Trans-Asia ship sinks off Negros (Video)

M/V Trans Asia Malaysia, a passenger-cargo ship from Cebu and bound for Ilo-ilo, sank off coasts of Cadiz, Negros Occidental and Ajuy, Iloilo, Sunday morning.

The 107 passengers and 35 crew members of the said vessel were safe and transferred to other ships and boats after the ship captain issued an abandon-ship order at 6 a.m. before the vessel sank (at around 8:50 a.m).

The Philippine Coast Guard is still investigating the reason behind the sinking.

Operated by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc., M/V Trans Asia Malaysia left Cebu at 6 p.m. Saturday and was scheduled to dock in Iloilo at 8 a.m.

Here's a video of the ship just before it sank (courtesy of "airgrouppcg"):

Cagayan de Oro whirlwind leaves 6 houses damaged, 3 people hurt - NDRRMC

The whirlwind that hit Cagayan de Oro on Friday afternoon has left six (6) houses to be destroyed and (3) people hurt, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

According to NRRMC, the whirlwind occurred at Zone 9 and 10, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro at around 3:10 p.m. on July 29, 2011.

"There was sudden occurrence of funnel-shaped strong winds from the sky down to the ground in powerful twisting motion that rapidly devastated houses along its path," NDRRMC described the incident.

Twenty-two (22) families were reportedly affected by the Cagayan de Oro whirlwind incident. Those hurt were immediately brought to the Cagayan de Oro City Hospital for treatment.

No classes in kinder, elem, HS on July 25 in Quezon City - DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced suspension of classes in kindergarten, elementary and high school levels in Quezon City on July 25, 2011 through its official Twitter account Friday.

"No classes in Quezon City on Monday, July 25, for kinder, elementary & secondary, both private and public schools." the announcement reads.

According to an ABS-CBN report, the advisory came from Quezon City OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Corazon C. Rubio.

"In view of the forthcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) of His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III on July 25, 2011, Monday, please be informed that classes in all levels (Kinder-Elementary-Secondary) both public and private schools are hereby suspended," the advisory stated.

However, to compensate for the class hours that will be missed, "Saturday classes will be held."

Negros Earthquake, July 14, 2011: 3.9-magnitude quake hits Sipalay City

Negros Occidental has been struck by an earthquake anew on July 14. According to the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a magnitude 3.9 temblor was recorded off 42km Southeast of Sipalay City at 7:19 in the morning.

 The red dot is the epicenter of the July 14, 7 a.m. Negros Earthquake | Source: Phivolcs

The quake, which was tectonic in origin and was 1km deep, was felt at Intensity 1 at Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

There have been no reports of damage from this quake.

Since July 11, more than 20 quakes had struck Negros with the strongest recorded at 4:47 a.m. on July 12 which measured 6.2 magnitude on the Richter Scale.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where earthquakes frequently occur.

Angelina Jolie explains her newest tat update

Angelina Jolie, the long-time partner of Brad Pitt has broken her silence about the latest update of the tattoo on her upper arm.

Angelina Jolie's arm tat explained | Photo source: showstalker.net

Angelina, 35, has a tattoo on her arm which shows coordinates of the place of birth of each kid she has with Brad and those that they adopted. The latest addition to her tattoo sparked speculations that a new adoption is coming its way.

In an Extra interview, Angelina said the update does not stand for the birthplace of a new addition to her family but the coordinates of the birth of place of an old member, Brad’s – Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The Hollywood power couple has 6 children, 3 of which are their biological kids namely: Shiloh (4 years old), Vivienne and Knox (twins, 2 years old). They adopted Maddox (9 years old), Pax (7 years old), and Zahara (6 years old).

Angelina and Brad were reported to have inquired about adopting a Filipino child, not so long ago.

By the way, there were some reports that Brad and Angelina might visit the Philippines some? Find out the details here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/06/bradd-pitt-and-angelina-jolie-to-visit.html

'West Philippine Sea' preferred by the Government

"West Philippine Sea" is now being used by the Philippine Government to refer to the disputed Spratly island group area which is widely known as the South China Sea.

The Government names the maritime area within Philippine jurisdiction at the country's western part "West Philippine Sea" instead of the general tag "South China Sea" | Photo courtesy of GMANews

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said, “All the other nations call the South China Sea based on how they perceive it. Vietnam calls it East Sea so it is but natural for us to call it West Philippine Sea.”

Meanwhile, Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello said the government must assert authority over the country's territories.

"By renaming the South China Sea to Western Philippine Sea, we are taking a proactive move that strengthens our claim to these controversial waters and the natural resources found within," Bello told GMANews.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) which first publicly used the name on May 31, has explained earlier that using “West Philippine Sea” in referrence to the waters within the maritime territories of the Philippines is "in keeping with our tradition and history, as well as reflective of its proper geographic location."

The same waters, Assistant Foreign Secretary Ed Malaya said, "have long been called Dagat Luzon, or Luzon Sea by our fisherfolk and the rest of our people, and referred to as such in published maps since time immemorial after the major Philippine island of Luzon."

Rizal 150: Tallest Jose Rizal statue inaugurated

The tallest Jose Rizal monument was inaugurated during the celebration of Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary in the City of Calamba in Laguna, earlier today. The event was attend by His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III (PNoy) who unveiled the gigantic statue, himself.

PNoy unveiling Dr. Jose Rizal's tallest statue to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of the National Hero in Bacnotan Road, Barangay Real, Calamba City, Laguna Sunday June 19, 2011.

The statue, which stands 22-feet tall (a pedestal equivalent to a four-storey building), is the tallest monument of Rizal, not just in country but also in the world. It broke the previous record of a Rizal statue in Nueva Vizcaya which measures 18 feet.

Via the Philippine Star, Calamba City spokesman Peter Capitan said the 22-foot Rizal statue represents the 22 major languages that Rizal was able to speak fluently. The 15 steps at the statue's base, on the other hand, act as the representation of the 15th position of PNoy in the presidency.

The bronze statue, which was sculpted by Jonas Roces, is located in the newly-acquired 6.7 hectare property in front of the Calamba City Hall Complex.

Meanwhile, here are excerpts of President Aquino's speech during the event:

Kinikilala natin si Jose Rizal dahil sa harap ng mga sangandaan ng ating masalimuot na kasaysayan, may isang Pilipinong muli’t muli ay piniling gawin ang tama—ang unahin ang kapakanan ng kaniyang kapwa, ang itaguyod ang pagkakaisa para sa kalayaan ng atin pong bansa—kahit pa ang kapalit nito ay ang sarili niyang buhay.

Matagal na pong nakahanay si Rizal sa iba pang mga dakila ng kasaysayan. Ngunit sinabi po niya, sa bibig ng tauhang si Elias sa kanyang Noli Me Tangere:

“Mamamatay akong di man nakita ang maningning na pagbubukang-liwayway sa aking inang bayan! Kayong makakikita, batiin ninyo siya—at huwag kakalimutan ang mga nalugmok sa dilim ng gabi!”

Wala po akong dudang binabati na natin ang bukangliwayway ngayon, nang hindi nakakalimot sa mga nalugmok sa dilim, at sumusumpa: Sa bawat pagsubok, kapakanan ng Pilipino ang isasapuso namin; sa bawat sangandaan, tuwid na landas ang aming tatahakin.

Tandaan lang po natin sana: Kung ang mga dinadakila natin tulad ni Jose Rizal ay namili ng pangsarili, nasaan na kaya tayo ngayon? Nandito tayo dahil may mga nanindigan para sa atin. Maging kaaya-aya naman po ang gawin natin, para talaga naman pong sulit ang kanilang isinakripisyo sa atin.

Bagyong Egay Updates from PAGASA | June 2011 Philippine Typhoon

Bagyong Egay latest update: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/06/tropical-depression-egay-june-20-pagasa.html

Bagyong Egay or Tropical Depression "Egay" has "maintained its strength as it continues to move Northwestward and threatens Eastern Visayas and Catanduanes", according to the latest June 17, 2011 5 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Tropical Depression Egay/ Bagyong Egay satellite image as of 5 p.m. on June 17, 2011 | Courtesy of PAGASA

The PAGASA also reported that as of 4 p.m. on June 17, 2011, Typhoon Egay is estimated at 250 km East of Guiuan City, Eastern Samar - moving at 13kph with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center.

The weather bureau also forecast Bagyong Egay to be at 250 km Southeast of Virac, Catanduanes by Saturday afternoon and at 200 km North Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes by Sunday morning. By morning of Monday, it will be at 180 km Northeast of Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 has also been issued by the PAGASA in the following areas:

Catanduanes
Northern Samar, and
Southern Samar

Tropical Depression “Egay” is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

Al Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri succeeds Osama bin Laden

Al Qaeda has reportedly chosen Ayman al-Zawahri as its new head, succeeding Osama bin Laden who was killed in a U.S. forces raid in Pakistan last month.

Al Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri succeeds Osama bin Laden as new leader | Photo source: Youtube

The announcement of the longtime deputy of Osama bin Laden as the new Al Qaeda leader was posted on a website known to be affiliated with the militant group.

Here are excerpts of said announcement courtesy of the Associated Press:

"Loyalty to the good martyrs and to the legacy of Sheik Osama bin Laden means continuing down the path of Jihad for God's sake and for the triumph of Muslims, the general command of al-Qaida and, after consultation, declares Abu Mohammed, Ayman al-Zawahri, God help him, is now the one leading the group."

"We seek the help of God to preach the true religion, to incite the nation to get ready and fight to fulfill the duty of fighting the infidels who aggress on the land of Islam, led by America and its spoiled child Israel, to fight them with all our might."

Egyptian-born physician and surgeon Ayman al-Zawahri is the founder of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), an organization that opposes the secular Egyptian Government and seeks its overthrow through violent means. In 1998, EIJ reportedly merged with Al Qaeda.

Al-Zawahri is believed to be the "operational brains" behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. The U.S. government is currently offering up to $25 million for information that would lead to al-Zawahri's apprehension.

Born on June 19, 1951, al-Zawahri grew up in an upper-class neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt. He is said to be the son of a prominent physician and grandson of renowned scholars.

Here's a video report of Al-Zawahri's appointment as new Al Qaeda leader from PBS News Hour:

Al-Qaida Officially Shifts Power to Ayman al-Zawahri | Video courtesy of "PBSNewsHour" of Youtube

New 7 Wonders of Nature 2011: Government campaigns for Palawan Underground River

The New 7 Wonders of Nature finalists have been determined and the Palawan Underground River or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines made it to the list.

PNoy, photographed inside the Palawan Underground River

Philippine government officials including President Nonoy Aquino (PNoy) have appealed to Filipinos to vote for the country's entry in the online contest. They are optimistic that the majestic underground river will get plenty of votes since there are eight million Filipino mobile phone users nationwide.

Filipinos abroad were also called to help in the country's endeavor by the different embassies, consular offices, and labour offices of the Philippine government overseas.

To vote, just text PPUR and send it to 2861 or log on to www.new7wonders.com to cast your votes online.

New7Wonders of Nature was started in 2007. It is a global campaign which aims to create a list of seven natural wonders in the world through an online poll. It was initiated by New7Wonders Foundation, a Swiss government-controlled foundation.

After over 100 million votes cast in 2007, the 440 entries is now shortlisted to 28 official finalists. The final voting has started and will end on November 11, 2011.

Meanwhile, here are excerpts of PNoy's speech at the official launch of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Campaign on June 6, 2011, as posted on the Official Gazette:

The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines is composed of a long mountain landscape and a beautiful, breathtaking subterranean river that winds through a cave that has been carved into shape by the giant hand of nature. So it comes as no surprise that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has made it as one of the 28 finalists in the global search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

The competition is tough, but if there is a site that should be in the top seven, then it should definitely be the Puerto Princesa Underground River. That is, of course, my unbiased opinion.

Aside from its staggering length and shape, within it lie unique discoveries, which were, until recently, unknown even to those who had frequented the site. For the last several months, an Italian group called La Venta has been conducting studies there, and they have made some stunning discoveries—such as the fossils of sea cows or Sirenia dating back to the Miocene period—roughly 20 million years ago. Aside from being rare fossils previously found only in Java, Indonesia, these findings also emphasize further the sheer historic value of our Underground River and of the country we live in.

I urge everyone to take part in this democracy-in-action on behalf of our own environment. By voting online at www.new7wonders.com, or—simpler—by texting PPUR to 2861, we can help the Puerto Princesa Underground River, as well as the Philippines, garner a distinct spot on the international tourist map. I leave the mode of choice to you, but please remember to vote, and vote to the maximum.

While winning a place in the top seven bolsters our sense of national pride, recognition is not the only thing we can gain. We must also remember that the tourists we can potentially attract will redound to thousands of employment opportunities; our success here will ultimately breed success for Filipinos everywhere.

Suspension of Classes declared by DepEd in NCR

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced suspension of classes in public and private pre-school, elementary and high school levels in the National Capital Region and as well as in the following areas due to continuous rain caused by Tropical Depression Dodong on June 9, 2011:

REGION 3

• Limay, Bataan
• Balanga, Bataan
• Pariahan Elementary School and Don Isidoro Teodoro HS in Bulacan, Bulacan
• Obando, Bulacan
• Malolos City (afternoon classes of pre-school and elementary)
• Angeles City
• Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan

REGION 4-A
• Batangas City
• Calaca, Batangas
• Taal, Batangas
• Bauan, Batangas
• Lemery, Batangas
• Kawit, Cavite
• Rosario, Cavite
• 6 schools only in Bacoor, Cavite
• Sangley Elementary School in Cavite City
• Lucena City
• Antipolo City
• San Pablo City
• Alaminos, Laguna
• Caparitan Elementary School, Bay, Laguna
• San Mateo, Rizal

REGION 4-B
• Lubang Occ Mindoro

School officials in some areas also suspended classes in their locale but were not included in the list, DepEd said.

Meanwhile, check the latest PAGASA update on Tropical Depression Dodong here:

http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/06/bagyong-dodong-update-philippine.html

Tropical Depression Dodong PAGASA Update - June 9, 2011

Tropical Depression Dodong is now causing heavy rains in Luzon.

Tropical Depression Dodong (Bagyong Dodong) satellite image as of 6p.m. on June 9, 2011 | Photo: PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the Low Pressure Area West of Metro Manila has developed into a Tropical Depression (TD) and was named "DODONG."

As of 4 p.m. on June 9, 2011, TD Dodong was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 150 km West of Dagupan City (16.0°N 118.7°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move North Northwest at 19 kph.

PAGASA forecasts that by Friday afternoon Bagyong Dodong will be at 460 km West of Basco, Batanes.

Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 was also issued by the weather bureau in the following areas:

Bataan,
Pampanga,
Tarlac
Zambales, and
Pangasinan,

PAGASA advises the residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signal # 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. It added that TD Dodong is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon.

Dragon Fruit farmer wins Php100,000 from Malacanang

Dragon Fruit displayed at a market stall

Dragon fruit or "pitaya" is relatively unknown to many Filipinos. But this pink fruit has made a 66 year-old lady from Ilocos Norte 100,000 pesos richer after the Malacanang awarded her the sum for being the "Most Outstanding High-Value Commercial Crop Farmer" of 2011.

Edita Aguinaldo-Dacuycuy started planting dragon fruit, a vine-like cactus, in her backyard after seeing positive results in the bowel movement problems of her daughter who eats the fruit to be relieved from constipation. She and her family then thought of going large-scale after consulting government research agencies which resulted to the first organic dragon fruit plantation in Northern Philippines.

In 2009, the family farm, which is now about 10 hectares and expanding, yielded a total net income of P21 million from dragon fruit production.

Check out below some info about dragon fruit below:

Pitaya Fruit, Pitahaya Fruit or commonly known as the Dragon fruit is among the most nutritious and wonderful exotic fruits. It is a favorite to many, particularly people of Asian origin. It features a mouth watering light sweet taste, an intense shape and color, not forgetting its outstanding flowers. In addition to being tasty and refreshing, this beautiful fruit boasts of a lot of water and other vital minerals with varied nutritional ingredients.

Due to its vital nutrients, the Pitaya fruit is suitable for all diets as it supplements fiber which is best for laxative and the liver. Similarly, people who have high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity have attested to the fruit’s goodness. Recent findings show that if an obese person eats a Pitahaya fruit on a regular basis, it naturally reduces the weight considerably, creating a well balanced body without compromising on the individual’s health.

Pitahaya fruits are highly concentrated with Vitamin C, minerals and boasts of high fiber content.

Equally available in affluent in a dragonfruit is phytoalbumins. Basically, these nutrients are vital and known world over for the antioxidants they possess which usually help in the prevention of the formation of free radicals that cause cancer.- dragon-fruit.biz

Area 51 photo showing workers attend to titanium A-12 spy-plane prototype before its Utah crash surfaces

An Area 51 photo showing workers attend to titanium A-12 spy-plane prototype before the futuristic-looking jet undergoes radar testing inside the clandestine military base has surfaced online. The never-before-seen photo, along with other declassified 1963 Ken Collins Utah A-12 plane crash pictures were posted on National Geographic, recently.

Workers attend to titanium A-12 spy-plane prototype before radar testing | Photo source: National Geographic

"Area 51 was created so that U.S. Cold Warriors with the highest security clearances could pursue cutting-edge aeronautical projects away from prying eyes," National Geographic said. "During the 1950s and '60s Area 51's top-secret OXCART program developed the A-12."

The A-12 aircraft said to be almost undetectable to radar. It is super fast at a speed of 2,200 miles an hour (3,540 kilometers an hour)— that's traveling the continental US in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It's camera could also capture 12-inch-long objects from 90,000 feet (27,400 meters).

Made by Lockheed Corporation, this U-2 spy plane successor was produced from 1962 through 1964, and was in operation from 1963 until 1968. The final A-12 mission was flown in May 1968, and the program and aircraft retired in June of that year due to budget constraints.

'The Bourne Legacy' to set in Manila, Philippines

The fourth installment of Matt Damon's "Bourne" movie series will be set in Manila after its screenwriter and new director Tony Gilroy selected the Philippine capital, Asia News Network reported.

'The Bourne Legacy' to set in Manila, Philippines

However, the newest "Bourne" movie titled "The Bourne Legacy'' will no longer star Matt Damon since he said he would not do another Bourne film without Paul Greengrass, who announced in November 2010 that he had decided not to return as director.

"The Bourne Legacy" will be topbilled by English actress Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) and Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Jeremy Renner (The Town).

Forty (40) percent of the upcoming movie reportedly will be shot in the Philippines.

GMA News website, Facebook and Twitter accounts hacked!

GMA News' website gmanews.tv, as well as its Facebook and Twitter accounts were hacked by someone who identified himself as "#d4rkbit" early morning on Sunday, May 29, 2011.

At around 1 a.m., the news agency's Twitter account (@GMANewsOnline) was flooded with the following nasty tweets:


The hacker however made it clear that he was not the one who posted the dirty tweets saying that they were from other people since he leaked the log-in details of the GMA News' Twitter account.

Below can be read on the comment boxes of other websites which reported the hacking:

"This is not true! I D4rkB1t did not twit those malicious stuff!

Please be advised and revise this. For as you see I leaked the username and password of the Twitter account of GMANews.

Please get things straight, I did not do this to become a pervert!

#D4rkB1t - d4rkb1t@live.com"

The hacker's point was more evident with the statement below which was posted on GMA News' Facebook account:

This is not about stupidity, but a message to webdevs.. Learn to secure your site, user accounts and password with personal information are being stored there... We have to be ready for such cyber terrorism..

No "database" data was altered or removed..

~d4rkb1t

GMA News website was also not accessible during that time. A pop-up saying "Hacked by d4rkb1t" can be found upon visiting the webpage.


As of this writing, GMA News has regained its control over the website and its social media accounts.

Bagyong Chedeng (Typhoon Songda) May 28, 2011 Update from PAGASA

Bagyong Chedeng (Typhoon Songda) Satellite Image as of 7 a.m.

Bagyong Chedeng (Typhoon Songda) "continues to weaken", the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) latest bulletin reads.

Heading north northeastward at a rate of 22 kph, Tropical Storm Songda was last seen at 200 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes at 4 a.m. on May 28, 2011.

The weather disturbance now has a "maximum sustained winds of 165 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 200 kph."

By Sunday morning, "Chedeng" is forecast to be at 680 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes or
110 km South of Okinawa, Japan.

Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Number 3 has also been lifted over Batanes Group of Islands which is now the only one listed on areas with PSWS Number 2. PSWS Number 1 was hoisted over Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands. All PSWS elsewhere are now lowered.

Typhoon Songda (Bagyong Chedeng) Update May 27, 2011 | PAGASA Weather Forecast

Typhoon Songda's Satellite Shot as of 5 p.m. on May 27, 2011

Bagyong Chedeng "has maintained its strength as it continues to threaten Batanes area", the latest PAGASA bulletin reads.

Check out the said Typhoon Chedeng update below:

Severe Weather Bulletin No. 18
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "CHEDENG" (SONGDA)
Issued at 5:00 p.m., Friday, 27 May 2011

Typhoon "CHEDENG" has maintained its strength as it continues to threaten Batanes area.
Location of Center: (as of 4:00 p.m.)	160 km Southeast of Basco, Batanes
Coordinates:	19.5°N,123.3°E
Strength:	Maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph
Movement:	North Northwest at 19 kph
Forecast Positions/Outlook:	Saturday afternoon: 400 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes Sunday afternoon: 820 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes or 110 km East Southeast of Okinawa, Japan

Areas having Public Storm Warning Signal

Signal Number 3

Batanes Group of Islands

Signal Number 2

Babuyan Group of Island

Signal Number 1

Apayao
Cagayan
Isabela


Public Storm Warning Signals elsewhere are now lowered.

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signals #3, #2 and #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Typhoon “Chedeng” is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao including Metro Manila.

Philippine flag displayed upside down on the President's website

The Philippine flag has been displayed the wrong way, again. This time, the government itself committed the mistake.

Philippine flag, upside down on the President's website

On the President's official government website (www.president.gov.ph), an inverted flag of the Philippines with the red part on top of blue has been posted above an article about the "National Flag Day" on May 28.

If you're a Noypi you know that if the Philippine flag is shown this way it indicates that the country is at war.

According to Republic Act 8491 Section 10: 'The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war.'

Are we at war?

We're not. The Malacanang said that they did not mean to post an inverted flag of the Philippines on the President's website. They have taken down the flag already.

In September last year, the US government apologized for displaying the Philippine flag upside down during President Aquino's state visit in the White House. It was an honest mistake, a US official said.

Bagyong Chedeng Update from PAGASA - May 26, 2011

Bagyong Chedeng Update - May 26

Bagyong Chedeng's 5 p.m. Satellite Shot

Bagyong Chedeng "has slightly intensified as it continues to move northwestward", PAGASA's latest Typhoon Chedeng bulletin reads.

Check out below the said PAGASA update on Tropical Storm Chedeng:

***Bagyong Chedeng May 27, 2011 Update:

http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/05/bagyong-chedeng-update-may-27-2011.html

Severe Weather Bulletin No. 14

Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon "CHEDENG" (SONGDA)
Issued at 5:00 p.m., Thursday 26 May 2011

Typhoon "CHEDENG" has slightly intensified as it continues to move northwestward.

Location of Center: (as of 10:00 a.m.)	260 km North Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or at 300 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora
Coordinates:	15.8°N,125.4°E
Strength:	Maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph
Movement:	Northwest at 19 kph
Forecast Positions/Outlook:	Friday afternoon: 320 km North Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 200 km East Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan Saturday afternoon: 590 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes or 190 km Southwest of Okinawa, Japan

Areas having Public Storm Warning Signal

Signal Number 1

Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon provinces, Polilo Island, Isabela and Cagayan

Advisory

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Typhoon “Chedeng” is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and will bring rains over Visayas and Mindanao.