More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
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| https://pop.inquirer.net/362189/daily-by-bos-coffee-marks-4th-anniversary-at-new-qc-flagship-store-your-ultimate-grab-and-go-caffeine-fix-for-everyday-hustle |
Have a craving for bold and flavorful coffee to fuel your daily hustle?
DAILY by Bo’s Coffee (or simply DAILY) is the best friend you look forward to seeing every morning. It gives you that much-needed energy boost to tackle the day’s tasks head on, with a smile. An iced or blended beverage from Daily is the perfect perk-me-up for people who are always on-the-go.
DAILY was born in May 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. It’s the younger sibling to Bo’s Coffee, the nation’s largest homegrown coffee chain, which has been putting the spotlight on Philippine coffee for 28 years. It was created to cater to the market’s evolving needs, a demographic that’s always on-the-go and needed a beverage to keep them on their toes.
Leveraging Bo’s Coffee’s expertise in the industry with a hefty dose of customer experience, DAILY capitalized on the emerging popularity of iced and blended coffee globally. “We started with 10 cloud stores in 2020, all of which were operating at Bo’s Coffee locations to serve grab-and-go coffee. By 2021, we already had 40 cloud stores across Metro Manila and Cebu,” said Rachel Fallarme, SVP-Chief Operating Officer.
A young brand with a cool, playful vibe, DAILY immediately struck a chord with Gen-Zs, young professionals, and college students who love affordable but quality handcrafted iced and blended coffee. As this market segment leads a fast-paced life, DAILY’s on-the-go coffee became an instant hit. By the end of 2022 and when pandemic restrictions were easing up, DAILY opened kiosks and physical stores in San Juan, SM South Mall and in commercial and business districts around the metro.
Surely it helped that this store is an offshoot of Bo's Coffee and not a start-up from scratch.
The PMA class of 2024 has graduated. They began their term during the pandemic.
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| https://www.rappler.com/philippines/pandemic-babies-pma-bagong-sinag-class-2024-graduation-may-18-2024/ |
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class that began their training during the COVID-19 pandemic hurdled all the obstacles and finally reached the end of their academic journey.
Led by the military’s commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PMA held the graduation ceremony of the Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, northern Philippines, on Saturday, May 18. Vice President Sara Duterte and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, along with other high-ranking officials, were also present during the ceremony.
A total of 278 cadets out of the original 350 earned their degrees on Saturday. Dubbed as “pandemic babies,” these cadets had to navigate through stringent health protocols and a shift to online and modular learning. This learning strategy impacted the PMA’s traditional hands-on and communal training environment.
The commencement exercises began with a warm welcome from PMA superintendent Lieutenant General Rowen Tolentino, followed by the presentation of the graduates by Brigadier General Jose Demar Pauly, the PMA’s dean of academics.
This year’s valedictorian, Cadet First Class Jeneth Elumba from Surigao del Norte, reflected on the extraordinary circumstances that shaped their cadetship.
“Our class, known as the pandemic babies, started our journey in the midst of COVID-19,” Elumba said. “This unique beginning imposed stringent health protocols and forced us to adopt new learning modalities like online classes and modular training. These measures, while challenging, prepared us in unexpected ways for the complexities of military leadership.”
In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the cadets’ resiliency: “Today, you stand before us ready to serve not just as military officers but as leaders who have been tested in extraordinary times. Your ability to adapt and persevere is commendable.”
Yes, all students everywhere went through the same pandemic. Were they honored in such a manner?
Two Miss Universe bets claim they joined the pageant to settle unfinished business from the pandemic.
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| https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557043/miss-universe-philippines-bets-from-laguna-pampanga-to-settle-unfinished-business |
The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant has attracted a lot of seasoned contestants, among them are two ladies who even brought home international titles—2022 Miss Supermodel Worldwide Alexandra Mae Rosales from Laguna and 2019 Miss Tourism International Cyrille Payumofrom Pampanga.
Both ladies have also taken part in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, and Payumo even participated in the Mutya ng Pilipinas competition. So why still join the Miss Universe Philippines pageant? The COVID-19 pandemic has something to do with the decision, they said.
“I have unfinished business from Binibining Pilipinas, because, as you know, I joined during the pandemic, and I was working in a hotel that time, and it was really a struggle for me since we were gravely affected that time, so I didn’t have any means or financial resources,” Rosales told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night held at the Manila Hotel earlier this month.
She joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant in 2020, but the competition was postponed because of the global health crisis. It resumed in 2021, but there were only a few activities because of the restrictions imposed at that time. “So I ended up being here, and with a lot of activities. And I’m just having fun, and I love it. It would be a good thing even if I don’t win. It’s already a bonus because I was able to experience everything that I didn’t experience in Binibini that time,” the educator shared.
In Payumo’s case, she won her international crown in December 2019, just a couple of months before the world ground to a halt because of COVID-19. “For me it’s also unfinished business. Most of the people know that after I won, there came the pandemic. So I really didn’t enjoy my reign,” she said.
“And this is also my childhood dream, Miss Universe. All of those experiences, those defeats, and victories, are lessons learned for me to be able to join Miss Universe,” continued the statuesque Kapampangan model.
Rosales said the Miss Universe crown is still worth pursuing even after she had already brought honor to the country. “Miss Universe has changed a lot. Before, it’s all about the physical appearance. Now you can see their kindness and their advocacies, and how women are more powerful now, and it shows. And I think a crown gives a woman more power,” she explained.
One lady won the crown in 2019 but did not get to enjoy her reign because of the lockdowns in 2020 and the other did not get to experience the pageant in the fullest manner because of reduced activities in 2021.
AirAsia Philippines has hosted the Red Star Awards for the first time since the pandemic. This award show recognizes AirAsia's Travel Agency Partners.
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| https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2024/5/16/a-day-of-gratitude-airasia-philippines-celebrates-big-wins-with-travel-agency-partners#gsc.tab=0 |
For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, AirAsia Philippines hosted the 7th Redstar Awards to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of its Travel Agency Partners.
During the 7th Redstar Awards AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla recalled that Online Travel Agents, Travel and Service Centers, and Travel Agency Partners served as AirAsia’s backbone when the airline was navigating through the pandemic.
“AirAsia Philippines is winning because of you, our travel agency partners, for keeping the travel and tourism industry alive. We are winning because people believe in what we do here in AirAsia -- providing the best service and travel experience to millions of our guests,” Mr. Isla exalted.
Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Marigel Tankiang Manotok thanked AirAsia for the recognition and committed the support of its members to the airline. “Cheers to AirAsia Philippines, a true champion of affordable travel! May your wings continue to spread and bring dynamism to the Philippine travel industry”, she shared.
There are over 1,000 AirAsia Travel Agency Partners all throughout the Philippines. Small or big, Mr. Isla noted their contributions were also pivotal to AirAsia’s success. Last year, Travel Agency Partners’ sales accounted for almost 50% of AirAsia’s flight and ancillary revenues.
“As of May 2024, AirAsia is now flying a total of 12 domestic and 13 international destinations. Because of your (Travel Agency Partners) contribution, AirAsia Philippines continues to be the leading airline for leisure destinations such as Thailand, Boracay, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Panglao, and Cebu”, he added.
AirAsia plans on welcoming the second half of 2024 with the reopening of its Clark Hub backed with flights to new domestic and international destinations. Mr. Isla is banking on the strong support of its partners to help promote Clark as one of the major hubs in the country.
AirAsia also plans on reopening its Clark Hub in the second half of 2024.
One Philippine cyclists is being recognized for his efforts to spread cycling awareness.
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| https://www.philstar.com/campus/sports/2024/05/19/2356341/philippine-cycling-chief-receive-2024-merit-award-asian-body |
The Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) will confer to PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino the 2024 ACC Merit Award during the continental body’s Congress next month in Kazakhstan.
ACC secretary-general Onkar Singh informed Tolentino of the award in a correspondence dated May 16.
“The Executive Committee of the Asian Cycling Confederation has decided to confer the 2024 ACC Merit Award for your exemplary service towards the development of the sport of cycling in your region,” Singh said in his letter to Tolentino.
“I feel honored,” said Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, who was first elected president of the PhilCycling in 2008.
The ACC Congress is scheduled on June 6 at the Hotel Kazakhstan in Almaty.
Under Tolentino’s watch at PhilCycling, Daniel Caluag raced in men’s BMX racing at the London 2012 Olympics and two years later in the Incheon 2014 Asian Games won for the country it’s one and only gold medal.
Tolentino’s also responsible for the county’s only International Cycling Union (UCI)-standard BMX racing track in Tagaytay City which hosted the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 ACC Asian championships.
Four Philippine-registered UCI Continental Teams also emerged under Tolentino—7-Eleven-Cliqq by Road Bike Philippines, Go-For-Gold Cycling Team, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team and Standard Insurance by Standardized Cycling Team.
In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, Tolentino went beyond competitive cycling by donating dozens of bicycles to various communities when the bike was the most essential mode of transportation during the lockdown.
One of his accomplishments was distributing bicycles during the lockdown.
There are still many COVID-19 variants but the DOH says the nation remains at a low risk.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225177 |
The Philippines remains at low risk for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) amid reports of new variants monitored abroad, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.
The agency said it was in close coordination with international health authorities in monitoring newly designated Covid-19 variants.
“While there is an observed increase recently, it is small and lower than previously observed increases. Out of the new cases reported, seven had severe or critical disease,” the DOH said in a statement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 Epidemiological Update on May 17 noted three new variants under monitoring (VUM) -- JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3 -- which are descendants of JN.1.
As of May 12, only 11 percent or 119 out of 1,117 dedicated Covid-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied.
Only 1,238 or 13 percent of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were used.
Based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application, severe and critical Covid-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total only 116 as of May 12.
About 877 new Covid-19 cases were reported, with an average of 125 cases reported per day from May 7 to 13, 2024.
“Five deaths were recorded, which occurred in the recent two weeks (April 30 to May 13).”
The DOH called on doctors, including their clinics, hospitals, and other health facilities “to accurately and immediately report cases of Covid-19, whether tested by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or rapid antigen test” as mandated by law.
“This will help guide public health decision-making,” the DOH said.
It's not as if COVID is a deadly disease to worth worrying about.
The Philippines is teaming up with Lithuania to strengthen both their economies post-pandemic.
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| https://business.inquirer.net/459617/ph-lithuania-collab-in-future-proof-tech-economic-growth |
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has been pushing consistently for vital policy reforms to improve the global competitiveness of the Philippines and enable a sustainable business environment for both local and foreign investors.
Leveraging the visit of the Lithuanian business delegation —headed by Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Lithuanian Ambassador to Korea and the Philippines Ričardas Šlepavičius—the MAP International Relations Committee and the MAP Trade, Investments and Tourism Committee bridged two cultures to explore new opportunities, create connections, and cultivate possible business partnerships that will be beneficial to the local private sectors.
With both the Philippines and Lithuania strategically located in Asia and Europe, respectively, it is inevitable to foster a relationship in strengthening both countries’ economic growth, especially through the massive aftermath of the pandemic.
Lithuania, with its open economy and great success particularly derived from their shock-immune industries and strong future technology, makes the country a resilient partner for collaboration in foreign investments in line with the needs of the Philippine market, specifically in health care, energy, technology, manufacturing and telecommunications —in which Lithuania shows expertise. A perfect match.
A perfect match indeed.
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