Good morning. Thursday means it’s officially almost Friday, which means it’s pretty much the weekend… right?

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Local News

😤 Clearing the Air: Philippines’ Take on the Vape ‘Pandemic’

By Tobias Bautista

In a unique collaboration, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has teamed up with several government agencies to tackle what they're calling the "silent pandemic" of e-cigarette and vape use among youth.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban highlighted the urgency, stating, "It's not even silent anymore. It’s becoming part of the normal.” Vaping has become as common as background music - you hear it everywhere!"

The education system is deploying age-appropriate interventions to educate students about the risks of vaping. Parents are also urged to stay vigilant, especially with the ease of online vape purchases.

Dr. Maricar Limpin, a pulmonologist, is sounding the alarm about the rise in vape-related lung injuries among young people.

For those looking to quit vaping or smoking, resources like the DOH's Quitline 1558 (via call) and local government cessation programs are available. It's time to say goodbye to vape clouds and hello to a healthier future!

💪 Balikatan 2024: The Philippines, US, and a Special Guest

by Tobias Bautista

In Manila, Colonel Michael Logico stressed the importance of joint military exercises like Balikatan 2024 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States of America. According to Logico, these drills aren't just for show—they're like hitting the gym for the military, keeping them ready for action in case anything pops up.

This year's Balikatan will see a maritime jam session in the West Philippine Sea, featuring the navies of the Philippines, the US, and even France, with coast guards from Manila and Washington joining the party. They're also planning some smaller drills up north in Batanes, testing out new defense strategies.

France is making its Balikatan debut, sending a fancy warship to play along. While the Philippines doesn't have a visiting forces agreement with France, they're sticking to exercises outside territorial waters.

Meanwhile, the US Army has brought a big missile system for a pre-Balikatan warm-up. It's like bringing a massive water gun to a pool party—no firing allowed, just a logistics exercise to show off the hardware.

As they gear up for Balikatan 2024, these exercises are not only serious business but also a chance for some military bonding and showing off the coolest toys in the region.

World News

⛈ Rain Rain Go Away

By Titus Bautista

The United Arab Emirates experienced heavy thunderstorms since Monday (April 15). In a country where rain rarely makes an appearance, more than 142mm (5.59 inches) of rain soaked the desert-city of Dubai in 2 days. Compare that to the yearly average of 94.7mm (3.73 inches). Maybe they can learn a thing or two from our country’s drainage system… oh wait, maybe just a thing.

After going through almost a year and a half worth of rain in such a short span, major highways in the city and its international airport were flooded. Planes had to land in water-filled taxiways. Aircraft personnel had difficulty accessing the airfield to do their jobs. Check-in for passengers in one of the busiest international airports - the home of aircraft carrier Emirates - had to be suspended from 8 am until midnight of yesterday. Anyone here know how airport authorities would have resolved that chaos?

Sports

🏙 Blake Griffin announces retirement at just 35 years old

By Koby del Rosario

One-third of the founders of “Lob City” is officially retiring from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Blake Griffin, who last played for the Boston Celtics, posted a short but sweet Instagram post regarding his announcement.

“I never envisioned myself as the guy who would have a “letter to basketball” retirement announcement…and I’m still not going to be that guy. But, as I reflected on my career, the one feeling I kept coming back to and the one thing I wanted to express was thankfulness,” said the six-time All-Star as he went on to thank his family, agent, and for everything that made his 14-year career unforgettable.

The 2009 first overall pick last saw action for the 2022-2023 Boston Celtics, where, playing in 41 total games, he averaged 4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds. He is most known for his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he formed “Lob City” with star guard Chris Paul and big man DeAndre Jordan as they would wreak havoc in the league with their electrifying alley-oops and thunderous jams.

For his career, Griffin tallied averages of 19 points, 8 boards, and 4 assists a game. His last All-Star and fifth All-NBA year was in the 2018-2019 season, where he would lead the Detroit Pistons to the playoffs posting numbers of 24.5 markers, 7.5 caroms, and 5.4 dimes per game. 

What a career for the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion.

⬆️ Lakers advance to Playoffs, Kings cruise past Warriors

By Koby del Rosario

Day 1 of the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Play-In Tournament is in the books and the Western Conference match-ups did not disappoint.

In the No. 7 versus No. 8 Play-In game, the Los Angeles Lakers (8th) held off a late surge by the New Orleans Pelicans (7th), 110-106, to earn a first round series against the defending champions, Denver Nuggets (2nd). Player of the game honors went to Lebron James, who put up a near triple double of 23 points, 9 boards, 9 assists to go with 3 steals. Supplementing him were D’Angelo Russell’s 21 markers with five threes and Anthony Davis with a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double.

The Lakers will now have a mighty task to handle as they meet the Nuggets once again in a repeat of the 2023 Western Conference Finals—this time in the first round.

Despite the loss, NOLP star Zion Williamson shined in his first experience of the postseason—going for 40 points, 11 boards, and five dimes. Unfortunately, however, it all came to a screeching halt when he went down with a left leg injury late in the fourth quarter.

Later on, the Sacramento Kings (9th) went up against the Golden State Warriors (10th). In the battle to stay alive with Playoff hopes, SacTown was masterful against Dub Nation as they beat them down, 118-94. Even with the absence of spark plugs Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter, the duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis was still very productive but it was second-year forward Keegan Murray who stepped up with 32 markers with eight hits from downtown and nine caroms.

This win sets up a rubber match between them and the Pelicans for the right to face the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

On the flip side, many are signaling that this could be the end of the Warriors dynasty, as despite Curry hitting for 22 points, fellow splash brother Klay Thompson went 0/10 in the field—including 0/6 with the three-ball. 

The Play-In’s are not done though, as the Eastern Conference games are later this morning—with the Philadelphia 76ers (7th) hosting the Miami Heat (8th) while the Chicago Bulls (9th) will face the Atlanta Hawks (10th).

News Roundup

• Messaging service Telegram will hit 1 Billion users this year, founder says

• PAGASA warns us of high temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius over the coming weeks

• The Philippines’ Ocean Health Index score plunges to 214th place out of 220, with a score of 58.3, way below world average of 73.

• The biggest gold theft in Canada just took place as 9 people are facing charges.

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