Category: Blog

COVID-19 Crisis: Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light and Janssen approved by FDA for use as 2nd booster

COVID-19 Crisis: Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light and Janssen approved by FDA for use as 2nd booster

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The path for boosted patients of the Philippines towards the much-discussed 2nd booster shot (note: the 4th shot following the first two doses and the first booster shot) for COVID-19 is looking clearer as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the COVID-19 vaccines of Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light and Janssen for use as 2nd boosters, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). Take note that the number of boosted patients nationwide is less than 13 million.

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

Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light and Janssen Covid-19 vaccines have been approved as second booster shots by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a health official said Tuesday.

In a televised public briefing, National Vaccination Operations Center chair Myrna Cabotaje said the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for the six brands.

The center is still waiting for the review and final recommendations of the Health and Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).

“Ready na ang guidelines, idadagdag lang natin ‘yung provisions ng FDA EUA saka final recommendations ng (The guidelines are ready, we’ll just add the provisions of FDA EUA and final recommendations of) HTAC,” Cabotaje said.

The administration of second booster shot which was originally slated April 20 is expected to start next week.

Healthcare workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised will be prioritized.

Cabotaje said the second booster shot may be given four months after the first booster dose.

“Gagawin natin sa NCR [National Capital Region] muna, although nagre-request ang Region 3 and Region 4A na isama na sila and then expand natin pagkatapos (We’ll do it in NCR first, although Region 3 and Region 4A have requested to be included and then we’ll expand afterwards),” she added.

In another article published by PNA, Cabotaje stated that booster shots could prevent a possible surge of new COVID-19 cases in the middle of May. She also expressed concern about current low booster shot rate of the nation as a whole.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you have been boosted for COVID-19 already, how long has it been since you got your first booster shot? Have you contacted your local vaccination team to find out if you are cleared to avail of a 2nd booster shot from them? Do you still remember the brand of vaccine used for your first booster shot?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Muntinlupa City’s state-of-the-art Track and Field Oval inaugurated

Muntinlupa City’s state-of-the-art Track and Field Oval inaugurated

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As part of the local sports development plan, the City Government of Muntinlupa formally inaugurated the state-of-the-art Track and Field Oval, envisioned to be the breeding ground of future world-class athletes.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi unveiled the inaugural marker during the blessing ceremony at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Brgy. Tunasan on April 19 together with local officials and Long Jump Queen of the Philippines and Heptathlon Champion Elma Muros-Posadas.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi with Elma Muros-Posadas. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)
The ribbon-cutting ceremony. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

The local exec said that the infrastructure project will benefit local athletes and will hone their skills to be equipped for national and international competitions. Fresnedi commits to support Muntinlupeño athletes through the development of sporting facilities in the local Sports Complex and other programs.

Further, heptathlon champion Muros-Posadas lauded the City Government for constructing the Track and Field Oval as young athletes will now have an optimal place to train.

“Naoverwhelm ako…nagpapasalamat ako sa Muntinlupa dahil may ganito na (Track and Field Oval). Dati kailangan pang bumiyahe papuntang Ultra Complex o kaya delikado dahil nagpa-practice sa kalsada, pero ngayon meron na dito,” Muros-Posadas added.

The former Track and Field national athlete urged student-athletes and local coaches to persevere and do their best as form of gratitude for the efforts of the local government to construct world-class sports facilities.

Also joining the event were School Division Superintendent Carleen Sedilla (CESO V), Coun. Ivee Arciaga Tadefa, Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Louie Arciaga, Coun. Allan Camilon, Coun. Arlene Hilapo, Coun. Metong Sevilla, Mr. Jedi Presnedi, and Ms. Rachel Arciaga.

A drone shot of the newest sports facility in the city. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

Designed by City Architect Don Causapin, the Muntinlupa Track and Field has an eight-lane 400m international standard oval with a lot area of two (2) hectares. The sporting venue has a warm up lane, soccer field, provision for control room, area for long and triple jump, shotput, javelin throw, discus throw, water jump, and provision for bleacher buildings.

Recently, the City Government has also inaugurated the Muntinlupa Aquatic Center, the first indoor Olympic-size swimming pool in the country, in celebration of the city’s 27th Founding Anniversary.

Mayor Fresnedi said the “world-class” facility is an investment of the city for the training of Muntinlupa athletes who will participate in national and international sporting events.

“We value the youth and athletes of Muntinlupa so we invest in facilities that will help them become champions in their respective fields,” Fresnedi said.

The Muntinlupa Aquatic Center is also designed by Arch. Don Causapin and caters to water sports such as Swimming, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming and others programs including Water Safety Training and Competition, Scuba Diving Pool Session, Swim and Survive Programs and PE programs.

The Aquatic Center is part of the Muntinlupa Sports Complex Development Plan. The local sports complex is envisioned to be a “sports tourism center” in the country.

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa will also host the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships at Muntinlupa Sports Complex from April 26 until May 1.

Top shuttlers from Asian countries will participate in the competition in a bid to raise their Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking. This is the country’s third time to host the Asia Championships since 1961 and 2001.

It can be noted that Muntinlupa also hosted the Badminton event of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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: Less than 13 million boosted in the Philippines so far

COVID-19 Crisis: Less than 13 million boosted in the Philippines so far

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Recently the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that the number of people in the country counted as fully vaccinated for COVID-19 was approaching the 70,000,000 mark. What is disturbing, however, is that the number of people who received their booster shots (note: the 3rd shot after two doses of most COVID-19 vaccine brands) is still low at less than 13,000,000 counted.

The anti-vaccine crazies out there can discourage people all they want but nothing changes the fact that booster shots are essential for the Philippines in order to truly emerge from the COVID-19 crisis and progress.

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

The Philippines has administered 144,781,087 doses of coronavirus vaccines, with 66,979,873 Filipinos already with the full primary series.

Of the total, only 12,687,684 have booster shots as of Tuesday.

The latest data of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 also showed that 72,010,262 individuals, or 80.01 percent of the country’s target for population protection, have received at least one dose.

During President Rodrigo Duterte’s prerecorded “Talk to the People” aired late Monday night, NTF chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. acknowledged the country is still lagging in the administration of booster shots or third doses.

Among the pediatric age groups, 9,918,970 first doses have been given to the 12 to 17 bracket and 2,694,251 for 5 to 11.

“Maganda po ang coverage natin from 18 to 59 years old. Ito po ‘yung adult population at mayroon po tayong (We have a good vaccination coverage from 18 to 59 years old. This is the adult population and we have) more or less 94.28 percent (of the target), with 52 million already with the first dose,” Galvez said.

For the 60 years old above, Galvez said the country has already vaccinated 6,907,715 with at least one dose.

If you do the math, 12,687,684 patients with booster shots out of the 66,979,873 fully vaccinated people is equivalent to 18.94%. In terms of simple numbers, there are more than 54 million fully vaccinated patients who have yet to get boosted. Still a long way to go before many others get boosted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about this new development? If you have been fully vaccinated already, how long has it been since that happened? If you have not received your booster shot yet, have you tried contacting the local vaccination team? Do you think that it is time for the local governments to start announcing incentives to convince fully vaccinated patients to get boosted at last?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Muntinlupa City recognizes 2020-21 Bar passers, new lawyers urged to serve with integrity

Muntinlupa City recognizes 2020-21 Bar passers, new lawyers urged to serve with integrity

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Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa gave recognition to city residents who have passed the r2020-2021 Bar examinations.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has lauded the 39 new lawyers in the city and has given them certificates of recognition during the LGU’s flag raising ceremony last this past Monday.

“We are very proud of your achievements and for the honor that you have given to Muntinlupa. We welcome our new attorneys as we serve the people,” Fresnedi said in the program.

Among the 39 Bar passers is Erika Rose Sanchez – Corro, daughter of Muntinlupa City Majority Floor Leader Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, who has given an emotional response during the ceremony.

Corro recounted the struggles that the bar takers, including herself, have experienced as they prepared for the examination such as postponed Bar exam schedules, lockdowns, health and emotional challenges brought about by pandemic.

She also extended her thanks to the City Government and the city’s frontliners for the local COVID-19 response including the extensive vaccination drive as it helped her prepare for the 2020-21 Bar exams.

Meanwhile, Corro also encouraged her fellow Bar passers to serve with integrity and serve the Filipino people.

“Passing the Bar exam is just the beginning. What matters is what we can do with the privilege and responsibility that were given to us. I hope that we will be lawyers in the service of others and with integrity,” Corro noted.

Other Muntinlupa residents who passed the Bar exam and were given recognition were: Ainah Rae Labanta – Banzon, Jasmin Dimatatac Miroy, John Titan, Perla Vito Cruz Arroyo, Isabelle Alexis Yason, Gemma Tiama, Celyn Ann Mae Palacol, Ian Benjamin Tan, Alia Jan Delgado, Antonette Arciaga, Jaypherson Navarro, Clariza Reyes, Marian Shen Petilla, Reena Therese Marquez, Cesar Jan Entilla, Therese Mary Magdaluyo, Albertito Garcia, Michael Christopher Guidote, Joaquin Oscar Go III, Valentin Eduardo Miguel Prieto, John Philip Yeung, Sharmaine Maila Pacson, Jonas Gaiser, Arlyn Jophe Perol, Katherine Vera, Ma. Rosalia Emmanuel San Pedro-Ladignon, Nina Jasmine Marie Balbanero, Dominic Paolo Marquez, Hanna Hazel Agapay, Jose Miguel Pillas, Alexander Michael Po, Ivanhoe Magpantay, Vincent Pangan, Gretel Erum, Nicolin Anne Arcenas, Arvin Stephen Gagajena, Zaira Gem Gonzales, and Atreja Alvarez.

Last April 14, the Supreme Court released the results of the 2020-2021 Bar examinations, the first digitized and localized exam conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court has recorded a passing rate of 72.28% with 8,155 law graduates who passed the Bar exams out of 11,402 test takers.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. 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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

P170,000 worth of illegal drugs seized and four suspects arrested in Parañaque City

P170,000 worth of illegal drugs seized and four suspects arrested in Parañaque City

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In Parañaque City, law enforcers apprehended four individuals who apparently are connected with the proliferation of illegal drugs in Barangay San Dionisio, the Manila Bulletin reported. They also seized the illegal substance estimated to be worth P170,000.

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

Members of the Parañaque City police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) arrested four drug suspects who are reportedly the main source of shabu proliferating in Barangay San Dionisio on Monday, April 18.

Col. Maximo Sebastian, city police chief, identified the suspects as Sunsodin Abuin Nolutan, 33; Alvin Sakatani Dalamban, 25; Rohanin Ungad Ali, 22; and Fatima Delos Santos Abdulmari, 26, all residents of Parañaque City.

Sebastian said the suspects were arrested at about 5:20 p.m. along Vietnam St., Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Barangay San Dionisio. Confiscated from them were around P170,000 worth of shabu.

The city police chief said SDEU members conducted a buy-bust operation in coordination with the police Sub-Station 4 after receiving numerous complaints against the suspects on their illegal drugs trade.

Sebastian said confiscated from the suspects were 16 sachets of shabu weighing about 25 grams and worth P170,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are living in Parañaque City, do you believe that the trading of illegal drugs is happening in your local community right now? Are you ready to report such activities to the local police?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

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

Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

Cebu-based triathletes highlighted

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Triathlon in the Philippines has been generating more buzz this year which is not a surprise as the next edition of the Subic Bay International Triathlon (SUBIT) and the multisports events of the delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) in Vietnam will take place this May just weeks apart from each other. Already triathlon events were held at Subic Bay and in Dumaguete City which drew several participants respectively.

On April 14, the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) posted on its official Facebook page the official list of members of the Philippine Triathlon Team (including duathlon and paratriathlon). For transparency, posted below is the list from their FB post.

The Members of the PHI Triathlon Team

The National Training Pool

Women Elite:

1. Kim Mangrobang  (Laguna) 31

2. Raven Faith Alcoseba (Cebu) 20

3. Lauren Plaza (Laguna) 21

4. Karen Manayon (Cebu) 20

5. Gene Heart Quiambao (Bukidnon) 18

Men Elite:

6. John Chicano (Olongapo) 31

7. Nikko Huelgas (Las Piñas) 31

8. Fernando Jose Casares (Bulacan) 25

9. Raymund Mulano Torio (Pangasinan) 34

10. Juan Carlos Abad (La Union) 24

Men U23 Elite:

11. Andrew Remolino (Cebu) 22

12. Joshua Ramos (Baguio) 20

13. Juan Francisco Baniqued )Laguna) 20

14. Iñaki Lorbes (Las Piñas) 20

15. Matthew Justine Hermosa (Cebu) 17

16. Lorenzo Joaquin Solda (Parañaque) 18

Duathlon-

Men Elite:

17. Joey de los Reyes (Basilan) 34

18. Ephraim Inigo (Ilocos Sur) 28

19. Jarwyn Banatao (Baguio) 28

    Women Elite:

20. Alexandra Ganzon (Iloilo) 36

21. Elaine Quismundo (Tarlac) 21

22. Merry Joy Trupa (Tarlac)  20

23. Jena Valdez (Pangasinan) 17

The Developmental Pool

U23/ELITE MALE: 18-23 y/o

1. Maynard Pecson – Baguio, Duathlon

2. John Ace Ventura – Pangasinan, Duathlon

U23/ELITE FEMALE: 18-23 y/o

3. Erika Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

JUNIOR ELITE MALE:6-19 y/o

4. Jacob Clint Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

5. Jacob Kennedy Lipura – Cebu, Triathlon

6. Irienold Reig Jr – QC, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

JUNIOR ELITE FEMALE: 16-19 y/o

7. Kira Ellis – Laguna, Triathlon

8. Moira Erediano – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

9. Nicole Del Rosario – Cebu, Triathlon (transitioning to U23)

YOUTH ELITE MALE: 13-15 y/o

10. Darrel Johnson Bada – Olongapo, Triathlon

11. Connor Hodges – Laguna, Triathlon

12. Carron Paulter Canas – Cebu, Triathlon

YOUTH ELITE FEMALE: 13-15 y/o

13. Erin Burgos – QC/Laguna, Triathlon

The PHI Paratriathlon Team

1.  Alex Silverio- athlete (Cebu) PTri-4, 31 yrs old

2.  Joshua Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

3.  Jerome Nelmida- athlete (Muntinlupa) PTri-VI, 20 yrs old

4.  Edison Badillo- athlete (Pasig City) PTri-4, 23 yrs old

5.  Teodoro Diaz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas) , 21yrs old)

6.  Bernard Cruz- Racing & Training Guide (Las Piñas), 20 yrs old)

In relation to the posted list, the Cebu Daily News published an article highlighting the Cebu-based triathletes who made the roster. Look at the above list and take note how many are based in Cebu. To the newcomers reading this, be aware that Cebu-based Andrew Kim Remolino won the silver medal for the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games men’s triathlon event.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Cebu Daily News article. Some parts in boldface…

Cebu is stamping its reputation as a potential breeding ground of top triathletes after sending a solid number of them to the Triathlon Association of the Philippines’ (TRAP) national training pool and developmental training pool.

A total of nine Cebuanos, headed by 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) silver medalist Andrew Kim Remolino made it to TRAP’s official list.

The 22-year-old Remolino of Talisay City finished second in the men’s elite category of the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) series/National Triathlon Trials in Subic Bay Freeport last February.

His second-place finish earned him a spot in the national training pool.

Joining him is none other than 18-year-old Raven Faith Alcoseba who also hails from Talisay City.

Alcoseba, a varsity swimmer of the De La Salle University Green Archers stunned the women’s elite division when she emerged champion in her first NAGT race last February.

Joining Remolino and Alcoseba in the training pool is Matthew Justine Hermosa.

The national training pool will determine the final list of triathletes and duathletes that will represent the Philippine Team in the upcoming 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.

Joining them in the national training pool are three-time SEA Games gold medalist Kim Mangrobang, two-time SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, and 2019 SEA Games double gold medalist John Chican along with 10 other triathletes, and seven duathletes.

The developmental pool, on the other hand, serves as the farm team for TRAP to hone the skills of the potential triathletes and duathletes who can become the next stars in this sport.

Cebuanos who made it to the developmental training pool are Jacob Clint Lipura, Jacob Kennedy Lipura, Moira Frances Erediano, Nicole Marie Del Rosario, Carron Paulter Canas, and para triathlete Alex Niño Silverio.

Remolino, Alcoseba, and the rest of the Cebuano triathletes who are listed by TRAP are members of the vaunted Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group- Go For Gold team of national triathlon coach Roland Remolino based in Talisay City.

In my recent post about which Philippine Team members will participate in the triathlon and duathlon events of the 31st SEA Games, Remolino and Raven Faith Alcoseba are the Cebuanos going to Vietnam.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that Cebu-based multisport athletes – apart from SEA Games medalist Andrew Kim Remolino – will make an impact in future races? Are you excited about the state of triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon events around the country this year as the COVID-19-related restrictions have been eased? How excited are you about the Subic Bay International Triathlon and the 31st SEA Games right now?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Spectators at the 31st SEA Games are not required to take COVID-19 tests

Spectators at the 31st SEA Games are not required to take COVID-19 tests

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Are you planning to personally visit Vietnam and watch the many sports events of the delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, SEA Games 31 and Hanoi 2021) live as a sports spectator? While it is true that Vietnam has been opened to foreign tourists for over a month now, there are still requirements that need to be fulfilled before enjoying the freedom of touring and discovering the nation.

As it is the Southeast Asian region’s biggest sports event, the SEA Games are indeed highly crucial to the tourism goals of host city Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam. Recently, the Vietnam authorities announced that spectators at the SEA Games are not required to take COVID-19 tests, according to a report by VietnamPlus.vn.

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

Spectators watching competitions in person during the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) will not be required to take COVID-19 tests before enter the stadiums, according to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on April 16 regarding COVID-19 control measures during the regional sport event.

According to the guidelines, guests to the event at deputy ministerial level and above, as well as heads and deputy heads of sport delegations neither need to show negative COVID-19 testing results when entering Vietnam nor take testing after arrival. They also do not need to take quarantine.

Meanwhile, sport officials, referees and athletes are required to have certified negative RT-PCR/RT-LAMP testing results taken within 72 hours or rapid antigen testing within 24 hours before entering Vietnam, but not required to take quarantine.

Coaches and athletes will need to take COVID-19 rapid tests 24 hours before each competition.

The guidelines also list COVID-19 control measures to be implemented at accommodation facilities for guests and athletes, with the setting up of SARS-CoV-2 testing areas and teams providing medical and food safety services for them. Quarantine and treatment rooms will also be arranged for COVID-19 patients with no or mild symptoms.

Athletes will travel in closed routes between their accommodation, training and competition venues.

The stadium hosting the opening and closing ceremonies will be disinfected before the events, while medical teams will stand by to give emergency aids and COVID-19 tests to persons who are suspected to infected with the disease.

Games will take place with either no spectator or with limited or unlimited number of spectators depending on COVID-19 situation at the host locality.

In case a COVID-19 patient is detected, the patient will take quarantine at their accommodation or treatment at medical centres depending on their health conditions.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: In case you will be visiting Vietnam as a tourist immediately, do you plan to watch a SEA Games event as a spectator at the sports venue? How important are the SEA Games for you personally?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising launching on Xbox consoles and through Xbox Game Pass (XGP) on May 10, 2022!

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising launching on Xbox consoles and through Xbox Game Pass (XGP) on May 10, 2022!

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To the gamers who are craving for new role-playing experiences and some more action, get ready as 505 Games confirmed that Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising (the spin-off game to 2023’s Suikoden-inspired Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes) will be released on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows PC (via Steam) on May 10, 2022, and it will also launch on both Xbox Game Pass (XGP) and PC Game Pass that same day!

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from 505 Games’ announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Global publisher 505 Games in collaboration with Rabbit & Bear Studios, headed by Yoshitaka Murayama, a creator of Suikoden, and NatsumeAtari today unveil the release date for Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, the fast-paced 2.5D action RPG with town-upgrading elements serving as a companion prequel game to the upcoming Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes. Rising’s pre-war tales begin May 10th, 2022 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, Epic and GOG. Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising will also be available day one via Xbox and PC Game Pass.

After a massive earthquake revealed Runebarrows deep below a town on the remote frontier of the Allraan known as New Nevaeh, fortune-seeking adventurers and merchants from across the world arrive. Among those hoping to find treasure, three star-crossed heroes come together. CJ, the Venerable Scavenger, and Garoo, the Beastman Mercenary, hope to mine the Rune Lens, a source of magic hidden underground. Isha, the Young Deputy Mayor, wants to rebuild her town.

Delve into the ruins and master Rising’s satisfying combat. Dash in quick and strike with CJ’s climbing axes, sling sorcery from afar as Isha, and punish foes with Garoo’s gigantic sword. Topple imaginative bosses by swapping between each character and unleashing devastating Link Attacks combining each hero’s specialty, all while platforming through gorgeous 2.5D environments.

Scavenge dungeons and earn materials to reconstruct New Nevaeh to its former glory and reap benefits applying to Hundred Heroes when it releases in 2023. Cross content includes special cosmetic items, valuable equipment, and trade goods. Make a personal mark on the world of Eiyuden Chronicle by naming certain weapons and delicacies in Rising that will carry over to Hundred Heroes next year.

The May 10, 2022 Xbox and XGP release of Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is very notable as it will add depth to the number of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) and Japan-produced games on the Xbox platforms in this current generation. I still remember the moments of surprise and excitement I had when I saw the unexpected announcement of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising during the Xbox-Bethesda Games Showcase of June 2021.

To those already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, mark your calendars for May 10, 2022 as Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising will come out for your enjoyment! To learn more details about the game, click https://carlocarrasco.com/2022/03/29/watch-out-for-eiyuden-chronicle-rising-on-xbox-via-xbox-game-pass-xgp/

In closing this piece, posted below are Xbox-related videos for your viewing pleasure.

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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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

31st SEA Games highly important to Hanoi’s tourism drive

31st SEA Games highly important to Hanoi’s tourism drive

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Less than a month from now, the 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, Hanoi 2021 and SEA Games 31) in Hanoi, Vietnam, will formally open and several athletes from around the Southeast Asian region will engage in lots of sports events to bring home honors and medals for their respective nations.

For the City of Hanoi, the SEA Games are highly important to their efforts on boosting tourism. Already the city’s own countdown is ongoing and Vietnam as a whole has been attracting a growing number of foreign tourists since the borders have been reopened. The business opportunities that come with strong tourism are essential to the tourism industry workers of the nation and just imagine such opportunities multiplying for them once the SEA Games really happens. More notably, the legacy and turnout of the SEA Games will be a factor on Hanoi’s long-term tourism goals in the future.

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

Hanoi will bring into full play the opportunity of hosting the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May to attract tourists to the city, according to the municipal Tourism Authority.

To anticipate this event, Hanoi has prepared numerous activities, with focus on its typical tourism product and promoting the image of a friendly and attractive capital city.

Director of the municipal Tourism Authority Dang Huong Giang said that it has built and selected several typical tours and programmes to visit famous landscapes and enjoy unique cuisine of the capital to introduce to international sport delegations, athletes and reporters. These tours are built and adjusted to suit the needs of visitors.

A series of events are scheduled to take place in late April and May such as the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival (April 29 to May 1), Hanoi Tourism Festival (May 13-15), Hanoi Cuisine and Craft Village Tourism Festival (May 18-22).

Through these events, the city will introduce Southeast Asian athletes and their fans, as well as international reporters and visitors, to the culture, economic potential, tourism, and friendly relations of Hanoi.

To welcome SEA Games 31 guests, the municipal Tourism Authority has held three training courses targeting staffs of accommodations and those involving community-based tourism.

To date, the Department of Culture and Sports has made eight short films featuring the city’s culture, cuisine and craft villages, which will be screened at tourist accommodations.

The above report ended stating that the City of Hanoi has set a goal of welcoming more than three million tourists in the 2nd quarter of 2022, including between 150,000 to 200,000 foreigners.

For added insight, watch the videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about Hanoi’s tourism drive involving the SEA Games? Have you been dreaming of visiting Vietnam and discover the nation and its many places as a tourist? Are the SEA Games an attraction for you as a traveler?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

A close look at the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes for the 31st SEA Games

A close look at the Philippine Team triathletes and duathletes for the 31st SEA Games

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If you are focused on the multisport events of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (also referred to as 31st SEA Games, Hanoi 2021 and SEA Games 31) in Vietnam, then you might be interested to know which triathletes and duathletes will be representing the Philippines. Previously, it was mentioned that 2019 SEA Games gold medalists John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang were the favorites for the multisport events of the said games that will happen next month but if you want more details and specifics, check out what CNN Philippines posted on their website.

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

The country’s triathlon team is boasting a lineup of household names eyeing to continue its regional dominance in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.

Speaking to CNN Philippines, Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco emphasized that the bunch of household names should give the country some considerable edge over opponents.

Kim Mangrobang, who ruled the 2019 SEA Games women’s individual event at Subic Bay, is set to banner the female team anew as she will be backed by former De La Salle University varsity swimmer Raven Faith Alcoseba and Lauren Plaza as a reserve.

Mangrobang secured the gold while compatriot Kim Kilgroe clinched the silver three years ago.

The same finish was tallied by the Philippine men’s triathlon team that year, with John Chicano taking home the gold and Andrew Kim Remolino nabbing the silver.

Come Vietnam, Remolino and fellow star Fernando Casares will aim to duplicate the feat, while defending champion Chicano sits kingly on the reserve list.

Meanwhile, Chicano is shifting focus to rule the duathlon event as he will be joined by Raymund Torio and reserve Casares in the men’s squad.

Mangrobang will have no rest as she will anchor the distaff side along with Alexandra Dumaran and Alcoseba as a reserve.

In 2019, Monica Torres snagged the gold in the women’s individual duathlon event while Joey Delos Reyes settled for a silver medal for the men’s side. Torres, Efraim Inigo, Paui Fornea, and Emmanuel Comendador clinched the bronze medal in the mixed relay category.

Ani De Leon, Melvin Fausto, and George Vilog are tapped as coaches of the Hanoi-bound Philippine triathlon team.

For the newcomers reading this, the mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes will be competing first in the Subic Bay International Triathlon set for May 1 at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone before proceeding to Vietnam for the SEA Games triathlon and duathlon races. If you happen to be here in the Philippines and you are interested to see Mangrobang, Chicano, Remolino, Casares, Alcoseba and Torio in person, then I encourage you to visit Subic Bay and watch the May 1 triathlon live.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you excited about the triathlon and duathlon events of the SEA Games in Vietnam? Do you think that the Philippines will successfully win the gold medals in both multisports events at the SEA Games? Do you plan to watch the Subic Bay International Triathlon on May 1 in person to see the above mentioned Philippine Team triathletes/duathletes perform? How many triathletes or triathlon enthusiasts are there in your local community right now?

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 with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/