Rains prevail in Southern Luzon and Visayas

Rains are concentrated in Southern Luzon and Visayas todayas the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) remains dominant.
The ITCZ is an area where winds coming from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet; this interaction results in rains in the affected areas.
As this weather system prevails, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced in Metro Manila, Visayas, Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Caraga, and the province of Aurora. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail in the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, in an interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, he mentioned that the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat will begin to affect and bring rains to the country again this weekend but no weather disturbance is likely to prevail.

Plants are the backbone of life on Earth, and are essential sources of food, medicine and shelter. Important as they are, plants can also be a source of fun, especially in do-it-yourself projects.

Until the mid-19th century, plants were the only source of dyes. However, when scientists discovered that they could produce pigments from synthetic chemicals, dyes from plants became somewhat of a lost art.

Today, we’re reviving this art that can be enjoyed by yourself or with family and friends. By using pigments from plants, you save on cost while ensuring that your dye is safe and all natural.

Here are some of the plants that can be used in making your own coloring:

• Avocado and beets for red/pink/purple dye
• Turmeric, onion skin and celery leaves for yellow dye
• Grapes for purple dye
• Spinach for green dye
• Coffee for black/brown dye
• Chili powder & carrots for orange dye

Project #1: Coffee Hair Colorant

Materials:

• 3-4 tbsp of any kind of coffee
• ½ cup of hair conditioner
• Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)

Step 1: Mix the ingredients together until the coffee dissolves.

Step 2: Put a towel around your shoulders to avoid stains.

Step 3: Using a brush, apply the mixture by spreading it evenly on your hair, starting from the roots.

Step 4:  After an hour, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into the pail of water then rinse your hair, the vinegar helps the hair color lasts longer.

Step 5: Dry your hair and style it.

This dye darkens white and light-colored hair. If you want to achieve a darker tone, repeat the procedure until you get your desired color. But if you don’t like the way your hair color turned out, the coffee will fade after a few washes in the shower.

Project #2: Spinach Fabric Dye

Materials:

• PH-neutral soap
• 8 tsp alum (tawas) per pound of clothing
• Spinach
• Stockings

Step 1: Wash the fabric with the PH-neutral soap.

Step 2: Fill the pot with water then add alum.

Step 3: Fill stockings with spinach and add to the boiling water.

Step 4: You can tie the fabric with rubber bands for a tie-dye design. Add it to the boiling water and let it simmer until desired color is reached.

With the help of PH-neutral soap and alum, the green color lasts longer. To keep the color from fading, use gentle soap when washing your fabric.

Project #3: Paint it Hot Pink!

Materials:

• Egg
• 1tsp vinegar
• 1stp water
• 1tbsp sugar
• Pigment (beets extract)

Step 1: To make your hot pink dye, separate the egg yolk from the white.

Step 2: Mix the the egg yolk with a bit of water, sugar, and vinegar.

Step 3: Add the beets extract (you can get this from by the beets) for the pink color finish.

Step 4: Mix all the ingredients until reached the expected texture of the paint.

Step 5: Pour it in a mini jar for a cute presentation.

You can use this on paper, wood and even bricks! Because of the egg, the paint will smell a little.
But after a few days, the smell will go away.

Try this project at home and make it a bonding activity with your family. When you experiment, that’s where the fun comes out!

By: Panahon.TV Intern – Beatrice Hernandez

Nutrition Month is a health awareness campaign held every July. It came into being when former President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 491 (Nutrition Act of the Philippines) on June 25, 1974, creating the National Nutrition Council to promote good nutrition.

This year’s theme is “Healthy diet, gawing habit for life”, which includes the following components:

• Reduction of obesity
• Prevention of malnutrition
• Helping Filipinos distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods

Fighting Obesity and Being Overweight

Excess weight occurs when a person has accumulated excess body fat. Since 1980, worldwide obesity has nearly doubled. In 2008, more than 1.4 billion adults were considered overweight. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Philippines is one of the developing countries with high levels of obesity. A survey conducted last 2011 showed that 22.3% of Filipino adults are overweight and 6.1 percent are obese.

Why do people become obese?

Consuming too many calories. The energy value of food is measured in units called calories. When we eat and drink, we put energy into our bodies. But eating too many calories and not burning enough of them can lead to weight gain.

Consumption of processed or fast food. Such foods that are high in fat and sugar may appeal to our taste buds, but are detrimental to health. They make you pile on the pounds, but not on the nutrition.

Lack of Physical Activity. People need to exercise to burn excess fat, improve muscle tone, boost energy, and naturally increase your body’s production of the human growth hormone.

Why do people become Overweight?

Excessive food intake that aren’t burned turn into extra pounds. But other factors that aren’t related to diet and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause you to be overweight. Here are some of them:

• • According to the archived journals of Disease in Childhood, babies of mothers who smoked during their pregnancy are 48% percent more likely to be overweight. Dr. Stephen Weng of the UK Center for Tobacco Control Studies at the University of Nottingham said that the risk may be because of the poor lifestyle and behavior that many smokers possess. Breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of babies becoming overweight, but babies born to women who smoked weighed less at birth and were breastfed for a shorter period of time.

• Stress is an indirect factor of weight gain. Nutritionist Rita Gatchalian says that when people are stressed, they tend to overeat. This is because the stress hormone cortisol increases one’s appetite. Lack of sleep, also a stressor, may also cause weight gain.

• Some medicines can slow down the rate at which your body burns calories and may increase your appetite or cause your body to hold on to extra water.

• • Antidepressants can increase cravings for carbohydrates.

• • Steroids tend to cause insomnia, increased appetite and water retention.

• Beta blockers and angiotensin-receptor blockers which lower blood pressure and prevent migraine respectively, slow down metabolism.

Obesity Vs. Overweight

Obesity is a hundred percent increase of the normal weight for one’s body type, while being overweight is 50% higher than the normal weight. Being obese and overweight can lead to diabetes, high blood, and hypertension.

Can an overweight person be malnourished?

Malnutrition or “bad nutrition” is a state in which a deficiency, excess or imbalance of the essential parts of a healthy diet cause measurable effects on body tissue.

Through the years, the term has been associated to people who don’t have enough to eat—people whose bones stick out from their narrow frames. But today, malnourishment has a new face. Overweight people can still be malnourished if they eat foods that don’t have the proper nutrients.

To make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet, remember the following:

• Nothing good comes from eating sugar.
• Avoid too much sodium.
• Protein is good for our body but take note that eating large amounts of protein inhibit the proper functioning of our digestive system.
• Good carbs such as fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, and whole grain can help lower blood cholesterol and heart disease.
• Bad carbs are foods that contain almost no nutrients and are high in sugar. Soft drinks, cakes and ice cream are examples of bad carbs.

The Importance of good Nutrition

Food provides our bodies with energy and nutrients so we can live, grow, and function properly. They can protect us from diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Eating nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help you maintain a healthy body weight. It can also delay the effects of aging, and can positively affect your mood and increase focus.

By Panahon TV Intern- Darlene Joy Lodronio

ITCZ Causes Rains

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

ITCZ is characterized as an area where winds coming from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet; this interaction results to rains in the affected areas.

As it prevails, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced in the regions of MIMAROPA, Western and Central Visayas, Negros Island, Caraga and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon. In the rest of the country including Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorm will prevail

The boundary where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet, known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) prevails and continues to affect several areas. Rains will mostly be felt in Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao.

In the next hours, Central Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Mindoro and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. Because rains have been persistent for consecutive days, residents are advised to take extra caution. Saturated soil can bring risks of flooding or landslides.

Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the country including Metro Manila will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon or evening, which may last for about 1 to 2 hours.

In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said that the peak of tropical cyclones or “bagyo” usually happens during the month of August and September. However, Mendoza reminded the public to keep monitoring updates as 1 or 2 tropical cyclones may still exist within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the remaining weeks of July.

If you can relate to the song from The Carpenters that says, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down,” the start of this week may not be favourable to you. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to affect most parts of the archipelago, bringing rains and thunderstorms in Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao.

Cloudy skies are expected to dump light to moderate rains and thunderstorms in the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. The same weather condition will be experienced in Bicol Region, the entire Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the latter part of the day.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said it is normal for the ITCZ to affect Visayas and Mindanao area during the month of July. He added that the position of the ITCZ’s axis depends on the orientation of the sun.

However, the good thing about this Monday is that no tropical cyclone or weather disturbance is being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The country will be storm-free in the next 24 hours.

Sea travellers can also enjoy the slight to moderate sea condition. No gale warning was issued today because the effect of Hanging Habagat remains off-shore.

Runny nose, watery eyes and wheezing. Along with the change of weather, a lot of people experience these symptoms. But do you know that the culprit is oftentimes more than just the weather?

National Allergy Day aims to educate Filipinos on the immune system’s abnormal reaction when a foreign substance is absorbed into the body. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey, two out of every ten Filipinos suffer from allergic rhinitis. Respiratory allergies also doubled during the period of 1986 to 2006.

If you’re one of those suffering from allergies, here are some of their common causes:

DUST MITES AND MOLDS

Microscopic critters which include dust mites easily adapt to the home environment, making them the most common cause of allergy according to the Department of Health (DOH). They thrive in warm, humid places and are often found on pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Meanwhile, molds are fungi that can be found in moist, dim, damp, and warm places and produce spores that float in the air.

Treatments for these airborne allergens include:
•Antihistamines and decongestants
•Nasal sprays
•Eyedrops
•Oral steroids
•Desensitization or stimulating the immune system with the allergen in order to modify or stop the allergic response.

FOOD ALLERGY

In the Philippines, food is another source of irritation. This happens when an immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in food. Food allergy reactions can be life-threatening, so people with this type of allergy must be very careful to avoid their food triggers.

These are the most common foods responsible for the majority of allergic reactions:

• Cow’s milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree nuts
• Wheat

The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. But in case you encounter a food allergy, here are some home remedies:

•Load up on apples and grapes because these strengthen the immune system.
•If you’re not allergic to bananas, consume two bananas to treat food allergies that affect the skin, digestive tract and cause asthma.
•Eat more green and leafy vegetables.
•Fruit or vegetable juice or plain water with half a teaspoon of castor oil can cure any food allergy that affect the intestinal tract, skin and nasal passages.
•Lemon or calamansi mixed in water with a teaspoon of honey can flush out allergens and impurities.
•Vitamins B5 and E control allergic reactions.

ANIMAL DANDER

The sad fact is, according to American College of Allergy, about 10 percent of the general population is allergic to animals. Dander or material shed from parts of an animal’s body such as fur and feathers is considered one of the most common allergens.

If you have this type of allergy but don’t want to let go of your pets, here are some tips to make living with a furry friend more bearable:

•Minimize exposure to allergens by keeping your pet outside in well-protected built-in fences.
•Remove or replace materials that trap pet dander, such as carpets, drapes, and other furniture made of fabric.
•Clean your home regularly.
•Consider getting an air purifier especially one with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration to ensure efficient removal of airborne allergens and pollutants.
•Wash beddings frequently.
•Bathe your pet at least once a week to wash off allergens that accumulate in its fur.
•Use anti-allergen room sprays.
•Promote proper hygiene in the house, especially among children who love to play with pets.

There are other factors that affect and may cause allergic reactions such as smoking, pollution, infection, and hormonal imbalance.

Before following any of our advice, remember to consult your doctor. But one thing’s certain: it is best to know exactly what you are allergic to in order to treat your reaction.

The second Saturday of July will be rainy in Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan, where the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) prevails. The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. Converging winds form convective clouds, dumping rains in the affected areas.

In the next hours, residents of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region and the province of Palawan are advised to prepare for cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Quake-affected areas are advised to be prepared not just for possible aftershocks but also for possible rains.

In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Lori dela Cruz said there are cloud clusters being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) particularly east of Mindanao. However, these are less likely to develop into a new weather disturbance in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Highest temperatures in the country’s key cities are slightly alike. Here are the average minimum and maximum temperatures for this month:

Metro Manila – 24.1 to 31.9 degrees Celsius
Metro Cebu – 25.9 to 31.5 degrees Celsius
Metro Davao – 23.9 to 31.5 degrees Celsius

Catch the replay of today’s program on our YouTube Channel!

Weather broadcasters and weather forecasters are our friends. They care enough to let us know if we need to bring our umbrellas or skip our laundry duties. Without them, we would not be able to decide whether or not we can pursue our daily activities.

However, our warm and friendly weather practitioners are steeped in mystery. Here are some of their must-know secrets that will either make you clap your hands or make you raise your eyebrows.

1. They often speak with uncertainty.

Have you heard weather broadcasters announce that it will definitely rain today or absolutely be sunny this weekend? I doubt that.

Instead, you will often hear them speak in phrases such as a high chance, very likely, or not eliminating the possibility. They also prefer speaking in ranges in place of a definite value, such as around 33 to 34 degrees of maximum temperature instead of exactly 33.5 degrees.

While this may sound like they are playing safe with their forecasts or have no idea of what they are doing, there are in fact justifiable reasons to support their inconstancy.

First, it is important to know that meteorology is not an exact science. Weather patterns change constantly; otherwise, they can just give away a one-time weather forecast for a year and need not to give us any update. Second, there is no such thing as 100% confidence in meteorology. A high confidence on whether it will rain or not even comes with years of expertise.

2. Their forecasts with long lead times are highly inaccurate.

Do not fully trust weather forecasters when they say the weather will be generally fair three months from now. While their basis might be climatological (meaning they based their forecasts from monthly weather observations in recent years), forecasts with long lead times are very erratic.

Bear in mind that in weather forecasting, shorter lead times lead to more likely outcomes while longer lead times end up with countless possibilities.

To understand the concept, simply imagine yourself as the object of forecast. It is practically easier to determine where your exact location will be four minutes from now, compared to where will you be precisely be four months from now (in which you could end up anywhere in the world). It’s truly hard to figure out!

3. They do not fully rely on scripts or teleprompters.

Many believe that weather broadcasters are like news reporters that either memorize scripts or read lines using teleprompters. Well, sometimes they do – but that is frequently not the case.

Weather reporters do apply the saying that practice (nearly) makes perfect. Just hand them out the weather outlook for the day and they will sort out the scripts into their heads. In fact, the seasoned ones who familiarize themselves with similar forecasts gain a skill resembling an “autopilot”; because they keep on doing the same thing over and over, they only need very little effort in delivering their weather report.

4. Rains and thunderstorms are their biggest enemies.

All true-blue meteorologists can deduce that rains and thunderstorms – not tropical cyclones – are their greatest weaknesses.

Forecasting the presence of rains (rain or no rain) is one thing. However, there is hardly any way we can identify when and where EXACTLY will it rain – unless it’s about to rain or it’s already raining. This is where the concept called nowcasting (forecasting based on the present situation) comes into play. Apart from time and location, the intensity and life span of rains are also difficult to determine.

Aside from rains, thunderstorms are also pains in the neck to rainfall forecasters. Did you know that thunderstorms coming from the seas can only be detected by a mere two to three hours before it can affect the area (and less so when formed inland)? There is just not enough time to decide whether you need to bring your umbrella!

As part of a severe thunderstorm, this may also be the reason why hails and small-scale tornadoes are hard to predict.

5. They are “windproof, waterproof, and holiday-proof”.

Weather doesn’t take a break, and so do our weathermen.

Meteorologists work even the worst of conditions. As a matter of fact, they are compulsorily required to report to duty in times of calamity – the time when they are needed most.

The least fortunate, but somehow the most courageous of all, are the storm chasers. They head out to locations that will be directly affected by tropical cyclones days before its approach. They also brave strong wind gusts and heavy rains with only weather instruments, and report incidences of what has happened afterwards.

Storm chasers and all of our weather experts definitely deserve a big salute!

A lot of issues and mysteries surround our meteorologists and the way they formulate their forecasts, but hopefully a few points are a lot clearer now. So next time, don’t blame it on the weatherman: just blame it on the weather!