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Pfizer Vaccine studies proven effective on Kids aged 5-11

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Pfizer Vaccine by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech works on Kids age 5-11 according to Pfizer itself. Early results of their trial indicate the vaccine is safe for children and establishes a strong antibody response against the covid-19 virus.

Yes, we are moving further in our efforts of going back to our normal lives and leave this pandemic behind. While kids are known to be at a lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, the schools are slowly being opened to face-to-face classes which calls for the younger kids protection as soon as possible.

Pfizer said it studied the lower dose, for safety and effectiveness, in 2,268 kids in kindergarten and elementary. Giving a two-dose regimen of 10 micrograms administered 21 days apart, the shot was well tolerated according to both pharmaceutical companies. 

Photo from nairametrics.com website
Photo from medpagetoday.com website
Photo from ft.com website

This trial used a smaller vaccine dosage, 1/3 of the 30-microgram dose used for older people. 

It is not a scientific publication but is called an immune “bridging” study. It seeks to provide evidence that the younger children developed antibody levels already proven to be protective in teens and adults. 

After their second dose, the children developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teenagers and young adults.

Known similar or fewer temporary side effects are:

  • Sore arms 
  • Fever
  • Achiness
Photo from nbcnews.com website
Photo from reuters.com website

The study is still ongoing but once analysis of the trial is completed, Pfizer and BioNTech will submit the results to the Food and Drug Administration in US for review and possible emergency use authorization.

As the study is not yet completed and taking into consideration the authorizations from different sectors among different countries after their initial review to be requested, it would likely be available by the end of 2021 or early 2022. 

Pfizer and Moderna are also currently studying even younger ones, toddlers in fact, down to 6-month-olds. Results are expected to come later in the year though.

Cebu logs 93 new cases on September 27

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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 September 27, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 93 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,145 new recoveries, and 27 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 101,003, while the active cases increased to 5,428 (from 6,497).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 40,208 (+34 new)
– Total recoveries: 37,567 (+776 new)
– Total deaths: 1,374 (+9 new)
– Active cases: 1,267

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,261 (+11 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,882 (+29 new)
– Total deaths: 374 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 1,005

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,882 (+18 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,878 (+39 new)
– Total deaths: 363 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 641

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 36,652 (+30 new)
– Total recoveries: 30,979 (+301 new)
– Total deaths: 2,158 (+17 new)
– Active cases: 30

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 5,428 (from 6,497)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 101,003 (+93 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 91,306 (+1,145 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,269 (+27 new*)

A total of 1,300 laboratory results were released for 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

Cebu Eats: Chorizo de Cebu

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Ah, the chorizo. A pork sausage enjoyed in various parts of the world, including Spain, Mexico, and North and South America. Here in the Philippines, we have our fair share of chorizos and longganisas.

Arguably, one of the most famous chorizos in the country is Chorizo de Cebu.

Chorizo de Cebu comes in small balls of explosive flavor. These sausages are made with a delicious blend of flavors: savory, sweet, smoky, and spicy. It’s one of those delicacies that are so simple, yet deliver such a complex array of taste.

Photo from angsarap.net website
Photo from whattoeatph.com website

This version of chorizo is made of tender ground pork meat and ground pork fat that is wrapped in a flavorful sausage casing. If you don’t already know, this sausage casing is made from the cleaned and processed intestines of animals (often pigs). However, there is no leftover taste from the casing and in the end, you are left with flavorful balls of meat. 

The Chorizo de Cebu is distinctively red in color due to the use of achuete seeds. Inside the casing, the meat is seasoned with salt, saltpeter, sugar, anise liqueur (anisado), paprika, black pepper, garlic, and chilis; all adjusted to taste.

Photo from peanutbrowas.com website
Photo from google.com
Photo from foursquare.com website

Whether barbecued on a grill or fried in a pan, the chorizo is a smoky delight that goes well with rice, puso (hanging rice), or garlic rice. Because of this, the beloved delicacy often makes its appearance in karenderyas and silogans, but also features in hotels, buffets, restaurants, and at home. It’s a treat that Cebuanos of all ages enjoy!

Nowadays, you can get yourself a link of chorizos from many resellers online. Markets and meat shops also typically have regular and spicy chorizos for sale for about ₱200 to ₱300 per kilogram.

Views, tunes, and great food at Sofio’s Grill House in Aloguinsan

Heading down south for a vacation? Are you planning to chase some waterfalls or chase the sunset?

Make sure to add Sofio’s Grill House to your list of stops!

This newly-opened restaurant offers open-air dining taken to a new height. Indulge in great food as you dine in an absolutely serene and airy al-fresco atmosphere and look at the calm mountain views.

Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page

Should you dine here, prepare yourself for a mellow meal as you eat on a platform overlooking the western mountain range of Cebu. The verdant view is made of mountains winding through the terrain and eventually sloping into the sea.

It’s the perfect view to fill your stomach to!

Around the dining area you’ll find different plants in pots and planters that add to the cool, fresh air. This means that everywhere you look, you’re greeted by lush plant life which makes the food ten times as enjoyable.

Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page

Speaking of food, Sofio’s Grill House specializes in barbecues and grilled food including pork strips, chicken, and whole fish. At the same time, they also serve pizzas, pastas, and burgers. There’s something to order for any craving and for all kinds of hungry diner.

Their open-air diner also has a performance area complete with a sound system. Just imagine acoustic singers serenading you as you have your meal over a great view. Now that’s quite the experience!

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Menu:

Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page
Photo from Sofio’s Facebook Page

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Kawasan, Santander – Barili – Toledo Rd, Aloguinsan – 1.5 to 2 hours from Cebu City and just along the national highway, right across Curbada Dela Maria Resort.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Sofio’s Grill House” in Aloguinsan. Alternatively, you can pin “Curbada Dela Maria Resort”.

Cebu logs 157 new cases on September 26

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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 September 26, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 157 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 228 new recoveries, and 6 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 100,912, while the active cases increased to 6,497 (from 6,574).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 40,176 (+38 new)
– Total recoveries: 36,800 (+51 new)
– Total deaths: 1,365 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 2,011

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,250 (+18 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,854 (+84 new)
– Total deaths: 373 (+2new)
– Active cases: 1,023

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,864 (+9 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,839 (+23 new)
– Total deaths: 363 (+0 new)
– Active cases: 662

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 35,622 (+92 new)
– Total recoveries: 30,680 (+70 new)
– Total deaths: 2,141 (+4 new)
– Active cases: 2,801

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,497 (from 6,574)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 100,912 (+157 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 90,173 (+228 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,242 (+6 new*)

A total of 1,942 laboratory results were released for 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

Filipino Actor Manifested Historic Best Actor Win at the 2021 Venice Film Festival

In a landmark win for the Philippine cinema, veteran Filipino actor John Arcilla recently won the coveted Volpi Cup for Best Actor Award at the 78th annual Venice International Film Festival for his performance in Erik Matti’s On The Job: The Missing 8 – a follow-up to the 2013 hit thriller.

With the festival taking place from September 1 to 11, with the film premiering on the 10th, Matti received the award on behalf of Arcilla, who was unable to attend the said ceremony due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Photo from bworldonline.com website
Photo from zimbio.com website
Photo from asianewsday.com website

However, Arcilla was still able to give an acceptance speech through video during the ceremony where he said, “”If there is something that I really regret tonight, it is that I will not be able to kiss my Volpi Cup there in the middle of Venice and on that red carpet just like the other 77 great actors whom I admire who have already kissed their own.”

Previous winners of the prestigious award include Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Javier Bardem and Willem Dafoe. Coincidentally, prior to his epic win, Arcilla himself posted photos in social media of the said actors with their cups, his way of manifesting that may the day come a Filipino would win too. And win the Coppa Volpa, he did.

Since the award’s inception in 1928, John Arcilla remains the only Filipino and the Southeast Asian to even win the award.

Photo from bworldonline.com website
Photo from panaynews.net website

Directed by veteran Filipino director Erik Matti, On The Job: The Missing 8 tells the story of a corrupt journalist Sisoy Salas, played by John Arcilla, whose colleagues mysteriously disappear one by one. Forced to investigate the disappearances, Salas must battle his inner demons whether his personal interests would prevail or his dignity as a journalist. 

Simultaneously, Roman Rubio, played by Dennis Trillo, an inmate that is routinely released from prison to carry out assassinations is finally sentenced to life in prison. Wanting to change his fate, he does all he could to escape his past and its consequences.

Notable Filipino actors including Christopher de Leon, Dante Rivero, Lotlot de Leon, Leo Martinez, Rayver Cruz and Andrea Brillantes also appear in this groundbreaking film. On The Job and On The Job: The Missing 8 are currently edited into a six-part mini-series on HBO Go with the first three episodes released on September 12, where succeeding episodes will be available every Sunday.

Cebu City Hospitals Now in the “Safe Zone” as Covid-19 cases dropped

The hospitals accommodating Covid-19 patients are now in a “safe zone” as the admission cases dropped.

The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), centralized location of emergency response and recovery support operations during incidents said that at least four major hospitals and all public hospitals are no longer overwhelmed with patients.

The safe zone mostly refers to the COVID critical care occupancy according to Councilor Joel Garganera, the deputy chief implementor of the EOC.

“All public hospitals are now in the safe zone. They have their step-down facilities like CCMC (Cebu City Medical Center) to CCQC (Cebu City Quarantine Center), St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital to City Central BIC, and St. Vincent Hospital,” – Councilor Joel Garganera

Photo from Cebu City Medical Center College of Nursing Batch 2009 Facebook Page
Photo from google.com

The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) revealed that compared to nearly 80 percent in August 2021, hospital occupancy declined in September to:

  • Public hospitals 47.6 percent for and 
  • Private hospitals, 51.6 percent 

Garganera also noted that the positivity rate is now below 10 percent very close to the ideal positivity rate according to WHO (World Health Organization) which is five percent

The EOC, has also observed that hospitals have improved triage procedures. “Triage procedures” is the sorting out and classification of patients or casualties to determine priority of need and proper place of treatment. Through this, referring patients to care centers and isolation facilities was made swiftly.

This “safe zone” wouldn’t be achieved without all the city’s front-liners and law enforcers hardwork and to every Cebuano simply following the minimum health protocols.

Admissions and positivity rate are declining but the death toll is still increasing. And though it is much lower compared to August 2021 in its 200s we should never be too complacent in our safety and health so please get vaccinated if you haven’t yet.

Below is a list of hospitals in Cebu City and their contact numbers:

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

  • Vicente Sotto ED: 0949-886-5964
  • Vicente Sotto Labor Room: 0949-886-5956
  • Cebu City Medical Center IM & Trauma: 254-1058/ 0943-340-2070
  • Cebu City Medical Center Pedia & Labor Room: 516-3934
  • St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital: 261-9989/418-9477 loc. 1191

PRIVATE HOSPITALS

  • Chong Hua Hospital Fuente: 
    • Direct line: 253-9515 
    • Trunk line: 255-8000 local 75189 (NON COVID) & 78005 (COVID SUSPECTED)
  • Cebu Doctors University Hospital:
    • Direct line: 255-0909
    • Trunk line: 255-5555 local 118, 119 or 120
    • 253-7511 until 34
    • ARI+D line: 253-7516 – 7518, 254-6017, 0931-059-8617, 0956-788-5071, 0961-525-5194
  • Visayas Community Medical Center
    • Trunk line: 253-1901 advise operator to connect you to ER.
  • Adventist Hospital/Miller Hospital
    • Trunk line: 261-2100 local 142
  • Southwestern/Sacred Heart Hospital
    • Direct Line: 09232803924
    • Trunk line: 418 8409 operator to connect to ER
  • Perpetual Succor Hospital
    • Direct line: 232-2461
    • Trunk line: 233-8620 local 118 or 119
  • St. Vincent General Hospital
    • Trunk line: 238-0000, 238-6870 local 103 & 105
  • Velez General Hospital
    • trunk line: 253-1871-79 local 701
  • Cebu North General Hospital
    • Direct Line: 343-7243
    • Trunk Line: 343-7777

Cebu logs 211 new cases on September 25

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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 September 25, 2021.

Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 211 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 492 new recoveries, and 47 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 100,755, while the active cases increased to 6,574 (from 6,900).

Cebu City
– Total confirmed: 40,138 (+48 new)
– Total recoveries: 36,749 (+335 new)
– Total deaths: 1,365 (+25 new)
– Active cases: 2,024

Lapu-Lapu City
– Total confirmed: 13,232 (+30 new)
– Total recoveries: 11,770 (+25 new)
– Total deaths: 371 (+9 new)
– Active cases: 1,091

Mandaue City
– Total confirmed: 11,855 (+18 new)
– Total recoveries: 10,816 (+31 new)
– Total deaths: 363 (+1 new)
– Active cases: 676

Cebu Province
– Total confirmed: 35,530 (+115 new)
– Total recoveries: 30,610 (+101 new)
– Total deaths: 2,137 (+12 new)
– Active cases: 2,783

Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:

  • Total Active Cases in Cebu: 6,574 (from 6,900)
  • Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 100,755 (+211 new)
  • Total Recoveries in Cebu: 89,945 (+492 new)
  • Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,236 (+47 new*)

A total of 4,724 laboratory results were released for 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):

Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page
Photo from DOH Facebook Page

LIST: The World’s Best Cities for Holiday Work

With the scare of COVID-19 pandemic peeping, which doesn’t seem to show signs of stopping anytime soon, people are already itching to travel.

Working from home has already been considered as part of our new normal. With that being said, having the best of both worlds – work and vacation – seems to be the best Christmas present one could give oneself.

Holidu, an international travel search engine has released their list of best cities for your next “workcation”. 

“It’s not quite a fully-fledged holiday where you can start on the cocktails at 11 a.m., because you will still have emails to do and tasks to action, but it does offer a change of scenery and the chance to relax away from home outside working hours.” Holidu explained.

“A workation allows you to spend more time visiting faraway family members or really exploring a destination without having to drain all of your annual leave. And, whilst the concept was a ‘thing’ long before the coronavirus pandemic, it’s now become an option for more people with the rise in remote working.

A lot of consideration were taken to come up with the ranking. From internet speed, pric of coffee, food, co-working spaces, accomodations, and even the costs, they were all taken into account.

Bangkok, bagging the top spot together with two other Thai cities – Phuket and Chiang Mai tying in 10th place only proved to us how Thailand is the best destination for work and play.

“The boom of Asian investment has led to many multinational companies relocating to Bangkok, meaning that the city now offers high-class facilities to international entrepreneurs and businessmen,” the description said.

“And in the downtime, why not visit some of the hundreds of palaces across the city, with the most famous being the Grand Palace and Wat Po?!” it addded. “It also offers a variety of shopping centres with high street boutiques and the morning floating markets are perfect for sampling local food.”

Here is the list of Top 10 cities:

1st: Bangkok

Photo from agoda.com website

2nd: New Delhi

Photo from planetware.com website

3rd: Lisbon

Photo from unsplash.com by Alex Paganelli

4th: Barcelona

Photo from unsplash.com by Ian Kelsall

5th: Buenos Aires & Budapest

Photo from unsplash.com by Mark Maraz
Photo from unsplash.com by Francisco Ghisletti

6th: Mumbai

Photo from unsplash.com by Siddharth K Rao

7th: Istanbul

Photo from unsplash.com by Anna Berdnik

8th: Bucharest

Photo from unsplash.com by PJ Gal-Szabo

9th: Phuket & Chiang Mai

Photo from unplash.com by Miltiadis Fragkidis
Photo from unplash.com by Peter Borter

Slater Young’s Skypod 2.0 in Cebu is Everyone’s Dream House

Wake up to an unobstructed view of the whole city, the mountains and the sea in one frame.

If you love the Skypod of Kryz and Slater Young, you must see its version 2.0. If the Skypod with more than 5-million views on Youtube was not enough, this ultra-luxurious cabin lodge’s newer version also screams luxury, but better.

Photo from Slater Young

Did you know that you can live in your own Skypod too?

Engr. Slater Young posted on his Youtube channel his works on Skypod 2.0 a.k.a. Monterrazas Prime. This, according to him, is an exclusive community in the mountains of Cebu City. With only roughly 30 stunning units, the team of Slater could definitely boast its exclusivity and elegance.

The Skypod 2.0 has been in the works for 2 years and has the same standards and scrutiny as the Youngs’ own home.

“We used the same architect, and all the suppliers, that we were happy with, ginamit namin with this project,” he said in the vlog.

Photo from Slater Young
Photo from Slater Young
Photo from Slater Young

“No stone was left unturned. Lahat is luxury. Lahat is, I would say, to my standard talaga and this is Skypod 2.0.”

Young gave us a virtual tour of the Skypod 2.0 and it left us all in awe. I would not want to describe the home because my review might be underwhelming. I highly suggest for you to watch the video and see for yourself. Dream.