Metro Manila Earthquake: The Coming

 

The West Valley Fault is predicted to strike Metro Manila at any time. The fault line starts from Angat Bulacan; passes through the cities of Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Pateros, Muntinlupa; and ends in Carmona Cavite. Once the fault moves, it will generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake causing massive damage to property and loss of life. Experts estimate the destruction could reach up to 500,000 houses destroyed; 9 bridges and 400 buildings to collapse; and over 100,000 casualties. 

 

It is hard to imagine how this impending catastrophe can have far-reaching  environmental, social, and economic consequences. But my most pressing concern is about the safety of my loved ones.  I fear for my community, my friends, my family, my home--they are situated within the 5-kilometer danger zone of the fault line. I'm hoping against hope that the day of reckoning will come not really soon.

 

 

 

Sinulog Festival 2014 Winners

The occasional rain and strong winds didn't deter some 3.2 million people from filling up the streets of Cebu City to witness the Sinulog Festival 2014 Grand Parade held last Sunday, January 19. More than a hundred participants, including 35 dance contingents, paraded through downtown streets donning elaborate costumes and performing synchronized dance routines. The all day long spectacle wrapped up in Cebu City Sports Complex where contingents had to perform onstage for final judging.

 

Four out-of-town entries were among the big winners for both Sinulog-based and Free Interpretation. Kulturang Placereno from the Province of Masbate bested all other contestants in Sinulog-based category. Meanwhile, Cebu City's Lumad Basakanon gave a solid performance to upset early favorite  Tribu Himag-ulaw of Placer Masbate which eventually settled for the second spot in Free Intepretation.

 

Here's the list of winners and videos of the performances.

 

Free Interpretation

1st  – Lumad Basakanon
2nd – Tribu Himag-ulaw (Placer Masbate)
3rd – Abellana National School
4th – Tribu Subanen (Plaridel, Misamis Occ.)
5th -- Banay Talambanon

Lumad Basakanon

Tribu Himag-ulaw

 

Abellana National School

 

Tribu Subanen

 

 

Banay Talambanon

 

 

 

Sinulog-Based
1st  – Kulturang Placereno (Province of Masbate)
2nd – Tribu Sinanduloy (Tangub City, Misamis Occ.)
3rd – Municipality of Tuburan
4th – Carcar City Division
5th – Talisay City Central

Kulturang Placereno

Tribu Sinanduloy

 

Municipality of Tuburan

Carcar City Division

 

Talisay City Central