Cebu junks Covid test for inbound travelers

by Calvin Cordova, MB

CEBU CITY – Gov. Gwen Garcia issued Executive Order No. 43 on Friday, Nov. 4, eliminating the Covid-19 test requirement for inbound travelers to Cebu. 

EO NO 43

Garcia said fully vaccinated travelers to the province will no longer be required to present any form of Covid-19 test.

But unvaccinated travelers are highly encouraged to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departing for Cebu, Garcia said.

Unvaccinated travelers unable to take a Covid-19 test will be tested for free upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), she bared.

Result of a rapid antigen test should not be a requirement for Cebu-bound travelers prior to boarding, the governor emphasized.

Vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers shall only be required to present their ticket or passport or other valid identification card upon check-in.

“Any other requirement such as electronic arrival card shall only be presented upon arrival in Cebu,” Garcia said. 

Furthermore, she ordered that the wearing of face masks shall be optional for all travelers bound for Cebu and the MCIA.

The EO took effect on Saturday, Nov. 5, and was issued in light of a resolution that the Inter-Agency Task Force issued last Oct. 4 that eased travel restrictions for inbound travelers to the Philippines.

The edict was also in line with the memorandum that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marocs Jr. issued last Oct. 28 directing concerned agencies to identify other acceptable proofs of vaccination in order to avoid confusion and inconvenience of inbound travelers.

Love is Us: GMA Network drops Christmas Station ID theme

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Kapuso comedians Mikoy Morales, Chariz Solomon, Valeen Montenegro, Boobay, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Analyn Barro, Yasser Marta, Betong, Herlene Budol (Photos by GMANetwork.com)

GMA Network officially launched “Love is Us This Christmas” – a simple yet powerful 2022 Christmas Station ID (CSID) theme – as the true essence of this season is God’s great love for us, and we are the living embodiment of His love.

The much-awaited Kapuso holiday video was first seen last Nov. 6 on All-Out Sundays which showcased the colorful ensemble of Kapuso artists and personalities bannered by Jessica Soho, Dingdong Dantes, Michael V, Heart Evangelista, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo, and Marian Rivera.

Sparkle actors Ben Alves, Rodjun Cruz, Kim de Leon, Will Ashley, Jak Roberto, Jeric Gonzales, Royce Cabrera, Pancho Magno, Johnvic De Guzman, Kimson Tan

Yasmien Kurdi, Andrea Torres, and Sanya Lopez

“Dalawang taon na tayong nagpa-Pasko nang hindi magkakasama. Ipinagdiwang natin ang pinakamasayang araw ng taon sa kanya-kanya nating mga bahay. 

“Bagamat masaya rin naman ang mga nagdaang Kapaskuhan, iba pa rin ‘yung magkakasama tayo sa paggunita sa araw ng Kanyang kapanganakan.

“Kaya ngayon, babawi kami! Ipadarama namin sa inyo ang aming pagmamahal at pasasalamat dahil miss na miss na namin kayong lahat!

Alden Richards

[It’s been two years of celebrating Christmas apart. We celebrated the happiest day of the year in our respective homes. Although the past holiday seasons were likewise joyful, remembering His birth while being together still hits different. We’ll make up for it this year! We’ll make you feel our love and gratitude because we missed you all so much!],” said the Kapuso celebrities as they open the station ID. 

Bea Alonzo

In the six-minute video, the faces of the Kapuso Network were seen setting up a Christmas party and opening their homes for merrymakers to celebrate the most joyous time of the year with their family, friends, and fans – something that they haven’t done in the past few years during the height of the pandemic. 

Heart Evangelista

Christmas station IDs have become an annual tradition for both GMA and the viewers. It encapsulates the Network’s message of gratitude to the Kapuso viewers’ for making GMA the Philippines’ leading broadcast network reaching millions of Filipinos through its growing list of 95 TV stations located nationwide. As a way of giving back, GMA wholeheartedly gives only the best for its loyal Kapuso in all possible ways.

Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera

Prior to the launch of the full-length 2022 GMA CSID, the Kapuso Network gave viewers and netizens a musical treat when it initially released the lyric video of this year’s newest holiday theme song. “Love is Us this Christmas” was performed by the powerhouse vocals of Kapuso singers led by Julie Anne San Jose, Christian Bautista, Aicelle Santos, Mark Bautista, Maricris Garcia, Garrett Bolden, Jeremiah Tiangco, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, Mariane Osabel, XOXO, Zephanie, and Vilmark Viray.

Mel Tiangco

The jingle was composed and arranged by Ann Margaret Figueroa with lyrics by Emman Rivera and Jann Fayel Lopez.

Sparkle love teams Abdul Raman and Shayne Sava, Althea Ablan, Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo, Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia

Christmas once again with all our loved ones. And as we slowly go back into how things were, the Kapuso Network urges everyone to selflessly give our hearts just like how He loves us – the highest form of love.

Unang Hirit hosts and radio anchors

Watch GMA Network’s 2022 Christmas station ID #LoveisUsThisChristmas on GMA’s YouTube and Facebook pages or visit www.gmanetwork.com.

CLICK TO WATCH THE GMA NETWORK CHRISTMAS STATION ID THEME FOR 2022: https://www.facebook.com/GMANetwork/videos/1528665390938424

Typical Filipino (XXII) - Typisch Philipinisch (XXII): What does ''Mahal kita'' in Tagalog mean?

Dayang C Marikit

I’m a Philippine history professor and my Quora account is mainly focused on promoting and educating people about the pre-colonial period.

"Mahal kita" means "I love you" in modern times… however this was not the "original" way of saying "I love you" in Filipino... the original way of saying "I love you" is "Sinisinta kita" or "Iniibig kita"… by the way “Kita” is a dual person pronoun meaning "I" and "You" in Filipino… note: "Kita" in Filipino should not be confused with its Indonesian meaning, which translates to "We". In Filipino "Tayo" is the proper transition of "We".

• "Mahal" has now two meanings in Filipino, it originally only meant "Expensive"… (So when you say “Mahal Kita” it basically means that you “treasure” that person because he/she is "precious" to you).
• But the word “Mahal” was also used when speaking to royals/nobles. This indicates that these members of society were of high status “wealthy, precious, and treasured" and in context it translates to "Your Highness".

Examples:

• (“Mahal kong Lakan/Rajah”) - (“Your highness my king”).
• (“Mahal kong Lakambini”) - (“Your highness my queen”).
• (“Mahal kong Pangino’on/Po’on) - (“Your highness my lord”).
• (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) - (“Your highness my lord”).

---

For context, (“Pangino’on”/”Po’on”) directly translates to (“Lord”)… while (“Gino’o”) translates to (“Noble”), so in contexts (“Mahal kong Pangino’on”) and (“Mahal kong Gino’o”) basically mean the same thing.

Philippine History Professor

MA in Philippine History from University of the Philippines. Graduated 2016.

Lives in Quezon City, Philippines

Filipino Values Month worthy of celebration

by Manila Bulletin

It is hard to sell to Filipinos abstract concepts of nationalism, unity, empathy for others, etc. which are native values inherent to our race. Still and all, former President Fidel V. Ramos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 479 on Oct. 25, 1994, declaring the month of November of every year as Filipino Values Month.

In signing this presidential issuance, President Ramos not only enjoined all government agencies and offices to instill in their personnel the correct and upright values that define our national character, but also expressed the hope that future generations of Filipinos will continue planning and living their lives around these values.

Proclamation 479 builds on the gains of the government’s moral recovery program as enunciated by an earlier Presidential Proclamation, No. 62, issued on Sept. 30, 1992. 

Both executive issuances were made in response to the need to strengthen the moral resources of the Filipino rooted in the Filipino culture, values and ideals that are pro-God, pro-people, pro-country and pro-nature.

Through these measures, the government at that time endeavored to mobilize all Filipinos for nation-building through the practical exercise of human values in their daily lives as citizens. The lofty objective was “to awaken us all to the power of these values in achieving our individual and national goals.”

From the time of President Ramos until today under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the government has pushed for the celebration of Filipino Values Month on a regular basis because they recognize that this observance is a desirable and effective measure to create moral awakening and national consciousness on human values that are unique, genuine and positively Filipino.

In its early years of observance, the Filipino Values Month celebration was spearheaded by the Kabisig People’s Movement of former President Corazon Aquino, which later sponsored the government’s Expo and Trade Fairs which showcase the profiles, service facilities, programs and projects of various government agencies. 

Later, the Department of Education and the National Commission for Culture & the Arts (NCCA) became very active in conducting various activities that highlight the nation’s values that support God, people, country and nature.

Through research conducted by the National Economic Development Authority in 2019 and 2020, the NCCA has identified 20 core and shared values which serve as an anchor for every Filipino to our roots and identity as a people.

The Covid-19 pandemic did not dampen the spirit of DepEd’s celebration of the Filipino Values Month, with then Education Secretary Leonor Briones affirming that the observance puts to the fore “each one’s triumph in overcoming the trials that each one may have experienced and create an avenue to rejoice in our very own unique, genuine, and positive Filipino values that play an important role in bringing new hope by becoming considerate and compassionate towards others during this time of the pandemic.”

In good times and bad, and despite our incessant challenges to recover from various adversities both natural and man-made, Filipinos are hardwired to be optimistic and to hold firmly on their survival instinct. We recognize that Filipino values are social constructs within our culture which define that which is socially considered to be desirable, and that this assemblage of advocacies, ideologies, moral codes, ethical practices, etiquette and personal and cultural values will be with us, even further developed and enriched by us, in this generation and beyond.  

Typical Filipino (XXIII) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXIII): Old people - Alte Menschen

Respect for one's elders is traditional in the Philippines. ... The idea that caring for older people is the responsibility of their children is rooted as firmly in Filipino society as it is elsewhere in Southeast Asia. For that reason, older people usually live with their families.

Filipinos place a strong cultural value on respect for age and for the elderly. Young people are expected to show respect to the elderly as well as older members of the family. Older adults should be addressed in polite language, preferably with appropriate titles of respect.

Alte Menschen werden respektiert und geschätzt. Jüngere Familienmitglieder suchen in vielen Angelegenheiten den Rat der Älteren. Ich habe dies in meinen vielen Jahren meines Aufenthalts auf den Philippinen mit meiner Familie so erlebt.

Old people are respected and valued. Younger family members seek parenting advice on many matters. I have experienced this in my many of my stay in the Philippines with my family.

Over 200 kids infected with RSV – DoH

DoH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. PHOTO BY RYAN BALDEMOR

By Red Mendoza November 6, 2022 

THE Department of Health (DoH) has advised parents and children against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after it was found that more than 200 children have been infected in the country with the disease.

This comes after the United States reported an increase in RSV cases among school-age children in the country, which is heavily affecting their health care systems capacity amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a briefing on Friday, DoH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the country has a surveillance system for RSV which is maintained by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

She said based on the monitoring of sentinel hospitals from January 1 to August 31, there were 221 cases of RSV cases in children, with no reported fatality from the virus.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is a "common respiratory virus" that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be transmitted through airborne viral droplets from infected individuals.

Among the symptoms of RSV infection are fever, colds, runny nose, decrease in appetite and coughing, which could lead to breathing difficulties.

RSV does not only infect young children but can also infect older people and can cause severe disease in high-risk individuals such as senior citizens.

A vaccine for RSV is under development by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, and is now under phase three clinical trials.

Vergeire said that RSV is a "self-limiting" virus, which means that a patient will recover from the disease without any form of medicine.

She urged parents to keep their children healthy and also to follow preventive measures such as getting vaccinated for other respiratory diseases.

"Our elderly are also vulnerable to this disease, so we urge them to take care of themselves," Vergeire added.

What are some ways to show respect in Filipino culture?

Ronna Lou

Philippine-Women.com Dating Coach and Matchmaking Consultant

If I’m not out there doing Cupid’s work, I’m here on Quora answering questions about love, marriage, relationships, and everything in between.

Showing respect to one’s culture starts within oneself and learning the perfect balance between curiosity and appreciation.

If you want to show respect to the Filipino culture, here are some things that could help you out:

Always pay respect to the elders

Don’t make fun of their traditions and beliefs, even though it might seem highly superstitious

And most importantly, just have fun during your stay!

Filipinos are very understanding people. We don’t take much offense when foreigners do some honest mistakes around our culture, as long as it is not necessarily highly insulting or derogatory in any way.

To guide you more about Philippine culture, read on the following article:

Exploring Philippine Culture | Filipino Practices You Should Know About

I trust this will be of great help when you come to visit the Philippines!

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Samal flood victims get assistance from Bong Go

By Javier Joe Ismael November 5, 2022 

SEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go continues to push for improved access to basic services, shelter and other amenities for victims, especially in areas where calamities frequently occur.

In this regard, the lawmaker has refiled Senate Bill 193 which provides for the establishment of a dedicated evacuation center in every municipality, city and province that can accommodate victims and meet their basic needs during emergencies to help them cope and recover faster.

"With the typhoon season, it is expected that many affected communities will be needing evacuation centers. As the pandemic continues to threaten the health of many Filipinos, we need to scale up our efforts to keep them safe from harm and other health hazards," said Go.

"We should ensure that the facilities for the evacuees are Covid-ready and disaster resilient. Let's act on it. Let us not wait for the calamities and the rise in Covid-19 cases will simultaneously occur," he continued.

On Monday, October 31, the senator sent his team to help the flood-affected households in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), Davao del Norte. 

The senator's staff visited the evacuation center in Barangay Peñaplata where they gave grocery packs, vitamins, masks, and snacks to 74 flood victims. In addition, they gave away bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, basketballs and volleyballs to select individuals.

Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also gave financial assistance to each affected household to hasten their recovery.

"My countrymen, let us help one another because belongings can be bought. Money can be earned. However, the money we earn cannot buy life. This is why I always remind flood victims and other victims of calamities and disasters that what is important is that we are alive," said Go in a video conference to the victims.

"A lost life is a lost life forever. Let us be careful with our lives and health," he added.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go likewise offered support to victims who need medical care. He also informed them that there are Malasakit Centers at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City or Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City where they may conveniently avail medical aid from the government.

The centers are one-stop shops which streamline the process of requesting medical assistance from the relevant agencies, namely, the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, 152 Malasakit Centers have assisted millions of poor and indigent patients nationwide.

He was also instrumental in the construction of the Igacos Super Health Center to further improve access to health services in Samal Island.

Super Health Centers are medium versions of polyclinics and are bigger than rural health units, which offer basic services such as out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit, among others.

Go, as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also supported the water system project in Barangay Pangubatan, Libertad and San Remigio, Kinawitnon and Miranda; construction of bypass road Jct. Babak-Samal-Kaputian Road Brgy. San Antonio, Tagpopongan, Phase 2, Igacos Circumferential Road; and the construction of a two-story multipurpose building and a farm-to-market road in Barangay Tambo.

He likewise supported the construction of several roads, including the road from Crossing Toril, Babak to Barangay Sto. Niño, Babak District; the road from San Agustin Elementary School to Maximo Arellano Elementary School, Barangay Sto. Niño, Babak District; and the road at the Port of Barangay Sta. Cruz to Barangay Linosutan, Talicud Island, Kaputian District.

Other initiatives he supported in the province are the rechanneling of a river, construction of a river wall, and concreting of the Sitio Bunsalag to Sitio Misulok-Sulok road in Talaingod; construction of a concrete revetment along the Tagum-Libuganon River Basin and dike along the Sadpudon Creek in Carmen; construction of multipurpose buildings in Kapalong and New Corella; and renovation of the public terminal, public parks and plaza in New Corella.

The other day, Go's team likewise visited and provided aid to more than a thousand typhoon victims in Maguindanao.

How to host Christmas eve à la Jose Mari Chan

Ever wondered how the Filipinos’ ‘Christmas icon’ spends his own Christmas Eve?

In the Philippines, the name Jose Mari Chan is synonymous to Christmas as he takes over radios, shows, and our hearts during the holiday season.

But ever wondered how the Filipinos Christmas icon spends his own Christmas Eve? Here's how Shopee's Christmas Ambassador Jose Mari Chan would host a pleasant Noche Buena with family and friends.

Picture this — You're surrounded by your loved ones, sharing stories with one another. Classic Christmas songs are playing from a Vintage Record Player, blending nicely with the laughter of your friends and family. Because "Tito Joe" goes the extra mile to keep everyone comfortable, Knitted Blankets are placed on the sofas, so you can snuggle and get cozy while waiting for dinner to be served.

Now it's time for dinner as Tito Joe invites everyone to join him in the dining area. The holiday spirit fills the room, with cute Snowman Home Decor adorning the shelves. The dining table looks festive, with reindeer-inspired Christmas Chair Covers making you feel even more cheerful.

Delicious food is served on the dining table, with hearty Christmas staples like roast chicken, lechon, pancit and more. You start off by helping yourself to some cold cuts, delectable choices of cheese, and fresh fruits that are beautifully placed on an elegant Engraved Charcuterie Board. For drinks, a citrusy blend made with a Juicer compliments your hearty meal, and helps cleanse your palate for dessert.

After the lovely dinner, you gather once again at the living room but this time, Tito Joe surprises everyone with an impromptu performance. Ready as always, he starts to belt out his iconic "Christmas in our Hearts" song.

While Tito Joe is singing, a Portable Microphone is passed around the room, giving others a chance to sing along with him. As everyone joins in, your heart feels a sense of warmth and joy, as the room gets filled with song and laughter.

Finally, you're back at the spot you were earlier, snuggled by the warm knitted blanket. To finish the night and while waiting for midnight to strike, a hot batch of coffee made from a French Press is served to everyone. To complete the Christmas experience, the coffee is in a cute Christmas-themed Coffee Mug, capping the night of holiday glee and fun.

VP Duterte explains why it’s not hard to love PH

Published November 5, 2022, 9:05 AM

by Raymund Antonio

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte believes Filipinos must focus on what each of them can do for the Philippines so the country can move forward to achieve progress faster.

Vice President Sara Duterte during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th anniversary celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)

In her message during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th founding year celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, Duterte said she doesn’t think it’s difficult for every citizen to show love for the country.

“Minsan, may nabasa ako. Ang sabi niya mahirap daw pong mahalin ang Pilipinas. Ang sabi ko (I once read something. He said it’s hard to love the Philippines. I said) that’s not true. At isa kayo…ang makakapagpatotoo, (And you’re one of those who can testify it’s not true),” she said in her speech, a copy of which was sent to the media.

The Vice President explained that if every Filipino will love the Philippines, the country can achieve greater heights.

“Naniniwala po kasi ako na kapag napag-alab natin sa puso ng bawat Pilipino ang pagmamahal sa bayan — ang pagiging tunay na makabansa, ang pagiging tunay na makabayan — maitatawid natin ang Pilipinas. Makakaraos tayo. Uunlad tayo (I believe that if every Filipino will be passionate about loving our country—being a true patriot—we can improve the Philippines. We will survive. We will progress),” she said.

Members of the Philippine Navy, particularly those from the Naval Special Operations Command, received praises from Duterte for their patriotism and heroism.

In previous years, she noted how they were instrumental in several of the government’s counter-terrorism operations, among which was against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

(Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

“The Philippines and the Filipino people are lucky to experience your patriotism, your love — one that is without condition, one that expects nothing in return, and one that is saddled with so many sacrifices,” she said.

The lady official also said she wished many more Filipino youth would join any branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other allied security forces.

“Alam ninyo, ang isa sa mga pangarap ko ay sana mas maraming kabataang Pilipino ang pumasok sa (You know, one of my dreams is that more young Filipinos join the) Philippine Navy o anumang sangay ng (or any branch of the) Armed Forces of the Philippines o maging sa (or in the) Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),” she said.

Duterte stressed her respect for the members of the country’s security front stemmed from their courage and love of country.

“Isa itong uri ng pagmamahal na hindi namamatay sa panahon na nahaharap tayo sa pagsubok (This is a kind of love that will not die in a time we are facing trials),” she said.

“Isa itong pagmamahal na mas nag-aalab at mas umiinit sa tuwing tayo ay nakakaranas ng kahirapan (This love becomes more intense every time we experience hardships),” she added.

The Vice President also emphasized the need to provide necessary support and training to the soldiers of the Naval Special Operations Command that would improve their skills and capacities in responding to security threats.

“We hope to continue to foster greater cooperation and strengthen security ties with other nations as we maintain that the Philippines is a friend to everyone,” she said.