As we welcome the month of June, we also officially bid goodbye to the Tag-Init Season as PAGASA declared the onset of the Rainy Season yesterday evening.
In a press statement, the weather bureau said that widespread rainfall has been observed these past few days. Most parts of the country are likely to experience near to above-normal rainfall conditions in June to July. However, breaks from the rains will occur, possibly lasting for several days to weeks due to the persistence of the Ridge of High-Pressure Area in the North Pacific.
In an interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, the following criteria for declaring the onset of tag-ulan have been satisfied:
– A total rainfall amount of 25 millimeters or more in three consecutive days which must be recorded at no less than five of these stations: Laoag, Vigan, Dagupan, Iba, Mindoro Occidental, Ambulong, Iloilo, and Metro Manila
– Widespread rainfall due to the prevailing winds brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Hanging Habagat
– Daily thunderstorm activity
To help you stay protected on rainy days, make sure you have the following:
Quick Recap:
Yesterday, the combined effect of Habagat and Frontal System dumped heavy rains inseveral parts of Luzon. Based on the records of PAGASA, here are the areas that have accumulated the most rainfall:
Palawan – 78.3 mm
Infanta, Quezon – 65.5 mm
Science Garden in Quezon City – 40.0 mm
What to expect:
If the heavy downpour coincided with your outdoor plans yesterday, brace for another rainy day mostly in the extreme Northern Luzon due to the Frontal System— defined as the boundary of cold and warm air masses. Converging winds form convective clouds, bringing rains in the affected area.
In the next hours, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced in the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera and the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Though Habagat Season has begun, no gale warning is issued yet. Coastal waters throughout the archipelago remain slight to moderate. Fishing boats and other small seacraft can safely venture out into the sea.
Two weather systems continue to bring rains in several parts of Luzon. The Frontal System is affecting the extreme Northern Luzon while the Southwest Monsoon or Hanging Habagat prevails in the western section of Northern and Central Luzon.
Frontal System is defined as the boundary of two different air masses – the cold and warm. Converging winds form convective clouds, bringing rains in the affected area. On the other hand, Habagat is composed of warm and moist winds that trigger heavy rains mostly in the western side of the archipelago.
In the next hours, cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms will be experienced in the provinces of Ilocos, Apayao, Batanes and the islands of Calayan and Babuyan. Residents of these areas are alerted against possible flash floods and landslides.
Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected in the province of Zambales and the rest of Ilocos and Cordillera Region. Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of rain showers or thunderstorms.
In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Lori dela Cruz said no tropical cyclone is expected to develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the next three days or until the end of May. However, massive clouds and shallow Low-Pressure Areas (LPAs) are observed in the Frontal System, which could bring significant rainfall in the country.
Dengue is one of the most common and dangerous diseases during the rainy season.
This fatal disease is acquired through mosquito bites, mostly from the aedes aegypti, which can also cause Chikungunya, Zika fever, and Yellow Fever. Stagnant water is the ideal place for mosquitoes to grow.
Using insect repellent is an effective way to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. Here are some quick and easy homemade repellents that will ensure your safety, not only from mosquitoes, but also from the harmful effects of chemical insecticides.
Garlic Mosquito Repellent
Garlic is one of the best mosquito repellent alternatives because of its strong scent that irritates mosquitoes.
Ingredients:
• Garlic
• Lemon Juice
• Mineral Oil
• Spray Bottle
Procedure:
• Peel and cut the garlic into small pieces.
• Mix it with mineral oil and lemon juice.
• Put into a spray bottle.
Lemongrass with Garlic Mosquito Repellent
Lemongrass is known for its medicinal benefits and frequently used as a culinary herb in various Asian cuisines. Lemongrass can also be an effective mosquito repellent because it contains citronella oil that has a citrusy scent that mosquitoes hate.
Ingredients:
• Lemongrass
• Garlic
• Spray Bottle
Procedure:
• Peel and cut the garlic into small pieces.
• Wash and boil the lemongrass.
• Add water to the chopped garlic and distill to get the extract.
• Pour the lemongrass extract into a glass and mix it with the garlic extract. Put into a spray bottle.
You can use these homemade repellents anytime by spraying it on your arms and legs. Also, here are other useful tips to keep your homes mosquito-free:
• Plant lemongrass in your backyard.
• Use LED lights.
• Clean your house and make sure to eliminate standing water.
• Use citronella candles.
By: Deanne Deang – Panahon.TV – Intern
Aside from the approaching rainy season, many are also preparing for the upcoming school year. Are you ready to take another step in your journey? As the rains gradually start to pour, here are some success stories to shower you with inspiration.
REGINE CAÑETE VILLAMEJOR
University of San Jose – Recoletos
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Commerce – Major in Communication and Marketing
Magna cum Laude
Regine is a 20-year-old lass from Taloot, Argao, Cebu. She is the daughter of Raul Villamejor, a fisherman and Mary Jane Villemejor, a fish vendor. She was able to help her parents in paying for the school expenses through her scholarship and by selling food to her board mates and classmates for her allowance.
What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?
When I was a college freshman, I almost lost my mother because of a serious illness. I had to help my father sell fish, prepare meals for the family and take care of my siblings.
In my second year, I was admitted to the hospital due to internal hemorrhoids. I stayed there for almost a week but nothing stopped me from doing my school work. While I was sick, I asked my classmates for updates about our projects and assignments. My board mates brought the materials in the hospital, while my close friends submitted my work to our professor.
What message can you give to the youth today?
Never stop chasing your dreams. When there is love, passion and determination, you can never go wrong. No matter where life takes you, keep your feet grounded and always have a strong sense of character because these would surely bring you to the best destinations.
Love your parents. Always appreciate the hardships and sacrifices they went through for you. Don’t forget to pray and give thanks to God.
What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
We have to find out why the green houses gases have grown to this proportion. When we have this kind of information, it will be easier to find solutions.
I can help alleviate the worsening problem of climate change by planting trees and not burning plastic.I can also help by shutting down appliances, such as computers and televisions, when not in use.
ERWIN VALMORIA MACUA
St. Theresa’s College, Cebu City
Bachelor of Elementary Education
Cum Laude
Erwin is a security guard in the school where he graduated. He was a consistent Valedictorian during elementary and high school but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to finish college due to poverty. Despite this, he didn’t give up. After 16 years of working in a school that is exclusively for girls, he didn’t miss the chance to continue his studies when the school finally opened its doors to male students.
At 38 years old, he is a father of three and have decided to spend more time with his family after graduation. Although he has been receiving many offers after his story has gone viral, he still chose to continue being a security guard while reviewing for the teachers’ board exam this coming September.
What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?
I was really left behind in my computer subject. In fact, I struggled when our finals involved typing 150 words in a minute. Because I only managed 30 to 40 words, I approached my teacher about my problem and asked about possible remedies. I explained to my teacher that there were no computers during my generation, that’s why I was having a hard time using it in the class.
Another challenge is lack of sleep. I go to school from a 12-hour shift. To stay awake, I drink a lot of coffee and energy drinks.
What message can you give to the youth today?
To the youth, I encourage you to excel in your studies. If I were able to surpass this challenge, you can also do it. Poverty should not keep you from achieving your dreams. Stay away from the influence of bad company, gambling, alcohol, computer games, and most of all, drugs.
To all the fathers and mothers, remember that you’re never too old to chase your dreams, You only need hard work, determination and prayer.
Favorite Motto:
“It’s never too late to learn.” Age is just a number so don’t stop learning. Everyday is a learning process.
What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Climate change is one of the problems the world has to address. The best thing I can do is to educate people, and practice my advocacy in my own family then in my neighbourhood. These are the possible ways to help the planet:
Stop burning rubber and plastic.
Burning plastic has become a habitual practice in our neighbourhood and I’m hoping to change that.
Proper garbage disposal.
This should be implemented as many people are still throwing their garbage and wastes into the river, and this is very evident in our area.
Plant trees.
I am already doing this because I am also a farmer. I will urge other people to do the same.
MERIAM NALO LIBONGCOGON
Philippine Military Academy
Ensign (2nd Lieutenant)
A farmer’s daughter, Meriam is a 25-year-old marathoner and band vocalist, She worked as a housemaid when she was still studying.
What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?
I worked as a housemaid while studying in college. I had to wake up early to clean, cook, wash clothes, and to feed and bathe the kids. Sometimes, I only get to sleep in the wee hours of the morning, and I have to take an exam in a few hours. There are times when I would cry because I couldn’t get a permit slip to take the exam because I haven’t paid the school. But despite being poor, I enjoyed serving the family because they treated me like family.
What message can you give to the youth today?
To those who are poor like me, remember that poverty is never a torture for us. God will not give us a burden that we can’t bear. To the young people, don’t stop dreaming.
First, you must have determination to reach your goal. Be willing! Second, you have to persevere. As we are reminded in the bible, “Count all joy when we fall into various trials.” And lastly, always cling to God. Never remove Him in your life because without Him, we are totally nothing.
Favorite Motto:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Modernization has helped us a lot in making our work easier, but we cannot deny the fact that it is slowly destroying Mother Earth. As individuals, we can successfully help protect our planet even in simple ways.
As a leader, I have to set a good example. I will plant trees, and practice proper garbage segregation and disposal. When I see someone abusing nature, I have to tell them off so they’ll be aware of their wrongdoing.
ABDULAZIZ HAJIMIN DAPILIN
Western Mindanao State University – Zamboanga City
Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Special Education
Cum Laude
Abdulaziz is a 20-year-old native of Basilan, who was born with Marfan Syndrome that caused blindness in his right eye and semi-blindness in the left.
What is the biggest challenge that you encountered as a student?
The worst challenge I’ve ever faced as a student is being a Student Teacher. Students like me are often asked to conduct classes for the blind. But during my practice teaching, I was tasked to handle sixth-graders who have no disabilities.
What message can you give to the youth today?
Learn from the success stories of your role models but do not compare yourself to other people. We are uniquely and perfectly made by the Creator, includingour hardships and defects. Don’t pity yourself; don’t think you’re better than other people. We all belong on the same ground. Keep your feet on the ground; be thankful for every blessing and always strive to draw out the positive from the negative in your life.
Favorite Motto:
Know me for my abilities, not my disability.
What is your stand on climate change and how can you help the environment?
Climate change and environmental care are both timely and important issues. Support the use of renewables such as solar energy and proper garbage disposal for future generations.
These stories of success prove that nothing can hinder you from reaching your goals. Regine, Erwin, Meriam and Abdulaziz have shown that it is possible to finish one’s education with hard work and perseverance.
To all students of the incoming school year, may these people serve as your inspiration and motivation. We wish you luck on your journey!
Frontal system and Habagat bring rains to Luzon
Rains will prevail in most parts of Luzon on the last Sunday of May 2017.
According to PAGASA, the Frontal System is affecting the extreme Northern Luzon, while the Southwest Monsoon dominates the western section of Northern and Central Luzon. Frontal System refers to the boundary of two different air masses. Once this weather system becomes dominant in an area, it will generate convective clouds which will bring thunderstorms. Southwest Monsoon is defined as warm and moist winds moving in a southwest direction. Due to these characteristics, Habagat can cause monsoon rains that can last for a couple of days or even a week
As these weather systems prevail today, Ilocos Region, Cordillera and Batanes will experience moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms. Residents of these areas are alerted against flash floods and landslides. In Central Luzon and the rest of Cagayan Valley, light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced. For the rest of Luzon, down to Visayas and Mindanao, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail, only with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
While the present Habagat is categorized as weak, this, along with the Frontal System, has brought significant rainfall to some areas in Luzon. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, last week’s top three highest rainfall were recorded in these areas;
Batanes – 232 millimeters (mm) of rain in 24 hours – May 26, 2017
Calapan – 75.2 mm of rain in 24 hours – May 25, 2017
Casiguran – 76.2 mm of rain in 24 hours – May 24, 2017
The month of May bursts with color, not only because of the fiestas celebrated, but also because of the flowers in bloom.
Aside from being home to many government offices, educational institutions and landmarks, Quezon City also boasts of remarkable trees peppered with flowers that serve as a breather from the high-rise and concrete structures.
Watch this tree-fic video:
This weekend, remember to bring your umbrellas as you make your “huling hirit sa tag-init,” because the prevailing Southwest Monsoon or Habagat brings possibilities of rains. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Loriedin dela Cruz, the habagat is in effect in the western section of Luzon and Visayas.
With its warm and moist characteristics, the habagat will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms to the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Bicol, Western Visayas and the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Zambales and Bataan. In the remaining parts of the country including Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies prevails only with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Photo courtesy of Nelson M. Velasco, Daraga, Albay
Dela Cruz adds that no weather disturbance is expected to affect the country in the next two days.
There’s nothing worse than getting your favorite shoes ruined during the rainy season! So before braving the rains, why not protect your valuables by waterproofing them?
Waterproofing is the process of making an object water-resistant–which means that it’s able to, resist the absorption of water under specified conditions.
But instead of going out and buying messy and smelly chemicals to waterproof, you can protect your best-loved kicks with some good, ol’ fashioned homemade know-how.
Ready your materials. Grab the things that you plan to waterproof and get a piece of unscented tea light candle and a hairdryer.
Rub It. Start rubbing the candle on the shoe’s surface until it’s completely covered in a layer of wax. Wear gloves while doing this to keep your hands free from wax stains.
Paraffin is the most commonly used wax in candles. It creates a white coat which alters the shoe color—but don’t worry! This is only temporary.
Heat it up. Get your hairdryer and set it to high heat. Hold the hairdryer close to the spot where the wax is applied. The wax will start melting, turning into a clear coat.
Test it. There’s one thing left to do – test out your kicks! Spill water on it and marvel at how your shoes manage to stay dry. Go ahead— grab your shoes and try this hack that’s sure to be a trend this rainy season.
By: Jayesh Boreres – Panahon.TV – Intern