Russian couple nabbed,

and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for their support in ensuring the success of the activity.

" Nalipay mi sa overwhelming na pagdawat sa Sayaw Pinoy folk dance (We are happy with the overwhelming reception for the Sayaw Pinoy folk dance)," Alejandre said. "Si Mayor Baste gusto kaayo niya ning arts and culture, hapit na mahimo ang opisina para matutukan gyud ni (Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte is very supportive of arts and culture. Soon

Entries in the children's event performed lively mimic dances while the junior contenders showcased rural and skill dances were highlighted in the adult competition. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron the use of drones in monitorare more effective than sending motorcycle personnel to look at the cause of the

“Basig unsay nahitabo basig naay bangga, basig naay problema so drone siya dali lang kaayo (Maybe something happened, a collision or a problem with the drone it’s easy to see),” he said. (PIA/RG Alama)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews)—A Russian couple summiting Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest peak, were apprehended for failure to obtain a trekking permit.

Felix Alicer, Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Region 12 (DENR–12) director, said the foreign tourists were intercepted last Saturday at the Mandangan Trail in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato province.

Alicer stressed that “ignorance of the law excuses no one,” after the unnamed violators asserted that they were not aware of the trekking regulation.

This was the first ever recorded of such an offense by the Mt. Apo Natural Park–Protected Area Management Bureau (MANP–PAMB).

The two were penalized P2,000 each based on the Unified Trekking Policy of the Mount Apo Natural Park, Alicer said.

Shirley Uy, Mt. Apo Natural Park protected area superintendent (PASu), said that individuals trekking to summit Mt. Apo need first to secure a permit from concerned government agencies in the region.

“This incident should serve as a warning to everybody,” Uy said in a statement.

Towering at 2,954 meters above sea level (9,692 feet), Mt. Apo, locally known as Apo Sandawa, is a large solfataric, dormant stratovolcano straddling Soccsksargen (Region 12) and Davao region.

Uy said the Russian couple was able to reach the hiking area by hiring a habal-habal or passenger motorcycle.

She added that they were summiting the mountain's peak guided by a trekking application utilizing the GPS (global positioning system) feature on their phone.

While trekking to the peak, the foreign tourists were apprehended by Lake Venado camp manager Renante Antac of the Kidapawan City Tour-

They were brought to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office–North Cotabato after failing to present a climbing permit, Antac said.

PASu Uy said the Russian tourists were released aftercome to come back and trek Mt. Apo provided they would acquire a climbing permit.

“To all those who plan to go to the peak of Mt. Apo, we are asking you to secure the necessary permit from concerned offices first before climbing so this incident can be avoided,” she said. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

tian Z. Duterte have been vocal about their support for the LGBT community in Davao City. In his Welcome Remarks for the Reyna Dabawenya 2023, which was delivered by Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain, Jr., Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte acknowledged, “Today, we are not only celebrating the LGBTQ community but also continuing the advocacy of ensuring their inclusion in society…We trust that the Reyna Dabawenya pageant will light a spark for our transwomen while addressing the issues and challenges they are facing such as criticism and discrimination. To the candidates, utilize this opportunity to share your journey and stories as you promote your advocacieslow transwomen. We count on you to be agents and leaders of this movement… As we move forward, let us always remember that we are one people with one culture despite our differences.”

As such, the Davao City’s Reyna Dabawenya beauty pageant is intended to promote the integration of the LGBT community into mainstream life in the City. It does serve a purpose in giving young and talented gay candidates social skills, poise and personality.” Not to fail to mention the cash prize that goes with it to help in the daily needs of the family. up the RMC Petro Gazz Arena last March 15, 2023, at 6:00 pm to show their full support for the 20 candidates vying for the Reyna Dabawenya 2023 title. The fast-paced beauty pageant hosted by the charming beauty queen Carly Chua and Darwin Gevero was under the professional direction of Dan Salvana of Salvo Events. The judges namely Jehza Huelar-Simon, Fushia Anne Ravena, Dindi Tan, Albert Lim and Michael E. Dakudao were assigned to evaluate the 20 candidates in the Modern Filipiniana (30%) and Long Gown (30%) competitions from which six finalists were chosen to move to the next round. The six candidates then underwent a Q&A session (20%) from which the best three were chosen based on their intelligence and communication skills. In addition, 10% was computed for the candidates’ deportment based on their attendance, obedience in following rules and good conduct; while an additional 10% was rated for their overall impact.

After the Q&A, only three candidates were left on the stage which included

Gretchen Marie Alngog, Maria Daizy Beronio and Sheila Magpale III. These three had to answer a question on what they think the City Government can do to promote gender inclusivity and eradicate transphobia. The statuesque and dusky Sheila Magpale III gave the best answer as, luckily, her advocacy is on the subject matter. She articulately mentioned about the Sexual Orientation and Gender

Identity Expression Equality Bill which is also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill which are a series of House and Senate Bills that were introduced in the 17th and 18 th Congress which aims to set into law measures to prevent bullying, discrimination, harassment, and violence (physical and psychological).

By the end of the threehour long pageant, Sheila Magpale III was crowned Reyna Dabawenya 2023 with Gretchen Marie and Maria Daizy Beronio as second runner up. Special prizes were awarded to Keysi Guidotti (Smart Choice Award), Rexy Lastimosa (Miss Friendship), Nathalie Ibabao (Miss Photogenic), and Sheila Magpale III (Best in Filipiniana and Best in Long Gown).

Congratulations to the winners; and better luck next time to the other candidates.