Thursday, August 13, 2026


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Finding comfort in uncertainty, accepting life, and coming alive

Repetition is done for others to learn. Fast learners should accept this as reaching out to others instead of thinking that they are at a loss due to the lack of progress in the next things to learn; after all, they can move forward while others still need repetition. Even if there is overlapping, the important thing is that it is not intentional. Also, it is written, “Teach and counsel (magturo at magpaalalahanan) each other with all the wisdom He gives.”

In Colossians 3:16, thanksgiving to Him is also taught.

It is good that our discs are no longer around; otherwise, merong excuse (“para ka namang sirang plaka, paulit-ulit”) kung makiki-hip hop kay Lady Diane (1991). When a thing is learned, there is retention in the mind, so if nothing stays in the brain, the need for repetition comes into play. Teaching is the process and learning is the product, according to psychologists, and it was repeated by Dr. Teresita Malabuyo (pray for her recovery) in general psychology and educational psychology classes that I attended in the late 1990s.

Now, I come to what I should value in this space by repeating what has already been said about hope (pag-asa):

Jayeel Serrano Cornelio (2022): “Hopeful about the future, we convince each other that our problems will end if we just work hard enough. Without us realizing it, this discourse valorizes suffering. Therein lies, I believe, the internal contradiction of hope as we know it. In this discourse, Filipinos must endure their circumstances in the hope that tomorrow our dreams will be fulfilled. Deployed in this manner, hope lays the burden for progress on individuals. But conveniently, it deflects responsibility away from the state over its misplaced priorities, corruption, and inefficiency.”

Renato “Rene” Mendoza Alviar (2022): “(M)ahirap iasa sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan ang tamang pagkilatis sa mga gustong mamuno. Masyado na silang pinahirapan ng sitwasyon, bukod pa sa nilinlang ng mga mapagsamantala. Kailangan natin silang tulungan sa aktibong partisipasyon sa pagdedesisyon sa paraang kadama-dama o nararanasan. Inclusive growth ang maitutulong natin sa kanila. Mahirap ipaintindi sa kanila ang inclusive goal/s. Kailangang magpanabay ang pagtulong sa kanilang kabuhayan at paglinang sa kanilang kaalaman o sapat na edukasyon at sapat na panlipunang paglilingkod. Hindi rin pwedeng isisi sa mga mahihirap ang maling pagpili ng mga iboboto dahil sumusunod lang naman sila sa agos. Gaya nga ng nabanggit na, sila man din ay may sinusunod na prayoridad katulad ng paghahanap ng makakain sa maghapon, pamasahe bukas makalawa ng mga naghahanap ng trabaho, gastusing medikal at pang-edukasyon ng mga anak, pati na ang gastos sa bahay kung meron mang bahay o inuupahan. Maraming matututunan ang ultimate decision makers sa mga mahihirap nating botante. Kailangang makihalubilo sa kanila, makialam sa kanilang hinaing. Magdahan-dahan tayo sa maling pagturing sa kanila (pinakahuli’y ‘bobotante’) dahil pangunahing inaasahan nila ang mapalaya sila sa kahirapan na tungkulin ng Estado sa kanila, constitutionally and morally speaking …Matuto nawa ang mga nakaluluwag sa buhay sa mga aral ng kalagayan ng mahihirap nating kababayan na boboto na naman at muling aasa na maiaahon sila sa kahirapan. At para naman sa mga gustong mapalaya sa kahirapan, bigyan nawa nila ng panahon ang kaalaman at karunungan na maaaring mangahulugang maghanap ng tamang mapagtatanungan o mga eksperto. Isa na rito ang pagbibigay ng panahon na malaman kung sino talaga ang may alam sa ekonomiya at subok na sa tapat na paglilingkod.”

Diwa Contreras Guinigundo (2024): “Hope may as well be driven by our spirituality, that as Jeremiah 29:11 clarifies, the Lord’s plan is for our ‘welfare and not for evil,’ to give us ‘a future and a hope.’ …Being always hopeful should not lead us to refrain from questioning the more fundamental issues of poverty and income inequality in a period of perceived growth and prosperity. Being always hopeful does not negate the ability to manage expectations; instead, we should be motivated to persevere because there is something to hope for.”

Two private companies set to attempt first U.S. moon landings in over 50 years

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Two private companies, Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines, are preparing for the first U.S. moon landings since the Apollo missions more than five decades ago. The ventures are part of a NASA-supported initiative to jumpstart commercial moon deliveries and are seen as precursors to NASA’s plans to send astronauts back to the lunar surface.

China and India have successfully landed on the moon, while Russia, Japan, and Israel faced setbacks in their attempts. The new contenders, Astrobotic Technology based in Pittsburgh, and Intuitive Machines from Houston, are racing to put the U.S. back in the lunar exploration game.

Astrobotic Technology is scheduled for the first liftoff on Monday, with a lander set to launch aboard United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket. Following closely, Intuitive Machines plans a mid-February liftoff, hitching a ride with SpaceX. The missions are part of NASA’s strategy to foster commercial involvement in lunar exploration.

“They’re scouts going to the moon ahead of us,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, emphasizing the importance of these private initiatives.

Japan is also set to make its attempt in two weeks, with its lander equipped with toy-size rovers. If successful, Japan will become the fifth country to achieve a lunar landing.

The challenges of landing on the moon are significant, with the absence of a substantial atmosphere making traditional landing methods impossible. Instead, landers must rely on thrusters to navigate treacherous terrain, avoiding cliffs and craters.

The last U.S. moon landing occurred in December 1972, with Apollo 17, and since then, the focus shifted to Mars exploration. Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines not only aim to end America’s moon-landing drought but also compete for the title of the first private entity to achieve a successful lunar landing.

Despite a later start, Intuitive Machines has a faster and more direct trajectory, aiming to land within a week of liftoff. Astrobotic, on the other hand, will take two weeks to reach the moon and an additional month in lunar orbit before attempting a landing on February 23.

Both companies received nearly $80 million each in 2019 under a NASA program to develop lunar delivery services. Fourteen companies, including Astrobotic and Intuitive Machines, are currently under contract with NASA for lunar exploration efforts.

Astrobotic’s lander, named Peregrine, will carry 20 research packages for seven countries, including NASA, and a shoebox-sized rover for Carnegie Mellon University. Intuitive Machines’ lander, Nova-C, will target the moon’s south polar region, carrying five NASA experiments lasting about two weeks.

The south pole is of particular interest due to the belief that it holds vast amounts of frozen water, crucial for future exploration and potentially as a resource for drinking and making rocket fuel. NASA’s Artemis program aims to land the first humans in this region, potentially by 2027.

Both companies plan additional missions to the south pole in the future. Astrobotic will carry NASA’s water-seeking Viper rover, while Intuitive Machines will deliver an ice drill for NASA.

Despite the challenges, the space race among private entities is heating up, fueled not only by scientific curiosity but also geopolitical considerations. The successful missions could mark a significant milestone in the new era of lunar exploration.

DOJ seeks reversal of bail granted to suspects in missing sabungeros case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally requested a review of a court decision that granted bail to suspects involved in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, from Tanay, Rizal. The DOJ spokesperson, Mico Clavano, announced on Wednesday that they have filed a motion for reconsideration regarding the bail granted in December by a Manila court for the six suspects arrested in connection with the case.

“Sa tingin namin, hindi tama na nabigyan sila ng bail at nakalabas sila sa kulungan [We think it was not right that they were granted bail and released from jail],” Clavano stated in a media interview.

“We think we have a strong case, at ‘yun naman ang pinaka [and that’s the primary] bone of contention ng [of a] motion for bail or petition for bail, which is to determine the strength of the evidence of the prosecution at this point,” he added.

Should the court uphold its decision, Clavano mentioned that the DOJ is prepared to explore other legal remedies.

The suspects, as per police statements, are currently facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention following the mysterious disappearance of six individuals. The missing individuals have been identified as John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez.

Clavano acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating, “There are several coverups and layers that have yet to be unveiled. We really have to stay patient. Pero rest assured that every day, meron nagagawa ang law enforcement agencies para mapalakas ang kaso. [But rest assured that every day, law enforcement agencies are doing something to strengthen the case.”

The DOJ is hopeful of holding a case conference by the end of the month to provide updates to the families of the victims. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the sabungeros, and the authorities remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter.

Kim Jong-un’s daughter, likely heir to North Korean leadership, says South’s Spy Agency

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Seoul, South Korea. The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has suggested that Kim Ju-ae, the young daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is likely to be his heir apparent. The speculation arises amid increasing international interest in the 10-year-old since her first public appearance in November 2022, where she observed a long-range missile test launch with her father.

The assessment by South Korea’s spy agency comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea reportedly fired artillery rounds into the sea near the maritime border, prompting residents of two South Korean islands to seek shelter.

“The North Korean military conducted over 200 rounds of firing today from about 9-11 am (1200 to 0200 GMT) in the areas of Jangsan-got in the northern part of Baengnyeong island and the northern areas … of Yeonpyeong island,” revealed a South Korean defense ministry official during a briefing.

The move led to an evacuation order for civilians on Yeonpyeong island, described as a “preventive measure.” While the ministry did not confirm whether the order was in response to North Korean artillery fire or South Korean drills, a text message sent to residents mentioned “naval fire” to be conducted by South Korean troops from 3 pm on Friday.

The waters near the disputed Northern Limit Line have witnessed previous clashes, including the sinking of a South Korean navy corvette in 2010, believed to be caused by a North Korean torpedo.

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, noted that North Korea’s artillery firings during winter exercises were not uncommon. However, he emphasized the current strained relations between the Koreas, with North Korea distancing itself from military confidence-building agreements.

The identification of Kim Ju-ae as a potential heir comes as she has accompanied Kim Jong-un to major public events, gaining recognition in state media as the leader’s “most beloved” or “respected” child. The South Korean spy agency based its assessment on a comprehensive analysis of her public activities and state protocols provided to her.

Symbolizing a departure from North Korean traditions, Kim Ju-ae has been seen participating in various political events, including a military parade where a senior general knelt and whispered to her. At a New Year’s Eve celebration, Kim Jong-un kissed her on the cheek, highlighting her closeness with her father.

While the spy agency acknowledges Kim Jong-un’s youth, good health, and the presence of at least one other child, it considers all possibilities regarding North Korea’s power succession process. The agency’s track record in confirming developments in the secretive nation is imperfect, and North Korea’s state media has yet to make direct comments on succession or Kim Ju-ae’s siblings.

Analysts in Seoul remain cautious about predicting Kim Ju-ae’s future role, emphasizing the lack of essential political achievements for formal anointment. Since its foundation in 1948, North Korea has been ruled by successive male members of the Kim family, and if Kim Ju-ae were to ascend, she would break from this historical

Unsold Christmas trees become festive feast for elephants and bison at the Berlin Zoo

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BERLIN. In a post-Christmas tradition at the Berlin Zoo, unsold Christmas trees have become a festive treat for the animal residents, including elephants, European bison, and reindeer.

This annual event unfolded on Thursday, bringing a bit of post-holiday cheer to the zoo’s inhabitants. The elephants, utilizing their trunks, enthusiastically tore off branches from the Christmas trees, either gobbling them up or playfully tossing them around their enclosure. The European bison also joined in the festive feast, nestling into the trees before indulging in a munching session. Even the reindeer got involved, sniffing and playing with the conifers.

To ensure the safety of the animals, the zoo exclusively accepts fresh, unsold trees from selected vendors and refrains from taking trees from the public. This precaution is in place to avoid any potential presence of chemicals or leftover decorations that could be harmful to the animals.

The heartwarming tradition not only provides a unique and enjoyable experience for the zoo’s residents but also offers a sustainable and eco-friendly way to repurpose unsold Christmas trees, turning them into a special treat for the animals to enjoy.

Pinabulaanan ng DOH ang balitang may ‘new wave’ ng COVID-19 sa NCR

Walang katotohanan at batayan ang mga mensaheng may “bagong wave” ng COVID-19 sa National Capital Region (NCR), ito ang mariing pahayag ng Department of Health (DOH) na nagbanta pa ng posibleng pagsasampa ng kasong laban sa mga nagpapakalat ng pekeng maling impormasyon.

Sa isang pahayag ng Department of Health kahapon, pinabulaanan nito ang fake news na diumano ayy pagpuno ng COVID-19 intensive care unit ng St. Luke’s Medical Center, na kumakalat sa social media simula pa noong Disyembre.

“The Department of Health (DOH) advises the public against a circulating message claiming a new COVID-19 wave in Metro Manila, attributed to Dr. Ruth Divinagracia from St. Luke Medical Center,” ayon sa DOH.

Ayon sa lumabas na mga mensahe, inilalarawan ang karamihan sa mga kaso bilang “COVID-induced bad commorbidities.” Dagdag pa rito, ang ilan daw sa mga pasyente ay bakunado ngunit hindi nabigyan ng booster shots. Binanggit din sa mga posts ang pabor sa paggamit ng N95 masks kaysa sa KN95 dahil sa alegadong banta ng pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 nitong mga holidays.

“The DOH urges the public to rely on information from reputable sources such as the agency and other official health organizations. Misinformation can contribute to unnecessary panic and fear,” dagdag pa ng DOH.

Binigyang-diin din ng DOH na maaaring sampahan ng kasong kriminal ang mga nagpapatuloy sa pagpapakalat ng mga pekeng balita. “Furthermore, the DOH states that criminal charges may be pressed if related post/s shall persist.”

“The DOH continues to enjoin the public to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms such as the health department, which can be accessed through the links and social media handles below.”

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, nilinaw ng DOH na ang mga kaso ng COVID-19 nitong Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon ay mas mababa kumpara sa mga nagdaang buwan. Iniuugnay ito sa mga “healthy behaviors” tulad ng pagsusuot ng face masks at iba pang safety protocols.

Nagbigay rin ang DOH ng statistics na ang average na bilang ng bagong kaso kada araw mula Disyembre 26, 2023, hanggang January 1, 2024, ay bumaba ng 10% kumpara sa nakaraang linggo. Maliban dito, tinukoy din na ang karamihan ng mga bagong kaso ay hindi malubha.

“The average number of new cases per day for the week of December 26, 2023 to January 1, 2024 is down by 10 percent compared to cases from December 19 to 25. Of the new cases, only around 1% were serious or critically ill. The Department renews its commitment to closely monitor the trend for any changes,” ayon sa DOH.

Nanawagan naman ang DOH sa lahat na patuloy na maging maingat at huwag maging kampante, lalo na sa mga pagtitipon, at ipinapaalala ang kahalagahan ng pagsusuot ng face masks, lalo na sa mga senior citizen at immunocompromised.

Sa huling bahagi ng pahayag, ibinalita ng DOH na umabot na sa 4.13 milyon ang nahahawaan ng COVID-19 simula nang makapasok ito sa bansa noong 2020. Sa ngayon, 5,310 ang nagpapagaling pa habang 66,836 ang namatay.

Alzheimer’s drugs might get into the brain faster with New ultrasound tool, study shows

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WASHINGTON. A study led by Dr. Ali Rezai of West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, scientists have discovered a novel method to enhance the penetration of Alzheimer’s drugs into the brain by temporarily breaching its protective shield. Although the experiment was conducted on just three patients, the results are promising as the new technology effectively improved the removal of Alzheimer’s plaque in targeted brain areas.

The focus of this innovation is the blood-brain barrier, a protective lining in blood vessels that prevents harmful substances from entering the brain from the bloodstream. However, this barrier also impedes the delivery of drugs for Alzheimer’s and other neurologic diseases, necessitating higher doses for longer durations to reach their intended targets.

The researchers employed focused ultrasound technology to create temporary openings in the blood-brain barrier. Microscopic bubbles were injected into the bloodstream, and sound waves were directed through a specialized helmet-like device to a precise area of the brain. The energy pulses caused the microbubbles to vibrate, creating gaps in the barrier that allowed medications to enter.

Dr. Rezai emphasized the goal of providing patients with a head start, especially for new Alzheimer’s treatments that typically require a considerable amount of time to exhibit their effects. The study involved administering Aduhelm, an Alzheimer’s drug, to three patients with mild Alzheimer’s for six months. Focused ultrasound was applied immediately after each intravenous infusion to enhance drug penetration.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans revealed a 32% greater reduction in plaque in areas where the blood-brain barrier was breached compared to the opposite side of the brain. While Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging acknowledged the elegance of the pilot study, he cautioned that the small sample size limits drawing definitive conclusions.

Despite the cautious approach, Masliah expressed excitement over the compelling data, stating that it opens the door for more extensive and larger studies. Dr. Rezai plans to conduct further tests with the drug Leqembi and believes that larger studies will be necessary to determine the real impact of combining focused ultrasound with Alzheimer’s drugs.

Researchers are exploring whether breaching the blood-brain barrier could also facilitate the delivery of chemotherapy to brain tumors and target other diseases. However, concerns about potential side effects, such as bleeding and swelling in the brain, underscore the need for thorough monitoring and evaluation as this promising avenue of research advances.

13-year old gamer conquers ‘unbeatable’ Tetris by breaking it

SAN FRANCISCO. A 13-year-old Willis Gibson, known as “blue scuti” in the gaming community, has officially become the first player to “beat” the original Nintendo version of Tetris, not by achieving a high score but by breaking the game.

Technically, Willis reached what gamers refer to as a “kill screen,” a point where the Tetris code glitches, causing the game to crash. While this may not sound like a conventional victory, it is a highly sought-after achievement in the gaming world, where pushing hardware and software to their limits is a testament to skill and dedication.

Tetris, a falling-block video game, has long been considered unbeatable due to its lack of a scripted ending. Players faced an endless cascade of four-block shapes, with no predetermined conclusion. Top players aimed to extend their winning streaks by reaching higher levels, but eventually, the game seemed unbeatable.

Willis shattered this notion on December 21 by triggering a kill screen on Level 157, a victory over the game itself by pushing the software beyond its expected limits. Tetris CEO Maya Rogers congratulated Willis, calling it an “extraordinary accomplishment” and a “monumental achievement” as Tetris prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

The journey to this accomplishment has been a long and challenging one for Tetris players. Early on, gamers struggled to reach higher levels, with Level 29 presenting a significant obstacle. Techniques like “hypertapping” emerged, allowing players to move the game controller faster than the built-in speed, pushing progress to Level 35 by 2018.

In 2020, a technique called “rolling” combined multifinger methods used in arcade games, propelling one player to Level 95 in 2022. However, challenges arose as the game’s original developers had not anticipated such aggressive limit-pushing, leading to quirks at higher levels.

The introduction of random color combinations at Level 138 made it harder for players to distinguish blocks from the background. Two particularly challenging patterns, dubbed “Dusk” and “Charcoal,” added to the difficulty. Progress was further impeded by longer games and unpredictable glitches.

The breakthrough came with the Tetris-playing AI program StackRabbit, which reached Level 237 before crashing the game. Human players then used StackRabbit’s findings to map out scenarios leading to game-ending glitches, creating a comprehensive spreadsheet detailing specific conditions likely to cause a crash.

Willis embarked on his record-breaking attempt armed with this knowledge. When he crashed the game at Level 157, his reaction, captured in a livestream video, reflected both shock and awe. Gasping and expressing concern about his fingers, Willis made history by achieving what many believed to be an impossible feat in the world of Tetris.

Coast Guard responds swiftly to oil spill incident in Mindanao

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DAVAO CITY. Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through its Marine Environmental Protection Force (MEPForce) and Special Operations Group (SOG), swiftly responded to an oil spill incident at Km 11, Davsam Port, Davao City.

On January 2, 2024, at approximately 7:50 pm, MEPForce received a distress call from CGS Davao, reporting a potential oil spill at Km 11, DavSam Port. The Commander of MEPForce-SEM, in collaboration with personnel from CGS Davao, CGSS KM 11, and SOU-SEM, immediately mobilized to Km 11, DavSam Port to assess the situation.

Upon evaluation, MEPForce-SEM determined the following details regarding the oil spill:

  • Type of Oil: Sludge Oil
  • Volume of Spill: Approximately 200 Cubic Meters Affected Area

In response to the incident, MEPForce-SEM’s Oil Spill Response Team promptly deployed Oil Spill Absorbent Boom and Absorbent Pads to contain and recover the spilled oil. The containment efforts led to the successful retrieval of approximately 30 liters of oil. The source of the spill is currently under investigation, and further verification is pending.

The swift and efficient response by CGDSEM showcases the preparedness and capability of the Coast Guard personnel in handling environmental emergencies. As the investigation progresses, the Coast Guard remains committed to mitigating the impact of the oil spill and ensuring the protection of the marine environment in Davao City. Updates on the situation will be provided as additional information becomes available.

2 karnaper arestado sa Rizal at Laguna

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Arestado dalawang kilalang karnaper sa magkakahiwalay na anti-carnapping operations sa lalawigan ng Rizal at Laguna sa ilalim ng mga operasyon ng Highway Patrol Group-Calabarzon.

Sa pahayag ni Col. Rommel Estolano, director ng Highway Patrol Group-Calabarzon, kinilala ang mga inarestong suspek na sina John Carlo Orfalas, 31 anyos na residente ng Barangay Darangan, Binangonan, Rizal; at Villarante Jerimy, kilala rin sa pangalang Keleng, na tubong Santa Cruz, Laguna. Ang dalawa ay nakalista bilang “Number 5 Most Wanted Person” sa Rizal at Laguna.

Ang mga suspek ay naaresto sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na inisyu nina Presiding Judge Iluminado Dela Pea, Regional Trial Court, Branch 28, Santa Cruz, Laguna; at Judge Maria Lynn Laborte-Andal, Presiding Judge ng RTC Branch 139, Antipolo City, Rizal, kaugnay sa mga kaso ng carnapping.

Ayon kay Estolano, si Orfalas ay naaresto ng mga operatiba ng HPG-Rizal sa Manila East road Tower Hills Subdivision, Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal. Samantalang si Jerimy naman ay hinuli ng mga operatiba ng HPG-Laguna sa National Highway, Barangay Bubukal, Santa Cruz, Laguna.

Hinimok ni Estolano ang publiko na maging mas alisto at magsumbong sa mga awtoridad sakaling mayroon silang impormasyon hinggil sa iba pang kriminal na kumakanlong sa kanilang lugar. “Ang tagumpay na ito ay patunay na hindi tayo papayag na manatili ang mga kriminal sa ating komunidad,” ayon kay Estolano.

Nakatakdang harapin nina Orfalas at Jerimy ang mga kaso sa kaukulang hukuman.