Calumpit, Bulacan has declared a state of emergency in response to the severe flooding caused by the recent super typhoon Egay. As a result of the calamity, nearly all 29 barangays in the municipality have been submerged, making them impassable for both pedestrians and motorists.
Various images featured here were captured from Calumpit and nearby Malolos, Bulacan, highlighting the extent of the flooding in some villages.
Local residents are expressing distress over the floods, as it significantly disrupts their daily activities. Furthermore, the situation remains concerning as another typhoon named Falcon is approaching. Authorities are closely monitoring Falcon, which has been forecasted by the state weather bureau, Pagasa, to have maximum sustained winds ranging from 140kph to 150kph.
(Photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Photo imaging courtesy of Pagasa
Typhoon Falcon is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) today, Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
As of Monday, the typhoon was still enhancing the southwest monsoon, with maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
It is currently situated about 1,020 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.
Pagasa’s 5 p.m. advisory stated that Falcon’s influence will persist, continuing to strengthen the southwest monsoon and bringing rainfall, particularly in the western regions of Luzon and Visayas over the next three days.
Residents in these areas should anticipate gusty conditions, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous regions exposed to strong winds, as a result of the enhanced southwest monsoon the Pagsasa said. (AI/MNM)
As part of the National Disaster Resilience Month, the staff of SM Bacoor City participated in a concise yet comprehensive firefighting training session on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The half-day seminar on fire extinguishing techniques was conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection from the local government unit of Bacoor City, ensuring the employees received valuable insights and skills in handling fire emergencies. (Photo by BENJAMIN CUARESMA/ai/mnm)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
TAGUIG CITY — On Monday, July 31, 2023, close friends and relatives of the late President Fidel V. Ramos gathered at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” in this city to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing.
They paid their respects with flowers and prayers.
Fidel V. Ramos, affectionately known as “FVR,” served as the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines.
He passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 94, succumbing to complications related to Covid-19.
During the commemoration, his widow, Amelita “Ming” Ramos, led the offerings and prayers at his gravesite.
The event was attended by former colleagues from the Special Action Force, as well as former Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon and former Interior and Local Government Secretary, Rafael “Raffy” Alunan III. (ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
The Senate has approved the bill of Rights and Obligations of Taxpayers authored by Senator Lito Lapid in the third and final reading.
Senate Bill No. 1806 was sponsored by Sen. Win Gachalian.
The 22 senators voted in favor of the said bill.
According to Lapid, among the important provisions of the bill is laying out the rights and obligations of each taxpayer.
The bill also aims to provide proper information to taxpayers, speed up and order tax payment, as well as avoid abuses.
“The Bill defines the rights and obligations of taxpayers. The objective of the bill is to make paying tax easier to understand and free from abuse. The bill also creates the office of the National Tax Advocate whose job will be to educate and assist taxpayers,” the lawmaker added.
Lapid urged his fellow legislators in the lower house to pass the counterpart bill so that it becomes a full law.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Binati ni Senador Sonny Angara ang Philippine women’s national football team o ang Filipinas para sa kanilang makasaysayang tagumpay sa FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sinabi ni Angara na ipinagmamalaki ng buong bansa ang mga Pinay, na “lumaban sa mga pagsubok at ipinakita sa mundo na karapat-dapat silang maging bahagi ng pinakamalaking kaganapan sa football ng kababaihan.”
“Expectations were low for the Filipinas as one of eight debutants in the 2023 Women’s World Cup but they showed the world what a group of women can do if they put their hearts into the sport that they love and played hard for the flag that they represent. They were overperformers and I, along with all Filipinos, are filled with pride over what they have accomplished,” wika ni Angara.
Ang Filipinas ang unang Philippine squad mula sa men’s o women’s side na nag-qualify para sa World Cup, ang una sa walong bagong dating na umiskor ng goal at manalo sa isang laban.
Sila ang pinakamababang ranggo na koponan sa Group A ng World Cup sa 46, na kinabibilangan ng 1995 champion Norway (12), 20th ranking Switzerland, at host New Zealand (26).
“What the Filipinas did was nothing short of outstanding. They overcame huge obstacles on their way to their historic entry into the World Cup and they have won over new Filipino fans of the sport and the admiration of the international viewers who have been following the tournament,” sabi ni Angara.
“With their historic debut in the World Cup, I am certain the Filipinas will inspire more children—men and women alike, to take up the sport. The future is bright for Philippine football,” dagdag pa ng mambabatas.
(ai/mnm)
The European Union (EU) has committed to providing essential aid to support relief efforts in the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Egay. Initially allocating €500,000, which is equivalent to over P30.3 million, the EU aims to assist its partner agencies in the country in intensifying their support to the affected communities.
The EU Delegation to the Philippines announced this humanitarian funding on a Saturday evening, with the primary objective of addressing the urgent needs of those impacted by Typhoon Egay, also known as Doksuri. Being the fifth typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2023, Egay has caused significant destruction in various areas.
The funding will be utilized to deliver life-saving assistance, including emergency shelter and repairs, as well as clean water and sanitation provisions to the most affected populations. The EU expressed its commitment to target the aid towards the severely impacted regions, specifically focusing on Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region.
Giethyl Daze Lubguban (Photo courtesy of TEMPO)
A Zamboanga Del Sur student achieves a remarkable victory, securing the first gold medal in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa.
The talented young athlete, Giethyl Daze Lubguban from Upper Panikian Integrated School, demonstrated her prowess at the PhilSports Track Oval in Pasig on Monday, July 31.
Remarkably, Lubguban, an incoming Grade 7 student, dominated the elementary girls’ high jump event, soaring to an impressive height of 1.40 meters.
Her extraordinary performance marked the first gold medal for the Zamboanga Peninsula region (Region 9) in this year’s Palaro, a prestigious event that had been on hold for four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. (AI//MNM)
The Supreme Court (SC) has officially released the comprehensive Examplify Manual for the upcoming 2023 Bar Examinations.
The manual is now accessible on the high court’s microsite, providing essential instructions, information, and helpful tips to assist candidates in utilizing and navigating Examplify effectively.
Among the topics covered in the manual are guidelines on customizing the default font, the process of taking the examination using Examplify, and how to successfully submit the completed examination.
Furthermore, the manual contains additional reminders and outlines the policy regarding the use of laptops during exams.
Examinees are strongly advised to thoroughly read and adhere to the instructions presented in Bar Bulletin No. 5, Series of 2023, which was previously issued.
Following these instructions is crucial as it ensures candidates gain practical insights and minimize any potential difficulties during the examination process.
For those interested, the Examplify Manual can be accessed at the following link: [https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-Bar-Examplify-Manual.pdf]. (AI/MNM)
Cosmo.ph photo courtesy
Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez, the renowned actress-performer and her beloved partner, tied the knot in a lavish and star-studded wedding set against the breathtaking backdrop of Bali, Indonesia.
Prior to their wedding day on July 30, the couple hosted a heartwarming and joy-filled welcome dinner at the opulent Apurva Kempinski Bali resort.
The event was graced by a host of prominent celebrities including John Lloyd Cruz, Joshua Garcia, Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, Miles Ocampo, MJ Lastimosa, Kakai Bautista, Thou Reyes, and Moi Marcampo.
The highlight of the evening was an emotional speech delivered by John Lloyd Cruz to Rambo Nuñez. A touching video of this heartfelt message was shared on the Instagram account of user @majinglez, showcasing Cruz expressing his well wishes to the couple.
“Take good care of each other, understand one another. Maj, respect your husband, and Rambo, you too, take care of my sister; he has been so good to me. I love her dearly,” said Cruz in Tagalog, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their relationship and showing mutual respect and care. (AI/MNM)
Photo courtesy of Push AB-CBN
Church leaders from the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), an organization representing Christian churches, have taken legal action against drag queen Pura Luka Vega due to her trending online performance of The Lord’s Prayer. On Monday,
PJM President Bishop Leo Alconga, Pastor Romie Suela, and Pastor Mars Rodriguez individually filed complaints on behalf of their respective congregations, who were offended by Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega.
The complaints allege that Vega violated Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which deals with the exhibition of indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows in public places, including those that offend any race or religion.
Additionally, they claim that Vega also violated Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code sanctions “those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs, or any other place, exhibit indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts, or shows, whether live or in film, which is prescribed by virtue hereof, shall include those… who offend any race or religion… are contrary to law, public order, morals, and good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees, and edicts.”
(AI/MNM)
MHICAELA BELEN and Alyssa Solomon lead a National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs-laden national team that will see action in the Southeast Asia Volleyball League (V.League) women’s tournament set this weekend in Vietnam.
Belen, the UAAP Season 84 Rookie-MVP, and Best Opposite Spiker Solomon along with NU teammates Camille Lamina, Shaira Jardio, Minierva Maaya, Evangeline Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan and Myrtle Escanlar are seeing action in the women’s tournament of the SEA V.League that successfully conducted the second leg of the men’s contest in the City of Santa Rosa Sunday.
Also on the women’s team are high school sensations and incoming rookies Arah Panique and Abegail Pono, as well as Ateneo’s Roma Doromal and AC Miner, and University of the Philippines’ Niña Ytang and Kamille Cal.
“This is a young team and we are investing for the future of the federation’s national team program,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Monday, a day after the men’s SEA V.League which Indonesia won.
The women’s division of the SEA V.League, a brainchild of Suzara and Thailand federation president Shanrit Wongprasert, kicks off starting Friday to Sunday in Vihn Phuc, Vietnam, and from August 11 to 13 in Chiangmai, Thailand.
The Philippines will face Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia in the regional tournament.
“We’re confident in the capability of these young stars seen as the future of Philippine volleyball,” Suzara said. “We have no doubts that they can carry our flag against the best in the region.”
Suzara and PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal got NU Chairman Hans Sy’s commitment on the Lady Bulldogs’ inclusion in the national team during the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Week 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last month.
Lamina was the Best Setter in UAAP Season 84 while Ytang was hailed as the 2nd Best Middle Blocker in UAAP Season 85.
Brazilian Jorge Souza de Brito is the head coach of the collegiate stars-backed with Fe Moran as team manager, Karl Dimaculangan and Norman Miguel as assistant coaches and Grace Gomez as therapist and trainer.
(ai/mnm)
AUCKLAND – Fighting for its survival, Norway vented its wrath against the Philippines Sunday night with a clinical 6-0 win that ended the Filipinas’ campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on a downbeat note at the close of Group A action at Eden Park here.
Finally living up to their lofty pedigree, the Grasshoppers were dominant from start to finish, with striker Sophie Roman Haug doing most the damage with a hat trick in the sixth, 17th and 95th minutes as they fashioned the much-needed lopsided win.
Celebrated striker Caroline Graham Hansen had a blistering goal for the other marker in the 31st minute while Guro Reiten converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute that boosted the former World Cup champions to second place on super goal difference and into the next round.
On a miserable night for the plucky charges of coach Alen Stajcic, defender Alicia Barker came off the bench and scored an own goal in the 48th minute during a goalmouth while substitute Sofia Harrison was flashed a red card 11th minutes later that left them with only 10 players on the pitch.
Also seeing their bid of advancing to the next round cut short were the hometown Ferns, who were held to a frustrating scoreless draw by Switzerland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Thanks to largely to their 1-0 win over the Philippines in the same venue last week, the Swiss sealed top spot in the group with five points while the Norwegians took second with four points on superior goal difference as they both made it to the knockout round.
New Zealand, which finished third, and the Philippines were left out in the cold.
At the post-match press conference, Stajcic conceded that they played to a much superior team.
“As we said, they are a very classy team. They were favorites to win this group and they showed some of their class today,” he noted. “They really picked us apart in some of the battles in the box early and this allowed them to be more creative as the game went on. “
But he praised his squad for fighting till the end despite being outclassed and outmanned, especially in the second half.
“We tried to fight to the end with 10 players and we kept them out from 25 to 30 minutes. I am so proud with the heart and spirit of the team. They fought till the end, to the death, and from that perspective it has been an amazing World Cup,” the coach stressed.
Haug, who plays for AS Roma in the Italian Serie A, opened the floodgates in scoring two consecutive goals in the first 17 minutes, booting the icebreaker with a left-footed flick inside the box in the sixth minute then did it again 11 minutes later with a glancing header almost from the same spot.
A star at Barcelona, Hansen blasted a sizzling roller from the right side of the fringe of the penalty area in the 31st that gave Norway an imposing 3-0 lead.
The Norwegians padded that lead to 4-0 when Barker couldn’t clear the ball in the face of intense pressure that she accidentally drove the ball into the Philippine goal three minutes into the second half, after which Reiten added the fifth with a penalty kick off Anicka Castaneda’s tackle inside the box.
Fittingly, it was Haug who scored the last goal with a stunning strike five minutes into injury time.
Among the changes that coach Stajcic made was giving youthful striker Isabella her first start after coming off the bench in the game against New Zealand, giving the squad another option on offense, but that apparently went for naught.
The Filipinas’ side seemed energized from the huge crowd of Filipinos, numbering in the thousands, who came out to watch them play and hopefully prayed that they would pull another milestone.
Just like in Wellington, they paraded around the arena early in the afternoon, wearing the red-and-white and blue national colors and brandishing flags and flaglets, some of them wearing the traditional “salakots” to identify themselves as coming from the Philippines.
And they just kept on cheering them on even when the outcome was beyond saving.
Among those in the huge “hometown” gallery were Sen. Pia Cayetano, the head of the PH contingent, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, who arrived from Manila last Saturday night, and UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag. (ai/mnm)
In a remarkable display of skill, Filipino-American chess player, Megan Paragua, clinched third place in the highly competitive Weeramantry National blitz chess tournament of state champions held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Throughout the tournament, Megan, who is based in New York, showcased her chess prowess and drew her final round match on Sunday, concluding with an impressive tally of 6.5 points in the 1800-2199 section. Her stellar performance included five wins and three draws.
Though she found herself tied for second place with five other players, Megan officially earned the third place honors thanks to the application of a tie break.
The tournament’s top spot was claimed by Eric Feng, who secured victory by defeating Anjaneya Sripathy Rao in the final round, finishing with 7.0 points.
Following Megan’s outstanding performance were Advaith Vijayakumar in second place and Ehsaan Hebbar in fourth place, with Maxwell Barnes, Minh Binh Tran, and Valibhav Rojinjith Kalpaka in the respective order.
It is worth noting that Megan Paragua, a remarkable 10-year-old chess prodigy, currently attends Columbia Grammar Preparatory School in New York City, where she is in the fifth grade.
Undeterred by her recent success, Megan is already gearing up for her next challenge, as she prepares to take part in the prestigious 11th Annual WIM Ruth Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions K-12, which will be held at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Monday.
Expressing his pride and support, Jan Vincent Paragua, the father of Megan and brother of Grandmaster Mark Paragua, shared his best wishes, hoping for Megan’s continued success in her future chess endeavors.
Meanwhile, the Filipino Grandmaster, Mark Paragua, paid a visit to the Philippine Consulate in New York City on Wednesday, where he had the opportunity to meet with Consul Ricarte Abejuela 3rd, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer Cruz, and Vice Consul Paolo Marco Mapula. Accompanying him were United States chess masters, Nonoy Rafael and Ernesto Encarnacion. (ai/mnm)
‘Falcon’ has strengthened into a typhoon, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday. However, it remains situated over the Philippine Sea, approximately 1,070 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.
With maximum sustained winds reaching 150 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of up to 185 kph, the typhoon is currently moving at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour, slightly accelerating and turning west-northwestward.
Despite its intensification, ‘Falcon’ is still quite distant from the Philippine landmass, thus having no direct impact on the country.
The primary influence on the weather in the Philippines at the moment is the southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat,’ which is being amplified by the presence of the typhoon.
This combination will bring continuous rainfall to most parts of the country in the upcoming days.
Pagasa predicts that ‘Falcon’ will likely continue to strengthen and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility either on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. (AI/MNM)
THE Philippines extended Vietnam to a thrilling five-setter before yielding to the visitors as Indonesia scraped past Thailand to rule the second leg of the Southeast Asia Volleyball League (V.League) before a big and appreciative crowd at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna on Sunday night.
Despite a massive support from the local fans, the hosts succumbed to another heartbreaker against the Vietnamese, 25-22, 18-25, 20-25, 26-24, 8-15, to finish winless in the regional tournament for the second straight leg.
Indonesia, on the other hand, pulled off a reverse against Thailand, 25-27, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21 15-9, to complete a 3-0 campaign and bag the City of Carmona leg after its conquest at home in Jakarta a week ago.
Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Steven Rotter were on target once again but the Philippines ran out of gas in the clincher after a stellar comeback in the fourth set to settle for another 0-3 outing.
Bagunas fired 21 points, Espejo had 20 on 16 hits, three blocks and two aces while Rotter, the Best Opposite Hitter in Leg 1, put up 19 laced with four blocks in the foiled bid for the Filipinos, who absorbed a five-set defeat against Vietnam in Jakarta.
Rotter was hailed as the Best Opposite Spiker for the second leg in a row as Farhan Halim of Indonesia earned the MVP plum in the event organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara and presented by PLDT and backed by the City of Santa Rosa, the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, One Sports and Cignal.
Thuan Nguyen Ngoc had with 22 points on 17 attacks, three blocks and two aces as Vietnam notched the silver medal with a 2-1 record highlighted by an upset of Thailand. Thuan Tu Thanh, Tuyen Tran Duy and Tien Duong Van added 19, 18 and 11 points, respectively.
Leg 1 MVP Fahry Septian Putratama hammered 17 points while three more players scored in twin digits to show the way for the Indonesians, who also swept the Jakarta leg.
Best Outside Spiker Jakkrit Thanomnoi had 24 points to pace Thailand in a bronze-medal finish this time.
The other awardees were Boy Arnes Arabi (2nd Best Outside Spiker), Hendra Kurniawan (Best Middle Blocker) and Prasojo Prasojo and (Best Libero), all from Indonesia.
The Kai Truong (2nd Best Middle Blocker) and Van Duy Dinh (Best Setter) made it for Vietnam.
(ai/mnm)
Barricade at the disputed property in Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.
“Even if a police official is allowed to retire for the time being, the monitoring and investigation must continue, to gather evidence that may lead to eventual criminal prosecution. We must always act within the rule of law.”
— DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr.
IT’S ALMOST A YEAR since senseless violence erupted in a disputed property in Barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City and I hope that city police director PCol. Elmer S. Lim will remain on the level and will not take sides in maintaining peace and order.
It can be recalled that on September 5 last year, it seemed like an early morning nightmare for 55-year-old Judith Pagobo when suddenly bullets peppered their house made of light materials as she was about to cook breakfast for her family.
Pagobo, a descendant of Lapu-Lapu, only got a small cut when a bullet grazed her forearm as gunshots rang out for more than an hour.
In the blog “Celebrating Lapu-Lapu’s Genealogy” (www.filipinogenealogy.com), it was written: “The Pagobo and Baring families of Mactan and the Mundo family of Borbon, both in Cebu province, claim that they are modern-day blood relatives of (Lapu-Lapu) hero of Mactan.”
Incidentally, my late paternal grandmom was Nieves Mundo whose ancestors moved from Opon (old name of Lapu-Lapu City) to Borbon, a coastal northeast town of Cebu island.
Pagobo’s brother-in-law retired Senior Police Officer 2 Abduljafur “Allan” Namli claimed that the security guards of Sta. Lucia Realty & Development Inc. (SLRDI) suddenly shot their houses without provocation.
Now, the residents of Sitio Tumoy in Punta Engaño hope there will be no more nightmares like this and the police will be professional enough to maintain peace and order.
Under the PBBM administration and with Secretary Benhur Abalos at the helm of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), it can be noted that the proverbial rotten eggs are weeded out.
Indeed, no law enforcer should be above the law.
For example, no police officer should threaten any fellow cop or civilian.
The threat to kill is punishable by imprisonment of arresto Mayor (1 month and 1 day to 6 months) and a fine not exceeding P100,000.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has a special authority to punish erring cops through administrative cases.
These cases are filed much faster than criminal or civil cases since it’s the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) – parts of the police organization – that handle the investigation.
Notably, the Napolcom memorandum lists at least seven offenses that can be used as grounds for administrative cases. These are:
- Neglect of duty or failure of a policeman to perform his police and legal obligations,
- Irregularities in the performance of duty – an improper or unlawful act done by a cop,
- Misconduct or any wrongful or illegal behavior exhibited by a cop intentionally,
- Conduct unbecoming of a police officer or any act committed by a cop that disgraced him as a police officer,
- Incompetence or the lack of adequate mental, physical, or intellectual ability to perform police duties,
- Oppressive actions or actions referring to the abuse of power to oppress citizens, and
- Abandonment of loyalty to the government.
(ai/mnm)
Team Blackwater (ESPN photo courtesy)
Blackwater and TNT are eager to conclude the PBA On Tour with a victory as they face off on the final day of the exhibition series at the Ynares Center in Pasig.
In the 5 p.m. match, Blackwater, under the guidance of new coach Jeff Cariaso, aims to secure a win against the Bolts. A victory would allow them to finish tied with the Bolts at 7-4, but Blackwater would claim the third spot overall due to their previous triumph over the Bolts with a score of 89-82 on July 14.
Cariaso, who recently completed his pre-scheduled coaching clinics, will be calling the shots for Blackwater for just the second time since joining the team.
Despite their recent 131-108 loss to Rain or Shine, Blackwater is determined to go all out for a win against a depleted TNT side. The Tropang Giga have struggled, only managing one win in 10 games as they chose to rest veterans Jayson Castro, Mikey Williams, and Kelly Williams, while Poy Erram, Roger Pogoyo, and Calvin Oftana were loaned to Gilas.
In the main game at 7:30 p.m., Barangay Ginebra and NLEX will clash, both aiming to secure a win and secure a top 6 finish in the PBA On Tour.
Barangay Ginebra has performed remarkably well in the exhibition series, despite the absence of head coach Tim Cone, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, and Christian Standhardinger during the preseason campaign.
These players were away with Gilas, training for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August, while Pringle and Standhardinger took a much-needed break after a grueling 2022-23 PBA season.
Heading into the match, both squads hold an even 5-5 record, making the game highly competitive and crucial for their final standings.
(AI/MNM)
La Mesa Dam (ABS-CBN Photo courtesy)
As the water level in La Mesa Dam approaches its spilling point, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued a flood warning for residents in low-lying areas of Quezon City and Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela cities).
Hydrologist Rosalie “Oyie” Pagulayan from Pagasa advised cities along the Tullahan River to be prepared for possible evacuations.
As of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the water level in La Mesa Dam has reached 79.79 meters and is expected to rise further due to continuous rainfall. It is anticipated to overflow once it reaches its normal high water level (NHWL) of 80.15 meters, as the dam lacks flood control components, leading to the overflow of excess water into the Tullahan River and surrounding communities.
Areas at risk of flooding include Barangay Fairview, Forest Hills Subdivision, Quirino Highway, and Sta. Quiteria in Quezon City, as well as parts of Valenzuela and Malabon. The local government units in these regions have been duly alerted to advise residents living near river banks to remain vigilant and be ready for potential evacuations.
In addition, the recent heavy rainfall has caused the water level of Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which serves as the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, to rise to 193.84 meters as of 6 a.m. on July 30. However, despite the contribution of rainfall from tropical storms Egay and Falcon, the water level is still below its normal high water level (NHWL) of 210 meters, indicating that more precipitation is needed for the dam to reach its full capacity. (ai/mnm)
INDONESIA shored up its drive to another leg championship with a victory over the Philippines while Vietnam pulled the rug from under Thailand in Day 2 of the Southeast Asia Volleyball League (V.League) second leg Saturday night at the City of Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Champions of the first leg in Jakarta last week, the Indonesians reasserted their dominance over the Filipinos, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, as the Vietnamese exacted a thrilling vengeful win over the Thais, 25-20, 25-19, 28-30, 21-25, 15-9.
Indonesia improved to 2-0 won-lost, one win shy from the championship, while Vietnam dragged Thailand to a tie at 1-1.
The hosts are winless in two matches in the regional volleyball showpiece hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara and presented by PLDT and backed by the City of Santa Rosa, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, One Sports and Cignal.
Farhan Halim uncorked 19 points on 18 hits and an ace to lead the onslaught of the Indonesians, who clobbered Vietnam in Friday’s opener, 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 25-23.
Doni Haryono and Dimas Saputra added 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Southeast Asian Games champion. Indonesia also beat the Philippines in Jakarta, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19.
Steven Rotter, the Best Opposite Hitter in Leg 1, carried the fight for the Filipinos with 13 points as Bryan Bagunas settled for only seven after erupting for 25 points against Thailand.
Marck Espejo also had 10 points in a losing cause for the Philippines, which could not sustain the momentum from a gallant stand against the Thais before surrendering a close defeat in five sets, 24-26, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 14-16.
For Vietnam, five players racked up double digits led by Thuan Nguyen Ngoc and Tien Duong Van with 17 points each to avenge its 23-25, 26-28, 21-25 loss to Thailand in Jakarta.
Hiep Pham Van, Thuan Tu Thanh and Khai Truong The chipped in 13 points apiece.
The Philippines tackles Vietnam on Sunday at 6 p.m. with hopes of scoring a dominant win to earn a shot at finishing on the podium even as Indonesia shoots for a sweep at 3 p.m. against Thailand.
(ai/mnm)