Amihan still prevails, and so do light rains, especially in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Cordillera.
Meanwhile, the Tail-End of a Cold Front is extending over the eastern section of Central Luzon. Light to moderate rains are possible, particularly over Bicol Region, Northern Samar and Quezon.
The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, can look forward to good weather conditions.
Zamboanga City now under State of Calamity
Due to less rainfall, Zamboanga City is now suffering from a dry spell, affecting nearly 600 hectares of agricultural farm. The local government said that this may continue, reaching up to 2,000 hectares of land.
A water rotation schedule is now being implemented.
Though we haven’t felt the effects of the Northeast Monsoon or the Amihan in a while, Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of islands will again experience today the cold weather with isolated light rains. Meanwhile, the whole eastern section of the archipelago will be affected by the Easterlies. For those who are living in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, expect favorable weather.
With the good weather, here are some places you should visit or re-visit:
Ride on a kalesa as you explore the historic Intramuros. Century-old Spanish architectural designs will lead you back to the old walled city.
Who says that there’s no quiet and intimate place to visit in Manila? Escape from the noise and pollution in this public park. Just remember that it’s closed every Wednesday.
Here’s a budget-friendly place where you can hang out with family o friends? Biking, zipping, and many more rides and activities can be found here. Stock up on munchies at the affordable food stalls.
Mondays symbolize new beginnings as we face another week. But today, let us briefly go back in history and take a glimpse of how women have shown and proven their power.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was the first woman who successfully finished a flight from Hawaii to California. On a solo trip, the American aviator departed from Honolulu, Hawaii to North America on January 11, 1935.
The weather played a big part in this historical event. In Honolulu, Earhart explained how fortunate she was to be aided by an aerological officer at Pearl Harbor. It was Lieutenant E. W. Stephens who plotted the weather and constructed a hypothetical weather map that covered the Pacific Ocean and Western America.
Two years after her successful flight to California, Earhart attempted to travel around the world with co-pilot Frederick Noonan. But her plane got lost somewhere between New Guinea and Howland Island in the South Pacific. Until now, what happened to Earhart remains a mystery.
Elizabeth Blackwell
Elizabeth Blackwell became the first female to graduate from medical school in January 11, 1849. She was the first woman to obtain a medical degree and was a pioneer in educating women in medicine.
During the Civil War, Blackwell trained many women to work as nurses who aided the army. Earning a good reputation for her deeds, she was able to establish a Women’s Medical College to train women, physicians and doctors.
She also taught at the London School of Medicine for Women and became the first female physician at the UK Medical Register.
Honorata “Atang” de la Rama
Atang de la Rama, a National Artist for Theater and Music, was born on January 11, 1902 in Pandacan, Manila. An orphan at an early age, she lived with her sister and discovered her love for music.
She was already a star of zarzuelas as young as 7 years old. Some of these zarzuelas were adapted into movies such as “Nabasag ang Banga,” which was the first Tagalog full-length feature movie, and “Mahiwagang Binibini,” where she gained popularity.
Aside from starring in zarzuelas and singing kundiman, Atang de la Rama also penned lyrics. These include “Pag-asa” which was composed with music by L. Ignacio.
Atang de la Rama also marked her name in Philippine politics as she led the Kaisahan ng Kababaihan ng Pilipinas, the Gagalangin Ladies Association, and the Red Cross Fund drive. She was a supporter of Confederation of Labor Organization, Home Nursing Association, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, PETA Babaylan and GABRIELA.
In 1987, she was recognized as a National Artist for Theater and Music. But even before she received this title, she was given several awards for her contributions in the culture and arts:
Panitik ng Kababaihan (1950),
Kababaihan ng Lahi (1975),
Presidential medal of merit (1966),
Sagisag ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1964),
Diwa ng Lahi (1974),
Reyna ng Kundiman at Mutya ng Dulang Tagalog (1963),
Queen of the Kundiman and Prima Donna of Filipino Theater (1968),
Reyna ng Kundiman, Paglilingkod sa Bayan (1973),
Tandang Sora trophy (1977),
Walang Kupas Award (1982) and
The Ateneo de Manila University Tanglaw ng Lahi.
Sources:
National Historical Institute
http://kahimyang.info/
http://www.history.com/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/
As the Northeast Monsoon or the Amihan weakens, Easterlies are the dominant weather system that is affecting the eastern section of the archipelago. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will prevail in the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas. Meanwhile, generally fair weather with a chance of isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms is expected here in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
While conditions are favorable in Manila, you can get some downtime with these two easy getaways:
Pinto Art Museum
For whom: Art enthusiasts
What you can enjoy: Modern and contemporary art exhibits
Where: 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo, Rizal.
When: Tuesday- Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sonya’s Garden
For whom: Nature lovers and those craving a tranquil ambiance
What you can enjoy: a secret garden where you can share the view and the food with your friends and family
Where: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. (Near the vicinity of Tagaytay City)
When: Open all day. Check-in usually starts between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Checkout at 12:00 noon. For lunch- 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM; Dinner- 4:30PM- 7:30PM
Today, the Amihan still affects the extreme Northern Luzon while the Easterlies continue to affect the eastern section of the country.
This Sunday, light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over Eastern Visayas, CARAGA and Davao Region.
Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands will have cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country can enjoy generally fair weather aside from possible rains in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Obeth Badrina said, lower temperatures are most likely to be experienced until February. As of January 09, 2016, the temperature in Baguio City dropped to 13.4 degrees Celsius, to 22.5 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila.
For those watching their food intake, the holiday season may also be called “cheat season” because during this time, diets are thrown out the window as we eat to our hearts’ content. To help you kickstart the new year with the right frame of mind (and body), we interviewed Nutritionist and Executive Chef Ma. Lourdes Cruz-Caudal.
To jumpstart our post-holiday detox, what should we eat?
Instead of 3 servings of meat, Chef Lourdes advises to go for vegetables, nuts, fruits and legumes. Add fish, chicken (avoid the chicken skin), and all-natural fruit juices to the menu. Chef Lourdes also suggests limiting portions, even with fruits and vegetables, to 5-6 servings per day. Space these servings throughout the day–2 each for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What should we avoid? Chicken skin, chicken liver, crabs, shrimp and squid are some of the food you need to avoid during the detox phase due to their high cholesterol levels.
How long will detox take? 1-2 weeks should be enough, but if you’re aiming for optimum health throughout your lifetime, you should make this a regular habit. Avoid fatty and cholesterol-rich foods, control your portions, and always make sure that you eat your fruits and veggies everyday.
Remember, detoxifying or dieting is not about starving yourself! It is about choosing the right food and being conscious of your calorie intake.
Here are more detox guidelines:
15 tropical cyclones entered Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in 2015, lower than the average of 18 to 20 cyclones in a year. The major factor that decreased the number of cyclones is the current strong El Niño phenomenon.
However, stronger cyclones were felt due to El Niño—some of these having cause massive destruction. When this happens, PAGASA decommissions cyclone names that have had severe impacts on lives and properties.
In line with this, PAGASA confirmed that “Nona” will be no longer used as cyclone name. Nona, with international name Melor, entered PAR last December 12, 2015.
At least one of two factors needs to be considered before delisting or decommissioning a cyclone name.
A. Cost of Damages
– 1 billion pesos or more, including damage in infrastructure and agriculture
B. Casualty
– 300 casualties or more
Based on the recent report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), data shows that Nona wreaked damages of more than 1 billion pesos. An estimated coast of damage to infrastructure and agriculture amounting to P6, 455, 183, 879.80 were reported in Regions II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and VIII.
PAGASA also announced that the agency is open to suggestions on Nona’s name replacement. The public is urged to send suggested names through the weather bureau’s poll on Facebook. Current suggestions include Nimfa, Nardo and Nanding. To cast your vote, follow this link: NONA Replacement Poll.
Up to this day, the Philippines remains “storm-free”. In fact, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Benison Estareja says no weather disturbance is expected to affect the country. Though a cloud cluster was observed yesterday over Visayas area, it did not pose a threat of developing into a Low Pressure Area (LPA).
Today, two weather systems are expected to affect the country. These include the Northeast Monsoon or “Amihan” which affects the extreme Northern Luzon, while the Easterlies prevail over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao.
Isolated light rains are possible over the islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, can enjoy generally fair weather aside from possible rain in the afternoon or evening.
Despite the resurgence of Amihan, no gale warning was issued. Sea travelers may venture out into the sea that has slight to moderate conditions.
Meanwhile, thousands of devotees are expected to join the procession of the Black nazarene on Saturday. For those who wish to attend, here’s a special weather forecast:
Normally, Amihan peaks during January until February. Yesterday, PAGASA recorded temperatures with Baguio City on top, experiencing 14 degrees Celsius. The Science Garden in Quezon City also made it on the list.
Strong El Niño prevails
PAGASA issued an update regarding the El Niño. And according to the weather bureau, the strong phenomenon is expected to continue this month wherein twenty-precent (20%) of the country is projected to experience drought.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, the Amihan is now on a break, but will resume tomorrow or this Friday. As of now, the Easterlies are the ones affecting the eastern section of the archipelago. Generally fair weather is expected in the whole country, but isolated rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced in Eastern Visayas and Bicol region.
And because recent weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities, here are some unique things you can enjoy in Metro Manila:
Your dream of joining the circus is now within your reach as you’re given a chance to fly though the air. Located at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Flying Trapeze pumps up the adrenaline, while providing a good workout for thrill-seekers.
Tired of the Metro traffic jam? Head on to Intramuros, Manila and join the Bambike Ecotour from 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday ‘til Sunday.For 2 and a half hours, you get to visit 10 historical locations for a fee that is inclusive of bike and helmet rental, as well as bottled water and entrance fees.
Indulge in a romantic dinner over an hour of bay cruise as the sun goes down. The Manila bay Cruise is perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing and romantic atmosphere while feeling like a tourist in your own country. For reservations, just inquire at the SM tickets, or visit to Sun Cruise’ M/V Spirit of Manila, docked beside the Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Boulevard, SM MOA Complex.