Weekly Philippines (PH) and the World is a weekly curation of the the biggest news for the week. Be updated every Saturday. Follow | Upvote | Resteem @gilnambatac

1. THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

January 08, 2018

Photo courtesy of Miguel Isidro

"Hundreds began lining up on Sunday afternoon for the traditional Pahalik, one of the series of activities ahead of the Traslacion, where Nazareno devotees aim to touch the image of the suffering Christ, or at least the ropes pulling it, reminiscent of the gospel story of the bleeding woman who touched the cloak of Christ and was healed.


Devotees believe that joining the exhausting pilgrimage is a way of showing gratitude for the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. They also claim that participating in the annual procession will make a wish come true, if one has 'strong faith'."
(Raadee S. Sausa and Ashley Erika Jose), Manila Times

NO ONE CAN'T beat the religious faith of the Filipinos. And it is well exhibited during the celebration of the Black Nazarene. According to Manila Times 17,500 devotees flooded the streets just to join this procession. From men to female, old and young, able or physically challenged, all of them are there in seek for a holy miracle or to say their thanksgiving for a having a blessed life.

2. North Korea will send a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics

January 09, 2018

North Korea 2010 Winter Olympics Photo Courtesy by CNN

The two nations also agreed to hold military talks aimed at reducing animosity along their tense border and to "actively cooperate" in the Games, which open on Feb. 9 in PyeongChang some 50 miles from the boundary.


The sensitive discussions, held in Panmunjom, in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), were closed to outside observers. (NBC News)

The world is at the edge after Kim Jong Un, during his New Year's Speech, reminded President Donald Trump on how easy he can wipe out USA because his nuclear button is just at his table. To loosen the tension, North Korea decided to join for this year's Winter Olympics. Despite the nuclear tension, we should hope that peace will still be maintained.

Personally, I hope the USA won't do anything drastic to not provoke the fear-stricken North. Let's hope the North Korean delegation will do good in the said sports festival.

3 . "Bitcoin tumbles as South Korea plans Trading Ban", Financial Times

January 10, 2018

Photo courtesy of Pexels

"Fevered demand has driven South Korean traders to pay premiums of more than 40 per cent over international rates for bitcoin, but raised concerns among officials that buyers could be exploited.", Financial Times.

"Throw a stone at Bitcoin and it will be felt in the entire world." This, I guess, is the general rule in the crypto-trading world. All are on eyes in Bitcoin. Especially after the news broke out on South Korea's Justice Minister is crafting a bill to ban Bitcoin and any cryptocurrencies. Thus the panic among bitcoin hodlers.

"There are great concerns regarding virtual currencies and the justice ministry is basically preparing a bill to ban cryptocurrency trading through exchanges,” said Park Sang-ki, South Korea’s justice minster. " (Financial Times)

We need also to acknowledge that one-third of South Korean workers are cryto-investor. Will South Korea's move against the crypto-market define the future of the cryptocurrency world?

4. Army Batallion on the move to Northern Mindanao vs NPA

January 11, 2018

Photo Courtesy: GMA News

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command has deployed an Army battalion to Northern Mindanao amid the threat of communist rebels there.


The 65th Infantry Battalion led by Ltc. Richard Rabaca was formally welcomed at the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday.
(Frances Mangosing, Inquirer)

This news brings both good and bad news. Good as it gives peace of mind that the people in Mindanao need (because of the aftermath brought by PH-ISIS war in Marawi). Bad because of the potential military harassment in the hinterland. Most people who are afraid of the militarization of the rural areas are the Indigenous People (IP)/ Lumad.

This fear is not just a paranoia. November 2017 army forces occupied a lumad community in Lianga, Surigao de Sur right after President Duterte's announcement of cracking down order against the supporters of the New People's Army (NPA). This forceful occupation made 327 families with 1,177 individuals from 14 barangays to evacuate. Aids from various non-government organizations started to come but the Armed Forces of the Philippines blocked anyone who brings food, water, and other basic needs to the evacuees.

Obviously, the AFP denied the "allegation" of "food blockade". There are also reports of military killing lumads in another part of Mindanao.

5. Mayon Volcano, active?

Wikiphotos: 1984 Mayon Volcano Pyroclastic flow

The phreatic or steam-driven explosion started at 5:06 p.m. and was ongoing as of 6 p.m., PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum told CNN Philippines.


He said Mayon remains under Alert Level 1 and residents of Albay are advised to exercise caution. (CNN Philippines)

Mayon Volcano, the notorious volcano in the Philippines that causes alarm to every Filipino in the country, shows activity again.

"The main danger will be the ash fall so people should cover their mouths and noses with wet clothes or handerchief or even mask." Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum told CNN Philippines.

We hope dear Mayon will calm down.