With a score of 9.66, Agatha Wong won a gold medal in the women's taijiquan in wushu. She claimed silver in women's taijijian (straight two-edged sword) with a score of 9.65 on Monday, August 21.

Wong gets a score of 9.66, which puts her in the lead with two competitors to go. pic.twitter.com/cPd1yngjDJ

— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) August 22, 2017

According to Philippine SEA Games chef de mission Cynthia Carrion-Norton, the Philippine team earlier promised to take home 63 gold medals. In 2015, the Philippine delegation took home 29 gold medals.

-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - Several areas in Metro Manila and Luzon have announced class suspensions for today, August 22, 2017 (Tuesday) due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), enhanced by Tropical Storm Isang.


According to PAGASA in its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, "Bagyong Isang" will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring light up to heavy rains over Visayas and the rest of Luzon particularly over the western section and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

As "Bagyong Isang" has passed Batanes area, tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) #2 was raised over Batanes Group of Islands while Signal No. 1 over Northern Cagayan including Babuyan Group of Islands, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

Resident of mentioned areas as well as of those with TCWS are alerted against possible landslides and flashfloods.

(As of 7:30 a.m.) Here's the updated list of class suspensions for Tuesday August 22, 2017 due to Tropical Storm Isang #IsangPH (refresh page for the updates):

METRO MANILA

• Caloocan City – all levels (public and private)
• Las Piñas City – all levels (public and private)
• Malabon City – all levels (public and private)
• Mandaluyong City – all levels (public and private)
• Manila – all levels (public and private)
• Marikina City – all levels (public and private)
• Muntinlupa City – all levels (public and private)
• Navotas City – all levels (public and private)
• Parañaque City – all levels (public and private)
• Pasay City – all levels (public and private)
• Pasig City – all levels (public and private)
• Pateros – all levels (public and private)
• Quezon City – all levels (public and private)
• San Juan City – all levels (public and private)
• Taguig City – all levels (public and private)
• Valenzuela City – all levels (public and private)

PROVINCIAL

• Bataan – all levels (public and private)
• Hagonoy, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
• Malolos, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
• Marilao, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
• Meycauayan, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
• Obando, Bulacan – all levels (public and private)
• Cavite – all levels (public and private)
• Calamba, Laguna – all levels (public and private)
• San Pedro, Laguna – all levels (public and private)
• Angono, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Antipolo, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Baras, Rizal – preschool to senior high school (public and private)
• Binangonan, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Cainta, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Cardona, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Jalajala, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Morong, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Rodriguez, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• San Mateo, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Tanay, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Taytay, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Teresa, Rizal – all levels (public and private)
• Olongapo City – all levels (public and private)
• Subic, Zambales – all levels (public and private)

SCHOOLS

• Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati City
• Far Eastern University Makati
• iACADEMY

Meanwhile, here's the automatic suspension guidelines from the Department of Education (DepEd):


Based on automatic class suspension guideline, LGUs have the authority to declare local suspensions in areas where there is no storm signal.

Stay safe and dry everyone!

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas' journey to win its 12th straight gold medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2017 continue as the national team faces Myanmar in the men's basketball preliminary round on Tuesday night, August 22 at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Filipinos are confident that Gilas Pilipinas will overpower Team Myanmar, who suffered loss against host country Malaysia, 95-42, in the basketball opener.

Gilas has survived its first big test in the SEA Games with a win against Thailand on Sunday. The Thais, bolstered by ABL superstar Tyler Lamb, looked tougher and sharper in paper at least with an ultimate goal to dethrone SEA powerhouse, Philippines.

Gilas Pilipinas campaign is powered by the best of the cadet crew as top PBA stars have been assigned in the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.

The team will be led by Kobe Paras plus SEA Games veterans Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks.

Among the PBA players who have joined the squad were Troy Rosario, Baser Amer, Mike Tolomia, Kevin Ferrer, Von Pessumal, Raymar Jose, Almond Vosotros and Christian Standhardinger.

2017 SEA Games Schedule and Results

Philippines vs. Thailand: August 20, 9:30 p.m. | Philippines won 81-74
Philippines vs. Myanmar: August 22, 6:00 p.m. |
Philippines vs. Malaysia: August 23, 6:00 p.m.

Channel for Live Broadcast in the Philippines: TV5, AksyonTV

Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs. Myanmar on livestream courtesy of (http://sports.tv5.com.ph/live/sea-games-2017-live-stream). Game tip-off at 6:00 p.m.

Get live updates through Sports 5's coverage of 2017 SEA Games:

Tweets by Sports5PH
Laban Pilipinas! #PUSO

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of enhancing their looks, three friends from Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte ended up having botched faces after getting dirt cheap “fillers” injected on their faces.

Just like many transwomen, Alvina Bernardes, Maui Cababao, and Nina Lavadia dreamed of having a face that could launch a thousand ships. However, they didn’t have enough money to afford expensive treatments by licensed doctors which cost around P20,000 to P50,000.

PHOTO CREDIT: YouTube/ GMA Public Affairs

In 2009, a certain Janet offered to give Alvina cheek enhancement for only P500. Since the price was only a portion of the usual price, Alvina decided to avail of her services.

“Inanyayahan kami na “gusto niyo ba magpaganda na mura lang?” Na-curious ako sa sarili ko. P500 daw ang babayaran,” Alvina told Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho.

However, instead of using the usual fillers used by doctors, Janet apparently used melted petroleum jelly. She injected it on Alvina’s cheeks, nose and chin. For the first few months, Alvina was satisfied with the result of her treatment.

After seeing how the treatment enhanced their friend’s looks, Maui and Nina also availed of Janet’s services. However, the real effect of the cheap injectable filler started showing its effects after six months.

“Mabigat tas parang ang init kasi petroleum jelly” Pag ganun nang pisngi, bagong ligo ka, ang init. Parang nag-react yung petroleum so makikita mo talaga nag-pula siya,” Maui recounted.

Not only were they negatively affected by the cheap treatment, even their families suffered the consequences of their wrong decision.

Nina’s mom Teresita, who wasn’t aware that her son is gay, had difficulty accepting what happened to Nina’s face. But instead of driving away her daughter, she decided to support her by giving her their family’s savings intended for the renovation of their house.

“Kasi mahal yung opera umabot ata P100,000 ata yun. Para sa bahay namen na naipon wala. Para lang makita na maayos sana ang mukha niya,” Teresita said.

Meanwhile, despite the painful comments they get from people, Alvina remains positive and continues joining beauty pageants.

“Positive lang ako sa lahat. Kahit ganito meron naman kasing mga taong nakakaintindi din saken. Sabi nga nila proud sila saken kasi nakakaya ko humarap sa kanila. Nakakaya ko pa din sumali,” Alvina said.

Dr. Henry Claraval, a facial plastic surgeon, warned against treatments using petroleum jelly as fillers. He advised patients to have their faces enhanced by licensed doctors in clinics.

“Pag ka makita niyo sa kanyang lalagyan nakalagay for external use only at hindi ito dapat iniinject sa mukha ng isang tao dahil lubha itong delikado. Hindi ito tinatanggap ng ating katawan at kadalasan ang katawan naten ay kino-consider ito na isang foreign body,” Dr. Claraval explained.

Fortunately, good samaritans reached out to help raise funds for the corrective surgeries of the transwomen. With support from netizens, Alvina, Maui and Nina were brought to Manila and underwent surgery at RZQ The Aesthetic Surgery Clinic.

Currently, the three are still recovering from their surgeries. It would take months before the results of their operations can be seen.

-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - The brutal killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos has prompted the Senate majority to probe the recent spate of killings in anti-illegal drugs operations carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Kian, a Grade 11 student, is believed to be totally innocent and have been planted P16,000 worth of drugs by the police.


But is Kian really innocent as claimed by his family and friends? Did he really have nothing to do with the illegal drug trade? Was he just another collateral damage in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs?

PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claims they have enough evidence to prove that Kian wasn’t really innocent. In a statement he made on Sunday, August 20, Dela Rosa said Kian served as drug courier for his father and several uncles, based on the information from the chief of the Caloocan City police.

A drug suspect-turned police witness Renato Loberas also claimed that he personally transacted with Kian.

In his interview with GMA News, Loberas said: “Abutan lang po. 'Pag na-contact ko na po sa cellphone 'yung Neneng, si Kian na po ang mag-aabang sa akin sa kanto.”

"Salubong lang po, daan lang po, kaliwaan lang po, diretso na. Alam ko pong menor de edad po, sa itsura po niya, sir... 'tsaka tipong ganoon lang po kami, daan lang, wala nang usap-usap," he added.

Meanwhile, Caloocan City prosecutor Darwin Cañete does not think Kian is totally innocent.

“I am not saying they did not kill the kid. The (police) should be held accountable if ever it’s a proven EJK (extrajudicial killing). But making the kid super innocent? I am not buying it,” Cañete told Inquirer.

“EJKs are wrong, and if proven, the (police) should be punished. But use facts, not emotions,” Cañete added.

Read Cañete’s view on the controversial killing of Kian.


-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Isang' (international name: Hato) has maintained its strength, speed and direction as it moves in the general direction of extreme Northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. bulletin on Monday, August 21.

Photo Credit: PAGASA-DOST

PAGASA said this weather system will enhance the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) which may bring light to moderate with possible occasionally heavy rains over Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Visayas.

At 4:00 p.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm "Isang" was estimated based on all available data at 170 km East of Basco, Batanes (20.5 °N, 123.6 °E).

"Isang" has maximum sustained winds of 80 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 97 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 15 kph.

Forecast Positions:

• 24 Hour( Tomorrow afternoon): 255 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(21.3°N, 119.7°E)
• 48 Hour(Wednesday afternoon):865 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(22.7°N, 114.0°E)
• 72 Hour(Thursday afternoon): 1,330 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(25.0°N, 110.0°E)

Photo Credit: PAGASA-DOST

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 2 (61-120 kph expected in 24 hrs) was raised over Batanes group of Islands.

Impact of the wind:

• Light to Moderate damage to high risk structures;
• Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures;
• No damage to very light damage to low risk structures
• Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed.
• A number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
• Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off.
• Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed.
• Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards
• In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities. Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipil and similar types of trees are downed or broken
• Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken
• Rice and corn may be adversely affected
• Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown down.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 4.1-14.0 meters Storm surge possible at coastal areas

Signal No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs) is up over Babuyan group of Islands.

Impact of the wind:

• Very light or no damage to high risk structures,
• Light damage to medium to low risk structures
• Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities. Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged
• Twigs of small trees may be broken.
• Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 1.25-4.0 meters

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to occasionally heavy rains within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

PAGASA said that 'Bagyong Isang' is closest to Batanes group of islands tonight or tomorrow (August 22) early morning.

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Senate majority have condemned the killing of Kian Loyd Delos Santos, a 17-year-old student who is the latest victim of police anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.

PHOTO CREDIT: ABS-CBN News

On Sunday, August 20, allies of President Rodrigo Duterte signed a resolution seeking an investigation into alleged lapses of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their operations resulting to the killing of Kian.

Except for Senator Manny Pacquiao, all majority senators have signed the resolution including Senators Francis Escudero and Nancy Binay who were not present at the caucus.

According to Senator Joel Villanueva, the senators agreed to task the Committee on Public Order headed by Senator Panfilo Lacson to probe the recent spate of police abuses as well as the death of Kian.

“In conducting the campaign of the Duterte administration against illegal drugs, the government must always ensure that no innocent lives are unnecessarily lost and that those within the ranks of the police or any government agency should be held fully accountable for any crime or offense,” the resolution reads.

Meanwhile, minority senators have also expressed their intention to probe the drug killings.

On Wednesday, August 16, Kian was killed during a police operation in Barangay 160. According to the police, Kian resisted authorities and apparently fired at them. However, witnesses claim and several CCTV footages showed that Kian was unarmed and was pleading for his life.

The police also alleged that two sachets of shabu and a caliber .45 was found in Kian’s possession.

On Sunday, August 20, PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa claimed that Kian was a drug courier for his own father and some of his uncles. Although he was dismayed with the outcome of the operation, Dela Rosa insisted that the operation itself was legitimate since there was basis for allegations that Kian was involved in illegal drug trade.

"Si Kian ay ginagamit ng kanyang ama. Ang ama niya mismo ang user, mga uncle ang mga pusher diyan at ginagamit si Kian na courier. Kaya nag-surface ang pangalan niya sa area mismo," Bato told ABS-CBN News.

To disprove Dela Rosa’s allegations, Kian’s family said they are willing to undergo drug tests.

-- Mini, The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines - Triathlete Nikko Huelgas brings honor for the Philippines anew as he won the country's second gold at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Monday, August 21, in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

DOMINANCE. Philippines bagged gold and silver medals in men's triathlon at the 29th SEA Games. Photo Credit: Philippine Star

Huelgas ruled the men's triathlon to defend his title clocking one hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, an improvement from his 2:04:32 in 2015.

Meanwhile, another Filipino athlete John Chicano took the silver medal with a time of 2:03:24.

Singapore bagged the third place.

Philippines now improved its medal haul to 7.

Mary Joy Tabal was responsible for the country's first gold medal as she dominated the women's marathon on Saturday.

Host nation Malaysia is leading the medal tally with 16 gold, 13 silver and 9 bronze for a total of 38 medals. It was followed by Singapore having 8 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze or 26 combined medals.

READ: SEA Games 2017: Medal Tally, Schedule, Livestream, Results

The 29th SEA Games will run until August 30.