A cup of red rice, a slice of pinuneg or blood sausage, the watwat with a slice of liver, portions of the meat and pork belly are placed on the plate made from banana trunk. DECEMBER 25, 2022
MINING WASTE DISPOSAL — Heavy equipment of the Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. at Barangay Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet double time to dispose mine waste aggregates on the sloping side of the mining company’s tailings storage facility. Residents said they noticed violations of mining and environmental laws and have reported to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera citing “Impermissible disposal of mining waste and incidents of animal and fish kills” along rivers. They said great concern goes into the overall stability of the dam as procedures and mining laws appears to have been ignored. — March David Fianza
CROSSING LA TRINIDAD — As a way to lessen traffic at the bottleneck areas in La Trinidad, Benguet, the local police station recommended the put up of overpasses at the Capitol at Km. 6, Km. 5 crossing, and at the Km. 4 crossways where the big shopping centers are located in the valley. Here, residents converge at the Km. 5 crossing pending the establishment of the overpasses, which was earlier started by the Department of Public Works and Highways with the presence of big pole foundations at the site. — Ofelia Empian
VIBRANT BURNHAM PARK — Residents and tourists enjoy promenading at Burnham Park, as the tourism window of the Summer Capital turned even more vibrant with the installation of colorful lights as the city government’s way of celebrating the Yuletide season. The city reported a continued surge in tourist arrivals over the past three months which greatly contributes to economic recovery amidst the problem on horrendous traffic. — Harley Palangchao
Mariah also revealed if she’s interested in getting married to boyfriend Bryan Tanaka, which would make it a third time down the aisle for the legendary singer.
Escape to the tranquility and elegance of this quaint Swiss-inspired oasis just four hours north of the metro.
Rising on the idyllic side of Baguio City, where the air is fresh, cool, and crisp, is an exquisite vertical village that lets future residents gloriously bask in Cordillera’s green mountain idyll, with its pristine wooded slopes, majestic pine trees, and breathtaking sceneries.
Swiss mountain lifestyle
Bern, a four-tower high-end condominium development by Brittany Corp., will soon emerge as a premium address for those wishing to live that ultimate dreamy Swiss mountain lifestyle, all steeped in luxury and tranquility. And there’s no doubt about this.
Bern, a four-tower high-end condominium development by Brittany Corp., will soon emerge as a premium address for those wishing to live that ultimate dreamy Swiss mountain lifestyle in Baguio City.
After all, the luxury residential arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., is bringing a slice of the Alpine paradise right here in the City of Pines—much like what it did for its highly successful Crosswinds, a 100-ha Swiss-inspired development in Tagaytay City where you can find beautiful themed neighborhoods set amid some 35,000 towering pine trees.
Set to be launched next year, Bern will certainly prove to be the perfect follow-through for Crosswinds, as this promising residential enclave will be Brittany’s first high-end condominium project in the City of Pines.
Traditional Alpine elements
With its Alpine facade, Bern will be a beautiful addition to Baguio City’s skyline.
Its architectural design will incorporate traditional alpine elements for its exterior while the interiors will have softer design elements combined with an array of traditional Cordillera art and top-of-the-line amenities that exude a sense of warmth and comfort.
Its architectural design will incorporate traditional alpine elements for its exterior while the interiors will have softer design elements combined with an array of traditional Cordillera art and top amenities.
This chalet-style condominium development will come with everything you need to unwind, dine, and entertain.
Generous, flexible spaces
Three configurations offer generous and flexible spaces that let owners personalize their units to accommodate their lifestyles while they get to soak in the beautiful views of Baguio City from every angle.
A 46-sqm one-bedroom suite presents panoramic nature views from the comfort of your bedroom and private balcony, while the 51-sqm one-bedroom corner suite offers the right proportion between living space and room.
The 101 sqm two-bedroom suite is ideal for those eyeing a well-proportioned, well-designed living space that offers stylish functionality. This unit has a generously sized balcony that can be transformed into a private garden or a seamless living room extension.
With these cuts, Bern ensures your exclusivity and privacy as there will only be four to eight units per floor, making it one of the most premium, low-density developments in Baguio.
Unique peak experiences
Similar to other Brittany’s developments, Bern will integrate the latest lifestyle features and amenities that ensure comfort, convenience, and unique peak experiences.
An exclusive amenity area at the towers’ peak will allow residents to enjoy the wide range of amenities and facilities that will be unparalleled in the city.
A view deck is available to enjoy the picturesque view of the city.
Bern gives residents an imaginative, dedicated space featuring Jacuzzis and family lounges with fire pits. Families and friends can spend quality time here, having relaxed, intimate conversations without needing to go out of th building.
Amenities set to revitalize the body and restore the spirit can also be found here, designed to complement your active lifestyle. It hosts the gym, sauna, yoga, and pilates studio for the exclusive use of the residents.
Bern’s peak amenity is iconic as it not only provides gorgeous views but can also double as an entertainment space home to a game room and view decks. Plush seats are great for chats, while function rooms can accommodate the residents’ private events and intimate celebrations.
Relax and appreciate nature with an indoor-outdoor bar and get on the view deck to have a picturesque view of the city while enjoying the company of family and friends.
Lifestyle destinations
Besides Bern, Brittany also offers a fine selection of home designs, high-end condominiums, and lot-only properties in excellent locations, such as Portofino in Alabang, Lausanne in Tagaytay, and Georgia Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
It is set to launch a series of luxury leisure developments poised to become top lifestyle destinations in key areas across the country. Brittany’s new luxury projects, including Bern, will create a place to nurture, entertain, and inspire to live and invest in an ultra-comfortable environment only available for a privileged few.
For more information on Brittany Corporation’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
PANAGBENGA 2023 LAUNCHED — After a three-year hiatus, the Baguio Flower Festival 2023, or Panagbenga was launched at the City Hall grounds on Dec. 12 with performers from Saint Louis University and Baguio Central School ushering in the festival themed: “A Renaissance of Beauty and Wonder” with spectacular performances. The grand street dancing is set on Feb. 25 while the grand float parade is on Feb. 26. — Harley Palangchao
After two years of going low-profile due to the pandemic, the Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga will be coming back in its full glory – going full blast, fully operational, and 100 percent in its activities next year, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. and city government announced during its launching on Dec. 12.
Themed “A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty”, Panabenga 2023 will stage the grand street parade and street dancing for the first time after two years without as part of Covid-19 safety measures in 2020 and 2021, along with the other events regularly lined up during the month-long festivities. “We will astound the world with our finest presentation that showcases our creativity and expresses only the very best of our own cultural heritage. Let Panagbenga flourish again as our hope amidst difficulties,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said during the launching as he joined the unveiling of the festival and its theme at City Hall.
He said for two years, the pandemic robbed the city of the opportunity to stage this festival but the period has provided the city with the reset button for the tourism industry.
“We have managed to recover not only economically but also in terms of how we manage our tourism industry now. I am proud that everyone worked tirelessly to make this possible, for successfully managing our cases and having a high vaccination rate. We thank all our health workers, men and women in uniform, city government employees, our partners from the private sector and our citizens for making this possible,” the mayor said.
He added there will be no-holds barred in the conduct of the festival, and despite the fact the city is going to experience an increase in Covid-19 cases due to the various variants that are now affecting other countries, “there will be no let up in our festival in 2023.”
“We are also expecting an increase in influenza cases. But as I have said we have to learn to live with these viruses kaya go tayo. We will proceed as planned,” Magalong said.
While excited for leading the annual festivity full blast for the first time since becoming mayor in 2019, Magalong said he is at the same time anxious the city will be expecting a lot of visitors and tourists to watch the festival.
He said the city has to prepare and come up with contingency plans to make sure that residents as well as the visitors will be safe.
There is also a need to address irritability among residents. “As hotels reported surpassing its pre-pandemic occupancy, it is good for business and for our recovery. But at the same time, it gives so much stress to our local residents. So we need to strike a balance,” Magalong said. He said the city is planning carefully in order to prevent traffic gridlock, which is one of the biggest factors in addressing the concerns in the upcoming festival.
BFFFI co-chair Anthony de Leon said the hotel industry will also have to cooperate with the city government and traffic management,with traffic being a major issue not only during the flower festival but even now during the Christmas holidays where the city is already experiencing heavy traffic.
“It’s going to be important to have the private sector partnering with the local government to deliver the necessary services and at least do our best and provide what we can to our visitors,” de Leon said, adding the city may have to cope with and mitigate the so-called revenge travel and the expected number of visitors that will be generated with the start of the Baguio-Cebu flights via Philippine Airlines on Dec. 16.
In terms of crowd control during the Panagbenga main events with the recent Dec. 1 lantern parade as “litmus test”, Magalong said they are looking at coming up with more buffers in strategic areas along the parade lines so there will be space for movement. They will also have to deploy more personnel to manage the crowd.
“We have to innovate and introduce more safety measures to make sure all our visitors and local residents will be safe. That’s our primordial concern now. Anything can happen, so better for us to be proactive about it. We are working on it,” the mayor said.
With the return of a full-blown festival, BFFFI chair Atty. Mauricio Domogan reminded the Panagbenga is an opportunity for the Baguio people to get together and be thankful for having the environment for such an event and to be reminded of their obligation to sustain their resources.
He said the festival is also an opportunity to gather together regardless of tribe, to feel that everyone is a member of the Baguio family obligated to work and cooperate with each other for the betterment and development of our city.
Domogan said Panagbenga is as well an opportunity to show to the world the unique culture of the Cordillera, including those who migrated and who live with the locals, which is a way helping sustain the city’s tourism industry and its status as an education center. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED — The inaugural commercial flight of the Philippine Airlines has officially started on Dec. 16 with the arrival of PR C5903 Q-40084 bombardier aircraft carrying 84 passengers from Cebu Mactan International Airport at the Loakan Airport. Among the passengers were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Tourism Usec. Mae Elaine Bathan and PAL executives. They were welcomed by City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and wife, Arlene. For inquiries, contact the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Baguio via baguio_airport@caap.gov.ph, or visit the official website of PAL at www.philippineairlines.com.. — Harley Palangchao
IFUGAO Governor Jerry Dalipog has approved the use of abandoned rice terraces in the province for the cultivation of medical marijuana once the bill pushing for its legalization becomes law.
“I am okay with that. In some areas of the rice terraces, especially at the highly elevated areas, if there is a law passed legalizing medical marijuana. But not all areas,” he said.
According to Dalipog, there are areas of the terraces that have been abandoned, especially among the higher elevations of the province, which have not been restored or reclaimed due to a lack of funding and support.
Dalipog said that once medical marijuana is legalized, its cultivation in the region will feasibly provide income to the people of Ifugao.
“If it is a feasible source of income, we support it,” he added.
Dalipog however said that the province will not convert terraces currently in use, as the people of Ifugao would object to the use of areas being planted with indigenous organic rice for marijuana cultivation.
Dalipog said initiatives that will improve people’s lives and will not further reduce the production of indigenous rice in the province will be supported.
Dalipog said that once medical marijuana is legalized, its cultivation in the region will feasibly provide income to the people of Ifugao.
“If it is a feasible source of income, we support it,” he added.
Dalipog however said that the province will not convert terraces currently in use, as the people of Ifugao would object to the use of areas being planted with indigenous organic rice for marijuana cultivation.
Dalipog said initiatives that will improve people’s lives and will not further reduce the production of indigenous rice in the province will be supported.
In all states, cities and communities. All those who value freedom and justice. Who cherish it as strongly, as we, Ukrainians, in all our cities, in each and every family. I hope my words of respect and gratitude resonate in each American heart!
Madam Vice President, I thank you for your efforts in helping Ukraine! Madam Speaker, you bravely visited Ukraine during the full-fledged war, thank you very much! It is a great honor, a great privilege to be here!
Dear members of the Congress – representatives of both parties – who also visited Kyiv! Esteemed Congressmen and Senators – from both parties – who will visit Ukraine, I’m sure, in the future! Dear representatives of diaspora – present in this chamber and spread across the country! Dear journalists!
It's a great honor for me to be at the U.S. Congress and speak to you and all Americans!
Against all odds and doom and gloom scenarios, Ukraine did not fall. Ukraine is alive and kicking.
And it gives me good reason to share with you our first joint victory – we defeated Russia in the battle for minds of the world. We have no fear. Nor should anyone in the world have it.
Ukrainians gained this victory – and it gives us courage, which inspires the entire world.
Americans gained this victory – and that's why you have succeeded in uniting the global community to protect freedom and international law.
Europeans gained this victory – and that's why Europe is now stronger and more independent than ever.
The Russian tyranny has lost control over us and it will never influence our minds again.
Yet, we have to do whatever it takes to ensure that countries of the Global South also gain such victory.
I know one more thing – the Russians will stand a chance to be free only when they defeat the Kremlin in their minds.
Yet, the battle continues! And we have to defeat the Kremlin on the battlefield.
This battle is not only for the territory – for this or another part of Europe. This battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation, which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define – in what world our children and grandchildren will live and then – their children and grandchildren. It will define whether it will be a democracy – for Ukrainians and for Americans – for all.
This battle cannot be frozen or postponed. It cannot be ignored hoping that the ocean or something else will provide a protection.
From the United States to China, from Europe to Latin America, and from Africa to Australia – the world is too interconnected and interdependent to allow someone to stay aside – and at the same time – to feel safe when such a battle continues.
Our two nations are Allies in this battle.
And next year will be a turning point. The point, when Ukrainian courage and American resolve must guarantee the future of our common freedom. The freedom of people, who stand for their values.
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Americans!
Yesterday – before coming here to Washington DC – I was at the frontline, in our Bakhmut. In our stronghold in the East of Ukraine – in the Donbas.
The Russian military and mercenaries have been attacking Bakhmut non-stop since May. They have been attacking it day and night. But Bakhmut stands.
Last year seventy thousand people lived there in Bakhmut and now only few civilians stay.
Every inch of that land is soaked in blood. Roaring guns sound every hour. Trenches in the Donbas change hands several times a day in fierce combat and even hand fighting. But the Ukrainian Donbas stands.
Russians use everything they have against Bakhmut and our other beautiful cities.
The occupiers have a significant advantage in artillery. They have an advantage in ammunition. They have much more missiles and planes than we ever had.
But our Defense Forces stand. And we all are proud of them.
The Russian tactic is primitive. They burn down and destroy everything they see. They sent thugs to the frontlines. They sent convicts to the war...
They threw everything against us – similar to the other tyranny, which in the Battle of the Bulge threw everything it had against the free world. Just like the brave American soldiers, which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas. Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender!
So, here is the frontline – the tyranny, which has no lack of cruelty – against the lives of free people.
And your support is crucial – not just to stand in such fights, but to get to the turning point. To win on the battlefield.
We have artillery. Yes. Thank you. Is it enough? Honestly, not really. To ensure Bakhmut is not just a stronghold that holds back the Russian army – but for the Russian army to completely pull out – more cannons and shells are needed.
If so, just like the battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the trajectory of our war for independence and freedom.
If your «Patriots» stop the Russian terror against our cities, it will let Ukrainian patriots work to the full to defend our freedom.
When Russia cannot reach our cities by its artillery, it tries to destroy them with missile attacks. More than that, Russia found an Ally in its genocidal policy – Iran.
Iranian deadly drones, sent to Russia in hundreds, became a threat to our critical infrastructure. That is how one terrorist has found the other. It is just a matter of time – when they will strike against your other allies, if we do not stop them now. We must do it!
I believe there should be no taboos between us in our alliance. Ukraine never asked the American soldiers to fight on our land instead of us. I assure you that Ukrainian soldiers can perfectly operate American tanks and planes themselves.
Financial assistance is also critically important. And I would like to thank you for both, financial packages you have already provided us with, and the ones you may be willing to decide on. Your money is not charity. It's an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.
Russia could stop its aggression if it wanted to, but you can speed up our victory. I know it.
And it will prove to any potential aggressor that no one can succeed in breaking national borders, committing atrocities and reigning over people against their will.
It would be naive to wait for steps towards peace from Russia – which enjoys being a terrorist state. Russians are still poisoned by the Kremlin.
The restoration of international legal order is our joint task. We need peace. Ukraine has already offered proposals, which I just discussed with President Biden – our Peace Formula.
Ten points, which should and must be implemented for our joint security – guaranteed for decades ahead.
And the Summit, which can be held.
I am glad to stress that President Biden supported our peace initiative today. Each of you, ladies and gentlemen, can assist in its implementation – to ensure that America’s leadership remains solid, bicameral and bipartisan.
You can strengthen sanctions to make Russia feel how ruinous its aggression truly is.
It is in your power to help us bring to justice everyone, who started this unprovoked and criminal war. Let's do it!
Let the terrorist state be held responsible for its terror and aggression, and compensate all losses done by this war.
Let the world see that the United States is here!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
Americans!
In two days, we will celebrate Christmas. Maybe, candlelit. Not because it is more romantic. But because there will be no electricity. Millions won't have neither heating nor running water. All of this will be the result of Russian missile and drone attacks on our energy infrastructure. But we do not complain.
We do not judge and compare whose life is easier.
Your well-being is the product of your national security – the result of your struggle for independence and your many victories.
We, Ukrainians, will also go through our war of independence and freedom with dignity and success.
We'll celebrate Christmas – and even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out. If Russian missiles attack us – we'll do our best to protect ourselves. If they attack us with Iranian drones and our people will have to go to bomb shelters on Christmas eve – Ukrainians will still sit down at a holiday table and cheer up each other. And we don't have to know everyone's wish as we know that all of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same – victory. Only victory.
We already built strong Ukraine – with strong people, strong army, and strong institutions. Together with you!
We develop strong security guarantees for our country and for entire Europe and the world. Together with you!
And also – together with you! – we’ll put in place everyone, who will defy freedom.
This will be the basis to protect democracy in Europe and the world over.
Now, on this special Christmas time, I want to thank you. All of you. I thank every American family, which cherishes the warmth of its home and wishes the same warmth to other people.
I thank President Biden and both parties at the Senate and the House – for your invaluable assistance.
I thank your cities and your citizens, who supported Ukraine this year, who hosted our people, who waved our national flags, who acted to help us.
Thank you all! From everyone, who is now at the frontline. From everyone, who is awaiting victory.
Standing here today, I recall the words of the President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which are so good for this moment: "The American People in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory".
The Ukrainian People will win, too. Absolutely. I know that everything depends on us. On Ukrainian Armed Forces! Yet, so much depends on the world! So much in the world depends on you!
When I was in Bakhmut yesterday, our heroes gave me the flag. The battle flag. The flag of those who defend Ukraine, Europe and the world at the cost of their lives. They asked me to bring this flag to the US Congress – to members of the House of Representatives and Senators, whose decisions can save millions of people.
So, let these decisions be taken!
Let this flag stay with you, ladies and gentlemen!
This flag is a symbol of our victory in this war!
We stand, we fight and we will win. Because we are united. Ukraine, America and the entire free world.
May God protect our brave troops and citizens! May God forever bless the United States of America!
Deepak Chopra reveals the important things you should consider before making a crucial decision.
By Deepak Chopra
Challenges are part of everyone’s life, but there are dark moments when a challenge turns into a crisis. The outcome of our lives depends on the choices we make at those moments. Will they be breakthroughs or setbacks? What we call wisdom is a crucial tool here. Without it, people usually make their most important decisions based on impulse or its opposite, habit.
It might seem impossible that any three questions can — and should — be asked anytime things go wrong, but the sad truth is that millions of us dwell on the three questions we shouldn’t ask, questions such as: (1) What’s wrong with me? (2) Whom can I blame? (3) What’s the worst-case scenario?
We all feel the urge to condemn ourselves out of guilt, to blame others for our misfortunes and to fantasize about total disaster. But these three questions will haunt you and do untold harm unless you consciously stop them, push them aside and replace them with the right questions, leading to the right actions. Here are three positive, self-affirming ways to approach your next tough situation:
1. Is this a problem I should fix, put up with or walk away from?
Unless you can answer this question clearly and rationally, your vision will be clouded. Without knowing it, you will be acting under the influence of negative emotions such as fear. You will give in to impulsiveness or fall back on old habits.
You must clarify your inner confusion. You must get your bearings in a reasonable way. The first step is to consider — in consultation with those you trust — a course of action that begins with finding a fix. If the fix isn’t there, ask why. Perhaps someone is blocking you or you lack the resources of money and time. Yet it is always worthwhile to search for a fix and commit yourself to finding one. Only when you feel satisfied that you’ve exhausted your realistic options should you begin to decide between putting up with the situation (using patience, not passivity) and walking away.
The three alternatives are easier than they sound, because most people vacillate when things go bad. One day they wishfully hope for a fix and maybe take a few steps toward it. The next day they feel passive and victimized, so they put up with things as they are. The third day they are sick and tired of suffering and simply want to escape. The overall result is self-defeat. No solution can ever be found by running in three different directions. So clarify your situation and act on what you clearly see.
2. Who can I consult who has solved the same problem successfully?
Bad things aren’t solved in isolation, yet there is no doubt that our reactions isolate us. We become afraid and depressed. We draw into ourselves. Around the edges we entertain shame and guilt, and once these appear, there is even more reason to shut down.
Finding someone who has gone through the same crisis that you are facing accomplishes several things at once. It gives you an example to follow, a confidant who understands your plight and an alternative to withdrawing into isolation. Victims always feel alone and helpless. So reach out to someone who has proven, through their own lives, that they were not victimized by the bad thing you are facing now.
We aren’t talking about hand-holding, shared misery or even therapy. All those activities can be beneficial (or not), but there’s no substitute for talking to a person who has entered a dark place and come out successfully. Where do you find such a person? Ask around, tell your story, seek support groups, go online to find blogs and forums — the possibilities are much greater than ever before. And don’t stop until you find not just good advice but real empathy from someone you trust.
3. How can I reach deeper into myself for solutions?
There is just no getting around that turning bad things into good things is up to you. No one can be there all the time, and like it or not, crises are all-consuming. You find yourself facing an inner world that is suddenly full of threats, fears, illusions, wishful thinking, denial, distractions and conflict. The world “out there” won’t change until the world “in here” does.
There is a simple spiritual truth that I believe in deeply: The level of the solution is never found at the level of the problem. Knowing this, you can escape many traps that people fall into. What exists at the level of the problem? Repetitive thinking that gets nowhere. Old conditioning that keeps applying yesterday’s outworn choices. Lots of obsessive thinking and stalled action. I could go on. But the relevant insight is that you have more than one level of awareness, and at a deeper level there is untapped creativity and insight.
Your higher self contains the potential for new solutions, but you must find it. Instead of “higher self,” you can substitute any term that applies — soul, Atman, Holy Spirit, muse, inspiration — because linguistics are not nearly as important as the experience itself. You must experience the place inside where the light dawns and brings hope, where peace is possible and there is certainty about finding a viable path forward.
It’s not a mystery that such a place can be reached, because even in the worst crisis we experience flashes of it. The trick is to be able to inhabit the level of awareness that brings solutions. First, know that this level exists. Second, make a plan to get there, through all the techniques open to everyone: meditation, reflection, contemplation, prayer. Reduce your stress by every means you can find. Seek others who understand consciousness. Read books that inspire you but also books that realistically describe what it means to go on the inward journey. I’ve given an abbreviated plan of action, but the important thing is that you take the first steps inside.
Of course, I can’t know what bad things are happening to you specifically. I just urge you to quit the majority who live in confusion and conflict. Join the minority who see a clear path out of present darkness, who never submit to fear and despair and who in truth lead the world into a future full of light.
