29th Philippine eaglet hatched after 5 years
29th Philippine eaglet hatched after 5 yearsThe still unnamed hatchling is the 29th Philippine Eagle bred in captivity, emerging from its egg on Dec. 4 at 1:16 p.mDAVAO CITY , Philippines — The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) produced the 29th Philippine eaglet bred in captivity five years after Sakura, the last eaglet, was hatched at the Center in Barangay Malagos, Calinan district, this city. The late eagle Pag-asa was the first ever Philippine Eagle bred in captivity that was hatched by the PEC in 1992. At least 27 other eaglets were later produced by the PEC under its captive breeding program until the hatching of the 29th eaglet last Saturday. The PEC’s captive breeding program was not able to produce any eaglet over the past five years because the eagles at the center’s gene pool have grown old. The hatching of the 29th eaglet is a welcome development, as the population of the Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird, continues to dwindle, with only less than a thousand including those sighted in the wild.
Source:Philippine Star
December 08, 2021 06:10 UTC
This is Omicron – HKU reveals image of the Covid variant
This is what Omicron looks like – researchers from the University of Hong Kong have revealed the electron microscope image of the new Covid-19 variant. The photo on the left is a low magnification electron micrograph of a monkey kidney cell after infection with the Omicron variant. Earlier in November, researchers at the Department of Microbiology at HKU succeeded in isolating the Omicron variant from clinical specimens. The isolated variant will enable the development and production of vaccines against Omicron, which has been designated as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization. WHO said the Omicron variant possesses multiple spike protein gene mutations, and the spike protein gene targets may not be detected if the testing institution uses a particular and single polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid (PCR) testing kit that gives quick results.
Source:The Standard
December 08, 2021 05:52 UTC
West Kowloon court ups security measures after judge’s white powder mail
The Judiciary on Wednesday announced it is planning to put in place security screening for the whole West Kowloon Law Courts Building starting next Saturday, one month after a judge there received mails containing white powder. Under the new arrangement, court users will be required to undergo security screening procedures, including body screening by metal detectors and inspection of personal belongings by x-ray baggage scanners before they may enter the building. The Judiciary noted that the measures are part of the efforts to ensure the safety of Judges and Judicial Officers, Judiciary staff, and court users. A Judiciary spokesperson said the security screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items, such as weapons, knives, scissors, water, and drinks, from being brought into court premises. The court building earlier evacuated some of its staff after deputy district judge Kathie Cheung Kit-yee had received two suspicious letters on November 11 and 16, respectively, with the letters containing white powder.
Source:The Standard
December 08, 2021 05:08 UTC
EU agencies endorse mix-and-match of COVID-19 vaccines
EU health agencies have recommended that COVID-19 vaccines be mixed and matched for both initial courses and booster doses as the region battles rising cases ahead of Christmas. The EMA and ECDC recommendations are also meant to help EU member states with their own vaccination campaigns before any formal EU-wide approval as the health agencies continue studying data on mixing vaccines. The United States has given the green light to mix and match, while the World Health Organization is assessing the approach. The EMA and ECDC’s review did not consider vaccines that are not approved in the European Union. COVID-19 shots from AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have been authorised for use in the region.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 08, 2021 04:00 UTC
F-Beauty gets serious about skincare
F-Beauty gets serious about skincareFilipino beauty brands like Issy & Co. and Habitude are stepping it up, going toe to toe with global brands by venturing into skincare, the segment that’s booming right now. Seriously Revitalizing Serum is the ultimate “glass skin” serum with high concentrations of plant mucin, 2% hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, powerful antioxidants and heritage botanicals. Skincare For Cool FolksIssy & Company, which has got to be one of the coolest local beauty brands, now has skincare! Greek glamour in every productKorres’ bestselling Pure Greek Olive line of bath and body products has a Pomegranate shower gel and body cream. Skincare icons get a holiday makeoverLooking for the perfect gift for a skincare lover?
Source:Philippine Star
December 07, 2021 23:45 UTC
The Omicron variant – new twist to the economic recovery
The Omicron variant – new twist to the economic recoveryThe appearance of the Omicron variant of the COVID virus has alarmed the international community. The Omicron variant adds some uncertainty to the fight against the pandemic. For now, the Omicron variant presents a new obstacle in the complicated pathway toward the conquest of the pandemic. The Omicron variant (or any significant new variant for that matter) has the potential to upset the trend. Therefore, despite the threat of the Omicron variant and other challenges, the focus on the future certainly calls for pushing the possibilities of economic recovery.
Source:Philippine Star
December 07, 2021 23:23 UTC
Djokovic on Serbia team for ATP Cup
1 Novak Djokovic was named in the Serbia team on Tuesday for the ATP Cup in Sydney in January, after speculation about whether he would travel to Australia because of vaccination rules. However, he was listed as part of the five-man Serbia team when the draw was made in Sydney for an event that will precede the opening Grand Slam of the year. The only other absent top 20 player for the 16-team ATP Cup was injured Swiss great Roger Federer. An ATP statement accompanying the draw noted that top seed Serbia was "headlined by world number Novak Djokovic", who won three of the season's four Grand Slams. Russia are the defending ATP Cup champions after their team spearheaded by Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev swept past a Matteo Berrettini-led Italy in the final.
Source:Manila Times
December 07, 2021 22:17 UTC
WHO advises vs blood plasma treatment
In this file photo A plasma donor (R) is seen at the newly inaugurated plasma bank of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) donating plasma for the treatment of patients suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus, in New Delhi on July 2, 2020. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP)PARIS: Covid treatments using plasma taken from the blood of recovered coronavirus patients should not be given to people with mild or moderate illness, the World Health Organization said Tuesday. Convalescent plasma showed some early promise when given intravenously to people sick with Covid-19. Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood from a recovered Covid patient that contains antibodies produced by the body after being infected. The WHO said its latest recommendations were based on evidence from 16 trials involving 16,236 patients with non-severe, severe and critical Covid-19 infection.
Source:Manila Times
December 07, 2021 22:15 UTC
Group formed to probe killing of Basilan mayor, companion
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—A special investigation task group (SITG) has been created to hunt against suspects behind the killing of Al-Barka, Basilan Mayor Darussalam Lajid and Farrad Nurrudin, and the wounding of another mayor. Reyes said Lajid and Sali were just passing by Zamboanga City as they were bound for Davao City to attend a meeting of Mindanao mayors on Tuesday. Lajid was buried in his place at Al-Barka town, the bodyguard-driver of Sali was brought to his town in Akbar. During the burial of Lajid on Monday, thousands of residents including children rushed to his residence and paid homage to the mayor. Sali is still in a critical condition, but he is now stable, says Lt. Agnes Miro, ZCPO spokesperson.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 07, 2021 21:41 UTC
M+ showcases new exhibition - Nalini Malani: Vision in Motion
M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture in the West Kowloon Cultural District announced the opening of Nalini Malani: Vision in Motion, an inaugural presentation as part of the museum’s grand opening display. The exhibition highlights Nalini Malani’s distinctive methods of storytelling, which have the power to transcend the traumas of national divisions and address collective issues of social injustice. Widely recognized as a pioneer of video art and experimental film, Nalini Malani is one of the most prolific cross-disciplinary artists working today. Malani’s animations and installations, as well as her paintings and performances, feature imagery that feels both personal and universal. Vision in Motion brings together three major artworks—Utopia (1969–1976), Remembering Mad Meg (2007–2019), and Can You Hear Me (2018–2020)—showcasing the evolution of her practice over the past fifty years as she embraced new technologies and ways of working.
Source:The Standard
December 07, 2021 20:51 UTC
'Vaccine bubble' could be extended to cover all restaurants and regulated premises
The government is mulling to extend the “vaccine bubble” arrangement to all public premises governed by a health regulation, banning unvaccinated citizens from entering restaurants, cinemas and gyms, among others. Premises regulated under Cap 599F, Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation include restaurants, bars and pubs, fitness centers, party rooms, clubhouses and karaoke establishments. In the press release issued on Tuesday evening, the government said the possible extension of the “vaccine bubble” depends on the development of the pandemic. Government earlier extended the LeaveHomeSafe app mandate to cover all restaurants and premises governed by Cap 599F, on top of all government properties. They will have to undergo compulsory 21-day quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel and conduct six Covid tests during the period.
Source:The Standard
December 07, 2021 16:06 UTC
Business executives go first when China-Hong Kong border opens
Hong Kong will prioritize quarantine-free travel for business people when its China border reopens, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said, warning that the city’s vaccination rate could curb a broader roll-out. “If we cannot raise our vaccination rate, it will be a hindrance to expanding our border reopening plan,” Lam said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong leader said authorities will monitor the usage of relevant border control points in deciding whether more should be put into use, with land boundary control points given priority over the others. With the Hong Kong Health Code set to open for registration on Friday, Lam also called on citizens not to register for it unless there is an urgent need. Chief Secretary John Lee said last month that Hong Kong had fulfilled the basic conditions to restart cross-border travel, after city officials committed to introducing a mainland-style Hong Kong health code that will launch this week.
Source:The Standard
December 07, 2021 08:13 UTC
(Video) Scaffolding collapses at Kai Tak Sports Park project site
A large scaffolding structure at the construction site of the Kai Tak Sports Park collapsed on Tuesday morning. (FB: Onba Lee) A large scaffolding structure at the construction site of the Kai Tak Sports Park collapsed on Tuesday morning. (FB: Onba Lee) A large scaffolding structure at the construction site of the Kai Tak Sports Park collapsed on Tuesday morning. (FB: Onba Lee) Previous NextA large scaffolding structure at the construction site of the Kai Tak Sports Park collapsed on Tuesday morning. The scaffolding collapse happened at about 9.30am this morning, where a 20-by-20-meter scaffolding bent and fell, landing on the ground at the site.
Source:The Standard
December 07, 2021 06:53 UTC
DoH kicks off safe Christmas campaign
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire Screengrab from DOH Beat COVID-19 Media ForumTHE Department of Health (DoH) has launched a campaign for a safer observance of Christmas and New Year. The "Ligtas Christmas Para sa Healthy Pilipinas" drive aims to remind the people to stay healthy and safe during the Christmas season amid the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. The best gift we can give to our loved ones is to have a safe holiday celebration," Vergeire said. Vergeire said there are safer ways of welcoming the new year, such as using alternative noisemakers or participating in community fireworks celebrations. Warlito Daus, representative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, urged local government units to implement the Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign.
Source:Manila Times
December 07, 2021 04:13 UTC
PH safest place to enjoy Christmas – Concepcion
"Our kababayans should spend Christmas at home, not in a foreign land and definitely not at a quarantine facility," said the Go Negosyo founder. As of December 4, the Philippines has 4.01 daily cases per million people, compared with the 364.77 in the United States, 658 in the United Kingdom and 183.97 in Singapore. Austriaco also noted that the chances of a surge breaking during the last days of 2021 are low. "I think we can be assured of a relatively healthy, pandemic new-normal Christmas," he said. Concepcion warned the public against too much complacency since it could result in a major backlash.
Source:Manila Times
December 07, 2021 04:09 UTC