Author: Rossane Ramos

Star Wars actor and dialect coach Andrew Jack passed away due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday, a report said. He was 76.  Jack played General Ematt in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. He also appeared in Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars VII – The Force Awakens. In a BBC report, his agent, Jill McCullough said he was unable to see his wife, Gabrielle Rogers in his final days because she was quarantined in Australia. His wife wrote on Instagram: “It breaks my heart to let you know we lost a man today. Andrew…

Star Magic, talent and management division of ABS-CBN, brought together its artists to give hope to the public with a cover of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey’s song When You Believe.  Among the talents who performed from their homes are Piolo Pascual, Jolina Magdangal, Liza Soberano, Maja Salvador, Shaina Magdayao, Enchong Dee, Yeng Constantino, Vina Morales, Melai Cantiveros and Dimples Romana. The move was meant to remind the people that there is still hope despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. The video also highlighted statements from different individuals who survived the illness.

The Medical City in Pasig denied information circulating on social media that its supplies of personal protective equipment (PPEs) were seized during a raid on Wednesday night.  “There are news circulating that a raid of PPEs occurred in our premises on the evening of April 1,” they said in a social media statement early Thursday.  The posts that circulated on Wednesday night were accompanied with screenshots of conversations that claimed the donated medical goods were confiscated only to be redistributed by a senator. “We deny this and encourage everyone to be careful in spreading unverified information,” the Medical City added…

Kapamilya star Arjo Atayde took to Instagram to thank the public for their “overwhelming love and support” after both his parents, Sylvia Sanchez and Art Atayde tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). “Although it is difficult and anxiety-inducing knowing that both our parents are positive with COVID-19, all the well wishes and get well soon messages have definitely uplifted our family– especially them,” he wrote. He gladly shared that a week after getting tested, his parents were already getting better. Atayde also assured that him and his siblings show no symptoms of the virus. “Apart from that, it has enlightened…

In a brief video on Instagram, Kapamilya star Judy Ann Santos shared how she personally cooked all the meals she will send to some of the country’s healthcare workers. The meals she made herself are what she usually serves in the restaurant she co-owns with husband Ryan Agoncillo, Angrydobo. On March 16, she thanked the “true heroes” of the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19). “Kayo ang tunay na mga bayani.. Maraming maraming salamat sa walang sawa at buong puso ninyong pagtulong para mailigtias ang mga kababayan natin na tinaaman ng virus na ito.. Sama sama po tayong tumulong sa kung…

On Wednesday, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) took to social media to remind the public that spreading false news is a crime. They shared once again Republic Act No. 11469 Section 6 (F) which imposes penalty on individuals or groups creating and sharing false news. “Republic Act No. 11469 Section 6 (F) penalizes those: Individuals or group creating, perpetrating, or spreading false information regarding the COVID-19 crisis on social media and other platforms such as information having no valid or beneficial effect on the population and are clearly geared to promote chaos, panic, anarchy, fear, or confusion;…

K Brosas took to social media to ask for prayers for her sister, who is working as a nurse, and the rest of her family residing in Italy.  The comedienne expressed her sadness for the current situation her Ate Emily is in.  “This is my Ate Emily, a registered nurse sa Italy. Actually buong famly ko nasa Italy matagal na. Bigla akong na sad. Please pray for our hardworking health workers/frontliners,” she wrote along with a photo of her sister wearing a full personal protective equipment (PPE) suit.  Italy is one of the worst-hit countries of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.…

Cinema One Originals postponed this year’s film festival to 2021 due to the difficulties the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic brought.  The event organizers announced on Tuesday that they are also extending the deadline for submission of script entries to June 1, 2020.  Festival director Ronald Arguelles said their priority is the health and safety of their filmmakers, artists and production teams.  “We’ve decided to postpone this year’s C1 Originals given the detrimental COVID-19 pandemic we are facing. The health and safety of our filmmakers, artists and production teams is our priority,” he said.  The exact date of the resumption of the…

Senator Manny Pacquaio imparted marriage advice to recently married Matteo Guidicelli. Just a month ago, the actor tied the knot with Sarah Geronimo despite her parent’s objections.  On Facebook live fundraiser, “One Voice Pilipinas”, Pacquiao shared how he encountered the same disapproval from his parents.  “What happened to you now, that’s my experience. It happened to me and Jinkee before. Nagpakasal kami wala yung magulang ko kasi ayaw nila kay Jinkee,” he said.  He continued on to share how only his one brother was present during his wedding.  With time, the senator’s mother grew to become fond of Jinkee and…

On Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) released a statement denouncing physical assault, harassment and discrimination against healthcare workers.  They disclosed that they have been receiving reports from frontliners who were thrown with bleach and chlorine and were physically harmed. There were also healthcare workers who were refused access to public transport, blocked and fined at checkpoints and evicted from their homes.  “These acts cannot be tolerated. We are mobilizing our own personnel in efforts to ascertain more details and hold perpetrators of these attacks liable and reporting these incidents to the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 for proper investigation…