(Output for news writing subject)

TRUTH P ROPELLER Wr iters of t he Dawn

Photo Source: Rapler

DOH: pharmacists and midwives to administer COVID-19 vaccine, possible

by Remylene R. Doringo

The Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday, January 16, that there is a possibility of allowing pharmacists and midwives to administer the COVID-19 vaccine due to lack of medical workers in the country.

During the Senate hearing on the government’s vaccination program, Philippine Red Cross Chairman Senator Richard Gordon questioned the capability of DOH in vaccinating millions of Filipinos while only having 617, 239 medical workers.

Gordon then proposed to train more vaccinators to help Filipino

medical workers administer the vaccine.

In a town hall discussion on the government’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, DOH Usec. Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said that so far, only doctors and nurses are allowed to administer the vaccine.

According to Cabotaje, her team along with FDA Director General Eric Domingo, are now studying and looking at pharmacists to administer the vaccine since the pharmacy law also allows them to do vaccination.

Cabotaje added that they also raised the possibility of allowing

midwives to administer the vaccine.

“They are all under the supervision of a physician. So ang importante po dyan ay may doctor na present in the vaccination site,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senator Dick Gordon said that he will file a bill which seeks to train more vaccinators such as dentists, veterinarians, and even those workers without a medical background in order to make the vaccination faster in the country.

NEWS (pages 2 -9)

EDITORIAL (pages 10-11)

FEATURE (pages 12- 13)

Galvez: Philippines can still withdraw from the Sinovac deal

by Joshua Ely S. Empeño

MANILA, Philippines — COVID-19 vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. told the Senators that Philippines can still back out with the agreement with a Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac, to supply the country with its coronavirus vaccine CoronaVac, because the deal has not been sealed.

In a hearing on Friday, Senator Nancy Binay and her colleagues grilled the administration’s obvious partiality for Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine amidst its lower efficacy rate and higher cost. Vaccine czar said that the Chinese compa-

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ny could still be excluded from the government’s portfolio of vaccine sources.

“Done deal na ‘yan? Walang atrasan?”, Binay asked the vaccine czar.

“No.”,Carlito Galvez JR. answered.

SPORTS (page 14 )

Galvez clarified that the deal only secured an advance market commitment from the pharmaceutical company to assure a certain number of doses for the country.

CONTINUE TO PAGE 3

ENTERTAINMENT (page 16 )

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NEWS

Maynilad Announces One-Week Water Service Interruption

by Marjorie Grace G. Tabay ADVISORY From November 18 to November 24, 2020, Maynilad advises a rotational water service interruption to its 7 million customers in 11 areas in Metro Manila and 4 areas in Cavite to give way for the cleanup of their tanks that have accumulated a heavy volume of sludge due to Typhoon Ulysses.

In an announcement Tuesday evening, the affected areas in Metro Manila include Pasay, Caloocan, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Makati, Quezon City, Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, and Manila.

While in Cavite, municipalities of Noveleta, Imus, Kawit, and Bacoor will also experience the daily water interruption.

The full list of affected barangays per city is posted on Maynilad’s official Facebook page.

Maynilad said that the cleanup is necessary to get back to their plant’s normal water supply production.

The company affirmed that no customer would experience a 24hour water service interruption.

CLEANUP DRIVE According to Engineer Ronaldo Padua, Head of Water Supply Operation in Maynilad, this is the

Photo courtesy from Manila Bulletin first time that some of the tanks of the Maynilad, supposedly containing 6-meter water, became 4-meter sludge. They need to clean its basins from the heavy volume of sludge brought by Typhoon Ulysses to its treatment plants.

1 of their 3 affected tanks was already sanitized.

He added that the accumulated dirt in the tanks increased more than thrice from their record. There

is 1.5 meters left that needs to be cleansed from a 4-meter high dirt in the water.

The cleanup will be done to help restore the normal volume of water it produces.

DECREASE IN WATER SUPPLY Because of the situation of the water tanks, from 2.3 billion liters Maynilad supplies every day, to

1.9 billion liters, water production has decreased by 17%.

The 400 million liters decrease is equivalent to 160 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Maynilad has set a continuous plan to lessen the effect of the problem in case the same thing would happen again in the future.

4 police enforcers, arrested due to Clandestine Shabu Lab in Subic

by Alyanna Sofia A. Bausin

Authorities arrested five people, four policemen including one civilian in connection to dismantling of a clandestine laboratory used in producing Illegal Drugs, in Subic Bay, Olongapo City on Friday morning, January 15, 2021.

spokesperson Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said that PNP Chief Debold Sinas has ordered dismissal proceedings against the four policemen. Sinas said the four policemen allegedly served as security escorts of Jericho Dabu, who was also arrested.

The drug bust was conducted at around 12:30 a.m. in Finback West Kalayaan at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in coordination with the local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

He said Dabu is part of a group of foreign nationals and Filipinos who are operating an illegal drug laboratory that produces three to four kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) per day.

Their output is distributed in CenPhilippine National Police (PNP) tral Luzon and Metro Manila.

A kitchen-type laboratory was discovered during the operation, Usana said in a press conference in Camp Crame. Recovered during the operation were around one kilogram of shabu valued at P6.8 million, another 300 grams which was to be sold during the drug bust, and drug manufacturing paraphernalia.

The four policemen were identified as Lieutenant Reynato Basa Jr., Corporals Gino Dela Cruz and Edesyr Victor Alipio and Godfrey Duclayan Parentala. They are all members of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Olongapo City Police office.

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“The raw materials are reportedly imported from other countries which were inserted in the legal shipments to mislead the authorities,” said Sinas.

Sinas said the group is categorized as an organized crime group considering that they have unlimited financial resources and contact persons as protectors. Usana said the policemen were immediately disarmed and were placed under the Police Holding and Accounting Unit.

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NEWS

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SK’s E-library Project is making progress - GMA, Cavite

by Sofia Marie P. Paguagan

As internet is inaccessible for all, SK officers from GMA, Cavite come up with a modern solution, E-library located in each of the Barangay in the municipality.

gay Poblacion Singko (5).

According to Ms. Shamae Anne Cuevas, SK Chairwoman of Committee on Education in the said barangay, the e-library is composed of 13 computers and aims to provide free access to Wi-Fi and computer, as well as free printing for all members of the community.

On the other hand, the opening of the said project was put on hold for a few months due to some complication with the process in the internet.

Fortunately, last December 10, the process of internet installation for their location had already started, and it will be a matter of time before they start to open the mentioned project.

“It is inevitable for us to encounter problems, not only in this project but to all projects we conducted.

Like the problem in budget because it is not easy for us to get such huge amount of money since there are

In March 2020, Community quarantine in Cavite was imposed and since then, traditional schooling had to be stopped due to the global pandemic that eventually hit our country, because of this alternative education had been implemented.

However, flexible learning was not an easy task for the students, for majority of them don’t have the same resources, and equipment needed in order to cope with the said type of education.

THE FIRST BARANGAY On October 20, the official Facebook page of Cavite, features the first E-library to finish in General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) Cavite, which was achieved in the Baran-

lots of papers and processes need to be done” said Cuevas.

Nonetheless, once it starts to operate, they ensure that they will maintain the health protocols set

by Inter-Agency Task Force, for COVID - 19.

SKF ACTION PLAN Nathaniel Nuarin, Chairperson of SK Federation (SKF) GMA, Cavite, said that the e-library is their priority projects since their term started, it just happened that the Pandemic occur and the distance learning was implemented so the essentiality of the E-library rises.

Nuarin added that not all barangays have the means to continue the projects for the lack of budget, so the SKF are making contact with the Local Government Units to provide sets of computer especially to those barangays who needed it the most. “ Some of the barangays hindi

nila kaya na mag-provide agad, unlike sa Poblacion 5, who have the biggest area in the municipality, but the poorest barangay naman with the lowest area is yun yung mga gusto talaga mag-provide ng e-library kaagad but they can’t because they don’t have the fund like barangay Salud and Tres” said Nuarin.

Even so, the SK in different barangays, make effort to use the availability of their funds such as issuance of financial assistance for indigents students, as well as distribution of school supplies that includes flash drive, earphones, blue light glass, and other basic needs in distance learning.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nuarin also assured that they are doing their best to aid the needs of the youth in the municipality, especially that the face to face classes was once again postponed and the essentially to accomplish the project is definitely needed.

Beep Card Partners with PLDT to Modernize Public Transportation

CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 1

by Nelissa A. Ibañez

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr answers questions from Senators during the continuation of the Senate Committee of the Whole hybrid hearing, Friday, January 15,2021.

(Photo by Albert Calvelo/ Senate PRIB)

Moreover, no supply contract has been signed as the vaccine was subject to a review by a government-led panel of experts and authorization from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the national government has not yet paid Sinovac.

“If the vaccine expert panel does not recommend a certain vaccine, then the Philippine government will not purchase and will not administer the vaccine.

The choice of vaccine is heavily reliant on what the vaccine expert

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panel recommends”, said Vince Dizon, deputy chief implementer of National Task Force Against COVID-19.

Though Sinovac was included in the seven vaccine brands that were recommended by the expert panel seeing its initial review, a final recommendation is still required to proceed with the purchase of the China-developed vaccine.

“Hihintayin po natin ang vaccine expert panel’s final recommendation based on Phase 3

clinical trials and the FDA’s issuance of the EUA,” Dizon said.

Previously, Galvez defended the government’s decision to procure vaccines from Sinovac, the “only” vaccine maker to give definite monthly delivery dates for its doses. Which in February, an initial batch of 50,000 doses and to be followed by 950,000 more in March is expected to arrive in the country.

The telephone giant PLDT Inc. has bonded a wise partnership in order to have convenient payment in public transportations. They aim to upgrade fare and track it in the system. In order for commuters not to worry whether they have less money or the conductor do not have change for their large bill.

PLDT is affiliated with the Ayala Corp., and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. While Beep Card is under the company AF Payments that is also used railways.

In their contract, it is stated that AF Payments will merge with the PLDT Enterprise’s Smart Tracker solution for its fare collection system.

According to Jovy Hernandez, Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise said that the partnership will be a huge leap towards modernizing transportation of any kind.

“Bus companies can manage their operations better and the public will be assured of a simpler and safer way to commute with contactless payments.”

Hernandez said.

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NEWS

Iloilo City Deals with AstraZeneca For Its Corona Virus Vaccine

by Lineth V. Lumaban

Acting Mayor Torres officiates mass wedding ceremony in GMA

by Marjorie Grace G. Tabay

Photo courtesy from Pexels Vials with a sticker reading, “Covid-19 / Coronavirus vaccine / Injection only” and a medical syringe are seen in front of a displayed AstraZeneca logo in this illustration taken on Oct 31, 2020. (Photo courtesy from Reuters)

ILOILO CITY, Philippines— Iloilo City and Province both signed the advance purchase deal with AztraZeneca, a British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm for their corona virus vaccine.

In a Facebook post of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, he said that after a year since the pandemic started, this is a sign of hope that we are closer to get back in our normal lives just like before COVID-19.

Iloilo City hopes to vaccinate 100% of its population since they allotted PHP 200 million for the vaccine and ordered 600,000 doses of the vaccine.

The Provincial government of Iloilo City allotted an initial of PHP 95 million, who is represent-

ed by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. also signed the deal with AstraZeneca with 270,000 doses of vaccine worth USD 1,350,000.

“We will start drafting the executive order for the details of the vaccination plan for the implementation of the province. We will put specific details for the implementation of the vaccination plan with the guidance of DOH and national government.”, Defensor said in an interview with an Iloilo radio station on Monday.

Iloilo is one of the Cities along with San Juan City, Valenzuela City, Vigan, and Caloocan City who signed with AstraZeneca for their vaccine.

70 couples took part in a free mass wedding ceremony on December 18 last year at the local government of General Mariano Alvare, officiated with the acting Mayor Maricel Torres and role as Solemnizing Officer as well.

Mass weddings, sponsored by mayors or heads of government agencies, are in abundance during the love month.

Being in the 11 years of long-term relationship, Mharlz, 29, and Romel Osabel, 34, of barangay Memije, GMA was one of the couples who have taken part in the mass wedding ceremony.

The couples got engaged in 2013, and are now living together with their eldest daughter, 10, and their youngest son who is 4 years old.

They immediately signed up to grab the chance to finally tie the knot they have longed for after a Municipal Civil Registrar posted a free mass wedding announcement

on facebook. Mhariz and Romel could have been married long ago but Mharlz had encountered a problem regarding her birth certificate so could not process the wedding.

For some couples, getting married is exhausting. But for the Osabel couple who have been together for more than a decade especially outside the bounds of marriage, their love for each other is unbreakable.

“Wala kaming naging problema, hindi rin kami dumating sa point na muntik nang maghiwalay”, Mharlz proudly said in an online interview.

When couples decide they want to stay together, they wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to be legally bound to stay together.

Because February is known as Love Month, the same event will be conducted in Rosario, Cavite, not just a day this February but a whole month of free wedding ceremony that was announced from the official facebook page of the municipality.

Lani Misalucha now uses hearing aid after deafness in one ear

by Alyanna Sofia A. Bausin

Singer Lani Misalucha has revealed that she is now using a hearing aid after becoming deaf in her right ear in October, due to bacterial meningitis.

Asia’s Nightingale unboxed and installed her new hearing aid in an Instagram video on Wednesday, January 13, after discussing the “souvenir” the life-threatening infection had given her and her husband Noli – hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.

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“Every single day mayroon kaming hilo sa ulo. ‘Yung konting movement ng head, ‘yung ganyan, super nakakahilo na ‘yan. Ako ang right ear ko ang bingi and ‘yung left ear ko ay medyo nakakarinig.

Pero ang malala talaga na bingi is si Papa Nolz,” Lani said.

“Every single day, we got dizzy.

One small movement of the head is enough to get us super dizzy.

My right ear is deaf, but my left ear can still hear a bit. But Papa Nolz deafness is much worse”.

Lani, 51, also thanked her fans for the continuous prayers, love, and support.

On Tuesday, January 12, Lani shared a selfie on Instagram, saying that her face and body became swollen due to the steroids she had to take for the inflammation of the nerves in her brain.

“Kaya pagpasensiyahan ‘nyo na ang first fekture of the year ko dito sa IG, bilang lumiit na nang konti ang mukeels ko. Sana naman, so far happy ang 2021 ‘nyo,” she

wrote.

“So please bear with my first picture of the year on Instagram, since my face has gotten a bit smaller. I hope your 2021 is happy so far” Lani first announced her diagnosis and hearing loss to the public during a Christmas special of GMA’s talent show The Clash, where she was a judge. She explained that her absence from the show was not due to COVID-19, but because of “something worse.”

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NEWS

TAAL LAKE CREPT 20 METERS INLAND

by Leojay S. Balani

A year after Taal volcano eruption happened, residential area and circumferential road in Sitio Manalao Agoncillo, Batangas submerged after the Taal Lake crept 20 meters inland.

“Halos umabot na po sa bahay ang tubig lalo na po kapag umuulan nakakatakot na po.” Stated by Sherwin Calido resident of Sitio Manalao.

Taal volcano eruption last January 12, 2020 altered not only the volcano island but also the land features of its surrounding towns in Batangas province.

In Sitio Manalao barangay Subic Ilaya, Agoncillo Batangas, the water from Taal lake began to rise every day after the eruption; and a year after the blast, the water enters the residential area and circumferential road in Sitio Manalao of the said barangay, more than 50 families were affected.

According to residents, they are having difficulty crossing the submerged road. They are also afraid that at any-time the water in the lake will rise even more due to continuous rain, Meanwhile, one of the most affected are the motorists passing through the said area, because the water level on the road has reached the knees and it even rises when it rains. They have to rent a bamboo raft to cross the submerged road.

“Struggle is real!! ang tubig sa lawa lumampas na sa daan, kelangan na magrenta ng balsa para makatawid, kasi kung di rerenta

by Mika Ella G. Melitante Brgy. Captain Joemar Dagumboy of Pag asa lll Imus City, Cavite restly assured that there are no new recorded cases of COVID-19 for the past five months.

Motorist passing through submerged road in Sitio Manalao Agoncillo Batangas Photo by Jerson Devilla

mamatayan kami ng sasakyan sa gintna ng daan” According to Erwin Cabrera.

Brgy. Captain Gorgonio Atienza stated thru phone call interview, the lake crept by about 20 meters inland, after the Taal volcano eruption, the shore land at Sitio Manalao submerged under 4 to 5 feet and after few months reach the circumferential road.

“Naipaalaam na po natin ang problemang ito sa ating Mayor. At gumagawa na po ng paraan upang maaksyonan” according to Atienza.

Posted on Magandang Agoncillo Facebook Page, Mayor Daniel Reyes has already talked to the Congresswoman of Batangas 3rd District Ma. Theresa V. Collantes, and informed that there is a fund already for the reconstruction.

“Kanina po lamang ay bisita natin ang mahal na Congresswoman at ipinaaabot po niya na may pondo ng inaayos para dito.Kaya naman kami po ay humihingi ng pang-unawa sa lahat partukular po sa ating mga motorista na hindi po titigil ang LGU hangga’t hindi po maaayos ang problemang ito.” posted on Magandang Agoncillo Facebook Page.

Engr. Cesar L. Enriquez, Atty Daniel D. Reyes, and DPWH Batangas III District Planning and survey team, already visited the submerged road in Sitio Manalao to plan for the reconstruction of the said road.

Residents and motorists continue to hope that immediate action will be taken by the government as soon as possible.

ABS-CBN News Company shuts down formally

by Ivy L. Agrimano MANILA — Philippine lawmakers on Friday decided to formally shut down the country’s largest broadcast network, ABS-CBN, the latest major blow against the news media, as President Rodrigo Duterte cracks down outlets that have been critical of his leadership.

After 13 hearings, the committee of the House of Representatives — most of whose members are allied with President Duterte — voted by an overwhelming majority to deny ABS-CBN’s application for renewal of its broadcast franchise. The network had been forced off the air in May, after the franchise expired.

“We remain committed to public service, and we hope to find other

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Barangay Pag-asa lll, Imus City, Cavite is now COVID-19free

ways to achieve our mission,” said ABS-CBN President and Chief Executive Carlo Katigbak in a statement on Friday. He said that the network was ‘deeply hurt’.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque sought to distance President Duterte from the decision.

“The palace has maintained a neutral stance on the issue as it respects the separation of powers between the two coequal branches of government,” he said. “Much as we want to work with the aforesaid media network, we have to abide by the resolution of the House committee.”

On January 4, 2020, Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed a bill 1967, asking for 25 years renewal

of the legislative franchise of ABS CBN. It was then rejected by the committee in July 2020.

“I noticed the TV stations have been replacing their news programs with animes. It means competition is absent and mediocrity is creeping in because of the absence of a strong competitor like ABS-CBN” Sotto said.

Under the 1987 Constitution, private bills such as franchise renewals must first emanate from the House. Thus, the bill would not have actual effect until the House of Representatives – filled with Duterte allies – files and approves a similar measure.

From March to August 2020, Barangay Pag-asa Ill have only recorded three positive cases of Covid-19, and from September up to now, there were no reported new cases.

The Barangay Captain of Pagasa lll together with the help of the Department Health Workers, they prevented the spread of COVID-19 in the whole barangay by monitoring the health of every citizen. They give supplements like vitamins for adults and children to make sure that they are living healthy. The Barangay are still strict in implementing the safety protocols and other regulations like curfew hours for keeping everyone safe from the said virus.

“Mahirap. Pero... kailangang gampanan ang mga ganitong sitwasyon. Napakahirap talaga.

Kahit naman kayo, kahit kami ay patuloy sa agam-agam. Talagang mahirap. Pero kailangang labanan. Matinding problema ito, e.”, Brgy. Captain Joemar shared his thoughts on battling this kind of situation.

In January 2021, there was information about the new COVID-19 variant known as B117 that was first detected in the United Kingdom and that it causes more severe illness than the first COVID-19 disease.

Joemar Dagumboy messaged his community to have hope, even the world still seems unclear to be back on the things that people usually do. The community members were also told to still continue to follow the safety protocols so that eventually, the whole Barangay Pag-asa lll will fully recover from this crisis before the year 2021 ends.

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6 DOH being late In ordering COVID-19 vaccine

by Jennifer Rose N. Vergara One of the latest issues in the Philippine today is about the Department of Health (DOH) being late in ordering COVID-19 vaccines. The Philippines is having a difficulty in securing stockpiles of the coronavirus vaccine.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. says that there are hindrances in the country in acquiring the needed vaccines but he still believes that the Philippines is not yet late in buying and securing the vaccine.

“I believe we are not late yet because we have ongoing negotiations with different leading companies”, Secretary Galvez said.

Philippines targets to deal 25 million doses of Sinovac vaccine.

A lot of vaccine names have been appearing recently in the target list of the Philippine government to secure and avail.

NEWS Fire hits Barangay Molino, Bacoor City

by Christine Joy M. Labaro

The fire incident in Barangay Molino, Bacoor is the second incident as of 2021, according to the Facebook post of Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mechardo-Revilla she is saddened by what happened, because as early as 2021 the city had experienced two fires, the first incident of fire in Bacoor City this year is in Barangay Salinas 1, the fire went up to 2nd alarm and it lasted for about an hour.

BACOOR CITY, Cavite — A fire broke out in a residential area in Phase 4, Soldiers Hills 4, Barangay Molino, around 9 p.m. on Friday, January 15.

According to The City of Bacoor Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CBDRRMO), the fire broke out on the 2nd alarm at 9:14 pm and lasted for more than 3 hours before it was completely extinguished. No one was reported killed or injured in the incident and it is estimated that up to P1.5 million worth of houses and property were set on fire.

Courtesy of City Government of Bacoor Fb Page The initial investigation revealed that about 25 households were affected by the fire, and as of now the affected residents are in the temporary accommodations, food and other necessities we’re given to the affected family. The investigation into the area is still ongoing.

The City of Bacoor Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Office is already working on a way to inform people of what to do during a fire and to avoid being harmed or injured. They even roam around to inform people about for possible fire circumstances and do preventive measure so this kind of incident will be lessen.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño cancels all public masses

by Jocel A. Laysa The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño has canceled all public masses on Tuesday, January 12, until Sinulog Day on January 17.

The cancelation was announced Monday afternoon, January 11, by the Augustinian friars of the Basilica led by the church’s rector, Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr. In a statement, Nohara said it has been a tough challenge for the

Basilica administrators, with the government and private agencies to manage the flock of devotees and pilgrims at the Basilica in our simplified celebration of the novena and the upcoming feast.

“For the past four days, we have observed that the surge of people coming to venerate and celebrate the Novena Masses has brought us

into a conclusion that a greater action should be done to prevent us from the virus. Having this situation in mind and moreover reminded by Christian morals that the utmost goal of the Church is to bring each and every Christian to an integral salvation, not only of the soul but also of the body which includes our health and well-being, we decided

to cancel all public masses in the Basilica”, Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr. said.

Nohara asked for the public’s understanding and invited the devotees to celebrate the remaining days of the Novena Masses and the Fiesta Señor.

3 Victims of Online Sexual Exploitation in Dasmariñas Cavite Rescued by the NBI on January 8

by Remylene R. Doringo

Three female minors who were victims of online sex exploitation in Dasmariñas Cavite were rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) on Friday, January 8.

NBI officer in-charge Eric Distor said on Tuesday that they received an initial intelligence report that a Filipina had communicated with a man from the United States through Facebook where she sent child porn mate-

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rials of her own daughter and a two other minors in exchange of money since 2018 up to the year 2019.

According to the report, the Filipina received money amounting USD 2,680 from the foreign citizen between in the month of April and August on the year 2019.

Distor also added that the case was referred by the Federal Bureau of Investigation which was forwarded to the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center and later assigned to the

NBI-AHTRAD for further in- where the victims are residing vestigation. and the names of their guardians.

On the 8th day of January, the NBI operatives together with the During the investigation, the NBI-AHTRAD later identified officials of Philippine National a woman and conducted a sur- Police - Women and Children veillance operation around her Protection Center at Dasmariñas residences and found out that City Social Welfare and Develthe victim is the woman’s own opment Office conducted a rescue operation where the victims daughter.

On the other hand, the NBI are residing which resulted the contacted the principal school rescue of the three female miwhere the two of other victims nors.

The minors were then turned were studying to find and locate the minors immediately. The over to a shelter in Rizal. school provided information’s’

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NEWS

Trece, proceed the wedding ceremony despite of Covid Threat; ‘Wednesday Wedding Day’ by: Aira Mae T. Aguanta

Katelyn and Michael Baquiran together with Mayor Gemma Lubigan Photo Source: Katelyn S. Baquiran

Trece Martires City - Mayor Gemma Lubigan urge to continue the civil wedding at City Hall Covered Court every twice a week of Wednesday, ten in the morning, the mayor believe that there were no circumstances that would equivalent the odds between the two couple loving endlessly regardless of the threat of Pandemic and call it “Wednesday Wedding Day”

merous cases in engaging in Teenage Pregnancy to elevate.” she said.

Based on the Philippine Statistic Authority: One in ten young Filipino women aged 15-19 has begun childbearing: 8 percent are already mothers and another 2 percent are pregnant with their first child according to the results of the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

In fact, on November 18, 2020, According to Madam Lorna T. Katelyn Sanjose Pablo, 19, and MiSayaman, Board Secretary in City chael Baquiran, 21, were tied a knot Mayor’s Office: “The increasing after their four years of relationship rate of the teenagers living togeth- together because of the love that er-unmarried could cause the nu- they created bear a fruit of a six

DENR terminates illegal dumpsite in Tanza, Cavite

by Joline Joyce R. Balbuena

A six-hectare illegal open dumpsite in Barangay Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite was closed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on January 14, 2021, Thursday, due to numerous complaints from local residents of Suntrust Ecotown Subdivision and nearby areas.

The DENR led by U Secretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Unit Concerns Benny Antiporda and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) – Environmental Crime Division (ECD).

The open dumpsite owned by Harmony Homes in Barangay Sahud Ulan was closed due to its violation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Under the law, the open dumpsite violates especially on Section 37, strictly prohibits the establishment and maintenance of open dumpsites and also not ensuring segregation

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months baby boy.

For the sake of formality, the parents of the couple urge them to get married despites of pandemic.

Fortunately, the decision of their parents saved them money.

According to Katelyn, “Nakaplano naman yung kasal pero hindi sa taon na to. Biglaan ang lahat, pero malaki naman yung tinipid namin sa kasal namin. Tsaka sumunod naman sa right protocol kaming lahat kaya naging maayos naman yung kasal namin” “We planned out our wedding but not within this year. Everything was unexpected, but the wedding did save a lot of our money. And aside from that, every one of us followed the right protocol that’s why the wedding turns out well” For the couple, Katelyn and Michael’s wedding day is the most remarkable day in their life. Especially when the parents of two sides joined together and enthusiastically celebrated the wedding day.

“The normal schedule of civil weddings happens every Friday at 10 a.m. but since the pandemic started, we made some adjust-

ments and moved it to Wednesday.

The couple must inquire at the City Civil Registrar Office to comply with the requirements and wait for the call coming from the Employee to negotiate their wedding schedule.” Mrs. Lorna added.

Since the Pandemic started, the City Civil Registrar Office reported that “There are approximately 50 couples who’ve successfully become one despites of the hindrances. The civil wedding stopped in April 2020 due to the Corona Virus Outbreak and the least number of married couples was One and it happened in May 2020”

But in November, there were 10 couples who got married on November 4, 2020, while there are a total of 15 couples who were married on November 18, 2020, with a total of 25 couples and it is said to be the highest number of couples who were getting married, according to Mr. Ricardo, Information staff in City Civil Registrar Office

Nuezca pleads ‘NOT GUILTY’

by Mika Ella G. Melitante

of different types of solid wastes for re-using, recycling, composting, and violating the clean air act as the burning is observed during the operations.

Antiporda wants all OD terminated within a year and starts to build a sanitary landfill (SLF) afterwards.

“We hope that this operation may give serenity to the local residents who suffered from ill effects of illegal acts on open dumpsites”, Antiporda said.

Based on the report provided by DENR CALABARZON, the open dumpsite was spotted by PEMO of Cavite on September 23, 2020 via aerial drone shot.

“We will investigate and look at the operation of this open dumpsite.

If found that they are involved in the operation of this, we will file cases against them”, he added. He also said that this operation marks the celebration of Zero Waste Month and the 20th year of the enactment of RA 9003.

Despite the video footage that has gone viral showing Sergeant Jonel Nuezca wielding a gun and killing the victims point-black, the killer cop entered a “not guilty” plea.

According to the report of the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service to police chief Gen Debold Sinas, Staff Sergeant Jonel Nuezca was dismissed from service on Monday (Jan 11), for seriously compromising his character and standing in the Philippine National Police, which shows his unworthiness to still remain in the police after he was caught on video shooting dead in cold blood two unarmed neighbors in Tarlac three weeks ago.

Nuezca has been charged with two counts of murder for killing Sonya Gregorio and son, Frank Anthony after a minor disagreement last

December 20.

Smartphone cameras have become the ordinary citizen’s weapon against abuse and harassment.

And since the video footage of Nuezca killing the mother and child has gone viral, the killer cop entered a “not guilty” plea in his arrangement on Jan 7.

The dismissed policeman, who has two homicide cases that were discharged for having lack of evidence and several administrative cases, should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and pays civil damages on top of criminal liability.

To alleviate the public’s outcry and the bereaved family over the incident, Nuezca’s firing and corresponding penalties should not put an end to this case.

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

8

NEWS

DOH affirms 16 new cases of UK COVID-19 variant in PH

by John Leeroy G. Hodges

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported on January 22, Friday night, that there are 16 new confirmed cases of the more contagious strain of COVID-19 found in UK, bringing the cases of the UK variant here in the Philippines to 17.

According to DOH’s report, Mountain Province topped the list with 12 new cases, as announced by Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey.

“Biosurveillance is in place, and we will continue to expand our capacities to detect all COVID-19 variants of public health importance,” the DOH stated.

The DOH confirmed in the past week that a biogenomic surveillance is now in place — wherein they collect samples from vulnerable and at risk sectors of the country.

These samples will then undergo through genome sequencing — the process of comparing the said sample to those of the patients’ who tested positive for COVID-19 — in order to detect whether the patient’s sample has the characteristics of the new variant or not.

As of the moment, the Philippine Genome Center is doing the genome sequencing in multiple

batches in order to assess whether the new variant from UK is present from the virus samples.

The following is the list of places in the country with the new variant: Mountain Province, 12 cases According to DOH, among the cases in the province, 7 are male and 5 are female. Three of them ages below 18 years old and another three are currently on their 60s.

DOH assured that contact tracing has been initiated to handle the situation while investigation will soon take place in order to analyze the travel histories and exposure of these patients to the public.

2 OFWs from Lebanon Two of the cases are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who arrived in the Philippines last year, December 29, 2020 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 8661.  64-year old female who resides at Jaro, Iloilo City. She had her treatment done at San Juan, Metro Manila and she was successfully discharged on January 9.  47-year old Pinay from Binagonan, Rizal. She has undergone the 14-day quarantine in New Clark City and was able to be discharged last January 13.

New COVID-19 variant from United Kingdom (UK).

Source: Rappler

Resultantly, Lebanon is now included among the many places across the country with travel restrictions.

1 from Laguna; 1 from Benguet  23-year old male based in Calamba, Laguna. He was immediately discharged last January 16, after testing negative from the swab test.  A patient from Benguet, who is now at a temporary isolation area and undergoes treatment.

Philippines had the first case of the new variant from UK from a Filipino male resident from Quezon City, after travelling to Dubai last year, December 27, and arriving here in the country on January 7. He is now tested negative from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 97 million people worldwide. And as of Friday, Philippines has a total of 509,887 infections, with 10,136 number The DOH stated that among the of deaths, and 467,720 recoveries 16 new cases, 3 have already recov- while there are still 32,031 active ered while the rest still has the ac- cases from this total. tive variant.

Whistle Blowers revealed the ₱15 B Phil Health fraud schemes

by Nelissa A. Ibañez

As the Philippines battle a widespread of coronavirus emergency, the main state agency providing funds for patient care and Covid-19 testing could lead to bankruptcy, according to the three whistle-blowers who have accused top officials of committing fraud of “pandemic”.

Philippine health Insurance are the one who helps the finance in Covid-19 testing and treatment in the country. Phil Health was founded with the vision of providing Filipinos with universal health coverage due to their belief, as public health practitioners that financial status should never hinder any Filipino from receiving quality health services. For the system to be taken advantage of and used in corruption is utterly unacceptable.

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These nefarious activities must end and Phil Health should further strengthen its zero-tolerance policy on overpayments.

According to anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith said that “mafia members” are the ones who are above the supervision of they call the “crime of the year” due to its suspicious transactions.

He also said that the reason the corruption is never ending at Phil Health due to its daily systematic actions that has become a culture that instead of respectful health associates that should be handling a health sector it is the syndicates, mafia, or those of higher positions that helps them in their illegal operations.

Keith claimed that the ₱15 Billion worth of money are due to

the interim reimbursement mechanisms or are the funds that are specifically lend on their “fortuitous events” like the pandemic and even hospitals that have no record yet of the COVID-19 cases. Including also are the overpriced technological systems the agency are proposing that they have purchased.

Phil Health board Member Alejandro Cabading sang names regarding the manipulative operations and transactions happening inside the office premises. He listed Corporate Secretary Jonathan Mangaoang; Dennis Mas, SVP for Management Services Sector; Renato Limsiaco, SVP for the Fund Management Sector, and Atty.

Rodolfo del Rosario, now Senior Vice President of the Legal Sector.

Cabading also added that some of

the investigations inside the office will not occur if they were not intimidated.

Another key in revealing the people behind the stolen ₱15 Billion in Phil Health was mentioned

by Senator Ping Lacson. He did mentioned some of names earlier except for Dr. Israel Pargas, SVP for Health Finance Policy Sector.

Instead he tagged them as officials that were part in the long-standing corruption allegations inside the Phil Health office. Lacson added that these officials mentioned are not running out of schemes to keep the mafia system syndicates continue their operations and manipulates the financial records of Phil Health due to the simultaneous changes in the leadership.

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

9

NEWS

Gov’t to assist poor LGUs in funding vaccine purchase

by Alyssa Mae P. Escobar

Metro Manila — The government assured to extend financial help to local government units that do not have enough resources to purchase their own supplies of vaccines against COVID-19.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said all local government units that need help will be given assistance — even those that have already closed tripartite deals to secure shots from manufacturers — to ensure that no city and province will be left behind in the vaccination rollout.

“Ang mga probinsya at mayors na hindi makakabili, kami po ang magbibigay ng vaccine. Ang kulang ng iba, kami ang magpupuno... Titignan ang allocation ng mga LGUs. Gagawin namin equitable ang allocation,” he said.

Senator Pia Cayetano raised during a Senate hearing on Monday that vaccine doses may not reach areas that don’t have the budget to buy vaccines for their constituents.

“What do these LGUs who are fifth class municipalities, fourth class mu-

nicipalities, anong mukha ang ihaharap nila sa mga tao nila na wala naman talaga silang pera na kapareho ng mga Metro Manila mayors or mayors ng ibang cities?” she said.

Galvez also announced that the national government will sign a tripartite agreement with AstraZeneca on Thursday, but it remains unclear if it is partnering with the private sector or LGUs that are securing supplies.

Private sector groups and local government units that wish to buy vaccines need to enter into a tripartite agreement with the national government and the drug manufacturer since the emergency use authorization does not cover commercial distribution.

Several LGUs have closed deals with AstraZeneca, but are also talking to other firms. Galvez said LGUs were recently allowed to enter into deals with Moderna and Novovax. “ Ngayon, tatlo na po ang vaccine maker na pwede pong piliin ng ating mga LGUs,” Galvez said.

He also said China only allows the vaccine made by Sinovac to be pur-

chased through government-to-government agreements, such as the 25 million doses secured by the Philippines. The official claimed five LGUs expressed interest in using the controversial vaccine for their constituents.

Other vaccination needs aside from the doses, the national government will also take care of cold storage requirements and other vaccination supplies such as syringes and personal protective gear for the vaccinators.

Galvez said ultra-cold freezers for vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer will be located in storage hubs in Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City. Other vaccines that only require normal refrigeration temperature, such as Sinovac, Janssen, AstraZeneca, and Novavax, will be the shots deployed in far-flung areas.

He said authorities will have a walkthrough of vaccine logistics this month by visiting the airport, cold storage facilities, and participating hospitals to prepare for a “mini rollout” of the vaccination program by end of February.

House panel says it sits as ‘Con-Ass’ in cha-cha talks, other lawmakers disagree

by Ivy L. Agrimano House Committee on Constitutional Amendments chair Alfredo Garbin, led deliberation on the Resolution of Both Houses 2 that will lift the “restrictive” economic provisions in the 1987 charter. However, the first hour of the hearing was met with concerns among lawmakers after he claimed that they are already convening as a Con-Ass, “exercising [their] constituent power.”

Vice panel chair Lorenz Defensor sided with Garbin, noting that no formalities are necessary to amend the charter.

“The provisions of the Constitution are silent and once we convene to discuss this House resolution in amending our Constitution, we are already acting as a Con-Ass exercising our constituent power,” he said.

Under the constitution, Congress through a vote of three-fourths of all members can propose amendments or revisions to the charter. This is what is known as a constituent assembly, which is different from a constitutional convention which requires nationwide elections to select delegates who will draft the amendments. Any amendment or revision shall be valid when ratified by a majority of votes cast in a plebiscite.

RBH 2 seeks to ease limits on

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foreign ownership of lands, educational institutions, public utilities, and mass media firms. But the resolution, filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, indicates that the Congress should convene as a constituent assembly and approve amendments to the Constitution by a three-fourths vote of all lawmakers, with ‘each house voting separately.’

For senior lawmaker Edcel Lagman of Albay, the panel cannot sit as a Con-Ass, and joint voting among senators and congressmen in one setting, is necessary.

“That’s strange to me... No committee of the Senate or the House can sit as a constituent assembly, because a constituent assembly is composed of members of the House and Senate in a joint setting or assembly,” he said.

Members of the Makabayan bloc also expressed a similar sentiment and asked how votes of lawmakers will be acknowledged in a virtual set-up.

“A House committee cannot just declare motu propio that is now being constituted as a Constituent Assembly,” Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said.

“Hindi pwedeng Con-Ass agad ang turing sa kapulungang ito. Hin-

di rin pwedeng via text message ang pagboto ng mga mambabatas sa Cha-cha gaya ng nakasaad sa rules ng komite. Ano ito, Pinoy Big Brother?” said Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, referring to voting procedures in a local reality TV show.

Garbin then clarified that the required three-fourths vote among lawmakers will only be done in the plenary and not in the committee level, once the measure is up for third reading.

The RBH 2 seeks to open up more foreign capital investments in the country, as the phrase ‘unless otherwise provided by the law’ will be inserted in restrictive provisions on national patrimony and economy; education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports; and general provisions of the charter.

Garbin and Defensor reiterated that the panel only limits itself to discussion on the said economic provisions, and will not tackle any possible political amendments, such as proposals on term extension and the abolition of term limits among national and local government officials.

According to Galvez, the national government is expected to have secured 145 million vaccine doses by the end of January. This is close to the target of procuring a total of 148 million doses, enough to vaccinate 70 million Filipinos this year which include Pfizer, Sinovac, and Astrazeneca that will be the first vaccines expected to arrive in the country.

Settle fees first before transfer, says mayor

by Alyssa Mae P. Escobar TEXTILE vendors of the LapuLapu City Public Market will be required to update their business permits and settle their rental fees before they can transfer to the city’s newly-renovated market building.Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said this during a meeting with textile.

Chan said he found out that of the 63 textile vendors previously doing business at the market before the renovation, only 15 settled their rental fees amounting P200.

During their meeting, the vendors pleaded to Chan to allow them to do business at their current stalls while they are slowly settling their rentals.

Chan agreed to the vendors’ request.

“If they have not yet updated their payments to the City, they will have to remain in the old stalls. If they completed their payments and have updated their business permit, then we will facilitate their transfer to the new market building,” Chan said, in Cebuano.

Alice Delmoro, president of the textile section, expressed her gratitude to Chan after he heard them out.

On the other hand, Chan said that another public hearing will be held to decide if there is a need to increase the vendors’ monthly rent in the public market.

Chan said the P200 rental fee they are charging to vendors per month has not been updated since the 1960s.

He said there is a need to increase the monthly rent to help in increasing the City’s annual revenue. (NDT/MMC)

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

OPINION

10 Tolerated Violation

“The law is the law.”, then how come the administration seem to choose whom will be punish for violating it.

Last December 2020, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the COVID-19 vaccines injected to some members of Presidential Security Group (PSG) were admitted to be smuggled, for it was not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In connection to thwis, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said that, an investigation must take place in order for them to know where the vaccines came from and how was it been able to enter the country without any legal papers.

January 5, days later after confirmation, President Duterte released a statement justifying the action made by the members of the PSG, by stating that they must have done what they did in order for them to perform their job properly, which is protecting the President.

The President also reiterated that they (PSG) have every right to live, and fighting against COVID -19 is considered self-defense.

In that point of reasoning, he’s probably right, there’s nothing wrong being safe from the virus, and no one is taking that right, away from the PSG personnel nor from anyone else.

EDITORIAL

But the problem that must take into account is the violation of the law, which is the FDA Circular No. 2020-036, including the vaccine entered the country without any paper from the Bureau of Customs.

Adding to this problem is the fact that President intend to defend his men despite of their wrong actions and even instructed them to ‘shut up’ if they were to be called to testify in Congress.

This kind of problem is what country keeps on facing, for the administration keep of on tolerating their own men, despite their wrong doings, actions or even violating the law.

This clearly shows how rotten the system is, it’s bias, there’s inequality. And the law is not being followed by everyone anymore.

Taking for consideration the fact that one of the most favorite defense of President Duterte is the line, “No one is above the law.” Who’s the law in this then?

TRUTH P ROPELLER

What it takes to be a Leader

by Aira Mae T. Aguanta If you would just think unbiasedly and manage to give your mind enough time to observe everything that is currently happening in your surroundings, you would hear from different media outlets how the government leader controls the compatriot.

For instance, when President Duterte consistently utilizes the hazardous method of solving all the huge problems such as Pandemic, unemployment, corruption, catastrophe and when Sinas gives a 72-hour ultimatum and threatens the suspect in regards to Christine Dacera's case.

But pointing out those hundreds of situations would be a total waste of time especially if you, as a fellow citizen, would keep all your senses closed and your mindful skills shut down. You don’t have to be a son of Einstein to know if we are in the good government right now because as a human, you are capable enough to see it.

According to Isaac Asimov, “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent”.

We are no longer living in the classic Filipino phrase” Kung hindi madaan sa santong dasalan, daanin sa santong paspasan” Definitely not. We need a concrete solution. Every day we encounter problems, but we did not solve our problems by threatening them all, right? Instead, we raise up and simply move.

If threats could not kill, all threateners do not fight. And that applies generally not just

politically.

Until today, our teachers are molding us to lead in some groupings, they teach us how to manage our classroom gradually. And they even assigned some tasks in our hands believing that it would help us to be responsible in all the actions we make. But where do those skills go? Why could we not discern what’s the difference between good and bad leadership?

If we are trained to do it by our parents and teachers ever since. Why could we not apply it in our life?

An effective leader does not have to demand their followers to follow them, good followership would eventually come if you truly had an attribute of being a good leader.

Basically, your follower is not someone who would just serve you nor a robot who would willingly follow all your commands. These people are the REFLECTION of the kind of leader you are.

And when I say generally, it practically means general.

You could apply your leadership skills with yourself, friends, family, school, church, and government. We all have a characteristic of becoming a great leader to mold our future. But God gave you the free will to choose whether to use it in a good or bad way. Always choose the positive one.

STAFF

STAFF

EDITORIAL BOARD

Lineth V. Lumaban Managing Editor

Remylene R. Doringo Copy Editor

Christine Joy M. Labaro

Thimy Rose D. Noveno

Nelissa A. Ibañez

Marjorie Grace G. Tabay

John Leeroy G. Hodges Editorial-In-Chief

Joshua Ely S. Empeño News Editor

Alyssa Mae P. Escobar Production Director

Alyanna Sofia A. Bausin

Joanna Joyce Ojena

Jennifer Rose N. Vergara

LeoJay S. Balani

Aira Mae T. Aguanta Associate Editor

Mika Ella G. Melitante Feature Editor

Sofia Marie P. Paguagan Layout Artist

Ivy L. Agrimano

Roljohn P. Dador

Jocel A. Laysa

Joline Joyce R. Balbuena

VOL. 1 NO. 1

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

OPINION

11

YOUTH, SERVANT OF TECHNOLOGY

by Roljohn P. Dador Philippines as the Social Media Capital of the World.

Technology has made great strides.

Everything is becoming more modern and our knowledge of the world is undeniably expanding and this is because of the modern age we belong today. Everywhere we look, almost everyone is carrying gadgets, and everyone is keeping up with the trend. Technology has really changed the world and at the same time the young people have changed a lot.

We also have a lot of positive effects on technology. The level of entertainment is improving, it is easier to respond to events, it can be a task and it ends quickly and communi-

cation is strengthened and further developed. Many new things are also being discovered. Gadgets like cellphones, laptops, iPods and many more are also on the rise. That is why so many are being enticed and refreshed by the ability of technology, especially the youth. But, what exactly is the impact of technology on young people? Should we blame it on the gradual loss of their good habits?

There is a big difference in the behavior of young people then and now. This may be due to the widespread opportunity to present and introduce oneself through technology.

It will be noticed that what we con-

sider to be “Pag-asa ng Bayan” is becoming lazy. Now, how can they fulfill their role as the hope and future of the country if they themselves find it difficult to leave their seats while pressing their cellphones and sitting in front of their computers?

Getting things done is getting easier. Everything is instant. Even when creating assignments you can now download Google and just copy and paste it.

Thanks to the power of technology, it gives young people the opportunity to express themselves, their opinions and preferences. But, equal to this power is the gradual spread of evil also on the internet.

This is not to make technology and modernization look bad in your eyes.

It contributes to the development of our country. But let us always keep in mind that our development is not only because of technology, but also because of the good manners of its citizens, especially the youth. Let’s use technology correctly.

And when we use it, let us not drive away the good habits we Filipinos are famous for. Let us gradually develop our country, at the same time our good habits and culture and let us not allow the emergence of technology to change the behavioral aspirations of our country. Let’s not be slaves by technology!

DOUBTFUL SYSTEM

by Thimy Rose D. Noveno With the early closure of the previous school year last March due to COVID – 19 pandemic, the new normal system is said to implement as soon as this year’s school season starts. It really difficult for the students to adapt with this kind of system. It is much different from the past that you are not worrying with the things that you need for online class.

The New Normal system seems really different learning modalities that includes online, modular, and blended learning. In preceding the online learning, the stu-

dents should provide gadgets such as mobile phone, laptop, and others that need needs internet connection. Besides, these modalities requires parents and guardian’s participation and concerns even if it demands a lot of time.

After all, the said different learning modalities should be practice as well and will be used as an alternative not just in this pandemic but also in the calamities where classes will be suspended.

However, those learning modalities does not guarantee the quality of education. Factors such as

technology incompetence, home environment and learners capable in this kind of new system should be considered. Also, not just a student, but also the teachers are experiencing these kind of conflicts.

Knowing that they have to deliver the lessons in the most effective way that they can do in order to give knowledge to the students.

Clearly, this new normal system makes a big difference to everyone.

It will take a lot of time for us to finally overcome this life – threatening virus. With the communi-

ty quarantine still in effect and the unpredictable future that the COVID – 19 pandemic will bring, we have to be cautious on what is happening around us. Instead of taking this new normal system as challenge, we should look for it the other way around. It should be about the advantage of using technology to increase our capability to give out our best in different areas, while fostering positive learning environment in which we can grow.

Connection Lost

by Joline Joyce R. Balbuena Here in the Philippines, many people are still struggling to get fast and reliable connection. Some people will go up on their roofs and others will climb up the mountains just to get a signal. President Rodrigo Duterte talked about this issue in his state of the nation address (SONA) last July 27 — questioning the service of two telecommunication companies and even threatening them to lose all their assets if they did not fix this

by December. Students, teachers and even workers are dependent online, therefore, internet services should be fixed as early as possible.

The first week of December came

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and the senate committee was still seeking for updates regarding the upgrade of Telco. Poor connection was observed even from their online meeting. How long will this be?

When will this be addressed? Everyone is still experiencing poor connectivity. How about from remote areas where only a few tower cells were built? This developing issue still continues to receive a lot of complaints.

To resolve this problem, President Duterte introduced a third telco company: a partnership between China Telco and Davao Tycoon Dennis Uy, the Dito Tele community which was built in 2016. The new telco already

created 300 tower cells in just three months while the other two telcos only have 600 combined towers in total. To gather all the tower cells, we apparently have 20,000 and most of them are duplicated towers. Regardless, the commoners are still experiencing poor connectivity.

According to Senator Grace Poe, to have fully functional connectivity, our country needs 50, 000 tower cells. Department of Information and Technology (DIT) Undersecretary Ramon Jacinto supported Grace Poe by saying that it will take 80 years for our country to meet the required number of tower cells.

Aside from the hindrances that would prevent the tower cells from being built, telco companies said that they are currently facing countless obstacles like red tagging, and a bunch of bizarre landscapes.

Moreover, a lot of infrastructures were built, such as foreign companies, condos and houses — which left no space for the tower cells. As a result, it will be impossible to successfully build the Dito Tele community within this year, therefore, the two existing tele community that we had must expand their capabilities even further.

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

FEATURE

12

In the eyes of a Motivational speaker

by Jennifer Rose N. Vergara

“Balagtasan” or poetical debate have been part of each elementary, and highschool programs during Buwan ng Wika which is being celebrated every month of August.

Balagtasan is a poetical debate consisting of two opposing sides, standing for their own opinions.

It started becoming popular by 1924.

From the beautiful province of Atimonan Quezon lives a well known poetic debater named Ariel R. Conception. The 27 years old poet has performed many times in school, and different special events

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Ariel Conception

in their place. He is a regular at a local radio station 106.5 Radio Natin FM Atimonan. He used to be a motivational speaker and he was also a young pastor at the age of 23 which uses poetry as a tool to motivate and

reach other people.

Ariel uses his youtube channel @ tugmaang arielcee to upload videos of his works having inspirational messages for the youth. According to him, he loves writing poems

about inspirational topics, he also added that writing helps him to express himself and gives inspiration.

He started writing at the age of 15, while joining different school competitions, this hobby of him soon grew and became his passion. He may have stage fears at first but for him doing it for 12 years already, he has now developed a unique way of performing his pieces on his own.

And now he starts a new advocacy of being a speaker at district jails in Atimonan Quezon, and as he always says in his speeches “Always find inspiration in spite of distractions”.

No matter what happens, always find your motivation in life.

Retail Therapy; The Joy in Collecting

by Lineth V. Lumaban Fans of Korean Pop Music or simply KPOP fans are known for their extreme love towards their idols.

They support idols in many ways, some of them make a social media accounts that is dedicated to their bias groups and some even ends in collecting merchandise and physical albums.

Buying physical KPOP albums is a popular hobby amongst KPOP fans around the globe. Millions of KPOP fans still purchase physical albums despite of the songs that was in the album are being posted in different streaming sites which they can listen for free.

Collecting things that one person likes became a therapy, this kind of therapy falls under the category of retail therapy. It is a process where a

person go shopping for the sole purpose of making themselves feel better. You don’t need anything, yet you find yourself buying those things because it will make the gloom away out of their day.

Katherine Jane Abando, 25 years old, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a huge fan of Lee Ji Eun or known professionally as IU. IU is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress. Katherine fell into the trap of collecting IU’s physical albums and merchandise from the year 2011 up to now, making her a collector for 9 years.

“Naging fan nya ako dahil sa Dream High na k-drama. Na inlove talaga ako sa boses nya nun so na curious ako kaya ayun, nakilala ko sya outside the drama”, she narrated

as she recalls how she started to be IU’s fangirl.

She tried to list all the albums she brought and it reaches up to 80+ albums which cost around 100,000 pesos because she buys straight from Korean sites. The most expensive item she bought is IU’s “REAL” album, which was a special edition that cost 8,500 pesos.

“When it comes to IU, money is not a problem. Nagugulat ako na bigla nalang akong nakakapag labas ng pambili. Iba yung self-fulfillment and saya na nabibigay sakin oag dumadating na mga albums ko”, she said.

Collecting and buying IU’s merchandise during the pandemic became her therapy. “Retail Therapy na nga ata ang nangyari sa akin

ngayong quarantine at naka work from home ako, mas nakaka stress ngayon kahit nasa bahay ka lang.

Katuwaan ko nalang din talaga kasi wala naman ako maka usap dito sa bahay, mga oldies na kasi mga housemates ko. Ayun, puro add to cart ang nangyari.” she laughed hard after reminiscing what she does the whole quarantine.

Retail Therapy has its good and bad effects. Good because it can lighten ones mood but without proper control and mediation, Retail Therapy can lead to a psychological disorder referred to as “oniomania” or compulsive shopping disorder.

In order for a consumer not to fall under its bad effect, one must limit themselves from buying too much “wants”.

WHEN AND HOW: THE PROPER WAYS OF WEARING MEDICAL FACE MASK

by Joshua Ely S. Empeño As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to arise in the Philippines, medical face masks have been one of the most in-demand medical supplies — given that it is accessible at cheaper prices in drugstores and pharmacies. With this, people are expected to know whether they are using the masks in the right manner or not.

When to use a face mask Medical experts advise people with weak immune systems to wear masks most of the time. Meanwhile, healthy individuals who just stay at home do not need to wear masks.

However, if they plan to go out, especially in crowded places, they are advised to use one.

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Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman of the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office said, “We encourage those who are immunocompromised to wear mask dahil mahina ang immune system nila at madaling kapitan ng viral infection.”

Also, those who have respiratory illnesses like coughing, sneezing, colds, or having difficulty in breathing and fever are advised to wear masks and to seek medical care. As well as those people who are taking care, exposed or in contact with the person who may be infected with COVID-19 should wear a mask whenever they are in the same room with that person.

How to use a face mask Dr. de Guzman emphasized that

the first rule in wearing a face mask is to have good hand hygiene and other preventive measures. Before wearing on a mask, put some alcohol-based hand rub, sanitizer, or soap and water.

When putting the face mask on, locate the metal strip at the top of the mask that fits the nose ridge.

Then, safely loop the elastic band around the ear. Make sure the mask is stretched-fit down to the chin and covers the mouth and nose. The blue colored side of the mask must be worn outside while the white side should be inside. The blue colored side is water proof that prevents droplets of germs from sticking to it.

The white side, on the other hand, is an absorbent material, soaking up

droplets from your coughs or sneezes. While in use, avoid touching the front of the mask. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use it. Usually, a medical face mask can only be worn within six to eight hours. “The mask should be thrown away immediately after use and should be folded properly before it hits the trash bin. It should not be used again. After disposing, we must wash our hands.”

Dr. de Guzman said, emphasizing the process of disposing medical masks.

People are advised to do their part in building up a strong immune system. With the proper usage of medical masks, we can protect ourselves from the virus.

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

FEATURE

13

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: A COVID-19 Survivor Story

by Sofia Marie P. Paguagan Without any idea on what action to take, James, not his real name a 20 years old call center agent never felt as terrified ever since before. The second after the Hope General hospital informed him that he is positive from corona virus disease 2019 (COVID 19), the first thing that crosses his mind is what if he infected any other people from their apartment, workplace or from their home.

Beginning of Pandemic January 30, 2020 when the first COVID 19 patient enter the country, with report that there are 29 suspected cases of infection in the country. The beginning of the virus in the Philippines started since then.

Since the pandemic begin, everything seem uncertain, staying healthy turn out to be a challenge, and doing the most common thing you used to do became a stranger. This is how the COVID 19 changed the life of the Filipinos.

Not to mention the depressing months of community lockdown where most infrastructure had to shut down in order to prevent people from going outside and have the possibility to acquire the virus.

Four months later after the implementation of Community lockdown, out of 2,135 companies, 25.9 percent of

them have closed operations.

With these current state of the Philippines, James, is considered lucky because he still have a job. However, he is encouraged to work on site because they don’t have stable internet at home.

It may be dangerous for his health, but he still took the risk because that is the only remaining choice he had.

For all he know the only thing he can do is to take care of himself by constant disinfecting and keeping his facemask on all the time. But, even though James is cautious around him, there are just things that are beyond his control.

The Isolation Process Before July ends, James catch a cold and a week after he started to loss his sense of smell, and that’s when he deicide to undergo a test for COVID-19.

After being informed to be positive, no instant action has been made, there are no proper guideline in what he’s supposed to do in that moment.

Fortunately, he has a relative in the municipality of Quezon City (QC), where arrangement had been made with the Barangay officials of San Roque.

He was eventually brought to Quezon City University in Novaliches or also known as HOPE II which stand as the second temporary isolation facility in QC.

Each classroom are divided into six bed space, the space in enough only for sleeping, also the sanitation is really poor, and according to him there are literally trash in his room the time he arrived.

To James’s despair, the isolation facility have scared him even more than his sickness, he even thought of going back to his apartment but that would be selfish. So, he had to stay there until he regain his health.

An asymptomatic patient have no specific medicines to take, for this class of COVID is different from severe, the main goal to recover from it is to strengthen one’s immune system by eating healthy food and taking vitamin C in a regular basis.

“Sa facility na napuntahan ko hindi kami tinitipid sa pagkain. Tapos yung family ko nagpapadala rin ng mga prutas sa facility” said James Also he had to remain a positive attitude and focused on strengthening his immune system as soon as possible.

Irony of the Recovery Facility After completing the 10 days isolation, a rapid test was conducted in order to track their current state, fortunately James is one of the patients who tested negative.

Even though they tested negative, patients are still required to take a 14-day

self-quarantine before being allowed to have contact with others.

With that, there is also a separate facility for recovery patients. However, they have discovered that due to lack of space, Persons Under Investigation(PUIs) are staying in the same facility as well, which is alarming for reinfection can happen to them if they unintentionally have contact with a possible positive patient.

Due to this, he asks permission to finish his recovery at his apartment, than taking the risk of staying in the recovery facility.

Reconnecting with Family Since James finished his 14 days quarantine at San Roque, he still wait for another two months before returning to their hometown, for he wanted to ensure the safety of his family.

Having the opportunity to return to his old life after being infected with the infamous virus, James had realized things he never take into account before.

“Actually, ang naiisip ko is nanghihinayang ako sa mga time na hindi ako nakapagtrabaho. Kaya being healthy, at alagaan ang sarili para hindi ako magkasakit ang pinakamahalaga,”. James added.

A CAT HATER THEN, CAT LOVER NOW

by Leo Jay S. Balani Research says, owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship in a person’s life; having a feline at home also helps relieve stress and improve heart health, but what if the person is a cat hater?

Can they turn into a cat lover?

Aphol Medina,47 years old and a mother of 6 children from Coral na Munti Agoncillo, Batangas, is a former cat hater that turned into a cat lover after her relatives from Bulacan gave her a white cat last 2015.

“Noong una talaga eh takot ako sa mga pusa lalo na sa mga maliliit pa, nakikita ko pa lang sila kinikilabutan na ako at napapatakbo ako, pero noong nagkapusa kami tapos nanganak bigla na lang Nawala takot ko sa kanila” Medina stated.

Having a cat at home has benefits; according to Aphol and her two daughters’ namely Jenica and Ivy, playing with their cats can turn a bad day into a good one, and they also help them lower their stress and anxiety, this also reduces the feeling of lone-liness.

“Feeling ko tuwing nalulung-

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Aphol Medina, Ivy, and Jenica together with their cats. kot ako alam nya yun, nararamdaman ko na parang dinadamayan nya ako, nararanasan ko talaga yun, nilalambing nila ako” said Jenica.

Their cats also love to curl up in their lap at the end of a long day while they are watch-ing television, or reading a book, like people they are friendly, loving, and sometimes greedy and noisy.

The cats that they are taking care of love to sleep next to them, especially when the weather is cold; they even share their blankets and pillows just for them to sleep well.

“Nawiwili ako sa mga pusa, talagang kinukumutan at binibigyan ko pa ng unan kung minsan, lagi rin ako na e excite umuwi para sa kanya at tuwing andyan sila feeling ko safe ako, matatakutin din kasi ako.”

Cats are also known for having nine lives; it is an old belief that some people still believe today; even Aphol believes in it; for them, it seems that it is not only cats that have nine lives because since they took care of the cat, they had already gone through so many trials, but they continued to cope.

“Naalala ko nga noon ilang beses

na na hospital ang asawa ko dahil sa Asthma, lagi sya labas pasok sa ICU pero ngayon naging ok na sya, minsan na rin syang naba-ril at nahulog sa sasakyan ngunit sa Awa ng Diyos ay buhay.” Aphol stated.

They consider these cats a lucky charm because it brings them luck in everyday life, and the happiness that cats can bring to their family is a blessing because it reduc-es the stress and tiredness they feel in daily work.

“Bukod sa nakakatulong sila na ma reduce yung stress, they also keep our home pest free. Kasi lumalaban talaga sila sa mga daga, ipis at kung ano ano pang insekto.” Jenica added.

As of now, the Medina family has four puspin (pusang pinoy) cats at home named oreo, mingming, olaf, and kitty, According to them, it is not necessary to have an expensive cat or a different breed just to be called a cat lover; because the real cat lover is the one who accepts any breed and also has patience

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

14

SPORTS

McGregor vs Pacquiao this year 2021?

by Joanna Joyce Ojena

7th title of CvSU Hornets Cheersquad, suppressed

by Covid19

by Roljohn P. Dador

Courtesy of Essentially Sports Welterweight boxer Manny Pacquiao, 42, a legend, is rumored to have a match this year with UFC star Conor McGregor based on the interview with Sportsnet’s Arash Madani to McGregor on January 18.

2 boxing fight this year 2021 and it is expected to happen before April due to his duty as senator of the Philippines.

Many boxers all over the world wish to have a fight against him. Few of them are WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford, IBF/ The boxing legend, Manny WBC welterweight champiPacquiao scheduled to have a on Errol Spence, four divi-

sion champion Mikey Garcia including UFC superstar Conor McGregor.

Manny Pacquiao is an eight division title holder and undoubtedly, many are interested to have a fight against him. But due to the pandemic, Pacquiao needs to set aside his boxing career for his country.

BREN Esports surprises Filipino fans with 2-0 sweep against Alter Ego

by Leeroy Hodges SINGAPORE – Tuesday (Jan 19) MPL-PH Season 6 Champions Bren Esports defeated Alter Ego Esports of Indonesia during the second day of the group stages in this year’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) M2 World Championship.

With only 7% winning prediction, the black and yellow squad from the Philippines managed to reverse sweep the MPL-Invitational Champions: Alter Ego Esports who has an overwhelming 93% winning prediction during the group stages of the ongoing MLBB M2 World Championship — making them to move straight into the upper bracket and play against Myanmar team: Burmese Ghouls.

In game 1, the Filipino squad focused on picking heroes with high mobility and damage output such as Benedetta, Claude, Chou, LapuLapu and Mathilda. It was Allan Sancio “Lusty” Castromayor’s tank Chou who dominated the early stages of the game — making room

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From left: Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno with Carlito “Ribo” Ribo during the group stages of the M2 World Championship.

Source: MLBB Youtube Page

for his teammates to get objectives — and making him the MVP of game no. 1 with a KDA of 5/2/12.

Game number 2 ended 186, with only 15-minute duration through the aggressive Selena plays of Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, making him the match MVP, together with BREN’s main core, the 16-year old child prodigy Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno with his Yi Sun-Shin hero.

“Upper bracket tayo idol, salamat sa 7% na nagtiwala.”

Allan Sancio “Lusty” Castromayor said on his recent post in his Facebook page.

The Filipino fans are looking forward to see the MPL-

PH Season 6 Grand Champions to play against Myanmar caliber team Burmese Ghouls in the playoffs round and hoping to see them in the grand finals.

However, Indo fans believe that Alter Ego’s strong side lane Ahmad’s absence in the game — after testing positive for COVID-19 — made significant changes to the gameplays and performance of the dominant team.

Meanwhile, another Philippine Representative Omega Esports moves into the upper bracket with BREN Esports after defeating Impunity KH of Cambodia with a similar 2-0 sweep.

Pride of the South “Hornets Cheer squad” the official cheerleading team of Cavite State University with the longest running title of 6 streak championship at NCC South Qualifiers from 2013 to 2018 was unable to retrieve their comeback title this year’s competition due to Covid19 pandemic.

Last September 2019, the champions have been dethroned by the Lyceum of Alabang Sharks Squad at the NCC South Qualifiers held in Robinson’s Las Pinas.

The team was not able to recruit new members since the K-12 program has started until a huge number of senior members were graduated. They said that real champion accepts defeat, and they believe that with hard work and perseverance the Bees will sting again.

The team fuels more to double time their preparation this year for the comeback of the crown. But unfortunately the plan was ruined by the pandemic. Due to this phenomenon, competitions were cancelled all over the nation by the NCC Organization. They decided to postpone the competition in order to follow the social distancing protocol and for the safety of every competing teams as prescribed by the Inter-agency Task Force Committee.

The captain of Hornets Cheersquad Mr. Ericson Egante, shared their training program and how they were motivated to train hard for the redemption of their title.

According to him, they really brought out the maximum potential of each and every members of the team as part of preparation for the said competition from the senior member to new recruit members.

“Sobrang gutom kameng bumawi this year. And graduating nadin kase ako this year, gusto ko sanang mabalik yung legacy bago kame mawala sa team”, he quoted.

He added that in part of their intensive training, even though the team were not able to train physically; they propose a new training system for them such as workout from home program. ”Discipline and perseverance will be the vital traits that need to be practice.”

According to their Head Coach Mr. Vjhay Ferrer, the lack of trained members and their insufficient skills had been the weakness of the team. The Head coach is still looking forward and driven to get their crown back. According to him, they all invested their time and effort for the team and they will make sure that the legacy started 10 years ago will continue to propel.

The adviser of the team Mr. Zion Cleto, and OIC Professor Jazmin Cubillo, the head of the College of Sports, Physical Education and recreation (CSPEAR) were not able to give their insights and message for the team; however they are always ready to give their heart to support them.

The NCC Organization official site (nccphilippines. com) have not post any announcement for the continuation of the program and the schedule of the new upcoming regional competitions. However, the CvSU Hornets Cheer squad is still claiming with a big heart and burning passion to win their title again. The team just showed how they are trained not only physically but also mentally prepared for what they want to achieve. The camaraderie and the love for the sports makes them a real champions.

“Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee!” -Hornets

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

15

NEWS

Philippines ranks as the 2nd most instagrammable place in the world

by Jocel A. Laysa

Photo credits : Jack Jarilla MANILA, Philippines — Big 7 Travel, a global travel website ranked The Philippines as the 2021 second most “Instagrammable” place in the world for it is very appealing to be photographed and be shared on the social media site: Instagram.

According to Travel website Big 7 Travel- Thursday, Philippines is the ‘home of incredible natural wonders’ with underground rivers and tranquil rice terraces in addition to a vibrant culture and history spanning several millennia.

“From the bustling capital of Manila complete with colorful colonial streets to the absolute oasis of Boracay, the

gram opportunities here are endless,” the website added.

In a Facebook post, The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the travel website’s recognition of the Philippines.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates the inclusion of the Philippines in the Most Instagrammable Places in the World list of the renowned travel website Big 7 Travel for the year 2021,” the DOT said.

Tokyo and Japan topped the list among 50 places. Also included in the list were Paris, France (3rd place), New York City, New York (4th place) and Istanbul, Turkey (5th place).

KathNiel team up again in the new series this 2021

by Thimy Rose D. Noveno Real-life partners Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will be teaming up again for another series this year 2021.

Miguel Severo’s tweet yesterday, Jan. 13, is still in the writing.

“Panahon na naman ng pagibig, (It is the season for love again),” Severo stated, showing the cover page for the still-untitled show’s draft two of the pilot script, which names him as the one who conceptualized it.

The couple really excited on this upcoming movie. According to them, it is really different from their past movies so it is really quite exciting.

Kathryn Bernardo gives some statements about what they really felt about their upcoming movie.

“Una, excited kami sa teleserye na gagawin, kasi yung concept nun, nanggaling kay Gege (Severo). So, it’s something na gusto namin ni DJ talaga kaya medyo nadelay dahil inaayos pa yung script. We’re happy because we’re working on a project na gusto namin yung concept,” she said.

(First, we are excited about the upcoming teleserye, because the concept came from Gege (Severo). So it’s something that DJ and I really like it, and it got slightly delayed because they are still polishing the script. We are happy because we are working on a project with a concept that we like.)

There is no doubt that they are really excited with their upcoming movie.

Alex Gonzaga is now a wife to her three-year boyfriend Mikee Morada

by Joanna Joyce Ojena

Matteo Did It Again! Ps5 Unboxing Overkill

by Christine Joy M. Labaro

Actor-Vlogger, Matteo Guidicelli shock the gaming world and his fans to his latest unboxing video.

The Filipino-Italian racer/model and actor, had his second unboxing video of Play Station 5 (PS5) posted to his YouTube channel last Wednesday. At the beginning of the vlog, Guidicelli was told by someone in the background that the console was costly’ and the actor seem to recognize this, Guidicelli came onwards to grab the PS5, which was fueled back on him from the camera.

And so on.

He then unboxed the contents, but unlike before, Guidicelli managed to set aside the ones he would chuck away from the ones that were part of the game console. “So, the things I’m going to use, I put it on the left, the things I’m not gonna use, I put it on the right,” Guidicelli said. He added that their household likes to “recycle” and then proceeded to remove the final wrapper of PS5 in a way that made it bounced on the table. “Sa mga nagco-complain diyan, by the way, this table is shock-ab-

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sorbent so the PS5 does not feel any… kumbaga, it doesn’t feel any shock because the table is from a Cebu company and its shock absorbent, so it bounces,” Guidicelli explained. A shock absorber pertains to a material that absorbs the energy of sudden impulses or shocks in surfaces. Objects made with such consideration are called shock absorbent.

Guidicelli in his video also managed to consider the papers needed for the console’s warranty, un like before when he tore the packaging sleeve of PS4 before realizing it was needed for “extended warranty service.”

After 24 hours, the actor’s video has earned more than 206,000 views, 5,000 likes and 6,700 dislikes on the video-sharing platform. He also entered as top 7 tending video in YouTube It has also earned more than 3,800 comments, including one from actor-comedian Michael V, a toy collector and video game enthusiast. Also, a lot of other social media influencer like Paolul and KingFB reacts on Matteo’s unboxing video.

Courtesy of inquirer. net Alex Gonzaga, one of the prominent actresses and the Netizen’s favorite Vlogger, announced on her vlog on January 17, that she and Michael Morada, her three-year boyfriend, are married back in November 2020 at Taytay Rizal, Gonzaga’s Residences.

“Kinasal na po kami. Isa na po akong misis. Isa na po akong maybahay, isa na po akong wife,” she said in a vlog.

Alex explained in her vlog that the wedding is really for her parents, Pinty and Bonoy, she then elucidated the reason

why Alex did not want to divulge their wedding to the public right away.

“It’s because we wanted to celebrate together as a family.

We just wanted to keep it to ourselves for a little while to celebrate.” said Alex.

At the end of Alex’s vlog, she vowed to her followers that she will make another detailed vlog and that they should expect another big wedding event this year.

ONLINE ISSUE 2021

16 ENTERTAINMENT

Illustration by Alyssa Mae P. Escobar and John Leeroy G. Hodges

Module Class

Time Traveler

Mr. Fart Bubble

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by Ibyang

by Mrs. Blue

by Ibyang

ONLINE ISSUE 2021