#ThewRap: Things you need to know, April 13, 2017

Dear Rappler readers,

The weather bureau said a low pressure area is expected to reach the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday, so just be prepared for some rain during the Holy Week break in case this develops into a tropical depression. 

President Rodrigo Duterte is still in the Middle East for a 3-state swing in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. In Canada, 19-year-old Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai gets honorary Canadian citizenship.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Christians limit Easter celebrations in Egypt after bombings

Egypt’s Christian minority would cut back Easter celebrations to a simple mass after twin bombings killed 45 worshippers last weekend. There will be no decorations in churches and the traditional handing out of sweets to children will also be cancelled, said Egypt’s Coptic church. 

Rain during Holy Week?

A low pressure area was to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Maundy Thursday. If it develops into a tropical depression, it will be named Crising. Check Rappler or PAGASA for weather updates.

Saudi OFWs tell visiting Duterte their problems

It was a smorgasbord of issues and concerns – from the lack of a department for migrant workers to poor pay to choosing ambassadors. Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia raised their problems with President Rodrigo Duterte in a forum in Riyadh during the Chief Executive’s state visit there.

Malala gets honorary Canadian citizenship

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai became the 6th person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship and was the youngest to speak to Canadian members of parliament and senators in a joint session. In thanking Canada, she asked the country “to lead once again.” 

Duterte’s latest somersault: No flag-raising in Spratlys

Deferring to China, President Rodrigo Duterte canceled his plan to raise the Philippine flag on a disputed island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) on Independence Day, June 12. “China sent word, ‘Please do not do that,’” Duterte said in a meeting with Filipinos in Saudi Arabia.

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ highest-grossing film in PH

The live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” is now the highest-grossing film in the Philippines, with cumulative earnings of P667.46 million at the box office, according to Disney. That places “Captain America: Civil War” – also a Disney movie – at number two.