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 January 17, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 1,020 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 136 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 5,833 (from 4,903).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 44,367 (+602 new) – Total recoveries: 39,731 (+41 new) – Total deaths: 1,527 (+0 new) – Active cases: 3,109
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 14,292 (+78 new) – Total recoveries: 13,213 (+25 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 607
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,784 (+83 new) – Total recoveries: 11,761 (+28 new) – Total deaths: 443 (+0 new) – Active cases: 580
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 38,663 (+257 new) – Total recoveries: 34,551 (+42 new) – Total deaths: 2,575 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,537
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,833 (from 4,903)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 110,106 (+1,020 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 99,256 (+136 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,017 (+0 new)
A total of 2,554 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.
Saskatchewan, a Canadian province that borders the United States to the south, is looking to the Philippines once again to fill a staff shortage in its healthcare workforce.
Photo from Getty Images
This year, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) recently announced its plans to hire 150 permanent, full-time nursing and laboratory workers from the Philippines to help rebuild a healthcare system that has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare unions backed SHA’s plans and emphasized that international employees must be supported as well.
“We could not be without our Filipino nurses. They are a gigantic asset and we could not run without them. We just have to make sure that we are taking lessons from the past.”
– Tracy Zambory, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses President
Photo from Getty Images
According to Statistics Canada, roughly 25% of healthcare workers in Saskatchewan were immigrants in 2016 and approximately 30% of such professionals in Canada are Filipinos, with the vast majority of them being women.
In 2008, Saskatchewan sent a delegation to the Philippines to recruit 800 new registered nurses as part of a hiring blitz. Such recruitment drives, according to Naomi Lightman, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Calgary who studies migration and care work, are not unusual.
Photo from Getty Images
According to University of Calgary assistant professor of sociology Naomi Lightman, while Filipino workers are vital to Canada’s healthcare system, Filipinos generally have challenges in having their credentials recognized, which means they frequently accept jobs for which they are overqualified. Securing equivalent accreditations in Canada can be costly.
For more details about the job hiring, head on to their official website here.
The number of active cases in the country have drastically increased in a short period of time. Take for example last January 4, there were just about 5,300 new cases but on January 12 there was more than 32,000The Filipinos are just now starting to experience the Omicron Covid-19 variant but there is yet another variant threat we should worry about.
President Rodrigo Duterte himself said during his Talk to the People that this new covid-19 variant known as IHU which was first detected in France last November will enter the country “whether we like it or not.”
President Duterte during a meeting about the new IHU Covid-19 variant, together with Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) members at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday (Jan. 6, 2022). (Photo by Robinson Niñal | Presidential Photo)
Experts say the IHU variant, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring since November 2021, has 46 mutations.
Not to be alarmed though as an update from WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe that IHU covid-19 variant may not surpass the dominant variants, Delta and Omicron. He further shared that this is based on its capacity to dominate in terms of transmission.
Photo from nbcnews.com website
Dr. Edsel Salvana, a member of the Department of Health (DOH)-Technical Advisory Group also shared that this IHU variant may have many mutations but does not show any survival advantage or immune evasion that can be seen in Delta and Omicron variants. The number of mutations also do not always mean increased infectivity or vaccine deviation.
In the event of it entering the Philippines, WHO is still studying the new variant and so far it has been classified as a “variant under monitoring” and seen as “is not a threat at this time.”
Photo from Unsplash
new cases.
We are aware that these variants are like the nth wave of this pandemic but let us all hang in there. Our Covid-19 vaccines have significantly protected us against severe diseases so get vaccinated now and to those who needs the booster shots, have yours scheduled as soon as possible.
On Sunday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of January 16, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 899 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 35 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 4,903 (from 4,084).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 43,765 (+477 new) – Total recoveries: 39,692 (+27 new) – Total deaths: 1,527 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,546
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 14,214 (+111 new) – Total recoveries: 13,189 (+1 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 553
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,701 (+93 new) – Total recoveries: 11,733 (+5 new) – Total deaths: 443 (+0 new) – Active cases: 525
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 38,407 (+218 new) – Total recoveries: 34,513 (+2 new) – Total deaths: 2,575 (+0 new) – Active cases: 1,319
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,903 (from 4,084)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 109,087 (+899 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 99,127 (+35 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,017 (+0 new)
A total of 2,486 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.
“To transform fashion from just okay to avant-garde”, a vision set by an increasingly prominent fashion personality in an interview with SunStar Cebu 8 years ago. This individual then took everyone’s eyes and attention with her enthralling ensembles and dresses with depth last 2021.
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
You’ve seen her work: the majestic ‘Mayari’, the captivating ‘Bakunawa’ series, and the iconic, if not controversial, ‘Vessel of Faith’. Her dresses are testament to her skill and creativity, but who is the mind behind these masterpieces?
It turns out, she hails from the Queen City of the South!
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Axel Que, the avant-garde designer
Axel, the 28-year-old Cebuana designer, graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines and then proceeded to the Fashion Institute of the Philippines.
As early as 2013, when Axel was still 20, she had already garnered recognition after winning the first Cebu Young Designers Quest held in J Centre Mall in Mandaue. It was around this time that Axel saw her vision to transform fashion into avant-garde.
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
However, she started out in a different way. In an interview with YouTube channel ‘Philippine Pageants’, Axel reminisced that she used to specialize in wedding dresses and she never imagined to become a national costume designer. In fact, she started this venture just in the year 2020.
The now-renowned icon remembered how it all started: her best friend, Tracy Maureen Perez, joined the Miss Universe Philippines in 2020. Tracy in turn encouraged her to give national costume design a go, and the rest is history of Axel’s quick rise in the industry.
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Breaking the mold in the world of design
Axel’s true artwork, as she calls it, tells a story. She designs dresses not just to look attractive, festive, or bright, the national costumes she created are stories and traditions made into a wearable form.
Photo from Axel Que | Instagram
Photo from Axel Que | Instagram
It’s the first time in recent years that only one artist would design dresses for both Miss Universe and Miss World. Axel Que breaks the mold by delivering high-quality statement pieces in time for both competitions!
Her royal designs have made it to the national and international stages, having been worn by Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 finalist Beatrice Luigi Gomez and instant Miss World 2021 semifinalist Tracy Maureen Perez.
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Photo from Axel Que | Instagram
Inspiration for fashion and art
Axel fondly echoed what her friends call her: an addict to details. Her assistants would say that her pieces had details and the small details had even more details. She also reflects on her dedication to art and to her work, which had developed way back when she was still attending college in UP.
Aside from her incredible attention to detail, Axel sews stories and representation of Filipino culture into her dresses.
‘Mayari’, worn by Tracy Perez was heavily inspired by the moon goddess of Kapampangan mythology. ‘Bakunawa’, adorned by Beatrice Gomez was a spotlight on the giant serpent in Philippine mythology that ate the moon during eclipses. Finally, ‘Vessel of Faith’, one of Axel’s most talked-about works, is a recollection of the Philippines’ history and journey of Christianity.
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
Photo from Axel Que | Facebook Page
In designing these avant-garde pieces of art, Axel Que works passionately to select a new and interesting concept and to experiment with new techniques in each garment. This way, every creation of hers is a masterpiece worthy of the international stage.
Axel is passionate and dedicated to her work. Cebuanos and the whole Philippines can look forward to more of our traditions and mythology being told through fashion and art.
Want to see her works for yourself? Check out the exhibit of Axel’s beautiful creations at the Ayala Activity Area until January 31!
Just in time for the Sinulog Festival celebration held every third Sunday of the year, an eminent figure of the Holy Child – around 30 feet tall – is placed on the chapel roof, watching over devotees and looking out over the Mactan Channel and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
The Santo Niño statue stands on top of the open-air Santo Niño Chapel, which is still under construction. The chapel is part of the Santo Niño Park development replacing the Señor Citizens Park.
The project is part of the soon-to-rise Modernized Carbon Market by Megawide Corporation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the City Government of Cebu.
The chapel and park are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2022.
The Sinulog Festival is a celebration in honor of Santo Niño (Child Jesus). The festival is done by a dance ritual, in which it tells the story of the Filipino people The word “Sinulog” means a graceful dance– a rhythmic and beautiful forward and backward motion that represents the “sulog” (or current).
The Sinulog Festival has been going around for almost four centuries now. Its rich history dates back to old and truly reflects the humble beginnings of Cebu and the birth and growth of Christianity in Cebu and the Philippines.
Walk with Jesus (Photo by Chang Euldan / Sinulog Foundation, Inc. )Photo by Chang Euldan / Sinulog Foundation, Inc.Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Photo by Migs Rizarri)
HISTORY OF SINULOG IN CEBU
Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521.
The remnants of Magellan’s men were however able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and started the formal Christianization of the islands. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu on April 28, 1565. His ships bombarded the village and in one of the burning huts, one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found inside a wooden box the image of the Santo Nino lying side by side with native idols.
Historians now say that during the 44 years between the coming of Magellan and Legaspi, the natives continued to dance the Sinulog. This time however, they danced it no longer to worship their native idols but a sign of reverence to the Santo Nino which is now enshrined at the San Agustin Church ( renamed Basilica Minore del Santo Nino). Of course, through the years since 1521, the dance was a small ritual danced by a few in front of wooden idols or before the Santo Nino. In fact, at the Santo Nino Church where the image is consecrated, only the candle vendors could be seen dancing the Sinulog and making offerings. During the Santo Nino fiesta which falls on the third Sunday of January, children dressed moro-moro costumes also dance the Sinulog. This was really no big event for Cebu City.
The Sinulog Festival reflects how rich the history of Cebu is, how lively and kind its people are and how blessed in many aspects it is. The festivity became a way of sharing the Cebuano culture to the world.
On Saturday evening, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of January 15, 2022.
The whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cebu Province — recorded 898 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 55 new recoveries, and 1 new death. Cebu’s total active cases jumped to 4,084 (from 3,206).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 43,288 (+438 new) – Total recoveries: 39,665 (+16 new) – Total deaths: 1,527 (+0 new) – Active cases: 2,096
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 14,103 (+102 new) – Total recoveries: 13,188 (+0 new) – Total deaths: 472 (+0 new) – Active cases: 443
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 12,608 (+135 new) – Total recoveries: 11,728 (+31 new) – Total deaths: 443 (+0 new) – Active cases: 437
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 38,158 (+223 new) – Total recoveries: 34,511 (+8 new) – Total deaths: 2,575 (+1 new) – Active cases: 1,072
SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,084 (from 3,206)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 108,157 (+898 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 99,082 (+55 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 5,017 (+1 new)
A total of 3,126 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.
Forbes recently revealed its list of the Top 10 Highest-Paid YouTube Creators for 2021, and for the third year in a row, the only woman on the list is a 7-year-old who earned a whopping $28 million or ₱1.43 Billion. She ranked 6th highest earner for 2021.
Anastasia Rajinskaya, popularly known as Nastya, has over 100 million YouTube subscribers and earned an estimated $28 million (₱1.43 Billion) in advertising revenue and brand deals in 2021 across her 11 YouTube channels, according to Forbes.
Nastya’s viewers follow her as she learns basic skills like telling time and making a to-do list in front of a heavily saturated background of her large mansion. Millions of kids and families from all over the world join Nastya every day to explore the world and learn about songs, numbers, nature, colors, shapes, animals, and the importance of eating healthy food, washing hands, being a good friend, and much more.
The videos below are just two of her most popular videos last year that got more than 500 million views each.
Top Earner Mr. Beast with $54 Million (₱2.77 Billion)
Jimmy ‘Mr Beast’ Donaldson is the richest YouTuber in the world this year, according to Forbes. Mr Beast made a whopping $54 million (₱2.77 Billion) in 2021 with his Mr Beast burger company listed as a major factor.
His Netflie movie spin-off “$456,000 Squid Game In Real Life!” has garnered 202 million views and reportedly earned $875,000 to $1.25 million.
10-Year-Old also earned $27 Million (₱1.38 Billion)
Ryan Kaji, a 10-year-old toy king, also made it to the top 10 at #7 with an earnings of $27 Million (₱1.38 Billion) in 2021. His channel features demos, unboxings, and reviews of toys. His popularity grew after his unwrapping videos went viral on social media.
Ryan’s most watched YouTube video that was released 5 years ago already has over 5 Billion views to date.
With the rise of the Omicron cases, it’s important to get tested for you and your loved ones.
Moreover, some areas in the country now require a negative RT-PCR test result from travelers.
To make the research light for you, we’ve rounded up the testing centers in Cebu that offer RT-PCR tests and are accredited by the Department of Health.
It’s that time of the year again where mosquitos are everywhere.
We can more or less handle mosquitos with electric fans and mosquito nets but mosquito bites during their season can cause more than skin irritation and result in serious illnesses like dengue, malaria and more.
Photo from Unsplash
We have of course the tried and tested Katol (mosquito coils) and to the more high-end homes, UV lights, but did you know that there are other easy and natural ways to get rid of them?
We have listed here 7 ways to get rid of mosquitos in your own homes.
1. Use your plants plantitas
Small pots of basil, marigolds, tulsi, mint, lemongrass and citronella can naturally repel mosquitos. So, if you have these useful plants just lying around and place them at the entry points of your home. In particular, basil leaves that are more commonly known for cooking can kill mosquito larvae. Get those plants to work plantitas.
Photo from Unsplash
2. Crush some garlic
Garlic can repel not just some humans but has natural properties to repel mosquitoes too. Get those extra garlic in your kitchen and crush a few cloves like when you’re cooking and soak them in water. Place it into a spray bottle and spray the solution all-around your home.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Use Eucalyptus Oil as furniture
Lemon eucalyptus oil is an essential oil available in drug stores so they are very easy to acquire. Eucalyptus is known for its refreshing scent and is used as a natural, mosquito-repelling perfume. You just have to take a cotton ball and soak it with the essential oil and swipe it onto your soft furnishings.
Photo from Unsplash
4. Spray some Tea Tree Oil/Lavender Oil
Essential oils are the mortal enemy of mosquitos it seems as tree tea oil and lavender oil can be used to keep mosquitos away too. First, the tea tree oil contains anti-bacterial properties that repel mosquitos away while lavender oil with all its lovely scent to us, it has an opposite effect on mosquitos. So just add a few drops of these oils into a spray bottle of water and spray it around your home.
Photo from Unsplash
5. Placing some Dry Ice
Dry ice is not just for show or magic. It also makes for an effective mosquito repellent by placing it in an inexpensive mosquito trap. There is this carbon dioxide gas from dry ice that attracts mosquitos luring them into the trap.
Photo from Pinterest
6. Spread some Beer scent
Okay this one may be fun especially for those who loves beer. Get a beer can from your stash in the fridge already, and keep it open in your room. They hate the smell of beer so it will drive the mosquitos out.
Photo from Unsplash
7. Vinegar
Probably the easiest but not the most fragrant. Get about one cup of vinegar the mix it three cups of water and place it in a spray bottle then spray it around the home. If you really can’t take the smell, alternative is apple cider vinegar.
Photo from Unsplash
These are all just to repel but also try to look around your home to get to where they are nesting. Get rid of small bodies of water where mosquitos could lay eggs. Be vigilant and be safe.
