The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use to REMDESIVIR, an anti-viral drug, to possibly treat COVID-19.
Though recent studies have shown mixed results with its effectiveness in treating the virus, FDA approved an emergency use to treat the virus.
Such authorization would allow this drug to be distributed to the doctors. These doctors are those who are administering patients with severe cases of COVID-19.
Remdesivir was initially developed by Gilead Sciences to treat Ebola. However, it has then been used in experiments to treat SARS and MERS hence, giving Remdesivir an edge amongst other drugs.
Apart from having shown some success in animal models, it has also shown early results from a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that patients who took this have recovered 31% faster than those who didn’t. Furthermore, an internal study showed that the drug was just as effective over 5 days of use as it is over 10.
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told reporters at the White House on April 29 that he thought the findings were significant.
“This is really quite important,” he said. “This will be the standard of care.”
Nonetheless, regardless of how effective it could be then and now, it remains unclear as to how effective this will be in fighting the virus. Therefore, more research is needed. However, since it has been approved, let’s all hope and pray for the best.
The world’s leading streaming service Netflix is set to release one of the most controversial and talked about TV series in the US this June 1, 2020.
Netflix officially announced today the first two seasons of Keeping Up With the Kardashians will be available in the Philippines on June 1.
“Unexpected news for fans of bootcut jeans: S1 and 2 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians will be on Netflix from 1 June.”
– Netflix Official
As seen on the Netflix app
If you’re not familiar with the show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians (often abbreviated KUWTK) is an American reality TV series that originally airs on the E! cable network. It currently has 18 seasons, with an average of 8-12 episodes per season.
The series focuses on sisters Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian.
It additionally places emphasis on their brother Rob Kardashian, their mother Kris Jenner, their step-parent Caitlyn Jenner, their half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and Kourtney’s now ex-boyfriend, Scott Disick. Khloé’s ex-husband Lamar Odom developed a major position as part of the supporting cast from the fourth season onwards, though he rarely appeared in season eight while attempting to fix his marriage with Khloé.
Along in season seven, Kanye West became a recurring cast member after entering into a relationship with Kim. West later developed a more prominent role from season 16 onwards. In seasons eight and nine, Caitlyn’s children Brody and Brandon, and Brandon’s exwife, Leah became recurring cast members. Blac Chyna appeared as a recurring cast member throughout season 12 whilst engaged to Rob.
Its premise originated with Ryan Seacrest, who also serves as an executive producer. The series debuted on October 14, 2007, and has subsequently become one of the longest-running reality television series in the country.
The eighteenth season premiered on March 26, 2020. Also, on February 27, Kris Jenner confirmed on the Ellen show that filming for season 19 has begun.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians Season 1Keeping Up with the Kardashians Season 2
The first season has 8 episodes, while the second one has 11. In the first two seasons, Kendall and Kylie were mere children when the first series came out in 2007 and now look at them, Kylie has a kid herself and Kendall is ruling the modelling world.
Set your reminders on June 1 to keep up with the Kardashians.
The Land Transportation Office-Philippines (LTO) has extended the validity of driver’s licenses that expired during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to 60 days or 2 months, which will commence upon the lifting of the restrictions.
In addition, LTO also announced no penalties will be collected for the late registration of motor vehicles and renewal of driver’s licenses that expire within the duration of the ECQ.
LTO will also limit its transactions once the ECQ is lifted, to observe health protocols, such as social distancing, in light of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Furthermore, the agency will reduce personnel in counters, but to accommodate more applicants, the office is considering operating during Saturdays, and frontliners will be the priority in the opening of the offices.
Applicants should process their registration before the end of the grace period, to avoid overcrowding at the offices on the day of the deadline.
An anti-microbial coating, which can “inactivate” viruses from surfaces for 90 days like COVID-19, was recently developed by researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The disinfectant spray known as “MAP-1” has been designed for use on various surfaces including glass, metals, plastic, leather and fabrics, according to the university.
It has heat-sensitive polymers that responds to touch or droplets. It releases a larger amount of disinfectant when it senses an increase in temperature like when we touch a surface or with moisture from droplets.
The anti-viral coating took ten years to develop and has been used in shopping malls, schools, churches, and sport training facilities in Hong Kong.
It is said to be available in the Hong Kong stores in May, following its clinical tests in the city back in February.
Since February this year, we have been seeing beautiful extra-large full moons known as “supermoons”. Good news, we will witness another one tonight, May 7 at 6:45PM peak (Philippine time). Bad news, it’s going to be the last supermoon this year.
The term “supermoon” can refer to either a new or a full moon that is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit. The supermoon tonight will only be slightly bigger than the usual full moon. The ‘super pink moon‘ in April was the biggest 2020, but May’s supermoon should be just as gorgeous.
The ‘flower moon’ seems to have earned its “flower” nickname as an ode to spring in the Northern Hemisphere. NASA said the moniker traces back to the Maine Farmers Almanac in the 1930s.
One of the perfect time to witness the supermoon is around sunset. Go outdoors and head to the opposite direction of the sun to see the moon rising.
The Flower Supermoon will be visible in the Philippines on May 7, 2020 at 6:45PM (peak time). It may also be visible in the next nights until May 9, 2020.
Editor’s note: If you have an amazing supermoon photo you’d like to share for a special feature on our Facebook Page, you can send the hi-res photos to [email protected].
15 years after its finale, a new story is about to unfold in the Prince of Tennis universe. Get ready because it’s coming back with a new one entitled “Prince of Tennis: Hyotei vs Rikkai”.
"New Prince of Tennis: Hyotei vs Rikkai" anime has been announced!!! Additional details will be revealed soon. pic.twitter.com/khhIzVobTL
For those who do not know the anime series, “Prince of Tennis” or “Tennis no Ouji-sama” in Japan, is a story about Ryouma, a high school student, with a dream to be the best tennis player the country has ever seen. He wants to surpass his father’s legendary status in the tennis world.
Along with the rest of his team, they keep pushing on against foes and obstacles on their quest. It started airing on October 10, 2001 and finished airing on March 2, 2005. Prince of Tennis has been a successful series as it spurred two anime feature films, a live action film, and a live action television series in China.
Now, Prince of Tennis returns as Shueisha’s Jump SQ. magazine revealed a new anime in the franchise. The new story revolves around the conflict between the two prominent schools Hyotei Academy and Rikkai University-Affiliated Middle School.
Not much so far has been said about the actual plot and the characters, but so far, the most obvious speculation is that it will star the tennis teams of the respective schools. It is unknown as of now if the original main protagonist, Ryouma, is going to be featured in this new story. It is set to air between 2020-2021, so Prince of Tennis fans, get hyped!
This is what the Pasig City government has proven to the world.
All its residential families who were not covered by the national government’s Social Amelioration Program have been included in the Supplemental Social Amelioration Program.
And yes, including LGBTQ+ partners which were considered as families. This announcement had the netizens in an uproar.
Just heard the good news that Mayor @VicoSotto included LGBT couples w/ children as "FAMILIES" in the guidelines for supplemental SAP in Pasig.
This is a big step in recognizing that LGBT families are no different from other families, even just in an LGU. Salamat, Pasig!!! 🌈💙
— Vince | #Pride2020 🏳️🌈🌹 (@vinceliban) May 5, 2020
This step of inclusion and acceptance, considering LGBTQ+ partners as a family when technicalities often say they are not have gained the approval of the public.
The program gives a total of PHP 8,000 to each family to help them with any expenses during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
“Ang gagawin po natin sa Pasig, nakahanap po kami ng pondo. Over P1 billion po ‘yung na-identify natin na pondo para dagdagan po ‘yung tinatawag nating Pasig Suplemental Social Amelioration Program,”
– Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto
“Kung naliliitan siya sa pinamimigay ng city ibig sabihin hindi niya kailangan ‘yun,” Sotto said. “Alam ko naman kung magkano sweldo niya dati. Hindi naman siya mahirap.”
The Supplemental Social Amelioration Program is the government’s cash subsidy given to help families cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the local government’s continued efforts in targeted massive testing, we are expecting more new cases of coronavirus infection in entire Cebu, including Cebu City.
On Wednesday evening, the Cebu City Health Department has reported one hundred eight (108) new confirmed cases recorded in the city today, May 6. This brings the city’s tally to 1,388 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Below is the breakdown of new cases in Cebu City:
106 new cases in brgy Mambaling
Lawis, Alaska
Alaska Proper
Sitio Tinabangay
Sentro Alaska
Sitio Ypil- Ypil
1 new case in Brgy Tejero
1 new case in Brgy Suba
Meanwhile, the infographic below shows the latest total breakdown of cases per barangay:
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.
On the other hand, there are also:
7 new cases in Cebu Province today from CPDRC,
4 new in Lapu-Lapu City, and
3 new in Mandaue City.
With Cebu City’s 108 new cases, the entire Cebu has a total of 122 new confirmed cases recorded today, May 6.
On May 5, 2020, DOH-7 recorded 1,455 confirmed cases in entire Cebu. With the additional cases of 122 today, Cebu’s tally now is at 1,577.
Sugboanons, let’s do our part. Stay at home, practice good hygiene and follow the authorities.
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/
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.
We have to be productive with or without this pandemic, but now is the best time to do it.
Student-athletes are known to ace not only their field of specialization, but also in managing their time. However, instead of juggling sports and studies, one student-athlete has used her time management skills on a different scale.
Maxine Esteban, a foil fencer sophomore student from Ateneo De Manila University, used her free time to study and finish nine online courses from Ivy League universities.
Talking about being productive during lockdown, yes?
“With Ateneo calling off all online classes and deciding to give a passing mark to everyone, there wasn’t much to do anymore, there was a lot of idle time,”
– Maxine Esteban
“I was really used to having a hectic schedule. I came across forwarded links of free online courses from Ivy League schools, I got drawn into it because there were so many interesting business courses. I was really happy.”
The 30th Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist and UAAP Season 81 Rookie of the Year Maxine also promotes her personal initiative to raise funds for the health and street frontliners.
“We have a responsibility to our community. In our own small way, we all can do something to help. So, we came up with our fund raiser, and we are really grateful for all donors. We hope to be able to raise more money or supplies. The drive is still on going and we are receiving some call for help from some NGOs.”
Here are her finished Ivy League courses:
Wharton school of the University of Pennsylvania
Entrepreneurship 1-Developing the opportunity
Entrepreneurship 2-Launching your start-up
Entrepreneurship 3-Growth Strategies
Entrepreneurship 4-Financing and profitability
Viral marketing and how to craft contagious content
We all look for adventure and some of us even have a knack for the chilling ones. The ones that will get their hearts racing in fear and rattle their minds for the unseen and unknown.
May it be ghosts, restless souls or just plain unexplainable creepy happenings, they have alwasy been there.
I know we can’t help but scare ourselves for fun. It’s not yet Halloween, but quarantine did this to us. Enjoy, and keep the lights on.
Editor’s Note: Sugbo.ph does not, in any way, mean to defame any of the property or company mentioned in this article. The sole purpose of this content is merely to retell old, classic ghost stories / urban legends in Cebu.
This Villalon, also known as the “House on the Hill”, used to be the home of a rich Cebuano family. Since its vacancy, it has drawn many horror rumors and has become a popular “haunted house” in Cebu. Today, this is off limits. However, many had speculated strange things happening inside and around the mansion. At night, there are peculiar noises. There’s even a white lady spotted here.
This house had been a venue for many retreat and recollection activities in Cebu (until now). Some reported banging doors, aircon turning off by itself, and fingerprints found on the window glass during their stay at the house.
There is also a certain vacant room in the house which can’t be occupied. It is said that a nun hanged herself in that room a long time ago.
3. CASA GORORDO MUSEUM, LOPEZ JAENA
The Casa Gorordo, long before it was converted into a museum, was a family residence of the Cebu’s first Filipino bishop, Juan Gorordo. In 1934, the bishop died in the master’s bedroom.
Those who have stayed in the museum and took care of the house said they have seen an apparition of a woman sitting outside Casa Gorordo’s private chapel in the courtship field. According to the staff, the apparitions seen are not from the bishop but from one of his spinster sisters.
Casa Gorordo is one of the beautiful museums that Cebu is proud to have.
4. MUSEO PARIAN – 1730 JESUIT HOUSE IN CEBU
Built in 1730, the Museo de Parian or the Jesuit House is the oldest documented house in the Philippines.
This was a viral post during the Gabii Sa Kabilin 2014, an annual museum hopping and Cebu history celebration. The photo was taken during the event, second photo taken a few days after. Notice anything strange in the first photo?
5. ESCARIO HOUSE AND PENSION, ESCARIO ST.
One of the busiest streets in Cebu City, Escario St. has its story too. There used to be a 4-storey residential house but was converted into a hotel now. Based on the old stories, a lot of workers died during the construction, at least once in a month. Residents living in the vicinity attested “unusual activities” in the area, including hammering sounds as if someone was still working.
Another urban legend says there’s a ‘haunted’ pension house that’s just right across the Escario house. Employees and guests of the pension house said they have seen ghosts and white ladies — sometimes, they hear footsteps in the middle of night, and at times, unusual knocking on the doors.
6. MONCADO HOTEL, SUDLON
Photo from polomap
In the mountains of Sudlon, Cebu, there’s a 3-storey hotel with a wooden structure. The hotel was built to accommodate members of a cult-like group known as the Moncadistas. At far, the hotel seems empty and abandoned but the attendant will tell you they are fully booked except for room number 13.
But the hotel is actually not abandoned and rumors say, the members of the group always have their cult ritual inside the hotel. It was also rumored that the person who built the hotel, died inside his hotel room.
Some say the hotel seems to have a lot of unusual activities — even though it appears the hotel is empty. A lot of eerie noises can be heard from the hotel too.
7. UP CEBU Campus
UP Cebu was founded in 1918 as a satellite unit of the main university in Diliman. The school’s main building was a witness of notable incidents in Cebu history, especially during the World War II where the Japanese Imperial Army used the structure as a stockade. Thousands of Filipinos died that time.
Today, some students said they witnessed paranormal activities in the campus late at night, and even during their classes. There was one student who said he saw a shadow of a man wearing chains outside their classroom.
Rumors also say the restrooms are also haunted. Every time a student come in, especially when alone, there’s an unusual knocking on the doors, lights turning off by themselves and screaming sounds from empty stalls.
8. VICENTE SOTTO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (VSMMC)
This hospital was a silent witness of countless of deaths, including gruesome crimes such as murders. The hospital has its own morgue where you can see the dead bodies with black tags.
Their spirits are said to roam the hospital and at midnight and they play tricks not only to the hospital staff but also to the patients and visitors in the hospital. Another thing that makes it more scary is how they have a psychiatric ward.
9. CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY
One of the controversial, scary rumors in CNU was the horrifying possession of a student inside the CR. This happened when the girl looked at the mirror and saw a reflection of an indescribable-looking woman smirking from behind. She then acted hysterical, left the CR and just blankly stared at the ceiling — but stopped upon seeing the cross nearby.
The girl was then exorcised and found out there was a writing behind the mirror. They blessed it and replaced it with a new mirror.
Not too many people know USC South’s Minda Mora – The Rudolf Rahmann Cultural Center is haunted. Old stories say there was a girl who got killed by a guard late at night. The guard who was just doing his rounds thought it was someone else hiding behind the stage and recklessly shoot the girl dead.
However, some stories also say she was raped. Now, some students feel unusual activities and hear “a girl crying” whenever they practice in the theater.
11. CEBU COSMOPOLITAN FUNERAL HOMES
Every funeral parlor has its cadaver holding room where dead bodies are stored and subjected for identification while also waiting for the relatives to claim the body.
During the devastating event of the sunken M.V. Princess of the Stars in 2008, at least 500 people died. 300 of the found dead bodies were brought here for a while, but only a few were identified at all. Since then, this has become a place where paranormal activities can be felt even at noon time.
