#covid 19 ph

[halorvic]

The danger is clear and present: COVID isn’t merely a respiratory illness; it’s a multi-dimensional threat impacting brain function, attacking almost all of the body’s organs, producing elevated risks of all kinds, and weakening our ability to fight off other diseases. Reinfections are thought to produce cumulative risks, and Long COVID is on the rise. Unfortunately, Long COVID is now being considered a long-term chronic illness — something many people will never fully recover from. Dr. Phillip Alvelda, a former program manager in DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office that pioneered the synthetic biology industry and the development of mRNA vaccine technology, is the founder of Medio Labs, a COVID diagnostic testing company. He has stepped forward as a strong critic of government COVID management, accusing health agencies of inadequacy and even deception. Alvelda is pushing for accountability and immediate action to tackle Long COVID and fend off future pandemics with stronger public health strategies. Contrary to public belief, he warns, COVID is not like the flu. New variants evolve much faster, making annual shots inadequate. He believes that if things continue as they are, with new COVID variants emerging and reinfections happening rapidly, the majority of Americans may eventually grapple with some form of Long COVID. Let’s repeat that: At the current rate of infection, most Americans may get Long COVID.

[...]

LP: A recent JAMA study found that US adults with Long COVID are more prone to depression and anxiety – and they’re struggling to afford treatment. Given the virus’s impact on the brain, I guess the link to mental health issues isn’t surprising. PA: There are all kinds of weird things going on that could be related to COVID’s cognitive effects. I’ll give you an example. We’ve noticed since the start of the pandemic that accidents are increasing. A report published by TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit, found that traffic fatalities in California increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022. They also found the likelihood of being killed in a traffic crash increased by 28% over that period. Other data, like studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, came to similar conclusions, reporting that traffic fatalities hit a 16-year high across the country in 2021. The TRIP report also looked at traffic fatalities on a national level and found that traffic fatalities increased by 19%. LP: What role might COVID play? PA: Research points to the various ways COVID attacks the brain. Some people who have been infected have suffered motor control damage, and that could be a factor in car crashes. News is beginning to emerge about other ways COVID impacts driving. For example, in Ireland, a driver’s COVID-related brain fog was linked to a crash that killed an elderly couple. Damage from COVID could be affecting people who are flying our planes, too. We’ve had pilots that had to quit because they couldn’t control the airplanes anymore. We know that medical events among U.S. military pilots were shown to have risen over 1,700% from 2019 to 2022, which the Pentagon attributes to the virus.

[...]

LP: You’ve criticized the track record of the CDC and the WHO – particularly their stubborn denial that COVID is airborne. PA: They knew the dangers of airborne transmission but refused to admit it for too long. They were warned repeatedly by scientists who studied aerosols. They instituted protections for themselves and for their kids against airborne transmission, but they didn’t tell the rest of us to do that.

[...]

LP: How would you grade Biden on how he’s handled the pandemic? PA: I’d give him an F. In some ways, he fails worse than Trump because more people have actually died from COVID on his watch than on Trump’s, though blame has to be shared with Republican governors and legislators who picked ideological fights opposing things like responsible masking, testing, vaccination, and ventilation improvements for partisan reasons. Biden’s administration has continued to promote the false idea that the vaccine is all that is needed, perpetuating the notion that the pandemic is over and you don’t need to do anything about it. Biden stopped the funding for surveillance and he stopped the funding for renewing vaccine advancement research. Trump allowed 400,000 people to die unnecessarily. The Biden administration policies have allowed more than 800,000 to 900,000 and counting.

[...]

LP: The situation with bird flu is certainly getting more concerning with the CDC confirming that a third person in the U.S. has tested positive after being exposed to infected cows. PA: Unfortunately, we’re repeating many of the same mistakes because we now know that the bird flu has made the jump to several species. The most important one now, of course, is the dairy cows. The dairy farmers have been refusing to let the government come in and inspect and test the cows. A team from Ohio State tested milk from a supermarket and found that 50% of the milk they tested was positive for bird flu viral particles.

[...]

PA: There’s a serious risk now in allowing the virus to freely evolve within the cow population. Each cow acts as a breeding ground for countless genetic mutations, potentially leading to strains capable of jumping to other species. If any of those countless genetic experiments within each cow prove successful in developing a strain transmissible to humans, we could face another pandemic – only this one could have a 58% death rate. Did you see the movie “Contagion?” It was remarkably accurate in its apocalyptic nature. And that virus only had a 20% death rate. If the bird flu makes the jump to human-to-human transition with even half of its current lethality, that would be disastrous.

[aphroditesknife]

Pentagon ran secret anti-vax campaign to incite fear of China vaccines

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-covid-propaganda/

By CHRIS BING and JOEL SCHECTMAN

Filed June 14, 2024, 9:45 a.m. GMT

The U.S. military launched a clandestine program amid the COVID crisis to discredit China’s Sinovac inoculation – payback for Beijing’s efforts to blame Washington for the pandemic. One target: the Filipino public. Health experts say the gambit was indefensible and put innocent lives at risk.

This is a very informative read, but goddamn it was stressful.

[spooniebuggy]

I do not trust people who will repost stuff from disabled people about political issues and other problems that disabled face, but will REFUSE to repost the stuff on wearing masks and covid. I see this a lot on my Instagram because I post a bunch of political stuff on my story, and people will repost that, but almost no one will repost my posts on wearing masks besides my other disabled friends. Like covid is still here y'all. I wanna go outside too. Wear a mask.

[tvaraj]

Is the pH Range for Coronavirus Between 5.5 and 8.5?

By T.V. Antony Raj In December 2019, a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), emerged and caused a pandemic of acute respiratory disease named ‘coronavirus disease 2019’ (COVID-19), which threatens human health and public safety. COVID-19 was first identified in a flare-up in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and attempts to…

[ricisidro]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jun Isidro (@rcisidro)

#DOH reports 330 new cases, 13 deaths today April 1. #NCR owned 102 (31%) of these cases. Active cases = 9,021

#COVID19 #Philippines #PH

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqfcFMHrZlr/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[operafantomet]

The Romanian / Norwegian / Greek / Middle East + European Tour version is really starting to hit many countries and cities now. Along with some photos of the current cast (from the respective webpages I have linked to underneath), here's a complete overview to where it has played so far, and where it will play in 2024-2025 (*):

JAN 2015: Teatrul National de Opereta, Budapest, ROMANIA. This was the prototype, directed by Stephen Barlow and designed by Andrew Riley. Leading trio was Adrian Nour, Irina Ioana Baiant and Florian Ristei, and it was performed in Romanian.

SEPT 2018 - MARCH 2019: Folketeateret, Oslo, NORWAY. This was a much updated version of the original Romanian production, with new costumes, and revamped sets and effects. Leading trio was Espen Grjotheim, Mira Ormala / Astrid Giske and Carl Lindquist, and it was performed in Norwegian.

JAN - MAR 2020: Thessaloniki Concert Hall and Christmas Theatre in Athens, GREECE. This was pretty much the Oslo production, but with some changes for tourability. From Greece on it has only been performed in English, regardless of the location. The original leading trio in Greece was Ben Forster, Celinde Schoenmaker / Amy Manford and Nadim Naaman. The production closed earlier than announced due to Covid.

FEB - MARCH 2023: Christmas Theatre in Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Hall, GREECE. Back in Greece, still in English, still an international cast, even more set and costume changes. This time the leading trio was Tim Howar, Harriet Jones / Georgia Wilkinson and Nadim Naaman.

OCT - DEC 2023: The Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Continuing most of what was the case in Greece, except Nadim Naaman took over the role of the Phantom from Tim Howar, and Dougie Carter took over as Raoul. Was now dubbed "The Middle East Tour". It was the first time a full-scale production of Phantom of the Opera was done in Saudi Arabia.

FEB - MARCH 2024: Dubai Opera, Dubai. Same cast and overall set-up as Riyadh. This production followed in the footsteps of the World Tour (original version), visiting Dubai in 2019.

APRIL 2024: National Palace of Culture, Sofia, BULGARIA. Same cast and overall set-up as Riyadh and Dubai. This was, I think, the first time a city has housed two different non-replica productions. Not at the same time, mind you, as this version touring has meant the local productions are now allowed to perform for some time. This was at least what was announced from the producers in Bulgaria, Serbia and the Czech Republic. Curious.

AUG - SEPT. 2024: National Palace of Culture, Sofia, BULGARIA. The production has announced its return to Sofia this autumn. This due to the sold-out initial run.

OCT 2024: Sagros Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, PORTUGAL. The production has announced a run there from October 15-27, 2024. A concert version has previously been performed in Portugal, but it will be the first time a full-scale production is done.

NOV - DEC 2024: Musical Theater Basel, Switzerland. The production has announced a run there from Nov. 6 to Dec 22, 2024. The original Swiss production 1995-1997 did a hardcore thing of perfoming in both German and English. It will therefore not be the first time POTO is performed there, nor the first time it is performed in English. But it is the first time this exact version visits, and the 1995-1997 one was the original version.

FEB - MARCH 2025: Stadsschouwburg, Antwerp, Belgium. The production has announced a run there from Feb. 6 to March 7, 2025. The original Belgian production ran from 1999-2000, and was performed in the local language, but it will be the first time it is performed in English. It will as such also be the 10th anniversary for this specific touring version, as it premiered in Romania in January 2015.

MARCH 2025: Kongresove Centrum, Prague, Czech Republic. The production has announced a run there from March 19-27, 2025. This means the local production 'Fantom Opery' at Goja Music Hall has been paused. According to the official website the Phantom will be Nadim Naaman, the role of Christine will be shared between Georgia Wilkinson and Bridget Costello, and Raoul will be Dougie Carter.

(*) More dates will likely follow. Kuwait was announced some time back, but cannot be found anywhere now. Also, the local Serbian production announced a break because another version was visiting, so I won't be surprised if Belgrade is added to the list later on.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Ambient carbon dioxide concentration correlates with SARS-CoV-2 aerostability and infection risk - Published April 25, 2024

A very important study you may have forgotten/overlooked. A quality CO2 detector is a great covid safety investment.

Abstract An improved understanding of the underlying physicochemical properties of respiratory aerosol that influence viral infectivity may open new avenues to mitigate the transmission of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that an increase in the pH of respiratory aerosols following generation due to changes in the gas-particle partitioning of pH buffering bicarbonate ions and carbon dioxide is a significant factor in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. We show here that a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 aerostability results from a moderate increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (e.g. 800 ppm), an effect that is more marked than that observed for changes in relative humidity. We model the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission on the ambient concentration of CO2, concluding that even this moderate increase in CO2 concentration results in a significant increase in overall risk. These observations confirm the critical importance of ventilation and maintaining low CO2 concentrations in indoor environments for mitigating disease transmission. Moreover, the correlation of increased CO2 concentration with viral aerostability need to be better understood when considering the consequences of increases in ambient CO2 levels in our atmosphere.

[jcsmicasereports]

Aspiration pneumonia due to anesthesia digestive endoscopy under COVID-19: a case report by Xin Wang in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Digestive endoscopy is an important test for early cancer screening. The most serious complication during the examination was aspiration pneumonia. However, these patients currently do not receive much attention.

Case report: A woman was brought to the Emergency Department because of fever. Chest computed tomography revealed consolidation of the lower left lung, so the patient was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia after anesthesia digestive endoscopy. we collected Bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) for testing of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). The result of mNGS was normal. After 7 days of medical treatment, the pneumonia subsided.

Conclusion: This case reminded us that digestive endoscopy under sedation carried a risk of aspiration pneumonia in even healthy patients. When COVID-19 prevalent, we should make a definitive diagnosis of patients with fever as soon as possible and improve etiological tests to prevent delays.

Keywords: Aspiration pneumonia, Digestive endoscopy, Case report

Introduction

Digestive endoscopy is an important test for early cancer screening. As the test is uncomfortable so more and more people choose general anesthesia. The most serious complication during the examination was aspiration pneumonia due to reflux and aspiration.

However, these patients do not currently attract much attention, especially from anesthesiologists. Here, we report a healthy nurse who had undergone digestive endoscopy, aspiration pneumonia developed during induction of general anesthesia under COVID-19.

Case Report

A woman was brought to the Emergency Department of the Center Hospital of Jinan because of fever. She got aspirated and developed severe shortness and chest pain. History of anesthesia digestive endoscopy 1 day ago, accompanied by vomiting. Her past medical history was unremarkable, she denied cigarette smoking, and has no history of allergy, anaphylaxis or bronchial asthma. Upon arrival at the hospital, she was connected to the monitor and put on humidified oxygen. On examination, she was severely distressed, blood pressure of 120/60mmHg, pulse rate of 108 beats per minute, oxygen saturation of 95% at room air, and respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute, temperature of 39 degrees. On physical examination, wet rales were heard in the lower left lung. Blood gas analysis showed pH 7.45, partial pressure of carbon- dioxide 36.00 mmHg and partial pressure of oxygen 71.00 mmHg with 2 L/min oxygen via nasal cannula. The peripheral white blood cell count (9940/μL) and C-reactive protein level (78.5mg/h) were slightly high. The results of blood coagulation function test, biochemistry tests, myocardial enzymes, urinalysis and stool analysis were normal. Chest computed tomography revealed consolidation of the lower left lung.

Under COVID-19, in order to rule out the atypical pathogen infection and assist the patient in expulsion of inhaled substances, we performed tracheoscopy. Flexible bronchoscope showed injured and edematous surfaces of the large airways. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed from the posterior segmental bronchus of the upper lower of her left lung. A cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed57.5% macrophages, 28.0% neutrophils, 11.0% lymphocytes, and 3.5% eosinophils. The total BALF cell count was 4.2 × 106/mL. No bacteria or fungus was isolated from cultures of BALF. we collected BALF for testing of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). The result of mNGS was normal.

During hospitalization, the patient received piperacillin/ tazobactam to prevent bacterial pneumonia，hormonal anti-inflammatory and bronchodilators to improve the bronchospasm or wheezing.

After 7 days of medical treatment, the pneumonia subsided, blood, sputum cultures revealed negative findings. and she was discharged in a stable condition. The Fig. 2 was the chest CT of review.

Discussion

The possibility of aspiration pneumonia was considered based on the rapid onset of the patient, the absence of previous upper respiratory infection and chest CT findings. The patient's clinical manifestations, chest CT and hematological examination results further confirmed the hypothesis. The patient's symptoms improved after early treatment with oxygen therapy, anti-infection and hormone anti-inflammatory therapy, which was also consistent with previous research results (1).

Chest CT of aspiration pneumonia often shows multifocal consolidation or patchy ground-glass opacity (2). Because the patient was in left decubitus at the time of digestive endoscopy, so gastric contents flowed back into the left side, then large exudate shadows can be seen in the lower lobe of the left lung. We all know, Aspiration of large amounts of gastric acid will result in the induction of a chemical injury to the airways and lung parenchyma. Aspiration is recognized as an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of pneumonia or acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). (3)

Our patient developed dyspnea and hypoxemia. In order to prevent further exacerbation of lung injury, we treated with hydrocortisone. The other study suggested that, in bronchi-aspiration, Steroids are not proven to improve outcome or reduce mortality (4). After hormone therapy, the patient's symptoms of dyspnea and hypoxemia were significantly improved. There were any adverse reactions. However, it remains to be discussed whether hormones can be used as a routine treatment for aspiration pneumonia.

Conflict of interest statement

All authors have read and approve the final manuscript.

Author contribution statement    

Wang Jing wrote the manuscript, conceived and designed the report; Cui JY collected and prepared the images; Wang X reviewed and confirmed the final version of the manuscript.

Ethics statement

The authors declare that appropriate written informed consent was obtained for the publication of this manuscript and accompanying images.

[thoughtportal]

Low pH Hypromellose (Taffix) nasal powder spray could reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event at a highly endemic community: an observational prospective open label user survey

Results: After 14 days, 0/81 (0%) of (PP) Tafffix users, 2/83 (2.4%) of (ITT) Taffix users and 16/160 (10%) nonusers were infected. Odds ratio for infection among Taffix users was 0.22, a reduction of 78% (95%CI 1%–95%). No side effects reported.

Conclusion: Taffix could be an additional tool against COVID19 spread, in addition to recommended safety measures. This is the first time that a prevention measure of SARS-CoV-2, beyond the use of masks, has proved effective.

[harawata44]

1杯の「お茶」が口の中の新型コロナウイルスを99.9％減少させることが判明 - GIGAZINE

以下引用

新型コロナウイルス感染症(COVID-19)が2023年5月に「5類感染症」に移行してから記事作成時点で1年が経過しようとしており、生活の中でCOVID-19が意識される機会は少なくなりましたが、「ブレインフォグ」や「ロングCOVID」といった後遺症に関する研究結果が続々と報告されるなど、COVID-19予防が重要な事に変わりはありません。 日��的に飲まれている「お茶」の効果に注目した新しい研究により、紅茶や緑茶には唾液中の新型コロナウイルス(SARS-CoV-2)を最大で99.9％不活性化させる働きがあることがわかりました。

・Screening Commercial Tea for Rapid Inactivation of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva | Food and Environmental Virology

・Can a Cup of Tea Keep COVID Away? Study Finds 99.9% Virus Reduction

アメリカ・ジョージア大学食品安全センターのウイルス学者のマラック・エセイリ氏らは、お茶がさまざまな文化圏で呼吸器疾患の治療に重宝されてきた歴史に着目し、お茶が口内の粘膜に感染したSARS-CoV-2にも効果を発揮するのかどうかや、最も効果的なお茶の種類を確かめるべく、市販の茶葉を使った実験を行いました。 お茶好きな家族にインスピレーションを受けたというエセイリ氏は、「感染症対策には、入手しやすく準備も簡単で、家族全員で使うのにぴったりなものが理想的です」と話しています。

エセイリ氏と研究当時大学院生だったジュリアナ・モリス氏は、まず市販のお茶24種類の抽出液をSARS-CoV-2が含まれる水と混ぜて、ウイルスの感染性が低下するかを調査しました。そして、一定以上の効果を示した「紅茶」「緑茶」「ミント入りのお茶」「ユーカリミントティー」「ラズベリージンジャーティー」の5種類でさらに実験を行いました。 実験では、ティーバッグ1袋をカップに10分間浸して飲用の濃さのお茶を作りました。なお、お茶はミルクや砂糖を一切入れないストレートティーとしました。 そして、SARS-CoV-2が含まれる唾液とお茶を混ぜたところ、5種類のお茶すべてが10秒以内に96％以上のウイルスを不活性化させることがわかりました。最も効果が高かったのは紅茶で、減少率は99.9％に達したとのこと。 また、お茶を飲みたくない時間帯などにうがい薬(洗口剤)として使うことを想定し、4倍の濃度で作った抽出液でも同様の実験をしたところ、5種類すべてがウイルスを99.9％減らすことも確かめられました。 お茶には主にカテキンの形で抗酸化物質のポリフェノールが含まれており、抽出液に含まれているポリフェノールの濃度とウイルスの減少率は有意に相関した一方で、お茶のpHは無関係だったとのことです。

今回の実験は、あくまでお茶を飲んだり口に含んだりすることを再現したものに過ぎず、被験者にお茶を摂取させた臨床試験ではありません。そのため、研究チームは効果を確かめるにはさらなる研究が必要なことや、お茶が治療の代わりになることが示されたわけではない点を強調しています。 その上で、エセイリ氏は「口や喉のSARS-CoV-2を不活性化させられれば、ウイルスが下気道系に侵入するのを防げる可能性があるため、この発見は重要です。ウイルスは鼻でも増殖し、陽性反応が���た時点で既に肺に到達している場合もあるので、��だお茶を治療法として提案できるわけではありませんが、お茶は患者やその家族が日常生活に簡単に取り入れられる追加の介入手段になる可能性を秘めています」とコメントしました。

[cherrywrecked]

it's time for me to get my sleepies. good night, kitties! i hope everyone's staying safe, specially those from the ph (like me). the covid-19 cases are rapidly increasing day by day specially in the metro, so please be extra careful and make sure you're wearing your masks, taking your vitamins and have your annual vaccines up to date!

[ktoworld]

[PREORDER] BEBEJAEM & BEBEJEN 10cm / 15cm (NCT JAEMIN / JENO)

[PREORDER] BEBEJAEM & BEBEJEN 10cm / 15cm (NCT JAEMIN / JENO)

Sale period : 2023-07-11 ~ 2023-08-31 23:59 KST

Orders will be shipped sequentially AFTER  5~6 months

( 2023. 12 ~ 2024. 01)

*********Cancellations are not available after check out**************

MINI BEBEJAEM 10cm DOLL + CLOTHES

MINI BEBEJAEM 15cm DOLL + CLOTHES

MINI BEBEJEN 10cm DOLL + CLOTHES

MINI BEBEJEN 15cm DOLL + CLOTHES

- Delivery may be delayed due to the spread of COVID-19 in China in the production factory area.

- Dolls are handmade, and all dolls cannot match 100% with the sample.

- Due to the nature of the product, there may be asymmetries, threads and cloth sticking out, and hair loss. (Defective X)

- There may be a color difference between the monitor and the doll.

*********Cancellations are not available after check out**************

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[reyeskeisha]

Belo: The Pandemic Effect

Belo’s advertisement entitled “Pandemic Effect" is a promotional campaign by Belo Medical Group, a cosmetic surgery and dermatology clinic in the Philippines. The ad focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's physical appearance, mainly due to stress, anxiety, and other factors. The ad features individuals talking about their personal experiences during the pandemic, such as feeling self-conscious about their appearance due to weight gain or skin problems. The ad emphasizes the importance of caring for one's physical and mental well-being, especially during difficult times.

The intended audience for the "Pandemic Effect" by Belo Medical Group is likely individuals who are concerned about their physical appearance and have experienced changes in their appearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ad may appeal to people who are interested in improving their appearance and regaining their confidence through non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as body contouring, skin rejuvenation, and other similar procedures. This ad may also target individuals who are interested in health and wellness, as it emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's physical and mental well-being, particularly during challenging times like a pandemic. A study conducted by Vall-Roqué et al. (2021) states that women's body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons have increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were no specific product advertised in the commercial. However, we all know that Belo is known for its cosmetic treatments. Therefore, this treatments might good for the intended audience since Belo may help them improve their physical appearance and boost confidence. However, it is important for viewers to make informed decisions and consider their overall health and well-being before pursuing any cosmetic treatments.

There was a media manipulation present in this advertisement. It is in the part where this advertised shows an exaggeration of what the pandemic had made to people. Wherein the woman had an extreme weight increase and a long hair. This may lead to misunderstanding and to create a sense of urgency or pressure to take action, such as by implying that viewers need to improve their appearance in order to feel confident or happy. Additionally, the ad may highlight the positive effects of cosmetic treatments while downplaying potential risks or side effects, which could be perceived as manipulative or misleading.

Brader Batak PH. (2021).  Belo Advertisement (HD) | Pandemic Effect. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfXkbJlHgDU

Vall-Roqué, H., Andrés, A., González-Pacheco, H., & Saldaña, C. (2023). Women's body dissatisfaction, physical appearance comparisons, and Instagram use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. The International journal of eating disorders, 56(1), 118–131. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23827

[baylonjuliana]

Advertisement Journals

Globe: Sama-sama sa Distansiya

Globe’s 2020 released advertisement fantastically portrays the situation of people’s relationships with their special ones, be it their friends, family, or spouses in the time of the pandemic. “Lumayo ka sa’kin, kasi malapit ka sa’kin” (get away from me because you’re close to me) is a line that probably hits most of our hearts. We understand how it feels to stay away or quarantine ourselves, especially from close people, not just to protect ourselves but also to protect them. 

The only way we could communicate or merely get in touch with each other was through online social media platforms. Dinner hangouts became group video calls, professional and educational meetings were held on online platforms, and even romantic dates became late-night calls.

Now Globe, being one of the top telecommunication services providers in the Philippines, has not done this without a reason. It was called an advertisement, after all. It shows a situation close to our hearts, but it also benefits their company by implying that they are with all of us who are struggling at these challenging times. 

However, the service advertised is actually beneficial for most of us. All online services using the internet are inaccessible without Globe and its close competitors, which sometimes fail and have much room for improvement but work fine enough most of the time to supply our necessities. 

In my view, this commercial has not used any sort of media manipulation, at least within the small number of manipulation kinds in my knowledge. Even without apparently using inappropriate techniques, Globe has still managed to capture our attention throughout the whole almost-3-minute-video. They did so by portraying a situation all familiar to each of us. According to B2B Partners (2014), relatable content increases customers’ attention spans. Moreover, it was interesting since it might have served as a means of comfort.

CIMB Bank PH: Breadwinner

A Philippine bank, CIMB, which stands for Commerce International Merchant Bankers Berhad, published this advertisement during the most challenging time of the pandemic in 2020. It was when the newly-found virus shocked everyone mentally, physically, and financially. The emergence of the pandemic (COVID-19) has brought an international financial, social, and general health concern that has resulted in the loss of 90 trillion USD to worldwide economies (Frontiers, 2020). 

The commercial's content showed a breadwinner child's situation in a communication with his mother. They seem to have made plans for the upcoming Christmas celebration, but a problem ruined everything. Due to the unemployment issues brought upon by the virus, he has been fired from his previous job, causing them to be short on funds.

In the next scene, however, the mother showed her bank application that contains savings from CIMB Bank PH. This commercial targets every Filipino that has been affected by the pandemic to help them in terms of finances. The mentioned bank provides storage for your income or savings and increases the rate over time. It is helpful for people who need extra income in complicated situations like this. 

Just like the previous advertisement from Globe, I do think that this does not include any sort of media manipulation. It captured our attention by showing a pure but heartbreaking scene. It emphasizes how Filipino breadwinners do their best to feed and make their families happy. Many Filipinos may sympathize with the commercial since it has content that practically touches the viewer's feelings. It shows how Filipinos care about those who are around them. Overall, the company did an excellent job on this one. It can be seen that it was done with quality and purpose. Hopefully, we could all get through everything the coronavirus inflicted on us.

References:

B2B Partners. (2014). Make Your Content Relatable and Actionable. https://b2bpartners.nz/make-content-relatable-actionable/

CIMB Bank PH. (2020). Breadwinner | CIMB Bank PH. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtgpUjHg0-s&t=7s

globeph. (2020). Sama-sama sa Distansya | #SafeAtHome. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNnrEKbyJ4&t=1s

Wang, C., Wang, D., Abbas, J., Duan, K., & Riaqa M. (2021). Global Financial Crisis, Smart Lockdown Strategies, and the COVID-19 Spillover Impacts: A Global Perspective Implications From Southeast Asia. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643783

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[jhi0128]

Journaling Your Response to Advertising

Pandemic Effect by Belo

The advertisement of Belo made during the COVID-19 pandemic is advertising for the skincare line Belo Essentials. The commercial emphasizes how crucial it is to keep up with skincare routines even when face masks are required due to the epidemic. The commercial features a woman applying a Belo Essentials face mask before taking it off to reveal radiant, healthy skin. The advertisement's slogan is "Healthy skin is always in."

This advertising is most likely targeted at women curious about skincare and cosmetics. The advertisement is directed primarily at people who are worried about keeping their skin looking good while battling the pandemic while donning a face mask.

The Belo advertisement's promoted goods may or may not be suitable for the intended market. Although the ad implies that utilizing Belo Essentials products might help maintain healthy skin, customers must do their homework and evaluate the efficiency of any skincare product before using it.

Belo advertising uses specific techniques of media manipulation. First, the advertisement emphasizes the importance of maintaining good skin care during the epidemic. While taking care of one's skin is crucial, the ad may trick viewers into thinking they must buy particular goods to keep their skin healthy throughout the epidemic. The advertisement also uses alluring and gorgeous imagery to inspire viewers to strive for the same level of beauty as the featured model. This may lead to unattainable beauty standards and body image problems.

Despite these attempts at manipulating the media, the advertisement successfully grabs viewers' attention with its vibrant colors, energetic music, and relatable messaging. The commercial offers a remedy in the shape of Belo Essentials products while acknowledging the difficulties of donning a face mask during the pandemic, which connects with many viewers. The advertisement is also visually appealing and has an attractive model, which may catch viewers' attention and pique their interest in the promoted goods.

Reference

Brader Batak PH. (2021). Belo Advertisement (HD) | Pandemic Effect [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfXkbJlHgDU

Belo Medical Group apologizes, takes down controversial “Pandemic Effect” ad. (2021). CNN. http://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2021/8/11/Belo-apology-Pandemic-Effect-ad.html

Belo Medical Group apologizes, takes down controversial “Pandemic

Sama-sama sa Distansya

As the COVID-19 virus spreads, Globe's "Sama-sama sa Distansya" advertisement emphasizes the value of physical distance. In order to stop the virus from spreading, the ad shows ad variety of people remaining apart from one another, including a small girl and a delivery person. The advertisement's tagline is "We're apart now, so we can be together soon."

Filipinos of all ages who may need a reminder or encouragement to continue practicing physical distancing during the epidemic are the target audience of the "Sama-sama sa Distansya" advertising. To appeal to a broad audience, the advertisement uses a diverse group of people in various settings. The usage of Tagalog also implies that the target market is primarily Filipinos, who are more accustomed to speaking in their tongue.

The products advertised in the ad, which are the services of Globe Telecom, were not necessarily the focus of the advertisement. The ad did not promote or highlight any specific product, but rather focused on the message of practicing physical distancing. However, it can be argued that the ad indirectly promotes Globe Telecom as a socially responsible company that cares about the safety and well-being of its customers.

There are no forms of media manipulation present in the advertisement of Globe entitled "Sama-sama sa Distansya". The ad delivers a clear and important message about the importance of physical distancing during the pandemic. The ad does not use any manipulative tactics or false claims to promote a product. Instead, it uses relatable visuals and a simple message to capture the attention of viewers. The ad manages to be effective in conveying its message without being overly dramatic or fear-mongering. Overall, the ad is a good example of using media in a responsible and effective way to promote positive behaviors during the pandemic.

Reference:

globeph. (2020). Sama-sama sa Distansya | #SafeAtHome [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZNnrEKbyJ4

Heartwarming Globe digital film shares message of hope and connection amid isolation | Inquirer Entertainment. (2020). INQUIRER.net.

[ricisidro]

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#DOH reports 272 new cases, 7 deaths today March 31. #NCR owned 74 (27%) of these cases. Active cases = 8,920

#COVID19 #Philippines #PH

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