Space hotel says it’s on schedule to open in 2012

Reuters – Tuesday, November 3

By Stuart McDill

BARCELONA – A company behind plans to open the first hotel in space says it is on target to accept its first paying guests in 2012 despite critics questioning the investment and time frame for the multi-billion dollar project.

The Barcelona-based architects of The Galactic Suite Space Resort say it will cost 3 million euro for a three-night stay at the hotel, with this price including an eight-week training course on a tropical island.

During their stay, guests would see the sun rise 15 times a day and travel around the world every 80 minutes. They would wear velcro suits so they can crawl around their pod rooms by sticking themselves to the walls like Spiderman.

Galactic Suite Ltd’s CEO Xavier Claramunt, a former aerospace engineer, said the project will put his company at the forefront of an infant industry with a huge future ahead of it, and forecast space travel will become common in the future.

“It’s very normal to think that your children, possibly within 15 years, could spend a weekend in space,” he told Reuters Television.

A nascent space tourism industry is beginning to take shape with construction underway in New Mexico of Spaceport America, the world’s first facility built specifically for space-bound commercial customers and fee-paying passengers.

British tycoon Richard Branson’s space tours firm, Virgin Galactic, will use the facility to propel tourists into suborbital space at a cost of $200,000 a ride.

Galactic Suite Ltd, set up in 2007, hopes to start its project with a single pod in orbit 450 km above the earth, traveling at 30,000 km per hour, with the capacity to hold four guests and two astronaut-pilots.

It will take a day and a half to reach the pod – which Claramunt compared to a mountain retreat, with no staff to greet the traveler.

“When the passengers arrive in the rocket, they will join it for 3 days, rocket and capsule. With this we create in the tourist a confidence that he hasn’t been abandoned. After 3 days the passenger returns to the transport rocket and returns to earth,” he said.

More than 200 people have expressed an interest in traveling to the space hotel and at least 43 people have already reserved.

The numbers are similar for Virgin Galactic with 300 people already paid or signed up for the trip but unlike Branson, Galactic Suite say they will use Russian rockets to transport their guests into space from a spaceport to be built on an island in the Caribbean.

But critics have questioned the project, saying the time frame is unreasonable and also where the money is coming from to finance the project.

Claramunt said an anonymous billionaire space enthusiast has granted $3 billion to finance the project.

Everyone is indeed born as explorers. This earth has many things to give but for some who has already experienced it all and has nothing new to do any more, this is one way of killing that boredom. There are much more things out side our planet more than what is inside our planet we just have to know who to go there. Moreover, one need billions of money in order for one to do such and with the knowledge that it is about the space and how to go there based on years of studies still nothing is curtain about it and it is indeed a dangerous step. Indeed money can’t buy you everything and that money can’t buy you another lifetime to live. Going back to the selection indeed this is a great and new idea. This would revolutionize tourism in a new way and that this would broaden the ideas of the people moving it to new heights. I don’t know how and how long it takes to build these kinds of aircrafts but I surely would encourage the builders to continue these projects and hope that this project would be a great success. With this I end with a simple thought “The only limitation one has is one self. ” Good day everyone.

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20091103/tod-odd-us-hotel-a929486.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Guam Visible Loop:

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/guam/guamloops/guamvs.html

This is a great view of the Philippine and “Tino”

Source: http://www.plurk.com/p/2azcjz

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Here’s a update about “Tino” from Igoogle Tropical Storm Plugin Image.

Source: http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/Gif/nwp.latest.gif

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

 

Issued At:	5:00 a.m., 03 November 2009
Valid Beginning:	5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 03 November 2009

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 03 November 2009

Satellite Image
for 5 a.m., 03 November 2009

Synopsis:
At 2:00 a.m., today, Tropical Depression “TINO” was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 150 kms East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora (17.0°N, 123.5°E) with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move West Southwest at 11 kph. <!– See also Weather Advisory No. 1 see also Weather Advisory For Low Pressure Area –>
Forecast:
The Eastern section of Central Luzon will experience rains and gusty winds. The rest of Central and Northern Luzon will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thundertorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the Northeast with slight to moderate seas except during thunderstorms.

Hope this update help those people who are of need of more information about the storm. Don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

Source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/wxfcst.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

11 areas under signal 1 as ‘Tino’ veers southwest to NLuzon

GMANews.TV – Tuesday, November 3

(UPDATE 1- Nov. 3, 12:41 a.m.) Eleven areas in northern Luzon are now under Storm Signal No. 1 as tropical depression Tino made an unexpected turn to the southwest Monday evening, threatening anew the provinces of northern Luzon that have borne the brunt of cyclones Pepeng and Ramil in past weeks.

In its 11:00 p.m. Monday bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tino’s center as of 10:00 p.m. Monday was located 200 kms east of Tuguegarao.

Pagasa said Tino maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph as it moved west at 11 kph. If it continues on its present course, the tropical depression will cross the provinces of Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur on Tuesday.

By Tuesday evening Tino is expected to be 90 kms east southeast of Vigan City.

In a radio interview over dzBB on Monday evening, Pagasa forecaster Manny Mendoza said a high-pressure area in mainland China could possibly push tropical depression Tino southward, but it could also be pulled northward by the tail-end of a cold front.

Mendoza also said that there was also the possibility of the cyclone becoming stationary if the high-pressure area in China interacted with the tail-end of the cold front.

To complicate matters, the Pagasa forecaster also mentioned still two other possibilities. First, that the cyclone gain strength because of the influence of a northeasterly wind flow, also known as amihan (northeast monsoon). And second, that the cyclone dissipate because of the onset of the cold season that will bring in a “dry and cold air mass.”

Asked which of these various possibilities had the highest likelihood, Mendoza said “based on their models” that Tino would most likely dissipate into a low-pressure area and merge into the tail-end of the cold front that will pull it northward.

Pagasa’s track of Tropical Depression ‘Tino’ as of Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Source: Pagasa website at http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Meanwhile, storm signal No. 1 is now hoisted over the Batanes group, Cagayan (including Babuyan and Calayan islands), Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Isabela, Quirino, and Northern Aurora.

Pagasa continued to reminded residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. It added the rest of Northern Luzon will have occasional rains and gusty winds due to the surge of the northeast monsoon. – GMANews.TV

Another storm is coming and the people of the Philippines are going to be tested once again. It is indeed a great month for us for this would be the 6^th if I am not mistaken storm that hit our country nonstop. Why is this happening? Indeed because of such storms many lives have been taken and many lives were greatly affected by it. Is this a test? What is this? So many questions so little time. Nothing is curtain, mainly the thought of why things are happening right now, thinking that we almost had many a billion life time to know. Many lives were taken because of it and still nothing. Why are things happening? For me things are happening for a reason. Reasons we cannot explain but always take in mind those things are indeed happening for a reason. Maybe the reason why these storms are continuously entering our territory is for us to know the vale of the environment that we always neglect to protect. Another thing is that maybe the reason why many lives were taken is for us to know the value of it. Maybe the reason why people got sick is for them to realize that they are loved. Many questions with formulated answers that may or may not meant to answer such but still formulate enough reasonability to answer such. Think of it this way maybe the wrong answers you thought are indeed the right answers after all. With this I end this blog and telling the people to have hope and never give up for indeed there are to many reasons why one should live.

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20091102/tph-11-areas-under-signal-1-as-tino-veer-d6cd5cf.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Severe Weather Bulletin Number SEVEN
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Typhoon “SANTI” (MIRINAE)
Issued at 11:00 a.m., Friday, 30 October 2009

Typhoon “SANTI” continues to threaten Aurora-Quezon area.
Location of Center: (as of 10:00 a.m.)	350 km East Northeast of Infanta, Quezon
Coordinates:	15.2°N, 125.3°E
Strength:	Maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph
Movement:	West at 22 kph
Forecast Positions/Outlook:	Saturday morning: 70 kms West Northwest of Metro Manila or in the vicinity of Zambales Sunday morning: 600 kms West of Metro Manila or over the South China Sea

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal
PSWS #	Luzon	Visayas	Mindanao
Signal No. 4 ( >185 kph winds)	None	None	None
Signal No.3 (100-185 kph winds)	Northern Quezon Polillo Islands	None	None
Signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds)	Aurora Quirino Nueva Ecija Bulacan Tarlac Zambales Pampanga Bataan Rizal Cavite Laguna Batangas Lubang Is. Rest of Quezon Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Catanduanes Metro Manila	None	None
Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds)	Isabela Ifugao Nueva Vizcaya Benguet La Union Pangasinan Albay Burias Is. Sorsogon Marinduque Oriental Mindoro Occidental Mindoro Calamian Group	None	None

 

Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under signals #3, #2 and #1 are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures against flashfloods and landslides.

Those living along the coast in areas under signal #3 and #2 are advised to be on alert against storm surges and big waves generated by the typhoon.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

Please be ready and always tune in to the new. It was stated that the speed of the storm is very fast that it will only take a day never the less know what to do where to go and what to have preparation is indeed better then cute. Preparing is not required but indeed safety is closer when one is prepared and we all now we want to be safe at all times. Take care and pray for the safety of everyone else

Source: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/tc_up.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

EFREN PENAFLORIDA finalist for CNN Hero

Please Vote for our Fellow Filipino in putting our name for the CNN Hero. Moreover, please help him in his quest of in helping the community and its children to have a better future away from drags, gangs and other violence.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/vote/

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Have you voted for Efren Peñaflorida as CNN Hero of the Year yet?

SPOT – Thursday, October 29 

Have you voted for Efren Peñaflorida as CNN Hero of the Year yet?

You’ve probably seen his name in Facebook and Twitter, urging you to vote for him as this year’s CNN Hero of the Year. Each year, CNN gives $100,000 to the winner from ten finalists, whittled down from 9,000 nominees from around the world. Efren Peñaflorida Jr. was recognized by CNN for his efforts in bringing education to underprivileged children by using kariton classrooms. But the unassuming and inspiring teacher who chose to rise from a poverty-stricken life admits he didn’t expect to be nominated for CNN’s Hero of the Year.

“I almost froze when I heard the news. I was in total shock! Top 10 was surreal, it came as a big surprise, ” he shares. Peñaflorida was busy with other volunteers helping with rebuilding efforts after typhoon Ondoy when the announcement was made. “With Anderson Cooper’s announcement, Caviteños and my Facebook friends rejoiced, my email and FB wall were filled with greetings.”

Now 28, Peñaflorida grew up in Caridad, Cavite not having much. The middle child of a tricycle driver and a vendor, he dreamt of being an engineer. He met his mentor during grade school, a pastor at Club 8586, where he volunteered to help with outreach projects. It was his mentor who also encouraged him to continue with volunteer work, assuring him that the Club will help him with his education. Peñaflorida finished high school and college, with an associate diploma in Computer Technology from San Sebastian College and a bachelor’s degree in education from the Cavite State University.

Knowing firsthand how living in the slums can push children into a life filled with drugs, violence and hopelessness, Peñaflorida formed the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) in 1999 to divert the attention of students from violent gangs and fraternities. He recalls being told by his mentor that if he didn’t change his life, he will either end up in jail or get killed. With DTC, he encouraged others to focus their energies on community service and talent development.

Though it started out with only 20 volunteers, DTC now conducts several activities such as Balik Eskwela (Back to School), an annual event where they distribute free school supplies to underprivileged children and hold hygiene and medical missions in Cavite. They also raise their own funds by producing crafts for sale, aside from running their own “diyaryo-bote” operations, selling newspapers and bottles to support their projects.

The Cavite-based group has received several citations, including recognition from the National Economic and Development Board (NEDA) and the National Youth Commission of the Philippines in 2008 and Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Award from ABS-CBN in 2007.

Local clothing brand Collezione has also pledged its support to Peñaflorida. Fashion designer Rhett Eala, Creative Director for Collezione C2, agrees that Peñaflorida is a true hero. “He did not allow his personal circumstances to shape his destiny. Instead, he decided that he would be the change. That he could make that difference. He quietly created the kariton classrooms that have now caught the attention of the international media via CNN’s Heroes.”

Collezione C2 is helping Peñaflorida get enough votes to be named CNN’s Hero for 2009. According to Eala, “We are rallying people from all over to vote for him, we are telling his story so that many more will know, vote for him and hopefully, want to donate to his cause. His example of quiet and sincere work is truly the example that we want to emulate. At the end of the day, it is about working together, uniting behind that desire to see a better Philippines, and it starts with each one of us.”

“Efren symbolizes the hope for a better Philippines. He inspires, just as we at Collezione-C2 want to inspire Filipinos everywhere [so] that we can all make that difference,” Eala adds.

Peñaflorida is preparing for a trip to the United States to receive an award for being one of the top 10 nominees for CNN’s Hero of the Year. Peñaflorida, who loves reading, surfing the Internet and spending a lot of time on Facebook, talks to SPOT.ph about the CNN Hero of the Year nomination and what we can do to help him:

SPOT.ph: Tell us about how the kariton classrooms started.

It was really an idea which simply evolved through the years. When we volunteered with Club 8586 in the 1990s as outreach educators, we only used plastic bags to carry our things. Our mentor lent us his camping bag and backpack to make things easier for us. When the outreach grew and new services were offered like clinic and hygiene [missions], our mentor purchased a green pedicab for us, with a built-in compartment on top of it.

But the heavy equipment gave us a flat tire most of the time, so a fellow volunteer who was 14 years old at that time suggested we use a pushcart. Our officers, together with our mentor, supported the idea and we used the cash awarded to us by Bayaning Pilipino to refurbish an old kariton into a pushcart school and we named it “Kari.” We later produced a second one to carry the flag and the play center and named it “Toni.” Thus, “Kari” and “Toni” were born.

SPOT.ph: What are the other things you hope to accomplish with Dynamic Teen Company (DTC)?

We will continue the duplication of the pushcart school system, with the efforts of the different groups who took interest in what we do.

For DTC, we pray to build a center for learning, a sanctuary for kids. A place where kids can study, play, be fed, stay, and be molded to becoming good, responsible and productive citizens through the process of mentoring. [The center] would be able to train a lot more kids effectively.

SPOT.ph: How has the CNN Hero of the Year nomination changed your life so far?

I became busier with more talks, guestings and interviews but what matters to me is the affirmation it gave my co-volunteers, that what we are all doing is a worthy cause.

Now, almost everyone I meet addresses me as a hero but the true heroes here are the people I represent. They are the children who are now determined to learn, the volunteers who unwaveringly dedicated their services for free, the selfless Filipino educators who teach beyond their call of duty, and every Filipino who makes a difference in their simplest ways, they are the heroes I proudly represent.

SPOT.ph: You are hailed as a hero, but who are the people that you look up to?

The true heroes here are the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly serve the impoverished children on the streets and in the slums. They give their time unselfishly and endure struggles.

And of course our mentor, whose name I’d rather not disclose, who believed in us when nobody else did in the beginning. He sees the potential in every person he crosses paths with and tries to bring out the best in each of us. For me, and my other colleagues, he’s not only a hero, but a maker of heroes as well.

SPOT.ph: What do you think of the upcoming 2010 elections? What should the youth keep in mind when choosing a new leader?

To my fellow young voters, make sure you pray for the right leader rather than being influenced by the hype and advertisements. Let’s choose that person who sympathetically knows and hears the cry for change in every Filipino’s heart and one who naturally thinks of himself less but more of the people, especially the children, who are non-voters. A leadership that will empower Filipinos and not pamper us with dole-outs, will stand for what’s right and not for convenience and will think of the country’s welfare rather than staying in power.

SPOT.ph: How can people help with Dynamic Teen Company (DTC)?

We want to share everything we know to help make positive change a reality in the near future. Our programs can be duplicated and the pushcart is very replicable with no patent nor franchise.

Just help us fulfill the dream for an equal chance for all children to experience learning the fun way. You can help us in a million ways, only your imagination can limit you. Help by adapting the system, tell our story, be inspired and inspire others too. Put up your own cart of learning, send us stuff we can use, help us build our dream center. Remember that “you are the change that you dream and together, we are the change that this world needs to be.”

You can help Efren Peñaflorida’s cause by voting for him as the CNN Hero of the Year. Voting ends on November 19.

To cast your vote visit: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/vote/

To read more about the Dynamic Teen Company and how you can help visit: http://dynamicteencompany.org/

To read CNN’s story on Efren Peñaflorida visit: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/05/heroes.efren.penaflorida/index.html

I was really moved by this article with the great story of this great guy. While I was reading the selection I’m getting goose bumps and I almost cry. Indeed these are the true heroes of the country these people should be the once that should run as the next president of the Philippines rather than those that are not really worth it. Out of all the troubling things happening to the Philippines this fronts us. I hope everyone will be inspired with this great news and that everyone understands that there are indeed heroes with in us and we just have to follow it. We should get out of the premise of self centeredness and go to the community that really needs our help. This guy did his part without any thing in return not like some people I know who are just doing there part when other people requires them to and not like other people that are just doing this things for popularity or for election. Every candidate in this coming election should look into this guy and then look at them selves, for this guy is not in position and has nothing to give is doing what the people needed without the people asking him to. Then, if you are indeed like such or more than such go and make this change but if you are not into this please just drop out for the Philippines don’t need another revolution to have change. With this I encourage the voters of the coming elections to vote wisely and don’t just look at the candidates platforms for indeed they are like advertisements that are good to see, good to here but in the end it is less than what you expected, though I’m not generalizing this conclusion to all the platforms there are. Another things is for those who haven’t registered yet please register at any of you municipalities, they are working around the lock new and almost everyday including week ends. Please do so for your vote counts. And to end this blog please vote for this great Filipino who is indeed true Hero of our time. The links are included in the article comment above. Please do so and my you be inspired by the words “The change begins in you”

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/spot/20091029/tel-have-you-voted-for-efren-pe-aflorida-5a3fdeb.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Santi packs 150kph winds, may hit CLuzon Saturday

GMANews.TV – Friday, October 30

(Updated Oct. 30 4:30 a.m.) Typhoon “Santi” (international name: Mirinae), the fourth cyclone to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in October, has maintained winds of 150kph and is expected to hit provinces in central Luzon on Saturday morning while bringing heavy rains and winds to Metro Manila, the state weather bureau said Thursday night. In its Friday 12:30 a.m. (amended) weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Santi was last spotted 660 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora province and is moving westward towards central Luzon at 22 kph. Santi maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

Various weather agencies forecast Santi to move across central Luzon and out to the South China Sea.

Santi’s location

Based on the current Pagasa forecast, Santi’s center is expected to be 180 km east of Baler, Aurora province by Saturday morning, cross Central Luzon throughout the day, and be on its way out at 240 km west northwest of Manila by Sunday morning. Public storm signal no. 2 has been hoisted over Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Northern Quezon and Polilio Island. Under storm signal no. 1 are the provinces of Isabela, Ifugao, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Lubang Is., the rest of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Metro Manila.

“Kahit ang sentro ni Santi ay dito dumaan sa pagitan ng central at northern Luzon, mararamdaman natin ang ulan at hangin na dala nitong si Santi dito sa Metro Manila,” said Pagasa spokesperson Nathaniel Cruz. (Although Santi’s center would pass somewhere between central and northern Luzon, we will feel here in Metro Manila the rains and winds brought by Santi.)

Foreign weather agencies such as the US Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also forecast Santi to pass through central Luzon on Saturday. STORM WARNING SIGNALS See a more detailed description for each storm warning on Pagasa’s website. CLASSIFICATION OF CYCLONES When do we call a storm a storm? State weather forecasters use this guide when classifying weather disturbances visiting Philippine territory. ‘Santi’ has maximum winds of a tropical typhoon. Source: Pagasa

Earlier on Thursday, Pagasa forecasters said they were studying the possibility of recommending yet another round of water release in major dams in Luzon, which were in the direct path of the typhoon. [See: Water release mulled for dams along Santi's path]

Santi is the nineteenth weather disturbance to hit the country this year and the fourth cyclone (after Pepeng, Quedan, and Ramil) to enter the Philippine area of responsibility this month. - GMANews.TV

Another storm is coming and Philippines will be tested once again. This is the 4^th storm in a row and the Philippines fought greatly. We have loses we have failures and still Philippines stood still and still had the time to smile and look at tomorrow as a new day. Indeed Philippines has this treat of out off the bad things that had happen still we continue and live the next day. This storm my not be like the other storm with its winds, rainfall, direction and diameter but still it is just another storm. I just wanted to remind everyone to prepare for it for as I have said “preparation is better than cure.” Moreover, we should always remember that our lives are the greatest treasure we have and it is indeed greater than anything. With this I end with the reminder to everyone that this storm is still a storm nothing a great preparation and alertness can’t handle.  Be safe and my you know that with out everything and everyone God is still her.

Guam Visible Loop:

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/guam/guamloops/guamvs.html

Igoogle Tropical Storm Plugin Image:

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20091029/tph-santi-packs-150kph-winds-may-hit-clu-d6cd5cf.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela

Ramil weakens into a tropical storm

GMANews.TV – Saturday, October 24

State weather forecasters decreased the number of areas under Storm Signal No. 3 as Typhoon Ramil weakened into a tropical storm Friday afternoon. In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ramil’s strength has decreased, now with maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. A comparison of Ramil’s possible paths predicted by Pagasa, the Japan Meteorological Agency, and the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center, as of Friday afternoon. Ramil remains almost stationary with its center 110 kms east northeast of Appari in Cagayan, Pagasa said. The Japan Meteorological Agency, however, showed the cyclone veering further away from northern Luzon.

Repeatedly asked in an earlier media briefing about exactly when Ramil is expected to make a landfall, Pagasa spokesman Nathaniel Cruz emphasized that the exact time and place of the landfall is already immaterial, since even at the storm’s current position, northern Cagayan and the outlying islands are already feeling its full fury.

Earlier at 10 a.m., Pagasa said Ramil packed maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph, prompting the state weather bureau to place under Signal No. 3 (where the strength of winds range from 101 kph-185 kph) the Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Calayan Island, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. But as of 5 p.m. only Northern Cagayan, the Batanes Group of Islands, Calayan Islands, and Babuyan Islands remained under storm Signal No. 3

Areas under storm signal No. 2 (60-100 kph winds) are the rest of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Apayao, while under Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph winds) are Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Isabela, Ifugao, Quirino, and Northern Aurora. As in previous advisories, Pagasa reminded residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under storm signals to take precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides.

It also reminded those living along the coast in areas under signals No. 2 and No. 3 against storm surge and big waves generated by the typhoon.

According to Pagasa, Ramil is expected to be 105 km northeast of Aparri by Saturday afternoon, 115 km northeast of the same area by Sunday afternoon, and 140 km north northeast of Aparri by Monday afternoon.

 

See a more detailed description for each storm warning on Pagasa’s website. Ramil comes on the heels of two cyclones that devastated parts of northern Luzon: tropical storm “Ondoy,” and typhoon “Pepeng.” Both caused massive flooding and loss of lives in Metro Manila and other Luzon areas. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV

The storm is weakening based on the predictions of our people in charge. I hope the situation about the storm continues to go as such, for our fellow Filinonos wellness. One thing I have in mind regarding that storm is that out of all the things that we have now still we cannot know the real status of the storm. I am wondering when could be the day we can know really what these storms are capable of. Can we really know there directions, speeds, gustiness, and other relevant information about these force that indeed have killed many live? Can technology know and not just predict these things? Can a day come when all of us know that a storm is coming and we would have time to protect ourselves, having no casualties what so over? Can a day come when force of nature will not be a threat anymore to use humans? I hope this day will come and I hope when that day comes it would not be too late. For now the only thing we can do is to do our best to protect ourselves and be ready for anything for indeed anything can happen. Moreover I would also want to tell everyone that the force of nature is also controlled by use, mainly our actions. This force of nature mainly global warming is caused by use and our pollution and these floods that we having that are caused by our garbage are all because of us. Let us all do our best to make this world a better place for everyone and for our future family. We are the controllers of this world and what we do is what it is.

Links: PAGASA, Guam Visible Loop, Igoogle storm direction

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20091023/tph-ramil-weakens-into-a-tropical-storm-d6cd5cf.html

by Ronald Joshua R. Adela