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chloesliterates · 4 years ago

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Typhoon Vamco

Typhoon Vamco, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Ulysses, was a powerful Category 4-equivalent typhoon that recently caused the worst flooding in Metro Manila since Typhoon Ketsana in 2009. The twenty-second named storm and tenth typhoon of the 2020 Pacific typhoon season, Vamco originated as a tropical depression northwest of Palau, where it slowly continued its northwest track until it made landfall in Quezon.

Vamco made its first landfall in the Philippines near midnight in the Quezon province. The typhoon brought heavy rains in Central Luzon, and the nearby provinces, including Metro Manila, the national capital. Heavy rains caused by the typhoon overflowed rivers, causing severe flooding in Marikina. As the typhoon crossed the country, dams from all around Luzon neared their spilling points, forcing the dams to release large amounts of water into their impounds. As the Magat Dam approached its spilling point, all seven of its gates were opened to prevent dam failure, which overflowed the Cagayan River and caused widespread floods in Cagayan and Isabela. Days after the typhoon had passed the Philippines, rescue operations in the Cagayan Valley were still ongoing due to the unexpected extent of the flooding.

As of November 14, 2020, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Philippines reported 69 validated deaths, with another 12 missing, caused by the typhoon.[1][2] However, other government agencies are reporting a death toll as high as 43, with at least 20 missing.[3] The typhoon caused no fatalities in Vietnam.[4]

On November 8, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) began tracking a new tropical depression 132 nautical miles (245 km; 150 mi) north-northwest of Palau.[5][6] At 12:00 UTC on the same day, the PAGASA declared the system as a tropical depression inside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and named it Ulysses.[7][8] The next day at 7:15 UTC, the system strengthened into a tropical storm, earning the name Vamco by the JMA,[9] with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center later issuing their first warning on the system as a tropical depression. As the system tracked closer to southern Luzon, both the PAGASA and the JMA upgraded Vamco into a severe tropical storm.[10] Vamco was then upgraded to typhoon status by the JMA on November 11, followed by the JTWC and the PAGASA shortly after.[11][12] At 22:30 PHT (14:30 UTC), Vamco made its first landfall on the island town of Patnanungan, Quezon.[13] Then, surrounded by favorable conditions for an intensification, Vamco continued to gain strength and reached its initial peak of intensity, with 10-min sustained winds at 130 km/h (81 mph), 1-minute sustained winds of 176 km/h (109 mph) and pressure of 970 mbar, supporting Vamco as a high-end category 2 equivalent typhoon.[14] At 23:20 PHT (15:20 UTC) and at 1:40 PHT of the following day (17:40 UTC), Vamco made its next two Quezon landfalls over Burdeos (in Polillo Island) and General Nakar (in the Luzon landmass), respectively.[15] Later, Vamco dropped below typhoon intensity inland. At 00:00 UTC, Vamco emerged over the South China Sea.[16] The system left the PAR at 01:30 UTC as the PAGASA redeclared the system as a typhoon.[17] Vamco gradually intensified in the South China Sea, before rapidly intensifying into its peak as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon on November 13.[18] The typhoon then weakened before making its last landfall in Vietnam as a Category 1-equivalent typhoon on November 15.[19]

Philippines[edit]

As Vamco initially formed inside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) immediately began issuing severe weather bulletins in preparation for the typhoon.[20] The Philippines had recently been hit with three other tropical cyclones — Typhoon Molave (Quinta), Typhoon Goni (Rolly), and Tropical Storm Etau (Tonyo) — making this the fourth tropical cyclone to approach Luzon in the past month. After Goni damaged the PAGASA's weather monitoring station in Catanduanes, one of the only three stations in the country, typhoon tracking was done manually.[21] The PAGASA first raised tropical cyclone wind signals as early as November 9.[22] By 23:00 UTC on November 10, the PAGASA had raised a Signal #2 wind signal for 17 provinces, parts of 6 provinces, 2 islands, and the national capital region, Metro Manila.[23] The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), also began sending out emergency alerts to mobile phone users about possible storm surges. The NDRRMC later used this same system to alert citizens in areas under Signal #3.[24]

Residents in the Pollilo Islands and in Central Luzon were forced to evacuate a day before the storm's landfall.[25][26] 14,000 residents were also to be evacuated in Camarines Norte.[27] Bicol Region, one of the regions worst hit by Goni last month, evacuated 12,812 individuals ahead of the incoming storm.[28] Over 2,071 passengers were stranded in ports in multiple regions of Luzon as sea conditions worsened.[29] Philippine Airlines suspended flights due to the inclement weather brought by Vamco.[30] The Office of the President of the Philippines suspended work in government offices and online classes in public schools in 7 regions, including the National Capital Region.[31] 12 hours before the typhoon's landfall, the PAGASA raised Signal #3 warnings for areas to be hit by the typhoon on landfall including Metro Manila and the entirety of Central Luzon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology then issued lahar warnings for the Mayon Volcano, the Taal Volcano, and Mount Pinatubo hours prior to the typhoon's landfall.[32]

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phgq · 4 years ago

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Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Ulysses’

#PHnews: Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Ulysses’

MANILA – Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all public schools in Metro Manila and the regions of Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Region 4-B (Mimaropa), Bicol, and the Cordillera Administrative Region due to Typhoon Ulysses.

Memorandum Circular No. 82, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, suspended work and classes starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday until Thursday upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

However, agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities and/or the performances of vital services “shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services.”

The suspension of work for private companies, offices, and schools is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

In its 2 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Ulysses” was at 125 kilometers north of Virac, Catanduanes and is moving closer towards Quezon-Aurora areas.

It has a maximum sustained winds of 135 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 165 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWN) No. 3 was raised over Metro Manila, the southern portion of Quirino, the southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern and central portions of Quezon including Pollilo Islands, and Batangas, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur.

Signal No. 2 was hoisted over the rest of Quirino, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Benguet, the southern portion of La Union, the rest of Quezon, Marinduque, the northern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro, the rest of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Burias and Ticao Islands.

TCWN No. 3 was raised over Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the rest of Benguet, Abra, Ilocos Sur, the rest of La Union, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, the rest of Masbate, Northern Samar, the northern portion of Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar.

Based on its forecast track, PAGASA said “Ulysses” will move generally west throughout its passage. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Ulysses’." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121485 (accessed November 11, 2020 at 11:26PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t work, classes in Metro Manila suspended due to ‘Ulysses’." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121485 (archived).

#Philippines #News #Filipino #Pinoy #Tourism #Politics #Culture #Editorial #Environment #Society #History

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thehungrykat1 · 6 years ago

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Seafood Night Fridays at Corniche in Diamond Hotel

I spent a lot of my childhood years at my lola’s hometown of Pollilo Island where seafood was so bountiful and cheap. That is why I always have an affinity for fresh and delicious seafood dishes. Going to a seafood market is a good way to find these fresh catch all in one place, but Diamond Hotel Philippines is making it even better as they offer their “Paluto-style” Seafood Night every Friday at Corniche.

Diamond Hotel is turning the paluto experience up a notch with their Seafood a la Minute Special Dinner every Friday. Have your endless fill of succulent seafood dishes cooked and prepared especially for you as part of the dinner buffet at Corniche. Catch the Chef of the Day as they work their culinary prowess and astound you with signature and custom seafood dishes prepared according to your liking for only P2,990 nett per person.

I recently learned about Diamond Hotel’s new themed buffet dinners which featured different specialties each night. I just love seafood so I went to Corniche two weeks ago to try their Seafood Night. Corniche is the hotel’s all-day dining cafe located at the lobby level. Highlighted by the lush landscaped garden view and picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall, Corniche offers an exceptional breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet spread and an extensive all-day international a la carte menu.

Friday Nights are now more special because the buffet will feature plenty of fresh seafood choices that are laid out wet paluto-style. But instead of a smelly wet market, guests can experience an exquisite setting where you can pick and choose your favorite seafood items and have them cooked according to your preference. Best of all, everything is unlimited so you can get your crabs, lobsters, prawns, mussels, and everything else without having to worry about the extra charges.

Some of the highlights at the fresh seafood station include crabs, crab claws, curacha, rock lobsters, squids, Chilean mussels, and a variety of fish like Lapu-Lapu (grouper), tilapia, and more.

There are several ways of preparing your seafood items from Chinese and Japanese to Filipino style cooking methods. This means an almost endless variety of dishes that will leave you full and satisfied.

These Fresh River Prawns are so big, especially with their giant heads. I had them cooked first Chinese-style with Black Pepper sauce.

I highly suggest you try their Baked Fresh River Prawns which are cooked with lots and lots of cheese. Because the prawns are so big, you can really taste all the melted cheese that comes along with it.

One local way of enjoying prawns and shrimp is the Sinigang na Hipon. This version from Corniche is so good that you will want to pair it with steaming white rice.

Don’t forget the lobsters! Corniche offers unlimited Rock Lobsters which I had cooked with garlic butter. You can also mix in some crabs and shrimps and have them cooked in chili garlic if you prefer.

One of my favorites that evening was the Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu which was really so good. The skin was extra crispy and I loved it so much that I actually ordered a second round for the table. Another Chinese way of preparing grouper is Steamed with light soy sauce, so this is also a highly recommended option.

Aside from the Seafood a la Minute section, there are many other places to explore at Corniche. Being a meatlover as well, I naturally headed for the Grill Station where you can have pork or chicken skewers, beef tenderloin, and salmon belly grilled on the spot.

I loved the tender Prime Rib Steak at the Carving station. Ask for a slice or two and have them sear it on the grill. The steak is smokey and very flavorful. Pair it with some vegetables or some seafood items to create your own Surf and Turf plate.

There is also the Japanese Station with their sushi, sashimi, and tempura, while the Chinese Station has plenty of dimsum and wok-fried dishes. Corniche actually offers several themed dinner buffet nights for the week. Thursday nights feature Flavors of China with Chinese Sous Chef Yang Yong showcasing his specialties while Saturdays are reserved for carnivores with Steak Night.

Cap off your seafood buffet with sweet treats at the Dessert Station. The Seafood a la Minute will be available every Friday until August but I am hoping that they will extend it even further. I’m already planning to go back this Friday to have more of that Sweet and Sour Lapu Lapu. If you are a BDO credit card holder, you can get a 40% discount at Corniche until August 31, 2019! That means you would only have to pay P1,794 nett for the Corniche Seafood Night. You can also go to onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com for special dining voucher promos. See you at Corniche!

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulavard cor Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila

528-3000

www.diamondhotel.com

onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com

www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

#DiamondHotelPhilippines #DiamondHotel #Corniche #Seafood #Buffet #Restaurant #Lobsters #Crabs #Prawns

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touristguidebuzz · 8 years ago

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Jomalig Island Travel Guide: Another Hidden Paradise Found!

Out of Town Blog Jomalig Island Travel Guide: Another Hidden Paradise Found!

Jomalig Island Travel Guide : Another Day in Paradise

If there’s one place that I could recommend to the Survivor Series Reality TV Show team, it would be Jomalig Island in the province of Quezon, Phillipines.

Jomalig Island Hidden Beaches

Located in the eastern part of the Polilio Island Group and boasting a population of ~7000, Jomalig Island is a must for everyone’s bucket list. The island is a former barrio of Pollilo, Quezon and its name came from the word “Humalik,” meaning kisses, and later became Jomalig. Being a freelancer and free from an 8 hour of routine tasks, I’m blessed with so much time to explore and rediscover some of the country’s road less traveled destinations.

Being a freelancer and free from an 8 hour of routine tasks, I’m blessed with so much time to explore and rediscover some of the country’s road less traveled destinations.

Summer Vacation in Jomalig Quezon

Together with fellow travel bloggers, a TV Crew, and staff from the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, we visited one of the smallest towns in Quezon: Jomalig. Coincidentally, the town was holding a festival during our visit, and our entire stay was fully hosted by the Honorable Rodelo Torres Tena—the town Mayor of the Island Municipality.

Jomalig Island in Quezon Province : Another Day in Paradise

Located in Sition Burungawan, Salibungot Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beachfront areas in the island. The area has a wide shoreline and is surrounded by Agoho Pine Trees, much like what we see in Anawangin Cove.

Beaches in Jomalig

After our short stop at Salibungot Beach, we visited Manlanat Islet, a rocky island perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The island was absolutely picturesque; in fact, most of us paused to take photos on different parts of the island, snapping pictures of bird nests and resting snakes. After our challenging hike on Manlanat Island, it was finally time for our beach escape.

Jomalig Island Travel Itinerary

We visited Kanaway Island, which is quite near Manlanat. The island has a narrow shoreline, but if you explore the other side of the beach, a beautiful calm beach covered with rock formations and natural Bonsai trees awaits you.

The Secret Beach in Kanaway Island

Kanaway Island also has two caves to explore; but be very, very careful, as these caves are guarded by friendly but dangerous snakes. Unfortunately we could not stay on the island for long since it was already late in the afternoon. We dropped by Sitio Apad to buy fresh lobster and a local fish called surahan for our breakfast the next day.

When we got there, we were swarmed by kids like there was no tomorrow; I didn’t expect there to be so many in the tiny Barangay. We enjoyed watching them flipping, diving and doing their water stunts until we left the area.

Island Life in Sitio Apad

It was getting dark when we left Sitio Apad. We felt like we were on a luxurious sunset cruise as we headed back to the town center. It was already dark when we arrived at the mayor’s house. There we shared stories as if we hadn’t been together during the entire trip—that’s how exhilarating the adventure was.

Beautiful Beach in Quezon Province

Our third day on the island was free and easy. It was Jomalig Island’s town fiesta, and while everyone was busy, we decided to walk around the nearby mangroves and beach area for yet another adventure. It took us more or less 20 minutes to reach the mangrove area from the town center. Unfortunately it was low tide when we arrived and boating near the mangroves was not possible.

Mangrove Area and Bigwangan Beach

We crossed two small, muddy rivers and challenging trails, and headed to Bigwangan River, a 30 minute walk from the mangrove area. We felt like our beach escapade was not yet complete, so we searched for a perfect beachfront nearby. We were so happy to stumble upon Bigwangan Beach, which is located just a few minutes from the mouth of the river. We left the beach with so much fulfillment and headed back to the town center to prepare for yet another adventure – Disco Night at the Town Plaza.

Adventure in Manlanat Island

Sometimes I have second thoughts about if I should really blog about places I visit, especially ones like Jomalig. This may seem selfish, but I want the island to be just as lovely as it is now, undisturbed, as simple as it can be. I don’t want the island to become the next Boracay — an over developed island we used to call a paradise (the resorts still do). But I understand that people need change and the island needs sustainable development. There’s only one thing that can help them achieve it: tourism.

Swimming is More Fun in Jomalig

Mayor Tena seemed to know the key ingredients to put Jomalig Island on the tourism map, but he admitted that due to a lack of investors and funding, the beautiful island municipality is not yet ready for a huge tourist influx. But his motto—Kayang-Kaya basta’t Sama-sama—makes everyone hopeful that the island will soon become progressive with everyone’s help.

The white sandy beaches are endless on the island. Although some beaches are covered by black polished rocks, the majority of the shores are perfect for all beach activities: swimming, camping or even beach volleyball.

Fiesta in Jomalig Island

Reaching this island is not that easy for some, but for island explorers like us, its just short and relaxing journey. Being on the island and experiencing its wonders is more than just a discovery; it’s an unforgettable reward.

Other Things to do and See in Jomalig Island

Beach Camping and Picnic

Visit Sitio Burungawan

Visit Kanawai Twin Island

Watch the sunset at the beach

Sunrise Watching at 6AM

Snorkeling and Fishing

Visit the Mangroves at Sitio Landing

Jomalig Island Travel Tips

Electricity on the island is diesel powered and is available only from 6 PM to 2 AM.

Always bring a first aid kit and make sure to bring your prescription medication (if any). There is no drug store in the island that sells prescription medication.

Visit the island with a larger group so you can divide the cost of boat rentals and other expenses, like accommodation and inland transportation.

Jomaligins (term for the locals of Jomalig) are very hospitable. Most of them are from Bicol, and some are descendants of the original Perez, Quezon settlers, whose own forefathers came all the way from Mauban, Quezon (a town on the mainland of Luzon).

Communications

Globe Telecom and Smart both have mobile phone signals, but Smart has better coverage.

The Survivors in Jomalig Island (From the top left : Melo, Kelly, Matty, Galwin, Mayor Tena and Joanna)

How to get to Jomalig Island

By Air: Jomalig has an airstrip, so if you have the resources, you can get a chartered plane or a helicopter and reach the island in less than 40 minutes from Manila.

Land and Sea: There are two options to get there by boat. You can take a passenger boat from Real, Atimonan or rent a boat in Panganiban in Camarines Norte. If you are coming from Manila, the nearest port of entry will be in Real Quezon.

Wacky Sunset Cruise

To reach Real Quezon, you can take an Infanta bound bus in Legarda Manila or look for a Van that follows the same route. An Aircon Bus fare is at around P195 and takes four to five hours to reach Real Quezon. Once in Real, hire a rickshaw (tricycle-taxi) and tell the driver to bring you to Jomalig port (not Puerto Real).

A boat ride costs P200 to P350, and includes a simple meal freshly cooked by the boat crew. If you are lucky, you can catch the Sea Ambulance—the town’s official boat which only charges P100 per way, but with no included meal.

Jomalig Passenger Boat Contact Numbers:

Iris Joy (80 capacity) 0950-2515690

Jovelle2 (50 capacity) 0998-4289244

LJ Kate (80 Capacity) 0919-6520168

Jade (80 Capacity) 0910-6646308

Rabijaja (50 Capacity) 0939-9034275

Nicole and Mark (80 Capacity) 0907-7529268

Maribeth c/o Kuya Jojo (40 Capacity) 0939-9034275

Chow (80 Capacity) 0929-2580824

Yana (25 Capacity) 0918-3694430

Kuya Chito (small boat captain) – 0918-6099822

Kuya Joel (big boat captain) – 0947-4250594

Getting Around Jomalig Island

Transportation on the island is only by a tricycle or habal-habal. If you want to explore different islands in Jomalig, some local fishermen’s boats are available for rent. The small boats are normally rented for only P2,000, while the medium sized boats are usually rented for P4,000 for a whole day of island hopping.

Melo Villareal in Manlanat Island

Hotels and Resorts in Jomalig

Here are the list of hotels and resorts in Jomalig Island:

Tejada’s Resort: Aida Tejada (owner) 0907-5375234

Huts for Rent at Sitio Salibungot: Contact Lyra Pacheco – 0930-7968665

South Pacific Island Resort – Contact Thelma 0907-8285161

Jojomalig Beach Resort – Contact 09399034275

Bananas Beach Resort – Contact 0909 986 7482

Apples Beach Resort – Contact: 09106597361 SMART and 09157992954 GLOBE

Who to Contact

For Travel Deals and updates about Jomalig Island, you may contact Kelly Bautista of Quezon Province Tourism Office at 0922-9491145 or Mr. Elmer A. Gariguez, the – Tourism Information Officer of the town of Jomalig (042) 795-06-00.

But there is much more to a short vacation in Jomalig Island than pristine white sand beaches; there’s an endless adventure waiting for you to discover. For a magical get away, Jomalig Quezon is the perfect destination.

Sitio Pitisan Beach photo courtesy of Jomalig Quezon FB Page

With its unspoiled beaches, creamy golden yellow colored sand, tropical setting, and wonderful people, the Island has all it takes to become one of the country’s best tourist destinations. The island is just waiting for a huge break and responsible investors that can make Jomalig the next destination on everyone’s “bucket list”.

*We will update this Jomalig Island Travel Guide once we get new info about boat rentals, accommodation, travel packages etc.