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The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration have warned that the month of August is bound to bring two to three cyclones before its end. Their prediction remains true as typhoon Kiko comes roaring. According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), typhoon Kiko death toll has reached 9 in all nationwide. The deaths have occurred from Zambales, Tarlac and Baguio due to the flash flood and mudslides caused by the typhoon. Included in the death toll are foreigners from France and Belgium which were in the vicinity for a trek in Mount Pinatubo. The group of foreigners has reportedly registered at Pinatubo Development Center in Capas and was led by a Filipino tourist guide who is unfortunately, also one of the fatalities. Because of the ongoing climate problems, trips to Mount Pinatubo have been suspended indefinitely.

The fatalities have been identified as Callet Thierry and Cholet Martine both of them from France, Staylenen Walter from Belgium and the group’s Filipino tourist guide Ordonio Fernando.

Meanwhile, thousands have also been inconvenienced by the flash floods caused by typhoon Kiko. More than 10,000 inhabitants of Botolan, a town in Zambales have been affected, a number of these forced to leave their homes as the flash flood reaches insurmountable levels. It seems that the barrage of water was set off by damage in the Mount Pinatubo dike.

Rescue operations are being conducted by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, National Red Cross, Philippine Coast Guard and a few more groups.

The weather department of PAGASA has declared signal number 1 on Northern Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Apayao and Batanes. Luzon and Western Visayas are expected to have more rain because of the low pressure areas found within these spots.

NDCC remains vigilant while PAGASA monitors further activities of the typhoon.

News and Views - Latest

Manila, Philippines – Due to a rampage of news in the country, other important news have been spared from the spotlight. However, the new 7 National Artists named by Malacañang now claims center stage as their efforts and achievements are recognized by the country.

A Tagalog writer, an architect, fashion designer, presidential adviser, two prominent directors and painter were recognized for their astounding works.

Joining the National Artists roster are Magno Jose “Carlo” J. Caparas, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Manuel Urbano (goes by the name Manuel Conde), Lazaro Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, Cecil-Guidote Alvarez and Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. The seven names were declared after the approval of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and will be bestowed upon the 2009 Order of National Artists.

The presidential adviser on culture was Alvarez who was named the National Artist for Theater. Caparas for Visual Arts and Film, Alcuaz for Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media, Francisco for Literature, Mañosa for Architecture, Conde for National Artist for Film and Broadcast and Moreno for Fashion Design. Urbano and Francisco are awarded posthumously. All seven were recommended by the Cultural Center of the Philippines along with the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA).

Conde is most famous for his film “Genghis Khan”, Alcuaz won a multitude of awards during his stay in Madrid Spain, Francisco is popular for his novels published in magazines like “Liwayway”. One of Mañosa’s project is the beautiful Coconut Palace while Moreno is a fashion designer internationally recognized for his work.

Probably the most recognized name for the teenagers out of these seven is Caparas with his comic strips about heroes and their adventures. His works are now being played out and shown in local televisions, gaining even a wider range of audience and admirers.

Congratulations!

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The funeral of the former President Corazon Aquino has taken up more or less 8 hours, with the funeral procession taking up most of the time. The long distance between the church and the memorial park was littered by thousands of Filipinos who have lined the street to watch the funeral procession of Philippine’s first ever female President. According to a local television monitoring the event, an estimate of about 25,000 people, gradually increasing in number, has shown up to shout their undying support and respect for Mrs. Aquino. The street was littered with anything yellow – flowers, banners, ribbons, t-shirts – which is the former President’s trademark color.

Perhaps the most hear-touching moment was Kris Aquino’s (daughter of Mrs. Aquino) teary statement,

“Pero, mom, it would take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you…” her words after apologizing to her mother for “lying” to the former President by saying that she along with her siblings would be okay.

The country’s respect and love for “Tita Cory” as they like to call her was punctuated by the full military honors given to the former president. Finally, after 76 years of being lent by the Lord, Mrs. Corazon Aquino was laid to rest beside her husband, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. Yellow flowers was placed beside the coffin by family, and close friends of Mrs. Aquino, including her cabinet members during her reign as Philippine President. Even Tita Cory’s young grandson “Baby James” was seen to individually place a single yellow rose with the supervision of his mother, Kris.

The fight for stability in the Philippines was commented on by Kris, addressing her brother Senator Noynoy Aquino, stating that she and the Senator were the ones in position to continue their parents struggle for the sake of the Filipino people.