It goes without saying that the Hot and Dry Season is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. But rather than going for common summer activities such as swimming and heading to the mall, we dare you to kick the adventure factor up a notch, and try out these new and exciting sports.
Ultimate
What it is:
Now a popular sport in the Philippines, Ultimate is a fast-paced game, which involves players passing around a flying disc (Frisbee). Mechanics-wise, it resembles American football as players try to score by spinning the discs into their respective goals.
Ultimate beginners can practice with a partner with simple catch and throw exercises.
The discs used in this sport come in various types, the official version weighing in at around 200 grams. In the Philippines, discs are often made of composite plastic, while other versions are crafted from fabric, Styrofoam and rubber.
What you need:
Since you’ll be running and your hearts out, it’s best to wear comfortable and pliable clothes when playing this sport.
Spandex is highly recommended as it acts as a protective layer, reducing the impact of scrapes, burns and cuts. If you have problems with your knees, ankles or wrists, it’s best to wear braces and supports. And to prevent the sweat from flowing down to your fingertips, which affects traction with the Frisbee, wear a sweatband on your throwing wrist.
Why it’s good for you:
Ultimate improves cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, stamina, agility and body coordination. According to health experts, playing Frisbee on a regular basis burns as much as 765 calories in half an hour.
Where to play:
Grassy fields, and even the beach, are the perfect spots for Ultimate. You only need to look for an adequate-sized field that permits you to throw and run—and you’re good to go!
Mountain Biking
What it is:
Cycling is good for everyone, but if you want to go extreme, mountain biking is the way to go. The sport, itself, has several categories.
Cross-country involves maintaining your balance on various mountain trails while Downhill biking is characterized by sharp descents. Even more challenging is the Four-Cross mountain biking where riders compete on a designed and highly challenging course. Meanwhile, Trailquest mountain biking is a combination of cross-country and orienteering. Bikers in this division search for specific locations to gain points.
What you need:
Before hopping on your bike, make sure to wear a helmet. This protects your head against possible injury so go for something that fits snug so it won’t wobble while riding.
To keep you hydrated, bring water in a bottle that fits in your bike bottle cage. If you’re planning a long ride, invest in a hydration pack.
It also pays to have a handheld pump and tube so you can put air in your tires in case of emergency. Different sizes of Allen wrenches and screwdrivers also come in handy.
Since you’ll be on an off-road terrain, protect your eyes against dust particles by wearing glasses. To reduce hand fatigue, choose riding gloves with palm padding.
Padded riding shorts also keep you from getting saddle sores and rashes.
Why it’s good for you:
Biking promotes cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, joint mobility, posture and coordination. It also reduces stress levels, body fat, anxiety and depression.
Where to ride:
Trails within and near Metro Manila include the La Mesa Nature Reserve, Timberland in San Mateo in Rizal, and Tanay in Rizal.
Wakeboarding
What it is:
Basically a water sport that lets you ride on a wakeboard while being pull by a motorboat, wakeboarding began in the 1980s when surfers hitched rides on boats using ropes. From then on, surfers began to design wakeboards, which maintained balance and steadiness. It became recognized as an extreme sport in the 1990s.
Professionals play this with stunts and maneuvers, flipping high up the air and back on the wakeboard.
If you are an experience surfer, this could be a little easy for you. Two popular jumps are the roll, when you move edge over edge and the flip. Mastering these two maneuvers will make you want more to go up into the air and do some more stunts.
Be reminded to always stretch before you wakeboard. Focus on the upper back and leg muscles. And it is necessary to take a wakeboarding lesson with an experience instructor.
What you need:
Before you begin, stretching is a must, focusing on the upper back and leg muscles. Be sure to take lessons with a certified instructor. Wetsuits are recommended to keep your body warm since you will be in the water most of the time. Life vests or buoyancy aids are also part of the gear. Helmets are just as important even if some people think this unnecessary.
Why it’s good for you:
It’s a great full-body exercise, requiring strength to carry your own weight. Wakeboarding strengthens arm and leg muscles, improves flexibility and versatility, and develops hand-eye coordination and balance.
Where to ride:
Wakeboarding is now easily accessible especially for first=timers. Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Decawake Park in Pampanga; and CamSur Watersports Complex in Bicol offer this adrenaline-pumping sport.
Surfing
What it is:
Another water sport that involves riding the waves, surfing originated in Western Polynesia thousands of years ago, when fishermen discovered it as an efficient method to go back to the shore. Eventually, riding on wooden boards eventually became a pastime.
What you need:
In surfing, less is more because all you really need is a surfboard. For beginners, go for surfboards that are wide and thick, but ultimately, its specifications depend on your weight and body frame.
Remember to learn the basics from an experienced instructor before trying this sport.
Why it’s good for you:
Its health benefits include cardiovascular fitness and increasing the strength of your shoulders, back, legs and core.
Where to ride:
Surfers can choose from the various surfing spots in the country. Siargao Island in Surigao Del Norte is the annual venue of the Siargao Cup Surfing Competition. Baler, Aurora is also a favorite surfing camp. If you want something nearer, try the beaches of Zambales.
Scuba Diving
What it is:
Scuba is actually an acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA), which describes the cylinders that lets divers breathe underwater. Not like surfing and wakeboarding, scuba diving is not considered an extreme sport.
Given the country’s rich marine life, scuba diving gives you the perfect opportunity to marvel at nature’s underwater bounty.
What you need:
Scuba diving requires quality gear and equipment, including fins, a mask, tank, depth and pressure gauges and a watch suited with a compass. Wetsuits are a must in maintaining normal body temperature underwater.
Why it’s good for you:
The basic science of water is that it is heavier than air. Aside from strengthening muscles, an hour of scuba diving can burn 350 calories. It also improves your breathing technique as you inhale and exhale deeper underwater. Deep breathing stimulates the lymphatic system, which eliminates toxins from the body.
Where to dive:
The country’s top dive spots include Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental;
Anilao, Batangas; Monad Shoal in Malapascua, Cebu, popular for its thresher sharks;
World War II wrecks in Coron Bay, Palawan; and the Tubbataha Reef National Park in Palawan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This vacation, try venturing out of your comfort zone with these heart-pumping sports. Make the most out of the remaining hot and dry days as according to PAGASA, this year’s rainy season is expected to start mid-June. So don’t waste this time of the year—enjoy the sun and indulge in some fun!
The tropical storm with international name “Noul” continues to intensify as it slowly approaches the boundary. At 4:00 AM today, it was estimated at 1,495 kilometers east of Mindanao, packing winds of 85 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Moving west-northwest at 9 kilometers per hour, it will possibly enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar said Noul is expected to move closer to the eastern section of Luzon on Saturday morning, bringing rains and occasional gusty winds over the Bicol Region. Meanwhile in the afternoon, stormy weather will then occur in Marinduque, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon Province. Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas and Mindoro will have cloudy skies with rain showers and isolated thunderstorms.
By Sunday, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Camarines Provinces, Central Luzon and the provinces of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan will experience stormy weather as Noul (Dodong) is expected to cross the Luzon area. PAGASA’s weekly weather outlook also shows that rains with occasional gusty winds will occur over the Bicol Region,and Northern and Central Luzon while MIMAROPA will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. The rest of the country will experience generally fair weather aside from the chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
However, Escullar clarified that this is just an outlook so changes may still occur. Noul could still recurve northward and change course in the next hours. All are advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
As of now, the said tropical cyclone does not have any effect yet on the country. Easterlies will prevail, bringing warm and humid weather in most parts of the country. Most parts of the archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
This month is festival season, with various provinces, cities and municipalities, showcasing their unique brand of revelry and culture. But one festival celebrated during the merry month of May has managed to cross boundaries from barrios to the metropolis, where it has become part of Filipino tradition. And this is none other than the Flores de Mayo.
Originally brought to our shores by the Spaniards, this month-long flower festival is celebrated to give reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This tradition began in Bulacan in 1867 after Mariano Sevilla published his translation of the devotional Flores de Maria. Oftentimes, people think of the festival as a parade of beautiful, young women in elegant clothes, but it is, in fact, deeply rooted in religion, teeming with biblical symbolisms.
Starting with a nine-day Novena, the Flores de Mayo, also referred to as the Santacruzan or Sagala, culminates in a procession depicting St. Helena’s mythical finding of the Holy Cross. In the parade, each lady or reyna has a male escort, as they walk the streets under hand-carried bamboo arcs decorated with flowers.
The characters come out in the following sequence, each representing biblical and historical figures:
1. Methuselah – a bearded man, bent with age. He is portrayed riding a cart while preoccupied with toasting grains of sand in a pan over a fire.
2. Reyna Banderada – represents the coming of Christianity.
3. Aetas – represent the Filipino pagans before the coming of Christianity.
4. Reyna Mora – a female Moro representing the dominant religion before Christianity.
5. Reyna Fe – carries a cross, symbolizing the virtue of faith – the first of the theological virtues.
6. Reyna Esperanza – carries an amchor, symbolizing the virtue of hope – the second theological virtue.
7. Reyna Caridad – carries a red heart, symbolizing the virtue of charity – the third theological virtue.
8. Reyna Abogada – wears a black toga and carries a big book. She portrays the defender of the poor and the oppressed.
9. Reyna Sentenciada – has her slim hands bound by a rope accompanied by two Roman soldiers. She is the symbol of the innocents who were convicted.
10. Reyna Justicia – carries a weighing scale and a sword. She personifies the “mirror of justice.”
11. Reyna Judith – carries a head of a fallen mone in one hand and a sword on the other. She portrays Judith of Pethulia who saved her city from the Assyrians after she beheaded the cruel Holofernes, an invading general of Nebuchadnezzar.
12. Reyna Sheba – carries a jewelry box. She was the one who visited the famed King Solomon and was overwhelmed by his wisdom, power and richmess.
13. Reyna Esther – carries a scepter. She represents the biblical Jewish figure, who spared her countrymen from death and destruction through the timely intervention of King Xerxes.
14. Samaritana – carries a jug on her shoulder. She is the woman who, Christ spoke to at the well.
15. Veronica – is the woman who wiped the face of Jesus. She carries a bandana imprinted with the three faces of Jesus.
16. Tres Marias:
• Mary of Magdala – carries a bottle of perfume.
• Mary, Mother of Christ – carries a handkerchief.
• Mary, mother of James – carries a bottle of oil.
17. Marian – celebrating the many titles of the Virgin Mary.
• Ave Maria – represented by eight girls wearing long white dresses with wings to make them look like angels. Each one carries a letter to complete the words “AVE MARIA.”
• Divina pastora (Divine Shepherdess) – carries a shepherdess’ staff.
• Reyna de las Estrellas (Queen of Stars) – carries a wand with a star.
• Rosa Mystica – carries a bouquet of roses.
• Reyna Paz (queen of peace) – carries the symbol of peace.
• Reyna de las Propetas – carries an hour glass.
• Reyna del Cielo (Queen of Heaven) – carries a flower and is surrounded by two angels.
• Reyna de las Virgines – carries a rosary, also surrounded by two little angels.
• Reyna de las Flores (Queen of Flowers) – carries a bouquet of flowers.
18. Reyna Elena (Queen Helena) – the legendary founder of the true Cross, represented by the small cross she carries. She is escorted by her son, Constantine.
During Flores de Mayo, Catholic devotees join the procession, holding lit candles, reciting the rosary and singing songs of praise throughout the parade, which starts and ends in the church.
After monitoring the fight of the century, Filipinos must now monitor a tropical storm (TS) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 4:00AM today, TS “Noul” was estimated at 1,555 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.
Moving in a west- northwest direction at 9 kilometers per hour, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz said it is expected to enter the PAR by Wednesday or Thursday. Once it enters the boundary, it will be given a local name “Dodong”.
To give us an overview on how tropical cyclones behave during the month of May, here are the possible scenarios based on the climatological records of PAGASA:
Scenario 1: A cyclone will move closer to landmass but will then recurve northward, moving farther away from the country.
Scenario 2: A cyclone will possibly make landfall before recurving northward as it moves away from the country.
Noul is still too far to directly affect any part of the country. However, easterlies remain dominant, affecting the eastern section of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The whole archipelago will still experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
As some parts of the country start to feel the warm weather, some areas experienced rains early this morning. PAGASA issued several thunderstorm and rainfall advisories as early as 4:44AM.
#VIS_PRSD 4:44AM, 04May’15 Light to moderate rains affecting #SouthernLeyte (Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan,… http://t.co/Qn13gXGXbx
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) May 3, 2015
#MIN_PRSD 5:15 AM, 04 May 2015 Light to moderate #rains affecting portions of #ZamboangaPeninsula,… http://t.co/KRGyIhpjnu
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) May 3, 2015
THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY NO.4 #VIS_PRSD Issued at 5:32AM, 04 May 2015 Thunderstorm is affecting #Cebu (Lapu-Lapu)… http://t.co/gjIKTAfyyY
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) May 3, 2015
Today, easterlies remain to be the dominant weather system in the country, bringing hot and humid weather over most parts of the country. Metro Manila is expected to have temperatures ranging from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius.
The same weather condition may continue until the much-awaited fight of the century, set to happen on May 2, 2015 at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather and the eight-time eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao will face off in the Welterweight division.
Live viewing of the fight in the Philippines is on May 3, 2015. Read more: IN A NUTSHELL: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
Won’t be sleeping tonight. Might miss my trip to #Laboracay2015
— Jove Oliva (@joveohsosexy) April 29, 2015
Afternoon swimming #boracay #LaBoracay2015 #summer2015 #beach #fununderthesun #travel #vacation https://t.co/p0qRaawJnu
— Ghelo Cuntapay (@ghelofish) May 1, 2015
Brace yourselves. LaBoracay pictures, status, tweets and Instagram posts are coming. #Laboracay2015 #LaborDay
— Jelane Umadhay (@iamjelane) May 1, 2015
Another perfect sunset at #laboracay2015 @ Boracay Island https://t.co/6VVEi50ttB
— ♚ Ian Rosales (@ianrosales01) May 1, 2015
LaBoracay is here! Dubbed as the hottest beach party of the year in Boracay Island, it coincides with the celebration of Labor Day.
But before partying the night away, remember that health and safety always go first. Here are some tips to make your celebration stress and sickness-free.
The Golden Rule: Hydrate!
The warm weather can take its toll on your body so make sure to hydrate yourself at all times. Whether you’re indulging in water sports or simply baking under the sun, always remember to bring water. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and grapes will also keep you hydrated.
Get maximum skin protection
Too much sun exposure can damage your skin. Overexposure to ultraviolet light can make your skin red and painful, resulting into sunburn, a very common skin disease during tag-init. Severe sunburn can cause skin swelling, blisters or even fever.
Choose sunscreen lotion with a broad-spectrum coverage and a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher. During prolonged exposure, re-apply it every two to four hours.
Be vigilant with your belongings.
As soon as you arrive at the beach, always check your belongings. With throngs of revelers partying in every corner, it’s best to be vigilant. Keep your money and gadgets in hidden pockets and purses that stay close to your body.
Learn when to say “No” to strangers.
LaBoracay is a venue for new acquaintances. The more parties or events you join, the more people you meet and interact with. Though it’s good to turn strangers into friends, don’t just give your contact details, or accept a drink from anyone. Sometimes, overfriendliness can bring you closer to those who would like to take advantage.
Keep the beach litter and smoke-free
Boracay is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, which brings not only pride, but also revenue to our country. You can have fun all night long but be sure to dispose of your trash properly. To lessen the consumption of plastic, use reusable bags and your own water bottles.
Pursuant to the No Smoking Ordinance No.272, Series of 2009, smoking in the beachfront is prohibited. Streamers showing this campaign are already posted in different parts of Boracay. Violators will face penalties from their act. View the full details of the Boracay Anti-Smoke and Anti-Litter Ordinance here.
Through the years, Boracay has undergone a massive change. Aside from the mushrooming establishments, the green gunk along its shores has also earned attention from the visitors. Frightened by the occurrence of the green algae or “lumot”, some tourists hesitate to swim in its waters.
In an article written by Atty. Dodo Dulay in Manila Times on March 9, 2015, scientists attest that algae growth in the Boracay beach was fueled by so-called “waste nutrients”.
Boracay is just one of the many beautiful places in the country and with its present state, it obviously deserves a break from massive tourism. This long weekend, you can try to explore other destinations. But unlike Boracay, let’s treat them gently, maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystems.
More than five years in the making, the undefeated American boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. will finally exchange blows with eight-time, eight-division champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. As the entire nation eagerly anticipates the battle, here’s a quick guide to one of the biggest boxing fights in decades.
IN A NUTSHELL: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY
WHERE:
MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN:
The two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world will face off in the Welterweight showdown on Saturday night (May 2) in Las Vegas. The fight will air in the Philippines on Sunday, May 3.
THE FIGHTERS:
THEIR BOXING STYLES:
MAYWEATHER: Orthodox.
One of the most common stances in boxing, the right-handed Floyd will be leading with the left side of his body. Michael Olajide Jr. of Vogue writes Floyd is a “consummate boxer. Abides by the rule, ‘Hit and don’t get hit.’ Defense before offense.”
Meanwhile, Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports describes Mayweather as “the crafty, savvy boxer, a defensive wizard. But if anyone can break is going to break through the defense and land some meaningful blows on Mayweather, Pacquiao is the guy.”
PACQUIAO: Southpaw.
Manny is left-handed but he will be leading with the right side of his body. Olajide states “Pacman attacks suddenly with speed and power from awkward angles, which makes his punches hard to defend against. Offense is everything.”
Wagner-McGough adds that Pacquiao, being “one of the most aggressive, offensive forces of his generation, is the perfect contrast to Mayweather’s conservative style. It won’t be easy. You don’t connect often on Mayweather so he has to be even more active.”
THE VIEWING:
With ticket prices soaring and selling like hotcakes within a mere 60 seconds, the Mayweather – Pacquiao mega bout smashed all Pay-Per-View records. The fight will also be aired live in public on wide screen TVs. Fans can also watch and reserve tickets in participating bars, restaurants and hotels.
THE EARNINGS:
It is considered the biggest fight of this century and the biggest cash cow in boxing history. But Mayweather will earn a bit more than Pacquiao due to the 60/40 split they agreed on.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT:
Costing a million dollars, the especially designed championship belt presents one-of-a-kind features.
Crafted in Mexico, the belt is made with green leather, the same material used in Ferraris, and studded with 3,017 Emeralds. It also contains 800 grams of Gold and some silver.
Representing the countries affiliated with the WBC, it showcases 165 national flags, and features the faces of former WBC president Jose Sulaiman, Mayweather, Pacquiao and the legendary Muhammad Ali.
THE ODDS:
Aggression, speed, angles and feints are the key points for Pacquiao to win this bout. Meanwhile, Mayweather will have to focus on countering, timing, and impeccable defense.
Mayweather remains to be the undefeated man, knowing for throwing harder punches as suggested by his KO ratio. However, Pacquiao’s offensive style is one that Floyd has never fought before.
MAY WEATHER
But whether or not the fight will result into win for our country, Panahon TV reminds us to gear up for our yearly bout with May weather.
This month is the peak of the Hot and Dry Season; so maximum temperatures are likely to be recorded at this time. In Metro Manila, the forecast temperature plays between 23 to 36 degrees Celsius.
The country will continue to experience warm and humid weather conditions due to the prevailing Easterlies. These are warm winds blowing from the east that pass through the Pacific Ocean, generating thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section of the Philippines.
The Ridge of High Pressure Area may also reach the northern regions. This weather system is characterized by very light winds and clear skies.
Meanwhile, the axis of the Intertropical Convergence Zone is also expected to affect the southern regions of the archipelago. ITCZ is the breeding ground of Low Pressure Areas (LPA) and tropical cyclones. This is brought about by the convergence of the winds coming from the northeast and southeast that causes thunderstorm formations.
LPAs may be expected to form and affect the country, with a chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone or bagyo. During the month of May, the Philippines has an average of 1 to 2 tropical cyclones, with the forecast track record of hitting Southern Luzon and Central Visayas.
From the second week to the latter part of May, frequent thunderstorm formation occurs. Simply put, this month will have more rains experienced compared to April. Normal rainfall in Metro Manila is 174.98 millimeters but with the existence of the El Niño, forecast rainfall in the said area plays between 144.2 to 159.4 millimeters this month.
SOURCES:
Michael Olajide Jr. / April 29, 2015 / http://www.vogue.com/13257090/floyd-mayweather-manny-pacquiao-vegas-fight-2015/
Sean Wagner-McGough / April 30, 2015 / http://mweb.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/25167909/mayweather-pacquiao-10-things-to-know-about-fight-of-the-century
Telegraph Sport / May 01, 2015 / http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/mayweather-vs-pacquiao/11573189/When-is-Floyd-Mayweather-vs-Pacquiao-what-channel.html
Payong PAGASA Climate Guide 2015
As the most awaited fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather approaches, we also have to be prepared with May weather itself. Today, on the first month of May, easterlies will prevail, affecting the eastern section of the Philippines. On the whole, the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Manny Mendoza, aside from the easterlies, different weather systems are expected to affect the country. The intertropical convergence zone or ITCZ will gradually recede northward, bringing a potential low pressure area that might intensify into a tropical cyclone. An average number of 1 to 2 tropical cyclones normally enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during this month.
The ridge of a high pressure area can also extend over the PAR while the southwest monsoon or habagat, characterized by warm and moist air, could also start to affect the western section of the country.
Meanwhile, the weather bureau continuously monitors the effect of the ongoing El Niño. As of April 27, 2015, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) / International Research Institute (IRI) said that El Nino conditions are present and there is an approximately 70% chance that it will continue through summer in the northern hemisphere, with more than a 60% chance that it will last until autumn.
Based on the Dry Spell Outlook issued by PAGASA, four provinces are likely to experience a dry spell, while forty-two provinces that are affected by the dry spell are more likely to improve.
PAGASA also warns that higher air temperatures might be experienced in the coming days. Today’s temperatures in Metro Manila range from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius, Metro Cebu with 25 to 33 degrees Celsius and Metro Davao will have 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.
Related articles:
Decrypting the Dry Spell
Why Does it Usually Rain in the Afternoon and Evening?