Another Influenza A(H1N1) Update

Philipines already had 17 suspected cases of Influenza A(H1N1). Oopppsss, hold your horses, they were only suspected cases. And as of this afternoon 13 of the 17 suspected cases were already cleared. The laboratory results of the remaining 4 suspects will be released tomorrow by the RITM.
Will I just hope that our country will remain free of this dreaded viral infection.

Medical Mission or Beach Vacation?

I just received an invitation to help in a medical mission, of course I readily agreed. I love helping, especially in this times where a lot of our people needs medical help , not only because of the dreaded Influenza A (H1N1), but also because of a lot of other illnesses which equally needs the same attention. My immediate acceptance was rewarded when I perused the letter more. The medical mission will be in my mother's hometown and one of the best summer destinations here in the country. If you love to swim, if you love just gazing on the crystal blue water or walking on the seashore, or just comuning with nature, Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte would be one of your best bet.
Gen. Luna is made famous by its white sand, crystal clear waters, and I wont forget to mention the annual International Surfing competition. Its double blessing indeed! To be able to help as well as to have a short vacation in that paradise. Hmmm, I'm already excited for that weekend of service and vacation. I just hope that the weather will cooperate. As a teaser for whats in store for us, this is a photo of one of the island in GL. Photo courtesy of the official website of Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte .

Influenza A (H1N1) Update

The Swine flu or Mexican swine flu that wreck havoc to our self imposed security is a new influenza virus. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus. CDC has determined that Influenza A H1N1 is contagious and has proven human to human spread. Like the other influenza viruses, it is spread through droplet spread like sneezing and coughing. Currently CDC believe that H1N1 has the same spreadbility as the seasonal flu. Studies have shown that an infected person is contagious from day 1, even before symptoms can be seen, and up to day 7 of illness.

Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 infection presents with fever, cough, colds, runny nose, and sneezing, sore throat, generalized body malaise and muscle pains, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

Currently there are 5 people suspected of being infected here in the Philippines. They are being observed in the Isolation ward of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, in RITM, and in San Lazaro Hospital. Of these 5 suspects, 3 were already discharged after testing negative for the virus.

Cebu Marriot Hotel

I just had the opportunity to spend a night in Cebu Marriot Hotel. And here are my impressions. First, the location is definitely one of the plus factor for this hotel especially for persons like me who loves to shop, this is just beside Ayala Mall...Secondly, the staff were very accomodating. They meet my car, took care of my luggage, and escorted me to a special check in area ( since I was attending a large event thus the need for one). And when I get to my room, and I need a few toiletries which was not found on the ones they provided, a short call to their hotel services resulted on the delivery after a few min....definitely good hotel service! Thirdly, and for me one of the most important is a clean well vaccummed carpet on the aisles and on the room ( i have allergic rhinitis). Fourth consideration, clean rooms and very clean cr. The buffet breakfast is another plus point. Though the selection may not be as varied as compared with the other big hotel chains, the meals were deliciously prepared, the fruits are fresh and mouth watering and the waiters and waitresses were accomodating. Thanks to my sponsor for billeteng me in this wonderful hotel.
This is the address:
Cardinal Rosales Avenue
Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
Phone: 63 32 415 6100
Fax: 63 32 415 6101
Sales fax: 63 32 4156169
Toll-free: 1 800 1 888 2233

Holy week '09: Camiguin Island

The family decided to vary our holy week routine, instead we decided to spend the time in Camiguin. We left Surigao Tuesday afternoon hoping to rest (since I am a poor land traveller suffering from motionsickness. So by Wed morning we are already on the bus for Balingoan. The decision to use public transport became a very wise decision since when we arrived in the port of Balingoan, the line for the vehicles for boarding the ferry was sooooooooooo long reaching up to the highway.