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The weekend allowed us to spend some time with our dearly departed, reminding us of that old adage – the only thing certain in life is death. The only question is when.

Paradoxically, the certainty of death only magnifies how uncertain life truly is.

The morning after spending time with the loved ones who have gone ahead of us, here we are again back to the daily grind, to earn a living, survive and hopefully thrive.

Indeed, we, the living, must continue living, but in this nation of 115 million, it is never easy.

The two remaining months of the year will bring in some festivities for sure but the future remains uncertain. We are living in uncertain times, no doubt, made more uncertain by the still unresolved flood control corruption mess.

Rising food prices

The most immediate problem we’re facing is increasing prices of basic commodities, especially food. Every economic class, except the rich, is feeling the pinch.

According to the government’s Oct. 20 to 25 price monitoring, Kadiwa rice is selling at P43 per kilo, unchanged from prior month but local galunggong is selling at P337.27 per kilo, up from P320 last month. Squid is now selling at P456 per kilo from P444 per kilo the previous month while cooking oil is now at P36.25 per ml from P35.72 per ml the previous month.

There are many other goods whose prices have gone up.

Whether you shop in the grocery stores, wet market or your friendly neighborhood talipapa, you will surely notice the higher prices.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), inflation rose to 1.7 percent in September, the fastest in six months, driven mainly by higher prices of food. These aren’t abstractions – these are the numbers lining our receipts and the burdens on everyday households.

And it’s not likely to ease soon.

In yesterday’s paper, The STAR reported that economists expect headline inflation to have crept higher in October due to pricier food and utilities, sustaining the uptick in September.

Estimates from analysts showed the growth in consumer prices would be higher than the 1.7 percent recorded in September although still below the two percent low-end target of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The PSA will release the official October inflation data tomorrow, Nov. 5.

BPI lead economist Jun Neri, for instance, said headline inflation likely rose to 1.8 percent in October, reflecting higher prices of rice, vegetables and fish. Additional upward pressure came from higher electricity rates and a weaker peso, although these were partly offset by lower prices of meat, fruits and oil.

‘Going forward, upside risks to inflation are building as favorable rice base effects fade and the extension of the rice import suspension through year-end adds further pressure,’ Neri said.

As if this isn’t enough, inflation is expected to go even higher next year.

Neri expects inflation to hover around two percent through December before edging above three percent in the first half of next year, driven by base effects, wage increases and possible supply disruptions linked to trade policy.

The uptick in food prices contributed to the September number as food inflation quickened to 0.8 percent during the month from 0.6 percent in August.

Gasoline, too

Aside from rising food prices, local oil prices will also go up effective today, with diesel prices making the biggest jump at more than P2 per liter.

Seaoil, for instance, said on Monday that gasoline and kerosene would also increase by P1.70 and P2.10 a liter, respectively, starting Nov. 4.

Desperate to push his popularity ratings up, President Marcos has directed the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce a price freeze on basic and prime commodities until the end of the year to ensure price stability during the holiday season.

Of course, price freezing is always costly in the long run because it goes against the nature of a free economy where prices reflect supply and demand and signal production in proportions that the consumers want or need.

Instead of fixing prices, President Marcos must help local manufacturers so they can become more competitive. Build more farm-to-market roads so goods can reach consumers faster and cheaper.

You know what else will help Filipinos deal with the high cost of living? Marking sure that state funds are used wisely instead of being stolen.

Every year our budget goes up but our economy barely grows, if at all. A huge chunk of the money goes to corruption and we know that loud and clear now, because of the flood control scandal.

To really teach these thieves in government a lesson, the perpetrators must be brought to justice. That is the only way through this.

More disturbing than the rising cost of living in the country is the quiet anxiety that now shadows even the most ordinary tasks.

We live in unsteady times for sure.

We can only hope that the Marcos administration will step up and help the citizens – especially the marginalized, the minimum wage earners, those who live a hand-to-mouth existence, the elderly and everyone else desperate for help.

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos is back with his third film in as many years for “Bugonia” starring Emma Stone, a constant collaborator since “The Favourite.”

Stone plays the CEO of a large pharmaceutical company who is abducted by Jesse Plemons’ Teddy and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis, an actor on the spectrum) as they believe she is an alien.

A majority of the film sees Stone’s Michelle pleading her case to Teddy that she isn’t from another galaxy, but the events have a personal stake for the conspiracy theorist, who only wishes to save the Earth.

“Bugonia” is an English-language and gender-swapped remake of “Save the Green Planet!” by Jang Joon-hwan, who was initially attached to direct the remake before Lanthimos came on board.

The story at hand is very much in theme with Lanthimos’ fascination absurdist comedy dating back to his extraordinarily original “The Lobster,” taken further in recent outings like “The Favourite” and “Poor Things” (both starring Stone, who also appeared in Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness last year).

Joining forces with Lanthimos is Ari Aster – famed director of “Hereditary” and “Midsommar” – as producer and former The Onion editor-in-chief Will Tracy as screenwriter, following writing stints for “Last Week Tonight,with John Oliver,” “Sucession” and “The Menu.”

Lanthimos and company really have Teddy and Michelle butt heads over the existence of aliens, where even audiences are left wondering until the end what that argument all means.

One end is how destructive corporate greed can be while another is humanity itself is the cause of all things wrong in the world, both valid points that come up in “Bugonia.”

After intriguing shots in Lanthimos’ past three films, cinematographer Robbie Ryan opts for angled close-ups for debates between Teddy and Michelle, really amping up the spotlight how great actors Plemons and Stone are.

Stone – whose two Best Actress Oscar wins were from Lanthimos films – embodies the cold board head even with her wide eyes that scream empathy, and her commitment to shave her head reflects how driven she is for the cause.

Meanwhile, Plemons is very much convincing as the outcast of society determined to save it all costs, even as Lanthimos and Tracy throw in some equally ridiculous lines that maintain a comedic structure.

The discussions between the main characters are kept silent for the most part, but every now and then composer Jerskin Fendrix whips up some insane tunes to really cement how inane “Bugonia” is.

At a budget of $55 million (P3.23 billion), “Bugonia” is Lanthimos’ most expensive movie yet and probably his most accessible given the state of the world where people will believe anything that strengthens their worldview, even at the expense of others.

It does offer the chance for more viewers to explore more of the director’s works like “The Lobster,” “Dogtooth,” and “The Killing of Sacred Deer” which really showcase how unique a filmmaker he really is.

As more films come out vying for Oscar glory, Lanthimos, Stone, and Plemons have stated their case to add another Academy Award nomination to their resumes, and really get more than the bees buzzing again.

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. has launched a new investment-linked life insurance product that aims to make financial protection and wealth accumulation more accessible to Filipinos who want to secure their future while pursuing their goals.

Called Sun Life EasyLink Protect, the plan offers life insurance coverage up to age 100 and combines protection with potential investment growth. It was developed in response to findings from the Sun Life Asia Financial Resilience Index, which showed that while Filipinos are becoming more financially confident, long-term planning remains a challenge.

According to the index, only 64 percent of Filipinos feel capable of meeting their future goals, and one in three said they could not sustain themselves for more than three months without external support if their income suddenly stopped. The survey covered 1,000 Filipino respondents across six Asian markets between April and May.

These insights prompted Sun Life to design EasyLink Protect as a simple, flexible plan that allows clients to start investing and get insured without a long or complicated process. The product offers coverage equivalent to at least five times the plan’s annual premium and gives policyholders access to a diverse mix of local and global investment funds suited to varying risk appetites.

Clients may also choose flexible payment terms – annually, semi-annually or quarterly – over five or 10 years. The plan’s simplified application process comes with guaranteed acceptance, removing the need for medical exams or lengthy paperwork.

‘Sun Life EasyLink Protect is a plan that has a dual purpose,’ Sun Life client experience and marketing head Carla Gonzalez-Chong.

‘The insurance component ensures that even if life throws a curveball, the family’s future remains secure. Meanwhile, the investment component works to grow the fund value, which may be used either for major milestones or to keep the policy active,’ she said.

Chong said the product was created with modern go-getters in mind – those balancing ambition with practical financial planning.

Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) continues to cut across Visayas as another cyclone developed outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), PAGASA said on Tuesday, November 4.

State meteorologists have maintained Signal No. 4 in many areas in Visayas, warning residents of typhoon-force winds that pose a severe threat to life and property.

Tino is forecast to continue traversing Western Visayas and northern Palawan until it leaves through the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning, November 5. It will leave PAR by Thursday, November 6.

While Tino is expected to weaken, it will likely remain in the typhoon category.

As Tino moves west, a low-pressure area outside the Philippine area of responsibility has developed into a tropical depression. State meteorologists are still monitoring the newly formed cyclone.

PAGASA has hoisted the following signal warnings:

Signal No. 4 (Winds up to 184 km/h)

Luzon: Cuyo Islands

Visayas: The northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City), the northern portion of Negros Occidental (San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso, City of Escalante, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay, Bacolod City, Murcia, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Castellana), Guimaras, Capiz, Iloilo, the central and southern portions of Antique (Patnongon, Sibalom, Barbaza, Valderrama, Hamtic, San Jose, Bugasong, Culasi, Tibiao, Anini-Y, San Remigio, Belison, Tobias Fornier, Laua-An), and the southern portion of Aklan (Libacao, New Washington, Banga, Altavas, Madalag, Balete, Batan)

Signal No. 3 (storm-force winds in 18 hours)

Luzon: The southwestern portion of Masbate (Balud), the northernmost portion of Palawan (El Nido, Taytay, Dumaran, Araceli), including Calamian Islands

Visayas: The northern and central portions of Cebu (Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Alcantara, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Dumanjug, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay) including Bantayan Islands, the northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (City of Guihulngan, La Libertad, Jimalalud), the northern portion of Negros Occidental (Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, City of Himamaylan), the rest of Aklan, and the rest of Antique including Caluya Islands

Signal No. 2 (gale-force winds in 24 hours)

Luzon: The western and southern portions of Masbate (Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, Cawayan, Milagros, Mandaon), the southern portion of Oriental Mindoro (Bulalacao, Mansalay, Roxas, Bongabong), the southern portion of Occidental Mindoro (Magsaysay, San Jose, Rizal, Calintaan), the southern portion of Romblon (Santa Fe, Santa Maria, Looc, Alcantara, Cajidiocan, Odiongan, San Jose, Ferrol, Romblon, San Andres, Magdiwang, Calatrava, San Agustin, San Fernando), and the northern portion of Palawan (San Vicente, Roxas) including Cagayancillo Islands

Visayas: The western portion of Biliran (Almeria, Naval, Biliran), the western portion of Leyte (Palompon, Merida, Isabel, Matag-Ob, Calubian, Leyte, San Isidro, Villaba, Tabango), the northwestern portion of Bohol (Antequera, Tagbilaran City, Maribojoc, Loon, Dauis, Buenavista, Talibon, Getafe, Tubigon, Inabanga, Panglao, Clarin, Calape, Cortes, San Isidro), the rest of Cebu including Camotes Islands, the central portion of Negros Oriental (Tayasan, Manjuyod, Bais City, Mabinay, Bindoy, Ayungon, City of Tanjay, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, City of Bayawan, Basay), and the rest of Negros Occidental

Signal No. 1 (strong winds in 36 hours)

Luzon: The southern portion of Quezon (San Francisco, San Andres), the southern portion of Marinduque (Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan, Boac), the rest of Oriental Mindoro, the northern and central portions of Occidental Mindoro (Sablayan, Santa Cruz, Abra de Ilog, Mamburao, Paluan), the rest of Romblon, the western and southern portions of Albay (Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Camalig, City of Ligao, Pio Duran, Daraga, Jovellar, Libon, Polangui, Oas), the western and southern portions of Sorsogon (Bulusan, Magallanes, Santa Magdalena, Juban, Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, Pilar, Castilla, Donsol), the rest of Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, and the central portion of Palawan (Puerto Princesa City)

Visayas: The western portion of Northern Samar (San Isidro, Victoria, Allen, Lavezares), the western portion of Samar ( San Jorge, San Sebastian, Santa Rita, Villareal, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, Almagro, Calbayog City, Talalora, Jiabong, Pagsanghan, City of Catbalogan, Gandara, Motiong, Santo Niño, Tagapul-An, Santa Margarita, Tarangnan, Calbiga, Daram, Marabut, Paranas, Basey, Hinabangan), the rest of Biliran, the rest of Leyte, the northern and western portions of Southern Leyte (Libagon, Hinunangan, City of Maasin, Silago, Padre Burgos, Saint Bernard, Malitbog, Bontoc, Tomas Oppus, Macrohon, Limasawa, Sogod), the rest of Bohol, the rest of Oriental Mindoro, and Siquijor

Heavy rainfall

PAGASA has also issued a heavy rainfall warning in several areas. Palawan, Negros Occidental, Antique, Aklan, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Capiz can expect heavy rains of more than 200 millimeters, while Cebu, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Romblon should prepare for 100 to 200 millimeters.

Meanwhile, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Batangas, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Marinduque, Masbate, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental could expect 50 to 100 millimeters worth of rain.

Gale warnings and storm surges

PAGASA said that there was a high risk of storm surge in the low-lying communities of Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Camiguin. The surge can reach as high as 3 meters.

Meanwhile, PAGASA has issued a gale warning across several coastal areas, warning seafarers to refrain from going out to the waters due to the strong waves:

Up to 6.0 m: The seaboards of Calamian and Cuyo Islands

Up to 5.0 m: The seaboards of northern mainland Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, northern Negros Occidental, and northern Cebu

Up tp to 4.5 m: The seaboards of Isabela, Masbate, Kalayaan Islands, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Bohol; the remaining seaboards of Cebu and Negros Occidental; the eastern seaboards of Mainland Cagayan, Negros Oriental; the northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes; the southern seaboards of Romblon, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro

Up to 4.0 m: The seaboards of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Aurora, northern mainland Quezon, Cagayancillo Islands, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte; the remaining seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and mainland Cagayan.

Up to 3.0 m: The seaboards of Ilocos Region and Marinduque; the remaining seaboards of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, and Negros Oriental; the western seaboard of mainland Palawan; the northern seaboards of Siquijor.

Up to 2.5 m: The seaboard of Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Zamboanga del Norte. The remaining seaboards of Palawan and Caraga Region.

“Bridgerton” and “Wicked” star Jonathan Bailey is the newest individual named by People magazine as the “Sexiest Man Alive.”

This marks the first time in the magazine’s 40-year history of handing out the title has gone to an openly gay man. Baile, who came out in his 20s, made his public announcement in 2018.

Bailey began his career as a child actor in Great Britain, appearing on stage and screen, making his first big waves on the show “Broadchurch” and a production of “Othello.”

After more acclaimed theater roles, Bailey broke out in Netflix’s “Bridgerton” as the eldest sibling, Anthony, particularly when the series’ second season revolved around him and Simone Ashley’s Kate Sharma.

He later starred in “Jurassic World Rebirth” in between his performances in the two parts of “Wicked,” with the second part set to premiere later this month.

“It’s a huge honor. Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd,” Bailey said, laughing in People’s piece announcing his new title. “It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.”

The actor jokingly shared that he only told his dog Benson, who joined him in the official beach photoshoot, about the news, though he notes his friends might get mad about not being in the loop.

“They’ll be furious that I haven’t told them. And then they’ll just squeal with delight. They’ve seen me grow up,” Bailey continued. “Behind the mask of being identified as a sexy man are other truths that they know and they’ve witnessed. They know the secrets.”

Other things Bailey shared in his interview were that he was afraid of snakes, tends to overthink, looks forward to leaving parties he attends, that every man should have a gay friend, and his first celebrity crushes were Prince Eric from “The Little Mermaid” and Trini Kwan from “Power Rangers.”

“I feel incredibly lucky. Life is a ride for everyone no matter who you are, where you come from. It’s just making sure that when you’re in the ride, you’re looking left and right and making sure everyone’s all right. And give them a high-five along the way if they need it,” Bailey ended.

Last year’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ was John Krasinski. Past titleholders have included Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, Patrick Dempsey, Idris Elba, Dwayne Johnson, David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth, and Channing Tatum.

The local stock market sank to its lowest level in seven months as investors wait for results of major economic data releases this week.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged by 1.71 percent or 101.62 points, ending yesterday’s session at 5,828.06. This was its worst closing since it finished at 5,822.85 on April 7.

The broader All Shares index also took a heavy beating, dropping by 1.24 percent or 44.38 points to 3,548.90.

Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said the PSEi gapped down as sellers heavily influenced the market early in the session.

‘Traders are likely already pricing in the upcoming GDP and inflation data to be released this week, while overall sentiment remains cautious,’ Limlingan said.

Unicapital Securities Inc. equity research analyst Peter Garnace said investors traded cautiously ahead of major economic releases in the coming days.

This week, Garnace said that investors would be on the lookout for the inflation, unemployment rate and the gross domestic product (GDP) figure for the third quarter.

‘Consensus is expecting October inflation to rise by 1.8 percent year-on-year, within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast of 1.4 to 2.2 percent. Meanwhile, Philippine third quarter GDP is expected to grow by 5.2 percent, falling below the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent target for the year,’ Garnace said.

‘Investors will closely parse this week’s inflation and GDP figures, which will provide hints on the BSP’s policy path in their December meeting,’ he said.

All sectors were in red territory, except for services, which eked out a 0.03-percent improvement. Financials posted the biggest drop at 3.33 percent, followed by mining and oil with a 2.11-percent plunge.

Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) is battering parts of the Visayas as it barrels westward toward Cebu, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its 2 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday, November 4, PAGASA said Tino made landfall over Silago, Southern Leyte.

By 5 a.m., the typhoon’s center was last spotted over the coastal waters of San Francisco, Cebu.

The typhoon packs maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph. It is moving westward at 25 kph.

Typhoon-force winds extend outward up to 300 kilometers from its center, PAGASA said.

Wind signals

The state weather bureau raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals in the following areas:

Signal No. 4

Visayas

The western and southern portion of Leyte (Mahaplag, Abuyog, City of Baybay, Inopacan, Hilongos, Hindang, Bato, Matalom, Javier, Macarthur, La Paz, Mayorga, Burauen, Isabel, Merida, Albuera, Dulag, Julita, Palompon), the northern and central portions of Cebu (Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Balamban, Asturias, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Borbon, Carmen, Tuburan, Catmon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Tabogon, San Remigio, City of Bogo, Toledo City, City of Talisay, Minglanilla, Medellin, Daanbantayan) including Camotes Islands and Bantayan Islands, the northeastern portion of Bohol (Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Getafe, Trinidad, Ubay, Bien Unido, Talibon), the northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City), the northern portion of Negros Occidental (San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso, City of Escalante, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay, Bacolod City, Murcia, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Castellana), Guimaras, the central and southern portions of Iloilo (Calinog, New Lucena, Maasin, Oton, Concepcion, Pavia, Dueñas, Barotac Nuevo, Guimbal, Ajuy, Iloilo City, Tigbauan, Anilao, San Miguel, Leon, Mina, Santa Barbara, Barotac Viejo, Leganes, Dingle, Zarraga, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Alimodian, Dumangas, San Joaquin, San Rafael, San Enrique, Badiangan, Banate, City of Passi, Pototan, Lambunao, Lemery, Tubungan, Igbaras, Janiuay, Miagao, San Dionisio, Sara), and the southern portion of Antique (Valderrama, Patnongon, San Remigio, Sibalom, Belison, San Jose, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, Anini-Y, Bugasong)

Residents here may face a significant threat to life and property due to destructive winds ranging from 118 to 184 kph.

Signal No. 3

Luzon

Cuyo Islands

Visayas

Southern Leyte, the central and eastern portions of Bohol (San Miguel, Mabini, Buenavista, Inabanga, Danao, Dagohoy, Guindulman, Pilar, Alicia, Candijay, Anda, Jagna, Duero, Sierra Bullones, Carmen, Sagbayan, Clarin, Tubigon, Batuan, Catigbian, San Isidro, Calape, Loon), the northern portion of Negros Oriental (City of Guihulngan, La Libertad, Jimalalud) , the central portion of Negros Occidental (Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan), the rest of Iloilo, the southern portion of Capiz (Tapaz, Mambusao, Jamindan, Dumalag, Dumarao, Cuartero, Dao, Panitan, Pontevedra, Sigma, President Roxas, Ma-Ayon, Pilar), and the central portion of Antique (Tibiao, Laua-An, Barbaza)

Storm-force winds of 89 to 117 kph may result in moderate to significant impacts in these areas.

Signal No. 2

Luzon

The southern portion of Masbate (Esperanza, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, Balud, Cawayan), the southern portion of Romblon (San Jose, Santa Fe, Alcantara, Looc), the southern portion of Oriental Mindoro (Bulalacao), the southern portion of Occidental Mindoro (Magsaysay, San Jose), and the northern portion of Palawan (El Nido, Taytay, Dumaran, Araceli, San Vicente, Roxas) including Calamian Islands

Visayas

The central and southern portions of Eastern Samar (Can-Avid, City of Borongan, Taft, Llorente, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Sulat, San Julian, General Macarthur, Hernani, Quinapondan, Guiuan, Lawaan, Balangiga, Giporlos, Salcedo, Mercedes), the central and southern portions of Samar (San Sebastian, Santa Rita, Villareal, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, Talalora, Jiabong, City of Catbalogan, Motiong, Calbiga, Daram, Paranas, Basey, Hinabangan, Santo Niño, Almagro, Tarangnan, Marabut), the rest of Leyte, Biliran, the rest of Bohol, the rest of Cebu, the central portion of Negros Oriental (Tayasan, Manjuyod, City of Tanjay, Bais City, Mabinay, Bindoy, Ayungon, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Sibulan, San Jose, Amlan, Pamplona, City of Bayawan, Basay, Valencia, Dumaguete City, Bacong), the rest of Negros Occidental, Siquijor, the rest of Capiz, Aklan, and the rest of Antique including Caluya Islands

Mindanao

Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, and Camiguin

Gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph may cause minor to moderate damage in the affected areas.

Signal No. 1

Luzon

Albay, Sorsogon, the rest of Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, the southern portion of Quezon (San Francisco, San Andres), the southern portion of Marinduque (Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan, Boac), the rest of Romblon, the rest of Oriental Mindoro, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, and the central portion of Palawan (Puerto Princesa City, Aborlan) including Cagayancillo Islands

Visayas

Northern Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Samar, and the rest of Negros Oriental

Mindanao

The northern portion of Surigao del Sur (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes), the northeastern portion of Agusan del Sur (Sibagat), Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and the northern portion of Bukidnon (Baungon, Malitbog, Impasug-Ong, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao), the northern portion of Misamis Occidental (Baliangao, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Calamba, Lopez Jaena, Concepcion, Oroquieta City, Aloran), and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte (Sibutad, Rizal, Dipolog City, Manukan, Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan, Polanco, Dapitan City, Piñan, La Libertad, Mutia, Jose Dalman)

Heavy rainfall

The typhoon is bringing intense to torrential rains over Central and Eastern Visayas, with possible serious flooding and rain-induced landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.

The enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat is also bringing gusty conditions across Western Visayas, MIMAROPA and parts of the Bicol Region.

Tino’s track, intensity outlook

According to PAGASA, Tino has passed close over Camotes Islands and is forecast to traverse the Visayas and northern Palawan before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning, November 5.

It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow evening or early Thursday, November 6.

Due to its interaction with land, Tino may slightly weaken while crossing the Visayas but it is expected to remain a typhoon throughout its passage across the country.

I watched fellow The FREEMAN columnist Leo Lastimosa’s YouTube program ‘Baruganan’ yesterday morning to get the latest forecast on the incoming tropical storm Tino, which is expected to hit Cebu today.

Leo has a source in retired PAGASA Visayas director Engr. Oscar Tabada, who is known for communicating weather information with clarity and restraint, emphasizing key points where they matter, and in plain language. Tabada draws from his several decades as a meteorologist and from what he calls a ‘consensus forecasting’ approach among various meteorological agencies, including PAGASA.

People we trust in media are just one of the sources I look to for weather updates, to complement the information we receive from our own weather bureau, PAGASA. True, in today’s technology-driven digital world, we are presented with an array of sources and tools to help us make informed decisions. But sometimes, the sheer availability of so much information and so many tools can also pose a threat, especially to those who cannot discern what is factual from what is false. There is also the tendency to make the wrong analysis based on the facts.

This is where our basic education comes in, as it is expected to equip us with the ability to process information and think critically, as well as the ability to discern and make prudent choices.

We already have artificial intelligence (AI) that can assist in preparing for an incoming calamity. It can, for example, help generate risk assessments, but prudence still dictates that we rely on human authorities. AI can mislead if its users do not know how to prompt it properly or feed it with accurate information to produce useful results. In any case, whatever information you get, it is best to err on the side of caution when it comes to disaster preparedness.

Given the right data, such as hazard maps, topography, location, storm surge warnings, rainfall forecasts, and storm path and intensity, we can now generate useful information from AI in the form of more targeted preparation checklists. With assistance from experts, or in consultation with them, barangay- or sitio-level action plans and checklists can be quickly generated and disseminated to mitigate risks.

Based on the data I mentioned above, one can generate a barangay action checklist using AI that is tailored for a provincial coastal zone located a few hundred meters from the shore. But it is still best to listen to updates and advice from authorities and make informed decisions.

At best, we can use these digital tools to suggest basic disaster preparedness checklists for the average Filipino household. We would be advised, for example, to stock at least three days’ worth of water and food such as canned goods, biscuits, instant noodles, and rice packs, along with a manual can opener. Other essentials include flashlights, batteries, a small transistor radio, a basic first aid kit, face masks, rain gear, and go-bags with clothes, blankets, and hygiene items.

I was closely monitoring the oncoming typhoon because the latest forecast indicated that it would hit mid-north Cebu today. I accessed updates from PAGASA as well as other online sources and learned that our hometown, Catmon, is under a yellow-category storm surge warning. Our house there is right in the poblacion, just a few hundred meters from the shore. While I trust our town’s disaster response team to make the right decisions on preemptive evacuation, I decided to fetch my elderly mother yesterday morning and bring her to our place in Cebu City, where it is safer.

Stay informed and stay safe, everyone.

Two groups composed of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and violent religious extremists have pledged allegiance to the government in separate rites in two Central Mindanao provinces over the weekend, Army officials announced Tuesday, November 4.

Officials of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division told reporters that the first to yield were 16 combined NPAs and members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya, who agreed to return to the fold of law through the joint efforts of the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Erwin Felongco, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, director of the Police Regional Office-12.

The BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya – allies tagged in deadly bombings since 2014 in cities and towns in Region 12, as well as in the adjoining provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City within the Bangsamoro region – are known for fomenting hatred against non-Muslims, a stance condemned by Islamic theologians as contrary to teachings on interfaith solidarity and mutual respect.

The 16 gunmen renounced their membership with the NPA, BIFF, and Dawlah Islamiya before Army officials, Tamayo, and other local executives at the South Cotabato provincial capitol in Koronadal City.

Tamayo, chairman of the multi-sector South Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council, provided the former rebels with initial relief supplies and cash assistance to support their reintegration into their hometowns.

Three of the NPAs admitted their involvement in the burning of heavy equipment belonging to construction firms in South Cotabato after owners refused to pay ‘protection money’ or supply their group with rice and other provisions.

In a separate ceremony witnessed by sectoral leaders, eight other NPAs – all from an indigenous highland tribe – also surrendered last weekend to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat.

They yielded after more than a week of backchannel dialogues with 37th IB commander Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, his subordinate officers, representatives from the municipal governments of Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang, and officials of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade.

Two of the eight, Artemio Sacao and Rolando Etaw, told reporters they decided to surrender after learning that their former comrades who availed of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) had been reunited with their families and are now earning as farmers, fishermen, drivers and construction workers.

‘We realized there is nothing good about being members of the New People’s Army, which is a terrorist organization,’ Etaw said in Filipino.