Author: Rossane Ramos

On Friday, cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles asked the public to stop sharing fake news. He also warned those who generate fake news and even attributing media outlets that they will be caught.  In a DZMM interview with Ted Failon, Nograles disclosed that he is concerned with the number of false news proliferating during this crisis.  “To the public, do not share, do not post itong mga fake news na ito,” he asked.  He invalidated news of a military lockdown, an extension of 60 days for the lockdown, and the closure of public markets such as Divisoria.  “Kung sino sino man…

A day after receiving flak from Filipino netizens and even personalities, Senator Koko Pimentel apologized to Makati Medical Center for breaching their coronavirus (COVID-19) containment protocol. In an interview with Karen Davila for ANC 24/7, the senator explained he was in the hospital to accompany his pregnant wife, Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, who was scheduled to give birth that night. “I apologize to MMC for being in the hospital in the evening of March 24, 2020, which they deemed to be a breach of their containment protocol. I got the call from 9 o’clock at that evening and then the doctor at…

Philippine literature icon Lualhati Bautista slammed Senator Koko Pimentel for violating coronavirus quarantine protocols. On Wednesday, the senator disclosed he was in the hospital with his pregnant wife Kathryna Yu-Pimentel when he received a call from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to inform him of his COVID-19 positive test result. Netizens were infuriated that Pimentel, who knew he was a person under investigation (PUI), did not follow proper quarantine guidelines. Palanca awardee Bautista was one of the many FIlipinos who were outraged by Pimentel’s recklessness. On her personal Facebook account, the novelist asked Pimentel to pray for himself. …

Several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila are taking immediate action to aid their people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After the entirety of Luzon was placed on lockdown, mayors of different cities have been stepping up their game. Among these officials that netizens have been praising is Valenzuela City’s Mayor Rex Gatchalian. Prior to confirming three COVID-19 cases in Valenzuela, their LGU has already prepared two central isolation centers. Apart from his other undertakings to serve his constituents, Gatchalian said he plans on copying Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto’s mobile palengke effort. “Kopyahan na eto!!! Wala naman tayo sa…

Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Gerardo Legaspi called on the frontliners, “the People Giving Hope,” to soldier on as the state-run hospital becomes one of the three main coronavirus (COVID-19) referral facilities in the country. In his statement addressed to over 4,000 PGH staff, he admitted it was one of the most difficult decisions he had to make. However, it was the right thing to do.  “Amidst this chaos, order had to be established. And we have to, lest the enemy — which was not only COVID-19, but fear itself — decimate the services that were on the verge of…

Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the United Kingdom palace said in a statement.  The 71-year-old Prince of Wales is said to be displaying mild symptoms of the illness. His wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall tested negative for the virus.  In a report from BBC.com, Clarence House, a British royal residence, issued a statement that the two are self-isolating and working from home for the last few days.  Clarence house also mentioned that because of the prince’s high number of engagements, they are uncertain of how the prince caught the virus. …

Lockdown Cinema Club, a group of filmmakers, released almost a hundred short films in an effort to raise money for the freelancers in the movie-making community affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Any film crew member who earns less than P2,000 is qualified to receive funds from the group.  The short films offered by LCC can be found in this open catalogue. The films were gathered from directors who participated in the movement.  As of March 24, the group has already raised a total of P1,010,771 for the displaced film workers. 

Multi-awarded screenwriter Ricky Lee will hold a free online scriptwriting workshop as a campaign to raise funds for displaced film workers affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Cinema Centenario announced that the workshops will be held on April 8, 15 and 22. Interested applicants should be at least 18 years old and a Filipino citizen. A letter of intent and writer’s biography should be sent to [email protected] on or before March 27, 2020. Only 50 participants will be chosen.  Lee is an icon in Philippine cinema with more than 180 screenplays, some of which are considered to be the backbone…

Pinoy fashion designers are stepping up to the plate as they respond to the country’s shortage in personal protective equipment (PPEs). The lack of PPEs is just one of the results of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Cebuano designer Valerie Alvez and her team created a one-piece PPE suit for health workers. On March 22, the Department of Health (DOH) gave them the green light for production of the suits. The disposable suits made of umbrella material or tafetta cloth are meant for one-time use along with other PPEs. In a Facebook post, Alvez called on her fellow designers to step…

Maine Mendoza is now officially a singer! Her first single Parang Kailan Lang released on March 20 is a chart-topper. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Apple Music Philippine All-Genre chart. Maine is also one of the top Universal Records artists to claim the throne on Apple Music Philippine’s Pre-Order Chart, with the single being at No. 1 for 23 consecutive days prior to release. Parang Kailan Lang breaks away from the usual pop mold with its easy-listening alternative sound. It’s also a collaboration with OPM band Gracenote.  Maine’s song is one of the first tunes to be…