In 2023, twenty-four international airports are recognized on the list, with CRK as one of two laureates from Southeast Asia (Van Don International Airport in Vietnam is the other).
A Black Saturday for Christians symbolizes a solemn period of reflection and prayers, church visits, vigil services and other observances in preparation for Easter celebration. Today, people continue to follow daily routines or travel on long trips with family and friends to take advantage of a long weekend.
I wasn’t aware of this until photos were sent by a friend of my buddy Joyce Mariscal (Vice Mayor of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental) about Philippine Tourism double decker buses going around in Auckland, New Zealand with my photo on them.
“Rest but never quit. Even the sun has a sinking spell each evening. But it always rises the next morning. At sunrise, every soul is born again.” – Muhammad Ali
When I captured her portrait in her home, she was about to celebrate her 102nd birthday, so she would be 103 today (I am hopeful she is still living well at this time).
After six years of hiatus, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is reviving its nationwide photography contest for amateur and professional photographers – but this time, with bigger prizes at stake.
Before the pandemic, cosplay events were a regular thing in the city and a cause for excitement among young and old avid dressers. I’m just glad the hype is slowly getting back in the malls. I didn’t bring my usual gears, though. Instead I brought an old camera just for fun.
“Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.” ~Stacy Westfall
In the new normal setting, I have covered an important event wearing a white tag that indicated I am virus-free to mingle with officials and VIPs.
I went out and headed to Poblacion today, which held the Mindanao Art Exhibit 2021, a gathering of talented artists all over Mindanao. Stunning artworks to view all over two floors.
Filipinos no longer need to bear the burden of outdated medical care. The whole country was given respite from the worries of getting quality medical care with National mWellness Day by mWell, the country’s only fully integrated health and wellness mobile app.
Better healthcare access for Filipinos becomes a reality as mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health & wellness mobile app by Metro Pacific Health Tech, makes history with the first and largest nationwide virtual medical mission in the Philippines – the National mWellness Day.
Makati, Philippines, June 28, 2021 – Healthcare in the Philippines now becomes more accessible with mWell, the country’s first fully integrated, one-stop health & lifestyle app aimed at transforming the way healthcare is delivered through online doctor consultations, health education, wellness programs, online pharmacy services, and more. Soon to be launched by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), mWell is an all-in-one app designed for every Filipino’s demand for treatment and care during this pandemic where connecting patients with doctors and medical professionals has become very challenging. PLDT President and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan states, “Even before the pandemic, Filipinos needed better access to healthcare. Many challenges and limitations hinder medical care and treatment, more so during this COVID-19 crisis. We are truly excited with mWell, the MPIC group’s investment in digital health care.” Aside from online video consultations with licensed doctors from different specializations, mWell app users can gain valuable health information about a wide range of topics from COVID-19 to chronic disease management, …
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” ~Prof. Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
“If you’re having a bad day, catch a wave.” ~ Frosty Hesson
“Rest but never quit. Even the sun has a sinking spell each evening. But it always rises the next morning. At sunrise, every soul is born again.”–Muhammad Ali
Farmers in a sugar cane field in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental © Jojie Alcantara
Wet market vendor in Ha Long, Vietnam © Jojie Alcantara
Halong City in Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam is a quiet but blossoming town right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay. Quite laid back from other touristy cities, the roads are wide and without traffic (maybe peak season is different). Apart from popular Ha Long Bay cruises, it also offers beach activities, nature treks, local food and night markets. Divided into two main areas: there is Hon Gai on the other side of the bridge where local life, culture and food can be experienced. These are Vietnamese girls in traditional dress called “ao dai”, in a backdrop of Ha Long Bay. Bai Chay is the central tourist area on the other side where Ha Long Bay is filled with luxury cruises or traditional junk boat tours. Other options are: an artificial beach, restaurants, cafes and varying structures from high end resorts to boutique hotels lined along the bay. © Jojie Alcantara This January, Vietnam was the host country of the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2019. Held in Ha Long, …
I open up my heart and
I’m gonna do my part and
Make this a positively beautiful day.
What I know for sure is that every sunrise is like a new page, a chance to right ourselves and receive each day in all its glory. Each day is a wonder. ~Oprah Winfrey
The Scene Stealer 