai’s rejection at the net that sealed the Filipino’s fate. Singapore's straight set win on Saturday paved the way for the Philippines, who are winless in pool, to enter the classification stage. The Philippines men’s volleyball team bows out at 5th. Ariana Evangelista added another gold medal to her illustrious Filipino career by finishing second in the women’s mountain bike race at

the prestigious Angkor Wat. The Ilogga rider was behind Indonesia Dara Latifah and ahead of Thailand Warinthorn Phetpraphan Evangelista also won a bronze medal as part of the mixed team relay in the cross-country mountain bike event.

The karate quartet of Junna Tsukii, Jamie Lim, Remon Misu and Arianne Brito won the silver medal for the Philippines in women’s kumite after losing 2-0 to Vietnam in the final. Vietnam wins with 9 points in yuko, successful mid or advanced punches are worth one point per punch. Thi Huong Dinh, Thi My Tan Hoang, Thi Ngoan and Thi Thuong Truong gave the Vietnamese another gold medal. The Philippines retained the title of triathlon king in the region after dominating the event for the fifth time in a row. Fernando Casares won the men’s title for the second straight time in the swim bike-run event with a time of 58:33.5, securing a dominance behind Nikko Huelgas (2015, 2017) and John Leerams Chicano (2019) to retain the country’s laurels. Andrew Kim Remolino (59:55.5) also won bronze for his country behind Indonesia silver medalist Rashif Amira Yachen (58:47.7)

The Sea Games medal total in every nations today will be this: Cambodia gold 34, silver 28 and bronze 31, Thailand gold 21, silver 17 and bronze 27, Indonesia gold 21, silver 15, and bronze 40, Vietnam gold 18, silver 21, and bronze 31, Philippines gold 16, silver 23, and bronze 25, Singapore gold 11, silver 6, and bronze 13, Malaysia gold 8, silver 11, bronze 21, Myanmar gold 8, silver 7 bronze 23, Laos gold 4, silver 6 bronze 25, Brunei gold 0, silver 1, bronze 2 and lastly the East Timor gold is 0, silver 0 and bronze

Here are the medals in nations as of today’s update of the SEA GAMES 2023 in Cambodia. In conclusion, it is overwhelming that the Philippines got the 5 th ranking in the SEA games 2023 and hope that their still player/athletes in every event won a gold medal to be the top 1 of 2023 SEA GAMES.

[thepensociety]

4 MEMBERS OF APINK LEAVES 1ST ENTERTAINMENT.

BY: MARK GIL CODILLA

Four members of Apink left the company after the expiration of its contract. Chorong, Bomi, NamJoo, and Hayoung left the company after staying with it for 12 years, while Eunji remained and renewed her contract with the entertainment company. Naeun left the company and the group in April 2022.

Apink is a six-member girl group under 1st Entertainment, formerly known as Play M Entertainment. The group consists of Eunji, Chorong, Bomi, Naeun, Hayoung, and Namjoo. The girl group debuted on April 9, 2011. This date marked the group’s official career, with the lead track "Mollayo" featuring BEAST’s Gikwang in the music video. This was the first introduction to Apink’s signature concept: the sweet, innocent, and bright girls. Apink later took the world stage after releasing bop songs like Mr. Chu, LUV, Nonono, and My My.

During the whole career of Apink, they bagged countless awards. With the release of "Mr. Chu" in 2014, they cemented their reputation as a dependable group in K-Pop. Which peaked at No. 2 and earned the group their first position on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 chart. Additionally, the girls won six music show awards while in promotion, and by the year's end, "Mr.Chu'" had become their eighth-best-selling digital song. With Bomi and Namjoo forming the subunit Apink BnN, their official Japanese debut, their fanclub surpassing 100,000 members, and their first No. 1 rank on the Gaon charts with the release of "Luv" in November, this proved to be the group's breakthrough year. By the year's end, Apink was the third-best-selling K-pop act.

In addition, the girl group won the "best celebrity award" at the Asia Artist Award in 2017 and "Song of the Year" on Gaon in 2015 with its song LUV, among many more awards to be listed, including awards they won in Japan. Aside from its hit songs, the group was also known for its chaotic and fun personalities, far from their innocent concept.

Many fans were saddened by the news, but still, a lot of fans were happy for the members who left the company since it was time for them to take a new path with the help of a new agency in the future if they found one. As a fan who supported them for almost 7 years, I was also saddened by the news since it could be a sign that the group might be disbanding, which the company and members have not announced yet. Still, it's a big sign for me.

I became a fan of them when I was in 8th grade. They were introduced to me by a classmate. The first song that got me into them was their song Mr. Chu. It was a very cute and cheerful song. Since then, I have become obsessed with them, along with other K-pop girl groups. I even dance to it every time I'm alone or even in the bathroom. I sang along to their songs even if I didn't know the lyrics or read Korean. In short, they became part of my life. Looking back on it, I still can’t believe that now that I'm turning 22, I'm still their fan. With this news, it’s something that really saddens me, but I'm still thankful for them in so many ways.

I'm actually writing this blog to thank them. I want to say thank you for being my comfort. This blog is intended for them, even if they won't probably notice that I wrote a blog about them. You guys are wonderful, just like your songs. You guys also brought colors to my dark life and happiness to my desolated story. A hope for my hopeless world and inspiration for my dream

. 

[thepensociety]

40 domestic flights cancelled after power outage at Manila airport

We all dream of traveling and seeing the whole world, that's why almost all of us travel every day or maybe every end of the month. There are people who have a goal in life, to meet or discover the different cultures of the Filipinos. It is rarely reported because it has become a normal day for people. But just recently there was an unexplained power outage on Monday (May 1) at Terminal 3 of an airport in Manila that led to about 40 domestic Cebu Pacific flights being canceled. It's natural for Filipinos that even if the flight is at night, they will wake up early to avoid being caught and left behind by the bus. Not only because there is traffic but also because they are carrying a lot and to be processed early. We are all excited when we are at the airport because there are many gifts that we can buy or we can't afford to buy anything on the plane. Traveling is fun, but if you are one of those who experienced it today, how would you react? At such points, if you are the passenger, there is nothing you can do but accept and adjust. Because if there are really unexpected things, you will be forced to find a new way to continue whatever you plan for that day. It is said that there were flight delays and they are expected due to the outage. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport said in a statement posted on Facebook, without disclosing the cause of the power failure. Maybe they did this so that everyone wouldn't be nervous and so that people wouldn't rush to refund their money.

But no matter what they do, people's anger will overflow because of scheduled business meetings or any work elsewhere. It's inevitable to have different emotions whenever these things happen. They just waited for the people to calm down so they informed them of what happened and they informed them that they have already done something and that is to refund what they paid at the airport. According to Balita, the airport operator and supplier Manila Electric Company were looking into the cause of the power failure, which comes during a peak travel season, with many Filipinos about to return home from three-day weekend trips. Due to the extreme heat and many passengers going out and entering the country, it is inevitable that there will be a problem or power failure, especially since everyone is busy and the heat we experience every afternoon is strange. They even said in the news that In a statement, Cebu Pacific offered its passengers departing to and from Terminal 3 an option to rebook or to request refunds to be put in a travel fund for future use. If you are asked to rebook or refund? Maybe if you have a lot of money just rebook or if you have a lot of options you should actually rebook. Especially if the destination or business meeting is really important, just rebook. But for people who have enough fares and can't afford to travel home or people who just commute. Maybe a refund especially if the next schedule takes a long time and they really need to go home to their hometown. People who just save for the vacation and have enough money. The travel disruption comes after a power outage at the country's main gateway in January disrupted some 300 flights, affecting about 65,000 passengers.

A lot of passengers will really wait when something like this happens at the airport. It's hard to explain to the people one by one, especially since many of them are in a hurry or haven't slept because they left early to travel further. This is also pressure on the workers at the airport because they know that they are doing their jobs properly, we are known for being boyscouts or girlscouts when they come here but when there are things that are very unexpected they know that their work can be affected and their names because of the anger of the people. Especially for foreigners who are just visiting the country, it is difficult for them because foreigners might think that it is no longer safe in the Philippines. We know that other foreigners want it to be quick, and don't want the hassle of the flight. Ninoy Aquino International Airport was last year ranked the world's worst international airport for business-class travel, according to a ranking by California-based luggage storage app Bounce, which cited the gateway's lack of facilities and poor record of delays and cancellations. As it is, we know that the airport in the Philippines is international and we are known as a responsible airport, but because something bad happened, it could be affected. The Philippines is building multibillion-dollar airports in provinces surrounding Manila to help take pressure off the main gateway. There are actually many people from the provinces who always visit Manila and many flights happen every day in the Philippines. So it's difficult if a problem happens and not everything can be solved and big costs can also happen if that happens and many people can be affected. On Sunday, Marcos Jr said his administration would step in to assist efforts to resolve power outages in the central islands of Negros and Panay, where residents have experienced blackouts of up to 12 hours since Thursday. This just happened in the Philippines and that's because it's new to our president, but he said he will find a way to fix the power outrages at the airport.

[thepensociety]

More than half of Philippine SIMs are still unregistered ahead of April 26 deadline —DICT

LAPU-LAPU DAY- APRIL 27 2023

Need to enhance Tagum’s security - Gov. Jubahib APRIL 28 2023

YLLANA MARIE ADUANA CROWNED MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2023 APRIL 29

PROMOTING LOCAL DISHES MAY EMPOWER COMMUNITIES- APRIL 30 2023

MARCOS RAISES NEAR-CRASH INCIDENT IN WPS WITH CHINA- MAY 1 2023

By: Gab Batican

More than half of Philippine SIMs are still unregistered ahead of April 26 deadline —DICT

Data released by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) showed that more than half of the SIMs (subscriber identity modules) across the country have yet to be registered with their respective public telecommunications entities (PTEs) with just three days to go before the deadline. The DICT data showed that a total of 82,845,397 SIMs were registered as of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023. This is equivalent to 49.31% of the 168 million subscriber base nationwide, indicating that the majority has yet to be enrolled ahead of the deadline set on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Broken down, Smart Communications Inc. accounted for 39.949 million, Globe Telecom Inc. for 37.099 million, and DITO Tele community Corp. for 5.769 million. Just last Friday, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said the government is not aiming for a 100% registration of SIMs, as some SIMs may not be registered for one reason or another. The DICT also said that the deadline will remain for now, despite requests from PTEs such as Globe and Smart for customers to have sufficient time to comply with the requirements. Under the SIM Card Registration Act, all PTEs are mandated to establish their respective registration platforms to onboard users who present valid identification cards. Users are given 180 days or until April 26, 2023, to register their SIM cards, or else face the risk of having them deactivated. The implementing rules and regulations of the SIM Card Registration Act took effect on December 27, after the measure was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last October. PTEs had said they were all set for the registration process, but birthing pains were expected during the initial stages. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has since ordered them to report any problems encountered by users during the registration. —VAL, GMA Integrated News.

LAPU-LAPU DAY- APRIL 27 2023

Lapu-Lapu Day, observed on April 27, is a holiday that was created by Filipino President Duterte. It is a special working public holiday throughout the country and a special non-working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City. The holiday was declared in commemoration of the victory of Lapu- Lapu and his Filipino warriors against Spanish invaders, led by Ferdinand Magellan on April 27,

On the day of this battle, Lapu-Lapu led a group of fighters who repelled an invading force of 49 Spaniards under the leadership of Magellan, who was killed in the fight. The historic event is known as the Battle of Mactan. Lapu-Lapu was a native of Mactan and some argue he is the earliest-known indigenous Visayan Muslim chieftain from the island. The little island of Mactan was a thriving community before Spanish colonization when the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu in the 16th Century. The brave Spanish navigator heard that the inhabitants of Mactan refused to recognize the King of Spain, and in response set one of its villages on fire. The great warrior Lapu-Lapu was one of the native leaders on the island who refused to acknowledge the sovereignty of Spain over the Islands.

After the incident, Magellan then led a group of fellow Spaniards (about three boatloads of them) and an even larger number of Cebuanos (indigenous inhabitants of Cebu, who form a major ethnicity in the Philippines today) on a visit to Mactan, to help a chief who had apparently recognized the sovereignty of the King of Spain and therefore had the favor of the Spanish. On this visit, the entourage was ambushed by Lapu-Lapu and his men, armed with native fighting gear, including wooden shields, bows and arrows, and lances. This event took place on April 27, 1521. Today, there is a monument of Ferdinand Magellan which was mounted on the approximate spot on which he fell and died, to honor his bravery. The original town of Opon was founded by an Augustinian friar in 1730 before being renamed ‘Datu Lapu-Lapu’ in 1961 after it became a city in honor of the warrior who defeated Magellan and his troops in 1521. This battle is commemorated at the Lapu-Lapu shrine in Punta Engaño.

Need to enhance Tagum’s security - Gov. Jubahib APRIL 28 2023 DAVAO del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said there's a need to improve security measures in Tagum City due to the series of crime incidents in the city which causes fears among the residents.

"We must enhance security measures in Tagum City and ensure that our communities are safe and secure. We urge the City Government of Tagum to take immediate action and implement concrete and realistic security measures to put an end to these criminal activities," Jubahib said in his press release on April 28, 2023. He said that the Tagum Police Station should double its efforts to address the crime incidents in the city. "I urge the Tagum PNP [Philippine National Police] to double their efforts in addressing the city's security issues. We need to put an end to the criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our people, especially our women, and children. We will not tolerate any form of violence against them," Jubahib said. In the previous days, a series of incidents have been recorded in the city – a nine-year-old child was murdered, followed by another murder case of an 18-year-old female in the city. Days later there was a reported kidnapping incident in the city but the victim was able to escape from the kidnappers. Meanwhile, to ensure and enhance the security measures in the province, Jubahib handed over two brand new service vehicles and five brand new motorcycles to PNP in Davao del Norte. "We will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to guarantee that our communities are safe and secure. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities," he said. Jubahib said that the provincial government is committed to its mandate of providing a safe and secure environment for the people of Davao del Norte.

YLLANA MARIE ADUANA CROWNED MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH 2023 APRIL 29

Yllana Marie Aduana from Siniloan, Laguna won the Miss Philippines Earth 2023 title during the coronation night in Toledo City, Cebu. The 24-year-old medical laboratory scientist and model bested 27 other candidates for the crown during the environmentally dedicated national pageant for Filipinas. Outgoing Miss Philippines Earth 2022 Jenny Ramp crowned Yllana at the event. During the Top 10 hashtag portion, Yllana received the word "safety" and touched on food and water security. This month, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) warned of the onset of the El Niño phenomenon and asked the public to do its part in conserving the water supply. "Safety plays a very salient role in our lives," she said. "We have to always be secure, not only safe but also in terms of water security, and food security because as Miss Philippines Earth, I know that I am a hardworking person, and I can always incorporate this in order for us to achieve safety at all costs and protect Mother Earth the way she protects us all with all safety," she added In the final question-and-answer portion, the top five candidates were asked: "What do you think people in the future would say about your generation?" Yllana said, "I would definitely say that our generation, although misconstrued as very ardent, I would like to say that we use our voices for a reason and that is to speak up for the things that we know are right and for the things that we know we deserve." "That is why we are very ardent about it. That is why I’m also conducting colloquiums on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their interconnectedness to nature in hopes to precipitate people’s consciousness because our future is the linebackers and the pioneers of environmental amelioration and we should always take advantage of it at all costs."

PROMOTING LOCAL DISHES MAY EMPOWER COMMUNITIES- APRIL 30 2023 DABAWENYOS can empower local communities by supporting traditional food and heirloom dishes, a high-ranking official from the Department of Tourism-Davao Region (DOT-Davao). “Dako ang potential ng mga product nila na nag-improve talaga so hopefully daghan makapalit og makatry sa ilahang produkto aron makatabang pod ta (There is a lot of potential with their products and we are seeing improvements. Hopefully, more will be able to try their food and could benefit them),” Tanya Rabat-Tan, DOT-Davao regional director, said in an interview. Rabat-Tan said traditional dishes are crucial in preserving a place’s history and identity “Heirloom dishes often tell us a lot about a place’s history, resources, and identity…

The beauty of drawing tourists for destinations with food is that we can empower our communities in becoming guardians of our cultural heritage,” Rabat-Tan said in a speech during Kalutong Pilipino opening ceremonies in Ayala Malls Abreeza, on April 28. Thus, Rabat-Tan said Kalutong Pilipino should help “the transmission of the knowledge of our unique cuisines for the generations to come”. “[Let us] continue to support our industries, food tourism stakeholders, and most especially our agri-communities who all play a vital role in the culinary tourism ecosystem,” Rabat-Tan said. The event is a part of a month-long celebration of “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino,” under Proclamation 469 series of 2018 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte. “Since its [Kalutong Pilipino] inception in 2019, the event has always been well-participated by our stakeholders, our exhibitors, and hotels,” she said. The exhibit has 12 booth spaces, six occupied by the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita (Kadiwa) market, and five Davao Region and Davao City provinces occupied the other six. There will also be performances or cooking demonstrations from the provinces or traditional cooking. “If you can see, mas daghan [vendors] (each stall has more vendors than the usual), naa pod silay (they also have) exhibitors na mga farmers,” Rabat-Tan said. Kalutong Pilipino is a collaboration between DOT, Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) set on April 28 to 30, 2023. This aims to "promote traditional dishes and the harvest of Davao local farmers."

MARCOS RAISES NEAR-CRASH INCIDENT IN WPS WITH CHINA- MAY 1 2023 PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to identify the country’s fishing ground in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid the ongoing dispute in the territory with China. In an interview with reporters aboard a flight on the way to the United States (US), Marcos reiterated the government’s priority to ensure the fishing rights of the Filipinos in the area. “I mean, of course, the overall priority is to safeguard our maritime territory but when you go down into the details, the most immediate, let’s say, concern is the fishing rights. So that’s what we have to do. That’s what we have to decide and they have agreed again to sit down,” he said. “I’ve asked the Coast Guard and the DFA to put together perhaps a map of these fishing grounds that sasabihin natin, ito Pilipinas talaga ito and we’ll see what they say when we give them our proposal,” he added. Marcos made the statement in light of a near-crash incident between a Chinese and Filipino vessel in the waters around Ayungin Shoal last week.

[thepensociety]

World Cup Bound 2023

By: Melanie J. Real

Away from the spotlight, the Philippine women’s national softball team continues a tradition of dominance with an eye on becoming one of the best softball teams in the world. As the country hosts the SEA GAMES, the Blu Girls hope not only to win medals, but also win the hearts and minds of more Filipino fans. (Ma. Angelica Garcia)

When the Filipinos think about the team's success in the Southeast Asia Games, the men’s basketball team always comes to mind. But our national team does not have a perfect gold medal record in SEA Games basketball having finished second in the 1989 edition of the tournament. In fact, the most dominant Filipino team in the SEA Games is our national women’s softball team, the Blu Girls. They have each won a gold medal in women’s softball at nine Southeast Asian Games. For all its success, softball remains relatively unknown in the Philippines, when most of the attention of fans is focused on mainstream televised sports like basketball and volleyball. But now the Philippine women’s softball/Blu Girls are in the top 4 for the World Cup 2023.

News and Events from Around the World As the world continues to shrink thanks to technology, it's important to keep up with what's happening beyond our local and national borders. Here's a look at some of the latest news and events happening around the world:

● Softball Blu Girls secure World Cup berth after finishing top four in Asian Cup 2023

The Philippine women’s softball team will travel to the 2024 Women’s Softball Cup after securing a place in the medal round of the 2023 Women’s Softball Asia Cup in Incheon, South Korea. The Blu Girls are looking to finish in the four of the Asia Cup after hosts South Korea lost 11-0 Japan on Thursday.

The top three from the Asia Cup will advance to the World Cup in Dubai, Ireland, Butrio, Italy and Valencia, Spain. But Asia gets a wild card, with fourth place in the tournament earning that spot. The Philippines lost 9-1 to Japan on Friday, but ended the preliminary round with a 5-3 fourth place record, a game ahead of South Korea.

The president of the Philippine Amateur Softball Association Jean Henri Lhuillier said that ‘I'm so proud of these girls, they really work hard for the moment and give it their all every game’. It was a huge achievement because it was an all-Filipino team, the first in nine years. We at ASAPHIL will ensure they get the preparation and exposure they need to compete against the best teams in the world at the World Cup in July, said Lhuillier.

The Philippines will take home the medal when they battle Chinese Taipei for bronze on Saturday. The Blu Girls took an early 4-0 lead but Chinese Taipei scored three runs at the bottom of the first inning to make it a close game. Chinese Taipei eventually seized control with three runs in the third inning. The ranking will determine where the Philippines ranks in the World Cup. The Blu Girls will take bronze with hosts Ireland, Australia, Botswana, Great Britain and the United States. Should the Philippines finish fourth in the Asia Cup, they will be up against Spain, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand and the Asia champions in Group C. Were excited to get a World Cup berth, which was our goal at the start of the game. But we’ll be fighting for a podium, and I’m sure the team can do it. Said Blu Girls coach Randy Dizer.

The Philippines ended their preliminaries 5-3 to secure themselves a top 4 spot with losses in Japan (1-9), China (2-6), and Chinese Taipei (0-5).

● Blu Girls seek foreign exposure for World Cup Blu Girls captain and starting pitcher Ann Antolihao stressed the importance of international exposure as the team prepares for the World cup scheduled for July 22-26 in Italy. The Blu Girls qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after

finishing fourth. The Women’s Softball Asian Cup at Songdo LNG Stadium in Incheon, South Korea, on April 8 2023. The Philippines are 5-3, they beat Hong Kong (7-0), South Korea (2-0), Singapore (8-1), Thailand (10-0), and India (10-0), and lost to Japan (9-1), China (6-2) and Chinese Taipei (5-0). Japan topped the list with a clean sheet (8- 0). China is second (7-1) and Chinese Taipei is third (6-2). South Korea ranked fifth (4- 4), followed by Hong Kong (3-5), Singapore (2-6), Thailand (1-7) and India (0-8).

While they have been ranked No.4 in Asia, the Blu Girls might be dealing with a difficult task from Japan, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand and Italy within the World Cup. “That's why we want extra overseas exposure. Our coaches realize that is what we lack,” Antolihao stated throughout the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday. Also, Antolihao said that “were glad that we have been capable of go back to the World Cup, who became joined through teammates CJ Roa (pitcher) and Celine Ojare (catcher) in the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The top two teams in the World Cup will be seeded in next year’s edition. Roa said a training camp in Japan would be ideal. “A high-level training in Japan, even tune-up games with university schools, if given a chance, hopefully in Japan,” she said, adding “skills wise, we have that here but we don't have enough exposure.” The Blu Girls are home grown talent, with players from Bacolod, Makati, and Bukidnon and Batanes provinces. Meanwhile, Antolihao said the coaches will decide who will be included in the final World Cup squad. The team will resume training on April 24 2023.

Under the guidance of coaches Ray Pagkaliwagan, Randy Dizer and Anthony Santos, and with the support of Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President Jean Henri Lhuillier, the Blu Girls made it to the World Cup. Congratulations Blu Girls Philippines for making it to the bronze medal game in the 2023 Women’s Softball Asia Cup. Your dedication and hard work have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishment. As a student communicator I am optimistic and

excited to see what the future holds for Philippine softball. Keep up the excellent work and continue to inspire others including me with your passion for the game.

[thepensociety]

RAMADAN: HOW IT IS CELEBRATED

by: GAB BATICAN

In Islamic culture, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. It is a time for spiritual growth, meditation, helping others and family time. It is a religious obligation given to all members of the Islamic community so they can deepen their relationship with Allah and realize how fortunate they are to have what they do.

Anyway, what is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Muslims observe this holy month of Ramadan to commemorate the year 610 AD, when Allah revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad through an angel. The "night of power," or "Laylat Al Qadar" in Arabic, is the name given to this revelation.

Because Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the phases of the moon, its start and end date shifts every year. When religious authorities spot the new crescent moon, Ramadan officially begins. Muslims may predict the beginning of Ramadan even though they wait for the new moon to appear before proclaiming it. This year Ramadan started last 22 nd of March and ended with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on April 21. Depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted, the month of Ramadan typically lasts 29 to 30 days.

As one of the pillars of Islam, fasting enables Muslims to devote themselves to their faith, draw nearer to Allah, and develop compassion and patience. Instead of only concentrating on one’s physical body, it's about fueling one’s soul. It forms the cornerstone of Muslim life and include faith, prayer, alms

giving, and pilgrimage to Mecca. They seek spiritual growth and a better relationship with Allah and their loved ones during Ramadan. Between sunrise and sunset, people observe fasts. They refrain from enjoying pleasures like drinking, smoking, and having sex and spend time praying, reciting the Quran, and carrying out good deeds throughout Ramadan, which is also a time of unity and spiritual reflection. Muslims who are practicing are prohibited from consuming water during this time. Suhoor, a light breakfast eaten by Muslims, is customarily consumed before dawn. At this time, they consume lots of water to last them the rest of the day. After the sun has completely set, the fast is traditionally broken with water and dates, then there are prayers and iftar (the evening meal). They even avoid lying, gossiping, and fighting, and they give to charities and spend time with their loved ones.

Moreover, Ramadan is viewed as a time to be good to others and take part in charitable causes. Muslims make an effort to be kind to their friends and neighbors. They are also making an effort to only do good deeds and abstain from sin at all costs. Smiling, among other extravagant activities, could be the most basic humanitarian activity.

Quiet acts of generosity have been shown to benefit both the donor and the recipient. Muslims believed that because Muhammad always shared what he had with others out of kindness; he never owned more than what was necessary for him to meet his immediate needs. Whatever excess he possessed, he generously distributed it to those in his immediate vicinity; naturally, during the month of Ramadan, he was even more giving in terms of distributing food or offering assistance to the community and that they strive to follow his example.

One might believe that these are values and characteristics that a Muslim who is committed to serving God must always exhibit, regardless of the season. Muslims must constantly demonstrate these values throughout the year. However, all humans have their own flaws and occasionally indulge in wrongdoing that is harmful to both Allah and other people. People frequently forget or fail to recall their life's purpose due to the nature of existence.

According to Stacey (2008), "God in his infinite wisdom and mercy has given us Ramadan", which is the main goal of a Muslim's life. If Ramadan is used wisely, it can make a person feel refreshed and renewed.

This year’s Ramadan and fasting main objective is to achieve taqwa ( meaning forbearance, fear and abstinence) which is getting closer to God spiritually," according to Amr Murad, 29, who has been fasting since he was 9 years old. "Secondarily, it's to practice patience, self-control and discipline. Then, comes to feel for the less fortunate."

The month of Ramadan comes to a conclusion with the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday, also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It starts when the new moon is first spotted in the sky. Muslims rejoice and give gratitude to Allah on this happy occasion as they mark the conclusion of their fast.

Muslims visit family and neighbors while also attending morning prayers for the three days. Following that, they have a sumptuous traditional meal with friends and family. Gifts are frequently given to children, and helping those in need is customary. Muslims from all across the world get together during Ramadan to celebrate their faith as a sign of unity.

[thepensociety]

“Binibining Pilipinas 2023”

BY: MELANIE REAL

There have been several significant events happening in the Philippines in 2023. Here are some of them: ● Araneta City showcases sustainable fashion show with Binibining Pilipinas Beauties In conjunction with Women's Month and Earth Hour celebrations, Araneta City will host the Women Reinventing sustainable fashion show on March 24, 2023 at 1 pm in the afternoon at Farmers Square. The premiere city hired Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold and the Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates to showcase the exquisite work of Filipino designers crafted from eco-friendly materials. The Binibinis present an amazing collection of 12 local artisans who specialize in unique sustainable designs, as well as jewelry by Tina Campos and accessories by Christopher Munar, handbags by Ma. Delza's Native Product, and Aishe’s stylish shoes. All of them have made their mark on the local fashion scene with their creative sustainable products, made by women for women. Here are some of the top designers with the Binibini of the event; PNay (Binibini 1, Juvel Cyrene Bea Binibini 2, Elaiza Dee Alzona, Binibini 3, Lyra Punsalan, Binibini 4, Paulina Labayo, Binibini 5, Gianna Llanes, Binibini 6, Angelica Lopez, Binibini 7, Allhia Estores, Binibini 8, Mirjan Hipolito, Binibini 9, Babyerna Liong, Binibini 10, Rasha Cortez Al Enzi). Russ Cuevas ( Binibini 11, Kiaragiel Gregorio, Binibini 12, Xena Ramos, Binibini 13, Samantha Dana Bug-os, Binibini 14, Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Binibini 15, Jessilen Salvador). Adam Balasa (Binibini 16, Atasha Reign Parani, Binibini 17, Tracy Lois Bedua, Binibini 18, Andrea Marie Sulangi, Binibini 19, Julia Mae Mendoza,Binibini 20, Julianne Rose Reyes). James O'Briant (Binibini 21, Paola Allison Araño, Binibini 22,

Anje Mae Manipol, Binibini 23, Zoe Bernardo Santiago, Binibini 24, Anna Valencia Lakrini, Binibini 25, Yesley Cabanos). Peñaflorida Atelier (Binibini 26, Rheema Adarkkoden, Binibini 27, Zeah Nestle Pala, Binibini 28, Katrina Mae Sese, Binibini 29, Trisha Martinez, Binibini 30, Charismae Almarez). Christine Lam (Binibini 31, April Angelu Barro, Binibini 32, Sharmaine Magdasoc, Binibini 33, Katrina Anne Johnson, Binibini 34, Joy Dacoron, Binibini 35, Sofia Lopez Galve). Kutur ni Jean (Binibini 36, Mary Chiles Balana, Binibini 37, Pia Isabel Duloguin, Binibini 38, Lea Macapagal, Binibini 39, Loraine Jara, Binibini 40, Candy Marilyn Vollinger). and lastly Justine Aliman (Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold). Araneta City’s “Women Reinventing” sustainable fashion show kicks off the 2023 Binibining Pilipinas series of public events and events in the City of Firsts ahead of coronation night in May 2023. The event also marks the City of Araneta's participation in the global Earth Hour, which will take place on March 25, 2023. The Firsts city will join the hour-long energy saving event with lights-out event. Ali mall also has a POP QC Ecological Market and charging station for bicycle mobile phones. and a Trade-A-Bag promo in Farmers Plaza.

● Binibining Pilipinas 2023 talent show celebrates Women Supremacy On March 29 2023,The Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates showcased their quirky pasarela and talents in a one of a kind presentation at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City. Hosted by Bb Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano, Bb Pilipinas Globe 2022 Chelsea Fernandez, Bb Pilipinas Grand International 2022 Roberta Tamondong, and Bb Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up Stacey Gabriel, the show highlights Filipino talents, colorful culture, and the supremacy of Filipina beauty. The quartet P-Pop girl group G22 kicked off the show with a fiery performance. Then the beauties rocked the stage in a JAG fashion show segment. Considered one of the major events for Binibining Pilipinas, the talent show proves the versatility of the

contestants. A total of 28 contestants conquered the audience and judges with their singing, dancing, and artistic talents. The Binibining Pilipinas 2023 Best in Talent will be announced on the Grand Coronation Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

● Binibining Pilipinas 2023 set a date for Coronation Night

Manila, Philippines, 2023 the official ceremony for the 2023 Coronation night for Binibining Pilipinas will take place on Sunday , May 28, 2023 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Cubao. Show starts at 9:30pm. The pageant organizers Binibining Pilipinas charities INC (BPCI) announced the news on social media on Saturday, April 15, 2023. According to the announcement, the show will also be streamed live on A2Z, Kapamilya Live Online and Metro channels, as well as on the official YouTube channels of iWantTFC Binibining Pilipinas. This year's pageant featured 40 women representing the country in two International pageant —Miss International and Miss Globe International. The winners will be over from the current title holders 2022 Binibining Pilipinas International Champion Nicole Borromeo and 2022 Binibining Pilipinas Globe Champion Chelsee Fernandez. Gabrelle Camille Basiano and Roberta Tamondong have won the 2022 Philippine International Championship and the 2022 Philippine Grand International Championship respectively, but their titles will not be passed on. The Miss International franchise is taken over by Mutya ng Pilipinas while BPCI pulls out the Miss Grand International.

● Binibining Pilipinas withdraws from Miss Grand International franchise

The Manila Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc (BPCI) announced on Monday, November 7th that they are no longer renewing their franchise with the Miss Globe InternationaL (MGI) beauty pageant. BPCI did not provide any details on why it withdrew , but thanked the Miss Grand International organizers and wished them “the best in their future endeavors.” No Philippine Beauty queen has won the Globe crown since Miss Globe International opened in 2013.

[thepensociety]

FACE MASK VS. COVID 19 AGAIN

BY: XYZA JEAN TRABADO

Because of the pandemic, we learned to wear a facemask, it's been three years since we used it every day. This has become the face shield of people against the virus that we cannot see. As they say, the pandemic is the worst disease that has shaken the whole world. But because of this, many people have discovered different types of face masks, some of which are only in limited stock. We've all gone through the point where we're nervous about running out and losing our stock of face masks. Even if others use it wrongly, even if others just find a way to make their own face mask, we can all do it. There are still many people who cannot survive with face masks since it was implemented that everyone must wear a face mask when going out and shopping in public stores. Especially because of the heat, almost all of us find it difficult to breathe especially when it's crowded and there are many people, we find it difficult to get air from the outside and we find it harder to exhale because it's covered. Even though there have been various penalties for not using a face mask, there are still many who do not follow this law. So when the cases decreased in the Philippines and so that people could breathe easier, the wearing of face masks was made voluntary and most of us did not use them again, because even they were having a hard time when they were working or what they were doing was affected. And because of this, social distancing was no longer followed because they all thought or we thought we were back to normal, but more people tested positive for covid and it spread faster among people. According to the department had argued against lifting the mask mandate in late 2022, saying it was too soon to do so even if cases were down. After President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made wearing masks in public optional, it advised their use in schools to protect children from the virus. But so that the face mask does not get infected, I prefer to wear it rather than not wearing it especially outside. We can't be complacent about the people we meet every day, we don't know if their every cough or every action they carry has a virus or they got it from someone they met before you met.

"We are not considering the return of mask mandates," Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a briefing. Vergeire nonetheless encouraged Filipinos to wear masks in crowded areas and places with poor ventilation. Many were also happy when they said that the facemask is no longer required, as long as there is social distancing and knowing what to do when outside. But many people still said to bring it back so that the cases will not spread and things will not get worse in the coming years. The health official also advised masks for senior citizens and people with comorbidities. This is also right so that even if people don't have face masks anymore, there are still people who can use face masks themselves or people who are easily infected and difficult to heal. This is also right so that no matter how they come back or have a new virus, they still have a fight and they are better protected. This week the city government of Manila earlier said it may review its policy on the use of face masks indoors and outdoors after it observed a surge in COVID-19 infections. Even if we say that we all can use a face mask, there are still many people who will wear it but don't wear it correctly, or wear it but not a surgical mask or masks that have less protection than a surgical mask. Maybe that's why it's allowed that even if everyone doesn't wear a face mask anymore because many people have complained. Complained but others still wear it. There are many people who say that they are used to using a face mask, especially me, I am also one of those who are used to going out or being awkward when someone looks at me or I can't talk to someone. Can't even breathe sometimes but I'm used to it. Used to buying at the store, used to having to wear a face mask when there are a lot of people, used to keeping a distance that for sure other people do too. It's also been three years since the pandemic trained us in things that are new to us such as social distancing, drinking alcohol for a minute. It's new but now it's what people are more used to, it's what they prefer to do. Due to the increased number of covid cases this week. The Philippines recorded 2,386 additional COVID-19 cases from April 10 to 16. The figure was 23% higher than the number of

infections logged from April 3 to 9. According to the DOH, it is feared that whatever may happen if the failure to wear face masks continues that even though it is voluntary, there are still people who do not follow the health protocols.

Nine out of 10 Filipinos approve the voluntary use of masks, but most of them continue to wear face covering outdoors, according to a survey released by Social Weather Stations last month. That's what I'm saying that even though everyone has been told or informed that the facemask is no longer required or voluntary, many people still wear facemasks because of the trauma they've been given or the fear that covid might spread or infect them with a virus they don't have. Know that it can also spread if not taken care of. Many people were scared then, many people panicked, one of them being the ones who bought a box of face masks because the stock of face masks was running out. Even though it caused fear in people, it also helped to enforce safety first or being careful when leaving the house or socializing. Positivity rate up the COVID- 19 positivity rate in the country increased to 7.6% from 6.9%. The World Health Organization recommends the proportion of COVID-19 tests coming back positive should remain below 5% to ensure the spread of the virus is under control. This is what everyone is afraid of, the resurgence of covid that we don't realize because the rest of us appear as if there is no disease waiting or no disease roaming the Philippines. When the government started agreeing, the parties started, new businesses opened. Having many concerts without social distancing happening. Maybe that's why covid increased with concerts and people who are always outside who don't wear face masks anymore. Even though it was announced, there are still many people who don't know or just ignore it because they think the Philippines is safe and there is no virus spreading. Because people don't watch much TV anymore. Most everyone is focused on cellphones or laptops because of what has been done due to the pandemic. Vergeire noted that the positivity rate should not be used as the sole indicator to evaluate the country's COVID-19 situation as it can be affected by the number of people who get tested for the virus. You should really be careful and consider the increases of covid because it is not a joke and it is difficult when there is a lockdown because medical professionals will have more difficulty. "What's most important is that our hospitals are not seeing an increase in the number of severe and critical admissions," she said. The Philippines has confirmed over four million

COVID-19 infections, including more than 66,000 deaths, since the pandemic began in early 2020 according to DOH.

[thepensociety]

Whys of India’s growing population

BY: PRINCE DELA CERNA

India has a population of over 1.3 billion people, making it the second most populous country in the world. With a rapidly growing population, India faces numerous challenges, including the job crisis that drives millions of people to big cities. Despite efforts to boost economic growth and create more jobs, India's job market continues to struggle to keep pace with its population growth, resulting in a growing influx of people moving to urban areas in search of work. One of the key drivers of India's job crisis is the mismatch between the skills of the country's workforce and the needs of the job market. The majority of India's population lives in rural areas and has limited access to education and training programs, leaving many workers with outdated skills that are no longer in demand. This has led to a surplus of low-skilled workers in the job market, while industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare face a shortage of skilled professionals. Another factor contributing to India's job crisis is the country's informal sector, which makes up a significant portion of its economy. Informal sector jobs, such as street vending, construction work, and domestic labor, are often low-paying and lack job security, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and economic instability. Many of these workers are also unable to access social protections such as health insurance and pensions, further exacerbating their vulnerability.The lack of formal job opportunities in rural areas has also pushed millions of people to migrate to urban areas in search of work. India's cities offer the promise of better-paying jobs, access to education and healthcare, and a higher standard of living. However, the reality for many of these migrants is far from the dream they envisioned. Urban areas in India are often overcrowded, polluted, and lack basic infrastructure, such as safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. The cost of living in cities is also high, with many workers struggling to afford housing and basic necessities. The influx of people into India's cities has also created a strain on the country's infrastructure and resources. Urban areas are struggling to keep pace with the growing population, resulting in traffic congestion, air pollution, and overburdened healthcare systems. The government has launched numerous initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and creating more jobs in rural areas, but these efforts have yet to yield significant results.

India's job crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. The country must invest in education and training programs to ensure that its workforce has the skills needed to meet the demands of the job market. It must also work to formalize the informal sector, providing workers with greater job security and access to social protections. Finally, the government must continue to invest in rural development, providing job opportunities and basic infrastructure to reduce the pressure on urban areas. Only by addressing these issues can India hope to solve its job crisis and build a more prosperous and equitable society. In addition, India's population has been growing at an alarming rate for decades, and it is one of the most significant challenges that the country faces today. Despite efforts to control population growth, India's population continues to increase at an uncontrollable pace. This has far-reaching implications for the country's economy, environment, and social stability. Furthermore, the root cause of India's uncontrollable population growth is a combination of factors, including poverty, lack of education, and cultural beliefs. Poverty is one of the leading causes of high population growth in India. Poor families often have more children to ensure that they have a source of labor and financial support in old age. This, coupled with a lack of education, leads to a cycle of poverty and high population growth. Cultural beliefs also play a significant role in India's high population growth. Many families believe that having more children is a sign of prosperity and blessings from the gods. Moreover, the preference for male children in some communities leads to a higher fertility rate. This, coupled with a lack of education, results in a lack of awareness about family planning and contraception methods. India's uncontrollable population growth has several implications for the country's economy. With a rapidly growing population, there is an increased demand for resources, such as food, water, and energy. The supply of resources cannot keep pace with the population growth, leading to shortages and increased prices. Moreover, high population growth has resulted in a high unemployment rate, which affects the country's economic growth. Another significant implication of India's uncontrollable population growth is environmental degradation. With a growing population, there is a higher demand for land for agriculture and housing. Deforestation, soil erosion, and depletion of natural resources are some of the environmental problems associated with high population growth. Additionally, increased pollution levels, poor waste management, and urbanization are other consequences of overpopulation that are detrimental to the environment. The social implications of high population growth in India are also significant. With a rapidly growing population, there is an increased pressure on the government to provide basic services such as education, healthcare, and housing. However, the government is unable to provide these services to all citizens due to a shortage of resources, leading to social inequality and unrest.

Additionally, high population growth has led to an increase in crime rates, poverty, and a decline in the quality of life. India's uncontrollable population growth is a significant challenge that the country must address to ensure sustainable economic, environmental, and social development. The government must take steps to address poverty, increase access to education, and promote awareness about family planning methods. Additionally, efforts to control population growth must be accompanied by measures to ensure access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing. By taking such measures, India can overcome the challenge of high population growth and build a better future for its citizens. Nevertheless, there are also some positive outcomes of a growing population. The country's population has surpassed 1.3 billion, making it the second-most populous country in the world, and while there are undoubtedly challenges, such as resource scarcity and unemployment, there are also some positive outcomes of population growth. One of the most significant positive outcomes of population growth is a boost in economic growth. A growing population means an increase in the size of the workforce, which translates into increased economic activity. With a large pool of young and skilled workers, India has the potential to become a global economic powerhouse. Moreover, a growing population means an increase in consumer demand, which can stimulate the growth of industries such as retail, tourism, and hospitality. Another positive outcome of population growth is the potential for innovation and creativity. With a large population, there is a greater chance of finding individuals with exceptional talent in various fields such as science, technology, and the arts. A diverse population can also lead to the exchange of ideas and perspectives, resulting in greater creativity and innovation. India's growing population has also resulted in a larger domestic market for goods and services. With more people, there is an increase in the demand for products and services, which can lead to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The growth of these businesses can create jobs and contribute to the overall growth of the economy. Additionally, a growing population can lead to an increase in social and cultural diversity. India is already a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and a growing population will only add to this diversity. A diverse population can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of different cultures, traditions, and customs. This can create a more inclusive society and promote social cohesion. Therefore, a growing population can lead to greater political influence on the global stage. With a large population, India can assert itself as a major player in international affairs, shaping the course of global politics and influencing the global agenda. While there are certainly challenges associated with population growth, there are also positive outcomes that should not be overlooked. A growing population can contribute to economic growth, innovation, and diversity, among other things. As India continues to address the challenges of population growth, it should also recognize and harness the positive outcomes that come with a growing population.

[thepensociety]

How K-pop Saves Us: K-pop Fans

"Some people think K-pop is just nothing, but for the whole K-pop fan base, it’s everything."

K-pop includes a variety of musical genres. Many people who are major fans of K-pop believe that it is more than just a nice and cheery musical genre or a collection of upbeat music videos. When someone is at their lowest point in life, K-pop is everything to them and their savior, and when K-pop boy band Astro member Moonbin unexpectedly passed away, thousands of K-pop fans' hearts were crushed, leaving the entire K-pop fandom inconsolable.

On April 19, 2023, at 8:10 p.m. KST, Moonbin was found lifeless. Yonhap News TV reported that Moonbin was found lifeless in his apartment by his manager, who immediately contacted the authorities. Moonbin’s death was deemed a suicide. The news broke on the Internet and immediately became a hot topic on all social media platforms. With this tragic news, the whole K-pop fanbase was heartbroken and shocked.

While the whole fandom is in mourning, non-K-pop fans were throwing up a question, asking, "Why are they crying so much and mourning the death of a person who doesn't even know them?" Why does it affect them to the point that they are crying their hearts out for someone who doesn't even know they exist in the first place? Do you even understand it?

Now let me answer that as a K-pop fan myself.

There is a time in life when, as we can all agree, we lose the desire to live and carry on. It seems as though you are left with only the color black after losing all your other hues. We want to simply abandon everything, including our lives. Since I've been there, I am aware of how difficult it is, and to be quite honest, I don't want to go down that road again.

In my eighth grade year, I developed a love for K-pop. I first learned about it from my classmate, who is a devoted admirer. I became a fan when Girls Generation and 2NE1 were the first groups to catch my attention. I became so engrossed in their music and videos that I lost sight of the fact that just listening to their music on a daily basis brightens my mood, and watching them perform makes me feel uplifted and content. As usual, people continue to inquire as to why you are listening to obscure music. Even so, is that music? They even bully me for it. It didn't bother me at all; I just ignored them.

Growing up, it became my source of happiness, my strength, and my everything. Especially during the time that I lost my colors and was stuck in a place where I couldn't see anything but darkness. K-pop, especially the K-pop idols, became my light and my saving grace, and it was almost like a damsel in distress story.

They don't know us personally—yes, that's a given. But through their music, it gives us a certain comfort that the world could not give. Unconditional love that most of us don't experience, and they give us strength while facing the hardships and the cruel world we live in. And as a person who went through a great deal of hardship and depression, K-pop became my saving grace; it became my oxygen, and it brought light when I was in the darkest alley of my life. And through K-pop, I managed to make new friends and meet new people who also found comfort and strength in K-pop.

Aside from that, it also motivates and inspires me. If you didn't know, K-pop idols undergo extensive training before becoming recognized as such. This training lasts for years, perhaps a decade. Training may take years. I am motivated to work hard because of this. Despite the fact that our paths may diverge, I am inspired and motivated by the way others pursue their aspirations to pursue mine. It encourages me to put in more effort.

K-pop has provided us with many things, including love, happiness, comfort, and inspiration. For us K-pop enthusiasts, K-pop is more than just music; it's more than the beauty it displays. The idols of K-pop? They are our healers, and they use music to cure us. Language is neither a barrier nor a concern when you love music, despite what some people may say: "It's jeje; you don't even understand what they are saying or singing." And Astro’s Moonbin is just one of the idols who helped and healed me when I was broken. That's why when I read the news about his death, it crushed me.

Moonbin saved me and the other K-pop idols, but as a fan, I can't even save them. Until now, I still can’t believe that he's gone now. I’m still processing it. 

Some people might not comprehend the connection between K-pop idols and their fans. Only those who made the decision to invest their time and effort in promoting these incredible musicians can truly understand the reasons mentioned above; it was a choice that incredibly altered our lives.

Now why are we crying over Moonbin’s death? Simply because he helped us get through our darkest time with his music. He made us happy and smiled while carrying hardship on his own. Now I came to the sudden realization that being an idol is hard; even if you're not happy, you have to be because of your fans, and their smiles are what are important to you. K-pop idols can save us, but we can't save them, and it’s the most painful thing for me. They can save us from our own sorrows and sadness, but we can't do the same for them. How I wish there was a way to repay them anyway.

K-pop is not just a genre for us; it might sound redundant, but I just want to reiterate it once again for those people who don't know how K-pop saves us. K-pop is our knight in shining armor against sadness and depression, with their music as their sword and them as our comfort person.