LPA may develop into a Tropical Depression
A Low Pressure Area (LPA) still persists within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
At 3:00 AM today, the LPA was at 95 kilometers north-northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina, the LPA may continue to intensify and develop into a Tropical Depression within the next 24 hours. If this happens, the country’s 11th Tropical Cyclone this year will be named “Kiko.”
As the LPA prevails, Ilocos Region, Batanes and the Babuyan group of Islands will have moderate to occasionally heavy rains, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Metro Manila, Cordillera, Central Luzon, the rest of Cagayan Valley, Mindoro, Cavite, and Batangas will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. The rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies except for isolated light to occasionally heavy rains due to thunderstorms.
Question of the Day
As the “ber” months set in, Panahon TV Facebook follower Ryan Edward Sol asked: “Should we expect the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan to prevail next month?”
According to Badrina, the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat is still expected to prevail until October. Badrina noted that the Amihan begins in November and will be felt in Metro Manila starting December until February.
The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was last spotted at 555 kilometers east-northeast of Tuguegarao City. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Sheilla Reyes said it may cross Northern Luzon or Extreme Northern Luzon within the next 24 to 48 hours. In a separate interview, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Lori dela Cruz noted that the possibility for the said LPA to develop into a Tropical Cyclone is now slim.
However, it will still bring rains in different parts of the country as it nears landmass. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains will be experienced in the regions of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera. Heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning may also occur during thunderstorms.
Same weather conditions will prevail in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Aurora. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains and possible thunderstorms.
Another weather disturbance is being monitored outside the Philippine Area Responsibility (PAR). Severe Tropical Storm “Sonvu” was last located at 2,550 km east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon. Packing winds of 105 kph and gustiness of up to 129 kph, it moves north-northwest at 35 kph. With this movement, it is no longer expected to enter the PAR or affect any part of the country.
ITCZ dampens National Heroes Day celebration
Filipinos continue to enjoy the three-day weekend as the country celebrates its annual National Heroes Day or Pambansang Araw ng mga Bayani.
But amidst the celebration, residents of some areas are warned about possible effects of the prevailing weather system, the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The ITCZ is an area where winds coming from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet; this interaction results in rains in the affected areas. ITCZ is also composed of a series of Low Pressure Areas (LPA) which can develop into weather disturbances.
Today, the Bicol Region, Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and possible thunderstorms. In the rest of the country including Metro Manila, fair weather will prevail except for isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
New weather disturbance spotted outside PAR
Meanwhile, the tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is still being monitored. At 3:00 AM today, it was located at 2,590 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon. It has maximum sustained winds of 40 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 50 kph. If this weather disturbance continues to move in a north-northwest direction, it may no longer enter PAR.
Jolina exits PAR; weather improves
Tropical Storm Jolina has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
From a Low Pressure Area (LPA), the weather disturbance intensified into a Tropical
Depression Thursday afternoon and made landfall in Casiguran, Aurora Friday evening. At 5:00 AM today, the storm with international name “Pakhar” was located at 595 kilometers northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and continues to move westward to China.
With the absence of Jolina, weather condition is expected to improve except in areas where the Southwest Monsoon prevails. Today, the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, and Pampanga will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and possible thunderstorms. The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will have generally fair weather except for isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Another Weather Disturbance
In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez said that a potential weather disturbance is being monitored in the eastern section of the West Philippine Sea. If the cloud clusters would develop into a tropical cyclone, it will not enter PAR but may boost the Southwest Monsoon.
Based on climatological records, an average of two to four tropical cyclones can develop or enter PAR in August.
Tropical Storm Jolina to exit PAR tonight
Tropical Storm Jolina has accelerated and continues to move in a west-northwest direction. At 10:00 AM today, the center storm was at 120 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur. It has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center, gustiness of up to 95 kph, moving west-northwest at 24 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1
– Ilocos Sur
– Ilocos Norte
– La Union
– Abra
Residents of areas under TCWS and the rest of Luzon are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. It is expected to exit in the northwestern boundary of PAR tonight.
CLASS SUSPENSIONS
(as of 8:00 AM) Classes in these areas and schools are suspended today August 26, 2017 due to the rainy weather caused by Tropical Storm Jolina and the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.
ALL LEVELS
(Metro Manila)
Las Piñas
Malabon
Mandaluyong
Manila
Marikina
Parañaque
San Juan
Valenzuela City
(Provinces and Minucipalities)
Bataan
Baliwag, Bulacan
Cavite
Ilocos Sur
Nueva Ecija
San Fernando, La Union
Rizal: Angono, Antipolo, Cainta, Rodriguez, Taytay
(Schools)
Trinity University of Asia
University of Baguio
St. Louis (all campuses)
UP Baguio
Kings Colleges in La Trinidad
Hallyu, a Chinese word that literally translates to “Korean Wave”, is used to describe the growing awareness and appreciation of South Korean culture across the globe. From music and television dramas, to cuisine and cosmetics, Korean influences are everywhere—even in our country where one can definitely feel hallyu.
For most fans of Korean culture, the ultimate way to experience it is in its motherland. But if the price of a plane ticket to your dream country is too steep for your taste, try going to Bulacan to get a piece of Korea.
In Bocaue, Bulacan, the Shrine of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is making waves in social media.
This Catholic church’s original structure was built in 1959, and on its 50th year in 2009, was renovated under the leadership of Father Avel Sampana, former parish priest of the church. The architecture is breathtaking, with touches of gold and white that add to its serenity. Every part of the shrine has a significant meaning to the life of St. Andrew.
Outside, plants abound, a refreshing break from the urban concrete. This shrine has many sections, such as the room for St. Andrew’s Relic, which houses a small piece of bone from the saint, which is said to be miraculous.
You’ll also find a gazebo facing the Sta. Maria River, its bamboo-covered, meandering pathways symbolizing the journey of St. Andrew from South Korea to the Philippines. A pagoda representing the seven sacraments is a peaceful spot for reflection. Mango trees abound in the area because St. Andrew loved writing beneath their shade.
During your stroll, you will also chance upon the statue of Saint Andrew Kim. Considered the first Korean Catholic priest, Saint Andrew actually lived in Bulacan to study Catholicism back in the 18th century. Back then, Catholics in Korea were persecuted by the ruling Joseon Dynasty for abandoning Confucianism. After serving as a seminarian in Bocaue, he became a priest. He went back to his own country to spread the word of God, but was caught and sentenced to death. On May 6, 1984, Pope John Paul II led his canonization.
To reach the shrine, ride the German Espiritu bus located in SM North or the RJ Bus in Monumento bound for Balagtas, Bulacan. After getting down at 7-11 Bocaue, ride a jeepney bound for Marilao. Ask the driver to drop you off at Mc Donald’s Lolomboy. From there, take a 300-meter walk.
Things to remember when visiting:
*Remember that this tourist destination is primarily a church. The Korean nuns and devotees would appreciate your silence and compliance to rules.
*You may want to wear you best OOTDs for your Instagram posts, but make sure your clothes are decent. No sleeveless, no shorts or short skirts. Wear proper footwear.
*Just like in other places, clean as you go.
The shrine is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Masses are held from 6:30 am every 1st Saturday of the month.
Panahon TV Intern Charlene Bianes
A couple of months ago, celebrity host Raymond Guttierez, made social media waves with his dramatic weight loss. With the help of famous blogger Erwan Heussaff who acted as his lifestyle coach, Guttierez lost a whopping 65 pounds in 90 days. In an interview, he stated, “The reason that it took me so long to do this is because of the many excuses in my head. I don’t know how to cook. My kitchen is practically a dressing room. I go to the gym but I’m always on my phone. These are the excuses I usually say to the people around me.”
If you, like Raymond, wish to achieve a healthier lifestyle but are having a hard time getting over your own excuses, allow us to help you a lending hand. If any of the items on our “Bakit List” sounds familiar, then we’re happy to tell you that you can do something about it.
1. I want to eat healthier but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse #1:Because healthy food is expensive.
Solution:: The secret to affordable healthy eating is making your own food. The groceries and wet markets are teeming with fruits and vegetables that you can snack on. If you want to prepare fancier meals, you don’t need to spend money on cookbooks; the internet is filled with recipes and tutorial videos you can follow.
Common Excuse #2:Because I don’t have time to prepare my own food.
Solution:To save time, make one-dish meals instead of several meals.
Acccording to Nutritionist Zenaida Cayabyab, ideal one-dish meals should contain a balanced proportion of the recommended daily allowances from each of the major food groups. She shared to us a nutritious recipe that is easy to make and is surely affordable.
“Munggo is good source of protein. If you add it with vegetables, it’s already a complete meal. In cooking ginisang munggo, you’ll only need munggo, tinapa, alugbati or ampalaya or kalabasa which can all be bought at the palengke for less than one hundred pesos— and this is good for six persons already.”
2. I want to have a healthy lifestyle but I can’t do it. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because it’s too much effort.
Solution:Changing your lifestyle is not a one-time, big-time overhaul. Don’t overwhelm yourself with all the things you need to address in a short span of time. Implement changes gradually, starting with the easiest—your diet. Fitness Instructor Ernel Chavez suggests, ”Eat more fruits and vegetables and as much as possible, only eat meat especially beef once a week.”
Going to the gym at least three times a week is ideal, but if this isn’t doable, Chavez has this suggestion: “Do at least a 30-minute cardio everyday, may it be jogging or walking.” Incorporate the workout in your daily routine in practical ways. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. If you brought a car, park in the slot farthest from the office. To boost your energy, make sure to get enough sleep.
3. I want to eat less but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because I get hungry easily.
Solution:Cayabyab suggests getting a plate divided into four portions. Distribute the fruit, vegetables, grains and meat among the sections. Fruit and vegetables are rich in fiber, which helps you feel full more quickly. This is also a smart way of eating healthier, and making sure you’re getting enough nutrients with each meal.
4. I want to go the gym but I can’t. Bakit?
Common Excuse: Because I’m too busy.
Solution: Chavez says, “Some people are afraid to go to the gym because they think they will have to stay long there. But really what’s important for beginners is only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and an hour for those who are not. ” To save on time, choose a gym nearest to your office or house. Take stock of your activities and note which of these can be cut down to make time for the gym.
Chavez says, “Some people are afraid to go to the gym because they think they will have to stay long there. But really what’s important for beginners is only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise and an hour for those who are not. ” To save on time, choose a gym nearest to your office or house. Take stock of your activities and note which of these can be cut down to make time for the gym.
By Panahon TV Interns Shelly Chan and Rosselle Manuel
Of Aliens and Astrobiology
It may sound far-removed from reality, but astrobiology or the branch of biology concerned with the study of life on earth and in space, is actually quite practical. Though this field is relatively new compared to the long-established fields of astronomy, biology, physics, geology and planetary science, astrobiology is essential for securing the future of humans. That’s because it combines the search for habitable environments in the solar system and beyond while researching the evolution and adaptability of life here on Earth. Astrobiology seeks to answer fundamental scientific questions about life—including the conditions for it to flourish here or elsewhere in the galaxy.
Meet Earth, Our Planet
The oldest known fossils found on Earth are around 3.5 billion years old, 14 times the age of the oldest dinosaurs. Different theories and beliefs have sprouted on how life on Earth began. Before the 1800s, most people believed in “vitalism”, an idea that living things were endowed with a special, magical property that made them different from inanimate objects.
Another famous theory is Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species, which explains how the vast diversity of life could all have risen from a single common ancestor. Instead of each of the different species being created individually by God, the theory poses that all descended from a primordial organism that lived millions of years ago.
Flourishing life
Earth is often referred to as a “Goldilocks planet”. Like the third of the three bowls of porridge in the fairy tale Goldilocks, it is neither too hot nor too cold, but just right. This allows liquid water—which is essential to life— to flourish in our planet. But do you know that the Earth hasn’t always carried water? A theory suggests that asteroids struck the Earth, carrying this life-giving substance and other bacteria to our planet.
It is a fact that humans are outnumbered by bacteria. As Evolutionary Biologist Stephen Jay Gould wrote, “Our planet has always been in the ‘Age of Bacteria’ ever since the first fossils bacteria, of course, were entombed in rocks more than 3 billion years ago. On any possible, reasonable or fair criterion, bacteria are and always have been the dominant forms of life on Earth.”
A journal published online by the University of California Berkeley on April 11, 2016 reinforces that humans represent only a tiny percentage of the world’s biodiversity.
Life on Mars?
Martians or inhabitants of the planet Mars have long been the subject of pop culture, whether in jest or all seriousness. But recent explorations in Mars have found water bound in the fine soil of the “Red Planet”, particularly in the Gale Crater. This crater was created when a large meteor struck the planet 3.5 billion to 3.8 billion years ago. They discovered that Mount Sharp, a mound of rock in the middle of Gale Crater, was built by sediments deposited in a large lake bed, tens of millions of years ago. Experts believe that the crater itself was once a vast ocean. An analysis of rocks at the bottom of a mountain in the middle of the crater shows that water flowed at different levels over the course of millions of years. In fact, there are still substantial amounts of ice water at the Martian poles.
The mission of Curiosity, a car-sized rover that’s part of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission (MSL), includes investigating Martian climate and geology, assessing whether the Gale Crater has ever offered environmental conditions favorable for microbial life, including the investigation of the role of water, and planetary habitability studies in preparation for future human exploration.
The question of whether there is, or was, life on Mars may finally be answered by the European Space Agency’s ExoMars mission, which will land a 300-kilogram rover on the Red Planet in 2019.
Chances of life beyond Earth
We assume that one-fifth of all stars have habitable planets in orbit around them. This leads us to conclude that there should be other advanced technological civilizations out there. In our very own Milky Way galaxy, the odds of being the only technologically advanced civilization are 1 in 60 billion. Thus, it’s very likely that other intelligent, technologically advanced species have evolved before us.
According to the History Channel, Frank Drake a notable astronomer, created an equation that was able to “estimate the likelihood of the existence of alien life, taking into account a number of factors including the average number of planets able to support life and the fraction that could go on to support intelligent life.” The equation found that “hundreds of thousands” of planets that could support extraterrestrial beings could and should exist.
So… do aliens really exist? This question has baffled humans ever since prehistoric man noticed the bright stars in our sky. Thousands of paranormal sightings have been recorded on video since then, with many conspiracy theories and fictional films such as E.T. and Alien generating much interest among UFO hunters. Hundreds of pictures and videos of UFOs are taken every year. While some have been debunked as fake, there are still dozens that have left even the experts scratching their heads and wondering if we really have been visited by creatures from another planet.
According to the Telegraph, Charles Bolden, administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was quoted: “I do believe that we will someday find other forms of life or a form of life, if not in our solar system then in some of the other solar systems — the billions of solar systems in the universe.”
As technology advances, our research probability also expands. If extra-terrestrial life exists, then perhaps, life on Earth can also exist in other planets. Rather than being a scary thought, aliens now give us hope—that we are not alone, and that with the gradual degradation of our planet, human life can still thrive elsewhere. Such is the possibility astrobiologists are now endeavoring to find out.
By Panahon TV Reporter Patrick Obsuna
The Low Pressure Area (LPA) which was last spotted at 830 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes may develop into a tropical cyclone within the day. Once it intensifies into a “bagyo”, it will be named “Isang”. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robb Gile noted that it may move towards the Extreme Northern Luzon, where it is expected to bring rains and gusty winds.
As it prevails within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it starts to enhance the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Hanging Habagat. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains will be experienced in Metro Manila, Visayas and the regions of Central Luzon, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Rizal & Quezon), MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon & Palawan) and Bicol. Residents in these areas are still alerted against occasional heavy rains, gusty winds and lightning due to thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Thunderstorms are still possible in the afternoon or evening.
Despite the resurgence of Habagat, no gale warning was issued today. However, fisherfolk and those with small seacraft are advised to take extra caution as coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. According to Gile, the weather disturbance is expected to exit the PAR on Wednesday but may continue to enhance the Habagat, posing a threat to most parts of Luzon and portions of Visayas.