Here are your top online resources while working or studying at home

Do more than just watching videos with double data from PLDT Home Wifi 

Studying or working from home, or mostly known as “telecommuting,” can be beneficial for families as it enables flexibility of work schedule, eliminates daily commute, increases productivity and promotes work-life balance. Technology and the internet now make it easier than ever to work and study from home, as there’s an app or website that can help.

Make your own facemask in a few easy steps!

In times like these when COVID-19 is affecting all of us greatly in every way, it’s more important than ever to not only be safe from disease and healthy, but also to be resourceful and practical.

With the right tools and materials, it’s very easy to make your own basic protective gear. Did you know that with some spare cloth, a printer, and a sewing machine, you can sew your own facemask? Now there’s no need to worry about disposable facemasks—you can quickly craft your own for light everyday use and supplies of surgical masks can go to health workers and frontliners who need them more.

The Ultimate Social Distancing With GCash

This pandemic has really changed the world and still affecting us in many ways. Normal activities were halted and many people needed to adjust to assure that most of us should stay at home and reduce the number of infections. This has been the scenario everywhere in the world which disrupted a lot of industries, events, and way of life.

As hand washing and social distancing is now becoming a norm to everyone, the need to keep ourselves free from contamination is to avoid going out, touching surfaces and our face, and even direct interaction with people. With the enhanced community quarantine, people are not allowed to go out unless needed like getting supplies, medicine, do bank transactions etc.

World Vision Shares Ways to Help Children in Dealing with Stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Children around the world become vulnerable to risks posed by the current COVID-19 outbreak. Besides possibly contracting the virus, children may likely be affected by other harmful factors such as disrupted education, loss of income for parents due to the enhanced community quarantine, and other negative triggers to their emotional, social, and physical well-being which can result to great amount of stress for young people especially the school-aged kids.

 “Children are not exempted to the effects of this pandemic especially those who are directly affected and currently living in the most vulnerable and poor conditions," says Rommel V. Fuerte, National Director of World Vision Philippines, a child-focused NGO. "As long as there is an avenue for us to help these children, we will not stop in ensuring that they are safe and healthy," added Fuerte.

GCash's #FightCOVID19 raises P4.5M for 7 partners

Experts all over the world believe that to mitigate the effects and end the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), all sectors of the society must work hand in hand to fight the deadly virus.

It is not the sole responsibility of the government to stop the global pandemic, and it is imperative for people to join in the efforts and collectively stop the virus from further infecting anyone.

Battleship Action Thriller "Greyhound" Reveals Poster

Columbia Pictures has unveiled the international poster for its upcoming action thriller Greyhound, screenplay by and starring Tom Hanks, inspired by actual events.

Check out the one-sheet art below and watch the film in Philippine cinemas soon.

In a thrilling story inspired by actual events from the Battle of the Atlantic, Tom Hanks stars as a first-time captain who leads a convoy of allied ships carrying thousands of soldiers across the treacherous waters of the “Black Pit” to the front lines of WW2. With no air cover protection for 5 days, the captain and his convoy must battle the surrounding enemy Nazi U-boats in order to give the allies a chance to win the war. The film is directed by Aaron Schneider from a screenplay by Hanks.

Greyhound is directed by Aaron Schneider, screenplay by Tom Hanks based on the novel “The Good Shepherd” by C. S. Forester.  Produced by Gary Goetzman.

Shopee launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need

Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to the Philippine Lung Center to help medical front liners fight COVID-19

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Shopee Bayanihan, an initiative focused on providing support for medical front liners and Filipinos in need.  

In a true bayanihan spirit, Shopee partners with various humanitarian organizations like Red Cross, Kaya Natin and World Vision to raise funds to support different communities most affected by COVID-19 outbreak. Among those in need are hospitals faced with limited medical equipment and low-income households who face difficulties in securing daily necessities. Under Shopee Bayanihan, users can make a direct donation to these organizations via Shopee from 26 March onwards. Additionally, Shopee donates 2,800 KFN4 respiratory masks to support the health workers in the Philippine Lung Center in their combat against the virus.

Childish Gambino’s new album, 3.15.20 is finally here!

The all-star release features guest spots from Ariana Grande, 21 Savage, and more

Grammy, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning recording artist, actor and producer Donald Glover, popularly known in the international music scene as Childish Gambino, has finally released his first full-length album, 3.15.20 under Wolf+Rothstein/RCA Records.

The 12-track LP features pop superstar Ariana Grande on the cosmic bop “Time,” British rapper 21 Savage and new recording artist Kadhja Bonet on the neo-soul jam “12.38,” and Glover’s son Legend on the laid-back track “47.48.”

Globe gives data boost with Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi's HOMESURF199 Keeping families #SafeAtHome

The first and most important thing that every parent wants to do is to keep their family safe, healthy, and happy. But with the health crisis facing Filipinos today, and the social upheaval in its wake, that may feel like an impossible task.  The current climate of fear and uncertainty makes each day a struggle to stay in control of the welfare of the whole family. And more and more everyone seems to agree that home -- away from danger, free from harm -- is the most secure place to be.

With schools closed indefinitely and many working parents sidelined or trying to do their jobs from home, families find themselves needing ways to stay pleasantly busy at home while keeping updated on the situation outside and also staying connected to other loved ones.

More than P7.8M in funds raised with more donations pouring in through PayMaya’s channels

PayMaya: Digital payments help unite Filipinos in battle against COVID-19 

Just a week after its #OneAgainstCOVID19 initiative launched, PayMaya has already helped raised more than P7.8 million in donations from Filipinos all over the world through its digital payments channels, with donations growing rapidly by the day.

This feat was accomplished as companies and non-profit organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, Caritas Manila, OXFAM Pilipinas, the UP PGH Foundation and other groups work together to mobilize much needed relief and resources to help combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Globe postpaid customers may suspend their monthly spending limit

Globe is giving its Postpaid and Platinum customers an option to suspend their monthly spending limit. This is in response to the surge in demand for voice and mobile data, as work and study from home arrangements are implemented in Luzon and other parts of the country.

MVP Group pours in support for COVID-19 Frontliners

More efforts to help health workers at the frontlines of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak have been undertaken by Tulong Kapatid, the consortium of the corporate social responsibility consortium of companies, foundations, and affiliates led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Roxas Holdings, Inc., recently turned over 4,000 Liters of 70% ethyl alcohol from Roxol Bionergy Corporation to frontline health workers of key government hospitals, including facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The alcohol shipment was delivered to the Philippine Navy and the Malacañang Palace through the Manuel L. Quezon University in Quiapo, Manila.

Maine Mendoza Makes Music Debut At #1 With Highly-Anticipated Track "Parang Kailan Lang"

The highly-anticipated debut single from Maine Mendoza is finally here as she releases the track "Parang Kailan Lang" on top of the charts.

The song debuted at #1 on the Apple Music Philippines All-Genre Chart, with Maine also being one of the top Universal Records artists to claim the throne on the Apple Music Philippines Pre-Order Chart, with the single being at #1 for 23 consecutive days prior to release.

Breaking from the manufactured pop mold present in the music scene, Maine strips down to her emotions with an easy-listening, LSS-inducing, alternative pop sound.

Fuwa Fuwa Launches New Flavors Making Snacks Fun And Tasty

With the demand for bread increased during these times, many people made sure to stock up with bread for the coming weeks, bread should not be stuck with just the plain flavors. Good thing that Fuwa Fuwa breads come in different varieties and now adding more in their selections.

I've already love the current variants of Fuwa Fuwa, made by Nippon Premium Bakery, Inc., which are  the Select Loaf and Whole Wheat Loaf from their Loaf Series; the Milk Mini Loaf and Caramel Mini Loaf from the Mini Loaf Series; Custard Bun from our Bun Series; and Vanilla Roll, Chocolate Roll, and Strawberry Roll from their Sandwich Rolls Series.

But the fun does not stop there, they are now introducing Fuwa Fuwa Deli Bread Series. These are the Bacon and Cheese Bread, and the Cheese Mayo Bread.

Singer-composer Seth Dungca to release heartwarming single “Halika” on April 3

During times of uncertainty such as now, people seek assurance and comfort. But try as we might, the pervading sense of hopelessness makes peace of mind seem elusive for most of us. Just imagine then what people with mental health issues are grappling with.

Twenty-four-year-old Seth Dungca understands this challenge as he pursues his advocacy on mental health in the different roles he plays—as singer-composer, special education teacher, model and actor. 

As a singer-composer, for instance, Seth strives to uplift people’s spirits through the sweet melody—and calming lyrics—of his songs. His debut single, ‘Halika’ expresses his yearning to inspire and to cheer: “Sa mundong puno ng takot, na dilim ang bumabalot, hahanapin natin ang liwanag sa piling ng isa’t isa . . .” 

Tagaytay Highlands reopens after successful clearing and relief operations

Much of the clean-up efforts and rehabilitation at Tagaytay Highlands
 have been completed in the wake of the Taal Volcano eruption. 

Tagaytay Highlands has reopened after much of the clean-up and rehabilitation efforts at the premier recreational and residential complex have been completed. 

To date, the Highlands’ major roads, driveways, golf courses, and other facilities have been cleared following the Taal Volcano’s phreatic eruption early this year.

The top management of Tagaytay Highlands oversaw the continuous cleaning operations at the estate to ensure that all properties and facilities were operational in time for the return of the Highlands’ homeowners, members, and their guests. 

Smart teams up with top OPM acts to raise funds for COVID-19 frontliners

PLDT mobile subsidiary Smart Communications has teamed up with some of the country’s biggest musicians and artists for Smart Music Live Online Sessions, a series of live online shows on FB Live meant to raise donations for COVID-19 frontliners.

Smart Music Live Online Sessions kicked off with Soupstar Velvet Live! Sessions presented by Smart, an eight-week music jamming session headlined by OPM bands including Moonstar88, 6cyclemind, Pedicab, Gracenote, Banda ni Kleggy, Imago, and Ultra Combo composed of Pinoy rock icons Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala. Velvet Live! will also feature new breed artists like Kurei, Better Days, The Vowels They Orbit, and WeGot.

Music artists create fund-raising platform vs COVID-19 pandemic

The country's leading music artists are staging a continuing online concert to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched last weekend, the Bayanihan Musikahan concert can be enjoyed on Facebook until April 15, 2020, creating the opportunity for every Filipino to be at the forefront of efforts to help combat the lethal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab at the helm, Bayanihan Musikahan calls on nearly the entire spectrum of the country's musical talents to spur a massive community effort to raise funds for food, protection kits, and barangay quarantine spaces for the most vulnerable Filipinos.

The artists engage online with their fans and new audiences as they rally the fighting spirit of the Filipino: to come together as a nation of song, imagination, grit, and a strong sense of camaraderie. In rousing and uplifting this spirit, the artists ultimately shed light and hope.

myx Kicks Off Live-Streamed Music Events myxTAPE & Heavy Rotation Lockdown Listening Sessions

As social distancing and “safer at home” orders have become the new normal, artists and musicians take to social media to keep the community of music lovers in good spirits.

Starting Monday, March 23, myx will feature a series of music live-streams that will be available on the myxTV channels on Instagram, YouTube, KUMU and Tik Tok, as well as available for re-broadcast on the myxTV and myxRADIO platforms.

Smart rolls out bonus data for postpaid subscribers

PLDT mobile subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. has started roll​ing out bonus data for all Smart postpaid subscribers as part of its efforts to provide customers with means to stay connected and productive amid the COVID-19 situation.

Depending on their plan, active Smart postpaid customers will be automatically credited with a one-time bonus data ranging from 2.5GB to as much as 60GB, valid for 30 days. 

Smart’s one-time bonus data for postpaid customers builds on many other efforts by the PLDT Group to provide connectivity and convenience to customers during these difficult times. Earlier, PLDT and Smart announced a 30-day payment extension period for all postpaid customers.

6cyclemind and Sony Music PH ink covers project - Listen to Bianca’s 2020 version of “Biglaan”

In an effort to show appreciation to the fans who have been through their musical journey, 6cyclemind recently teamed up with Sony Music Philippines for Sige I-Cover Mo Lang Project.

The initiative, which was supposed to be an independent project, encouraged fans to submit covers of their favorite songs from the band’s catalog. 

“Throughout our career, we have been touring different parts of the country,” vocalist Tutti Caringal said. “We are lucky to witness how our audience, even from far flung areas, sing our songs with us. This is indeed a very magical feeling. Online, we can also view our fans cover our songs. This makes us feel that, somehow, through our music, we have touched their lives. This is the reason why we have decided to do this project.”

Bayanihan Musikahan reveals this week’s lineup for online fundraising concert

Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Morisette, Chito Miranda, and more to perform and raise funds for COVID-19 relief.

After a successful first few days of Bayanihan Musikahan, featuring Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Karylle, Sponge Cola, Top Suzara, Noel Cabangon, Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas, Jazz Nicholas, Davey Langit, Keiko Necessario, and more, the concert series continues for another round of online performances this week. The marathon online concert is the biggest citizen-action juggernaut to raise funds and immediately address the food and personal protection needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos in the National Capital Region. 

SEAOIL announces fuel discounts for medical frontliners

For frontliners with their own vehicles, SEAOIL has announced that a P5.00 gasoline and P3.00 diesel discount in selected stations across the country has been made available. These frontliners include medical professionals and technicians, hospital and clinic staff, uniformed personnel of the AFP, PNP and Coast Guards, and LGU officials, health workers, and quarantine enforcers.

Ben&Ben launches online event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.” 

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes. 

The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launch pad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more. 

Telemedicine seen to assist in limiting spread of COVID-19 and decongesting hospitals

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines continues to escalate, the general public may take advantage of telemedicine services to avail of medical advice especially when staying at home or under quarantine.

Maridol D. Ylanan, CEO of Global Telehealth, Inc. which runs KonsultaMD, said telemedicine is a viable alternative to visits to hospital emergency rooms which should be reserved for more critical situations.

URC and GBF provide food, beverage for frontline heroes

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) have been distributing products such as Great Taste Coffee, Magic Crackers, Nissin Noodles and C2 to several checkpoints and hospitals dealing with suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19.  

URC products are currently being delivered to the Philippine Lung Center, East Avenue Hospital, the Philippine Heart Center, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, and the Department of Health’s Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Units in the National Capital Region and Region 4A.

GCash says fintech could help facilitate fund transfers amid national emergency due to Covid-19

With restricted mobility and limited options due to the enhanced community quarantine of the whole island of Luzon and local lockdowns of other cities and provinces, Filipinos may opt to send and receive money to and from their loved ones via their mobile phones. 

Aside from mobile wallets being more convenient -- as anyone with a mobile digital finance account could transfer money anytime and anywhere -- the use of financial technology for fund transfers also supports the government’s initiative of keeping people in their homes. 

Smart lets you have more ways to be there for each other with Free Stories for All

The paradox of “social distancing” in this time of COVID-19 is that we also need all the more to stay in touch while we stay at home.

With its new “Free Stories For All,” PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. is giving its prepaid subscribers a better way to stay safe, connected, informed, and, to simply be there for those who matter to us so we may all pull through during these difficult times.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard Launch Initiative to Speed Development and Access to Therapies for COVID-19

COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will coordinate R&D efforts and remove barriers to drug development and scale-up to address the epidemic

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard today committed up to $125 million in seed funding to speed-up the response to the COVID-19 epidemic by identifying, assessing, developing, and scaling-up treatments. The partners are committed to equitable access, including making products available and affordable in low-resource settings. The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will play a catalytic role by accelerating and evaluating new and repurposed drugs and biologics to treat patients with COVID-19 in the immediate term, and other viral pathogens in the longer-term. Currently there are no broad-spectrum antivirals or immunotherapies available for the fight against emerging pathogens, and none approved for use on COVID-19. 

#OneAgainstCOVID19: Donate to Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF,Caritas Manila, Oxfam Pilipinas, and others through PayMaya

Now you can donate to various charitable foundations and humanitarian agencies mobilizing relief and response efforts against COVID-19 through PayMaya's digital payments platform. The one-stop digital donation facility that can be accessed online or in-app is part of #OneAgainstCOVID19 drive that PayMaya launched with various partners to help raise funds for frontliners and the most vulnerable communities affected by the pandemic. 

“In this time of great and urgent need, coming together in the traditional spirit of bayanihan becomes ever more important so that no one gets left behind. This #OneAgainstCOVID19 harnesses the power of collaboration and digital payments as we fight this global pandemic,” said PayMaya Founder and CEO Orlando B. Vea. 

Who Really Made A Difference This Times Of COVID-19

This pandemic has really changed almost every nation on earth today, even the industrialized nations are scrambling on what measures to do during these times. In containing and flattening the curve of infection, everyone is asked to do their part as normal activities are halted and everyone is advised to practice social distancing and proper hand washing.

The government as a national response did propose measures such as the Enhanced Community Quarantine which places the island of Luzon into strict measures to restrict flow of people and reduce infection. However it does feel that many of the provisions and memorandum have a lot of questions needed to be clarified in which makes the situation more complicated. With public transportation stopped, it also affects the frontliners who are the most critical force of the situation are put into more stress and risk.

#FightCOVID19: GCash users may now support frontline health workers and hospitals via fintech platform

GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, encourages Filipinos to support the #FightCOVID19 campaign, a digital donation drive that aims to assist the frontline health workers and hospitals combat the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The donation drive, done via the GCash app, will provide GCash users with an avenue to support the ongoing collective initiative to mitigate the spread of the global pandemic in the country. By donating money via GCash, Filipinos no longer have to physically go to the offices of social groups or hospitals to support the fight against the deadly virus. 

Proceeds of #FightCOVID19 will be equally divided among the seven non-government organization partners of GCash, namely: the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), World Vision, UP Medical Foundation, PGH Foundation, Inc., ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, and Ayala Foundation. 

7 Safety Tips for your Family at Home

Apply these simple steps and avoid the spread of virus

Safety starts at home. Maintaining a clean and healthy environment at home is important to safeguard yourself and your family from any illnesses.

Here are seven tips to keep your family safe at home:

Wash your hands often

Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Soap helps kill germs and viruses that are invisible to the eye, which simply washing with water can’t do. Always use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol.

Wear a mask, and don’t touch your face

If you are sick, whether it’s with COVID-19 or any other illness, wear a face mask wherever you go to stop the spread of your illness. You should also avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose, as it’s through those body parts that germs and viruses enter the body.

How to make the switch from office to home office

More and more companies are implementing a work-from-home scheme to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. For many employees, this sounds like a dream (No traffic! No need to leave the house!) but there are preparations to be made to ensure productivity. Working from home is also a good chance to strengthen your values—both your own and your family’s.

Here are seven essential tips in making the switch from office to home office:

Begin with a grateful heart. In these trying times, the ability to work from home is something to be thankful for. You’re assured of a steady income and you get to stay safe and healthy and protect your family from getting sick as well.

Jollibee launches TikTok channel, challenges users to act out #KwentongJollibee scenes

Keeping the #KwentongJollibee fever more alive than ever, Jollibee brings Filipinos a brand-new outlet where they can showcase their flair for singing, dancing, and acting, to be shared to a wider audience. Aspiring artists and content creators can share their creativity and talents as Jollibee launches its new channel on one of today’s fastest growing and widely-used social media platforms, TikTok, which has garnered over 1.5 billion downloads.

The #KwentongJollibee TikTok challenge, which encourages users to duet or lip sync the juicy bits of their favorite episode, has swiftly gained 12.7 million views shorty after it was launched. Done in partnership with BBH Singapore, this is the first time that Jollibee utilizes this platform to engage with avid fans of its hit Valentine series.

Singapore R&B trio brb. drops highly anticipated debut album relationsh*t via Umami Records

Singapore r&b trio brb. has released their debut album relationsh*t via indie label Umami Records. Featuring two previously unreleased tracks, ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, and with two singles ‘cool with it’ and ‘talking to myself’ already passing a million streams on Spotify, the EP encapsulates the evocative reflections and textures of a prolific young band rapidly establishing themselves in the r&b scene.

relationsh*t showcases the trio’s thriving repertoire of songs about the highs and heartbreaks of romance, unravelling the ambiguous and timeless motif of love into its progression from thrilling ambivalence to inevitable submission and/or extinction. The release highlights include ‘do me right’ and ‘better’, two new tracks that uphold and surpass the band’s platinum standard. The band in particular picks out ‘do me right’, as “a snapshot of the distinctive pain of the discovery process of a partner’s unfaithfulness, one that is its own kind and can never be derived from anything else”. The tracks echo brb.’s distinct brand of funk-pop electronica, distilling different musical varieties into their very own uniquely refined embodiment of R&B that has bewitched young fans everywhere since their debut just over a year ago. 

Globe extends free unli WIFI services to more hospitals nationwide

Globe extends free and unlimited internet connection via its GoWiFi services to more hospitals nationwide as more COVID-19 cases are being confirmed in areas outside Metro Manila. This is to augment the efforts of more medical frontliners, and help patients and their loved ones to stay connected and informed in the country's fight against the pandemic.

GoWiFi is available in the following medical institutions from March 16 until April 15, 2020: 

Agusan del Norte

MJ Santos Hospital

Holy Child Colleges of Butuan Hospital

Bataan

Bataan St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center Corp.

New HBO Original Limited Series The Plot Against America, Starring Winona Ryder and John Turtorro, Debuts March 17

The Plot Against America, a limited series based on the acclaimed Philip Roth novel of the same name, imagines an alternate American history during World War II, told through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey as they endure the political rise of Charles Lindbergh, an aviator-hero and xenophobic populist, who captures the presidency and turns the nation toward fascism. Created by frequent collaborators David Simon and Ed Burns (HBO’s “The Wire” and “Generation Kill”), the six-part limited series The Plot Against America debuts same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, 17 March at 9am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with an encore telecast on the same day at 10pm on HBO. New episode premieres every Monday at the same time.

Cebu Pacific Advisory: Suspension of all Flight Operations due to COVID-19 for March 17

ALL CEBU PACIFIC AND CEBGO FLIGHTS WILL BE CANCELLED from March 19 until April 14, 2020, in support of government regulations on COVID-19.  

The Philippine government recently implemented Enhanced Community Quarantine over Luzon, and similar directives across various provinces in the country. We are ensuring the safety of our passengers and operations teams, in compliance with the stricter quarantine measures, land travel restrictions and regulations in place.  

Caritas Manila To Provide Ligtas COVID-19 Kits to Poor Families in Metro Manila

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine (Lockdown) from March 17 to April 12 suspending all means of public transportation. Everyone is advised to stay inside their homes as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases intensify its efforts to identify and isolate confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Many poor families in Metro Manila, even before the declaration of the Community Quarantine, are already unable to purchase food and basic protection needs against COVID-19. More than the virus, they’re afraid that the lockdown will deprive them of livelihood.

“We won’t last a month here. We won’t even last a few days if my husband doesn’t earn a living,” a woman living in Baseco, Tondo Manla said in an interview.  

Leverage digital technology to reduce risk of viral transmission

Filipinos are now scrambling to keep their home supplies at bay, as the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread in various parts of the country, and a community quarantine has been ordered in certain areas of the archipelago. 

In Metro Manila alone, some grocery stores have seen their shelves almost wiped out of stocks, as people stockpile their homes with food and other grocery items to prepare their families for more stringent quarantine measures. 

This means that the exchange of paper money is faster than ever, and money is circulating from one hand to another without prejudice to whoever handled the banknotes before people and merchants ultimately keep them in their wallets or cash registers. 

MEGA magazine featuring Nadine Lustre’s Brazil photos now in Vivo stores

If you haven’t seen it yet—though that would be unlikely—Nadine Lustre recently turned Brazil’s streets into her own private runway for an exclusive photo shoot with MEGA Magazine and Vivo Philippines.

The glamorous shoot, with the theme “Break Free in Brazil”, featured the young celebrity strolling through the colourful and carefree city, sporting the stylish Vivo S1 Pro.

While some photos from the shoot have already made the rounds on social media, there are still plenty more to see in the Making Mega supplementary magazine, now available for reading in selected Vivo concept stores and kiosks.

Those who will purchase the S1 Pro at participating Vivo stores in SM North, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Sucat, and Market! Market! can also take home their own copy of the limited-edition magazine while stocks last.

Cebu Pacific Advisory: Operations during Community Quarantine period

March 16, 2020 (as of 4:00 pm)

ALL Cebu Pacific DOMESTIC flights to and from Manila remain CANCELLED until April 14 (Tuesday), in line with the Philippine government directive for a community quarantine over Metro Manila to contain the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

On top of this, there are constant updates to the travel restrictions being imposed by various Philippine and International Governments. These orders restrict our ability to mount flights and accommodate passengers affected by cancellations. We continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on any changes to our flights.

At this time, Cebu Pacific CONTINUES to operate the following flights to and from the following hubs:

BRIA Homes offers modern communities in progressive Batangas

The BRIA Lipa and BRIA Balayan projects in Batangas
are a top draw for Filipinos—both locals and migrants—who
 see the province as an idyllic place to live or work in. 

Batangas, a province that is famous for its old churches, heritage sites, affordable beach resorts and dive spots, and adventure sports, is currently on the rise as a prime location for business and residential communities. Less than two hours’ drive south of Metro-Manila, Batangas has, in fact, become a top draw for Filipinos—both locals and migrants—who see the province as an idyllic place to live or retire in. 

In a move to bolster mobility for travelers, the government’s bold infrastructure programs are currently in place. Once fully completed, the new road networks will make life easier for Filipinos in terms of traveling to Batangas from any point in Luzon. 

Comedy Central Premieres The First And Exclusive Awkwadina Is Nore From Queens On 18 March In Asia

Comedy Central will premiere the highly-anticipated Awkwafina is Nora From Queens, on Wednesday, 18 March at 9pm (WIB/ TH), 10pm (SG / MAL / PH / TW / HK) and 11pm (MAL – Astro). The #1 brand in comedy also shared the slate of predominantly female and diverse directors for the 10-episode series: Emmy® Award-nominated actress/director Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll), Lucia Aniello (Broad City), Jamie Babbit (But I’m a Cheerleader), The Daniels (Swiss Army Man), Steven Tsuchida (Younger) and Anu Valia (The Other Two).

World Vision urges the world to focus on those who are invisible and most at risk from COVID-19 pandemic

World Vision in the Philippines has conducted awareness campaigns on COVID-19 in various rural areas where many families have limited means to get information.

A united global effort is needed to help prevent COVID-19 from having a massive destructive impact on the lives of child refugees, migrants and the very poor, warns aid agency World Vision, as a pandemic is declared by the WHO (World Health Organization).

World Vision health specialists are urging governments not just to focus on the impact of the virus on its own citizens, businesses, travel and trade, but to rally to support war-torn and poverty-affected countries where coronavirus outbreaks will potentially cause misery.

HBO Brand New Limited Series The Undoing, Starring Nicole Kidman & Hugh Grant, Debuts On 11 May Exclusively on HBO & HBO GO

From Emmy®, Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning director Susanne Bier and the Emmy®-winning creator of “Big Little Lies,” David E. Kelley and starring Emmy® and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winner Nicole Kidman (HBO’s “Big Little Lies”) and Emmy® nominee Hugh Grant (“A Very English Scandal”), comes the six-part limited series The Undoing, debuting on May 11, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. Directed by Susanne Bier and created and written for television by David E. Kelley, who also serves as showrunner; executive produced by Susanne Bier, David E. Kelley through David E. Kelley Productions, Nicole Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films, Bruna Papandrea through Made Up Stories, Stephen Garrett and Celia Costas.

Mayor Isko Goes Green

Mayor ISKO MORENO threaded an impoverished area in Manila while growing up. As the elected City Mayor of Manila, more popularly known to Filipinos as Yorme, he never wavered amidst adversities hurled at him for taking several steps in making a better version of the city he fondly calls his home and crowning glory. Bold and fearless, Yorme puts his heart and mind in anything he does - “Believe in yourself! You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Yorme recently signed Ordinance 8607 declaring the permanence of Arroceros Forest Park dubbed as the “Last lung of the City”, home to 61 tree varieties and 8,000 ornamental plants. The new ordinance forbids the cutting of trees and dumping of waste within the park. Part of his plan is to allocate P1 million solely for its preservation and maintenance away from urbanization and all these efforts stem from his greater plan to make Manila a “Green City”.

Hero or Villain? Cillian Murphy Lurks in the Mystery of "A Quiet Place Part II"

Irish actor Cillian Murphy, known for memorable roles in The Dark Knight, Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, stars as Emmett, a determined loner whose past makes it difficult for the Abbot family to trust his true intentions, in the suspense thriller A Quiet Place Part II.

(Delve into the mystery behind Murphy’s character with this behind-the-scenes look at  https://youtu.be/BubyAFeh9nU .)

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

All Cebu Pacific domestic flights to/from Manila today fully booked

Cebu Pacific Advisory: March 14, 2020 (as of 130pm)

Domestic flights today (March 14, 2020)

All Cebu Pacific domestic flights to and from Manila are already fully booked today. We request affected passengers to not go to the airport or ticket offices to avail of their rebooking, refund or travel fund options, and to please manage their bookings online instead. This is for the health and safety of everyone

We will notify affected passengers via email addresses provided to us upon booking, once their bookings can be managed online. We are in the process of completing cancellations for March 15-April 14 flights in our system.

We are working on mounting recovery options in the coming days and will announce them as soon as they are available.

Please bear with us, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.