Tourism stars, vloggers, influencers headline Go Negosyo's tourism summit 2023

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Apr 29, 2023 09:35 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

• A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

• Twenty enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

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Top travel vloggers and influencers who have significantly impacted the country's tourism industry will be recognized during the Go Negosyo Tourism Summit 2023 at SM Seaside City in Cebu City on May 6.

(Go Negosyo / Facebook)

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Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said this as he emphasized how these social media travel and tourism influencers have played a key role in promoting the country's various tourist spots locally and internationally.

Through the internet, Concepcion said the domestic and local tourists could see more of what they can expect when they visit more places in the Philippines.

"Influencers and content creators are important. This is an area that will really help our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises)," he said.

"We hope to have more content creators to market the Philippines in terms of having the best beaches, the friendliest people, even the best food in Asia," he added.

Travel content creators such as Bogart the Explorer, Kyle "Kulas" Jennermann of "Becoming Filipino," Carl Chuidian of "The Chui Show," Angelica Gapit of "Angelica and Aileen Wanders," and Herbie Arabello" of "NSTV Travel Vlog" will join the summit.

A Special Award for Travel Vloggers and Influencers will recognize inspiring travel content creators who have made significant contributions to the country's tourism landscape through social media.

Aside from the influencers and vloggers, 20 enterprises operating in the tourism industry will also be recognized via the "Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards" for their role in promoting the country's tourism industry.

The winners will come from MSMEs in accommodations, tour services, unique attractions, food tourism, retail and services, community-based cultural tourism, and sustainable tourism/ecotourism.

Concepcion said vloggers and influencers have contributed directly to the recovery of the country's tourism industry.

"Through their help, our tourism numbers are now returning to pre-pandemic levels while many income opportunities have opened for our MSMEs in various parts of the country," he said.

Co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board with venue partner SM Seaside City and with support from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tourism Summit will gather the who's who in the travel and tourism sectors, including industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in a one-day event to tackle the future of Philippine tourism and the economic opportunities it presents, particularly for MSMEs.

To open the event, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco will deliver special messages of encouragement.

The event will also hold panel discussions led by key government officials and industry leaders. The panelists include ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) president Eddy Soemawilaga, Cebu City Mayor Michael Raa, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, PCCI Director for Tourism Samie Lim, AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, Cebu Pacific president Alexander Lao, Henann president Alfonso Chusuey, internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and Philippine Hotel Owners Association Executive Director Benito Bengzon.

Clarita Carlos tells Pinoys what the real enemy is

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 29, 2023 10:31 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Professor Clarita Carlos says climate change is the enemy that Filipinos should worry about.

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Clarita Carlos (MANILA BULLETIN)

Professor Clarita Carlos' recent Facebook post reads like a message for Filipinos to set their petty differences aside as she reminded everyone what the real "enemy" is.

According to the former national security adviser, the enemy is climate change and its the bane of Mother Earth.

"Who is the ENEMY? The enemy is climate change...," Carlos wrote.

(Clarita Carlos' Facebook)

"The goal? The survival of our planet!" she added, as if trying to instill urgency to those who read the message.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--mostly resulting from human activity--warns the planet, causing climate change. This has triggered alterations in global weather patterns.

For a climate change-vulnerable country like the Philippines--which sits in the middle of the pacific--the effects could he devastating.

Carlos currently serves as House Speaker Martin Romualdez's chief policy adviser on security and defense concerns.

Ria Atayde: ‘Go ahead, call me fat’

BY NEIL RAMOS

Apr 28, 2023 02:53 PM

  

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Ria Atayde has no problem being called fat.

She has long learned to love and accept her figure.

The actress said proudly, “Beauty comes in all forms and sizes. What matters most is how you feel about yourself."

Inasmuch as she has learned to be confident in her own skin, Ria is also hoping others of her ilk would follow suit noting, “Kung magpapa-apekto ka sa sinasabi ng iba, then wala, your whole life will be affected.”

It is mainly why she agreed to pose as calendar girl for a liquor brand.

“I want to show people that despite our flaws we could be confident in our own skin,” she said, pushing for body positivity.

“Body positivity is all about embracing yourself and understanding yourself,” she noted.

"In this day and age, it is high time we put more importance on this than body shaming."

Ria maintained, “We don’t know what some people are going through. Maybe they look the way they do because it is a choice or maybe they’re going through something.”

The actress then revealed how she has been living sans a gallbladder, that body part which break down and absorb fats from food. More, she is battling hypothyroidism.

She said, “I have hypothyroidism. So, my metabolism is slower than usual. I have no gallbladder. Losing weight is a lot harder for me than it is for other people. So, go ahead. Call me fat. Anong magagawa niyo?”

She related how some friends in showbiz struggle to embrace their bodies because of the intense scrutiny.

“It can be ruthless,” she said.

“That’s why I am advocating for body positivity to do my part in helping those struggling with unreasonably harsh criticism.”

How to spot a fake BDO Alert

 

Where should we invest?.... in planting more trees!

With the constant effort of the provincial government to raise awareness about environmental protection and conservation, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) spearheaded a native tree-planting activity in celebration of the Month of Planet Earth with the theme "Invest in Our Planet."

On April 20, 2023, a total of four hundred (400) seedlings, 50 hills each, of Bitaog, Yakal, Tindalo, Ipil, Bakan, Kupang, Kalumpit, and Lauan were planted at the riverside of Purok 2, 3, 16, 5, 6, and 9 in Brgy. Mainit, Nabunturan town.

More than 200 individuals from the National, Provincial, and Municipal governments showed their urgency to invest in planting more trees in order to combat climate change and global warming, thereby improving communities and restoring biodiversity.

Moreover, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Presidential Proclamation 1481 on April 22, 2008, designating April 22 as Earth Day in the Philippines. On the same day, Presidential Proclamation 1482 was signed, designating the entire month of April each year as the Month of the Planet Earth.

Let’s remember that it's not only in Earth Month that we should push for climate literacy, grow trees, support sustainable fashion, help end plastic pollution, and clean up, but every day as we #InvestInOurPlanet!

 (Jaynus Fernandez)

Davao Region's COVID-19 rises, Davao de Oro under Alert level 2

A total of 299 new cases of COVID-19 was recorded in the past week, April 10-16, in Davao region which is 34.08% higher compared to the 223 cases recorded on April 3-9, the Department of Health XI says in a situation update on Monday, April 17 this year.

For the past two weeks, healthcare utilization rates in the region also increased from 31.1% to 34.6% for non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) beds and 40.4% to 42.5% for ICU beds.

The increased positivity rate prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to recommend that Davao de Oro province, along with the other 25 provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUC), and independent component cities (ICC), be placed on alert level 2 until April 30 via IATF Resolution No. 6-C, which was signed and approved on April 14.

"The following provinces, HUCs, and ICCs shall be placed under Alert Level 2, without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may be under a different alert level classification," the IATF said.

Moreover, IATF issued Alert level 1 status in some of the municipalities in Davao de Oro including Mawab, Nabunturan, Montevista, and New Bataan and among other areas in the country.

 

According to DOH, Alert Level 2 implied restrictions to some establishments or activities such that they "shall be allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those under 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity".

 

Meanwhile, Alert Level 1 indicated that "intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities" and "all establishments, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards," DOH added.

DOH XI advised the people to be more vigilant and compliant with the minimum health protocols, thereby mitigating the spread of the virus.

"The public is reminded to continue practicing minimum public health standards: wear the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow. COVID-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the region", DOH XI said.

Furthermore, DOH XI added that 3,353,416 people or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region, have been fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2023. (Jaynus Fernandez)

FEAR OF GETTING OLDER

For some, it’s a fear of the physical changes that come with aging. For others, it’s the fear of losing their independence and becoming a burden on their loved ones. And for many, it’s the fear of death itself.

Do you have a fear of aging? We all do, to some extent. Just take a look at what the media and pop culture promote on a daily basis – it seeps with promotions straight from the fountain of youth.

Take it a step further — do you also worry about what will happen when you die?

Unfortunately, many people, especially older adults, feel scared and anxious about aging and death.

As you age, some fears dissipate, yet fears about being over-the-hill can creep into your daily life.

Fear of not living up to expectations, fear of taking risks, fear of retirement, and a fear of the future.

The fear of getting older is something that everyone faces at some point in their life, but what we don’t realize is how much power this fear really holds over us and how it can affect every aspect of our lives if left unchecked.

No matter what form your fear takes, it can be a debilitating force in your life. It can make you worry about things that are far into the future and prevent you from enjoying the present moment.

Sadly, society sees old age as something undesirable and something to be afraid of. And not only could this not be further from the truth, but it’s also a form of ageism — social discrimination against older people.

People worry about losing their looks, their health, and their independence. But there’s no need to fear aging. It’s a natural process that happens to everyone. And it can be a beautiful time of life if you’re mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for it.

We also fear death because it represents the end of our life as we know it. We’re afraid of all the things we’ll never get to do, see, or experience. Death is final, and that can be scary.

Just remember it’s about how you live your life, and not when you die, that matters. Instead of focusing on your fears, focus on living your life to the fullest and enjoying every moment without having to look back with any regret.

To make the most of your time and to help you embrace the journey ahead, read on for six tips on how to overcome the fear of aging and death.

You can educate yourself about what to expect as you age. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about getting older, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to be frail, sick, and unable to enjoy life.

Not to mention, there’s increasing research uncovering the deep impact of trauma, stress, lifestyle, and mental state on the way that you heal and age — regardless of your family history and genetic makeup.

So it’s worth educating yourself about aging and dying. Lifelong knowledge is power, and understanding the aging process and what to expect can help you come to terms with your fear. One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.

I am soon approaching the age of 70. So what! Living in the Philippines for more than 25 years together with my Philippine family. I couldn’t live somewhere alone. I am blessed. I never fear aging or death. Maybe it’s my lifestyle here in the Philippines. Allow me to tell this to you: One of the best ways to combat your fear of aging and death is to live in the present moment and reap the benefits of mindfulness. When you’re focused on what’s happening right now, it’s difficult to worry about things that haven’t happened yet.

Pinoy Slang: Interesting Origin of Pinoy Words

Disclaimer: I am not a linguist nor an expert in language. I am simply a journalist who has been writing Filipino TV scripts for the past twenty years. I've always been fascinated with the Filipino language and the origin of certain words. The stories featured in this video are from some of the books and articles I've read, as well as from my conversations with anthropologists and experts on language/culture. I am not entirely sure if these theories/stories are all correct but nevertheless they make for an interesting piece of conversation. I hope I do not offend anybody. No hate please.

One of world's oldest newspapers to end daily print run

BY AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Apr 27, 2023 10:10 PM

  

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VIENNA, Austria -- One of the world's oldest newspapers still in print, Austria's Wiener Zeitung, will primarily move online, after a decision Thursday by the country's parliament.

The development marks the final step in a years-long dispute between the Austrian government and the newspaper about the future of the state-owned daily.

Founded in 1703 under the name Wiennerisches Diarium, and later renamed Wiener Zeitung in 1780, the formerly private bi-weekly paper was nationalised by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1857, becoming the country's official gazette.

"It is adopted with a majority," Norbert Hofer, the third president of the parliament, said of a new law to primarily move the publication online from July 1.

The paper will maintain a minimum of ten print publications per year, depending on the funds available.

A woman holds the current issue of the "Wiener Zeitung" newspaper from April 27, 2023, with its front page illustrating the newspaper's age of 320 years, in Vienna, Austria, on April 27, 2023. The Wiener Zeitung is one of the world's oldest newspapers. (JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

The Wiener Zeitung was in 2004 ranked as one of the oldest newspapers still in circulation, the World Association of News Publishers told AFP.

The newspaper's role as official gazette, it's main source of revenue, will move to a separate state-owned online platform.

The government argued that this was in line with a European directive to centralise and publish official information online.

Meanwhile, the Wiener Zeitung will establish a media hub, a content agency, and a training centre for journalists.

"Some fear that the government just wants to keep the Wiener Zeitung brand with its 320-year-old history, while nobody knows what the future publication will look like -- whether it will still be serious journalism," its vice managing editor Mathias Ziegler told AFP.

Almost half of the newspaper's over 200 employees -- 40 of whom are journalists -- could be laid off, according to its trade union.

The Wiener Zeitung has a circulation of about 20,000 on weekdays and about twice as much on weekends.

EU Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova told Austrian news agency APA that she was "not happy with the situation".

"I think the Wiener Zeitung played a good role in informing people over the years".

Several hundred people took to the streets in Vienna on Tuesday to protest the government's move.

Metro Manila Covid-19 positivity rate increasing, may reach 20% — OCTA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

  

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The Covid-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila is still rising, according to the most recent monitoring of the OCTA Research.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David reported on Thursday, April 27, that Metro Manila's seven-day positivity rate increased from 8.4 percent on April 19 to 13.4 percent on April 26.

Moreover, he does not completely rule out the possibility that Metro Manila's Covid-19 positivity rate will continue to rise in the days to come.

“This is expected to increase further, perhaps up to 20 percent,” David said.

Metro Manila’s Seven-Day Positivity Rate as of April 26, 2023 (OCTA Fellow Dr. Guido David / Twitter)

The OCTA fellow previously stated that the Covid-19 Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 spreading in the country may be the cause of the increasing Covid-19 cases.

Positivity rate refers to the number of individuals who yielded positive results from among those who have been tested for Covid-19.

The benchmark for the positivity rate set by the World Health Organization is 5 percent.

On Thursday, the Department of Health announced 781 new Covid-19 cases across the country.

David projected that the country may record 900 to 1,100 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, April 28.