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Have you been complaining about the humid weather these past days? Well, the surge of the Northeast Monsoon may give you a break.

Yesterday, PAGASA recorded an air temperature of 36.5°C in Sinait, Ilocos Sur. With the humid weather, heat indices also continue to increase. Heat index refers to temperature obtained from the high air temperature and relative humidity. It also describes how the human body perceives the heat or the warm weather.


PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez reminded the public through an interview with Panahon TV that when the computed heat index value is between 30-40°Celsius, a person may experience exhaustion and stroke.

However, Amihan has slightly intensified today and is now affecting Northern and Central Luzon. This Tuesday, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will prevail in the regions of Caraga and Davao. Cloudy skies with isolated light rains are also expected in the regions of Cagayan Valley and Cordillera, and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will be experienced in the Ilocos Region and the rest of Central Luzon. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the Amihan are causing rough to very rough seas in the seaboards below. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised not to venture out while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.

PAGASA has yet to declare the start of the Hot and Dry Season but the heat has become increasingly intense in some parts of the country.
Yesterday, PAGASA recorded a scorching 36°C in Cabanatuan.

Today, a maximum of 34°C air temperature is expected in Metro Manila. For Baguio City, it will be between 16-26°C, 26-32°C in Iloilo and a maximum of 34°C in Zamboanga City.

While temperatures are expected to spike, the Northeast Monsoon in the Northern Luzon is still bringing cloudy skies with isolated light rains in Cagayan Valley Region. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will be experienced in the regions of Cordillera and Ilocos.  Caused by the warm and humid air from the Pacific called Easterlies, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the archipelago.

Despite the warm temperatures, gale warning is hoisted in the seaboards of Northern Luzon where sea travel may be risky due to rough to very rough sea conditions.

The Amihan Season is definitely not over yet! The cold and dry air from Siberia is back, particularly affecting extreme Northern Luzon. Compared to the previous weeks, its effect is much weaker and will only be felt in Batanes and Calayan Group of Islands.

Meanwhile, Easterlies remain dominant in the eastern section of the archipelago. These are warm and humid winds coming from the Pacific Ocean that cause rising temperatures. In the next hours, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience generally fair weather apart from the isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to occasionally strong winds will affect Northern Luzon, where coastal waters are expected to be moderate to occasionally rough. The remaining parts of the archipelago can expect slight to moderate seas, which will be favorable for sea travelers and those who are hitting the beach this weekend.

As we approach the tag-init, Panahon TV monitors the escalating temperatures. Here are the highest temperatures recorded yesterday:

Earth Hour 2017

In the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), record-breaking weather events were recorded in 2016. These include ocean heat, lower sea ice extent and sea level rise. With global sea level touching record highs, the sea ice coverage of the Earth dropped to more than four square kilometers below the average in November. WMO warns the public that these extreme weather events are more likely to prevail this year.

The Philippines, despite being a small country, faces big challenges when it comes to calamities. Our country has been actively participating in this event since 2008. This year, we will once again join millions of people around the world as we celebrate Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is a global movement wherein participants switch-off lights for an hour as a symbol of unity in energy conservation and love for our planet. Spearheaded by the World Wide Fund (WWF) – Philippines, the main switch-off event will be held at the SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City this evening. The program will start at 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM, wherein lights will be turned off from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Together, let us shine a light on climate action!

Are you feeling the heat? Here are the highest temperatures recorded by PAGASA yesterday. Note that these are air temperatures and are different from what our bodies felt. The temperature that a human body perceives depends on the humidity of a particular area at a particular time.

If the warm weather made you perspire a lot yesterday, prepare for another sweltering day ahead. Easterlies prevail as the dominant weather system, affecting the eastern section of the country. These are winds coming from the Pacific Ocean and are warm and humid in nature.

In the next hours, Metro Manila and the rest of the archipelago will have generally fair weather conditions. But despite the heat, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are still possible mostly in the latter part of the day.

Tag-init na ba?
Despite the rising temperatures, PAGASA has yet to declare the termination of the Northeast Monsoon or the start of the Hot and Dry Season. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong said there are certain requirements that need to be met first, such as the presence of a High Pressure Area in the eastern part of Japan, prevailing Easterlies, rising temperatures and frequent thunderstorms.

Did you know?
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the highest recorded temperature in the world reached 56.7 degrees Celsius in Death Valley, United States on July 10, 1913.

In our country, the highest on record was experienced on May 11, 1969 in Tuguegarao City where the temperature crawled up to 42.2 degrees Celsius. Quitlong said that Death Valley in U.S. and Tuguegarao City in the Philippines are of the same topography, which affects temperatures.

“We are no closer to peace and unity; we are living in a world where lies are welcome as truths and where deception is dressed as alternative facts.”

These are some of the statements Vice President Leni Robredo uttered during her talk at this year’s Global Peace Convention held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay, Manila last March 1, 2017.

The Global Peace Convention is an annual four day-event where peacebuilding practitioners, youth leaders, and business experts gather with people from different countries and walks of life to share their knowledge and develop collaborative strategies in education, health care, environmental sustainability, community-driven development, and conflict resolution.

As a Panahon TV intern, I was fortunate enough to attend the convention. It was a good feeling to walk into session halls and see teenagers like me passionately wanting to be part of change. Every speaker I listened to inspired me to take a stand and help disseminate information through technology. As the media-savvy generation, we, the youth should set the example in the proper usage of Social Media.

“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear,” according to President Snow from the Hunger Games. This is why one of the projects of the Office of the Vice President is called Angat (Uplift in English) because through the simple hope and cooperation, it aims to uplift lives of Filipinos towards empowerment.

In today’s society wherein we cannot totally eradicate hate and immorality, we have at choice to whether fight or not. Yes, I am part of the youth, but we can’t do it alone. Who is the other one who should share their part? The answer lies in the first three letters of “youth.”

— By PanahonTV Intern Seff Genova

After bringing rains in the eastern portions of the country, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has already dissipated.

The LPA entered PAR last Sunday, causing rains in Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon before dissipating due to land interaction. However, based on PAGASA’s 11:00 AM weather update, leftover clouds from the LPA will still bring light to moderate rains in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley and Aurora.


Partly cloudy to cloudy skies, only with isolated rain showers will prevail in Metro Manila and the remaining parts of Luzon, down to Visayas and Mindanao.

No gale warning was issued today but fisherfolk, seafarers and those who will travel in the seaboards of Northern Luzon are advised to take precautionary measures against moderate to rough sea conditions.

Once the meryenda cravings beckon, it’s time to hit the streets! Lined with ambulant carts stocked with snacks that range from light to heavy, the streets are a haven for hungry Filipinos during late afternoons.

For those unfamiliar with the street food scene, you may get a bit overwhelmed at first. But if you’re one of the braver ones, you may want to try (at least once) the more exotic eats.

ISAW

What it is: Grilled chicken intestines

Price: P5 – P10 per stick

How it’s made: The skewered chicken instestines are grilled until cooked.

Why it’s a hit: If you’re a fan of pork barbecue, this is the cheaper alternative. It’s even yummier when dipped into your choice of sauce: hot, sweet or spicy vinegar. A filling merienda at a minimum price, it’s no wonder that this snack is a hit among Filipinos.

Health Risk: Just like everything else, too much of isaw isn’t good. According to Mr. McNeil Valencia, a registered Nutritionist and Dietician at the Medical city-South Luzon, isaw is rich in cholesterol which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and even cancer due to the burnt part of the isaw. You can also be a victim of food-poisoning, Hepa A, and colon cancer if the isaw is not prepared and cooked well.

Eat it safe by: eating it only occassionaly, and by limiting intake to one stick when eating. Instead of dipping it into a common container of sauce where there’s a risk of contamination, it’s best if the vendor provides the sauce in individual servings.


KWEK-KWEK

What it is: Quail eggs covered with flour batter colored by atsuete

Price: Big – 10 pesos
3 medium – 10 pesos

How it’s made: The quail eggs are boiled and rolled in batter made from flour, pepper, salt and annatto powder. These are deep friend until crispy.

Why it’s a hit: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, kwek-kwek is undeniably tasty and filling. It’s a variation of the Japanese tempura, perfect for dipping into spicy vinegar.

Health Risk: In addition to the fattening components of flour and oil, eggs are high in cholesterol. Too much of this street food may trigger risks of heart attack, hypertension, acute gastroenteritis, Hepa A, and diarrhea caused by bacteria.

Eat it safe by: limiting intake to one serving (3-5 quail eggs). Ask for an individually packed sauce, or bring your own made from vinegar mixed with onions, pepper and chili.


TURON

What it is: Saba (Philippine plantains) wrapped in lumpia wrappers

Price: 10-15 pesos each

How it’s made: The slice of saba is rolled in brown sugar and rolled up in a lumpia wrapper. This is deep friend until crispy. Caramelized sugar can be drizzled on top.

Why it’s a hit: The turon has many versions and can be served in a variety of ways. Some include jackfruit in the filling while others top it with ice cream, condensed milk, and whipped cream with sprinkles. The banana’s potassium benefits the nerves and heart. It’s also a quick energy-booster because of the carbohydrates and sugar.

Health Risk: The risk lies in the oil because it’s deep fried. If you eat it often, you may have a chance of having diabetes and abnormal blood sugar levels.

Eat it safe by: limiting intake to one per day and checking the quality of the oil the vendor’s using. If it’s too dark, chances are, the oil has been reused countless times. If you wish to ensure your health, better to cook this at home.

PROBEN

What it is: Proben is short for proventriculus, the chicken’s glandular part adjacent to its gizzard.

Price: 10-20 pesos per cup.

How it’s made: The proventriculus part of the chicken is dipped into cornstarch and flour then fried into a golden-brown crisp.

Why it’s a hit: The crisp of its skin is the perfect foil to the rubbery texture of the proventriculus. These cheap munchies are also eaten with rice by some Filipinos.

Health Risk: Its high cholesterol puts you at risk for hypertension and heart attack. If this food is not prepared hygienically, it can bring severe cases of hepatitis and bacterial infection that can cause gastroenteritis, microbial contamination, and food poisoning.

Eat it safe by: limiting your intake to one serving at a time(1-3 pcs. maximum). If at first bite you taste something bitter, stop eating. This means that the innards were not properly cleaned.

These are just some of the kinds of street food loved by Pinoys. Will you like them too? There’s only one way to find out. Taste them for yourself—but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

— By PanahonTV Intern Seff Genova

The Low Pressure Area Inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility will continue to dump rains in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

At 4:00 am today, the LPA was spotted at 235 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza, it is not expected to develop into a tropical depression but may cross the Visayas area tomorrow.

Due to this weather disturbance, cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in Eastern Visayas and Caraga. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced in the regions of Bicol, Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao. Residents of the said areas are advised to take precautions because these heavy rains may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Due to the continuous surge of the Hanging Amihan in the Northern Luzon, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will prevail in Batanes, Cagayan and Ilocos Norte. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Regarding the official announcement of the onset of the Hot and Dry Season in our country, Mendoza says that this will only be done when the Amihan weakens and a continuous record of high temperatures in our country is established.

The Hot and Dry season may be around the corner but this doesn’t exempt the county from weather disturbances.

At 2:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, the LPA was located at 800 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 4:00 AM. The LPA has yet to have any direct effect on the country but its extension will bring light to moderate rains in the Caraga Region today.

“Sa ngayon, within 24-48 hours hindi po natin ito inaasahan na magiging bagyo. Ibig sabihin hindi po favorable ‘yung environment. ‘Yun nga lang, lalapit po ito sa ating bansa at dadaan po sa Kabisayaan.” (We do not expect this to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24-48 hours due to the unfavorable environment. However, it will approach the landmass and will cross Visayas.)

Starting tomorrow, March 20, this weather system will bring cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Northern Mindanao. Residents in these areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Meanwhile, theNortheast Monsoon is still dominant in Luzon where it will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. For Visayas and the rest of Mindanao, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail only with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms today.