Author: carlocarrasco

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 400,000 vaccines administered in Muntinlupa City

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 400,000 vaccines administered in Muntinlupa City

carlocarrasco

As the City Government continues with its vaccine rollout, the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) has recorded more than 400,000 vaccines administered to eligible individuals, inoculating over 70% of the target population.

MunCoVac announced that the City Government has administered at least 422,430 vaccines as of August 18. At least 275,046 individuals have received their first dose which translates to 71.3% of the target population. Of the total first dose vaccine takers, 7,160 were inoculated in vaccination sites of Muntinlupa private companies. While there are already 151,743 fully vaccinated individuals, or those who received their required doses, translating to 39.3% of the target.

The target population to be vaccinated in Muntinlupa is 385,725 individuals or 70% of 551,036 Muntinlupa’s estimated population for 2020. Meanwhile, MunCoVac advised city residents to make time for their vaccination schedule.

“Vaccination appointments are sent everyday. Please attend your schedule and don’t miss your chance to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” MunCoVac posted on its Facebook page.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi continues to encourage city residents to get vaccinated and underscores the importance of vaccine as protection against the severe effects of the virus. Fresnedi noted that vaccination is an urgent measure to fight COVID-19 and prevent further severe and death cases among city residents.

In a recent report by MunCoVac, the City Government recorded that 72.54% of the 2,028 active COVID-19 cases in the city as of August 18 are unvaccinated individuals. Of the total active cases, only 10.65% are partially vaccinated and 16.81% are fully vaccinated. Partially and fully vaccinated individuals are asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms.

“Ang pagpapabakuna ay isa sa pinakamabisang panlaban natin kontra COVID-19. Kaya kahit mahawa man ng virus ang isang taong may bakuna na, mas protektado pa rin sila kumpara sa mga unvaccinated individuals. Hinihikayat ang bawat isa na magpabakuna para sa ating proteksyon laban sa COVID-19,” MunCoVac said.

Recently, the City Government placed a residential building in Brgy. Alabang and five streets in a subdivision in Brgy. Poblacion under a hard lockdown due to alarming COVID-19 attack rates and narrow doubling time of cases.

Building 17 in Filinvest Socialized Housing, Brgy. Alabang and Angelo St., Horrileno St., Endencia St., Paredes St., and Barrera St. in Katarungan Village, Brgy. Poblacion have been placed under a 14-day Extreme Localized Community Quarantine (ELCQ) from August 19 to September 2.

A vaccination site has been installed at JRF Covered Court Phase 2, Katarungan Village 1 to accommodate the residents of the subdivision from August 20-21 due to the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in the area.

Residents of Katarungan Village 1 are advised to wait for further notice and text from the barangay for their vaccination schedule. Walk-ins will not be accommodated and only those who received a notification will be inoculated.

Other areas under the ELCQ include: Purok 3, Molera Compound in Barangay Sucat and Purok 7, Beatriz Compound, De Mesa L & B Street in Barangay Alabang from August 6 to August 27, Block 8, Hills View and Mangga St., Lakeview Homes in Barangay Putatan from August 12 to August 26 and Chico St., Laguerta in Barangay Tunasan under ELCQ from August 10 to August 25.

Muntinlupa City has 17,617 confirmed cases with 14,933 recoveries, 2,270 active cases, 414 reported deaths, 23 suspect cases, and 2,481 probable cases as of August 20.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: MECQ in effect in Metro Manila until August 31, 2021

COVID-19 Crisis: MECQ in effect in Metro Manila until August 31, 2021

carlocarrasco

Finally, the surprise enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for Metro Manila has ended as the national government announced late Thursday night that the new level of restriction for the metropolis is the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which is now in effect and will last until August 31, 2021. For the newcomers reading this, MECQ is supposed to be lighter than ECQ when it comes to restrictions.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The quarantine classification in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces of Laguna and Bataan has been downgraded from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to modified ECQ (MECQ), Malacañang announced Thursday.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte, upon the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EUD), approved the latest quarantine status in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“These latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns,” said Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, in a press statement.

Roque said Metro Manila will be placed under MECQ from Aug. 21 to 31.

Bataan, on the other hand, will be under MECQ from Aug. 23 to 31, he added.

Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan were initially placed under ECQ, the strictest form of community quarantine, due to the spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.

Roque stressed that despite the deescalation of quarantine level, religious gatherings should remain “virtual” in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan.

He added that indoor and al-fresco dine-in services, as well as personal care services such as beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas should remain prohibited.

Roque said local government units in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan are likewise directed to improve the vaccination rates within their localities, as well as intensify the “Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate (PDITR) strategies to control the spread of Covid-19.

And here is a related news video to watch…

In an article by the Manila Bulletin, curfew hours in Metro Manila still remain and quarantine passes (QPs) are not required. MECQ also means no cash aid (ayuda) will be released by the national government. There are also other MECQ-related guidelines to follow in another article by the Manila Bulletin. As for the unpopular ban on outdoor exercise approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), that one has ended and therefore the freedom to exercise outside our homes has been restored but to a certain extent.

As seen in the details regarding MECQ, there is no real ease nor positive change for several businesses and churches. Restaurants, coffee shops and convenience stores that have tables and chairs are still prohibited from having customers dining inside and on the immediate space outside their joints. In a business sense, this is bad because take-out and delivery services are not good enough for food/beverage sellers to make their ends meet. People of faith, meanwhile, are still literally blocked from worshiping the Lord physically at the venues of their faith communities or ministries. As such, the online form of worship in Metro Manila is still the way but I can tell you from my experience that onsite, physical presence worship of the Lord is the better and more preferable way to worship Him. Online worship has its limits and it lacks the immersion that on-site, physical worship has.

That being said, I encourage you all reading this to pray to God to enlighten all the public officials (from the barangay up to the national level) to look up to Him and come back to Him for His guidance which they really need when it comes to managing the people and their communities as everyone still struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic. The public officials need prayers for the Lord to guide them, strengthen them and prevent them from getting lost.

It should be noted that just days ago, the Metro Manila Council left the decision on community control to national government. Just think about that! Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Benhur Abalos and the mayors met and that was all they could come up with – letting someone else decide for the many millions of people living and struggling in the National Capital Region (NCR).

As such, praying to the Lord to help the public officials is very much needed. It is a fact that each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila is struggling not only with their respective COVID-19 vaccine operations but also with all other functions.

Also pray to the Lord that the national government will be more accommodating to the businesses and churches that got negatively affected by these community quarantine levels. Pray to the Lord that the employees, the business owners, the people of faith, the pastors and ministries will be assisted and accommodated better.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the shift to MECQ for Metro Manila? If you are a manager or owner of a restaurant or coffee shop, how did the recent ECQ affect you and your employees?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Better than Streaming: Unbreakable 4K Blu-ray coming out on September 21, 2021

Better than Streaming: Unbreakable 4K Blu-ray coming out on September 21, 2021

carlocarrasco

If you are a die-hard fan of Bruce Willis (no pun intended) or Samuel L. Jackson, or if are really fond of the early cinematic works of director M. Knight Shyamalan that you want added to your 4K Blu-ray collection, then you should watch out for Unbreakable: Ultimate Collector’s Edition 4K Blu-ray which is set for a September 21, 2021 release! Already it has been confirmed to have native 4K visuals and you can order it online right now!

The 4K Blu-ray cover.

Posted below are key details of Unbreakable 4K Blu-ray from its Blu-ray.com page

Video

Codec: HEVC / H.265

Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)

HDR: HDR10

Aspect ratio: 2.35:1

Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1

Audio

English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)

French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)

Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps)

Subtitles –English SDH, French, Spanish

Discs

4K Ultra HD

Blu-ray Disc

Two-disc set (1 BD-66, 1 BD-50)

Digital

Digital 4K

Movies Anywhere

Packaging– Slipcover in original pressing

Playback

4K Blu-ray: Region free

2K Blu-ray: Region A

While it is stated on the cover as “Ultimate Collector’s Edition”, there are no details as to what extra stuff and special features Unbreakable 4K Blu-ray will come with. Regardless, here is hoping that Disney will do a much better job on the extra stuff than what they did in the Unbreakable Blu-ray release of 2008. As such, I recommend you readers and movie buffs to return to Blu-ray.com and the product’s Amazon.com page for updates for Unbreakable 4K Blu-ray.

I first saw Unbreakable in the cinema back in late-2000. While it was slow-paced, Schyamalan managed to deliver a solid payoff which justified all the build-up and waiting. I also remember the movie having several references to superhero culture and comic book culture. Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson were indeed solid as opposite (as opposed to opposition) figures David Dunn and Mr. Glass. If you are tired of seeing Samuel L. Jackson playing Nick Fury, his role as Mr. Glass will be refreshing to see.

The movie grossed almost $250 million in movie tickets worldwide. Back then, nobody anticipated Unbreakable would someday spawn a sequel or grow into an entertainment franchise. I myself saw it as a conclusive standalone movie back in 2000. As such, I got really surprised learning about Split (2016) and Glass (2019) being sequels to it.

In ending this, posted below is Unbreakable’s trailer from 2000.

For more entries of my Better than Streaming series of articles, check out my pieces on The Beastmaster 4K Blu-ray, The Transformers: The Movie 4K Blu-ray, Mortal Kombat 2021 4K Blu-ray, Space Jam 4K Blu-ray, V: The Original Miniseries Blu-ray (read my retro review), V: The Final Battle Blu-ray, Highlander 4K Blu-ray, The Suicide Squad and Super Dimension Century Orguss.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

If you wish to join a group of movie enthusiasts and talk about cinema, visit the Movie Fans Worldwide Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/322857711779576

COVID-19 Crisis: 65% of active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa are those of unvaccinated patients

COVID-19 Crisis: 65% of active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa are those of unvaccinated patients

carlocarrasco

Recently the Manila Bulletin reported that a majority of the active COVID-19 cases in the City of Muntinlupa are those who are unvaccinated. Specifically, unvaccinated patients count for 65% of the city’s active cases as of August 16, 2021.    

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government reported that 65 percent of active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city are unvaccinated individuals.

As of Aug. 16, there are 1,756 active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa and of the total, 1,140 (65 percent) are unvaccinated, 160 (9 percent) are partially vaccinated, 333 (19 percent) are fully vaccinated and 123 (7 percent) are minors, who are not yet eligible to be inoculated.

All the 1,756 active COVID-19 are either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. No case has moderate to severe symptoms.

Among the 1,140 unvaccinated positive cases, 934 (82 percent) are asymptomatic while 206 (18 percent) have mild symptoms of COVID-19.

Of the positive 160 partially vaccinated individuals, 123 (77 percent) are asymptomatic and 37 (23 percent) have mild symptoms.

Among the positive 333 fully vaccinated, 258 (77 percent) are asymptomatic and 75 (23 percent) mild symptoms. All the 123 minors who are positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic.

By barangay, Putatan has the highest number of active COVID-19 cases with 458, or 26 percent of the 1,756 total active cases in Muntinlupa followed by Poblacion with 350 (20 percent), Tunasan with 288 (16.4 percent), Alabang with 203 (11.56 percent), Cupang with 140 (7.9 percent), Sucat with 132 (7.5 percent), Bayanan with 94 (5.35 percent), Ayala Alabang with 74 (4.2 percent) and Buli with 17 (0.96 percent).

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged the people to register and get vaccinated to protect them against COVID-19.

As of Aug. 13, Muntinlupa has deployed 393,769 vaccines. A total of 248,579 individuals received the first dose, including 7,160 who were vaccinated at sites in private companies, or 64.4 percent of the target population of 385,725.

The above report ended mentioning that almost 150,000 individuals in Muntinlupa have been fully vaccinated. While it is a fact that being fully vaccinated does not guarantee 100% immunity from COVID-19, it definitely still more protective than being unvaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are essentially helpful.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Being aware of the current COVID-19 situation, did you do your part encouraging others to get vaccinated? If you are an unvaccinated individual who still has not yet registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines, what would it take to convince you to register yourself and join the line for the vaccine?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A Look Back at X-Men 2099 #4 (1993)

A Look Back at X-Men 2099 #4 (1993)

carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, superhero enthusiasts, fans of the 2099 universe of Marvel Comics, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! Today we revisit the X-Men 2099 comic book series by focusing on the 4th issue. Following the single storyline told in the first three issues (including the unexpected death of a certain member in issue #3) which ultimately made clear why the X-Men of 2099 exist and what their place is within an America that is totally different from what it used to be during the time of Charles Xavier and his X-Men. As such, the stage was set for more exploration and new creative directions with Xi’an and his band of nomadic mutants.

With those details laid down, here is a look back at X-Men 2099 #4, published by Marvel Comics in 1993 with a story written by John Francis Moore and drawn by Ron Lim.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins with Bloodhawk exploring a deserted, radioactive facility in the middle of New Mexico. Having a reptilian skin protects him from radiation which only adds to his personal obsession of waging a war against developers and corporate entities that he accuses of defiling the natural environment.

Suddenly, a tough female with white hair and white skin grabs Bloodhawk by the neck and by touching his head with her left hand, she triggers a bolt of agony on him. Bloodhawk then loses consciousness.

Meanwhile in Nevada, Xi’an and his X-Men salvaged whatever equipment they found at the Nueva Sol Arcology which was their haven before Synge’s enforcers invaded and ruined it. In response to Shakti’s comment that it would take months to restore the facility, Xi’an says that the time for gatherings has passed as he believes that their path lies on the road emphasizing travel to new places.

While his teammates are outside, Henri uses a computer inside the facility retrieving messages. He receives a video message from his old friend Jordan Boone who informs him about a major project called Valhalla and he was going to do something outrageous…

Quality

Neuro-tech, the captured X-Men, Luna and the Theater of Pain.

When it comes to narrative, I should point out that this comic book serves as a prelude to The Fall of the Hammer 2099 crossover storyline and it does a good job setting key members of the X-Men to get involved.

As an X-Men 2099 story, John Francis Moore further developed the personalities of most of the members (with Timothy Fitzgerald being the center as he slowly becomes Skullfire) and showed more of the culture within the team under Xi’an’s leadership and strict points.

Other than the focus on the mutants, a notable feature of the story is the introduction of the Theater of Pain which includes a radically intriguing masked villain who runs an operation that involves abducting people, using machines to feed on their minds and access the most painful personal memories which in turn is digitally channeled to an existing linked live audience feeding their minds. In essence, mental torture and intrusion of the mind are introduced. I should also state that the Theater of Pain here plays a major part in the story of X-Men 2099 #25. This issue also introduces Luna who eventually gets linked with Skullfire and becomes part of the X-Men.

More on the Theater of Pain concept, I found the painful flashback sequences a clever method used by the writer to emphasize selected moments from the past of Bloodhawk and Skullfire which added to the character development of this comic book.

Conclusion

One step showing Timothy slowly becoming Skullfire.

X-Men 2099 #4 (1993) is well-written and it is a significant part of the 35-issue monthly series. For one thing, it shows the start of the transformation of Skullfire’s personality, the direction Xi’an and his mutants are taking, and the start of a build-up that led to the significant events of X-Men 2099 #25. There is a lot here for X-Men 2099 fans to enjoy from start to finish.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of X-Men 2099 #4 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $30 while the near-mint copy of the newsstand edition costs $90.

Overall, X-Men 2099 #4 (1993) is highly recommended!

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 600 economic workers in Muntinlupa receive COVID-19 jabs in “Bakuna sa Gabi” pilot run

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 600 economic workers in Muntinlupa receive COVID-19 jabs in “Bakuna sa Gabi” pilot run

carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) and City Health Office, formally launched the “Bakuna sa Gabi” program for individuals under the A4 priority group or economic frontliners who are unable to go to vaccination sites during daytime due to their work.

According to Muntinlupa CHO, at least 601 economic workers were accommodated in the “Bakuna sa Gabi” program at New Cupang Health Center last August 16 from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Of the total number of vaccine takers, 561 were residents of Barangay Cupang while 94 individuals were from other barangays.

The “Bakuna sa Gabi” is set to operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and targets to inoculate at least 2,100 economic workers per week. For the pilot run of the program, AstraZeneca vaccines were used.

MunCoVac reminded the public that vaccination is still by appointment except for registered senior citizens. The public is advised to register online via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to receive their vaccination schedule.

Further, MunCoVac earlier announced that more than 50% of the target population has received their COVID-19 jab as the city ramps up its vaccine roll-out.

“Higit 50% ng target population na ang nakatanggap ng at least one dose ng bakuna, samantalang 149,549 naman o 38.7% ng target ang fully vaccinated na. Nagbukas ng bagong vaccination sites sa ating lungsod upang patuloy na mabigyang proteksyon ang bawat isa kontra COVID-19,” MunCoVac posted on its Facebook page.

As of August 13, there are 393,769 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa of which 248,579 are first dose (64.4% of the target) and 149,549 are second dose (38.7% of the target). From the total number of first dose vaccinees, 7,160 were inoculated in vaccination sites of Muntinlupa private companies.

The target population to be vaccinated in Muntinlupa is 385,725 individuals or 70% of 551,036 Muntinlupa’s estimated population for 2020.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the public to avail the vaccination service of the local government especially during the ECQ for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19. Fresnedi also urged Muntinlupeños to continue observing minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing of hands.

As of August 16, Muntinlupa City has 16,844 confirmed cases with 14,679 recoveries, 1,758 active cases, 407 reported deaths, 37 suspect cases, and 2,107 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa logs 64% of target residents to receive 1st dose of COVID-19 jab, launches “Bakuna sa Gabi” for A4 workers

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa logs 64% of target residents to receive 1st dose of COVID-19 jab, launches “Bakuna sa Gabi” for A4 workers

carlocarrasco

The City Gover of Muntinlupa, through the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), announced recently that more than 50% of the target population has received their COVID-19 jab as the city ramps up its vaccine roll-out.

“Higit 50% ng target population na ang nakatanggap ng at least one dose ng bakuna, samantalang 149,549 naman o 38.7% ng target ang fully vaccinated na. Nagbukas ng bagong vaccination sites sa ating lungsod upang patuloy na mabigyang proteksyon ang bawat isa kontra COVID-19,” MunCoVac posted on its Facebook page.

As of August 13, there are 393,769 vaccines deployed in Muntinlupa of which 248,579 are first dose (64.4% of the target) and 149,549 are second dose (38.7% of the target). From the total number of first dose vaccinees, 7,160 were inoculated in vaccination sites of Muntinlupa private companies.

The target population to be vaccinated in Muntinlupa is 385,725 individuals or 70% of 551,036 Muntinlupa’s estimated population for 2020.

Further, MunCoVac also launched the “Bakuna sa Gabi” program or the extended hours of vaccination operations for A4 category individuals.

The Bakuna sa Gabi program was launched at the New Cupang Health Center just two days ago from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM for economic frontliners. The public is advised that the schedule for the program is only by appointment and residents are encouraged to register online via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

Earlier, MunCoVac announced that walk-ins will not be accommodated in the vaccination sites, except for senior citizens. The City Government urges those who do not have a confirmed vaccination schedule from MunCoVac to refrain from proceeding to the vaccination sites.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi encouraged the public to avail the vaccination service of the City Government especially during the ECQ for them to have an added protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19. Fresnedi also urged Muntinlupeños to continue observing minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield, physical distancing, and frequent washing of hands.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office has recorded a significant rise in the average number of daily confirmed cases for the last two weeks, while the local Ospital ng Muntinlupa has reached its full bed capacity for COVID-19 and non-COVID cases.

Muntinlupa CHO chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi reported that the average daily confirmed cases for the last two weeks is now at 118 cases per day. In the previous two-week period (July 20-Aug 2) prior to the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila, the city only logged an average of 47 cases per day.

Bunyi also noted that the city’s attack rate and positivity rate are at an alarming level. As of August 15, the attack rate in the city is now at 30.24 per 1,000 population and the positivity rate is at 13.16%.

The total bed occupancy rate at Ospital ng Muntinlupa has also reached 115% with 237 patients in the hospital out of 206 bed capacity. While the bed capacity rate for COVID-19 cases has rose to 103% with 106 patients admitted out of the allotted 103 beds as of August 15.

Further, the local isolation facilities in Pacwood Site, Ospital ng Muntinlupa and barangays have an occupancy rate of 102 patients, of which 95 are COVID-19 positive patients and 7 are probable cases, out of the 175-bed capacity as of the same date.

With the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and high attack rate in certain communities, the City Government imposed the Enhanced Localized Community Quarantine in 5 areas of concern.

The areas under hard lockdown include Purok 3, Molera Compound in Barangay Sucat and Purok 7, Beatriz Compound, De Mesa L & B Street in Barangay Alabang from August 13 – 27, Block 8, Hills View and Mangga St., Lakeview Homes in Barangay Putatan from August 12 – 26 and Chico St., Laguerta in Barangay Tunasan from August 10 – 25.

Muntinlupa City has 16,548 confirmed cases with 14,596 recoveries, 1,547 active cases, 405 reported deaths, 37 suspect cases, and 2,107 probable cases as of August 15.

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The above information was sourced from the official press release of the Muntinlupa PIO. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Asian Hospital and Medical Center reaches full capacity, confirms most COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated

COVID-19 Crisis: Asian Hospital and Medical Center reaches full capacity, confirms most COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated

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COVID-19 patients who plan to get treated at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) in Alabang might want to consider other options as the said hospital has reached full capacity in accommodating the infected. This was reported by the Manila Bulletin yesterday morning.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa has reached full bed capacity amid the surge in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), its medical chief said Tuesday, Aug. 17.

“The occupancy of our COVID-19 beds, both the regular rooms and critical beds, is already at 100 percent. It has been like that for more than a week, no movement,” Dr. Jose Acuin said in an interview with TeleRadyo.

“Those who need to be admitted in our intensive care unit are staying in our ER,” he added.

Acuin noted that COVID-19 patients who only manifest mild and moderate symptoms are instead advised to isolate and recuperate at home.

“We no longer accept mild and moderate cases, we instead offer home care for them. Those with severe symptoms and critical patients are advised to go to other hospitals if we no longer have rooms for them anymore,” he said.

Around 84 percent of the hospital’s COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated, according to Acuin.

“We’ve had seven deaths and all of them are unvaccinated. The other one who was vaccinated, unfortunately, less than two weeks after his second dose, had COVID, so you would presume that the protection was not that much.”

About Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) was founded on a vision to provide the Filipino people top notch medical service that is at par with international standards. This idea was translated into reality through the passion and dedication of its people who are burning with fervor to give more of themselves and stay true to its commitment of providing “Innovations in Healthcare for an Unforgettable Healing Experience”.

Established on May 11, 2002, AHMC is a premiere tertiary hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) as one of the most advanced healthcare institutions in the Philippines dedicated to providing value healthcare for patients and their families. It is a member of the Metro Pacific Hospital Group, the largest Philippine-based private hospital group managed by the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the local unit of the First Pacific Group headed by Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The first hospital in the Philippines designed with a hotel-like ambiance, AHMC believes in creating an environment which ultimately promotes healing, comfort, and care for the patient and their family. AHMC boasts a 296-bed capacity on a 17,250-square meter, carefully planned and specially designed to provide a sanctuary that ensures the safety of every patient, guest, and staff. With over 1,000 doctors trained in various specialties at the world’s top institutions, more than 400 highly skilled nurses, and 1,000 employees and staff, AHMC continuously provides high quality patient care.

As one of the country’s most advanced healthcare institutions, AHMC is guided by the values of fairness, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and respect that have served as the hospital’s foundation since its establishment.

Residents of Muntinlupa City who remain unregistered and unvaccinated should make a move to get registered by learning the ways to do it. Those who are prepared (with personal information available) and willing to go through online registration for the free vaccines in Muntinlupa are encouraged to click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you know someone infected with COVID-19 looking a hospital willing to accept him/her for treatment? Does he or she have mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A Look Back at What If #46 (1993)

A Look Back at What If #46 (1993)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, X-Men fans, superhero enthusiasts, 1990s culture enthusiasts and comic book collectors! It’s time to revisit the What If monthly series of comic books of Marvel Comics that lasted from 1989 until 1998. The old comic book I’m about to review involves the X-Men, Cable and more.

Before starting with this newest retro comic book review, I should state that I was never a fan of Cable even though I read lots of X-Men-related comic books that included him. When I think of Cable, I immediately think of the New Mutants and X-Force comic book series.

You must be wondering what has Cable and the X-Men have to do with the old What If issue I’m focusing on. We can all find out in this look back at What If #46, published by Marvel Comics in 1993 with a story written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Tod Smith.

The cover.

Early story

The story begins inside a tavern in New York’s famous Central Park. Inside, Charles Xavier, Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Jean Grey have a discussion about mutant matters until a small saucer-shaped device flies inside and disrupts everything with its sonic frequency. Suddenly a second flying saucer comes in, touches Scott’s shoe and explodes powerfully killing him, Jean and Xavier. Others got injured by the explosion and the tavern ends up burning.

Outside the tavern, Cable is seen running away and someone points at him as someone who must be responsible for the bombing. As it turns out, the deliberate killing of Xavier, Cyclops and Jean Grey was the result of a division between Cable’s New Mutants and the X-Men in connection to the recent return of Xavier from deep space.

Quality

A brawl between the mutants.

I’ll start with the story Kurt Busiek came up with. This one explores an alternate time in which Charles Xavier returned to Earth (after escaping from the Skrulls in deep space) only to find the X-Men in disarray which compelled him to restore things the way they were. This is not to be confused with his return in the canon storyline of the Muir Island Saga.  

That being said, Busiek explored what would it be like had Xavier tried to resolve mutant matters not only with the team of mutants he founded but also with other teams such as the New Mutants (already led by Cable), X-Factor (Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman, Beast and Archangel) plus several other mutants. I really liked the way the mutants reacted to Xavier given his long absence from Earth, how his dream matters and turned out irrelevant to them as individual mutants, and if he still has what it takes to lead them. In some ways, Xavier looked like a politician trying to convince his constituents that his vision is still the best for them and their interests.

What really made the story running was the start of the division between the mutants when Cable rejects Xavier and points out that the X-Men founder’s devotion to appeasement is dooming mutants. All of these led to the shock opening scene and in terms of writing quality, it was all justified.

The scenes that happened AFTER the burial of Xavier, Cyclops and Jean Grey literally raised the stakes for the rest of the comic book. I don’t want to spoil further plot details but I can assure you all that Kurt Busiek’s script is very sold and there is so much to enjoy here especially if you are knowledgeable enough about the X-Men and the other parts of the Marvel Comics universe (note: the Avengers, Stryfe, Freedom Force and Fantastic Four also appeared).

Visually, the work of Tod Smith looks a bit rushed. His art here is not bad but I felt it could have been better had there been more time to polish his work. In fairness to Smith, his drawings on most of the characters still made them recognizable and he showed pacing with regards to the panels and angles used. I should say he does a decent job showing multiple characters fighting each other simultaneously.

Conclusion

If you were a mutant, would you follow Charles Xavier or Cable?

If you ask me, What If #46 (1993) is pretty entertaining and engaging to read thanks to the strong writing as well as the daring exploration of how the comic’s main story impacts others within the Marvel Comics universe. It has drama, action, intrigue and most notably it explores a new concept about how the X-Men would turn out after the death of their founder. It also raises questions on whether or not the X-Men are doomed without Charles Xavier’s presence.

If you are seriously planning to buy an existing hard copy of What If #46 (1993), be aware that as of this writing, MileHighComics.com shows that the near-mint copy of the regular edition costs $40 while the near-mint newsstand edition costs $120.

Overall, What If #46 (1993) is recommended.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccine czar Galvez states it is better to take COVID-19 booster shot in 2022

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccine czar Galvez states it is better to take COVID-19 booster shot in 2022

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Are you a fully vaccinated patient who feels eager to take a 3rd COVID-19 vaccine shot because of the news about the spread of the Delta variant, the Lambda variant’s detection in the Philippines, and the buzz about the Metro Manila ECQ?

Before you take any form of action, you should be aware first that according to a Manila Bulletin article, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., stated that it is better to have a third dose (also referred to as the booster shot) of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 than this year.

In other words you should not rush, and you better NOT even think about crossing borders to get a 3rd vaccine shot in a different city because it could lead you to trouble as already one fully vaccinated patient of Mandaluyong City somehow got the 3rd shot in another city. That incident even compelled Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman and former Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos to react.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin article. Some parts in boldface…

A third dose or booster shot of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine is preferrable to have in 2022 than right now, according to the country’s vaccine czar.

Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., also the chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, claimed experts have found out that booster shots are “more effective” nine to 12 months after an individual has taken the recommended two doses of the jab, or single dose in the case of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen.

“Ang sabi ng experts, ang booster shot walang gaanong epekto iyan kung ang ating spacing napakababa (According to experts, the booster shot has no significant impact if we have too little spacing),” Galvez said Sunday afternoon, Aug. 15, during the arrival of 469,200 doses of Moderna vaccine that were procured by the government and private sector.

“Mas maganda kung ang booster natin is sa first month of year 2022, sa first quarter (It would be better if our booster shots will be given in the first month of 2022, in the first quarter),” he noted.

Aside from this, the country still has limited number of supplies so Galvez said it is the moral obligation of fully vaccinated Filipinos to let the unvaccinated get their shot in the arm, instead of getting a third dose or more for themselves.

“We are asking our people to be patient. We should be morally obliged. We need to wait for our turn. When we are finished [getting the recommended two doses], let the others [take] their turn,” Galvez stressed.

The vaccine czar issued the remark after reports surfaced that there were individuals who have already been inoculated with booster shots in some parts of Metro Manila through “vaccine hopping.”

The NTF has launched an investigation to punish individuals who are registering for vaccination in different cities to get more than two vaccine doses as he called them “immoral.”

In closing this piece, let me ask you readers: Do you believe that Galvez is correct that fully vaccinated patients should take the booster shot in 2022? If you were fully vaccinated already, how long has it been since the 2nd dose was injected into your body?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673