Women from our country are stealing the game of lifting, first by the Olympic gold of Hidilyn in Weightlifting and now by Ompod’s golds in Powerlifting. If that isn’t a flex for the strength and power of women then you are living under a rock.
Veronica Ompod, 21, from Leyte, bagged four golds in 2021 World Classic Powerlifting held at Halmstad, Sweden in the 43 kg Women’s Junior division.
Ompod, a member of the Philippine Powerlifting Team got four golds for Squat – 95.0 kg., Bench – 42.5 kg., and Deadlift – 117.5 kg. or a total score of 255 kg.
Photo from Powerlifting Association of the Philippines Facebook Page
It was a bittersweet win though as her competitors weren’t able to join because of disqualification. Ompad said in a phone interview that she is thankful and at the same time a little upset.
The Powerlifting Association of the Philippines also made their statement in a Facebook post by saying that regardless of the competitors not being present, Veronica was the top seed to win the gold based on the official nominations
Ompod Accolades:
Topped at the Asian Classic Powerlifting Championship in 2017
Won during the 2018 Asian Powerlifting Championship
1st place at the Asian Pacific Championship held in 2019
Photo from Powerlifting Association of the Philippines Facebook Page
Ompod is now preparing to competing again in December at the Asian Championship.
Ompod wasn’t the only Filipino there though as she was joined by Jane Erasmo from Matag-ob, also from Leyte who Erasmo who competed under 47 kg sub-junior. Erasmo took home four bronze medals in her category and in her first international competition too.
Photo from Powerlifting Association of the Philippines Facebook Page
There was also Agustin Lorenzo who clinched the silver medal in the men’s 74kg Sub-Junior division after lifting 147.5kg on his third try.
Filipino athletes have truly brought honor to our country yet again. And can I say, “Mabuhay ang Galing ng Atletang Pilipino”.
Alas, Covid-19 cases are dropping again this week. Globally, the numbers of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths is in its continued decline since its surges from the different variants especially delta which was known for its increased transmissibility.
The World Health Organization (WHO) weekly epidemiological update are in and the number of new cases and deaths dropped by 10 percent in the past week.
Photo from nbcnews.com website
There are over 3.3 million new cases and over 55 000 new deaths in the span of September 20 – 26. For both new cases and deaths due to Covid-19 virus, it’s a decrease of 10% compared to the previous week.
The decrease in new weekly cases is listed below from the largest decrease to the smallest one:
Eastern Mediterranean Region (17%)
Western Pacific Region (15%)
Region of the Americas (14%)
the African Region (12%)
South-East Asia Region (10%)
European Region – percentage rate has been steady in this region (similar to the previous week)
WHO Weekly Operational update for Sep 28, 2021
Photo from npr.org website
In the operational on the other hand, they cited highlights of country-level actions and WHO support to countries. Some of the notable ones are:
COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to our country, the Philippines (courtesy of COVAX Facility)
Appealing or encouraging faith-based organizations and leaders to spread life-saving facts (Country: Lesotho)
Developing the “Hospital of Tomorrow” country case (country: Bologna)
Supporting the Ministry of Public Health in (country: Lebanon)
Photo from acc.org website
According to the WHO, the global tally, as of 5:31pm CEST, 29 September 2021, the confirmed COVID-19 cases is up to 232,636,622. It includes 4,762,089 deaths, that which were reported to WHO.
On the bright side, a total of 6,136,962,861 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, as of September 28, 2021. This number is already great but we need it to rise more so that we can all be safe.
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 October 2, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 147 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 162 new recoveries, and 43 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 101,739, while the active cases increased to 4,439 (from 4,489).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,416 (+60 new) – Total recoveries: 37,924 (+34 new) – Total deaths: 1,420 (+15 new) – Active cases: 1,072
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,360 (+16 new) – Total recoveries: 12,083 (+24 new) – Total deaths: 398 (+4 new) – Active cases: 879
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 11,951 (+10 new) – Total recoveries: 11,102 (+12 new) – Total deaths: 388 (+9 new) – Active cases: 461
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 36,012 (+61 new) – Total recoveries: 31,740 (+92 new) – Total deaths: 2,245 (+15 new) – Active cases: 2,027
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,439 (from 4,489)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 101,739 (+147 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 92,849 (+162 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,451 (+43 new*)
A total of 4,525 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.
“I just heard the final bell. Tapos na ang boxing.”
Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao or Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. said goodbye to boxing after his 26 years of illustrious boxing career. Manny is regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time and shot to fame with his style of a fearless brawler an then later on became a methodical boxer-puncher.
The 42-year-old Manny is the only eight-division champion in boxing history and stated in a video that it is difficult for him to accept that his time as a boxer is over and then announced his retirement.
His last fight in the ring was with the younger Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight super title. It was after two years of inactivity. Pacquiao, though looking very healthy and fit for a 42-year-old, was not in his peak shape and Ugas defended the belt.
Photo from thesun.co.uk website
Professional record summary
Pacquiao had 72 fights in his boxing career and listed here is his impressive record:
62 wins:
By knockout 39
By decision- 5
8 losses:
By knockout-3
By decision- 23
Draws: 2
Photo from cletoreyesshop.com website
“I never thought this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing,” – Manny Pacquiao
Premier developer Primary Homes Inc. topped off the second tower of its P2-billion resort condominium Royal OceanCrest Mactan. The topping-off was marked through the ceremonial signing and lifting of the final beam at the project site in Sudtunggan, Barangay Basak in Lapu-lapu City.
The ceremony, held on September 29, 2021, was led by Primary Group of Builders Chairman Engr. William Christopher Liu Jr., PrimaryHomes President Archt. Stephen Charles Liu PrimaryHomes Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Mr. Ramero Espina, together with the heads of PrimaryHomes Project Management Team. They were joined by PrimaryHomes Functional Heads and Primary Structures Corporation representatives.
Photo from sugbo file
Photo from sugbo file
PrimaryHomes is part of Primary Group of Builders (PGB), a powerhouse conglomerate with an umbrella of trusted companies having 70 years worth of portfolio in the field of construction and property developments.
PrimaryHomes is developing Royal Oceancrest Mactan together with other PGB companies — Triple A category general contractor Primary Structures Corporation, ISO-certified concrete solutions provider Concrete Solutions Inc., and construction innovator ABC LightStrong Building Systems. Each of these Primary Group companies upholds passion and thrust for excellence. The expertise of these companies combined with PrimaryHomes’ solid reputation as the most trusted real estate brand are testament to the quality of Royal Oceancrest Mactan.
With PGB’s diverse solutions integrated to build lasting structures that are delivered on time, PrimaryHomes investors will truly be assured of their investments.
Photo from sugbo file
PrimaryHomes Project Management Head Mr. Israel Panes, PrimaryHomes Vice President for Sales and Marketing Mr. Ramero Espina, Primary Group of Builders Chairman Engr. William Christopher Liu Jr., PrimaryHomes President Archt. Stephen Charles Liu, PrimaryHomes Project Development Manager Engr. Loubna Grefaldeo, PrimaryHomes Project Planning Head Engr. Michael Chan
Photo from sugbo file
“When the pandemic happened, it was hard on businesses and affected construction activities, but we never slowed down. We are still on target to deliver as scheduled. Our partnership with the other PGB companies and the fully-integrated system that we’ve established with them throughout the years played a very significant role in this,” said PrimaryHomes vice president for sales and marketing Ramero Espina.
Royal Oceancrest Mactan is ideally located in highly urbanized Lapu-lapu City. It’s within short distance to a mall, hospital, beach resorts, export zones, industrial parks, big ticket developments, the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, and the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Espina said the development is targeted to clients who want to own or invest in a property in Mactan, one of the most beautiful and frequently visited islands in the Philippines.
The community is designed by PrimaryHomes as a safe and secure haven of wellness and leisure with 60% of the total development dedicated to free and open space, giving residents the opportunity to relax and reconnect, roam and immerse in the beauty of the gardens, a bamboo tunnel, yoga pocket spaces, and other nature features. It also features lifestyle amenities such as compartmentalized pools, gym, clubhouse, grilling stations, and commercial areas.
(front, from left to right)
PrimaryHomes Project Management Head Mr. Israel Panes, PrimaryHomes Vice President for Sales and Marketing Mr. Ramero Espina, Primary Group of Builders Chairman Engr. William Christopher Liu Jr., PrimaryHomes President Archt. Stephen Charles Liu, PrimaryHomes Project Development Manager Engr. Loubna Grefaldeo, PrimaryHomes Project Planning Head Engr. Michael Chan
(back) PrimaryHomes Functional Managers and Primary Structures Corporation Representatives
Espina said construction of Royal Oceancrest Mactan is on full swing and they hope to deliver the units to its owners in early 2022.
Royal Oceancrest Mactan is made up of four mid-rise buildings with a total of 952 residential and commercial units. It offers 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom units with balcony option. The Tower B will feature finished units.
To see the actual and show units, visit the Royal Oceancrest Mactan on-site showroom which is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
On Friday night, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) released its official, consolidated data of the COVID-19 cases in the region as of October 1, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 124 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 348 new recoveries, and 79 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 101,322, while the active cases increased to 4,489 (from 4,971).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,356 (+34 new) – Total recoveries: 37,894 (+65 new) – Total deaths: 1,405 (+19 new) – Active cases: 1,057
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,344 (+7 new) – Total recoveries: 12,062 (+106 new) – Total deaths: 394 (+12 new) – Active cases: 888
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 11,941 (+13 new) – Total recoveries: 11,090 (+32 new) – Total deaths: 379 (+10 new) – Active cases: 472
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 35,951 (+70 new) – Total recoveries: 31,649 (+145 new) – Total deaths: 2,230 ( + 38 new) – Active cases: 2,072
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,489 (from 4,751)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 101,322 (+124 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 92,695 (+348 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,408 (+79 new*)
A total of 3,976 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.
Climate change is a reality in which a global effort is needed to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. The production of electric vehicles is seen as a positive step towards carbon emission reduction. But despite combined government and private sector efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the environment, the Philippines is not yet on track to achieve the target of limiting temperature increase to 1.5°C to prevent global warming. This goal can only be met if carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) decline significantly.
Alan Pilz, Business Consultant of the Transportation & Mobility Industry of Dassault Systèmes, said, “one key opportunity to reach the target is to drive the transportation industry to move from fossil fuel to more sustainable sources of energy.”
Pilz is a guest speaker at the webinar on “Mobility: Building an E-vehicle Ecosystem” presented by the Liveable Cities Challenge (LCC) and Dassault Systèmes in partnership with the League of Cities of the Philippines and Globe, with the support of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines.
Photo from unsplash.com Ernest Ojeh
Photo from unsplash.com by Sofie Jonas
According to Pilz, 90% of vehicle emissions in the country are reported to be from Metro Manila, negatively affecting the quality of life of its residents. Air quality can significantly improve if more vehicles in the heavily congested cities move to greener energy sources and thus reduce tailpipe emissions.
On the other hand, the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also acknowledged EVs as a critical technology in the automotive industry that can contribute to sustainable development such as lower greenhouse gas emissions, less air pollution, and new job opportunities with positive social impact.
Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, Executive Director of Industry Development Services of DTI Board of Investments, said the journey towards automotive electrification is one of the government’s mitigating measures to climate change and its impacts on the country.
Photo from unsplash.com by Maxim Hopman
She said the direction towards EV is also aligned with the recent World Bank study on the reconfiguration of Philippine participation in global value chains (GVCs) which have seen a rapid switch to EVs.
To pursue the development of a Philippine EV industry, Dichosa said the government is working to create a conducive ecosystem composed of a combination of regulations, information, education, communication, human resource development, research and development, and industry support programs.
“We would like to thank our industry stakeholders for their continued partnership. We in BOI and DTI will continue to work hard, not only to help build healthier communities but also to create opportunities for local companies to increasingly participate in global value chains and develop more competencies, as we shift and join the global automotive industry towards connected, autonomous, shared and electrified technologies,” she said.
Photo from unsplash.com by Michael Fousert
Meanwhile, Manny Biona, Executive Director of Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, called on the local government units (LGUs) to help in making eMobility solutions more appealing to customers in terms of affordability, reliability, and performance.
He said LGUs should Initiate and support EV pilot and demonstration programs to build the public’s confidence in this new transportation mode. Likewise, he noted LGUs should extend additional support for first adopters and become a focal point for eMobility stakeholder cooperation.
“There are a lot of interconnections in the different stages of the value chain, emphasizing the need for an integrated solution. eMobility solution is multi-faceted and requires multi-stakeholder efforts. LGUs should take the lead, build trust, put in stakes, and catalyze cooperation,” Biona said.
Photo from unsplash.com by Charlotte Stowe
Photo from unsplash.com by Ather Energy
The 2021 Liveable Cities Labs is a continuing series of webinars to empower cities with knowledge and insights for designing better solutions for their communities. Other speakers were Art Tan, CEO of AC Industrials and Integrated Microelectronics, Inc. and Freddie Tinga, CEO of Global Electric Transport.
This initiative is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), specifically UN SDG No. 9 and No. 11, which emphasize the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development, as well as the importance of building sustainable cities and communities. Globe upholds the UN Global Compact Principles and contributes to 10 UN SDGs.
What if you had access to an intimate strip of beach close to the breeze and the waves? What if you had sumptuous food and delicious drinks, too?
What if I told you, a place that gives all of the above exists?
A genuine food park by the beach, Northern Point Beach & Food Park is the deal, a brilliant idea turned real!
Located in Jubay, Liloan, this food park is a congregation of concessionaires serving all – and we mean all – kinds of food in a spacious beachfront. With around 20 food and drink stalls to choose from, you’re sure to have a great time and plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
The beachfront venue
Spacious isn’t enough to describe the kitchen and dining areas. The food park stretches from highway to beach and can easily fit more than 100 dining guests. Of course, there’s also enough room to include the many restaurants and the parking area, so it’s definitely roomy.
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
At their full capacity, there is still plenty of legroom to stroll and look around the stalls. The dining area is also highly accessible, being almost beside the highway. A parking area with many slots is available for guests.
Then there’s the highlight: a straight view into the sea. The view is then greatly enhanced by the tropical ambiance.
The whole food park premises is adorned with palm trees and string lights that make the place moody and characteristic. Then of course, the stalls themselves fit the tropical theme perfectly with their native hut design.
Tons of food choices
Not many food parks can brag about a wide variety of options for diners. Northern Point Beach & Food Park features not just a tropical setting with direct access to the beach, but also many food choices to pick from!
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Photo from Food Craving Reviews Facebook Page
Whether you’re out to chill and eat, or swim and dine, there will be something for you to eat and drink. Here’s a quick list of the available stalls at the time of writing:
AE Takoyaki Food Cart
Arcwin Snacks & Meals Delights
Banquettho Delights
Banquettho Grill
Beer Drop and Foodz Body
Creamy Food Hub
Hapitanan
Hokkaido
Jiejoe Silog and Fruit Shake
Joe’s Dawgs Food Stall
Kab Hab Manga-on ta
Koi (Sushi and Ramen)
Mood Night Place
Nabi-Q Grill House
Padasem Shawarma
Royale Batchoy
Sana all bar
Silogan ni Bontog Atbp.
The Wing stop Unlimited
OTHER INFORMATION
Open hours: 6AM to 10PM Tuesday to Sunday; closed every Monday for weekly disinfection
Swimming is allowed. Entrance fee to swim in the beach is ₱0.
A Beach Table can be rented for ₱100.
Various activities are available:
Daily Sunrise Yoga by Fit & Flow fitness gym: 5:30 to 7AM at the beach area (contact Teacher Jo, 0999-623-3843).
Weekday acoustic performances: 5PM onwards inside the food park.
Weekend light show, fire dance, and acoustic performances: 5PM onwards inside the food park
Coastal Clean-up drive with staff and volunteers: Mondays 7AM to 8AM at the beach area.
Exact location on Google maps: Jubay, Liloan, Cebu beside Makan Food Kiosk 5, Liloan – 1 hour from Cebu City.
BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Makan 5” or “Wiggy’s Beach Resort” in Liloan. Spacious parking space is available.
And our Miss Universe Philippines 2021 is Beatrice Luigi Gomez!
Yes. Sa Bisaya napud ang korona. It was a thrilling and close fight. Bea the representative of Cebu City and who was considered as the dark horse of the competition, has come out victorious.
Bea, 26, is a Filipino model, athlete and beauty queen. She loves sports and her favorite sport is volleyball and also enjoys scuba diving. She spices up her workouts with a few rounds of boxing too.
And if these things don’t make her the badass queen that she is already, on January 2021, she has decided to undergo the basic citizens military course training that would allow her to be part of the Philippine Navy Reserve Unit.
Out and Proud
A proud member of the LGBTQ+ she is a badass queen and openly dating another queen Kate Jagdon, who she has been in a relationship with for six years going seven.
She stood out during the Miss Universe Philippines interview challenge as she openly gushed about her girlfriend saying they do most of her hobbies together. They have the cutest relationship with Bea calling Kate her Happy Pill. They have also adopted a cat during the pandemic whom they named Twix.
Pageant History
Miss Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) 2013
Binibining Cebu 2020 (represented San Fernando)
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 (represented Cebu City)
Preliminary Interview
Get to know what kind of queen Bea is inside, here are some notable answers of Beatrice Luigi Gomez during the preliminary interview.
What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned in the past week?
To be prepared. Because in life it is very important to be prepared because it lessens the stress, it lessens the anxiety and I am very glad that I did my training early on even before Miss Universe. I already have a lot of weapon behind me.
If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, in whose eyes are you beautiful?
I believe I am beautiful in everyone’s eyes. Because God’s eyes is in everybody’s eyes.
If you were to add to [your] cart one item to buy from Lazada to send to all Filipinos to help inspire them during this time, what would it be and why?
I would give them a journal. Because being able to know who you are and to talk about it, really helped everyone specially during this pandemic for their mental health. And that’s one thing I would add to cart.
National Costume
https://fb.watch/8lBW4hlpJD/
Coronation Night and Winning Answer
The live coronation night was held in Panglao, Bohol on September 30. It was a novel competition that started with 100 delegates who went through a series of challenges. Until only the top 30 candidates were chosen to compete in-person during the coronation night.
During the pageant’s Q&A segment, the Top 5 candidates responded to questions randomly picked. Each of them was only given 30 seconds for an eloquent response.
Here’s how Beatrice Gomez responded to the question: “If, during your reign as Miss Universe Philippines, things happen in your life that make you sad and uninspired, how would you be able to continue inspiring others?”
“It is very evident that all of us went through difficulties during this pandemic, but it is also proof that we are able to rise to the occasion, and if anything happened to me during my reign, I will not give up and inspire others by rising to the problems that I am encountering and by inspiring them that what you are going through, you will be able to overcome it.”
– Beatrice Luigi Gomez
Complete Set of Winners during the coronation night:
Miss Universe Philippines Tourism: Katrina Dimaranan, Taguig
Miss Universe Philippines Charity: Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Cavite
Miss Universe Philippines 1st runner-up: Maureen Christa Wroblewitz, Pangasinan
Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up: Steffi Rose Aberasturi, Cebu Province
Bea will definitely raise our flag as she represents the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2021 pageant that will be held in Israel in December. Good Luck, Bea!
On Thursday 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 30, 2021.
Today, the whole island of Cebu — Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the Cebu Province — recorded 137 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, 338 new recoveries, and 36 new deaths. This brings Cebu’s total confirmed cases to 101,468, while the active cases increased to 4,751 (from 4,971).
Cebu City – Total confirmed: 40,322 (+37 new) – Total recoveries: 37,846 (+87 new) – Total deaths: 1,386 (+6 new) – Active cases: 1,090
Lapu-Lapu City – Total confirmed: 13,337 (+24 new) – Total recoveries: 11,970 (+39 new) – Total deaths: 382 (+7 new) – Active cases: 985
Mandaue City – Total confirmed: 11,928 (+16 new) – Total recoveries: 11,059 (+29 new) – Total deaths: 369 (+3 new) – Active cases: 500
Cebu Province – Total confirmed: 35,881 (+60 new) – Total recoveries: 31,513 (+183 new) – Total deaths: 2,192 ( + 20 new) – Active cases: 2,176
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Cebu:
Total Active Cases in Cebu: 4,751 (from 4,971)
Total Confirmed Cases in Cebu: 101,468 (+137 new)
Total Recoveries in Cebu: 92,388 (+338 new)
Total Deaths in Cebu: 4,329 (+36 new*)
A total of 4,298 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.
