...the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifyer

Philippines earns ticket to FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in India


Philip Matel
ESPN
01 November 2019

The Philippines booked a ticket in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in India from March 18-22 next year.

FIBA made the announcement in a gala in Utsunomiya, Japan on Friday, the site of the 2019 World Tour Final. Tokyo will play host to the Summer Games next August for the first time since 1964.

The Philippines is in Group Pool C, along with Slovenia, France, Qatar, and the Dominican Republic.

A total of 20 countries will be vying for three slots for Tokyo. An additional spot will be allotted to the winner of the Universality-driven Olympic Qualifying Tournament, to be held in Hungary in April.

Host Japan and top three countries Serbia, China, and Russia were given direct qualification to the inaugural tournament in the men's division. In the women's category, Russia, China, Mongolia, and Romania directly qualified.

Other countries that have qualified include India, the United States, Latvia, Poland, Mongolia, Netherlands, Lithuania, Brazil, Belarus, Canada, Croatia,South Korea, Turkey, Spain, and New Zealand in the men's division.

Meanwhile, for the distaff division, India, Hungary, France, Iran, Netherlands, Italy, Chinese Taipei, Estonia, United States, Germany, Ukraine, Belarus, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Uruguay, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Australia, and Sri Lanka also advanced to the tournament.

"We're very happy that the Philippines will be competing in the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament for a shot at making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics," said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio.

"3x3 is an area where Filipino basketball players can really excel and we're delighted that a Filipino basketball team will get to test their skills against the world's best."

The Philippines, which started 61st in the World Rankings at the start of 2019, leapt over 40 spots and went as high as 20 -- primarily due to a collective effort on numerous fronts.

Major players include the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 tournaments, which featured four conferences, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' Pambansang Tatluhan.

Also a contributor was the country's international involvement in this emerging variety, with several clubs like Pasig, Balanga, and Basilan participating in several high-level 3x3 competitions over the past nine months. Manila also played host to some high-profile 3x3 contests, including the first-ever Challenger tournament last September.

The pool for the 3x3 squads will be determined at a later date. However, FIBA rules stipulate that at least two of the four must be part of a country's Top 10 3x3 rankings.

To serve as tuneup for the OQT, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 will open its 2020 season in January.

"We would like to thank the [SBP], headed by chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and president Al Panlilio, the numerous private promoters, all the players from Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, and of course, the Filipino people who supported us for the last nine months," bared CTG Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas.

"The journey is far from over as the goal is to not just make it to the OQT. The endgame is to make it to Tokyo. We are all going all out to prepare our national team for this and we hope that everyone joins us in this journey."

...the land of believers

China has the most atheists, Indonesia and Philippines the most believers

Tanutam Thawan| The Thaiger.com

19 October 2019

“According to the survey there is a connection between religiosity, beliefs and socio-demographic characteristics like age, income and education level.”

China is the least believing country in the world but belief in a God gets 100% mention in countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh and Philippines, according to the survey by Gallup International.

According to the survey exploring religious tendencies of 66,000 people in 68 countries across the world, 62 per cent of people in the world define themselves as religious, 74% of people globally believe we have a ‘soul’ and 71% believe in a God. Another 56% believe in heaven, 54% in life after death and 49% in hell.

China has the highest percentage of atheists in the world with 67% not believing in any religion. Every seven out ten people are atheists, more than double than any other country. 23% consider themselves as non-religious. Less than 10% identify themselves as religious in China.

China’s atheist percentage is followed by Japan, a long way behind in second place at 29%, Slovenia (28%) and Chech Republic (25%). Despite rapid industrialisation and urbanisation religion has stayed relevant in the South Korean region with only 23% identifying as atheist.

European countries like Belgium (21 %), France (21%) , Sweden (18%) and Iceland (17%) also have a large percentage of believing population.

Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines are the most believing countries with entire population claiming to believe in God, soul, hell and heaven. Thailand and Pakistan have 99% believing population, followed by India, Vietnam and Mongolia.

The survey shows that the levels of religiosity diminish as income and education levels increase. While 66% of people with low income affirm to be religious, this percentage drops to 50% among people with higher incomes. The same trend is verified in relation to education levels: 83% of people with lower education level are religious against 49% of higher level.

According to the survey there is a connection between religiosity, beliefs and socio-demographic characteristics like age, income and education level. As education and income levels grow higher, religiosity levels tend to go down. Also, the expression of different beliefs is higher among young people.

The level of education has a considerable influence on the perception of religion by the society. Women and young children show higher percentage for spiritual forces.

...the PH cheerleader

Philippines places 3rd in cheerleading world championships

 

 

Sun Star

Friday, November 29, 2013

THE Philippines provided another milestone by taking two bronzes in the recently concluded 7th Cheerleading World Championships at the Impact Arena in Nonthaburi, Bangkok, Thailand.

Bannered by the 3rd PSC-Philippine National Games champions -- the University of the Philippines pep squad, along with teams coming from 3rd PNG co-champions from Centro Escolar University, St. Pedro Poveda College and the Zamboanga City Red Barons -- the nationals duplicated their bronze medal finish in 2011 with an aggregate score of 408.5 points in the Team Cheer event, behind repeat World Champions Japan with 517 points and hosts, Thailand, who also repeated their silver medal placing with a score of 496 points.

Contributed photo

The first surprise bronze medal was captured by Philippines Team B, which was anchored by UP Pep squad members Audrey Munoz, Donina Ramirez and members Aaron Casurao, Leandro De Chavez, Nil Costales and Kim Parra. They surprised the highly favored teams from Russia, Slovenia and former world champions Chinese Taipeh with a score of 223 points.

Russia took home the gold in the mixed group stunts event, while Thailand Team A took the silver with 229.5 points.

The Philippine All Female teams who were in contention for a bronze medal before the start of the finals failed to gain momentum by and landed sixth (All female team, 268.5 points) and fourth place (All female group stunts, 124.5 points). Japan dominated both events followed by Germany and Russia.

The Cheerdance team was 7 points adrift of bronze behind Poland and Japan on the first day but couldn’t gain ground as they finished fifth with a total score of 343 points. Russia again flexed its muscle in this event followed by Germany and Poland.

In all, it was the best showing by the Philippines by far in the any international cheerleading competition since competing in the international stage in 2007. It augers well for programs of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Philippine Sports Commission, which is embarking on mass-based program through the Batang Pinoy Games.

The team arrives in Manila today and will start in helping in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the Typhoon Yolanda victims in the Visayas region. (PR)

 

...the PHL medalists at Czech rifle meet

PHL team wins six medals at air rifle meet in Czech Republic

August 30, 2013

GMA News

 

 

The Philippines won six silver medals at the 2013 Rimfire and Air Rifle Benchrest Federation (WRABF) European and World Cup Championship at the Plzen Shooting Range in Plzen, Czech Republic from August 3 to 15.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine National Benchrest Team includes the country’s top benchrest shooters.

"Participating countries include Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela," the DFA said in a news release.

The WRABF Championship is held every four years, and is the biggest so far with over 130 registered competitors.

Winning the medals were the Heavy Varmin Team of Bernie Paras Gan, Louie Gonzales, and Randy Paronda in the 25 meters rimfire; and the Sporter Team of Dondi Santos, Marlon Palmario, and Felino Neri in the 50-meter rimfire event.

Mission chief Richard Fernandez, team statistician Mariano Manuel Cacho III, Team Captain Tony Olbes, Co-captain Enchong Formoso, Team Coach Randy Paronda, and Gun Smith and Athlete Ronaldo Hejastro led the mission.

The 19-member team consists of Josefino Alvero, Eleuterio Canivel, Jose Maria Esteban, Augusto Estrada, Lorenzo Formoso, Augusto Gan, Bernadette Gan, Luis Gonzales, Edwin Jeremillo, Frumencio Lagustan, Eugene Manalastas, Jimmy Maniwang, Felino Neti, Antonio Olbes, Marlino Palmario, Randy Paronda, Maria Blanca Parsons, Francis Purez, and Paulo Santos.

"(A)lthough this is the first time that the Philippine team joined the World Cup, Filipinos must be proud of the Philippine benchrest shooting team’s excellent showing in the shooting matches" Philippine Chargé d’affairés Consul and First Secretary Juan Dayang Jr. said.

Dayang added the Philippine team earned the respect of powerhouse international benchrest shooters through their hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. - VVP, GMA News

 

 

...the Gusi peace prize awardee

Filipino peace prize awardee

By Manila Standard Today
Nov. 26, 2012

Dr. James G. Dy, the Gusi Peace Prize winner for Social Services and Philanthropy, was the only Filipino among 20 Laureates out of 128 candidates from Canada, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Iraq, Kuwait, Serbia, Uganda, Mauritius, Argentina, USA, China, United Kingdom, Mexico, Slovenia, Finland, Ukraine, Malaysia, Peru, and Russia.

Recognition rites will be held on November 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center for the philanthropist, who has been involved in social, civic and charitable work for more than 30 years.

Dr. Dy is the President of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc., which operates the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center that served as his vehicle in supporting various charitable causes, including fund-raising and livelihood projects, medical and dental missions to far flung areas, and relief operations to devastated communities in times of calamities and disasters.

In 2002, he was elected Governor of the Philippine Red Cross and Governor of the Philippine Constitution Association, positions which he holds up to this day.

He earned four honorary doctorate degrees: Doctor of Humanities, University of Pangasinan in 1999; Doctor of Business Administration, Lyceum-Northwestern University, Pangasinan, in March 2004; Doctor of Humanities, Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, November 2006; and Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management, Technological University of the Philippines, March 2007.

Dr. Dy was named Outstanding Filipino Awardee for Humanitarian Service by the Philippine Jaycee Senate and Insular Life Insurance Ltd. He also received the Outstanding Manilans Award for having distinguished himself in business and industry, hospital administration and humanitarian advocacy during the 428th Founding Anniversary of Manila, and was the outstanding Chinese-Filipino to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence. His qualities as a civic leader and as a father were recognized by the Ulirang Ama Award along with the conferment of the title Ambassador for Medical Tourism in 2001.

...the Choir gold medalist in China

Muntinlupa choir wins gold medal in intl competition in China

 

KARLA MAQUILING

GMA News

November 14, 2012

 

 

The Muntinlupa Science High School (MSHS) Chorale brought home the gold medal in the

Mixed Youth Choirs category at the Guangzhou International Open Competition held from

November 8 to 14 in Guangzhou, mainland China.

 

 

With conductor Ivy Rose Casiguran-Puri, the chorale group received 24.78 points for its 15-

minute, three-choral-piece performance.

 

 

The MSHS Chorale bested nine other choir groups from Indonesia and mainland China,

including Exodia Youth Choir, Gita Swara Nassa Indonesian Youth Choir, Sixers Voice Choir,

SCAU New Voice, Xinghai Further Education College Festival Chorus, Enharmonic Singers

SMAN 1 Pandaan, Zhong Yuan High School Choir, Guangdong Zhaoqing Middle School

Chorus, and Student's Mixed Choir of Zhongshan Overseas Middle School.
 

The Guangzhou Open was the group’s first international competition. Five other Philippine

choral groups joined the contest.

 

 

The other Pinoy groups that competed were the Calasiao Children’s Chorus, Coro San

Benildo, Novo Concertante Manila, Tarlac State University Chamber Choir, and the Lipa Choral

Ensemble.

 

 

The Guangzhou International Open Competition attracted more than 70 lay and amateur choirs

representing Indonesia, Estonia, mainland China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Slovenia, Thailand,

Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Russia.

 

 

Participants can choose to join any of the seven categories. The winners of the Guangzhou

International Open Competition who get more than 23,00 points would then go on to compete in

the 1st Xinghai Prize International Choir Championships on the same week.

 

 

Award-winning chorus

The MSHS Chorale, which was included in the top 1,000 choirs around the world by

international music organization Interkultur, has won numerous awards locally.

 

 

This year, the group won two awards: the championship at the Outstanding Show Choir Tilt

in Muntinlupa held in February, and the first prize at the Eco-Chorale Competition at the 23 rd

Philippine Travel Mart in September.

 

 

The group won the fourth place in the National Choral Competition organized by the Manila

Broadcasting Company in December 2011 and was named champion at the Hallmark Music

and Memories Chorale Competition and Voices in Harmony 2010.

 

 

The group’s other awards include the grand championship prize at the Ang Aming Munting

Handog chorale festival in December 2008 and at the SM Malls Singing Makabayan Choir

Competition; Best in Choice Piece at the 2008 Musikapella; and third place at the NAMCYA for

two consecutive times.

 

 

According to the group’s conductor, the MSHS choir’s members not only excel in the performing

arts but also in the sciences. - VVP, GMA News

...the World's budget English Teacher

BBC report: PH drawing thousands of foreign students for its affordable English classes

By Lawrence de Guzman
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Monday, November 12th, 2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — The world’s “budget English teacher.”

This is how the Philippines was called in a recent BBC News report  highlighting the country’s relatively cheap access to education compared to other English-speaking nations.

The report, written by Kate McGeown and posted online on Monday, noted the surge in the number of foreign students attracted by the country’s competitive rates for English education, which costs only a fraction of the tuition in schools in the United States or Canada.

Aside from language students, the number of foreign graduate and post-graduate students in the country is reportedly on the rise, apparently recognizing that local universities are at par with global standards.

A check with the Bureau of Immigration Student Desk indicated that as of October 2012, a total of 24,680 foreigners had applied for study permits, which was more than thrice the applications in 2008 totaling 7,569.

The agency also expects the applications for full student visas to reach at least 23,000 by the end of the year, which is over four times the 2008 figure of 5,336 applications.

A major advantage for Filipinos is having a clear American accent, according to the report, “partly because the Philippines was a US colony for five decades, and partly because so many people here have spent time working in call centers that cater to a US market.”

But studying in the Philippines has presented some challenges to students, the report pointed out.

“Living here means coping with the bureaucracy and corruption, and if you’re in Manila, the heavy pollution,” it said.

Moreover, foreigners may find it difficult to understand Taglish, a mix of Tagalog and English which Filipinos use in informal communication.

“But for an increasing number of people, these are small obstacles compared with the benefits of studying in the Philippines,” added the report.

This is not the first time the country has been recognized for its English proficiency.

Last April, the Philippines topped 75 other countries in the Business English Index 2012 prepared by the GlobalEnglish Corp., a California-based company that aims to advance business English among global organizations.

Only the Philippines attained a score above 7.0, a “level within range of a high proficiency that indicates an ability to take an active role in business discussions and perform relatively complex tasks,” GlobalEnglish said in its release.

The Philippines is joined in the top five by Norway (6.54), Estonia (6.45), Serbia (6.38) and Slovenia (6.19).

Noting that a country’s business English capability is an indicator of its economic growth and business success, GlobalEnglish said that “it is not surprising that both the Philippines and Norway—the only two countries in the top five in both 2011 and 2012—are improving their economies, based on the latest GDP data from the World Bank.”

...the ONE

Belief in God strongest in PH, Catholic countries - survey

Reuters

04/18/2012

Belief in God grows as mortality nears


CHICAGO - Belief in God is highest among older people and increases with age, perhaps due to the growing realization that death is coming closer, University of Chicago researchers said on Wednesday.

Summarizing data from surveys performed in 1991, 1998 and 2008 in 30 countries from Chile to Japan, the university's National Opinion Research Center found that, on average, 43 percent of those aged 68 and older were certain that God exists.

By comparison, an average of 23 percent of people aged 27 and younger were firm believers in God, according to the report, which gathered data from the International Social Survey Program, a consortium of the world's leading opinion survey organizations.

"Looking at differences among age groups, the largest increases in belief in God most often occur among those 58 years of age and older. This suggests that belief in God is especially likely to increase among the oldest groups, perhaps in response to the increasing anticipation of mortality," researcher Tom Smith said in a statement.

Over the past two decades, belief in God has decreased in most countries, but the declines were modest, Smith said.

Belief was highest in strongly Catholic countries such as the Philippines, at 94 percent, and lowest in Western Europe, with only 13 percent of former East Germans believers.

Israel, Slovenia and Russia were three exceptions where belief in God had grown. For instance in Russia, non-believers who became believers outnumbered by 16 percent those who had lost their belief in God.

In the United States, 81 percent of people surveyed said they had always believed in God, and 68 percent support the concept that God is concerned with people in a personal way.

People were asked about their range of beliefs, from atheism to strong belief in God; their changing beliefs over their lifetimes; and their attitudes toward the notion that God is concerned with individuals.

The countries surveyed were Australia, Austria, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

...the Homeless World Cup

PHL shocks USA in Homeless World Cup

RENEE FOPALAN, GMA News

08/23/2011

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

The Philippines recovered from an opening day loss to Slovenia when it defeated the United States, 4-3, Monday at the Homeless World Cup in Paris, France.

The Filipinos made up for Slovenia's come from behind victory against them last Sunday (4-6), winning against Ghana (4-3) and the United States.

With a 2-1 win-loss card, Team Philippines will play consecutive matches against Switzerland and European powerhouse Netherlands on Tuesday.

Switzerland suffered consecutive losses against Netherlands (2-9) and the United States (3-4) before finally winning against Slovenia (4-1) on Monday.

The Filipinos' second opponent, Netherlands, also scored lopsided wins against Ghana (8-1) and Slovenia (9-1). The Netherlands' lone loss was against Kenya (1-14).

The Philippines, along with USA, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ghana and Slovenia, are in Group H. The top three teams in each group will advance to play in Section 1 while the other three squads will be relegated to play in Section 2.

A total of six championship cups are being played for in the tournament depending on team rankings, but only the top eight that emerges from Section 1 will play for the Homeless World Cup. - JVP, GMA News

...the citations

Filipinos earn citations here, abroad

 

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

July 6, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

Manny Pacquiao is nominated at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards, while Jose Javier Reyes is one of the featured directors in a coffee table book launched by Instituto Cervantes (Pacquiao’s photo by AP)

 
MANILA, Philippines – The proliferation of nasty controversies these days apparently can’t water down the recent feats of local personalities.
 

Joining the ranks of our countrymen who champion Filipino pride here and abroad, led of course by the unstoppable international boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, are a handful of FIlipinos with their recent victories and accolades earned in their respective fields.


Champion for kids, too 


Boxer-congressman Manny Pacquiao will go head-to-head with fellow sports superstars in one of the most popular entertainment events in the US, the 2011 Teen Choice Awards, which will be held on Aug. 7.


The champion pugilist is nominated in the "Choice Athlete: Male" category alongside National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki, mixed martial artist Jon Jones, baseball player Albert Pujols and snowboarder-skateboarder-surfer Shaun White.


Taking over Europe


In another part of the world, another Filipino act is making waves for their singing prowess: Ateneo De Manila College Glee Club (ACGC).

As reported by ABS-CBN News, the renowned 34-member group, composed of 17 boys and 17 girls, has dominated various chorale competitions in Europe, having been awarded the grand prize at the 33rd Varna International May Choir Competition in Bulgaria, as well as the first prize in its Mixed Choir category, and the Best Interpretation of a Bulgarian piece.


In Switzerland this year, the 90-year-old music ensemble bagged first prize at the 47th Montreux Choral Festival. They also took home People’s Choice, Program’s Choice, Compulsory Work’s Prize, and Interpretation Prize.


ACGC has reaped recognition at the Harmonie Festival 2011 in Germany as well, namely first prize in Folk Song rendition and third prize in Mixed Choir category.


Their triumphs didn’t stop there as they placed second at the 11th Mednarodno Zborovsko Tekmovanje Maribor (or the International Choral Competition Maribor) in Slovenia.


To top it all, the same report added that the ACGC qualified for the European Grand Prix in 2012.


In an interview on “Umagang Kay Ganda” on July 6, ACGC choir director Ma. Lourdes Hermo noted, “We do our period music very well. We also rehearse our folk songs and this time, we did it with good choreography.”


For the Filipino filmmakers


In literature, a trilingual coffee table book that pays tribute to some of the finest filmmakers of the country was launched last July 5 by Instituto Cervantes De Manila.


The book titled "44 Cineastas Filipinos, Filipino Filmmakers, Mga Sineastang Pilipino" is a compilation of portraits by Oscar Orengo, a Spanish photographer, who shot the directors in their location of choice in Manila.


The photos were first exhibited in 2009 during the Pelicula film festival.


Among the featured filmmakers in "44" are veterans like Eddie Romero, Jose Javier Reyes, and Celso Ad Castillo, as well as the new breed of internationally-acclaimed directors such as Brillante Mendoza, Raya Martin, Ellen Ramos, Byron Bryant and Paolo Villaluna.


Distinguished alumna


Meanwhile, Luchi Cruz-Valdes, one of the most respected and multi-awarded journalists in the country, has just added another feather in her cap.

The head of TV5’s News and Information Division is the recipient of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Broadcast Journalism for this year, reported Interaksyon.com.


Cruz-Valdes was an “iskolar ng bayan” back in the '80s, having earned both her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Broadcast Communication in the university.


In her decades-spanning career, Cruz-Valdes has merited multiple honors from prestigious award-giving bodies, including a silver medal for Outstanding Social and Current Affairs documentary at the New York Festivals.


In 2001, she was also the bestowed the Broadcaster of the Year award by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkater sa Pilipinas (KBP).

...the Ateneo glee

Ateneo choir triumphs in Europe

abs-cbnNEWS.com

06/22/2011

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo de Manila College Glee Club (ACGC) returned this week to Manila from their European tour bearing good news.

The ACGC, one of the oldest and most distinguished university choirs in the country, bagged several awards in Europe: grand prize and champion at the 33rd Varna International May Choir Competition in Bulgaria; first prize at the 47th Montreux Choral Festival in Switzerland; 3rd prize (Mixed Choir Category) at the Harmonie Festival 2011 in Germany, and; 2nd place at the 11th Mednarodno Zborovsko Tekmovanje Maribor (International Choral Competition Maribor) in Slovenia.

At the Varna competition, the group also won the 1st prize in the Mixed Choir Category and Best Interpretation of a Bulgarian piece. They also qualified for the European Chorale Grand Prix in 2012.

At the Montreux contest, meanwhile, ACGC also clinched the People's Choice, the Compulsory Work's Prize, and the Program's Choice and its Interpretation Prize.

Besting 11 other choirs from Belarus, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Singapore, Slovenia, Uganda, Ukraine and Germany, ACGC took home the 1st Prize in Folk Song rendition at the Harmonie Festival 2011 held in Lindenholzhausen, Limburg/Lahn in Germany.

Composed of 17 girls and 17 boys, ACGC also performed at Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld in Germany for the 150th birth anniversary of Filipino national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

They capped their European tour by joining the International Choir Days in Mainhausen, Germany.

ACGC choir director Ma. Lourdes V. Hermo said their success is due to the team's hard work and dedication to bring honor to the country.

...the lakes beautiful

12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

By Beth Collins
Yahoo! Travel

These 12 lakes go to all the right extremes—highest, deepest, clearest—and showcase nature at its most spectacular. Soak up the views from a boat, a cable car, a trailhead, or a castle tower.

Malawi

Lake Malawi

Home to 1,000 species of fish—estimated to be more than anyplace on earth—Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) is Africa's third largest lake at 363 miles long and up to about 50 miles wide in spots. Located in a depression 2,300 feet below sea level, it's positioned at the crossroads of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania, and supports hundreds of local villages with its rich underwater stock (which is, unfortunately, gradually being depleted due to over-fishing). The lake's southern portion—as well as a bordering nub of wildlife-rich land, Cape Maclear—represents the world's first freshwater national park; it was also named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. A star of the waters here is the mbuna, a native freshwater fish known for eating directly from people's hands. Bring your snorkel gear—as beautiful as the scenery is, the best part about Lake Malawi is what's swimming beneath you in the crystal clear water.

Nearby: Cape Maclear, located within Lake Malawi National Park, is a perfect base for exploring the area.



Lake Malawi is positioend at the crossroads
of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania and
supports hundreds of local villages with its
rich underwater stock.

Photo: Ian Cumming/age fotostock

Alberta, Canada

Peyto Lake

Alberta's Lake Louise is the famous one, on all the postcards and posters. But Louise's sister lake 29 miles north along Icefields Parkway, a two-laner that winds 142 miles through the Canadian Rockies, is even more picturesque. Thanks to glacial rock flour that flows in when the ice and snow melt every summer, the waters of Banff National Park's Peyto Lake are a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora. For the most dramatic views of the 1.7-mile-long stunner, encircled with dense forest and craggy mountain peaks, pull into the lot at Bow Summit, the parkway's highest point, and follow the steep hike to the overlook.

Nearby: The town of Banff, the heart of the park, is 62 miles south of Peyto Lake.

In the Canadian province of Alberta, Peyto Lake lies amid the Canadian Rockies. Its waters pop with a brilliant turquoise more often associated with warm-weather paradises like Antigua and Bora-Bora.

Photo: Courtesy Travel Alberta

Oregon

Crater Lake

Thousands of years ago, the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range exploded. The massive pit left behind became known as Crater Lake, the centerpiece of a national park in southern Oregon that displays nature at its rawest and most powerful. Forests of towering evergreens and 2,000-foot-high cliffs surround the lake, where extraordinarily deep waters—at 1,943 feet, it's the deepest lake in the United States—yield an intense sapphire-blue hue. If winter hiking and cross-country skiing aren't your thing, wait until early July to visit, when the roads have been plowed and the trails cleared. Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles the lake, has picture-perfect views from all sides. For a closer look, follow the mile-long Cleetwood Cove Trail to the shore. Brace yourself before diving in: The water temperature rarely rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nearby: The laid-back mountain town of Bend, 112 miles away, makes a nice home base for a Crater Lake day trip.

The extraordinarily deep waters of Crater Lake yield an intense sapphire-blue hue.

Photo: Tim McGuire/Corbis

Philippines

Taal Lake

This dangerous beauty, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two distinct claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines, with a depth of 564 feet. It is also home to one of the world's smallest but most active volcanoes, the Taal Volcano, which sits within its waters on the island of Luzon. The lake itself was formed when a larger volcanic crater here collapsed; now seismologists spend a lot of time monitoring this spot for tremors, and sending out frequent eruption warnings through the country's Department of Tourism. Plenty of tour groups offer trips to the natural wonder—in spite of the fact that it has been declared a permanent danger zone. A safer way to see the volcano is by taking a drive along the Tagaytay-Taal ridge in nearby Tagaytay City.

Nearby: Adjacent Tagaytay City offers some well-priced accommodations, in addition to the best views of the lake.

Taal Lake, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines at 564 feet deep, and it is home to one of the world's smallest, but most active, volcanoes.

Photo: Courtesy Luca Tettoni/Corbis

Guatemala

Lake Atitlán

Nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala, Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) rests at the foot of three massive conical volcanoes. Small Mayan villages line its shores, which are set off by steep hills draped with oak and pine trees and nearly 800 plant species. There's no single, must-see view of the lake, so try several vantage points: from up high on Highway 1; from the town of Panajachel, the buzzing market hub that juts out into the water; or aboard a lancha, one of the many small boats that ferry visitors from village to village. We're saddened to note that the lake has built up high levels of blue-green algae over the years (in October and November 2009, a film of green scum began briefly marring its surface; since then there have been ambitious efforts to solve the problem).

Nearby: Panajachel is about 2.5 hours by car from Guatemala City.

A fisherman on Lake Atitlán, nearly a mile up in the highlands of Guatemala.

Photo: Frans Lemmens/Corbis

Scotland

Loch Lomond

With a backdrop of windswept rolling hills and medieval castles, Loch Lomond feels like it's straight out of a Victorian romance novel. The 24-mile-long lake is dotted with islands, some so small that they disappear when the water levels are high, and others large enough to be (sparsely) inhabited. Most ferries stop at the largest island, Inchmurrin (population 11), so visitors can get a look at the remains of a 7th-century monastery and the 14th century Lennox Castle, used often as a hunting lodge for kings.

Nearby: The lake is 24 miles north of Glasgow and 66 west of Edinburgh.

A broad view of Scotland's Loch Lomond, with Balloch Castle in the foreground.

Photo: Skyscan/Corbis

Italy

Lake Garda

If the shape of Italy is a couture boot, think of the imprint of Lake Garda as a design from the funky sister line—long and skinny at the top, opening up toward the bottom. Garda is the country's largest lake and one of the most popular vacation spots among Italians. The southern shore is home to hot springs, resort towns with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels, and most of Garda's 28 miles of serene, pebbly beaches. To the north are the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, a magnet for hikers and bicyclists who want to test their endurance. In Malcesine, an adorable speck of a town with cobblestoned streets and a medieval castle, you can board a cable car up to Mount Baldo for one of the best aerial views of the lake.

Nearby: Lake Garda is about halfway between Milan (89 miles away) and Venice (109 miles away), but to get the full, relaxing effect, stay in one of the south shore's many small towns.

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. The southern shore is home to hot springs and resort towns laced with pastel villas and terra-cotta-roofed hotels.

Photo: Svenja-Foto/Corbis

France

Lake Annecy

This alpine lake in the heart of the French Alps is a looker, but don't expect to spend your visit gazing over the water in quiet reflection. Lake Annecy is all about activity—particularly in August, when Paris shuts down and the French take extended holidays. Sailors, kayakers, and water-skiers crisscross the water; bikers and hikers hit surrounding nature trails; and refugees from the city fill the outdoor tables at the lakeside restaurants and bars. Repeat visitors know to plan their trip for the first Saturday of August, when a staggering, nearly two-hour-long fireworks display illuminates the water.

Nearby: The closest major city isGeneva, 30 miles north, in Switzerland, but most people stay right on the lake.

Lake Annecy meanders past eight miles of nature reserves, waterfront villages, and soaring peaks in the heart of the French Alps.

Photo: A. Gerard/courtesy Annecy Tourisme

Croatia

Plitvice Lakes

These 16 blue-green lakes, hidden by thick vegetation and connected by hundreds of waterfalls, could be the set for the next Jurassic Park. For adventure as well as killer views, start at one of the lower lakes and work your way up following the sturdy wooden planks that turn what could be a treacherous trek into a fun hike. Take a detour along the 10-minute loop that leads to the region's tallest fall, 230-foot-high Veliki Slap ("Big Waterfall"), a breadth of streaming white water that collects in turquoise pools. While hiking, keep your eyes peeled for deer, wildcats, boars, wolves, and bears—a more likely sighting than a T. rex.

Nearby: There are four hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park, but most people drive in for the day from Zagreb, about 2 hours by car.

Croatia's 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes are connected by hundreds of waterfalls. The waters are amazingly clear. Walk on well-maintained wooden planks to get to the edge.

Photo: 29cm/Flickr

Kenya

Lake Nakuru

The water is blue enough, and the backdrop—grasslands and rocky hillsides—has the makings of a nice photo, but neither is what sets this lake in central Kenya apart. The real draw here is the mass of pink on Nakuru's edges. Flamingos are one of the few species that can withstand the lake's hostile conditions—the water has so much sodium carbonate that it burns nearly everything that touches it —and they flock to the lake en masse. There can be as many as a million birds feeding on algae in the shallows at one time, wading side by side.

Nearby: The lake is in the heart of Lake Nakuru National Park, a sanctuary for black-and-white rhinos, three hours by car from Nairobi.

An African buffalo wades along the shoreline of Kenya's Lake Nakuru. In the background, flamingos feed in the shallow lake.

Photo: Martin Harvey/Corbis

New Zealand

Lake Matheson

Alternately known as Mirror Lake, this South Island lake is famous for its reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Visiting just after dawn is ideal, when the water is at its calmest and mirror images are impossibly perfect. The lake itself is well worth exploring, too. Park near the Clearwater River suspension bridge and follow the 1-mile loop past kahikatea and rimu trees, which have extra-tall trunks and fanciful bushy tops and look like something from a Dr. Seuss book.

Nearby: Fox Glacier township, a village that serves as a base camp for trekkers, is three miles east of the lake.

Lake Matheson in New Zealand is also known as Mirror Lake—for good reason.

Photo: Hugh van Noorden/go_wild/Flickr

 

Slovenia

Lake Bled

Why not get to the good stuff right away? To take in this Slovenian lake's most breathtaking vista, head immediately to Bled Castle, at the edge of a sheer, 460-foot-high cliff. You'll see mountains in every direction—the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range—and below, the Alpine lake and its main attraction, Bled Island, a tiny forested circle that's home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption and its prominent baroque clock tower. Down on the lake's shore, board a pletna boat (similar to a gondola) to the island. Be sure to ring the church bell and make a wish before returning to the mainland. Mountains shield the water from icy northern winds, so Lake Bled is warm, relatively speaking (79 degrees Fahrenheit). If that's still too chilly, head to the lake's northern section, where three hotels have built pools around natural thermal springs.

Nearby: The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is an easy 35 miles away.

At Slovenia's Lake Bled, you'll see mountains in every direction, including the Julian Alps and the Karavanke range.

Photo: Walter Bibikow/JAI/Corbis