June 24, 2026
Breaking News, Trending Topic, Sports and Pop Culture
The lifting of travel restrictions for 10 countries, which President Rodrigo Duterte approves last Sept. 4, 2021.
The 10 countries are;
The removal of the travel restrictions is approved even though the number of confirmed covid-19 cases have surge passed 20,000 per day.
You can read the official statement released by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) here.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to launch the sixth (6th) Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 (PSC 2021) this September.
The event is an annual startup competition started in 2016 which aims to encourage and support Filipinos to create innovative and relevant ICT products and services that may develop into viable business ventures and potentially solve social problems.
“Through this initiative, we hope to promote the entrepreneurial spirit among Filipinos that will surely help our country advance in the global digital economy,” DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said.
As part of the Republic Act No. 11337 or the “Innovative Startup Act” which was enacted last 26 April 2019, the Philippine Startup Challenge seeks to aid in strengthening, promoting, and developing the Philippine Startup Ecosystem.
The event also aims to bring together experts in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) from across the country to help establish a network of innovators, foster a culture of entrepreneurship in ICT, and discover the endless opportunities catering to vigorously advance science, technology, and innovation.
This year, the competition will be open for submission of entries that cover software and internet-based innovations and will cater to all startups in the ideation to minimum viable product stage.
Ms. Emmy Lou V. Delfin, Director IV of the ICT Industry Development Bureau (IIDB), encourages Filipino professionals and students to participate in the startup competition.
“We are taking the Philippine Startup Challenge 2021 to the next level as we include another category for Filipino professionals in the competition. Hopefully, with our Bureau’s initiatives, we can support Filipino professionals and students further so they can continue to improve their startup ideas,” Director Delfin said.
The Philippine Startup Challenge will be divided into two (2) categories for professionals and students, with a maximum of four (4) members per team. For the entire duration of the competition, the DICT together with its partner organizations and ICT councils, will be guiding and mentoring the winners in preparation for the next rounds.
This nationwide competition will start from regional pitching competitions where three (3) regional winners will be assessed and chosen by the Regional Selection Committee. Regional winners will then advance to the Semifinal Round, where the top ten (10) teams shall move on to the national competition. The Finals for the professional category is set on the third week of November, with the five (5) winners to receive funding proposals.
The PSC 2021 is to be held in partnership with Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Ignite, QBO, StartUp Village, Spring Valley, Huawei, and Microsoft, among others.
For more information on the sixth (6th) Philippine Startup Challenge 2021, please visit https://dict.gov.ph/philippine-startup-challenge-2021.
Source: @DICTgovph
1Sambayan, the opposition coalition that’s compose of former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, SC Justice Antonio Carpio and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario, to name a few, just release their statement regarding the acceptance of Pres. Duterte for his Vice President nomination by PDP-Laban party.
Here the gist of their statement;
It shows a clear mockery of our Constitution and democratic process. Obviously, this is driven by fear of accountability both from ICC and from our own justice system. The candidacy is both legally and morally wrong, and we trust that the Filipino people will realize his brazen, selfish and self-serving motives.
Sadly, today’s declaration comes at the heels of numerous allegations of corruption and continuing EJK, even as we mourn the death of 30,000 Filipinos due to the a failed COVID-19 response.
The coalition’s statement in both Filipino and in English, to make sure that everyone will be able to read it. I embedded their original post below.
Source: @1SAMBAYAN
In his weekly recorded public address, President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed that he will run for the second highest office in the country after serving as the top official in the country this coming 2022 election.
PDP-Laban: President Duterte "agreed to make the sacrifice and heed the clamor of the people…" #Halalan2022 | via @sherieanntorres pic.twitter.com/ypNeFoUtBi
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) August 24, 2021
It was previously reported that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is only running for the position to gain immunity for the law suit that he will face once he step down from the office.
It’s unclear who will be Duterte’s running-mate but PDP-Laban ‘endorses’ Bong Go-Rodrigo Duterte tandem for 2022, or a potential Father-daughter tandem for the two highest position in the country this election.
It’s been ages, since I last posted a covid-19 update but since I assume that the cases would go down because of the continuous vaccine drive by the government.
Anyway, as of today, August 23, 2021, Department of Health (DoH) recorded 18,332 of new cases of covid-19, which is a record-high for a single day tally, making the total number of cases to 1,857,646, there were 13,794 recoveries, 151 deaths and the total number of active cases are now at 130,350.
Ngayong 4 PM, Agosto 23, 2021, ang Department of Health ay nakapagtala ng 18,332 na karagdagang kaso ng COVID-19. Samantala ay mayroon namang naitalang 13,794 na gumaling at 151 na pumanaw.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 7.0% (130,350) ang aktibong kaso, pic.twitter.com/JPIDDFWz0Z
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) August 23, 2021
DoH added that this data was contibuted by 3 labs for the past 14 days.
Base sa datos sa nakaraang 14 na araw, ang kontribusyon ng 3 labs na ito ay humigit kumulang 0.2% sa lahat ng samples na naitest at 0.5% sa lahat ng positibong mga indibidwal.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) August 23, 2021
The Facebook page of Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia just posted that Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches. The Overseas Voting Registration started last May 29th, 2021 and expect to continue until further notice.
The Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches.
For more information on the Overseas Voting Registration in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh: https://rb.gy/pjqgr6
For more information on the Overseas Voting Registration in VFS Global Al Khobar Branch: https://rb.gy/vywy8q
To know more about the documentary requirements: https://rb.gy/b3jqma
Former President Benigno Aquino III has died at the age of 61, according to a family member who wants to remain anonymous.
Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is the 15th president of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. After his Presidency ended, Noynoy, a known smoker, have been private and out of the public-eye. According to a reports by Rappler, “Aquino had been suffering from various illnesses since 2019. He had been undergoing dialysis for at least five months and had recently undergone a heart operation.”
ABS-CBN reported that He was “hospitalized at the Capitol Medical Center in Quezon City on Thursday. His sister, actress Kris Aquino, was seen entering the medical facility but did not give a statement.”
The Aquino family have been silent about the passing of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, but according to his former spokesperson Abigail Valte, the family will release a statement later Thursday.
Nakakadurog ng puso ang balitang wala na si PNoy. Mabuti siyang kaibigan at tapat na Pangulo. He tried to do what was right, even when it was not popular. Tahimik at walang pagod siyang nagtrabaho para makatulong sa marami. He will be missed. Nakikiramay ako sa kanyang pamilya. pic.twitter.com/mqzrPKA6dr
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) June 24, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDp3uhI3LUE
Mga OFW, gumawa ng sariling bersyon ng ‘di malilimutang Station ID ng GMA sa gitna ng disyerto ng Saudi.
Courtesy: Raymond Lopez
You can watch the original video here.
1Sambayan coalition has released their list of candidates for the next presidential polls.
The nominees of 1Sambayan for president and vice president are:
#1SAMBAYAN nominees for President… #1SANGBOTO pic.twitter.com/nndXmPo3I4
— 1Sambayan (@1Sambayan) June 12, 2021
Out of the six, only former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, (Magdalo) has announced his bid to run for the highest position in country but willing to give way should VP Leni Robredo run for the post.
RE 1sambayan nomination:
Isang malaking karangalan na maisama sa mga pagpipilian ng 1sambayan coalition pra sa pagka-presidente ng bansa. Nagtitiwala kami sa wisdom ng mga convenors ng 1sambayan at naniniwala kami na ito ang tanging vehicle tungo sa pgpanalo ng oposisyon sa 2022.— Sonny Trillanes IV (@TrillanesSonny) June 12, 2021
The remaining 5 has yet to officially announce their 2022 electoral bids, VP Leni Robredo did mention, in an article by Inquirer, that she is “open to running for President” and a decision would be reached and announced “at the right time.”
Maraming konsiderasyon ang isinasaalang alang pero siguradong mag dedesisyon ako sa tamang panahon. Sinisiguro ko sa lahat na ipapaalam ko kung may narating nang desisyon.
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) June 4, 2021
Source: Rappler
Image: @Leni Robredo
Good news to all Filipino Seafarers, since Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approves the recommendation of the DOTr to include them in the priority list of the government’s national vaccination rollout.
“This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions— our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated. Paulit-ulit ko pong inilalarawan ang ating maritime workforce bilang mga silent workers ng bayan. They work silently, yet their contribution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly HEROES, too,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade expressed.
There are currently 730,651 Filipino seafarers and all are for consideration in the A4 category. You can go here for more details on the groups of persons listed under A4 category.
Here’s the full text of Department of Transportation (DOTr) official statement;
FILIPINO SEAFARERS NOW INCLUDED IN PRIORITY LIST IN THE NAT’L COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
Filipino seafarers get a closer shot at getting vaccines against COVID-19 as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approves the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to include them in the priority recipients listed in the government’s national vaccination rollout.
“This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions— our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated. Paulit-ulit ko pong inilalarawan ang ating maritime workforce bilang mga silent workers ng bayan. They work silently, yet their contribution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly HEROES, too,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade expressed.
DOTr OIC Assistant Secretary for Maritime VADM Narciso Vingson Jr., who also chairs the Inter-Agency Working Group tasked to firm up the DOTr’s proposal on the priority vaccination of Filipino seafarers in recognition of the vital role they play amid the present global crisis, presented the proposal and justification in a meeting with the IATF.
“The working group is in the unified position to push for the prioritization of Filipino seafarers in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program to secure their employment, and to ensure the safe shipping operations of essential goods amid the pandemic,” Asec. Vingson said.Aside from DOTr, the working group is composed of officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO). It also represents the local Licensed Manning Agencies through the membership of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Association for Mariner’s Employment (FAME), and the Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Ship Managers (PAMAS).
From falling under B3 (Other essential workers) or B5 (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the Vaccination Priority Framework, the Inter-Agency Working Group has requested for the reclassification of Filipino seafarers to A4 (Frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel and those in working sectors identified by the IATF as essential during ECQ). This makes seafarers move at the top 4 priority groups to be vaccinated.
With the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, the IATF has adopted early this year the prioritization framework and criteria of the national immunization rollout to allocate the first tranches of vaccines given its limited global supply.Furthermore, the prioritization of seafarers in the vaccination is based on the following grounds: Filipino seafarers are declared key workers globally and locally; Filipino seafarers are considered mobile, who, as part of their jobs, frequently enter various ports across the world; and shipping companies prefer their workforce to be vaccinated to ensure that their operations will remain smooth, unhampered, and somehow immune to the severe effects of COVID-19.
To further determine the specific population to be prioritized, the Working Group classified seafarers into two. Top priority will be given to active seafarers or those with recorded sea service within the last three (3) years, while new seafarers or those with last recorded sea service beyond 2018 shall be ranked second.
Per MARINA and POEA data, there are a total of 549,000 active seafarers registered in their system, wherein around 497,000 are those deployed overseas and 51,000 are serving locally. Meanwhile, a total of 181,000 seafarers are without updated sea service within the last three (3) years.In summary, there are 730,651 Filipino seafarers who are for consideration in the A4 category.
From DOH, Here’s the latest COVID-19 update for today, April 11, 2021.
Since the pandemic started, the Philippines had 864,868 of confirmed cases and fast approaching the 1 million mark, there have been 703,40 who recovered from the virus and 14,945 for the total number of deaths.
Earlier today, the Government has downgraded the quarantine classification of NCR + to modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting tomorrow, Monday, April 12, 2021. Areas under MECQ will also include the city of Santiago in Quirino province, and Abra.
The areas listed below will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ):
The rest of the country will be placed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 16.9% (146,519) ang aktibong kaso, 81.3% (703,404) na ang gumaling, at 1.73% (14,945) ang namatay.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) April 11, 2021
For today, April 9, 2021, Department of Health (DoH) reported;
The country now have 840,554 of total confirmed cases of COVID-19 and currently with 178,351 active cases, 647,683 have recovered and 14,520 deaths.
You can go to https://doh.gov.ph/covid19tracker, for more details.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 21.2% (178,351) ang aktibong kaso, 77.1% (647,683) na ang gumaling, at 1.73% (14,520) ang namatay.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) April 9, 2021
National Union of Journalists of the Philippine just release a statement after Military tells media to ‘exercise prudence’ after a Chinese crafts chase Filipino crew who are within the Philippine territory.
STATEMENT | It is almost like the military is asking the Filipino journalists "what were you doing there?" even when the better question might be aimed at the AFP: What were you not doing there? pic.twitter.com/83Y2WALP3l
— NUJP (@nujp) April 9, 2021
For context, a Filipino civilian vessel with the ABS-CBN news team aboard was chased by a Chinese military sea vessel equipped with missiles. You can read the full report here – LOOK: Chinese vessels hound Philippine fishing boat.
Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP then release two separate statements, regarding the incident and said that “The AFP is concerned with the safety and well-being of our Kababayans that we have been forthright and transparent in our reporting about the situation in our EEZ”. Here’s the full report from Rappler – DND orders probe into Chinese ships’ harassment of Filipino TV crew.
You can read the AFP’s full statement below;
Statement on the reported incident involving ABS-CBN team in the WPS:
The AFP expresses concern over the report of an alleged harassment by Chinese PLA Navy vessels and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel as reported by a team of journalist on board a watercraft within our EEZ.
1/n
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 9, 2021
We have made representations with the news reporter to provide us raw footage or photographs they have of the incident to help us establish the circumstances and document the incident.
3/n
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 9, 2021
The AFP is concerned with the safety and well-being of our Kababayans that we have been forthright and transparent in our reporting about the situation in our EEZ.
5/n
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 9, 2021
Amidst the situation, the AFP reiterates its commitment to follow the dictates of the Constitution to protect the people and secure our sovereignty and sovereign rights.
7/7
(AFP Statement via Spokesperson @atty_edarevalo)
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) April 9, 2021
Here’s the latest COVID-19 Update from Department of Health (DoH).
As of 4:00 PM, Today, April 8, 2021;
– 9,216 confirmed case
– 598 recovered
– 60 death
In total, there are 828,366 confirmed cases and 646,968 recovered from the virus. DoH reported that there were 14,119 deaths and currently have 167,279 active cases.
You can go to https://doh.gov.ph/covid19tracker, for a more details.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 20.2% (167,279) ang aktibong kaso, 78.1% (646,968) na ang gumaling, at 1.70% (14,119) ang namatay.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) April 8, 2021
LG just announced the South Korean tech giant will close its mobile business unit, which was approved by its boar of directors (BoD).
In their official announcement, LG made the decision to exit the smartphone business because it’s been an “incredibly competitive mobile phone sector” and that it “will enable the company to focus resources in growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence and business-to-business solutions, as well as platforms and services.”
LG is expected to complete its “exit” the smartphone business by July 31st.
In a follow-up announcement, LG will support “all premium LG smartphones currently in use will receive up to three iterations of Android operating system updates from the year of purchase.” which means that all LG premium phones released in 2019 and later (G series, V series, VELVET, Wing) while certain 2020 models such as LG Stylo and K series will receive two OS updates.
The company will still manufacture smartphone phones through the second quarter to meet contractual obligations to carriers and partners.
Here’s the latest COVID-19 Update from Department of Health (DoH).
– 8,355 confirmed case
– 145 recovered
– 10 death
In total, there are 803,398 confirmed cases and at least 80% or 646,237 recovered from the virus. There were 13,435 deaths or the 1.67% to the total number of confirmed cases. DoH reports that there are currently 143, 726 active cases.
Ngayong 4 PM, Abril 5, 2021, ang Department of Health ay nakapagtala ng 8,355 na karagdagang kaso ng COVID-19. Samantala ay mayroon namang naitalang 145 na gumaling at 10 na pumanaw. pic.twitter.com/rDXd9JpymJ
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) April 5, 2021
It’s the third day of the second month of 2021 and the Philippines just registered 1,266 confirmed cases of COVID-19, where 130 recovered and 68 deaths.
The Philippines’ total confirmed covid-19 cases is 530,118, where 487,721 recovered from the virus and an active case of 31,455, a total of 10,942 died from the virus.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 5.9% (31,455) ang aktibong kaso, 92.0% (487,721) na ang gumaling, at 2.06% (10,942) ang namatay.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) February 3, 2021
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) just release its latest advisory regarding non-OFW Filipinos and Foreign Nationals going to the Philippines.
The advisory basically list all the steps that the traveler needs to take and also what to expect when visiting or returning to the Philippines.
The post list down all the steps and fees that needs to be paid, and also things that you need to expect from the whole process; from registering to the electronic case investigation from (E-CIF), to the booking of your stay in Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ)-accredited quarantine hotel, to the total number of days it will take before you are cleared and the fees that you need to pay.
In total, everything goes well, the procedure will take at least 21 days and the traveller will spend an approximately PHP4,000.00.
I’ve embedded the whole advisory below.
‼️#DFAAdvisory‼️
What to do when you intend to travel to the Philippines? Check out this guide for non-OFWs, returning OFs, and foreign nationals. pic.twitter.com/DkNJ1ch9OT
— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) February 2, 2021
You can also go here for more details.
Looks like it will be a Happy New Year to more than 300 OFW, as they take the first repatriation flight of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for 2021.
The January 2021 repatriation flight are for the previously confirmed passenger for the December 23 2020 flight of DFA, which was cancelled after all internationals flights were suspended by the Saudi Governments.
The repatriation flight is the combined effort Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
Check out a special SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Direct, featuring roughly 15 minutes of just some of Universal Studios Japan’s new area, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Universal Studios Japan’s new area, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD officially opened last November 2020, where it features real-world replica of Princess Peach and Bowser’s Castle, a cafe staffed by TOADS, it also has a AR Mario Kart-themed roller coaster.
＼＼速報／／
新大規模エリア
『スーパー・ニンテンドー・ワールド™』
2月4日(木)オープン決定🎉最新鋭技術で実現した「マリオカート」をはじめ、日本が世界に誇る、任天堂ゲームの世界が現実に✨
先行体験が当たるキャンペーン情報は、この後投稿‼️#USJ #WeAreMario #SuperNintendoWorld pic.twitter.com/I0erl9u93y
— ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 (@USJ_Official) November 30, 2020
Shigeru Miyamoto also walked through the different area of the park that replicates the look and feel of the different areas of the games, like the underground area that will make you feel a smallsized Mario, and POW block and interactive blocks that when punched will give that familiar Mario coin-collecting sound.
／
フォロー＆RTで応募完了❗抽選で、#SuperNintendoWorld✨先行体験が当たる🎁✨
＼
あのゲームの世界に飛び込んで、 #マリオ のように、体ごと全身全力で✨
本気で遊べる、世界で唯一の遊び場が、
2月4日(木)オープン🎉合言葉は #WeAreMario !!
さあ、アソビの本能を解き放て❗#USJ— ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン公式 (@USJ_Official) November 30, 2020
Super Nintendo World was originally set to open before the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic that also pushed back the Olympics schedule. Super Nintendo World will be open to the public on February 4, 2021. Universal Studios also plans to open Super Nintendo World zones in Hollywood, California; Orlando, Florida; and Singapore.
Department of Health (DoH) just release the latest stats on the Philippines fight against coronavirus a.k.a. COVID-19.
As of December 20, 2020, there have been 1,754 new confirmed cases in the country, 8,080 have recovered and 36 death because of COVID-19.
In total; there have been a total of 459,789 of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, out of those confirmed cases 429,134 recovered, making the number of active cases to 21,708 with 8,947 deaths.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga naitalang kaso sa bansa, 4.7% (21,708) ang aktibong kaso, 93.3% (429,134) na ang gumaling, at 1.95% (8,947) ang namatay.
Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang aming pampublikong site: https://t.co/vYGKw81jZi.
— Department of Health (@DOHgovph) December 20, 2020
Experts warns that the number of confirmed cases in the Philippines could reach half million due to the “deteriorating compliance” with minimum health standards specially this holiday season.
In their latest Covid-19 update, Department of Health (DoH) announced that there are 1,768 confirmed case today, December 6, 2020, then 9,062 have recovered and there have been 29 deaths for today.
In total, there are now 439,834 confirmed cases in the Philippines with 22,646 (5.1%) active cases and 408,634 (92.9%) have recovered from the virus, there are also 8,554 (1.94% ) of total reported deaths in the country.
In addition to the COVID-19 update, DoH urges the public to stay at home in celebrating the holiday season, since gatherings poses a greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
For more information regarding COVID-19, you can visit: https://www.doh.gov.ph/covid19tracker.
From the official facebook page of Philippine Embassy POLO Riyadh and Central Region Office, announce the first issue of POLO News, a print and digital newsletter that features the latest POLO Projects, programs and services to support the OFW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
You can download the digital copy by going to https://qrgo.page.link/pRXM1 or by scanning the QR code below;
MESSAGE FROM LABATT Nasser S. Mustafa for the pioneer issue of POLONEWS.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; may peace and blessings be upon you all, and congratulations to the men and women behind this POLO Newsletter.
I join as you start this project of trying to make sure that our OFWs in particular and the Filipino community in general would be able to get abreast of the programs and services that we continue to do for them through this POLO Newsletter. As you embark on this task, may I wish that you will do it with dedication, professionalism and vigor because I am inspired to do the same to support you in the service of the OFWs, the Filipino community, our beloved country, and God, the Almighty.
Let this newsletter be one of our vehicles in serving, protecting, empowering, and educating our OFWs who are the modern day heroes. As such, let me assure you that we are here for you; we are here to help you; POLO and its staff are here to deliver the assistance and services you need with commitment, wholeheartedness and dedication.
Again, congratulations on the maiden issue of POLO Newsletter. Mabuhay!
Salesforce, provider of cloud-based CRM, is acquiring Slack for $27.7 billion. The combined company of Salesforce and Slack will be able to better compete with Microsoft, Oracle and other companies in the cloud enterprise space.
In a press release, “Under the terms of the agreement, Slack shareholders will receive $26.79 in cash and 0.0776 shares of Salesforce common stock for each Slack share, representing an enterprise value of approximately $27.7 billion based on the closing price of Salesforce’s common stock on November 30, 2020.”
“Stewart and his team have built one of the most beloved platforms in enterprise software history, with an incredible ecosystem around it,” said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO, Salesforce. “This is a match made in heaven. Together, Salesforce and Slack will shape the future of enterprise software and transform the way everyone works in the all-digital, work-from-anywhere world. I’m thrilled to welcome Slack to the Salesforce Ohana once the transaction closes.”
“Salesforce started the cloud revolution, and two decades later, we are still tapping into all the possibilities it offers to transform the way we work. The opportunity we see together is massive,” said Stewart Butterfield, Slack CEO and Co-Founder. “As software plays a more and more critical role in the performance of every organization, we share a vision of reduced complexity, increased power and flexibility, and ultimately a greater degree of alignment and organizational agility. Personally, I believe this is the most strategic combination in the history of software, and I can’t wait to get going.”
We're thrilled to be acquiring Slack!
Combining @SlackHQ with #Customer360 will be transformative, creating the operating system for the new way to work. Together, we'll enable companies to succeed in the all-digital, work-from-anywhere world.Important: https://t.co/bRXZ1Iu1fj pic.twitter.com/xcPH5hRb6J
— Salesforce (@salesforce) December 1, 2020
You can read the full text of Salesforce press release here.
UK just approve the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use. BBC reports that “British regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll out next week.”
Pfizer first reported that their mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine was 90% effective against the coronavirus then later released an update that the vaccine is “95% effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose.
UK government already ordered 40 million doses – which is enough to vaccinate 20 million people, with two shots each. The first 800,000 doses will be arriving in the country in the coming days and fifty (50) hospitals are on standby and vaccination centres in venues such as conference centres are being set up in preparation for mass immunizations.
Last week, Pfizer release a video thanking all the participants in their COVID-19 vaccine trial, which is a crucial part in developing the their mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine.
Vice President Leni Robredo just announce the launching of BAHAYanihan, an Office of the Vice President (OVP) initiative which aims to build safer homes for families rising from the recent typhoons.
The team OVP and its partners will kickoff BAHAYanihan in Guinobatan, Albay, to help the families who lost their houses to the lahar flow during Super Typhoon Rolly.
Together with our partners, we are moving to the next phase of assisting communities affected by the recent typhoons. Through BAHAYanihan, we're looking to help families start over by building safer homes. pic.twitter.com/Rk4pCopLD4
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) December 1, 2020
Part of the amount raised by Kaya Natin will go to construction materials.OVP will also be partnering with Bicol University College of Engineering, United Architects of the Philippines Daraga-Cagsawa Chapter and Elliptical Chapter, and JCI Legazpi who will help with the design and constructions of the houses.
As of 11:59 PM, 30 November 2020, our Bangon Luzon relief drive has already raised P71.6 Million.
This amount represents your generosity and love for our fellow Filipinos. This is what Bayanihan looks like. pic.twitter.com/LN2ro0Vsor
— Kaya Natin! Movement (@KayaNatinPH) December 1, 2020
More volunteers and partner organizations are needed to support our labor workforce for this initiative. Join us in this new initiative by signing up at bit.ly/ovpbahayanihan, or via email at ovpbahayanihan@gmail.com.
Source: @VPLeniRobredoPH, @lenirobredo, @KayaNatinPH
The statement is in response to Saudi Arabia’s new labor reforms that was announced last Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
Source: @PTVph
If you’re in Saudi Arabia, you can now preorder the new Macbook Air, 13-inch Macbook Pro and Mac mini with M1 chip. To be more specific, you can preorder the new Macs powered with the M1 chips at Extra. The announcement was made via the social media account of the retail store.
اطلب مسبقا الآن MacBook Pro الجديد!https://t.co/blMjm74pe7
MacBook Pro مقاس 13 إنش الجديد مع شريحة Apple M1 يكسر الموازين ويتخطى حدود ما يمكن لجهاز نوت بوك مقاس 13 إنش إنجازه.#Apple #MacBookPro13 pic.twitter.com/9cH84h3kXq
— eXtra Stores (@eXtraStores) November 15, 2020
Here are the pricing below;
Macbook Air;
8GB RAM + 256GB SSD storage: SAR 4,899.00
8GB RAM + 512GB SSD storage: SAR 6,199.00
13-inch Macbook Pro;
8GB RAM + 256GB SSD storage: SAR 6,299.00
Mac Mini;
8GB RAM + 256GB SSD storage: SAR 3,499.00
8GB RAM + 512GB SSD storage: SAR 4,499.00
The new Macbook Air, 13-inch Macbook Pro and Mac mini with M1 chip was first announced last week and from the reviews that are already out, it looks these new Macs with are great for first time Mac buyer and may be be so good if you are a professional and already have an established work flow.
US-based Moderna just announced that their COVID-19 vaccine, the mRNA-1273 have been found to be 94.5% effective, after its Phase 3 study, which the company is calling the COVE study. Moderna’s COVE study, have more than 30,000 participants in the U.S.
Similar to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, which was reported to be 90% effective, Moderna’s vaccine candidate is a two-dose vaccine that needs to be administer 28 days apart. Base on their reports, 95 out of 30,000 participants, have been tested positive for COVID-19, 90 cases of COVID-19 were included in the placebo group, while the other 5 cases are those who received mRNA-1273 vaccine.
Within the 90 cases in the placebo group, 11 are severe cases. Moderna futher brokedown the 95 cases which includes 15 older adults (ages 65+) and 20 participants identifying as being from diverse communities (including 12 Hispanic or LatinX, 4 Black or African Americans, 3 Asian Americans and 1 multiracial).
Moderna classed the side-effects of the vaccine as mild or moderate; On the first dose, 2.7% participants had injection site pain classed as severe; after the second dose, 9.5% of participants experience fatigue, 8.9% experience muscle pains, 5.2% have joint pain, 4.5% experience headache, 4.1% felt pain and 2% had redness of the skin at the injection site.
In a separate announcement, Moderna said that their mRNA-1273 vaccine will remain stable for 30 days at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F), the temperature of a standard home or medical refrigerator. It can be stored for 6 months in storage at -20° C (-4°F), 30 days in a refrigerated conditions and up to 12 hours at room temperature conditions.
Moderna will submit the findings of their Phase 3 COVE study for a peer-reviewed publication and are currently seeking regulatory approval.
We just announced that mRNA-1273, our COVID-19 vaccine candidate, has met its primary efficacy endpoint in the first interim analysis of the Phase 3 COVE study.
Read more: https://t.co/vYWEy8CKCv pic.twitter.com/YuLubU1tlx— Moderna (@moderna_tx) November 16, 2020
Honor Arabia just announced that HONOR 10X Lite is now available for pre-order to those who are in Saudi Arabia.
HONOR 10X Lite features a 6.67 inches LCD with 2400×1080 resolution at 395 ppi density. Its thin bezel offers a 84.3% screen-to-body ratio. It’s powered by Kirin 710A Octa-core CPU and Mali-G51 MP4 GPU. The HONOR 10X Lite is equipped with a quad-rear camera and a 8 MP camera on the front. As for its battery, the HONOR 10X Lite have a 5000 mAh battery that supports by fast charging.
HONOR 10X Lite specs;
The HONOR 10X Lite is now available for pre-order for SAR 769.00 and those will pre-order will receive a free Honor AM61 Sport Bluetooth Earphone worth SAR199.
