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2 billion doses of AstraZeneca vaccines supplied across the world in less than 12 months

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AstraZeneca and its partners have released more than two billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to more than 170 countries across every continent on the planet in the last 11 months.

Approximately two-thirds of these have gone to low- and lower-middle-income countries, including more than 175 million doses delivered to 130 countries through the COVAX Facility. In the Philippines, we received a total of more than 25 million doses to date from the tripartite agreement, donations, and through the COVAX facility. We are expecting more AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines this December reaching ~80% of committed doses from the multilateral partnerships.

This milestone comes just over 18 months after AstraZeneca and Oxford University formed their landmark partnership for the global development and distribution of a not-for-profit COVID-19 vaccine for the world and less than 12 months after its first emergency authorization in the UK.

“Our vaccine has played a key role in tackling the biggest public health emergency of our lifetime: an estimated million lives saved, 50 million infections prevented, two billion doses delivered. The numbers are remarkable, and I’d like to thank everyone who put their lives to one side to help in this incredible endeavor. While much of the world still has to be vaccinated, and there is still much more to do, today is a proud day and testament to what can be achieved when we all work together.”

– Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca
Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, AstraZeneca

“This is a proud moment and tribute to the efforts of researchers who developed and tested the vaccine, manufacturing staff who continue to work tirelessly to make it, logistics teams who ship it to clinics in every corner of the earth, armies of vaccinators who get it in our arms, and the public who have been with us since the first clinical trial dose on 23rd April 2020.”

– Professor Sir Andrew J Pollard, Director of Oxford Vaccine Group
Professor Sir Andrew J Pollard, Director of Oxford Vaccine Group

To date, COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) is estimated to have helped prevent 50 million COVID-19 cases, five million hospitalizations, and helped save more than one million lives. From the body of evidence in clinical trials and real-world data, the vaccine has been shown to have an acceptable safety profile.

AstraZeneca continues to engage with governments, multilateral organizations, and collaborators to ensure broad and equitable access to the vaccine.

Miss Universe 2021 Global event: The What & When?

The pageant of all pageants is coming.

One of the most awaited global events of almost all the Filipinos out there.

The 70th Miss Universe (MU) pageant is all set to be held on 13th December 2021 PH time while 12th of December in Eilat, Israel as Philippines is 6 hours ahead of Israel.

Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor making her reign one of the shortest in the history of the pageant as she was just crowned last May 16, 2021. 

We can all watch it live from the Red Sea resort in Eilat City, Israel, and our favorite host, Steve Harvey will again be hosting the event so we’d expect some witty and fun things to happen.

An international pop star named Noa Kirel will perform as one of the highlights of the evening.  

MU 2021 Delegates

There will be 80 delegates from countries and territories either winners of their national pageant or appointed. A lot of countries are returning from the competition and one has made its debut. There are also withdrawals from countries due to different issues and circumstances.

Debut: Bahrain 

Returnees: Equatorial,Guinea, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sweden, and Turkey; Morocco, Greece, Guatemala, and Hungary,

Withdraw: Barbados, Belize, Indonesia, and Malaysia (travel restrictions and other covid-19 issues). Myanmar and Uruguay will withdraw for undisclosed reasons.

Source: Screengrab from EL AL Israel Airlines Facebook Page

Timeline of events for Miss Universe 2021:

  • Arrival of Delegates: 28-29th November 2021
  • Registration and Fittings: 30th November 2021 – 3rd December 2021
  • Orientation of Delegates: 2nd December 2021 (8-10 AM Local Time)
  • Choreography Rehearsals and National Costume Show (TBD): 5th – 7th December 2021
  • Personality Interviews: 8th December 2021 (9 AM – 5 PM Local Time)
  • Personality Interviews: 9th December 2021 (8 AM – 10 AM Local Time)
  • On-Camera Rehearsals: 9th- 11th December 2021
  • Preliminary Show: 10th December 2021 (7PM- 9:30 PM Local time)
  • Dress Rehearsals: 12th December 2021 (7 PM – 10 PM Local Time)
  • Miss Universe 2021 Finale: 13th December 2021 (Live at 2 AM local time) / December 13, 2021 7:00AM PH time

Bea Luigi Gomez, Philippines!

Our bet Miss Bea Luigi Gomez, 26, is a Filipino model, athlete, and beauty queen. Known to be the badass queen, she is out and proud as part of the LGBTQ+ community and she is also a member of the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit.

#BEAhengIsrael #GoMezUniverse

Only few days to go before the grand coronation night, Miss Universe 2021 opened the global online voting where the winner of the contest gets a guaranteed spot in the Top 20.

There are two ways you can vote: (1) Miss Universe app on App Store and Google Play and (2) Miss Universe website.

HOW TO VOTE IN THE APP?

  1. Download the Miss Universe app on App Store and Google Play
  2. Click the “Vote” option at the bottom part of the screen.
  3. Look for Philippines.
  4. Click on the Miss Universe sparkle icon for your one free vote (you should see a green star on the upper right side of the screen if your vote went through). Multiple voting comes for a fee:
  • 3 votes – P49
  • 20 votes – P249
  • 45 votes – P499
  • 95 votes – P999
  • 240 votes – P2,490
  • 500 votes – P4,990
  • 2000 votes – P9,990

HOW TO VOTE IN THE WEBSITE?

  1. Head on to www.missuniverse.com/delegates
  2. Look for PHILIPPINES’ Beatrice Luigi Gomez and tap the star on her photo. (Online voting is free of charge.)
  3. That’s it! Now spread the word and make your friends vote, too!
https://www.facebook.com/sugboph/videos/1053167848809662/

13th Month, Cash Bonus for the SSS, GSIS Pensioners

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The Social Security System (SSS) has allocated roughly P31 billion worth of 13th month pensions and Christmas gifts for the beneficiaries this week.

 Aurora Ignacio, SSS president and CEO said that the 13th month pension and Christmas gifts will be given to 3.14 million members.

“We have coordinated with partner banks to credit the pensions on given dates during the first week of December so that pensioners can receive and use them in time for the holiday season,” Ignacio said.

Every December, since 1988, SSS has been giving pensions to its beneficiaries every December.

Who can receive the cash privilege?

• Members who are receiving retirement

• Survivor and total disability pension

Note: Partial disability pensioners may receive their 13th month bonus if their pension duration had run for at least 12 months.

On December 6, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will release their P3.2 billion worth of Christmas bonus to old age and disability pensioners.

The pensioners who have received more than P10,000 in cash last 2020 will be receiving a cash gift amounting to one month of pension, given that they don’t exceed P12,600.

Furthermore, those who were able to receive less than P10,000 in 2020 will be receiving a cash gift amounting to their one-month pension or a maximum of P10,000.

Those who are retired pensioners or disabled living as of November 30, 2021 will still be eligible for the cash gift. However, pensioners who are suspended due to failure to do their annual pensioners’ information revalidation may qualify for the cash bonus provided that they reactivate their status on or before April 30, 2022.

Who cannot receive the cash bonus?

• Survivor pensioners

• Dependent Pensioners

• Pensioners covered by the Portability Law

Cebu logs 8 new cases on December 6

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On Monday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of December 6, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 8 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 21 new recoveries, and 0 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,209 while the active cases dropped to 338 (from 352).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 41,241 (+4 new)
– Total recoveries: 39,637 (+5 new)
– Total deaths: 1,522 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 82

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,667 (+1 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,178 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 471 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 18

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 12,135 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,673 (+1 new)
– Total deaths: 442 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 20

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 37,166 (+1 new)
– Total recoveries: 34,388 (+15 new)
– Total deaths: 2,560 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 218

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 338 (from 352)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,209 (+8 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,876 (+21 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,995 (+0 new)

A total of 826 laboratory results were released today.

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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

Cebu logs 5 new cases on December 5

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On Sunday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of December 5, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 5 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1 new recovery, and 2 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,199 while the active cases increased to 352 (from 350).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 41,237 (+1 new)
– Total recoveries: 39,632 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 1,522 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 83

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,666 (+0 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,178 (+1 new)
– Total deaths: 471 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 18

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 12,133 (+1 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,672 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 442 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 19

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 37,1636(+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 34,374 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 2,559 (+2 new)
– Active cases: 233

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 352 (from 350)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,199 (+5 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,856 (+1 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,994 (+2 new)

A total of 1,307 laboratory results were released today.

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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

Big Bad Wolf to hold Biggest Online Book Sale this 12.12

If there is one gift you can open again and again, that would be a book.

Yup, they say you can never have too many books, and the Big Bad Wolf just heard you! All that you have to do is ensure that you have your online shopping carts ready for the well-loved Malaysian book fair as they try to dominate the Philippines’ bookworms on Lazada.

Because of the pandemic, Big Bad Wolf is not having their usual event. However, there is no need for you to worry because they are bringing your favorite books right at the tip of your fingertips! Yes, they are having their first permanent online store on Lazada. Fret not too, because you do not have to wait longer for the shipping for their books to be fulfilled by Lazada’s warehouse.

Their first flagship store in Lazada which started late of November is open 24/7. They will be introducing 25,000 titles by December 12 – they currently have 20,000 titles available online. 

Do you want the icing on the cake? Expect flash deals and discounts from time to time.

It is about time you add books to your collection or ignite someone’s fire to love books too. Get yourselves ready and ‘add to cart’ your favorite books for Christmas.

LOOK: Free wireless charging at SM Seaside City Cebu

We are always on our phones and so naturally we are also always charging. Our smartphone’s batteries don’t last for long and the panic sets in.

Calm yourself for your next mall visit will be a breeze with SM Seaside City Cebu setting up FREE wireless charging stations so you can now conveniently charge your smart phones anytime your battery runs out.

Eco- Friendly and Eco-Stylish

The spots of their charging stations are even on another level as they are not on desks or flat surface tables as you’ve seen before but on plant box pots. How cool is that?

Their wireless charging station is located at the 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗿, 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇𝘇 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲. 

An icon of a battery charging will guide you along with its reminders:

  • Please take care of your phone and other personal belongings at all times.
  • Remove your phone case while charging.
  • Chargers will work with devices that allow wireless charging (ex. iPhone X, Samsung S8 and other latest devices). 

Wireless charging stations explained

The science behind wireless charging is simply explained by these wireless chargers work by creating a magnetic field that your phone and another device can absorb to gain energy.

Surprisingly, there is a small coil in the device which receives and harvests energy from the magnetic field the moment you place it on the surface of the charging station.

Now, wireless charging really is an amazing and hassle-free way to charge your phone. With the technology today, it’s still slower than using a charging cable. Though its benefits are looking better especially as charging cables tend to break eventually.

Cebu logs 9 new cases on December 4

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On Saturday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of December 4, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 9 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 8 new recoveries, and 10 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 104,197 while the active cases increased to 350 (from 347).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 41,236 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 39,632 (+3 new)
– Total deaths: 1,522 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 82

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,666 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 13,177 (+2 new)
– Total deaths: 471 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 18

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 12,132 (+2 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,672 (+3 new)
– Total deaths: 442 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 18

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 37,163 (+3 new)
– Total recoveries: 34,374 (+0 new)
– Total deaths: 2,557 (+8 new)
– Active cases: 232

SUMMARY OF COVID-19 CASES IN CEBU:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 350 (from 347)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 104,197 (+9 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 98,855 (+8 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,992 (+10 new)

A total of 1,915 laboratory results were released today.

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.

DOH-7 FULL REPORT (CENTRAL VISAYAS):

How to get your RFID sticker for CCLEX access

It’s crazy to think we now have an 8km toll bridge in mainland Cebu that connects to Cordova. This ₱30-billion project from Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation is a long-awaited project that began in June 2017. 

And here we are, having the main bridge’s deck finally connected, which is marked as a significant event and historical moment this year.

Photo by The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato
Photo by The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato
hoto by The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato
hoto by The Island Nomad / John Ray Aligato

On October 29, 2021, Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation’s chairman, Manny Pangilinan, led the ceremony announcing the major milestone of CCLEX and its affiliated project team, has achieved. Cebu’s key members and leaders showed to witness the event as they mark the bridge that symbolizes Cebu’s economic growth & prosperity, developing transportation sector and infrastructure.

This also means that you can now register online for an appointment for your CCLEX’s issued RFID sticker installation on your vehicle.

How to get your RFID Sticker?

  1. Go to https://mptc.outsystemsenterprise.com/ORRAS/.
  2. Before signing up, please make sure you have information on your license plate or conduction number if the plate is still not available. Then fill out the registration form.
  3. Pick an available schedule and installation site.
  4. Proceed to the RFID sticker installation areas on your schedule

RFID Sticker Installation Sites

  1. SM Seaside City Cebu in SRP, Cebu City
  2. Landers Superstore in Mabolo, Cebu City
  3. Mactan Newtown, at the parking near McDo
  4. Pueblo Verdo in Lapu-Lapu City (near the PUV Terminal)
  5. Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla

Walk-ins are NOT allowed. You need to register online as instructed above and set an appointment.

Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu
Photo from SM Seaside City Cebu
Photo from Anjo World Theme Park
Photo from Anjo World Theme Park

What is an RFID?

What is ‘RFID’ you say? It’s the acronym for Radio Frequency Identification which means that this sticker is no ordinary one! It’s capable of electromagnetically transmitting digital data towards a machine/reader. Pretty neat.

For those who still don’t get it, it means the ‘contactless and cashless’ toll process of using CCLEX’s electronic toll collecting system to provide a more constant flow of traffic in the bridge.

https://www.facebook.com/sugboph/videos/926608068262399

CCLEX PROJECT BRIEF:

  • Cable-stayed main span: 390 m
  • Total Length: 8.5 km
  • Number of lanes: 2 x 2 (total of 4 lanes)
  • Height of bridge: 51m (nav. clearance); 145m (tower height)
  • Concession Period: 35 years
  • Design Speed: 60 kph (at Approcahes) 80kph (at Main Bridge and Causeway)
https://www.facebook.com/sugboph/videos/308961824396686

Dungawan Bistro: Tisa’s Newest Dining Spot with a Beautiful View

Tisa has been keeping a secret chill night hideout from the rest of us.

Dungawan Bistro + Grill located in the Lower South Hills of Tisa is a charming nightlife destination while enjoying a breathtaking skyline view of Cebu City. 

Yes. As already clued in by its name Dungawan from the word “Dungaw” which means to look out the window. Only in Dungawan the window is this cute wooden kiosk that looks out the whole city of Cebu.

It is not just Busay that has an amazing view of the city lights at night because Dungawan has a pretty and breathtaking view as well. 

It’s quaint in nature which helps with its intimate ambiance that is perfect for romantic dates, chilling with the barkada, parties such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and so much more.

Aside from their kiosk, they also have garden dining areas to the side if you want to be more connected to nature with hanging plants and big trees surrounding you.

The food here are Cebu’s lutong bahay favorite dishes, seafood specials, sizzling offers with some western food as well which are great for family gatherings or barkada pulutan. 

And speaking of large portions they offer Boodle servings:

  • Boodle Barkadahan
  • Seafood Nigo
  • Grilled Nigo
  • Fried Nigo

They also have all kinds of pasta and noodles that you want and servings of vegetables and salads for the health-conscious customers. And of course, a great collection of desserts to cap off dinner.

As the day ends, the dining turns into chilling as the bistro emerges with their variety of drink selection which everyone can drink. They have coffee, frappe, smoothies, cocktails, mocktails and some other alcoholic beverages. 

They’ve got it all covered so you won’t have any reason to go anywhere else and why would you when the food and view are already this satisfying. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Lower South Hills, Tisa, Cebu City

BY BUS: Ride any PUJ or Beep to Tisa. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Tisa Market and then ride a habal-habal to Dungawan Bistro + Grill.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Dungawan Bistro + Grill” in Tisa.