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Different studies find long-term immunity from COVID-19 possible

The worldwide race for a vaccine is still going on and now there are over 100 COVID-19 vaccines that are going through trials.

Most of these proposed vaccines focus on the use of antibodies, a powerful immune-system weapon, but there are also studies of T-cells that can kill the COVID-19 virus itself.

Antibodies

These are produced by the immune-system in response to the foreign material in the body. 25 antibodies were identified as potentially competent in detecting the COVID-19 virus and binding to its spike protein that allows the virus to infiltrate our cells.

French, and American scientists studied an antibody from a patient infected with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus in 2003. The antibody candidate, named S309, has been identified to neutralize COVID-19’s infection potential (published in Nature from Swiss).

T-Cells

T-cells are compounds in our immune system that helps us fight some viruses.

According to studies, killer T-cells of COVID-19 positive patients have the potential to both identify and destroy the virus and that these T-cells can also exist to some people who have never been exposed to COVID-19.

Immunologists at the University of La Jolla have also identified the presence of “Helper T-cells”, which sounds an alarm that identifies the target cell and sends biological signals to other immune cells like B-cells and antibodies.

“The immune system sees this virus and mounts an effective immune response,” Alessandro Sette, La Jolla immunologist

Andreas Thiel who was involved with a study in the University Hospital in Berlin also found out that 34% of the blood samples of 68 uninfected people had these same helper and killer T-cells. Thiel suggests that this might be because of a previous exposure to some form of coronavirus.

‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’, other ABS-CBN shows return on cable TV this June 13

Cardo Dalisay and other iconic Kapamilya teleserye characters are returning to TV to bring entertainment, inspiration, and relief to Filipinos as some of the well-loved ABS-CBN shows will be shown on Kapamilya Channel, which will be available on cable and satellite TV nationwide beginning June 13.

Kapamilya Channel will be available on SKY, Cablelink, G Sat, and most member-cable operators of the Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) nationwide.

While Kapamilya Channel will initially be seen by cable and satellite TV viewers only, ABS-CBN will find more ways to reach more Filipinos and bring news, public service, and entertainment to every Kapamilya around the world.   

Viewers can watch favorite Kapamilya shows:

  • ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’ starring Coco Martin
  • ‘A Soldier’s Heart’ starring Gerald Anderson
  • ‘Love Thy Woman’ starring Kim Chiu
  • ‘It’s Showtime’
  • ‘ASAP Natin ‘To’
  • ‘Magandang Buhay’ with Melai, Jolina and Karla
  • ‘The Voice Teens’ with Leah Salonga, Apl.de.ap, Bamboo, Sarah Geronimo
  • ‘TV Patrol’
  • ‘Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan’ hosted by Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo (every Saturday)
  • ‘Iba ‘Yan’ hosted by Angel Locsin (every Sunday)
  • ‘The World of a Married Couple’ (New top-rating K-drama series)

Filipinos from all over the world, meanwhile, will not be left out because they will be able to watch all Filipino programs on Kapamilya Channel, including the new episodes, on TFC.

Encouraged by the overwhelming love and support of the public, ABS-CBN remains committed to serving its audiences even after it was ordered to stop operating its radio and television stations on May 5 by the National Telecommunications Commission.

The cable and satellite TV channels that will carry the Kapamilya Channel are owned and operated by other companies and are not covered by the cease and desist order issued by the NTC to ABS-CBN.

Welcome your favorite Kapamilya shows on Kapamilya Channel on SKY, Cablelink, G Sat, and most member-cable operators PCTA nationwide beginning June 13.

Pride month: More than just a fight against discrimination

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In a world that’s strongly fighting for freedom, equality and acceptance, the pride month have never been more powerful.

June is the month dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ communities all around the globe. But with what the world is facing now is more than just pride — it’s a constant battle against any kind of discrimination.

The pride month has always been celebrated loudly and joyously with lots of parades and marches but with the pandemic, it will be different this year. Though not in the streets, the events will still be actively participated through Zoom, TikTok and other social media platforms, keeping people connected and celebrating.

June was chosen as the pride month as it was the month when the Stonewall riots happened. These protests have changed gay rights for a lot of people in America and beyond.

“A lot of people were very repressed, they were conflicted internally, and didn’t know how to come out and be proud. That’s how the movement was most useful, because they thought, ‘Maybe I should be proud.”

– L. Craig Schoonmaker

Pride has always been about unity, love and friendship. To raise awareness and to celebrate on how far gay rights have come. It serves as a reminder of how damaging homophobia was and still can be and therefore must be stop.

From the word itself Pride, being proud of who you are no matter who you love.

“Love wins.”

Global Pride Day is June 27.

#BlackLivesMatter, #JunkTerrorBill

More than just equality, pride month also speaks for freedom and justice. Even until now, our world still continues to fight for what is right and just. Here’s what you should know about the #BlackLivesMatter and #JunkTerrorBill movements.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people. BLM regularly holds protests speaking out against police killings of black people, and broader issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, and racial inequality in the United States criminal justice system.

In the Philippines, the House of Representatives approved the final reading House Bill (HB) No. 6875 or the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. In an article from Rappler, under this bill — “individuals who propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training, and facilitation of a terrorist attack could face a sentence equivalent to life imprisonment without parole.”

The same punishment goes for persons who provide support to terrorists and recruit others to be a member of a terrorist organization. Persons found guilty of the following acts will be punished with 12 years of imprisonment:

  • Threatening to commit terrorism
  • Inciting others to commit terroristic acts
  • Voluntarily and knowingly joining any terrorist group or association
  • Being an accessory in the commission of terrorism

Under the anti-terror bill, a suspect can be detained without a warrant of arrest for 14 days, extendable by 10 more days. They can also be placed under surveillance for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 more days, by the police or the military.

Many Filipinos have slammed the anti-terrorism bill’s “draconian” provisions.

Voters’ registration in PH to resume in July

Contrary to what other have believed, the registration for new voters will resume.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said voter registration activities will resume next month.

On April 25, the Comelec extended the suspension of the voters’ registration up until June 30, 2020. This is in lieu to the enhanced community quarantine being implemented in the country.

“The extension was approved in light of the extension of the implementation of the ECQ until May 15 in select areas in the country,” said COMELEC Executive Director Bartolome J. Sinocruz, Jr.

“The conduct of voter registration is not yet advisable since there will be restrictions on the movement of people and on certain activities,” he added.

“The period from May 1 to June 30 will give the Commission time to put in place anti-COVID-19 measures in relation to the conduct of the registration of voters once it resumes,”

Before the suspension, Comelec first suspended voter registration in all cities and municipalities on March 9. However, because of the new normal, a “No Face-to-Face Transactions” policy is to be observed in their offices.

“In order to ensure the safety of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, the offices of the Comelec nationwide will be instituting a ‘No Face-to-Face Transactions’ policy,”

Their employees are being mandated to always:

  • wear a face mask
  • practice handwashing and hand hygiene
  • observe physical distancing

If you are not yet a registered voter, I would highly encourage you to register. With the crisis that we are experiencing, we all need to work hand in hand to help our nation look for the right people to do the job. Let’s just continue praying.

Strawberry Moon + Lunar Eclipse to be visible in Cebu on June 6

Our June has just gotten lovelier and edgier for we will get to witness the spectacle of a Strawberry full moon which will also pass through the faint outer shadow of the Earth, making a penumbral lunar eclipse, the second of four penumbral lunar eclipses this year. 

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth aligns between the Full Moon and the Sun where it blocks the Sun’s rays from reaching the Full Moon.

Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and the South Eastern areas of South America might notice the Moon turn slightly darker, or seem less bright, during the maximum phase of the eclipse. 

Date and time

  • Strawberry Full Moon: starts showing after sunset on June 6, 2020 (Saturday)
  • Lunar Eclipse: June 6, 2020 (Saturday)
    • Starts at 1:45 AM to 5:04 AM
    • Peak time at 3:24 AM

The Strawberry Full Moon Lunar Eclipse may be experienced and be visible for as long as 3 hours and 18 minutes depending on your area.

Cebu Province now allows attending church mass under GCQ

Thanks to everyone who joined their hands in praying for holy masses to be resumed. Today, June 3, Holy Masses and other religious activities if churches are also ready to resume.

Executive Order no. 17-F was signed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on the evening of Tuesday, June 2. EO no. 17-F “encourages” the holding of religious activities in the whole province of Cebu.

Though such activities were allowed, following the strict physical distancing and allowing only 50% of the holding capacity of the venue is still a must.

Garcia said during her press conference yesterday that she was assured by Archbishop Jose Palma that Catholic Churches in the Archdiocese are now ready to hold physical Masses.

Governor Garcia, however, has left the further guidelines and restrictions to the leadership of the Churches;

“I hope that is now very clear. I am confident that Archbishop Palma, alang sa atong kaigsuonang Katoliko, magpagawas sa mga patakaran usab sa Archdiocese kabahin sa holding of Masses sa mga simbahan (I am confident that Archbishop Palma, on behalf of our Catholic brothers, will issue guidelines that will be followed in holding Masses in the different churches in the Archdiocese),”

– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia

“Suffice it to say, as far as the provincial government of Cebu is concerned and as far as this governor of Cebu is concerned, we are strongly encouraging the holding of religious activities limited to 50 percent capacity of [the] venue,” Garcia added.

Amid our fear of the pandemic, we all need spiritual healing to fuel ourselves to keep going. Praise God!

ALSO READ: Cebu GCQ Guidelines: Everything you should know

Nike outs Air Force 1 in time for Pride Month

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With a vision to believe in the pursuit of equality for every athlete,  Nike honors every voice of those who want to make a difference and BETRUE.

This year,  Nike celebrates equality through the pride month with their BETRUE sneaker, the Air Force 1. Known for its chunky silhouette, this pair will surely catch more attention because of its new and cool colorways. Since this month’s movement is the Pride Month, Nike dedicates this new pair to the LGBTQ+ community.

However, if you’re a fan of Nike, but is a minimalist, fret not. Nike is sticking to the ivory colorway of AF1. Rainbow flags are printed on the tongue and the outer side of each sole, next to the Nike logo. Some holographic deets will also be adorning the classic pair.

Nike Air Force 1 BETRUE is set to be released on June 19 in the US for $120 (P6,055). While awaiting for a local release announcement, let’s continue hoping and look at their website for updates.

Wear your pride and BETRUE!

Premier The Samgyupsal now delivers in Cebu with ‘K-BBQ at Home’

This pandemic did surely have us badly missing a lot and craving a lot of things – I mean, we’d be kidding if we think the closing of Korean food establishments didn’t affect every Korean food lover out there, right?

But, worry not, because the current situation did not stop the restaurant owners from thinking of ways for the customers to enjoy their meals in the comfort of their homes, thus, pivoting to take-out and delivery. Yes! And one of those who shifted to these new services is Premier The Samgyupsal.

You don’t have to wait anymore until GCQ is lifted to get your Korean food fix because Premier The Samgyupsal now offers delivery services.

Menu

  • For 2-3 pax, 3 set meals are available (choose 1 set)
  • For 5-6 pax, 3 set meals are also available (choose 1 set)
  • For 8-10 pax, only 1 group set is available

Note: Each set is inclusive of kimchi, lettuce, sweet kamote, fish cake, japchae, doenjiang soup, and 3 kinds of sauce.

Available for

  • Pick-up at Premier The Samgyupsal in Jamestown Mandaue branch
  • Delivery via Lalamove / Grab Express / Angkas to Mandaue City, Cebu City, Talisay City and Lapu-Lapu City.

For orders:

  • Contact them at 0956-014-3188 / (032) 2682737
  • Message them on Facebook
  • Operating/delivery hours: 10AM to 3PM, Tuesdays to Sundays

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs for Fresh Graduates amid CoVID-19 Pandemic

Congratulations! You have finally completed your bachelor’s degree and you have probably been bombarded with job opportunities here and there.

With all the preparations you have done in college, now is the best time to show to the world what you’ve got. Apart from showing them your credentials,  I bet it’s also important to show them what you can offer them amid the pandemic.

But with all those said, have you ever figured out what job will you really be landing on? If not, this list might just help you figure out. Else not, this might change your mind.

In a virtual briefing by Jobstreet Philippines, country manager Philip Gioca revealed the top industries hiring amid the pandemic;

  • 41% – Call center / IT-enabled services / Business process outsourcing
  • 15% – Government jobs
  • 9% – Education
  • 4% – Banking / Financial services
  • 4% – Computer / Information technology – software
  • 3% – Healthcare / Medical
  • 3% – Property / Real Estate
  • 3% – Retail / Merchandise
  • 2% – Manufacturing / Production
  • 1% – Transportation / Logistics

Meanwhile, they also enlisted the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs for the fresh graduates;

  1. Medical officers – P59,353 with 478 available jobs
  2. Technical support representatives – P23,000 with 735 available jobs
  3. Teachers – P22,316 with 3,343 available jobs
  4. Call center agents – P22,000 with 4,989 available jobs
  5. Engineer (network, electrical, data, industrial) – P21,700 with 482 available jobs
  6. Nurses – P20,754 with 931 available jobs
  7. Customer service representatives – P20,500 with 2,090 available jobs
  8. Sales agents/ sales executives / sales associates – P19,500 with 664 available jobs
  9. Data analysts – P16,500 with 387 available jobs
  10. Admin assistants – P13,019 with 1,072 available jobs

WHO confirms new Ebola outbreak detected in Congo

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced today that a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease is occurring in Wangata health zone, Mbandaka, in Équateur province. The announcement comes as a long, difficult and complex Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is in its final phase, while the country also battles COVID-19 and the world’s largest measles outbreak.

Initial information from the Ministry of Health is that six Ebola cases have so far been detected in Wangata, of which four have died and two are alive and under care. Three of these six cases have been confirmed with laboratory testing. It is likely more people will be identified with the disease as surveillance activities increase.

“This is a reminder that COVID-19 is not the only health threat people face. Although much of our attention is on the pandemic, WHO is continuing to monitor and respond to many other health emergencies.”

– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

This is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 11th outbreak of Ebola since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. The city of Mbandaka and its surrounding area were the site of Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 9th Ebola outbreak, which took place from May to July 2018.

“It’s happening at a challenging time, but WHO has worked over the last two years with health authorities, Africa CDC and other partners to strengthen national capacity to respond to outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“To reinforce local leadership, WHO plans to send a team to support scaling up the response. Given the proximity of this new outbreak to busy transport routes and vulnerable neighbouring countries we must act quickly.”

WHO is already on the ground in Mbandaka supporting the response to this outbreak, as part of capacity built during the 2018 outbreak. The team supported the collection and testing of samples, and reference to the national laboratory for confirmation. Contact tracing is underway. Work is ongoing to send additional supplies from North Kivu and from Kinshasa to support the government-led response. A further 25 people are expected to arrive in Mbandaka tomorrow. WHO is also working to ensure that essential health services are provided to communities despite these emergency events.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 10th outbreak of Ebola, in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, is in its final stages. On 14 May 2020, the Ministry of Health began the 42-day countdown to the declaration of the end of that outbreak.

New outbreaks of Ebola are expected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo given the existence of the virus in an animal reservoir in many parts of the country.

Press release from who.int (official WHO website)