Class Suspension October 12, 2011 (Wednesday) in Elementary, HighSchool and College

The Department of Education already suspended preschool, elementary and high school classes [October 12 2011 - Wednesday] in some of the affected areas in Mindanao due to Typhoon Ramon. Quoted from DepEd,

• "Siargao and Surigao City now on signal no 2. Classes suspended in kindergarten, elementary and high school. Oct 11, 2011.
• Yes school officials have the discretion to suspend classes when necessary even without storm signals. Thank you.

For the college students, CHED is not announcing the suspension of classes. According to their released memo, the college and universities officials have the discretion in further cancellations.

Meanwhile, here is the update regarding Typhoon Ramon.

Typhoon Mina Updates as of 5:00 AM August 26 2011 by PAGASA

Updates: Typhoon Mina has continue its intensity as it slowly moves to Northern Luzon. In the 12th weather bulletin of PAGASA, they said that Mina is located 170 km East of Casiguran, Aurora and has a maximum sustained winds of 50 kph near the center and Gustiness of up to 185 kph.

As predicted, on Saturday morning, Mina will be at 100 km Northeast of Tuguegarao City. On Sunday morning, the typhoon will be at 40 km South Southeast of Basco, Batanes while on Monday morning at 190 km North of Basco, Batanes.

Satellite picture of Mina as of 5:00 AM August 26 2011, Courtesy of PAG-ASA

Signal Number 3 was also raised in some of the areas in Northern Luzon.

Signal No.3
Isabela
Cagayan
Northern Aurora

Signal No. 2
Batanes
Calayan
Babuyan Grp.
Apayao
Kalinga
Quirino
Rest of Aurora

Signal No. 1
Ilocos Norte
Abra
Ilocos Sur
Mt. Prov.
Benguet
Ifugao
Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Ecija

Typhoon Mina Update as of August 25, 2011 (5:00 PM)

Update: Typhoon Mina (Nanmadol) has intensified as it continue to threaten Northern Luzon. According to PAGASA, as of 4:00 PM today, Mina's center is located at 360 km East of Casiguran, Aurora. Mina has maximum sustained winds of 140 kph near the center and Gustiness of up to 170 kph.

As predicted by PAGASA, Mina will be 150 km Northeast of Casiguran Aurora on Friday afternoon, 210 km North Northeast of Tuguegarao City or at 110 km Southeast of Basco, Batanes on Saturday afternoon and 160 km North of Basco, Batanes on Sunday afternoon.

Satellite picture as of 5:00 PM (courtesy of PAGASA)

Storm warning signals have been raised to Northern Luzon areas.

Signal No. 2
Northern Aurora
Isabela
Cagayan

Signal No. 1
Rest of Aurora
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Viscaya
Quirino
Ifugao
Mt. Province
Kalinga
Apayao
Calayan
Babuyan
Batanes Group of Islands

Christopher Lao on his Floating Car in Flood Issues (Video)

Christopher Lao's name has recently trended in news and social networking sites. This is after he drove his car in flood "unknowingly" so it floated. Christopher Lao, a University of the Philippines (UP) student received offensive comments and insults on SNS sites specifically in Twitter and Facebook immediately after GMA aired the incident video on news.

Former UP Dean of Law, Marvic Leonen already gave her statements regarding the incident. As quoted, she said:

"You may be amused by the mistakes or misfortunes of others. But this does not entitle you to degrade their entire character or make conclusions about their whole person. Christopher Lao does not deserve the treatment he is getting from others on Facebook and Twitter. And yes, he is from UP College of Law and we are still proud of him"

Howie Severino, Editor-in-Chief of GMA News online also aired his side regarding the issue. In a GMA news article, as quoted,

"Mr. Lao was already victimized by the flood and a lack of warnings. He shouldn't be victimized again. Many of us could have been in his situation. We are urging the public to stop the insults. We regret that our video, which was meant to provide a lesson for all motorists, was used in any way to make fun of another person."

Christopher Lao already gave his official statement regarding the issue, he said:

"The past few days have been very disheartening for me and my family. As you know I have been a subject of a viral video that showed my helplessness during a trying moment. As it stands right now, I have several hate pages in Facebook and Twitter with hurtful and derogatory messages attacking my person. The reputation that I built the past years has been besmirched. A bad day has now turned into wounded feelings and sleepless nights for me and my family.

I have been silent the past few days as I want this to go away soon but not before saying sorry and thank you to people who matter.

I would like to apologize for my behavior that was seen on nationwide television and now on the internet. It was unfortunate that I was caught on camera immediately after an overwhelmingly stressful mishap.

I would like to again sincerely thank those who braved the flood to help a distraught stranger like me. Their selfless act reminded me of how dependable Filipinos are in times of crisis.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family, friends and all of those who showed empathy, consideration and support throughout these trying times. You have given me strength and courage to rise above and be a better person."

Meanwhile, here is the video of Christopher Lao's floating car in flood.



Video courtesy of leoneil01

Typhoon Kabayan Update as of July 29, 2011 11:00 AM

Typhoon Kabayan Update: as of 11:00 AM of July 29 2011, PAGASA said that Kabayan has maintained its strength as it moves northwestward. As of 10:00 AM, its is located 810 km East Northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar. Kabayan has maximum sustained winds of of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph and moving 15 kph northwest.


As predicted by PAGASA, Kabayan on Saturday morning will be at 730 km Northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar, 840 km Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes on Sunday morning while on August 1, 2011 (Monday), Kabayan was 820 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes.

PAGASA is not yet releasing any public storm warning signals in the expected affected areas.

Satellite image as of 11:00 AM July 29, 2011

Bad or Wrong Weather Forecast of PAGASA - True or Not?

During the typhoon Juaning, some immediately judged the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for bad or wrong weather forecast. Some said that no heavy rains or strong winds at their areas but PAGASA still gave signal warnings.

On July 25, 2011, during the second SONA of President Noynoy Aquino, he specially mentioned the services being offered by PAGASA. Quoted from the english version of his speech, he said:


"I likewise thank my Cabinet, who have sacrificed their personal comfort to fulfill the national agenda. I give special mention to PAGASA, who now truly delivers reliable advice and warnings during times of calamity."

Meanwhile, PAGASA said they are doing their best to disseminate timely weather information.

"Dahil sa aming mga available information, hindi nagkulang ang PAGASA, on-time at iyon ay naidisseminate namin sa kinauukulan"

Typhoon Kabayan Update as of July 28, 2011

Typhoon Kabayan Update: After the exit of the typhoon Juaning, another tropical cyclone has entered the Philippines . As of 5:00 PM, July 28 2011, PAGASA said that the tropical depression in the East of Visayas has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and intensified into a tropical storm and was named "KABAYAN" (with international name MUIFA). It's center as of 4:00 PM is located at 1,000 km East Southeast of Catarman, Northern Samar. Kabayan has a maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. According to the weather bureau, Kabayan is moving Northwest at 15 kph.


As predicted by PAGASA, Kabayan will be at 790 km East Northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar at Friday afternoon, 710 km Northeast Virac, Catanduanes at Saturday afternoon and 800 km East Northeast of Tuguegarao City on Sunday.

Meanwhile, PAGASA is not yet releasing any storm warning signals.

PAGASA Track of Typhoon Kabayan as of 2:00 PM July 28, 2011

Satellite Picture as of 5:00 PM July 28, 2011

Typhing Juaning Update July 28, 2011 as of 5:00 AM

Typhoon Juaning Update: as of 5:00 AM dated July 28, 2011, Tropical Storm "JUANING" has slightly re-intensified while over the West Philippine Sea, according to PAGASA. as of 4:00 am, the location of its center is located 240 km West Southwest of Laoag City. Juaning has now maximum winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph.Juaning is moving West Northwest at 22 kph.


As predicted by PAGASA, typhoon "Juaning" (Nock Ten) is expected to be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between 8 am to 10 am on Thursday morning, 440 km West of Laoag City on Thursday afternoon and 680 km West of Laoag City or at 350 km Southeast of Hainan, China on Friday morning

Satellite Image of Juaning as of 5:00 AM July 28, 2011

Public storm warning signal 1 was lowered to the following areas:
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Abra
La Union
Pangasinan
Zambales

Typhoon Juaning Update as of 11:00 PM July 27, 2011

Typhoon Juaning Update: As of 11:00 PM dated July 27 2011, PAGASA-DOST said that the Tropical Storm "JUANING" is now over the West Philippine Sea heading towards Southern China. Its eye can be located at 110 km Southwest of Laoag City (as of 10:00 PM). Juaning has maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. Juaning is currently moving at west northwest at 19 kph. (Read the previous typhoon update)


As predicted, Juaning will be 485 km West of Laoag City and out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Some of the affected areas suspended their classes while others said that classes today will be resumed. (Read class suspension for July 28, 2011)

Satellite Image as of 11:00 PM July 27, 2011

Signal No. 2 in Luzon as of 11:00 PM July 27, 2011
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Abra
Kalinga
Mt. Province
Ifugao
La Union
Benguet
Nueva Vizcaya

Signal No. 1
Apayao
Cagayan
Isabela
Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Ecija
Pangasinan
Tarlac
Zambales
Pampanga
Bataan

Typhoon Juaning Update as of 5:00 PM July 27, 2011

Typhoon Juaning Update: As of 5:00 PM, July 27 2011, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released the tenth severe weather bulletin regarding the status of tropical cyclone Juaning (international name: Nock Ten). According to PAGASA, tropical storm "JUANING" has slightly weakened as it interacted with the rugged terrain of Northern Luzon after it made landfall. (View previous weather update 11:00 AM - 7/27/11, 5:00 AM - 7/27/11)

The location of the center is now located at 60 km Northeast of Baguio City (as of 4:00 PM). Juaning has maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. The typhoon is moving northwest at 17 kph. (Suspension of classes for tomorrow July 28, 2011 at different levels is not yet announced by government agencies)

As predicted by PAG-ASA, Juaning will be crossing the Northern Luzon area by Wednesday night, will be at 240 km West Northwest of Loaog City on Thursday afternoon (July 28, 2011) and 520 km west of Basco Batanes by Friday morning (July 29, 2011).

Satellite Image as of 5:00 PM July 27, 2011

Signal No. 2 was raised to the following areas in Luzon as of 5:00 PM (7/27/11)
Ilocos Norte
Abra
Kalinga
Isabela
Ilocos Sur
Mt. Province
Ifugao
La Union
Benguet
Nueva Viscaya
Quirino

Signal No. 1
Aurora
Apayao
Cagayan
Pangasinan
Nueva Ecija
Northern Quezon
Zambales
Pampanga
Tarlac
Bulacan
Bataan
Rizal
Metro Manila

Typhoon "Bagyo" Juaning Update as of 11:00 AM July 27, 2011

3rd Update: PAGASA released the tenth weather bulletin regarding the status of Juaning. (Read the details here).

2nd Update: PAG-ASA at 5:00 PM July 27, 2011 said that Metro Manila storm signal is lowered to signal no. 1 but will still be rainy until Friday.

Typhoon or "Bagyong Juaning" Update: As of 11:00 AM, July 27, 2011 weather update of PAGASA-DOST, tropical storm Juaning with the international code name "Nock-Ten" has slightly intensified before it made landfall over Dinalungan Aurora this morning. The eye of the typhoon was located 40 kilometers southwest of Casiguran, Aurora (as of 10:00 am). (View previous weather update - 5:00 AM)

Juaning has a maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 120 kph.


On Wednesday morning, Juaning crossed Northern Luzon area. It was predicted that on Thursday (July 27, 2011), the typhoon will be at 160 kilometers West Southwest of Laoag City and on Friday (July 28, 2011), Juaning will be at 600 km west of Basco, Batanes. Classes at various levels in affected areas were suspended today (July 27, 2011) due to expected heavy rains brought by the current typhoon. (View the list of schools that cancelled their classes)

Satellite Image as of 11:00 AM July 27, 2011

Signal No. 2 was raised to the following areas in Luzon as of 11:00 AM (7/27/11):
Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya
Abra
Kalinga
Ilocos Sur
Mt Province
Isabela
La Union
Benguet
Ifugao
Pangasinan
Zambales
Tarlac
Nueva Ecija
Pampanga
Bataan
Bulacan
Rizal
Quezon
Polillo Island and Metro Manila

Signal No. 1
Ilocos Norte
Apayao
Cagayan
Cavite
Batangas
Laguna
Mindoro Provinces
Lubang Island
Marinduque
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Albay
Burias Island

Cancelled Flights due to Typhoon Juaning

Six domestic flights were cancelled due to Typhoon Juaning, local reports said. Four (4) flights were from the Cebu Pacific while the other two (2) were from Air Philippines Express.

Here is the list of canceled domestic flights dated July 27, 2011 (Wednesday):

5J 821 MNL-VIRAC
5J 822 VIRAC-MNL
5J 196 MNL-CAUAYAN
5J 197 CAUAYAN-MNL
2P014 MNL-TUGUEGARAO
2P015 TUGUEGARAO-MNL

Typhoon Juaning Update as of 5:00 AM July 27, 2011

3rd Update: 3rd Update: PAGASA released the tenth weather bulletin regarding the status of Juaning. (Read the details here).

2nd Update: PAG-ASA released the new weather update for typhoon Juaning at 11:00 AM (July 27, 2011), view the details here.

Juaning (international name: Nock-Ten) landfall in Casiguran, Aurora at 9:00 AM today, reports said. According to weather forecasters in PAG-ASA, the storm will continue to move in Central Luzon and will exit in La Union and Pangasinan area tomorrow (July 28, 2011 - Thursday).

Tyhoon Juaning Update: As of 5:00 AM weather update of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical, Astronomical Service Administration (PAG-ASA) dated July 27, 2011 (Wednesday). Typhoon Juaning is at 90 kilometers East of Infanta, Quezon. Juaning sustained its strength with maximum winds of 85 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kilometers per hour. (Previous typhoon update)


According to PAG-ASA, Juaning is expected to landfall at Polilio Islands between 8-10 in the morning today while 1-3 PM over Southern Aurora. Classes in various areas has been suspended by DepEd and university officials. View the list of areas included in the class suspension.

Satellite Image as of 5:00 AM July 27, 2011

Signal No. 2 was raised to the following areas in Luzon
Camarines Norte
Quezon
Polillo Island
Batangas
Laguna
Cavite
Rizal
Bulacan
Pampanga
Bataan
Zambales
Tarlac
Pangasinan
Nueva Ecija
Aurora
Quirino
Nueva Vizcaya
Benguet
La Union
Metro Manila

Signal No. 1
Catanduanes
Camarines Sur
Albay
Burias Is
Romblon
Mindoro Provinces
Lubang Is.
Isabela
Ifugao
Mt. Province
Kalinga
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Abra
Apayao
Cagayan

Suspension of Classes at All Levels (NCR) on July 27, 2011 - Announced by Malacañang Palace

The Commission on Higher Education through PAGASA-DOST said that the decision for cancellation of tertiary/college classes are dependent on the college/university officials.

While parents and students are waiting for the official statement from the Commission on Higher Education(CHED), Malacañang Palace stepped in and officially released the announcement for suspension of classes in College. (View detailed cancellation of classes)

According to a DZMM interview, Malacañang suspended classes at all levels (preschool, elementary, secondary and tertiary/college) in the National Capital Region (NCR) upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). As mentioned, the announcement came from the Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Bagyong Juaning Latest Update

Latest typhoon update: As of 5:00 PM, July 26, 2011 Bagyong Juaning has slightly intensify as it moves towards Quezon area and increases its threat to Southern and Central Luzon.

Typhoon Juaning has maximum sustain winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kilometer per hour. PAGASA warned that heavy rains will be experienced tomorrow, July 27, 2011 in Luzon and Western Visayas.

Satellite Picture as of 5:00 PM (July 26, 2011)

Public storm signals are raised on the following areas:

Signal No.2
Camarines Provinces
Albay
Catanduanes
Pangasinan
Nueva Ecija
Zambales
Pampanga
Tarlac
Bulacan
Bataan
Rizal
Cavite
Laguna
Batangas
Quezon
Polillo Island
Metro Manila

Signal No. 1
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Apayao
Cagayan
Abra
Kalinga
Isabela
Mt. Province
Ifugao
La Union
Benguet
Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino
Aurora
Mindoro Provinces
Lubang Is.
Marinduque
Romblon
Burias Is.
Masbate
Ticao Is.
Sorsogon

You may also bookmark this post for the next weather bulletin at 11:00 PM.

Class Suspension July 26, 2011 due to Typhoon Juaning

As of 4 am today, PAGASA reported that the typhoon Juaning is located at 130 kms Northeast Virac, Catanduanes with a maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center.


Update: Quoted from the Department of Education (DepEd), classes are suspended in the following areas:

NCR – Afternoon classes in preschool, elementary & high school suspended, public and private (per Regional Director Elena Ruiz).

Region 1 – Due to Public Storm Signal No. 1, all classes in preschool (public and private) are automatically suspended in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

Region 2 – Due to Public Storm Signal No. 1, all classes in Preschool (public and private) are automatically suspended in Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

CAR – Due to Public Storm Signal No. 1, all classes in Preschool (public and private) are automatically suspended in Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mt. Province, and Benguet.

Region 3 – Due to Public Storm Signal No. 1, all classes in Preschool (public and private) are automatically suspended in Nueva Ecija and Aurora.

Region 4A

* Per announcement of Cavite Gov. Remulla, all classes in Preschool, Elementary, and HS are suspended in Bacoor, Imus, Noveleta, Rosario, Kawit, Tanza.
* Gen. Trias Mayor suspended classes in Pre-school, elementary, and HS (public and private).
* Silang, Cavite Mayor Clarito Poblete has also suspended Preschool, Elementary, and HS classes.
* Laguna: San Pablo City – Classes are suspended in Pre-school, Elementary, and HS (public and private) due to heavy rains.
* Batangas: Lipa City – Classes are suspended in Pre-school, Elementary, and HS (public and private) due to heavy rains.
* Quezon Province including Polilio Island – Due to Public Storm Signal No. 1, all classes in Preschool (public and private) are automatically suspended.
* Per Region IV-A Regional Director Lorna Dig-Dino classes from Preschool, Elementary, and HS levels are also suspended in Dasmariñas Cavite and Batangas City, Batangas.

Region 5 – All provinces have suspended classes from Pre-school, Elementary, and HS (public and private).

Parents from the affected areas are asking if classes will be suspended today, July 26, 2011. As to the rule of Department of Education (DepEd), when an area is at signal no. 1, pre-school and elementary classes are automatically suspended. Therefore, the pre-school and elementary schools at the following affected areas (Signal No. 1) are suspended:

• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Abra
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Cagayan
• Isabela
• Ifugao
• Mt. Province
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Benguet
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Nueva Ecija
• Quirino
• Aurora
• Quezon
• Polillo Island
• Catanduanes
• Sorsogon
• Albay
• Camarines Provinces

Canceled Flights June 24, 2011 (Friday) due to Typhoon Falcon

Due to the scattered heavy rains and winds brought about the Typhoon Falcon, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 already canceled 22 of their domestic flights dated June 24, 2011 (Friday).

Here are the flights that were canceled, according to reports:

• 5J 521 MNL-Naga
• 5J 522 Naga-MNL
• 5J 513 MNL-San Jose, mindoro
• 5J 514 San Jose, Mindoro-MNL
• 5J 897 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 898 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 913 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 914 caticlan-MNL
• 5J 901 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 902 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 899 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 900 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 905 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 906 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 917 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 918 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 903 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 904 Caticlan-MNL
• 5J 911 MNL-Caticlan
• 5J 912 Caticlan-MNL
• DG 601 MNL-Basco
• DG 602 Basco-MNL

Bagyo or Typhoon Falcon Update by PAGASA

After the exit of the typhoon named "Egay", another tropical storm named "Falcon" is about to hit some of the Philippine cities and provinces in the next 24 hours.

According to PAGASA - DOST, the tropical storm Falcon as of 2:00 PM was located 370 kilometers East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or in exact coordinates (14.3°N, 128.0°E).

"Bagyong Falcon" has maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of 80 kph.  It is moving west northwest at 19 kph.

Similar reports said that cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced over the eastern section of Southern Luzon and in Visayas. Moderate to strong winds will be experienced at Southwest to Southeast of Northern and Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, PAGASA earlier reported that Falcon will not directly hit the country.

Photo courtesy of PAGASA

Cold weather continues in Europe

As Christmas draws near many will be hoping that the warnings of more heavy snow to come in some areas turn out to be wrong.

Many decided to remain at home rather than attempt what could be a treacherous journey to work. The Highways Agency has advised motorists to check conditions before venturing out

A blanket of snow fell on Stonehenge in Wiltshire...

And the beach in Weston-Super-Mare also resembled a polar landscape.

Frost clings to the statue of Lord Alfred Tennyson as freezing fog surrounds the tower of Lincoln Cathedral

Severe transport disruption caused by the UK's freezing weather continues for another day. Heavy snow on the M5 motorway in Somerset caused treacherous conditions for drivers between Weston-super-Mare and Exeter

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