May Birthstone: The Enlightening Gemstone

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Birthstones hold a special significance in the lives of people born in a particular month. And if you are a May-born individual, then you are in luck because your birthstone is none other than the evergreen beautiful – Emerald stone.

Emeralds have been revered for their beauty and healing properties for centuries. They have been associated with royalty, power, and wealth. They even possess mystical powers that could ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.

But beyond their rich history and symbolism, these gems are also one of the most stunning creations on the planet. Their deep green colour is unparalleled and natural brilliance is truly mesmerizing.

 

So, whether you are a May baby looking to celebrate your birthstone, or simply an admirer of beautiful gemstones, let’s delve into the world of emeralds and discover the fascinating history, lore, and significance of this exquisite gemstone.
The Fascinating History of Emeralds

The ancient Egyptians were some of the first people to discover emeralds and they believed that the gemstone symbolized rebirth and eternal youth. Cleopatra, the legendary queen of Egypt, was known for her love of emeralds and is said to have adorned herself with them on numerous occasions.

The Greeks also had a great appreciation for this stunning deep green stone and believed that it was a symbol of fertility and growth. Throughout history, emeralds have been associated with royalty, power, and wealth, and were often used to create magnificent jewelry pieces that were fit for kings and queens.
Meaning and Symbolism of Emerald Gemstone

Emeralds have been associated with many powerful meanings across the cultures and civilizations. It is often called the enlightening gemstone as it represents growth, wisdom, and rebirth. This is due to the lush green colour of the gemstone, which symbolizes the renewal and growth of nature. The stones are also believed to have healing properties and to bring balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

In addition to their association with growth and rebirth, emeralds have also been associated with wisdom and intellect. In fact, the ancient Greeks believed that emeralds could enhance memory and stimulate the thinking process. The gemstone was also thought to promote clear thinking, enhance intuition, and improve decision-making abilities.

In modern times, emeralds are often used as engagement rings and wedding bands, symbolizing the eternal love and commitment between two people. The gemstone fosters genuine emotions of loyalty, honesty, and fidelity in its wearers.


The Physical Characteristics and Quality of Emeralds

Emeralds belong to the mineral family of beryl that also includes other gemstones such as aquamarine and morganite. What makes an emerald unique is its vivid green colour, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium in the crystal structure. The intensity and saturation of the colour determine the value and quality of this gemstone. You can find a perfect emerald stone online with certification at a trusted store like GemPundit.

When it comes to evaluating the quality of an emerald, experts consider the colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The ideal emerald colour is a deep, rich green with a hint of blue, also known as "bluish-green". The more intense and saturated the colour, the more valuable the emerald is.

Clarity is also an important factor, as these stones are known to have many inclusions, or internal imperfections. However, some inclusions are accepted as part of the character of the gemstone, and can actually enhance its beauty. The cut greatly influences a gemstone’s brilliance and overall appearance. Finally, carat weight refers to the size and weight, with larger stones being rarer and more valuable.

It's important to note that emeralds are relatively soft and brittle compared to other gemstones, making them more prone to cracking and chipping. As a result, they require extra care and should not be exposed to high heat or chemicals.
Healing Impact of Emeralds

One of the most well-known healing benefits of emeralds is their ability to promote emotional healing and balance. Emeralds are believed to help release negative emotions and promote positive energy, allowing individuals to overcome feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. The gemstone is also believed to promote self-confidence and self-esteem, and to help individuals find inner peace and harmony.

In addition to their emotional healing properties, emeralds are also believed to have physical healing benefits. The gemstone is said to promote physical vitality and energy, and to help boost the immune system. It is also believed to help alleviate physical ailments such as eye strain, headaches, and respiratory problems.

So, whether you appreciate them for their beauty or their healing properties, emeralds continue to inspire and enchant people around the world. From their association with growth and renewal to their ability to promote emotional and physical healing, they have a wide range of uses and applications that make them a truly enlightening gemstone.

Congress must review NGCP franchise for failure to secure electricity supply

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Kuryente.Org, an electricity consumer rights and welfare organization considers the recent announcement of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) of a possible power outages this summer is a clear cover-up for its long time negligence to fulfill its obligation to timely secure a reliable ancillary power service agreement. The consumer organization is calling on the Congress to review NGCP’s franchise.

Roland Vibal, National Coordinator of Kuryente.org, said:

“We call on the House of Representatives to review NGCP’s franchise if the corporation can’t live-up to its obligations to secure a reliable electricity supply to the consuming public. The Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) must consider NGCP’s poor performance as they deliberate NGCP’s call for transmission rate increase in the on-going 4th regulatory review.

“NGCP is playing the blame game to cover its continued negligence to secure a reliable ancillary services agreement as per DOE Circular No. 2019-12-0018. Yet, despite the order, the NGCP continuously failed to comply and continued with its month-on-month ancillary services which the DOE considers as a non-firm agreement that cannot be relied on.

“They claim that they are now in the process of finalizing the Ancillary Service Procurement Agreement (ASPA) based on Competitive Selection. This is a belated move. Their failure to act timely to its obligation is why the public will suffer from the project power outages.

“NGCP must fulfill its responsibility and be accountable for its failure and negligence.”

Ayala Land's Vermosa Estate grows rapidly, exciting investors, businesses and communities

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Vermosa, Ayala Land’s fourth largest estate said to be the new business and lifestyle district of the South, is in intense growth mode in 2023.

The next financial and commercial center down South is expanding retail outlets and services, also adding features and amenities like parks, a government center, a church and malls that support community and commercial needs.

Residents, investors and businesses are excited about the rapid rise of commerce and a thriving community inside the 725-hectare central business and residential district that straddles the cities of Imus and Dasmarinas in Cavite. Boasting a complete package of residences, malls, offices, institutions, schools, entertainment venues, government centers, BPOs and a world-class training and lifestyle destination for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, Vermosa continues to spur growth in the Daang Hari corridor.

Meralco is putting up a dedicated substation within Vermosa to ensure continuous power to homes, commercial establishments, institutional facilities and the growing features and amenities of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH). A Landers Superstore, the Ayala Malls Vermosa, Army Navy and Panda Express drive-thru stores will soon rise in the area, joining brands like Petron, Starbucks, McDonalds, Jollibee, Burger King, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Peri- Peri Chicken in servicing the area that has become a busy east-west connector. A government center will soon provide vital services with the Philippine Red Cross also putting up a headquarters in place.

Capital values for commercial lot investments have thus almost doubled at 82% since the Estate was launched in 2014. Home investors have expressed satisfaction with the high turnover rates of the different residential areas.

Now, the different residential communities composed of the 125-hectare private enclave called The Courtyards by Ayala Land Premier, the stand-alone 36-hectare upscale modern community of Alveo’s Ardia, and the 10-hectare Avida Verra Settings located in the residential district, are preparing to welcome their projected initial 2,000 residents.

Meanwhile, Vermosa Campus Town, the estate’s commercial business district -- a modern, contemporary urban center with ultra-wide landscaped pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, jogging paths, an active street life and pocket parks -- will complement the varied lifestyles of residents and outside guests.

More key developments are in the works ensuring that Vermosa lives up to its promise of being the leading growth center in the South, attracting investors and businesses wanting to expand in this part of the metro.

Vermosa is strategically located near key urban centers and made accessible by a network of roads like Daang Hari, SLEX, MCX and CALAX. Greater accessibility to the estate’s residents, visitors and enterprises is provided by access points in Daang Hari and Molino Highway.