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Bumble launches new feature for ‘virtual dating’ during quarantine

Sarah Ladeza
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Bumble launches new feature for ‘virtual dating’ during quarantine

Up for a virtual date?

Because of the COVID-19 scare, travels are not the only ones that are cancelled, even dates and anniversaries. With the presence of pandemic, social distancing has been strictly implemented not allowing lovers to spend quality time.

However, some dating apps have taken their dating game up a notch to give their users an easier access to dating. Bumble is one good example. Yes, Bumble offers virtual dating for lovers who couldn’t spend their much needed dates together.

Bumble now offers a “Virtual Dating” badge which would let you voice/video call instead of the basic chatting on the app.

Though the badge to ‘Virtual Date’ is not for free, the company makes sure to donate to the WHO-COVID Solidarity Response Fund. Bumble already donated $100,000 and another donation for every person who will be adding the badge up to $10,000.

“We’re in a time where it’s paramount that people physically distance themselves IRL but that doesn’t mean we need to be socially disconnected altogether,”

– Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble founder and CEO, told Mashable.

“In fact, in a time like this it’s more important than ever to stay connected and engaged with others — and let’s face it, connection is a fundamental part of being human so we will find a way to stay in touch!”

According to Wolfe Herd, Bumble is the only app that allows users to utilize the features without the need to input their phone number or email. Not only can you chat, call, or video call, you can also record voice notes and send them to your matches on top of their new feature which is to speak to anyone in your country.

However, on top of these persuasive new features, may we always remind ourselves to be careful of who we talk to. Let us discourage catfishing. Above all, may technology help us get through this crisis with ease. Just pray. 

Gov’t approves P51-billion wage subsidy program for middle-class workers

Sarah Ladeza
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Gov’t approves P51-billion wage subsidy program for middle-class workers

This crisis has taught everyone to always save for the rainy days.

3.4 million employees of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be given P5,000 to P8,000 cash aid by the government.

The Small Business Wage Subsidy Program (SBWS) is a project by the Department of Finance (DOF that was presented by Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 14.

To qualify, employees must be part of the company on or before March 1, 2020 to be eligible for the aid.

“Number two, dapat hindi pa siya nababayaran ng employer niya. So for that month, hindi pa siya nababayaran.

“Number three, lahat covered except iyong on leave and except iyong mga nag-a-avail na ng SSS unemployment benefits.

“Number four, dapat hindi na-retrench, ni-let go, o ifinire-out ng kumpanya ang empleyado at iyong empleyado, hindi rin mag-resign.

“Iyon iyong condition kasi, ang point natin dito, ayaw natin mawalan ng trabaho ang empleyado.”

Nograles clarified that the employees who have received aid from the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will only be given one month subsidy.

The subsidy will be given to the employees every 15th and 30th of the month. The first tranche will be paid out on May 1 to May 15, and the second tranche will be paid out on May 16 to May 30.

This subsidy is equivalent to the emergency subsidy given by the government to the informal sector. Employees from these regions are included in the SBWS:

  • Metro Manila
  • Central Luzon
  • CALABARZON

May this aid given by our government help everyone get through this tough time. Let us be mindful of our needs and wants so we could spend our finances wisely.

DOH says Social Distancing to be the ‘new normal’ after COVID-19

Sugbo.ph
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DOH says Social Distancing to be the ‘new normal’ after COVID-19

During all this chaos of the pandemic, we all have realized that the world, especially the Philippines, is not ready for a biohazard this devastating. In our nation’s case, it is more difficult to contain the virus partly due to overpopulation and poverty.

Along with this, the Department of Health (DOH) stated last Monday that we should still practice physical distancing and avoid mass gatherings even after the enhanced community quarantines and lockdowns that are set upon during these harsh times.

“We would still maintain physical distancing everywhere we go. Pangalawa ho, titingnan pa rin natin yung ia-avoid pa rin natin yung mass gatherings.”

– Maria Rosario Vergeire, Health Undersecretary

Some argue that it is plausible to enact something like this because by the time the lockdown is lifted, it would have already been a norm after weeks of this practice.

However, some also argue that it is very hard to maintain due to the population. After all, this has been made possible due to employees either working from home or outright fired, as well as students being forced to stay indoors and learn. When everything is back to normal, it can be quite hard to practice this once again.

She then concludes that we should not stop what we are practicing right now because if we do, the virus might even come back.

“So kung dumating man tayo sa May 1 o May 2 na ‘yan na at ili-lift ang ECQ, makikita pa rin natin, we are not totally going to stop our measures because we know na may rebound ang sakit na ito kung totally tatanggalin mo ang mga measures na ito.”

– Vergeire

It is indeed quite a challenge for us right now as we are already the ASEAN country with the most number of cases with 5,453 confirmed cases as of Monday, April 15, along with 349 deaths and 353 recoveries.

Cebu Capitol to install 100 disinfectant-spraying tents in hospitals, ports

Marel Baluyos
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0
Cebu Capitol to install 100 disinfectant-spraying tents in hospitals, ports

Sunnytation Tents, or properly called as sanitation tents, are coming for province-run hospitals, city and municipal hall buildings, seaports, and border checkpoints courtesy of the Cebu Provincial Government. 

These misting tents are specifically engineered for disinfection in public places.

A total of 100 sanitation tents will be installed to help in the disinfection of the people going through these establishments.

Variations of these tents have been used all over the world and have been proven effective and efficient for external sanitations specifically in clothes.

Drivers of cargo and delivery trucks will no longer take a bath upon entering the seaports of Cebu Province and will get through the sanitation tents instead.

“Labi na sa seaports padayon ang pag-sulod sa cargo. Para sa mga drivers nga maggikan sa laing probinsya, ang protocol kay pakaliguon nato, pailison og sinina. Karon gipangsubawan na ang uban kay init kaayo. Pero unsaon ta mana, mao man atong protocol,”

– Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia

“But with this, makit-an ninyo nga naa’y mist, muagi ka didto, maghuwat kag 20 seconds disinfection, mahimo na mao atong sistema. It will be more efficient unya mas sayon para sa atong drivers,”

The first 5 sanitation tents on hand will be installed in Cebu’s four provincial hospitals in:

  • Carcar City
  • Danao City
  • Bogo City
  • Municipality of Balamban
  • Capitol entrance

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

Globe donates 1,000 phones with all net unli call and text to frontliners

Marel Baluyos
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0
Globe donates 1,000 phones with all net unli call and text to frontliners

Bayanihan is not dead. It is alive and kicking in our country. Filipinos and multinational companies have been taking the initiative and answering the call for donations in our battle against COVID-19.

Another great generosity is from Globe Telecom who has donated 1,000 mobile phones preloaded with 30-day unlimited AllNet Call & Text to all networks to the country’s hospital workers and armed forces.

“To enable the frontliners to attend to emergency situations quicker, as well as to communicate with their colleagues and family members without worrying about telecom expenses.”

– Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

Acts like this are truly noteworthy because it  further fuels the bayanihan spirit within each of us. Together we can overcome this as long as we help each other.

“We understand the hardships that our frontliners are facing and we are thankful for their heroic deeds. To help, we are doing our best to provide them with the connectivity they need to save lives, protect the public, and get in touch with their loved ones,”

– Yoly Crisanto

Globe turned over the phones to the police, military, naval forces, and select hospitals nationwide. Some of them are: 

  • Rizal Medical Center
  • Armed Forces of the Philippines
  • Philippine Navy
  • Philippine National Police
  • Ranao Rescue Team.
  • Baguio General Hospital, 
  • National Center for Mental Health
  • San Lazaro Hospital, 
  • Tondo Medical Center
  • Valenzuela Medical Center
  • Manila Naval Hospital, 
  • Veterans Hospital,
  • Northern Mindanao Medical Center. 
  • Ospital ng Maynila, 
  • Pasig City General Hospital Southern
  • Philippines Medical Center
  • Caloocan City Medical Center
  • Philippine General Hospital
  • Research Institute of Tropical Medicine.

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

Philippines reports Southeast Asia’s highest confirmed COVID-19 cases

Sarah Ladeza
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0
Philippines reports Southeast Asia’s highest confirmed COVID-19 cases

Overtaking Malaysia, Philippines has now taken the most unwanted spot in the leaderboard of countries who have the most number of COVID-19 cases in the Southeast Asian region.

On April 14, the Department of Health (DOH) announced 291 new cases of COVID-19, making the country’s total positive cases reach 5,223.

Unlike the other countries, our death toll is higher than the recoveries making the Philippines top the highest death-to-recovery ratio, Indonesia the second.

After the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are the countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases.

These are the current number of cases, deaths, and recoveries in Southeast Asia, as of April 14, 2020 at 4PM.

ConfirmedDeathsRecoveries
Philippines5,223335295
Malaysia4,987822,478
Indonesia4,839459426
Singapore3,25210611
Thailand2,613411,405
Vietnam267169
Brunei1361107
Cambodia12296
Myanmar6342
Laos191
Timor-Leste61
Data as of April 14, 2020 at 4PM via worldometers.info

Two pandas finally mated after a decade amid COVID-19

Marel Baluyos
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0
Two pandas finally mated after a decade amid COVID-19

I guess they needed that privacy.

Amid the global pandemic, news of these pandas successfully mating after a decade of waiting and failed attempts surely brightens up the world a little bit.

The giant pandas Ying Ying (female) and Le Le (male), both 14 years old successfully did the deed last April 6, 2020 at the Ocean Park in Hongkong.

With the park being closed for viewing, that privacy and peace may have been an advantage to the mating process.

Giant pandas were considered “endangered” and were recently categorized as “vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is why the ones who are held in captivity take part in breeding programs.

The zoo officials hope that Ying Ying would be pregnant. Honestly, we should all pray for this. Giant pandas are too cute and special to be extinct.

“The successful natural mating process today is extremely exciting for all of us, as the chance of pregnancy via natural mating is higher than by artificial insemination,”

– Michael Boos, Ocean Park’s executive director

Research reveals ways to be happier amidst COVID-19 pandemic & Social Media Toxicity

Sugbo.ph
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0
Research reveals ways to be happier amidst COVID-19 pandemic & Social Media Toxicity

We have entered 2020 yet we weren’t prepared for what was to come. If someone told me last year that this year a pandemic will emerge that will shake the entire world and force everyone to self-isolate and keep distance, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Many people have already lost their jobs and livelihood, and along with this, social media is in a state of outrage right now, which can be toxic for many people to be on. With no vaccine in sight and the virus not seemingly slowing down in the nation, what can we do to stay positive?

Normally, the way to be happier is to meet with friends, revisit some old ones and hugging and kissing.

BUT WE CANNOT DO THAT in our current situation. Still, there are other ways to go around this, thanks to over 50 years of documented research on the topic.

The root of all these practices is positive social interaction, and that is not impossible to do online. Studies show that this practice can actually help your mental health. Thanks to the internet, we can still interact and connect with people.

  • If you feel lonely, you can always chat with a friend.
  • Need to hear their voice? Call them.
  • A group video call  to catch up on the things you’ve been doing.
  • Expressing gratitude to the people you love on social media or DM’s.
  • Being appreciated of your work and efforts
  • Developing an optimistic imagination

This article is not saying that there is a universal key to happiness that will work for everyone. What is being discussed here is that there are ways and practices you need to observe. As I said, there is no surefire way to be happy, but it would not be bad to give effort to being positive.

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

Lifting of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Cebu not yet in sight

Marel Baluyos
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1
Lifting of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Cebu not yet in sight

“Kini nga ECQ sa province of Cebu will go on until further notice.”- Gov. Garcia

This is the answer of the Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia on the issue of the lifting of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) during her live update last Saturday, April 11.

The successive days of negative test results on the COVID tests conducted here in Cebu have prompted the people to ask this question along with the ECQ’s possible extensions.

She clarified that no specific date on the end of ECQ was indicated in the Executive Order 5-O she had issued.

“Wala ko nibutang ug hangtod kanus.a. Walay deadline. So kung walay deadline, walay kinahanglan e extend.”- Gov. Gwen Garcia

“Kini nga ECQ, sa province of Cebu will go on until further notice.”- Gov. Garcia

“Apan Dili pana karun. Dili pana sunod semana. Dili pana sa musunod na duha o tulo ka semana. Sa akong tan.aw. Dili. Not in the near future.”- Gov. Gwen Garcia

She also added that as of April 10, another 3 new cases have been confirmed positive out of 110 that was tested. As of April 13, 2020, the entire Cebu now has a total of 33 confirmed cases with 19 recovered patients and 6 deaths.

Four-year-old boy with rare neuroblastoma cancer defeats COVID-19

Marel Baluyos
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0
Four-year-old boy with rare neuroblastoma cancer defeats COVID-19

This global pandemic isn’t picky and favors no one but it is especially dangerous to people who already have diseases or conditions that lower their immune system.

We worry for them and pray for them. And it seems like one of these prayers has come true because a 4-year-old boy with a rare disease has just won over CoVID-19.

Archie Wilks, who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, has caught the novel coronavirus during one of his treatments.

He developed a fever at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after his chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and was quickly moved to a coronavirus ward where he was diagnosed.

‘It was scary to be moved into the coronavirus ward as we had no real information about how a child in his position might cope with the virus.’

– Mr. Wilks

Mr. Wiks also praised the staff who made them feel at ease especially the parents. Archie was brought home last April 1 when he was well enough and was safer to be in isolation at home.

 ‘Archie’s definitely out the other side of the virus with no cough and no need for oxygen.’-Archie’s family

COVID-19 Cebu

As the threat of the Coronavirus 2019 or COVID-19 rises every day, the Cebu province has taken a proactive approach and is pulling all stops in protecting the island. Here’s everything you need to know about COVID-19 and its symptoms: https://sugbo.ph/2020/corona-virus-in-cebu/

With this, an Executive Order was issued for the implementation of the drastic but necessary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. For more information, head on to: https://sugbo.ph/2020/cebu-implements-drastic-measures/

If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical attention, call the local Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice: 0922-397-2334 / 0943-568-3298 / (032) 402-3091 / (032) 402-1269.

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