By Benjie Cuaresma
A significant event took place on July 20, 2023, as Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan led the topping off ceremony for the new Senate Building Project located in Navy Village, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
A distinguished group was in attendance to commemorate the completion of the building’s structure, including Senators Loren Legard, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Ralph Recto, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Also present were DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, former Undersecretary Antonio Molano Jr., and various Project Directors and Managers involved in the construction.
Secretary Bonoan expressed the ceremony’s importance as it marked a key milestone with the installation of the highest structural component, signifying the building’s progress midway through construction. He emphasized that the new Senate Building would provide an ideal working environment, enhancing the productivity of lawmakers and their staff.
The construction of the building aligns with the Senate’s vision, “Bagong Senado sa Ika-Dalawang Siglo,” aiming to create a green, secure, practical, and iconic workplace for future generations of Senators and their staff.
The project, with an allocation of P8.6 billion, falls under the supervision of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Buildings Management Cluster, and covers an area of 18,320 square meters. Once completed, the building will consist of four towers, each with eleven floors, and three basements, providing a minimum of 1,200 parking spaces to cater to the Senate’s needs and operations.
An outstanding feature of the building’s design is the incorporation of the Barong Tagalog, an iconic symbol of honor and Filipino culture, showcasing the nation’s heritage.
The DPWH aims to finish civil works on the new Senate Building by the end of 2024, solidifying its commitment to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that represents the nation’s progress and serves as an efficient hub for the Senate’s important work.
(ai/mnm)
By Benjie Cuaresma
MANILA — A lightning rally organized by the Central Luzon Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners (ACTO) turned chaotic on Friday, July 21, 2023, as approximately 30 trucks gathered at Anda Circle in Manila.
The rally, aimed at voicing their disapproval of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for raising toll fees without obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities, resulted in a standstill that left thousands of commuters stranded and caused massive traffic congestion.
The truckers’ caravan occupied two lanes at Anda Circle, adjacent to Bonifacio Drive, displaying large tarpaulins condemning NLEX for implementing unreasonable toll hikes instead of prioritizing improved services.
In response to the escalating situation, members of the Manila Police District engaged in a dialogue with the truckers to listen to their grievances and attempt to find a resolution.
The unexpected gathering of trucks and subsequent demonstration took both motorists and commuters by surprise, exacerbating the already bustling traffic conditions along the route.
Authorities are working diligently to alleviate the congestion and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
This event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of open communication and cooperation between stakeholders to address transportation-related concerns effectively. (ai/mnm)
In the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz tournament, Pinay tennis prodigy Alex Eala demonstrated her prowess by advancing to the semifinals after a hard-fought victory against Spanish player Lucia Cortez Llorca in the quarterfinals.
The match, which took place on Friday night, July 21 (Manila time), saw Eala prevailing with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 at the Pista Amutio outdoor hard court of Peña Vitoriana Tennis Club in Spain.
Despite a slow start, Eala bounced back from losing two consecutive games in the first set and showcased her resilience by winning six games in a row to claim the opening set.
In the second set, Llorca fought fiercely to maintain her advantage and quickly raced to a 3-0 lead, ultimately leveling the match at 1-1.
The third set witnessed an intense battle between the two players, with Eala securing the crucial first game after an extended six-deuce game. She then took control of the set, building a commanding 5-1 lead and securing the overall victory.
With this impressive win, the world’s 258th-ranked tennis player, Alex Eala, has set herself up for a semifinal showdown against the tournament’s third seed, 26-year-old Jessika Ponchet from France.
Ponchet, currently ranked 137th in the world, promises to provide a formidable challenge in their encounter scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at 5 p.m. (ai/mnm)
Hidilyn Diaz, the Olympic gold medalist, celebrated a significant achievement as she proudly graduated from college, joining her fellow graduates at the PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City on Saturday, July 22.
Completing her studies at the College of St. Benilde, Hidilyn successfully earned her BSBA- Business Management degree.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, the accomplished Olympian shared photos donning her graduation attire, expressing her gratitude to the former President of the institution for providing her with the opportunity to pursue her college education.
She thanked various individuals who played pivotal roles in her journey through college, including the members of the Benilde Sports team who assisted and guided her, her teachers, and most notably her thesis adviser, Sir Ricky, whose guidance helped her and her thesis partners overcome the challenges of completing their thesis.
Despite her busy schedule, the 32-year-old weightlifting champion managed to complete her undergraduate thesis, a task she initially thought would be incredibly difficult.
Now, having achieved this remarkable milestone, Hidilyn looks forward to competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ready to continue her legacy in the world of sports.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the decision to suspend classes on Monday (24 July 2023) in public schools and work in government offices within Metro Manila.
The President is also scheduled to deliver his second State of the Nation Address.
Aside from this, the measure was taken in light of the adverse weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm “Egay” and the impending 72-hour transport strike Malacanang said.
The suspension was declared through Memorandum Circular 25, with the primary aim of ensuring the safety of the public and mitigating the impact of these challenging situations.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the order on July 21, following the President’s instructions.
Despite the suspension, essential government agencies responsible for providing basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital functions will remain operational to continue delivering necessary services.
As for private companies and schools, the decision to suspend work and classes will be left to the discretion of their respective heads.
It’s important to note that, despite these circumstances, President Marcos is still scheduled to deliver his second State of the Nation Address on the same Monday.
Rianne Malixi’s path to a historic first major junior championship and a chance to become the second Filipina to win a USGA-sanctioned event seems increasingly promising.
In a thrilling display of skill, she secured two victories with contrasting styles, propelling her to the finals of the US Girls’ Junior in Colorado on Friday.
During the morning quarterfinals, Malixi held off a fierce late charge from Farah O’Keefe, ultimately clinching a 1-up victory after O’Keefe bogeyed the 18th hole of the Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue course.
In the afternoon semifinals, Malixi dominated Leigh Chien, turning an early one-hole deficit into a resounding 4&2 triumph with an impressive four-hole romp starting from the fifth hole.
In the upcoming marathon 36-hole final, Malixi will face off against the third seed, Kiara Romero, who displayed remarkable resilience by rallying from a one-hole deficit and making three birdies in the last four holes to secure a 2-up win over last year’s finalist, Gianna Clemente, in the other semifinal battle. Earlier, Romero dispatched Canada’s Lauren Kim with a 3&1 victory.
The final promises to be an all-Pinay affair, as Romero’s mother hails from Quezon City, Philippines, and her father is American.
For Malixi, this opportunity means a great deal, especially considering her previous experiences coming close to major junior titles but falling short. With a solid track record in both local and international competitions, including winning two titles on the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) and four pro titles on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, she is determined to finally secure a dream championship.
Recovering and recharging overnight will be crucial for both finalists, given the anticipated grueling day-long final that may very well go down to the last shot or putt, and could even extend to additional holes, reminiscent of a past Filipina victory in a USGA event.
By reaching the finals, both Malixi and Romero have secured exemptions to next month’s US Women’s Amateur, with Malixi having already clinched a spot during a qualifier in Ojai, California.
Malixi’s impressive journey to the finals included defeating Kaitlyn Schroeder and Audrey Rischer in earlier rounds, and ultimately outplaying O’Keefe in the quarterfinals.
As the stage is set for this historic Filipina rivalry to unfold, fans eagerly await the thrilling 36-hole final to witness which young golfer will etch her name into the record books and claim the US Girls’ Junior championship.
(ai/mnm)
In a move aimed at bolstering digital transformation efforts, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Dennis Anthony Uy, the visionary behind Converge ICT Solutions Inc., as the special envoy to Korea.
The appointment of Uy, a prominent figure in the fiber internet industry, was officially announced by the Presidential Communications Office through its Facebook page.
Alongside other distinguished government officials, Uy will play a crucial role in fostering closer ties and facilitating technological advancement between the two nations.
Dennis Anthony Uy’s impressive journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Holy Angel University in Pampanga.
Even during his time at university, his entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he founded his first business venture.
Throughout the years, Uy’s expertise in the telecommunications and related sectors has led to the establishment of several successful businesses.
As he takes on this new role as a special envoy, Dennis Anthony Uy is poised to make significant contributions to the digital landscape, furthering the progress of both the Philippines and Korea in the realm of technology and innovation. (AI.MNM)
Ernest John ‘EJ’ Obiena, the Filipino pole vault sensation, demonstrated his prowess at the Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League, securing a remarkable silver medal at the Stade Louis-II in Fontvieille, Monaco on an early Saturday, July 22 (Manila time).
Having recently climbed to world no. 2, Obiena soared over the bar at 5.82 meters, securing an impressive second-place finish. The gold medal was claimed by American Christopher Nilsen, who cleared 5.92 meters with exceptional skill.
Interestingly, the competition held a sense of redemption for Nilsen, who was formerly ranked second in the world before being overtaken by Obiena, now at world no. 3.
Aussie Kurtis Marschall also achieved a height of 5.82 meters, but he settled for the bronze medal after a countback, having required two tries to clear 5.72 meters, while Obiena managed it in just one attempt.
Surprisingly, the current world no. 1, Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis of Sweden, missed the podium with a surprising clearance of only 5.72 meters. This result was unusual for Duplantis, who is known for effortlessly clearing 6.0 meters.
Duplantis successfully cleared 5.72 meters on his first attempt but encountered difficulties when skipping 5.82 meters and attempting 5.92 meters twice, to no avail. In a bold effort to regain his usual form, he made his final attempt at 6.02 meters but was unable to clear it.
Similarly, Obiena, who started at 5.62 meters and then progressed to 5.82 meters, faced challenges at 5.92 meters, failing to clear it in two tries. With determination, he made a final courageous attempt at 6.02 meters, but unfortunately, it proved unsuccessful. (ai/mnm)
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans PVL PHOTO
Choco Mucho achieved a resounding victory as they swept Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 26-24, 25-15, to finish seventh in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, July 22.
The Flying Titans soared to success with a stellar performance from Caitlyn Viray, who showcased her improved form this conference by contributing an impressive 22 points.
Her powerful attacks, solid blocks, and precise service aces proved to be instrumental in securing the win. Additionally, Viray’s defensive prowess was on full display with eight excellent digs.
Supporting her was the dynamic Sisi Rondina, who chipped in with 15 points, nine digs, and six receptions, providing crucial assistance in sealing the victory.
On the other side, Mylene Paat led the charge for the Crossovers, delivering 15 points and five digs.
Despite their valiant efforts, Chery Tiggo settled for eighth place in the conference.
Choco Mucho’s remarkable performance in the match not only earned them a well-deserved seventh-place finish but also left a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike in the PVL Invitationals. (AI/MNM)
The PLDT High Speed Hitters PVL PHOTO
PLDT High Speed Hitters displayed an impressive performance as they swept F2 in three sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-18, marking their first victory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference semifinals. The thrilling match took place at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, July 22.
Leading the charge for PLDT was Royse Tubino, who showcased her skills with an outstanding 20-point contribution to the team’s triumph. With this win, PLDT improved their semifinal record to 1-2 in the round-robin format.
On the other hand, the defeat brought the Cargo Movers’ record to an even 1-2 in the semifinals. Although F2 had previously secured a victory over Cignal during the eliminations, they have yet to clinch a win in the semifinal stage.
As the competition continues, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling matches and outstanding performances from both teams in the PVL Invitational Conference.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially lifted the State of Public Health Emergency across the entire Philippines, which was initially declared in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This decision was communicated by Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil on Saturday.
The President’s action came in the form of Proclamation 297, issued on Friday, July 21.
With the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency, all previous orders, memoranda, and directives that were applicable solely during this emergency period are now considered withdrawn, revoked, or canceled, and they will no longer have any effect.
Furthermore, President Marcos clarified that all emergency use authorizations (EUA) granted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 121 (s. 2020) will remain valid for a duration of one year from the date of lifting the State of Public Health Emergency.
This extension is specifically for the purpose of utilizing any remaining vaccine doses that were procured during the emergency period.
This move signifies a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to manage and respond to the pandemic. (ai/mnm)
AUCKLAND – Despite suffering a 0-2 defeat to Switzerland in their historic first match in Group A of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Dunedin last Friday, the Filipinas remained optimistic and eagerly anticipating their crucial match against host New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday.
“We can only build from here, stay true to ourselves, and keep pushing forward,” stated goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who delivered an outstanding performance in the chilly Forsyth Barr Stadium, keeping the La Nati at bay for much of the game.
“We had an unfortunate PK (penalty kick), but we’ll learn from these mistakes and prepare for the next one,” added the SoCal Union FC mainstay, referring to Ramona Bachmann’s completed penalty in the dying minutes of the first half after Jessika Cowart’s tackle of a Swiss player inside the box.
“Despite this loss, we will analyze our errors, strive for improvement, and apply it to the next game,” continued the goalkeeper, expected to play a prominent role against the Ferns at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday.
Striker Katrina Guillou, whose early potential goal was disallowed due to offside, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “It was a close call, but we still have two group stage games, and hopefully, we can pick up momentum from there.”
“We started out strong and made things difficult for Switzerland. We were finding spaces and covering gaps effectively. Unfortunately, we conceded two goals, but it’s our first World Cup in our debut game. We still have a lot to look forward to,” she added.
Midfielder Sarah Eggesvik shared the same spirit as her celebrated teammates. “We will continue to fight and eagerly anticipate our next two games,” she declared.
While acknowledging Switzerland’s superiority in the previous match, Australian coach Alen Stajcic emphasized that “the next game will be different.”
Stajcic and the players expressed appreciation for the small yet passionate Filipino fans who braved the bone-chilling weather in Dunedin. They counted on the fans to show unwavering support in the upcoming group matches.
“To all the kababayans who came out tonight, maraming salamat! We love you so much, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having our backs,” McDaniel expressed on behalf of the team. “Please continue to support this special group; your support means the world to us.”
The Filipinas, also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, returned to their base camp on a chartered flight on Saturday noon and would be gearing up for their journey to Wellington the next day. (ai/mnm)
I MUST ADMIT that I can’t help but laugh when I saw the video of Pura Luka Vega, the drag queen who earned the ire of some senators and several devout Catholics who seem to be hell-bent in crucifying him for his performance that they view as “blasphemous, offensive and disrespectful.”
Vega’s video went viral online as it showed the drag queen performing the rock version of “Ama Namin” and wearing an outfit to appear to be like what the Catholics imagine to be an image of Jesus Christ.
Although I grew up in a Catholic atmosphere, as a young boy I had already questioned the authenticity of Jesus Christ’s image, arguing that there was no “kodak” (camera) during his time.
I was in high school when I read on our school bulletin board the Ten Commandments supposedly handed down by God to the prophet Moses.
The Second Commandment really struck me: “Thou shalt not worship any graven images.”
Later, I learned the more elaborate Second Commandment of the Christian God: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8).
However, the Catholic Church came up with a different version of the Second Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
Needless to say, unlike the Muslims’ holy book Qur’an, the Christian Bible has so many versions and different interpretations.
Now back to Vega’s “kalokohan.”
The self-proclaimed queer person claims that his dressing up as Jesus Christ is like “art therapy.”
He argued that his performance was just like what some Catholics are doing during the Holy Week, dressing up as Jesus Christ in doing penitential acts.
I have to clarify that the reason why I laughed upon seeing Vega’s video was that I saw him “over-acting”.
I was amused.
But on second thought, I agree with Senate President Migz Zubiri that Vega can be criminally charged for the performance under Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code which punishes those who “offend any race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.”
Yes, Amadeus, freedom of expression is not always absolute.
Pura Luka Vega’s real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente.
I can’t help but recall the ending scene of the 1973 Dirty Harry movie, Magnum Force when Harry Callahan (played by Clint Eastwood) has just dispatched Briggs, the last bad guy.
Dirty Harry says: “A man’s got to know his limitations.”
(ai/mnm)
THE country will field 395 athletes to the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games in September, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Friday.
“The number reached 400 but was later trimmed down after a series of deliberations by the POC and the national sports associations,” said Tolentino after the POC General Assembly at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant.
Tolentino said the athletes will compete in 37 of the 40 sports in the ultra-modern city of Hangzhou from September 24 to October 8.
The Philippines aims to match or surpass the four gold medals won in the last edition in Jakarta and Palembang five years ago—Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo in weightlifting, Margielyn Didal in skateboarding and Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Kaye Go in women’s individual and team golf.
The country also clinched two silvers and 15 bronzes.
Tolentino said Kayla Sanchez, who formerly competed for Canada, is favored to win medals in five events in swimming.
Tolentino also added Philippine Skating Union president Nikki Cheng as a deputy chef de missions to the Asian Games because she speaks fluent Chinese.
She joins chef de mission Richard Gomez and deputy Karen Caballero.
“Her expertise in communicating in the Chinese language will really help us there,” Tolentino said.
The International Jet Sports Boating Association, meanwhile, was accepted as the POC’s 55th regular voting member and the Cheerleading Association of the Philippines as the ninth associated member.
(ai/mnm)
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the results of the 2023 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination, revealing that 2,247 out of 5,107 examinees successfully passed the exam.
Ace Roldan Legardo, a student from Camarines Sur Polytechnic College-Nabua, achieved the highest score, with an impressive rating of 87.10 percent. The University of the Philippines-Los Baños emerged as the top-performing school, with a commendable passing rate of 91.67 percent.
Other schools that made it to the top four are as follows:
Camarines Norte State College-Daet (second place) with a passing rate of 84.38 percent.
University of the Philippines-Diliman (third place) with 84.00 percent passing rate.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Baliuag University (both tied for fourth place) with an 80 percent passing rate.
The examination was conducted on July 15 and 16, 2023, in various locations across the country, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Baguio City, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales, and Tacloban.
For successful examinees, the registration process for the issuance of the Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be carried out online at www.prc.gov.ph from September 11 to 15, and September 18 to 20, 2023.
Applicants are advised to follow the provided instructions for initial registration, and the necessary requirements include a downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, a notice of admission (for identification purposes only), two passport-sized pictures (colored with white background, and complete name tag), two sets of documentary stamps, and one short brown envelope.
For a comprehensive list of passers, you can visit the following link: https://prc.gov.ph/article/july-2023-master-plumbers-licensure-examination-results-released-three-3-working-days/6659. (ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called upon the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to remain steadfast in safeguarding the interests of the Philippines and ensuring the security of its people.
In a ceremony commemorating the joint anniversary of the NSC and NICA held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Marcos lauded the agencies for their unwavering dedication to the nation’s security for over seven decades.
Recognizing the covert and sensitive nature of their work, Marcos acknowledged that these agencies often go uncredited and unnoticed.
Nevertheless, he expressed his deep gratitude, assuring them that their exceptional skills, bravery, and selfless sacrifices are duly acknowledged by those who understand the immense efforts they undertake to protect the country.
“As the silent guardians, you shield us from various national threats. You stand as unwavering vanguards, repelling our adversaries, and diligently watching over us to ensure order and prevent chaos,” the President added, highlighting the pivotal role they play in upholding the nation’s well-being. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — Senator Francis ‘TOL’ N. Tolentino urged the Marcos government to continue monitoring the proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite Malacanang’s recent pronouncement to fully disengage with the tribunal.
“The disengagement would mean that formally we will not allow them–not cooperate. But they (Marcos administration) should be monitoring what would be happening within the premises of the ICC,” Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
Tolentino explained that it should be wise for the Office of the Solicitor General to continue monitoring what is happening before the said tribunal, adding that “disengagement would not mean a total lack of communication.”
“We should be aware of what is going on,” he said.
The senator stressed that considering that the resolution by the ICC’s Appeals Chamber is a split decision, there is a chance that even a potential warrant of arrest to be issued “can be quashed and set aside by the Free Trial Chamber.”
Tolentino said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to fully disengage with ICC was the right thing to do since the tribunal no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines after it pulled out in 2019 and since the supposed investigations have only commenced after the date of the effectivity of the withdrawal. (ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserted on Friday that the Philippines would refuse to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding its probe into the previous administration’s drug war. He declared that the country had concluded its engagement with the international tribunal.
Addressing reporters, the President stated firmly, “We have no pending appeals, and no further actions are being pursued.”
“We have already concluded all discussions with the ICC. As we have maintained from the beginning, we will not engage with them in any manner or form,” Marcos emphasized during an interview in Zamboanga Sibugay.
“Consequently, we will persist in defending the sovereignty of the Philippines and continue to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction in their investigations within our borders,” he added. (ai/mnm)
The low-pressure area (LPA) located off Southeastern Luzon has recently strengthened, being upgraded to a tropical depression, and has been given the name “Egay” by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Friday.
According to Pagasa’s 2 p.m. bulletin, there is a likelihood that Egay will continue to develop over the next 12 hours, possibly becoming a tropical storm. As of the latest update, its center was situated approximately 900 kilometers east of Southern Luzon, moving north-northwestward with maximum sustained winds of 50 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness reaching up to 70kph.
Forecasters predict that the tropical depression will move slowly within the next 24 hours, following a general west-northwestward track until late Sunday. Afterward, it is expected to turn northwestward, remaining over the Philippine Sea east of Luzon for the rest of the forecast period.
While current projections indicate that Egay will likely remain offshore, primarily affecting the waters east of Luzon, the possibility of a landfall scenario over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan and Batanes cannot be entirely ruled out, as stated by the state-run weather agency.
In addition to its current status as a tropical depression, there are concerns that Egay could undergo steady intensification and possibly reach the super typhoon category by late Monday or early Tuesday while moving over the Philippine Sea, still east of Luzon, according to Pagasa.
Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and closely monitor updates from Pagasa to remain informed about the storm’s developments and any necessary safety measures. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) is gearing up for two international tournaments, including one that the country will be hosting in October.
PTTF President Ting Ledesma said a 10-member team, including five women, will compete in the Asian Championships set on Sept. 3-30 in Pyeongchang, South Korea while the youth team will join the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender tournament from Oct. 15 to 21 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Filipino No. 1 Kheith Rhynne Cruz won two gold medals at the SEA Junior Championships in Brunei last month.
The 16-year-old Cruz defeated Thai Wirakarn Tayapitak, 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3, in the Under-17 final. She collected her second gold medal in the Under-19 doubles, teaming up with Chrishien Mae Santillan to beat Wirakarn and Wanwisa Aueawiriyayothin, 11-2, 11-9, 11-7.
Cruz also bagged the team silver medal with Althea Jade Gudes, Jelaine Monteclaro, Zachi Chua and Santillan, a bronze medalist in the U-19 singles category.
Keith’s younger brother, Mhelvin, won the silver medal at the WTT event last year, and was given a scholarship in France. The siblings will lead the team in Palawan.
“We’re happy to say that table tennis is getting better. The recent success of our national team abroad has a big impact especially on the youth,” Ledesma said during the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Thursday.
The PTTF is among the national sports associations which taps private sponsors for funding the national team’s training and competitions.
“We understand that the PSC is supporting many sports. We’re proud to say that through the years, we are not solely dependent on the PSC,” Ledesma said in the weekly session supported by Behrouz Persian Cuisine and Pocari Sweat.
“We don’t have a problem with the PSC. But to speed up the process of our participation, I just look for someone to help. After that, I ask for reimbursement complete with all receipts. If I’m lucky to get the money back, thank you very much. If not, it’s okay,” he added.
Ledesma also expressed his gratitude to Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron, who agreed to host the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender featuring 30 teams.
“I wholeheartedly thank Mayor Bayron for supporting the PTTF and assuring the successful hosting of the WTT event,” he said. (PNA)