To the selenophiles, get ready for the full worm moon happening this Thursday afternoon, March 17.
For March’s full moon, we don’t have to wait a little longer as it’s said to have the peak illumination at 2:20 AM (Philippine time) on Thursday, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
In case you miss the worm moon the first time, there’s a chance you’ll see it again around the same time, as the moon will be full for nearly three days, from Thursday to Saturday.
Why is it called the Worm Moon?
This name is traditionally thought to refer to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in cold climates.
Another explanation: Captain Jonathan Carver, during his travels in the 1760s, wrote that this Moon name refers to a different sort of “worm”—larvae—which emerge from the bark of trees and other winter hideouts.
The next full moon is the Pink Moon, which is slated to appear in the sky on Sunday, April 17.
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that all areas of the country, including those under Alert Level 2, are now classified as low risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Harbour Square, Manila | Photo from Unsplash
In an online media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government is stepping up its vaccination campaign in Alert Level 2 districts to boost vaccination coverage so that the situation can be reduced to Alert Level 1.
The local agency further stated that there has been no new increase in Covid-19 instances across the country, and that the Deltacron has not yet been detected.
Despite the fact that the Deltacron is not yet a variant of concern, Vergeire advised the public to get vaccinated to protect themselves from other Covid-19 variants that are circulating around the world.
Taguig, Metro Manila | Photo from Unsplash
During the fourth round of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” program, a total of 1,400,889 doses have been administered as of March 14, 2022. To enhance immunization coverage among senior residents, the government has extended this program until March 18.
So far, the country has 6.5 million completely immunized citizens and 1.9 million boosted older citizens.
On Tuesday, Apple released new software updates for the iPhone and iPad products.
iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS and iPadOS 15 operating systems that were released in September 2021. iOS and iPadOS 15.4 come a month after the launch of iOS 15.3.1 and iPadOS 15.3.1.
Photo from MacRumors YouTube Channel
Face ID Unlock is basically useless with our masks on. But with the iOS 15.4 update, we can now unlock our devices even without taking our masks off and somehow exposing ourselves in public places. This feature scans the areas around your eyes for authentication.
The iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 updates are free to download, and the software is accessible over-the-air in the Settings app on all compatible devices. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to get the new software.
The updates also include 37 new emoji characters such as melting face, Korean finger heart, pregnant man, mirror disco ball, among others.
Here are the complete release notes from Apple:
Face ID – Face ID while wearing a mask option on iPhone 12 and newer – Apple Pay and password autofill in apps and Safari can be used with Face ID while wearing a mask
Photo from MacRumors YouTube Channel
Emoji – New emoji including faces, hand gestures, and household objects are now available in emoji keyboard – Handshake emoji allows you to choose separate skin tones for each hand
Photo from MacRumors YouTube Channel
FaceTime – SharePlay sessions can be initiated directly from supported apps
Photo from Unsplash
Siri – Siri can provide time and date information while offline on iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 or newer – Siri now includes an additional voice, expanding the diversity of options
Photo from MacRumors Website
Vaccine cards – EU Digital COVID Certificate support in Health enables you to download and store verifiable versions of COVID-19 vaccination, lab results, and recovery records – COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet now support the EU Digital COVID Certificate format
Photo from MacRumors Websit
This release also includes the following enhancements for your iPhone: – Safari webpage translation adds support for Italian and Chinese (Traditional) – Podcasts app adds episode filters for seasons, played, unplayed, saved, or downloaded episodes – iCloud custom email domains can be managed from Settings – News offers enhanced discovery of audio content in the Today feed and Audio tab – Camera in keyboard can be used to add text to Notes and Reminders – Shortcuts now supports adding, removing, or querying tags with Reminders – Emergency SOS settings have changed to use Call with Hold for all users. Call with 5 Presses is still available as an option in Emergency SOS settings – Close-up in Magnifier uses the ultra-wide camera on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max to help you see small objects – Saved passwords can now include your own notes in Settings
Photo from MacRumors Website
This release also includes bug fixes for your iPhone: – Keyboard may insert period between typed numbers – News widgets in Today View may not open articles when tapped – Photos and videos may not sync to iCloud Photo Library – Speak Screen Accessibility feature may quit unexpectedly within the Books app – Live Listen may not turn off when switched off in Control Center
On Tuesday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) listed Cebu City under the less restrictive Alert Level 1 from March 16 to March 31, 2022.
The Cebu City Government has yet to issue a new Executive Order but below are some of the guidelines set by the national government for areas under Alert Level 1:
No restrictions for indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.
Public transportation shall be at full seating capacity.
For aviation, maritime and rail public transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas, the passenger capacity will be at 100 percent.
All establishments, persons, or activities are likewise allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at total on-site or venue seating capacity, provided these are consistent with minimum public health standards.
Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall likewise adhere to 100 percent on-site workforce.
On contact tracing, the use of health declaration forms/paper-based contact tracing shall not be required for all the agencies and establishments under Alert Level 1.
Establishments are no longer required to set-up isolation facilities within the workplace.
Individuals 18 years old and above will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as but not limited to:
In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 and for the cremains of the Covid-19 deceased;
All indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants and eateries. For outdoor or al fresco dining and take out channels, no proof of full vaccination is required;
All indoor personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology and other similar procedures including home service options;
Fitness studios, gyms and venues for exercise and sports;
All indoor cinemas or movie houses operating at full capacity;
Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events and permitted venues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers;
Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters;
Indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and
Venues for election-related events.
Children ages 17 and below shall not be required to present proof of vaccination status.
Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.
The IATF also noted that “well-fitted face masks shall be worn properly at all times, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments.”
Other areas placed under Alert Level 1 are the following:
Metro Manila
Cordillera Administrative Region
Abra
Apayao
Baguio City
Kalinga
Region I
Dagupan City
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
La Union
Pangasinan
Region II
Batanes
Cagayan
City of Santiago
Isabela
Quirino
Region III
Angeles City
Aurora
Bataan
Bulacan
Nueva Ecija
Olongapo City
Pampanga
Tarlac
Zambales
Region IV-A
Batangas
Cavite
Laguna
Lucena City
Region IV-B
Marinduque
Puerto Princesa City
Romblon
Region V
Naga City
Catanduanes
Region VI
Aklan
Bacolod City
Capiz
Guimaras
Iloilo City
Region VII
Cebu City
Siquijor
Region VIII
Biliran
Ormoc City
Tacloban City
Region IX
Zamboanga City
Region X
Cagayan de Oro City
Camiguin
Region XI
Davao City
CARAGA
Butuan City
Areas not mentioned — including Cebu Province, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City — will still be under Alert Level 2 from March 16 to 31.
On Tuesday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 15, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 30 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 36 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,109 (from 1,131).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,666 (+14 new) – Total recoveries: 51,333 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 1,675 (+0 new) – Active cases: 658
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,023 (+0 new) – Total recoveries: 16,483 (+9 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 34
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,402 (+3 new) – Total recoveries: 14,854 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 493 (+0 new) – Active cases: 55
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,118 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 42,967 (+27 new) – Total deaths: 2,789 (+0 new) – Active cases: 362
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,109 (from 1,131)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,209 (+30 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,637 (+36 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,463 (+0 new)
A total of 1,406 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
Update: The Guiwanon Cold Spring has finally reopened after almost a year of renovation. From ₱25 to ₱50, the entrance fee has skyrocketed to ₱100 per head.
Summertime is here. Apart from hitting the beach, the best way to beat the scorching heat of the sun this season is to chill and swim in a natural yet clean cold spring.
Featured on our Facebook Page two weeks ago, the enchanting Guiwanon Cold Spring in Tabogon Northern Cebu trended on social media and reached almost one million people. It became popular for its simple and natural scenery — an unsophisticated place yet so calm, charming and unique. The water is really refreshing!
The pool is divided into two: the shallow and the deeper one (around 6 feet deep). So if you want to dive, there’s a “balete” tree near the deeper portion.
Photo by Wardah Ann
Photo by Wardah Ann
Photo by Wardah Ann
Photo by Aimee Ebcas Tumampo
Photo by Aimee Ebcas Tumampo
Photo by Aimee Ebcas Tumampo
Photo by Katie PerryPhoto by Katie PerryPhoto by Katie PerryPhoto by Katie PerryPhoto by Katie Perry
Rates & Other Information
Entrance fee: ₱100 per adult; ₱50 per kid
Operating hours: 6AM to 6PM, Saturdays & Sundays only (Open on weekends only)
NO Corkage Fee
Contact number: 0922-408-7736
Last trip from Tabogon to Cebu City is 7PM. If you plan to go overnight, there are affordable accommodations nearby for as low as P400 for 2pax. Or you may opt to stay at 4-star resorts such as Bunzie’s Cove and Sea Turtle Lagoon with rates of around P2,500 per night for 2pax.
How to get there?
Exact location: Brgy. Maslog, Tabogon Cebu — approx. 3 hours away from the city.
From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Tabogon – just read the signs for Tabogon via Borbon. Inform the driver to drop you off at Guiwanon. The cold spring is along the main road heading to Tabogon proper. Bus fare is ₱80-90 per way.
There’s a parking fee of ₱20 for 4-wheelers and ₱10 for 2-wheelers.
The future is bright for the young minds of the Philippines with the women on top at the first WED Hackathon marking UNESCO’s World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development last March 4, 2022, announced in a Live broadcast in San José, Costa Rica.
Photo from Batangas State University
Team WONDERPETS is composed of Ghia Luwalhati, Nicole Elizabeth Tan, and Reaner Jacqueline Bool, chemical engineering students from Batangas State University (BatStateU), and their mentor, Dr. Reymark Maalihan.
WONDERPETS stands for “Water remediatiON using metal-organic framework DERived from PET bottleS” and this team was the only team from the Philippines able to compete in the final round. They emerged champions against 125 student teams from 23 countries worldwide.
Photo from All Engineering Day
UNESCO’s WED Hackathon
Challenge: To demonstrate a sustainable engineering solution addressing a global real-world problem.
1st place: Philippines from Batangas State University
2nd place: Canada from University of British Columbia Okanagan
3rd place: Kenya from Egerton University
Team WONDERPETS tackled “Water Accessibility in a Changing Climate” and devised a water pollutant adsorbent based on a metal-organic framework, chemically recycling terephthalic acid extracted from PET bottles.
It resulted to a material extremely porous, cost-efficient, and reusable; thus, making it a sustainable means of removing pollutants from water.
“[T]his entry was very interesting with the potentially transformative technology,” –
DR. MARLENE KANGA, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF ENGINEERING ORGANIZATIONS (WFEO)
Organized by WFEO with UNESCO support, WED Hackathon stimulates the inventiveness of young engineers to address engineering challenges.
The Kingmaker, an award-winning documentary about Imelda Marcos, is now available to view online for free.
Photo from IMDB
Imelda Marcos is the wife of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and was the First Lady of the Philippines for 20 years. She is known for her extremely lavish lifestyle even during a period of economic crisis and civil unrest in the country.
On March 11, ‘The Kingmaker’ director Lauren Greenfield said on Twitter that they have “finally” worked out an agreement with ABS-CBN and its production firm iWantTFC to be able to distribute the film “with *all* of our friends in the Philippines.”
The movie can be watched on any device through Vimeo.
Finally! We have worked out an arrangement with our partners @ABSCBN and @iwanttfc, and are now able to share THE KINGMAKER with *all* of our friends in the Philippines – https://t.co/WNVUwZJSyc
Anyone can now watch it, so pls share this link #thekingmaker
The Kingmaker is a 2019 documentary film written and directed by Lauren Greenfield, featuring the political career of Imelda Marcos with a focus on the Marcos family’s efforts to rehabilitate the family’s image and to return to political power, including her plans to see her son Bongbong become President of the Philippines, and the alliance that Bongbong and Imee Marcos established with Rodrigo Duterte in his bid to win the 2016 Philippine presidential election.
It debuted internationally in August 2019 at the 76th Venice Film Festival,[12] and debuted in the Philippines on January 29, 2020.
THE KINGMAKER SYNOPSIS:
A journey through the Marcos family’s long history of corruption, extravagance and brutality, this documentary tells a cautionary tale of a powerful female leader whose questionable sense of reality divided a nation.
A projector, smart TV, and speaker rolled into one.
The Freestyle, Samsung’s newest projector TV, has received a lot of attention throughout the world, with over 10,000 pre-orders in the first month of its global release. It’s already a hit in areas like North America, Latin America, and South Korea, and it will soon be available in the Philippines.
Photo from Samsung YouTube Channel
The Freestyle’s adaptable cradle, unlike traditional projectors, allows for 180-degree rotation, allowing users to project high-quality video anywhere – tables, floors, walls, and even ceilings – without the need for a separate screen.
Its outstanding auto keystone and auto-leveling features effortlessly adjust the screen to a variety of surfaces and angles. It also boasts a smart speaker with 360-degree radiation that delivers cinema-quality sound for a complete cinematic experience.
Photo from Samsung Official Website
The wait is almost over for Freestyle enthusiasts in the Philippines. From February 14 through March 13, 2022, Samsung encourages everyone to pre-register. Pre-registrants will be entered into a raffle to win one of five The Freestyle products that will be given away at the end of the pre-registration session.
On Monday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of March 14, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 19 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 49 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases declined to 1,131 (from 1,159).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 53,692 (+10 new) – Total recoveries: 51,361 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 1,676 (+0 new) – Active cases: 655
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 17,031 (+1 new) – Total recoveries: 16,481 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 506 (+0 new) – Active cases: 44
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 15,404 (+2 new) – Total recoveries: 14,857 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 493 (+0 new) – Active cases: 54
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 46,109 (+6 new) – Total recoveries: 42,942 (+31 new) – Total deaths: 2,789 (+0 new) – Active cases: 378
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 1,131 (from 1,159)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 132,236 (+19 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 125,641 (+49 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,464 (+0 new)
A total of 787 laboratory results were released.
NOTES from DOH-7:
*As per DOH-7, the additional deaths in the report are not due to the overnight spike in deaths but due to more accurate data collection and validating efforts. Not all of those deaths occurred today but occurred more than a week ago.
Reports maybe subject to change as these claims undergo thorough validation by the local healthcare offices and health personnel.
