The shortest month of the year is about to end. But before we bid goodbye to the Love Month, let’s take a look at February’s weather highlights.
Five different weather systems prevailed in the country this February. These include the Trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA), Tropical Depression Bising that recurved without hitting the landmass, the Tail-end of a Cold Front that brought moderate rains in portions of Visayas and Mindanao, the Northeast Monsoon that caused cold days, and the Easterlies which now signals the transition to the Hot and Dry season.
As Amihan peaked this month, temperatures also dropped most especially in the Northern Luzon.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez, the Northeast Monsoon is now gradually weakening, signaling the arrival of the Hot and Dry Season.
“Overall, nakikita nating patuloy na umiinit ang antas ng temperatura sa nakararaming bahagi ng ating bansa maging dito sa Metro Manila. Pumapasok na tayo na rin ang hangin mula sa silangan o Easterlies na naghuhudyat na posibleng magtapos na ang Amihan ngayong unang linggo ng Marso at posibleng mapunta na tayo sa tinatawag nating transition towards the warm months.” (Overall, we are observing higher temperatures in most parts of the country including Metro Manila. Easterlies have also set in, marking the possible termination of the Northeast Monsoon by the first week of March and the transition to the warm months.)
WEATHER TODAY
Today, the Northeast Monsoon has slightly weakened and is now dominant in Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, the eastern sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are being affected by Easterlies.
Cloudy skies with light rains will be experienced in Cagayan Valley. In Metro Manila and the rest of the country, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Did you savor the cold days of February? We hope you did, because humid days are just around the corner.
The Hot and Dry season is in the country the equivalent of summer. The warm weather is brought by the Easterlies and the Ridge of a High Pressure Area. Easterlies are winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, the largest of the oceanic divisions in the world. On the other hand, a ridge or the extended part of a High Paessure Area (HPA) is associated with good weather. Unlike a Low Pressure Area (LPA), fewer clouds are formed with less chance of precipitation in a HPA.
In an interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza, he said that the termination of Amihan usually marks the beginning of “tag-init.”
“Simula noong 2012 hanggang 2016, ay naganap ang pagtatapos ng Amihan sa pagitan ng pangalawa at pangatlong linggo ng Marso. Kaya’t inaasahan natin na posibleng kaparehas na panahon maganap ang pagpasok ng tag-init.” (Since 2012 until 2016, Amihan had ended between the second and third week of March. We expect the Hot and Dry season to begin within the same period.)
WEATHER TODAY
Today, Northern and Central Luzon remains affected by the Northeast Monsoon, while Easterlies are dominant in the eastern sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Cloudy skies with light rains are expected in Cagayan Valley. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected in Bicol Region, Visayas and Mindanao. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
There’s no gale warning today but seafarers and those who have small fishing boats are still advised to take precautionary measures against moderate to rough sea conditions.
Due to the nationwide transport strike, here’s a list of schools and areas where classes have been suspended for tomorrow, February 27, 2017. (as of 4:45 PM today)
MAKATI CITY: All levels in public schools
PATEROS: All levels
NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION: Preschool to High School
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY (Taft/BGC/Makati): All levels & office work
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS: Classes & office work
PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY: All levels & office work
TRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA: All classes
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST (Manila/Caloocan): All levels
WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY: All levels
COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE: All levels & office work
BICOL UNIVERSITY: All levels
COLLEGE OF SAN AGUSTIN (IloIlo): All levels & office work
For updates, keep refreshing this page.
The natural environment is a precious gift for everyone. Although most people live their lives without even realizing how important the natural ecosystem is, we truly believe that we all must take awareness about not only this topic but about all the problems that are related to the management of natural resources.
Water And Air Pollution In Crowded Cities
Among the most essential natural sources of energy, there is water. Rivers provide a large amount of electricity thanks to specific breakwaters and dikes to take advantage of the energy of the water flow. Think for a moment that Las Vegas casinos have been recently accused to consume too big of the amount of energy, which turns out into air pollution due to the need for massive production of the electricity.
This is also a reason why many land-based casinos have been moving to the virtual world of the internet, so they can reduce their consumption of energy and air pollution in Las Vegas. As a consequence, the industry of online gambling is growing all across the world. There is plenty of interesting places like https://www.india-casinos.com/slots where the gamblers can access top high-quality games directly from their homes. It surely helps reduce the emissions of CO2 in many areas of the globe, especially where there is a high concentration of land-based casinos like in Vegas.
Air is another very important resource from nature. And it's entirely provided by trees. That's why preventing wildfires is also a big task.
Damages Due To The Wildfire Season In The US
North America is particularly rich in forests, but it's also where a hard wildfire season occurs every year. This period of the year starts in June and it goes on all through September. During these months, the amount of destroyed forests is extremely significant.
A couple of the most common causes of wildfires in the American forests include hot temperatures along with drought conditions, especially in certain areas like California. Just to give you a clue about the size of this big problem, consider that by the end of June 2020, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in California worked on almost double the number of fires that occurred in the whole season in 2019.
Moreover, there's a negative datum about the increase of wildfires in the US during the last two decades. Many wildfires can't be prevented so easily, but there is much that everyone can do to understand what can cause a wildfire and how to stop it. First off, know that three factors are needed for a wildfire to burn: oxygen, fuel, and heat.
Fuel
Any inflammable material can become as dangerous as a bomb under the sunrays. Persistent sunlight can ignite the inflammable material and start a fire. This is a very common cause of many wildfires in California.
Oxygen
As you know, forests are the best places in this world where you can find fresh oxygen released by the leaves of the trees. This means that a wildfire can burn and destroy the surroundings with even a stronger power when there's fresh oxygen available in the air.
Heat
The action of heat is the same as a lighter for a cigarette. It sparks the wildfire and starts burning the fuel to higher and higher temperatures. This is what causes the ignition of the fuel and the origin of the wildfire.
Drought
If humidity is enemy number one for fire, drought is its best ally. Drought condition facilitates the spark of a wildfire along with hot temperatures. It's not a random fact if most wildfires in the US take place in Montana, Idaho, California, Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, all places where the levels of humidity all through the year are very low.
How Can You Avoid A Wildfire?
If you go for a trip to a forest, don't throw your cigarettes around. Even a small waste of cigarettes can be enough to start a fire. Make sure your vehicle doesn't have fuel or oil leaks. Once you leave the place, the fuel or oil fallen on the ground may start a fire after hours under the sunlight.
Many people love to prepare a front-lake barbecue in the forest. If you have to start a bonfire for cooking some meat, keep control of it, and don't allow children or kids to play around. If a toy or anything else starts burning, the fire may extend to clothes, tableware, and anything else around.
Finally, don't organize a trip to a forest during the wildfire season. Keep updated about the situation by listening to emergency alerts about critical aspects of the forest where you want to go.
Romantic movies are not the only ones making waves this February; because it is the Month for the Arts, various Filipino and international artists also created a buzz when they held the Best Philippine Contemporary Art Exhibit at The Link Carpark in Ayala Center, Makati City last February 16-19, 2017.
A wide variety of masterpieces wowed visitors, but in this day and age of wastage, what stood out were those that used scrap materials and found objects—something Mother Nature would approve of.
Max Balatbat
“Sampaghija”
With his background on architectural design, Balatbat’s work depicts both personal and communal narratives that often take place in Manila. Part of his tribute to everyday people is this sculpture crafted from resin, wood and found objects. It is an image of a young Sampaguita vendor who, instead of wallowing in self-pity, finds time to make others laugh.
Francis Commeyne
“Green Wall”
“Go green, keep it clean.” Born in Sri Lanka, artist Commeyne knew exactly what to do when he found plastic bottles scattered on the streets. His creation is a testament to how plastic, when used properly, can live in harmony with nature.
Sam Penaso
“Scrapture 88”
Considered as one of the country’s visionary artists today, Penaso makes use of various materials such as scrap metal to show his deep understanding of texture, depth and color.
Mimi Tecson
“A Knight Who Almost Lost His Steed”
What can you do with old bric-a-brac? If you allow your creative juices to flow, you might create art! For Tecson, using such objects means recollecting memories. Through reconstruction and revisualization, her work exudes a sense of history and empowerment.
Maria Jeona Zoleta
“Freak Show”
This whimsical installation made from different objects reflects Zoleta’s fantasies in an explosion of color and material, delivered with a light-hearted, cheerful touch.
So the next time you’re about to dispose of what you think is trash, think again. Try your hand in recycling, and who knows—you might create the next big masterpiece!
As the country enjoys the cold morning, PAGASA warns of a possible weather disturbance in the coming days.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Loriedin dela Cruz, while there is no weather disturbance inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), there is a probable wea
ther disturbance within the next 24 to 48 hours. The public is advised to monitor weather updates.
Today, the Northeast Monsoon remains dominant in the country. Aside from low temperatures, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced in the regions of Caraga, Davao and Northern Mindanao. Cloudy skies with light rains are also expected in the regions ofCagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol Region, Eastern and Central Visayas and the
provinces of Aurora and Quezon. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
Still an effect of Amihan, the PAGASA Synoptic Station in the City of Pines recorded extremely cold weather this Wednesday morning– the lowest temperature this 2017.
Due to rough to very rough seas in these provinces, venturing out is risky forfishing boats and other small seacraft. Larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
From four-month celebrations, to serving black noodles and women buying men gifts and chocolates, Valentine’s is indeed a much-celebrated day in different parts of the world.
Whether you’re single or happily taken, one thing you can enjoy is this list of how people celebrate Hearts’ Day in unique ways around the world.
DENMARK
Men give women gaekkebrev, a “joking letter” consisting of a funny poem written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. If a woman can correctly guess the sender of the card, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.
SOUTH KOREA
Valentine’s is celebrated each month starting February through April. On February 14, women give their men chocolates, flowers, and candies. During White Day (March 14), men will not only give their partner chocolates and flowers, but also a special gift. April 14 is a celebration for those who are not in a relationship. This is called Black Day, wherein singles mourn their status by eating “jajangmyeon” or black bean noodles.
SOUTH AFRICA
Women pin the names of their crushes on their sleeves, allowing men to discover their secret admirers.
JAPAN
Girls give the traditional Giri Choco to male colleagues, friends, or even bosses. It has no romantic association unless a handmade gift is given with another chocolate variant, called Honmon Choco. A month later, males have to return the favor with gifts, chocolates and more.
GERMANY
Lovers will not only exchange chocolates, flowers, and other heart shaped gifts, but also pigs. It is believed that pigs represent luck and lust, and can be given in different forms—pictures, miniature statues, chocolates, etc.
TAIWAN
Valentine’s is celebrated twice a year. On February 14 and July 7, flowers play an important role. Red roses represent “only love”, 99 roses represent “love forever”, and 108 roses signifies popping the question “Will you marry me?”
WALES
The Welsh celebrate their patron saint of love Saint Dwynwen on January 25, which is equivalent to Valentine’s Day. Wooden love spoons are given as gifts.
MIAO, SOUTH WEST CHINA
During the Sister’s Meal Festival, women cook an assortment of colorful rice dishes, which are wrapped in silk and offered to serenading suitors. The fate of the relationship rides upon the item found within the rice. Two chopsticks mean love, but a clove of garlic means the romance is over before it even started.
— Researcher: Panahon TV intern Gem Lat
“I Love You” – three words that are spoken to let our dear ones know how special they are.
In the Philippines, more than 7,000 islands serve as home to roughly 100 languages. Each has its own unique way of expressing the love language.
Regardless of the language, it is always a delight to hear these words even on a normal day. Who knows? There may come a time when you’ll need any of these words as you travel across the Philippines. Happy Valentine’s Day!
— Researcher: Panahon TV intern Jeroh Hiyastro
Researcher: Panahon TV intern Jeroh Hiyastro
Flowers, chocolates, “cheesy” notes and love songs–there’s no doubt, Valentine’s is officially here! Whatever your relationship status is, here are some hugot lines that will not only help you express your feelings, but will also give you knowledge about the weather.
1. “Amihan ka ba? Lamig mo kasi eh.”
The Northeast Monsoon, also known as Hanging Amihan refers to cold and dry air coming from Mainland China or Siberia. It starts to sweep across our country during the “ber” months and peaks in January until February. This is the reason for the chilly weather mostly in the evening or early morning.
Don’t wait for your loved one to tell you this hugot. To prove your special someone that you’re not like the Amihan, better give them a warm hug today!
2. “Buti pa ang panahon, kayang i-forecast ng PAGASA. Pero ‘yung pagiging tayo, malabo kasi isa kang PAASA.”
Through the years, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been providing the weather updates. It is the top source of information whenever weather disturbances enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Aside from delivering various data, such as 24-hr public weather forecasts, weather bulletins, shipping and farm weather forecasts, the bureau also offers live broadcast reports and interviews for different media outlets.
3. “Bagyo ka ba? Kasi when you left my area of responsibility, you left my heart under a state of calamity.”
An average of 19 to 20 tropical cyclones or bagyo enter PAR each year. Almost half of these may directly hit the country. Cyclones can be very devastating to the lives and property. When the extent of damage has become immense, the local government units (LGU) have the authority to declare a state of calamity for an easier and faster access to disaster relief funds.
4. “Para kang track ng bagyo. Minsan nagla-landfall, minsan lumilihis at lumalayo.”
A cyclone’s track is influenced by different factors like the High Pressure Area (HPA), Southwest Monsoon or Northeast Monsoon. It may make landfall or directly hit the land, but there are also instances that a cyclone re-curves away from the country.
5. “Buti pa ang ulan, may pag-asang tumila. Pero ang feelings ko ayaw paawat, parang babaha.”
Rain is a product of water cycle. Rains become enormous and more frequent during the Habagat Season or whenever weather disturbances like a Low Pressure Area (LPA) or tropical cyclones prevail within our premises. If rains persist for about three hours, flooding is possible in low-lying areas, while landslides may also transpire in mountainous areas.
6. “Ang feelings mo sa ‘kin ay parang SUMMER sa Pilipinas. Akala ko meron, wala pala talaga.”
As a tropical country, the Philippines has only 2 official seasons – the Wet/Rainy Season and Hot/Dry Season. The term “summer” has been part of our culture but it is technically incorrect. Summer and winter are only experienced by countries in the temperate regions.
7. “Ang turing mo sa ‘kin ay parang SNOW sa Pilipinas. Hindi nag-eexist.”
Most of us dream of building our own snowman and wish to experience a White Christmas. But in reality, it’s not possible in the Philippines because we don’t have winter in the tropics.
8. “Ako na lang piliin mo! Supertyphoon ang pag-ibig ko, Signal Number 5 ang effort ko.”
A tropical cyclone is classified into five categories–tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon and super typhoon. A Super typhoon is the most powerful with maximum winds of more than 220 kilometers per hour.
PAGASA issues Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals (TCWS) whenever a cyclone is expected to approach PAR or directly hit the land. Signal Number 5 means the eye of the super typhoon is drawing near, wherein residents may experience the strongest impacts within 12 hours.
9. “Kung ako ang bagyo, ikaw ang heat and moisture ko. Kailangan kita para lumakas at mabuhay ako.”
High temperatures and ample amount of water vapor are two important ingredients for a cyclone to grow stronger. It needs moisture and heat to sustain its intensity and elongate its life span. Without these, it may weaken or gradually dissipate.
10. “Para tayong mainit at malamig na hangin, pinagtagpo pero hindi magkasundo.”
Are you familiar with the Tail-End of a Cold Front? It is one of the weather systems expected to affect the country this month. Cold front is the boundary of two air masses, where the cold air mass dominates the warm air mass. When these two converge, bad weather will follow. Unfavorable weather conditions include heavy rains and thunderstorms.