Woman Gives Birth at NAIA Terminal 2

A woman gave birth to a baby boy on Friday morning inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 while waiting for her flight.

Cherlyn Antipuesta Rojo, 31, reportedly felt labor pains while waiting for the Ozamiz-bound Philippine Airlines Flight 163 scheduled to fly at 9:25 AM. Her cousin sought help from airport personnel but there's no more time to bring her to a hospital.

Rojo gave birth at exactly 7:45 AM of November 25, 2011, while seated on the gang chair. She and the baby was immediately brought to the nearby Pasay City General Hospital.

I wonder what name she gave the baby boy. Ninoy?

Puerto Princesa Underground River Made It in the New7Wonders of Nature

The Philippines' Puerto Princesa Underground River made it to the provisional list of the New 7 Wonders of Nature as announced by Bernard Weber, founder and president of the New7Wonders campaigns.

The announcement was made at the N7W Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland after the first count of votes. The results are provisional and the counting calculations will be checked, validated and independently verified over the coming weeks.

"It may be the case that one or more of the provisional winners announced today is not confirmed during this process and we will issue an update should this happen. Once the voting validations process is completed in early 2012, we will then work with the confirmed winners to organize the official inauguration event during which each winner will receive the official plaque and become officially confirmed as one of the new 7 wonders of nature," Weber further explained.

The Provisional New 7 Wonders of Nature (in alphabetical order):
1. Amazon (South America)
2. Halong Bay (Vietnam)
3. Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil)
4. Jeju Island (South Korea)
5. Komodo (Indonesia)
6. Puerto Princesa Underground River (Philippines)
7. Table Mountain (South Africa)

When the New 7 Wonders of nature are confirmed, they will join the Man-Made New 7 Wonders of the World in becoming part of global memory for humankind forever.

Weber also invites everyone to support the 3rd New7Wonders campaign – the global election of the New7Wonders Cities. "Nominations are now open and we invite both the supporters and the world's most interesting and exciting cities as well as the official authorities and organizations to cast their nominations to choose the 7 cities that will become part of history forever."

Watch Bernard Weber's announcement video after the jump.

Lolong is Now the Largest Crocodile in the World

Lolong, the crocodile found in Agusan del Sur last September, is now a certified largest crocodile in the world.

Lolong is 20.3 feet long as measured by National Geographic's Dr. Adam Britton, a well-known crocodile expert. "There's no doubt in my mind that he is the biggest crocodile," Britton said.

Lolong's length makes the reign of Australia's Cassius Clay, which measures 17 feet and has recently been declared by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, short lived.

Now that he's measured, I'm sure Pinoy's can't wait for the Guinness recognition and his spread in the 2012 Book of Records.

Magnitude 5.2 Earthquake Rocked Bukidnon

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake rocked Bukidnon on November 7, 2011 at exactly 5:43 PM. It was centered 07.89°N, 124.97°E - 32 km S 23° West of Malaybalay.

The earthquake was tectonic in origin and was felt at Intesity V in Valencia and at Intensity III in Quezon, Bukidnon.

No damage has been reported yet but according to Bukidnon Governor Alex P. Calingasan, there is no electricity in Valencia as of the moment caused by the quake.

Ramona Bautista Flees to Hong Kong

Ramona Bautista has retracted the original statement she gave the Las Piñas police via a phone interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

Ramona said she wasn't kidnapped by the gunmen like what she first stated. She allegedly drove away from the subdivision because she didn't know what to do.

The younger sister of the murdered young actor Ramgen Revilla also explained why she shouted "Tama na! Tama na!" to the gunman. She said it was an act of stopping the gunman because she couldn't bear to see Ramgen get hurt.

Ramona Bautista, though, flew out of the country to Hong Kong yesterday via a Cathay Pacific flight. The Bureau of Immigration said they were aware of the young woman's involvement in the crime but they could not stop her because she's not in the hold departure list.

Senator Bong Revilla Jr, paternal older sibling of the victim and the suspect, expressed his disappointment last night during his phone interview with ABS-CBN's late night news, Bandila. He said Ramona shouldn't have left the country if she really was innocent. He further said that Ramona only justified her being guilty of the crime by fleeing.

Suspect to Murder of Charice's Dad Voluntarily Surrendered

Angel Capili, the suspect on the murder of Charice's father, has surrendered to the mayor of General Trias, Cavite Jonjon Ferrer. He voluntarily went to the mayor's house with the help of Barangay Captain Rolando Pagcalawangan.

From Cavite, Capili was immediately brought by the police to Camp Crame. Members of the suspect's family went with him.

Capili recounted the incident that ended in the death of Ricky Pempengco. He said Ricky was also at the store where he was buying a cigarette. He didn't know Ricky, belying earlier reports that the two were old enemies.

The suspect said Ricky attacked him first and what he did was just self-defense. He asked the Pempengcos, though, for forgiveness adding that Charice was his idol.

Charice was seen arriving at Camp Crame where she was assured that justice will be served. She wasn't able to see the suspect, though.

Angel Capili was then brought to San Pedro Police Station where he would be put behind bars and face the consequences of the crime he committed.

Ricky Pempengco's family was relieved that the suspect is now in the hands of the police. Charice even sang a song for his father during a press conference that was held.

Capili will be inquested tomorrow, a day before Ricky Pempengco will be laid to rest.

Charice's Father Stabbed Dead on Halloween Night

The father of international singer Charice was found dead Monday night in a canal near his home in San Pedro, Laguna.

Reports said Ricky Pempengco, 39, was drinking with some friends when he left to buy a cigarette. That's when suspect Angel Capili Itawat Jr, who is still at large, approached him and stabbed him with an ice pick.

Police said Ricky and Angel had a fight way back in 2005 and it could still be the reason of the crime.

Ricky, a construction worker, has long been separated from Charice's mother Racquel. According to a neighbor friend, Ricky had been taking anti-depressants since he was separated from his family.

Despite not living with his father, though, Charice has happy memories of his father. The pop star announced it on Twitter a few hours ago.

Charice tweeted:

Last night, may kasama ako pero sabi ko kamukha nya daddy ko. Di ko alam na nagpaparamdam na pala sya. Gusto ko lang malaman nyo, na we had a really great relationship bago nangyari lahat ng gulo. Sinabi niya sa akin nung ako'y bata pa na hindi actually alam ni mommy, gusto nya akong maging sundalo kasi sabi niya matapang daw ako. I loved him and I still love him. He's still my Dad after all.

A crying sister of Ricky Pempengco, though, was so hurt and said she's not expecting Charice to grieve for her father. "Siguro masaya na sila kasi wala na 'yong kapatid ko," Russel Mihira said.

This is such a tragic incident. I would like to extend my condolences to Charice and the rest of Ricky Pempengco's loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.

Ram Revilla Stabbed Dead

Actor Ram Revilla, half-brother of Senator Bong Revilla, was killed in his home in BF Homes Parañaque before midnight last Friday, October 28, 2011. A gunman wearing a bonnet entered the two-storey house and shot and stabbed Ram and his girlfriend Janelle Manahan.

Ram sustained a gunshot and multiple stab wounds on the head and different parts of his body. He was dead on arrival at the Parañaque Medical Center.

Ram's girlfriend suffered two shots on the left side of the face and shoulder and is now under observation at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City.

Janelle was the one who reported the incident to hotline 117. The call was received 11:55 PM. According to Janelle, two men wearing bonnets entered the house and shot and stabbed them.

Ram's sister Ramona Revilla was also reportedly inside the house when the incident happened but the two men took her with them. She was dropped off in front of a mall in Las Piñas an hour later. Sen. Bong Revilla took custody of her sister for security purposes.. She was reportedly still in shock and cannot be talked to.

Three household help and Ram's production assistant were also at the house when the incident happened. They plus the guard at the subdivision's gate are now being questioned by the authorities.

Ram is a son of former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr. and Genelyn Magsaysay. He was last seen on television via ABS-CBN's Tonyong Bayawak. He is said to be his father's favorite. Ram is one of the 80 children of the 84-year-old Ramon Revilla with many wives.

November 7 is a Non-Working Holiday

Malacañang declared November 7 as regular non-working holiday in observance of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), a Muslim religious holiday.

October 31 was earlier declared a non-working holiday through Proclamation No. 265. It is "to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country."

Now Proclamation 276 is for the Filipino Muslims, which the general public could benefit as well.

Two long weekends in a row. Better plan your out-of-towns early. Or better yet, pray that it wouldn't be a rainy long weekend.

Read Proclamation No. 276 after the jump.

SM City Pampanga Shooting Incident [Video]

An amateur video of the SM City Pampanga shooting incident has been uploaded to YouTube and has caused quite a buzz on the internet due to the "negligence" on the part of the Philippine National Police officers and SM City Pampanga guards who were present as was shown in the video.

The video shows the teens after the shooting incident that happened on September 20, 2011. The one in white shirt was still moving, turning over and moving his legs as if telling those who were there that he's still alive, in pain and needing help.

The police officers and SM guards just stared and walked about. People who have watched the video say that it could have made a big difference had the authorities and SM Pampanga made the move to immediately bring the victims to the hospital.

The two teenagers were declared brain dead and died after a day on September 21, 2011.

SM has already released their official statement regarding the incident but the video above, I guess, gives them more explaining to do.

Tropical Depression "Ramon" Update (Oct 13, 2011)

Tropical Depression "Ramon" has maintained its strength and slight accelerated as it continues to move northwestward.

At 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression “RAMON” was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 195 km West Northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It has maximum winds of up to 55 kph near the center.

Tropical Depression "Ramon" is forecast to move Northwest at 15 kph. It is expected to be at 310 km west of Iba, Zambales by tomorrow morning. By Saturday morning it will be at 620 km west of Vigan, Ilocos Sur or at 620 km west southwest of Laoag City.

Public Storm Warning Signal number 1 has been hoisted over the following areas:

Mindoro Provinces
Lubang Island
Northern Palawan
Batangas

• Public Storm Warning Signals elsewhere now lowered.

• Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signal are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

• Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 – 25 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

• The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

source

Tropical Depression Ramon Update (October 12, 2011)

Tropical Depression Ramon has maintained its strength and changed its direction to the northwest as it approaches Mindoro Area.

At 4:00 PM today, the center of Tropical Depression Ramon was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 70 km Southwest of Romblon or at 70 km East Southeast of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It has a maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is forecast to move northwest at 15 kph.

Tropical Depression “RAMON” is expected to be at 230 km West of Calapan City by tomorrow afternoon and at 390 km West of Iba, Zambales by Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, it will be at 550 km West of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Public Storm Warning Signal number 1 is raised in some provinces including:

Marinduque
Mindoro Provinces
Romblon
Southern Quezon
Burias Island
Northern Palawan including Calamian Group of Islands
Cavite
Laguna
Batangas
Metro Manila
Panay Island
Guimaras Island

• Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods, landslides.

• Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 – 25 mm per hour (heavy) within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

• The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next
bulletin to be issued at 11 PM today.

source

Is November 2 a Holiday?

November 2, 2011 is not a holiday, according to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

After the president signed Proclamation No. 265 which made October 31, 2011 a special non-working day, people are now asking if November 2 is a non-working day as well.

November 1 is a public holiday in the Philippines as we celebrate All Saints Day. It falls on a Tuesday this year which made October 31, Monday, sandwiched between weekends and a public holiday. The reason why Malacañan decided to make October 31 a non-working day is "to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country."

But if one would travel from Manila to as far as Mindanao to celebrate All Saints Day on November 1, would he be able to get back to Manila in time for a working day on November 2?

Not complaining, though. Just saying.

Typhoon Ramon Update (Oct 11, 2011)

Typhoon Ramon is now estimated based on satellite and surface date at 245 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It has maximum winds of 55 kph near the center and is forecast to move west northwest at 17 kph.

Typhoon Ramon is expected to be at 30 km North of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur by tomorrow morning and at 30 km South of Romblon by Thursday morning. By Friday morning, it will be at 120 km Southwest of Iba, Zambales.

Typhoon signal number 1 is raised over these provinces:

Visayas:
Eastern Samar
Western Samar
Leyte Provinces
Bohol
Biliran
Camotes Island
Northern Cebu
Northern Negros
Northern Iloilo
Capiz
Masbate
Ticao
Island

Mindanao:
Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island
Surigao del Sur
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Dinagat Islands
Camiguin Island

• Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signal are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

• Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 – 25 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

• The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

Follow nyort on Facebook and Twitter.

source

October 31 is a Non-Working Day

October 31, 2011 has been made a special (non-working) day by Malacañan through Proclamation No. 265 signed today, October 10, 2011.

October 31, 2011, Monday, is the day before All Saints Day. It was made a special non-working day "to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country."

We are, therefore, going to have a long weekend at the end of October. Better plan your vacation and book your flight early to avoid the rush.

Read Proclamation No. 265 below.

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 265

DECLARING MONDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2011, AS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 84, dated 20 December 2010, declared Tuesday, 1 November 2011, as a special (non-working) day;

WHEREAS, Monday, 31 October 2011, falling between Sunday and Tuesday, 1 November 2011 (All Saints Day), has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country;

WHEREAS, to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country. Monday, 31 October 2011, may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, 31 October 2011, as a special (non-working) day throughout the country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 10th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR,

Executive Secretary

Typhoon Ramon Update (Oct 10, 2011)

The tropical depression spotted near Surigao del Sur is now Typhoon Ramon which is currently 560 kilometers east of Surigao. Typhoon Ramon has a maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph).

It will arrive on the eastern section of Visayas (Leyte area) on Wednesday night, bringing heavy rains over Visayas and Mindanao with its 200 kilometer radius.

Storm signal number 1 has been raised over Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. More areas will be declared under storm signal as Typhoon Ramon passes through Southern Luzon and eventually the Mindoro islands as it leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday or Sunday.