What better way to give thanks to our healthcare workers than free roundtrip airline tickets? When it is a free roundtrip ticket from the World’s Best Airline in 2019.
Yes, in honor of our healthcare heroes, Qatar Airways will be giving away 100,000 complimentary roundtrip airline tickets. This is their way of saying ‘thank you’ for their hardwork in facing this pandemic and honoring the International Nurses Day on May 12.
“We at Qatar Airways are incredibly grateful for the commitment and hard work of healthcare professionals around the world who looked after people in these times of uncertainty,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al-Baker, said in a statement on their website.
“Their heroic display of kindness, dedication, and professionalism has saved hundreds of thousands of lives around the world,” he added.
The people eligible to win a pair of tickets are:
Doctor
Medical practitioner
Nurse
Paramedic
Pharmacist
Lab technician
Clinical researcher
As a healthcare professional, you are entitled to the following benefits:
Up to two complimentary return Economy Class tickets for yourself and a companion, so you can take a well-deserved holiday to a destination of your choice within our network.
Receive 35% off at Qatar Duty Free outlets at our state-of-the-art hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha.
If you win, you will have until November 26 to book your trip.
You can apply directly on the Qatar Airways website from 5:04PM (ET) on May 11 until 4:59PM (ET) on May 18. Winners will be announced the following day.
As Filipinos continue to face the challenges brought on by the community quarantine, Globe is offering its postpaid customers a flexible way to settle their outstanding balances through an installment payment program. All Globe Mobile Postpaid and Globe At Home customers, including business and enterprise customers, are eligible to avail of this program starting May 15, 2020.
Under this program, customers need not worry about staying connected as they can settle their Globe bills in installment terms of up to 6 months. Customers may enroll online between May 15 to June 15. Business customers may also get in touch with Globe account managers for enrollment and other details.
“We understand that many of our customers are worried about their finances due to the community quarantine. We are offering our installment payment options in the hope that it will help ease their expenses and allow them to expand their budget for essentials,”
– Ernest Cu, President and CEO at Globe
Customers may also view and opt to settle their bills inside the safety and security of their homes through Globe’s customer service apps — GlobeOne and Globe At Home. GCash is also another available alternative for settling bills anytime and anywhere. For business customers, they may also use bank online payment and wire transfer services.
To register and learn more about the Installment Payment Program and other important bill and payment information, customers can access the Globe website https://www.globe.com.ph/installment.
Brace yourself demigods for our favorite mythological world is coming to Disney+.
The Percy Jackson Series is finally having an all-new TV series coming to Disney+ following the story-line of the original five books, starting with the Lightning Thief for season one.
“We can’t say more at this stage, but we are very excited about the idea of a live-action series of the highest quality, following the storyline of the original Percy Jackson five-book series starting with the Lightning Thief in season one. Rest assured that Becky & I will be involved in person and in every aspect of the show,”
Perseus “Percy” Jackson is the protagonist of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” book series. As the series begins, Percy discovers that he is in fact a demigod, the son of a human mother and the Greek god Poseidon.
In addition to “The Lightning Thief,” the series is comprised of the books “The Sea of Monsters,” “The Titan’s Curse,” “The Battle of the Labyrinth,” and “The Last Olympian.” Riordan has also published the companion book “The Demigod Files” as well as “The Demigod Diaries.”
Both “Lightning Thief” and “Sea of Monsters” were previously adapted into feature films. Logan Lerman starred as Jackson. The first filmed was released in 2010 while the second was released in 2013. The two films received mixed reviews from critics but grossed over $425 million combined worldwide.
Rest assured that it will not disappoint for the author Riordan himself said he will be involved in every aspect of the show.
This critically-acclaimed novel series is an all time favorite and are very well-loved by all bookworms out there.
The Percy Jackson movies starred Logan Lerman in the lead role, with Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth and Brandon T. Jackson as Grover. Shortly after the Disney+ news was announced, Logan tweeted, “Excited to see this! Hope it gets the adaptation the books deserve.”
In an interview with AccessOnline, Logan shared his thoughts about the new series and comments on the possibility of inclusion.
“I’m curious to see what’s gonna happen with it. I’m just glad that Rick Riordan, the writer, is in control—it seems like he’s in control or has a lot of say. I’m not sure how much say he had in the Fox productions that we did way back when, 10 years ago.”
“You know, they mentioned an announcement but the truth is it’s a whole process of development where you have to get, you know, good scripts together and get it greenlit by the network.”
“I’d be curious to see how it comes along, and if there’s a good role for me, and those things, and I’m right for it, you know of course I would consider,”
Let us all hope for its success and that it will continue to its next series “The Heroes of Olympus”.
No date was announced yet for either the start of production or release.
Contrary to the beliefs of many, some local airlines have actually extended their flight suspensions amid the modified enhanced community quarantine.
The modified enhanced community quarantine has been imposed in some areas of the country from May 16 to 31. Hence, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia, have announced that their domestic and international flights are still cancelled until the end of May, or until further notice.
According to these local airlines, if you’re one of their affected passengers, you may:
Rebook for FREE
Avail of a TRAVEL FUND
Ask for a FULL REFUND
Recently, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that Cebu City, Metro Manila, and Laguna province will placed under modified enhanced community quarantine from May 16 to 31, 2020. Other parts of the country will either be under general community quarantine or have only minimum health protocols.
The issue of a big media network being closed caused quite a buzz in the country but it clearly showed us that the matter was to be left in professional hands.
The House Bill No. 6732 or “An Act Granting the ABS-CBN Corporation a Franchise to Construct, Install, Operate and Maintain Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines, and For Other Purposes” has been approved by the House of Representatives Committee of the Whole.
This bill was filed by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to allow ABS-CBN to operate with a “provisional franchise” until October 31, 2020.
“Providing ABS-CBN with a provisional franchise valid until 31 October 2020 will give both the House of Representatives and the Senate to hear the issues being raised for and against the renewal, and assess, with complete impartiality and fairness, whether or not the network shall be granted a franchise for another twenty-five (25) years.”
It was also stated in the bill that the lawmakers “cannot, in good conscience, sweep the accusations under the rug.”
Once finalized in the House of Representatives, the Senate said then will pass the bill.
“We look forward to participating in the process of our franchise renewal and stand ready to respond to the issues that have been raised against the network, its owners, management and employees. We remain open to opinions and constructive suggestions on how to improve the organization and better serve the Filipino people.”
– ABS-CBN
According to Cayetano, ABS-CBN may come back on air by June.
On May 14, the Department of Health Region 7 (DOH-7) has released its latest COVID-19 update in the region as of previous day, May 13. In its report, Cebu has recorded nineteen (19) new confirmed cases, no new laboratory negative and no new death.
The whole island of Cebu now has a total of 1,952 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 94 recoveries and 26 deaths.
Below is the latest breakdown of the confirmed cases in Cebu:
1,715 – Cebu City (+15 new)
111 – Mandaue City (+1 City Jail)
49 – Lapu-Lapu City
55 – Cebu Province (+3 new)
4 – Health Workers
18 – Repatriates/OFWs
The additional confirmed cases and death have slightly increased the case fatality rate or death rate among those who are infected with COVID-19, from 1.39% to 1.43%. It is still lower compared to the global average of 6.4%.
Official Report from DOH-7
As previously reported, the local government units in Cebu — Cebu Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, and Mandaue City — have initiated targeted massive testing since mid-April. Hence, we have been expecting more new cases of coronavirus infection in entire Cebu. What does this mean?
The results of the mass testing in Cebu will serve as basis of the city’s policies, programs and actions on the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes isolation of infected individuals in the respective quarantine centers.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines as of May 14, 2020: the Department of Health reported 258 new confirmed cases, 86 new recoveries and 18 new deaths in the country. To date, the Philippines’ tally is 11,876 confirmed cases with 2,337 recoveries and 790 deaths.
The COVID-19 pandemic originated from Wuhan City in China that has affected nearly 200 countries and territories with more than 2.5 million confirmed cases and at least 185,000 deaths.
Starting on Monday, May 18, all inbound international chartered and commercial flights will be allowed to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) within their assigned days amid modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
State in a notice to airmen (Notam),the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that provided they secure a clearance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Caap for slotting purposes, this will be their scheduled days:
Inbound international chartered flights
Mondays and Thursdays
Inbound international commercial flights
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Commercial flights should also get approval from CAAP 48 hours before the scheduled departure to subscribe to the 400-passengers-per-day capacity of NAIA.
The CAAP said en route flights experiencing emergency, ferry flights/cargo flights, air ambulance and medical supplies flights, government/military flights, weather mitigation flights, maintenance flights, and outbound ferry flights/cargo flights with passengers, as authorized, would be unrestricted and would not be covered by the Notam.
This would be implemented at NAIA only, as other international airports in the country would have their separate restrictions.
These restrictions will last for a month or until June 10.
GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) is ramping up preparations for the “New Normal” travel experience at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in adherence to the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The guidelines issued by both agencies are intended to protect the well-being of the public against the continuing threat of COVID-19.
“GMCAC and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) are implementing stringent preventive health and safety measures at MCIA. This is in preparation for the lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of flight services in line with airline schedules,”
– GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison
Stringent Safety Measures
Harrison asked for the public’s cooperation in the implementation of these measures at the airport. In particular, he requested for the public’s support in limiting the number of well-wishers for departing passengers to one companion per passenger. “This will go a long way in helping us avoid close proximity crowding anywhere on the airport premises,” he said.
Among the other safety measures to be implemented at MCIA are the following:
1.Compulsory use of face masks for all passengers and airport employees within the vicinity of Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and adjacent areas
All passengers and airport employees are required to always wear face masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inside the airport premises.
2. Mandatory body temperature checks
All passengers and airport employees must undertake a body temperature scan by the airport security staff using handheld thermal devices at all airport entry points.
The Bureau of Quarantine will continuously monitor the body temperature of arriving passengers through thermal imaging systems.
3. Hand sanitizing and shoe disinfection for all passengers and employees prior to terminal entry
Passengers and airport staff must sanitize their hands and disinfect their shoes before entering the airport terminals. Hand sanitizers and footbaths are provided at all entry points.
4. Social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced in all terminal areas
Required social distancing of three (3) to six (6) feet in queuing points and a one-seat-apart policy in waiting areas will be implemented. There will be visible floor markings to guide the passengers while queueing at high traffic areas such as entry gates, ticketing booths, check-in counters, F&B and retail stores, boarding gates, escalators and stairs. Moreover, the use of the elevators will be regulated to conform to social distancing protocols.
Airport procedures such as security checks and check-in will be modified to adopt “no-touch measures” to reduce any means of contact.
Passengers will be asked to follow gradual aircraft boarding and disembarkation procedures to avoid any queue formation and congestion. All passengers and employees are reminded to always keep right when traversing walkways and lanes.
5.Regular disinfection of passenger areas and terminal facilities
High-touch surfaces on escalators, in elevators, stairways, passenger boarding bridges, restrooms, and items that are physically handled by passengers such as baggage trolleys and security trays at the security screening points will be regularly sanitized.
Passenger areas such as departure boarding gates, arrival reclaim halls, and immigration passport control area will be disinfected at regular intervals.
Additional alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be installed in public areas of the terminals for the use of passengers and airport employees. Moreover, liquid hand soap in all restrooms will be replaced with medical-grade handwashing soap for thorough disinfection.
6. A protective clear shield will be fitted and installed in all check-in counters to serve as a protective barrier between the passenger and the check-in agent.
7.Medical Isolation Room
The isolated holding areas that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to be used as a medical isolation room where personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine can conduct quarantine assessment.
8. Posting of health information materials and safety reminders in strategic locations
Health advisories based on guidance materials from the IATF-EID, Department of Health, and the World Health Organization will be displayed in strategic locations to provide passengers with ample information on COVID-19.
Health announcements and reminders on social distancing will be made every 30 minutes inside the airport terminals. Information, education, and communication campaigns will be continuously conducted for airport employees to build a culture of safety against COVID-19.
GMCAC is in close coordination with the MCIAA and relevant government authorities, airlines, and other MCIA community stakeholders for the organized implementation of the “new normal” measures. Harrison also requested airport stakeholders to review and modify their policies and procedures to adhere to the IATF and DOTR guidelines.
With these measures in place, GMCAC and the entire MCIA community look forward to welcoming passengers and tourists as they travel again to and from Cebu.
If you have been doing an exemplary job working at home, you’ll surely envy some of the employees of Twitter.
Some employees of Twitter will be allowed to continue working from home, if they wish, forever. CNN Business on Tuesday reported this confirmation from the people behind Twitter themselves.
Though no role was specified for the qualification of this opportunity, it is already a guarantee. For the past several months of working from home for their employees, they have seen how working from home could actually still work for both the employees, and the business.
“If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen,”
Jennifer Christie, Twitter’s Vice President of People
“If not, our offices will be their warm and welcoming selves, with some additional precautions, when we feel it’s safe to return,”
Twitter though is still not expected to open most of its offices before September. They have also cancelled all internal events through 2020, and is eyeing to extend it to 2021.
While Twitter is reporting this opportunity for some employees to take advantage of, they are also putting their hiring on hold. Twitter has planned to increase its workforce by 20% in 2020, but because of the global crisis, they would only be hiring people for the critical areas.
The efforts of our local government have gradually paid off. Hopefully, this is the beginning of more good news in the coming days.
On May 13, the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) has reported 27 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 41 new laboratory negative (recoveries) recorded today. Since the mass testing began, this is the first time the city has recorded more recoveries than new positive cases.
Below is the breakdown of new cases:
1 – Basak San Nicolas (inmate)
7 – Bo. Luz
1 – Calamba
1 – Duljo
3 – Inayawan (inmates)
1 – labangon
2 – Lahug
2 – Mambaling
1 – Pardo
1 – Pasil
2 – San Nicolas Proper
3 – Suba
2 – Tejero
As of May 13, 2020, Cebu City now has a total of 1,687 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 9 deaths and 73 recoveries. Although the number of cases is high, Cebu City still has the lowest death rate (below 0.75%) in the Philippines compared to the City of Manila at 8.28% and global average at 6.4%.
It was previously reported that the rise of COVID-19 cases in the city is because of local government’s efforts in conducting targeted mass testing since mid-April this year.
The results of the mass testing in Cebu will serve as basis of the city’s policies, programs and actions after the expiration of the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine in May 15, 2020. This includes isolation of infected individuals in the respective quarantine centers.
Total breakdown of cases in Cebu City
As of May 13,2020We have 41 tested lab negative from our confirmed patients27 new confirmed cases as of today this is…
