Typhoon Rolly enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility
Typhoon Goni strengthens as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The tropical cyclone approaches with a wind speed of 215 kilometres per hour. PAGASA classifies storms with a wind speed of 220 kilometres per hour as super typhoons. Thus, the Philippines expects this typhoon to be the strongest of the year.
Struggling to recover from a previous typhoon
The country is in the most active typhoon season. The typhoon Molave, locally named Quinta, left the Philippines on 29 Oct. 2020. However, it greatly impacted Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas. While it sustained a wind speed of 45 kilometres per hour, it shifted to 55 kilometres per hour.
Meanwhile, the country struggles to recover from the destruction of typhoon Molave, which is not a super typhoon. Disaster agencies reported six people injured, nine dead, two missing in the areas of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western and Central Visayas. The total damage is estimated at Ph₱430 million in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.
Preparing for the storm
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) asked the local government units (LGUs) to prepare themselves for the super typhoon. In response, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced an increase in the deployment of their troops to areas like Laguna and Quezon Province.
Typhoon Molave is expected to get near the Bicol Regions on 1 Nov. 2020. PAGASA predicts it will hit near the area with a speed of 185 to 215 kilometres per hour. While it is still a typhoon, the alert of a super typhoon remains.
PHILIPPINES. Manila: Fashion has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, but slow fashion could save it. Countries around the world imposed quarantines that forced malls and shops to close, prohibiting the purchase of new clothes.
The Philippine government is slowly relaxing restrictions in order to reopen the economy. Although malls and shops have already opened, few people can afford to shop for nonessentials. Instead of buying new garments, people are wearing what they already have.
Slow fashion versus fast fashion
Slow fashion is a style created by people that implies hand-made garments designed and crafted by tailors to last longer. This has also been interpreted as buying second-hand clothes, wearing clothes until they do not fit, or until they break, and creating new clothes from recycled or upcycled materials.
On the other hand, fast fashion has become increasingly popular. This is the acquisition of new clothes to follow the latest trend, which is in constant change. Fashion brands enforce this change because of their continuous production. These clothes are not made to last long and are often produced very quickly in large factories.
Current status of the fashion industry
Quarantine restrictions loosen, allowing some industries to reopen again. However, the fashion industry struggles with few people willing to shop.
The pandemic has isolated people at home with little or no income at all. Therefore, people wear clothes they already have rather than restyle themselves often.
Fashion designer Ditta Sandico shared her thoughts in an interview with Transcontinental Times on the current situation of the industry. Even though she produces clothes and accessories that fit with the model of slow fashion, she said, “Things are gloomy, and the pandemic brought a lot of chaos to the fashion industry. I experience it with no sale for three to four months in the lockdown.”
She added, “I am starting again from where we left off since the lockdown. I sell more online now. I am getting back to normal, hopefully.”
Ditta Sandico wears her designs that promote local weaving and slow fashion.
Photo credit: Ditta Sandico
Fashion artist Joseph Aloysius Montelibano collaborated with organizations promoting slow fashion. When asked by Transcontinental Times about fashion in the pandemic, he said, “We experience a global catastrophe, and the fashion industry worldwide is in limbo. Yet, it is the most flexible and adaptable field. Currently, many entities experiment on how fashion can significantly move forward.”
Slow fashion and sustainability
People will still wear clothes, and that will not go away. However, consumers are saving money and thus rethinking their style. This is both promoting slow fashion and sustainability.
The Institute of Creative Entrepreneurship Fashion Arts Design (ICE-FAD) told Transcontinental Times that they encourage their students to create and promote slow fashion through the conventional methods of designing through upcycling.
Founder and CEO Monina Tan-Santiago shared her views as well, ”We must redefine our goals and direction, recreate our brands and reinvent ourselves to adapt to the situation on hand. Thus, designers and fashion entrepreneurs must learn and adapt to change.”
After this bold statement, she added, “The fashion industry is resilient. Let us make use of this time to add knowledge, learn new competencies, and hone our current expertise. These are keys to success to transcend complexities.
Many in the fashion industry agree that change is necessary
Wardrobe and personal stylist KC Leyco Mempin (Miss Kayce) said in an interview with Transcontinental Times, “Designers and retailers are coming up with innovative products and combining them with more personalized services to keep up with the times.”
Mempin continued, “People are becoming more intentional and conscious of anything they consume, fashion included. We learned to take things slow. Slowing down fashion consumption by rotating and repeating clothes. Be more grateful for the things around us by appreciating their purpose, giving them proper care, and making them last.”
Miss Kayce styles herself during the quarantine.
Photo credit: Miss Kayce
Some believe this change will be permanent
Si’Lo Co-founder and CEO Sheila Mae Naghisa Amorsolo-Fuentes shared her thoughts with Transcontinental Times as well, “Sustainable fashion and slow fashion will continue to rise after the pandemic. Therefore, big fashion brands are now more considerate and prepared for the change. Hence, I am optimistic about the future of the fashion industry.”
Sheila Mae Naghisa Amorsolo-Fuentes wears and sells her preloved clothes in Si’Lo
Photo credit: Si’Lo
Fashion Revolution Philippines Country Coordinator Sophia Dianne Calugay-Morita said to Transcontintal Times, “People now prioritize to buy what is valuable and spend less. The pandemic pushes the consumption of the fashion industry to slow fashion and sustainability. Therefore, we need more awareness and collaboration to push the fashion industry to a wholistic sustainable future.”
PHILIPPINES. Manila: Manila City and other local governments cancelled many holidays and celebrations that Filipinos normally observe. These include All Saints Day (1 Nov. 2020), All Souls Day (2 Nov. 2020), and the Feast of the Black Nazarene next year (9 Jan. 2021). Christmas parties and other celebrations that involve mass gatherings are also on hold.
Many cities followed Manila City and closed their cemeteries to prevent people from going there on All Saints Day. However, people can still visit their departed relatives before the set date of closure. Local businesses relevant to this celebration are affected and are struggling to make ends meet.
Day of the Dead cancelled
Every year a wave of people visit their dead in cemeteries called Undas, which Filipino Christians observe on All Saints Day. Nevertheless, Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 38 to close their cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaries from 29 Oct. to 4 Nov. to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He added in the report of the Inquirer, “I will cancel this directive if the vaccine arrives on 30 October.”
San Juan City, Mandaluyong City, and Marikina City followed Manila City to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Also, all Metro Manila mayors agreed to do the same. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia, in a report of the Business Mirror, said, “It [the decision to close cemeteries] will be unanimous.”
The businesses in Manila City are directly affected in the observance of Undas. The flower shop seller Roel told Transcontinental Times about the situation in Dangwa, the city’s flower shop district. He said, “Few people are coming to buy flowers for their dead, and business is slack as compared to the last year.”
Jupiter, a gravestone carver, told Transcontinental Times, “Just thankful and lucky to get two works done for our income. Before, we got ten or more job orders in my 20 years as a gravestone carver.”
Other festivals and celebrations on hold
Local government units cancelled their Christmas parties alongside the closing of cemeteries in Manila City. Valenzuela City, Navotas City, and others also decided to cancel their scheduled Christmas parties to comply with health guidelines. Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said in a Manila Times report, “We cancelled all Christmas parties because of these hard economic times. We know the pandemic affected many of us. It would not look good that while most of our fellowmen suffer, they see their public servants holding parties.”
However, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte not only cancelled their Christmas party but also redirected the funds for COVID-19 purposes. She said in her press release, “The funds for Christmas party will become donations for the underprivileged in these extraordinarily difficult times.”
Manila City Mayor Domagoso cancelled the Feast of the Black Nazarene as announced in the report of CNN Philippines. This is an agreement with Quiapo Church because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is the largest mass gathering, with almost 3 million devotees in the parade.
PHILIPPINES. Quezon City: A Filipino citizen can fill the shoes of a photojournalist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone owns a smartphone that can capture an image and upload it to social media. The founders of Photographers on Demand (PonD) News Asia pushed it further for news coverage.
The pandemic crippled the news media industry and left them operating at 50% capacity. This occurrence mostly affected the freelance photojournalists that got cut off from the payroll. As a consequence, news media have been struggling to cover as many areas as possible for reportage.
Filipino citizens can help with this dilemma and capture reportage photographs. PonD News Asia creates that bridge. Richel Mascariñas and Edwin Tuyay created this concept during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photojournalists on demand
Quarantine cancelled the launch of the PonD app on 25 March 2020. Instead, Mascariñas and Tuyay, along with veteran photographers Mel Cortez, Jimmy Domingo, and Voltaire Domingo, extended it into local news wire with Filipino citizens involved. He said, ”We thought of the PonD News Asia because of the lockdown.”
There are currently 35 Filipino citizens working as news stringers with news media like the Daily Tribune and Manila Standard. Daily Tribune’s picture editor Yummie Dinding shared her insight, “I hope that PonD continues to grow and able to cater more content, so photographers and founders can benefit.”
Feedback from Filipino citizens
PonD News Asia stringers share their feedback and experiences. Transcontinental Times selected three stringers and their stories.
Vivian Marasigan Valdez has been a mobile photographer since 2011, and she shared her experience. She said, “Seeing my photos featured as the cover page of a newspaper gave me a place in photojournalism. To inspire me more, I hang a large print of that image in my bedroom. PonD News Asia allowed me to reach my dream to become a photojournalist.”
Photo credit: Vivian Marasigan Valdez
Photographer Allan Peter Sinco, who is into culinary and patisserie, joined the roster of news stringers. He said, “I joined the team without hesitation. After the mentorship and patience of Edwin Tuyay, I got ten of my photos published with two of them as a front cover.”
Photo credit: Allan Peter Sinco
Rico-Teodoro Jose has practised street and documentary photography for five years, but with PonD News Asia, he can learn more. He said, “PonD News Asia helped me achieve the dream of my images published in a newspaper. It is my first time to work for a news wire as a Filipino citizen photojournalist. PonD News Asia became a pathway for us.”
PHILIPPINES. Makati.90,000 local businesses have closed since March 2020 when the government imposed a lockdown and quarantine. Many of the small and medium enterprises (SME) that remain continue to struggle despite the Philippine government slowly reopoening the economy.
However, there are local businesses that thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their luck changed when this pandemic hit the worst. And these businesses share their experiences and the process that they have gone through.
Lack of transportation, a boon for small companies
The Philippine government allowed workers and local businesses to operate in May 2020 but there was no public transportation. This led to high demand for van rentals and shuttle services.
In an interview with Transcontinental Times, the owner of JSS Transportation, Jewel Francisco Pasion, shared her success. She said, “They increased the vehicles needed, increased the number of the trips, and secured a contract with their sister companies.” This was possible only with strict compliance to health protocols.
Souvenirs to medical ventilators
The Philippine government opened its tourism, but the fear of COVID-19 infection has slowed it down. Local tourist businesses, including enterprises that rely on selling souvenirs and handicrafts, face many challenges. For example, Subida is a social enterprise that has steadily grown for the past four years.
Subida is one of the local businesses in Negros Oriental that catered to local artisans that makes souvenirs. Their production slowed down and ultimately stopped on 15 March 2020. They decided to re-plan and innovate in order to keep the business alive.
Michael Angelo Alano, co-owner of Subida, collaborated with DOST, architects, engineers, designers, and doctors to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. Their volunteer employees and artisans produced personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks and face shields in thousands. The production was so large that their suppliers could not keep up. This led them to start a movement to innovate further and shift to help with the lack of mechanical ventilators. Alano said that they created, “An easily produced low-cost ventilator design with locally available materials since domestic is not available.”
The Oriental Negros Emergency Ventilator (ONE Vent) project creates medical ventilators from upcycled materials. It led them to set up a fabrication lab called the Peak One FabLab that opened on 25 July 2020. Alano said, “The Peak One FabLab provides an opportunity for an education in innovation, design-thinking, problem-solving and change-making for the community. And, together with open access to 21st Century digital fabrication tools, equipment, and technology.”
Working together in a virtual space
Many of the local businesses rely on meetings, seminars, and other social gatherings that the COVID-19 pandemic placed on hold. However, one space that caters to start-up businesses, both foreign and local, found that a virtual office benefited them in the pandemic. SHARVD, a coworking space designed to bring business and law together, was co-founded by Ignacio Joaquin Campos Domingo in 2017. Before the lockdown, the business had around 30% occupancy but was seeing steady growth. Domingo said, “Our business model follows the Pareto principle where you need to maintain lean management, prioritize on function before aesthetic.” This model helped them to adapt to the quick shift to online and continue to grow their business.
They have reached an occupancy of 95% with both foreign clients establishing in the Philippines and local businesses going virtual. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed everyone to go online and SHARVD was prepared to make the changes necessary to do the same. Domingo said, “What helped us in the pandemic is good preparation and innovation. So, we need to reconfigure, re-access, and re-innovate to react to the market.”
NIGERIA. Abuja: Photocarrefour Africa, a photography organization, is showcasing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world in an annual photo exhibit. Tersoo Gundu, the creative director, founded the photography organization in 2017 to bring together photography lovers and photographers alike to advance the medium. He said, “We promote the medium (photography) as art to create visual literacy, as a novel way to communicate and address the issues affecting our society.”
The photography organization’s fourth annual exhibition titled Year Of The Pandemic has the participation of photographers from around the world. The event is being curated by Susa Rodriguez-Garrido, a Spanish curator working and living in Abuja. Here in Jahi, the exhibition opens at the Photocarrefour Gallery on Duplex 16 in Mabushi Ultra Modern Complex. Gundu told Transcontinental Times, “The pandemic ravaged humanity and changed history that brought in a new civilization.”
Photocarrefour Africa faces the same challenges every year when organizing an exhibit, which is logistics. Gundu said, “What surprised us is we got the least amount of entries, even though the theme is a global one.” They received images from 19 photographers, a lower number compared to previous events.
The organization gives the artists the opportunity for exposure that shows value to their work. Also, their goal for each artist is receiving job opportunities, grants, and sponsorships. Gundu adds, “We appreciate the time of each artist who took part in the exhibition.”
View the world from the eyes of Abuja during the pandemic
The organization wants the city of Abuja to engage the world through art. Therefore, making the city the center of photography in Africa. Gundu said, “Art expresses the soul and gives the identity of the city.”
The COVID-19 pandemic shapes a new reality where exhibits serve as a reference point for understanding. Gundu said, “We expect people to look at the images of various artists from the world, but feel the changes brought by the pandemic from their perspective.”
People can come to view the exhibit, attend workshops, listen to artists, which is scheduled to run from 19 to 24 Oct. 2020. However, Photocarrefour Africa postponed most of the activities except on 24 Oct 2020 because of a national protest.
PHILIPPINES. Makati: Imagine Dr. José Rizal and Sherlock Holmes, arguably the two smartest characters in literary history, together in a horror story. Wincy Aquino Ong wrote just such a meeting in his book, Tales for a Rainy Season, where fiction meets history.
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective who first appeared in the 1887 novel A Study in Scarlet, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is listed in The Guinness Book Of World Records as the most portrayed literary figure in film, television, and other publications, appearing more than 25,000 times. Because of this, many believe he is an actual person.
Dr. José Rizal was declared a national hero of the Philippines in 1995 but gained recognition in 1901, a few years after his execution. He was an ophthalmologist, polymath, and writer who became the key member of the propaganda movement for Filipino freedom under Spanish rule. The Spanish colonial government executed him in 1896, triggering a revolution that led to Philippine independence.
Influenced by horror and science fiction writers
Ong grew up in a household full of books that became his natural addiction. His love of reading spans a wide range from children’s books, autobiography, graphic novels, to Star Wars. His wife shares in his passion as well.
A copywriter since 2012, he plunged into making music videos and independent films. In an interview with Transcontinental Times, Ong said, “The writers I look up to are Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Greg Pak, Chuck Palahniuk, Stephen King, and Ray Bradbury. But a I’m a massive fan of Lourd de Veyra’s writing style.”
Like most writers, he prefers to write on his own. “When I write alone, something is freeing. Therefore, I concentrate on writing fiction in my house clothes in the comfort of our apartment,” he said.
Horror stories connected by a common motif: rain
A unique thing about his book is that all the stories connect the motif of rain. There is a mysterious connection between the rain and the supernatural. He said, “There is no better setting to read a spooky story than during the monsoon season. It reflects the horrors of Filipino’s everyday life.”
Tales for A Rainy Season: A Collection of 11 Horror Stories was inspired by Neil Gaiman’s Smoke & Mirrors, Stephen King’s Nightmare & Dreamscapes, and Ray Bradbury’s The October Country. He adds, “Think of it as a book version of Black Mirror or The Twilight Zone, read in one sitting, designed to disturb.”
Sherlock Holmes meets Dr. José Rizal
Ong said, “I’m a big fan of alternate history, like Quentin Tarantino’s film Inglorious Bastards and Alan Moore’s graphic novel Watchmen.” He loves imagining stories where the fictional characters coincide with yesterday’s headlines. So, he created a world where Dr. José Rizal meets Sherlock Holmes in Europe.
Dr. José Rizal went to Europe for his study and to spark the Philippine Revolution. In the same way that Sherlock Holmes was adapted several times in different mediums, “I wanted to pit him against the smartest Filipino ,Dr. José Rizal, who ever lived,” Ong said.
Therefore, he writes a fugitive thriller where Dr. José Rizal meets Sherlock Holmes with Dr. John Watson hot on his heels. He wanted to see how a Filipino can outmatch the greatest detective of all time. But he said, “It was fun writing the short story. But I am team Rizal on this.”
PHILIPPINES. Manila. COVID-19 patients participating in an official research study have recovered 100% after the use of virgin coconut oil treatment (VCO). The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded the project and the patients recovered before completion of the treatment period, which was 14 days.
While COVID-19 vaccine trials in the US experience setbacks, virgin coconut oil treatment completed their first and second trials. However, it will take months to complete a third trial.
Government funded human clinical trial
The DOST funded the project for PH₱5 million (US$102.8 thousand) in the human clinical trial for using VCO treatment. The trials started after Dr. Fabian Dayrit published research on VCO being used to treat COVID-19. People have already used VCO as an unofficial treatment for other viral and bacterial diseases.
Participants in the trial have shown positive signs of recovery. An astonishing 75% of COVID-19 patients using the VCO treatment went home after their therapy was completed in Santa Rosa Community Hospital.
Success rate shows positive results
The Philippine government sent VCO samples to the National University of Singapore to test against the coronavirus. They completed an in-vitro test, or a laboratory test, without a COVID-19 patient. The DOST published the results, claiming compounds from VCO decreased coronavirus numbers by 60-90% at the low viral count.
The next step was the human clinical trial, which started in August. The trial included COVID-19 patients with mild cases and the 56 patients recovered 100% after the VCO treatment.
The third trial for severe and critical cases is ongoing. Randomly selected COVID-19 patients are used at the Philippine General Hospital. In these cases, the VCO treatment will take several months.
The DOST plans to publish the final report for the first trial and they are finishing the write up for the second clinical trial.
Hospitals, doctors, and people are aware of the benefits of VCO, which has led to high demand for VCO in the markets.
In an unofficial study, infected inmates and jail guards of the Cebu Provincial Detention Center used VCO as a treatment for the virus. All COVID-19 patients recovered after using VCO, but with strict and perfect compliance with the recommended dosage.
Clinical trials face distinct challenges
“The patients opted out in the second trial because they are not used to drinking oil,” Marco Reyes of VCO Philippines said. The human clinical trial replaced these patients with other COVID-19 sufferers. The VCO treatment requires three tablespoons (45ml) for each meal every day.
The ethical board took three months to approve the third and final trial. Mr. Reyes said, “It complicates the ethics issues, like what to do when the patient dies.” Thus, the ethics board involves the medical experts of the Philippine General Hospital. They will conduct human clinical trials for severe and critical COVID-19 patients.
Patient shares their experience
Mr. Reyes told Transcontinental Times about the positive feedback from COVID-19 patients in Cebu Provincial Detention Center. Inmate and patient 017 said they found the medicines very good. He claimed they were tasteless, but got used to the flavors later. The inmate also said they now enjoy drinking the VCO, nebulization, steam inhalation, and all the vitamins they were provided.
ISRAEL. Jerusalem. Thousands of Israeli citizens marched to the Prime Minister’s residence on Balfour Street, Jerusalem. They want Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu to resign because of corruption and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the Prime Minister will stay in office despite the corruption charges against him.
The protests began in May, with many Israeli citizens parading the streets of Tel Aviv and ending up violently arrested. After three days, an immense crowd of protesters marched to Balfour Street where the police violently disseminated them but, the group did not back down.
More recently, 120,000 Israeli citizens took part in the protest against the police. The police continue to unlawfully arrest anyone they choose but Israeli citizens will not tolerate this. As an example of the brutality, a police officer attempted to grab a 71-year-old man with a camera, then tripped over him and fell to the ground, injuring the man’s arm.
Prime Minister Netanyahu charged with three cases of corruption
Prime Minister Netanyahu was charged with bribery, bridge of trust, and fraud. In a BBC news report, Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit pointed out his involvement with millionaires, a media group, and a telecommunication company. Even if he denies the accusation, the corruption convinced the Israeli citizens to take action.
Taking bribes from millionaires and the use of his authority for their interest is unacceptable to Israeli citizens. Only the Prime Minister’s resignation is likely to stop the protests.
A mother and daughter determined to protest
Israeli citizens face the second lockdown with 273,826 COVID-19 cases as of 6 October 2020. Despite the risk of infection, people like Dikla Dayan Zilberstain and the daughter of the injured 71-year-old man join the protests.
“He betrayed the country and neglected the needs of the people,” Zilberstain tells Transcontinental Times. She feels the Prime Minister’s actions are unacceptable and the Knesset and President need to take action.
The COVID-19 crisis frustrates her and the people lost their voice in the parliament so they go out on the street to voice their dissatisfaction. She added, “This corrupt government needs to end.”
Countries such as Cameroon are also struggling with corruption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. But, the people of Israel are determined to stop the corruption in their government. Even if Prime Minister Netanyahu threatens and harms protesters through the police, the group grows in size to voice their concerns.
Zilberstain stressed that “COVID-19 [is] a catalyst for the things to come. The people who shut their eyes no longer ignores the lack of leadership.”
PHILIPPINES.Simulong, Batangas. A fire broke-out at the JG Summit Petrochemicals plant at Batangas city on Saturday night. The first alarm was declared at 21:05. Fire tenders were immediately deployed by the Batangas Bureau of Fire Protection to control the blaze.
The blaze that left one person dead took place at the plant’s containment basin located near the port area in Barangay Simlong. Hence, the blaze could not affect the core or the manufacturing site of the plant.
The Emergency Response Team of JG Summit Petrochemicals plant were among the first to respond to crisis. They contained the fire with the help of the Batangas Bureau of Fire Protection. Before further aid was provided by KEPCO Ilijan Power Plant and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation Refinery in Tabangao.
Workers were immediately evacuated from the site. While those injured, mostly contractors, were taken to the Jesus of Nazareth Hospital. The fire was declared out at 23:55, according to a statement issued by the JG Summit.
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