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.