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Visita Iglesia goes virtual

As the Luzon-wide community quarantine made Visita Iglesia, or the tradition of visiting seven churches on Maundy Thursday, physically impossible, Google announced that Catholics who still want to visit churches may do so virtually as Google Maps provides a 360-degree view of select churches nationwide.

“This Holy Week, people can virtually visit historical churches from the safety of their own homes through Google Maps. It has a useful feature called Street View that provides a 360-degree view of destinations so users can explore churches as if they are there,” Google Philippines said in a statement.

To use Street View on desktop/laptop, open Google Maps and input a destination then drag the Pegman (the yellow person icon) located at the bottom right of the screen to the chosen destination. For those using mobile phones, input the destination and tap on the place marker.

(It looks better on desktops/laptops.)

Here are some of the churches that can be visited digitally:

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, INTRAMUROS, MANILA

Located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It has gone through multiple renovations throughout its history. Now, it stands tall with its beautiful facade and interiors and has become one of the most visited stops during Visita Iglesia season. 

THE MINOR BASILICA AND METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION, MANILA

Better known as the Manila Cathedral, this cathedral and basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During Visita Iglesia, many families and devotees would include this church in their visits. It has had three historic apostolic visits, with the most memorable one from Pope Francis who also held his first Papal Mass in the country here back in 2015.

OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED PARISH, STA. ANA, MANILA

This 300-year-old church has become an important heritage site in the streets of Sta. Ana, Manila. There are many notable fixtures and historical ornaments inside the church including the revered image of its patron, Our Lady of the Abandoned, which was created in Valencia, Spain in 1713.

DARAGA CHURCH, ALBAY 

Originally established as a temporary settlement for the residents of Cagsawa during the Mayon Volcano eruption of 1814, Daraga Church has been renovated countless times and is a popular place of worship in Albay province. This religious building also contains several sections that are considered National Cultural Treasures. 

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH, PAMPANGA

Also known as Betis Church, St. James The Apostle has also been called the “Sistine Chapel of the Philippines.” Thanks to its intricately painted ceilings. Look up its dome and you will see images of several Catholic saints. Because of its rich art and interior design, the church is recognized by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure.

SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT PARISH CHURCH, MAJAYJAY

Standing at one of the oldest sites of early Catholicism in Laguna, Saint Gregory The Great Parish has a rich history dating back 1571 and contains antique displays of several saints and old liturgical objects. This was also declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum. 

BASÍLICA MENOR DEL SANTO NIÑO, CEBU

This simple church was declared a basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and was recognized as a symbol of the birth and growth of Christianity in the Philippines. Today, it is one of the must visit churches during Visita Iglesia for devotees in the province. It also houses some important relics, furniture, and documents dating back to the 17th century in its in-house museum.

SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL, DAVAO

Located at the heart of Davao City, San Pedro Cathedral is the city’s oldest church and is said to have been established by the first Spanish settlers in the province back in 1847. It currently serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao and is considered a National Cultural Treasure for its distinct architectural features, including its curved roof that resembles a vinta carrying a cross at the helm.

Peso strengthens on slower March inflation

THE PESO strengthened versus the greenback on Tuesday on the back of positive market sentiment on slower inflation and lower confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in some parts of the world.

The local unit finished trading at P50.68 per dollar on Tuesday, appreciating by four centavos from its P50.72 close on Monday, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

The peso opened Tuesday’s session at P50.65 against the dollar. Its weakest showing was at P50.80, while its intraday best was at 50.625 versus the greenback.

Dollars traded went up to $455.9 million from $357.07 million on Monday.

A trader said the peso continued to trade within a range and finished stronger on the back of slower March inflation data.

“It’s (peso) range bound, so I think this will be the trend that will continue silhouetting further developments.

Recently, we know the [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)] Governor [Benjamin E. Diokno] said there’s more potential easing. Now, [March] inflation is 2.5%,“ the trader said in a phone call.

Headline inflation slowed to 2.5% in March from 2.6% in February on the back of lower oil prices, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This is well within the 2-2.8% estimate by the BSP for the month as well as the 2-4% target set for 2020.

This also compares to the 2.3% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 11 economists last week.

Meanwhile, another trader attributed the local unit’s gain to developments suggesting the outbreak has already peaked in some countries.

“The peso appreciated from global optimism after reported cases and deaths in New York and Northern Italy continued to subside, reinforcing market sentiments of stabilization in the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the second trader said in an e-mail.

Across the world, COVID-19 has already infected more than 1.3 million and has killed over 74,000.

In the Philippines, infections rose to 3,660 as of Monday, with 163 deaths and 73 recoveries recorded.

The first trader expects the peso to trade within the P50.60 to P50.90 band versus the dollar today, while the second trader gave a forecast range of P50.60 to P50.80. — L.W.T. Noble

Canned, but make it fancy

The Lenten season traditionally calls for practicing Catholics to  make sacrifices, most famously to abstain from meat. But with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, certain sacrifices, such as staying at home, are more of a requirement for everybody than a choice. But not everything has to be doom-and-gloom, and we all need the extra cheering-up, and some people get cheered up with the idea of good food. For this Holy Week, BusinessWorld gathered fish-based recipes from Martha Stewart herself (via her website, marthastewart.com) and The Maya Kitchen, using what we presume are already in your pantry: canned tuna and sardines.

The following recipes are from The Maya Kitchen.

GARLIC PASTA WITH SUNDRIED TOMATOES AND SPANISH SARDINES

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 can Spanish sardines small can
  • 100 grams sundried tomato, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 piece chicken cube
  • 500 grams cooked pasta spaghetti
  • Garnish:
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley

Directions:

Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add half of the Spanish sardines together with its oil.

Add sundried tomato, season with salt, pepper and chicken cubes.

Add cooked pasta and toss it well, until pasta is coated with oil and garlic.

Serve in a pasta plate and place the remaining Spanish sardines on top of the pasta and garnish with parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

SALAD NIÇOISE

Ingredients:

  • 2 pieces peeled tomatoes
  • 1 piece spring onion, thinly chopped
  • 1/2 piece red bell pepper
  • 1/2 piece green bell pepper
  • 5 pieces small red radish, thinly sliced
  • 10 pieces green French beans
  • 5 pieces black pitted olives, sliced
  • 1 piece hard- boiled egg, cut into quarters
  • 1 espresso cup of olive oil
  • 1/2 espresso cup of red wine vinegar
  • half a can of canned tuna in water or five marinated anchovy fillets 
  • salt and pepper.

Directions:

Remove the edges of your French beans. Steam beans in a bamboo basket or a strainer over a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes (or until they are al dente). Set aside to cool.

Take the rest of your vegetables and rinse under clear water. Remove any wilted parts and core and seed the bell peppers.

Dice your bell peppers, peel and slice your tomatoes, slice the egg into four quarters and cut your green beans into 1.5 inch lengths.

Drain the tuna or the anchovies.

In a large bowl, place two pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Add the sliced spring onions, green beans, bell peppers, radish and tomatoes. Then add your drained anchovies or drained tuna and top with the sliced olives.

Pour the olive oil and the red wine vinegar. Cover  salad with cling film, and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Just before serving, toss well and garnish with hard-boiled egg slices.

The following recipes are from marthastewart.com.

MARTHA’S FAVORITE TUNA SALAD SANDWICH

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces good-quality tuna, packed in oil, drained
  • 2 stalks celery, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 slices best-quality sourdough

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine tuna, celery, apple, mayonnaise, basil, and lemon juice; mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

On a work surface, divide tuna salad among four slices of bread; top with remaining four slices of bread. Serve.

TUNA MACARONI SALAD

Ingredients:

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1/2 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup), plus 1/4 cup celery heart leaves
  • 1/2 jalapeno, seeded if desired, and finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 (5-ounce) can solid tuna in water, drained and flaked
  • 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons dill relish
  • 1 teaspoon grainy mustard

Directions:

In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta until al dente, seven to eight minutes. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.

While pasta cools, soak onion in cold water. Drain, then stir into pasta along with celery, celery leaves, jalapeno and tuna. Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, relish and mustard. Toss with pasta mixture and season to taste. Refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes and up to eight hours.

TUNA CAKES

Ingredients:

  • 3 cans (six ounces each) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped, plus sprigs for garnish
  • 1/3 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise  
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 jalapeno (ribs and seeds removed), finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup prepared salsa

Directions:

In a large bowl, stir together tuna, egg, cilantro, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and jalapeno. Mix gently until ingredients just hold together.

Using a packed 1/3-cup measure of tuna mixture per patty, shape into eight cakes.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium. Working in batches if necessary, cook cakes until golden brown and crisp on the outside, about two minutes per side. Serve hot, accompanied by salsa, and garnish with cilantro sprigs.

MEDITERRANEAN TUNA-NOODLE CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for baking dishes  
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 1 pound wide egg noodles
  • 2 red bell peppers (ribs and seeds removed), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour  
  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 4 cans (6 ounces each) tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and thickly sliced
  • 5 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil two eight-inch square (or other shallow two-quart) baking dishes. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles until two minutes short of al dente; drain, and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, in a five-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium. Add bell peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, four to six minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, for one minute. Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer.

Remove from heat; add mixture to noodles in pot, along with tuna, artichoke hearts, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper, and toss. Divide between prepared baking dishes, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

EASY TUNA RICE BOWL

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tin (5 ounces) tuna
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled and halved
  • 1 mini cucumber, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup frozen shelled edamame, blanched in boiling water for two minutes, drained, and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced nori
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce, preferably low-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil  
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

Place rice in the bottom of a resealable container. Top with tuna, egg, cucumber, edamame, sesame seeds, and nori. For the dressing, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and oil. Season with pepper. Keep refrigerated until 30 minutes before serving.

Stuff to do at home

Bayanihan Musikahan concerts

Bayanihan Musikahan, a fundraising effort to help urban poor communities in Metro Manila who are suffering from the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, gathers Pinoy musical artists online in a marathon concert series. On April 7, catch performances by Gab Pangilinan (6 p.m.), Chad Borja (8 p.m.) and Mark Carpio (9 p.m.). On April 8, catch Jed Madela (7 p.m.), Cooky Chua and Waki (8 p.m.), and Leanne and Naara (9 p.m.). On April 9, it is the turn of Bayanihan Huntahan (5 p.m.) and Gary Valenciano (8 p.m.). For more information and live shows, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/bayanihanmusikahan/about/?ref=page_internal. To donate, visit pymy.co/pbsp (for Mastercard, Visa, JCB, PayMaya); donation.ph/pbsp (for BPI Credit/Debit cards, GCash, GrabPay); and http://give2asia.org/pbsp (for donations in US dollars). 

Open House show, classes, workshops

The Artists Welfare Project Inc., Philstage, SPIT, Third World Improve, the Theater Actors Guild, and Ticket2Me continue with the Open House online fundraising project for the benefit of the performing arts community. The project allows viewers to stream live online classes, shows, and workshops featuring some of the industry’s biggest names for free. On April 7, Philippine Opera Company’s (POC) Karla Guitierrez will host a voice workshop  (4 to 5 p.m.); it will be followed by a livestream of selected scenes from Pat Valera’s play Mula Sa Buwan at the show’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/mulasabuwan/). On April 8 (4 to 5.30 p.m.), the Philstage Round Table 2 will feature sound designers Teresa Barrozo, Arvy Dimaculangan, Jethro Joaquin, Glenford Malimban, and TJ Ramos. It will be moderated by Isa Litton. It will be followed by an online performance of Eljay Deldoc’s Ang Goldfish ni Prof. Dimaandal, featuring the original Virgin Labfest cast at 8 p.m. On April 12 (10 p.m.), PalabasTayo AfterParty will feature the cast of Philippine Repertory’s Anna in the Tropics for backstories, lighthearted tea, and general shop talk. For more information and to stream programs, visit https://www.facebook.com/OpenHouseFundraiser. To donate, visit http://bit.ly/DonateOpenHouse. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals online

Andrew Lloyd Webber offers his musicals for free in the online series The Shows Must Go On. The series continues with Jesus Christ Superstar (2012), starring Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/theshowsmustgoon. 

Palacio de Memoria virtual tour

Art and history enthusiasts can now go on a virtual tour of Palacio de Memoria, the Colonial Revival mansion, and marvel at its luxurious facilities and hundreds of Euro-Filipino paintings, sculptures, art displays, and historical pieces online. It features the showroom of Palacio de Memoria’s auction house, Casa de Memoria, which houses the Lhuillier family’s collection of antiques, the Mosphil Lounge, and a passenger plane that was refitted to be a lounge for special occasions. To view the Palacio de Memoria’s virtual tour, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com/tours.

Intramuros virtual tour 

Visit the sites of Intramuros through its virtual tours at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/intramuros-administration?fbclid=IwAR0aRtUOboFvmpk73FwjO_OZBBD5OKRfoFBWUOGgPAUUpaA7DquxNG0Jlks. The walled city’s sites may also be visited through the Experience Philippines augmented reality app. The app is free and available on Google Play or the App Store.

Photography workshops with Canon PH

Canon Philippines is offering photography workshops for the month of April via its official Facebook page. The workshops will feature Canon brand ambassadors and professional photographers who will tackle basic to advanced techniques, and specialized topics such as food, architecture, wedding, and music events photography, and vlogging. View the workshop schedule at https://www.facebook.com/canonphils/photos/a.436807569702668/2967524323297634/?type=3&theater.

MSO’s music online

The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) presents Ennio Marricone’s “Nella Fantasia” from The Mission (1986), which was recorded separately by its musicians while in quarantine, in the hope that it brings some comfort to the listener’s soul. To listen, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceKQHi-9OKQ&feature=youtu.be. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/manilasymphony/. 

E-coloring books

The Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute of Los Angeles offers the “Color Our Collections” edition for 2020. To view, visit http://library.nyam.org/colorourcollections/page/11/. 

NFB animated shorts online

Watch animated short films from the National Film Board of Canada at 

https://www.nfb.ca/animation/. 

Silverlens launches Art Boost

To keep in touch with art lovers, Silverlens presents Art Boost, an online drive to maintain our engagement with art through social media, exhibition catalogues, and videos. Follow Silverlens’ official social media pages for a series of #athomewith, #weeklyartwork, #trivia, and #sundayread. Visit Silverlens’ official YouTube and Vimeo for artists profiles such as Gary-Ross Pastrana, and Patricia Perez Eustaquio.

Smile Train Speech Camp 2020

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smile Train Philippines will be holding its Speech Camp 2020, virtual speech therapy classes for cleft patients with its local experts, through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SpeechBySmileTrain/). It will be held on April 8 (9 a.m.) For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, visit smiletrain.ph. 

National Museum of the Philippines 

The National Museum uploaded a coloring sheet of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium by Bryan Ferrer which may be physically or digitally colored. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines/posts/3123148164376147. 

Children’s books online

Enjoy digitized children’s book titles from the University of California (UCLA)’s children’s book collection at https://archive.org/details/yrlsc_childrens&tab=collection; and University of Florida’s digital collection of the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at https://ufdc.ufl.edu/baldwin/all/thumbs.

Five-hour museum tour

Experience a five-hour tour in Russia’s Hermitage Museum, shot by filmmaker Axinya Gog on an iPhone 11 Pro. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=49YeFsx1rIw&feature=emb_title. 

Guitar lessons with Fender

Fender is offering three months of free lessons for guitar, bass and ukulele. It includes high-resolution videos with teachers, and a progress tracker. Follow along to videos, and practice at your own pace with the adjustable scrolling tablature and a metronome. To sign up, visit https://try.fender.com/play/playthrough/?utm_source=bouncex&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=PlayThrough_BXPopup&utm_term=fender&src=emaill00DTplaypopup/ 

Toei anime on YouTube

Japanese animation studio Toei’s YouTube channel will stream shows for free. Seventy shows with English subtitles have been released; on April 13, it will release episode 3 and 4 of National Kid (updated on Mondays); and April 14, it will release episode 3 and 4 of Suki Suki Majo Sensei (updated on Tuesdays). To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ToeiAnimationUS. 

Educational TV shows return to ABS-CBN

ABS-CBN brings back 1990s educational TV shows every Saturday. Sineskwela (8:30 a.m.) explains topics on science, Bayani (9 a.m.) is about historical figures and events, and Hiraya Manawari (9:30 a.m.) which focuses on values. 

Cirque Du Soleil online

Enjoy free 60-minute specials from shows such as Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, O, and Luzia.To watch, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueconnect. 

Ayala Museum online

Continue learning at home with the Ayala Museum’s resources available online. Enjoy previous exhibitions and performances, coloring pages, and playlists. Visit https://www.ayalamuseum.org/online-resources/?fbclid=IwAR2psdA2kvBhhEC-iJs-seLvPXICAZ4zWO-bBIwvxjrhuTm18C_0zyOm3VE.

E-books for kids

Expand your kids’ library at home through the BuriBooks app. Titles include books from publisher Adarna House, reviewers, and Filipino textbooks. Access the app via iOS, Android, or a web browser. Sign up via https://buribooks.com/. Enjoy it free for 30 days. 

National Gallery of Victoria’s virtual tours 

The National Gallery of Victoria has developed several virtual tours. Audiences can view exhibitions such as Companionship In The Age Of Loneliness of New York-based artist Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS; and the world premiere of Crossing Lines, featuring the works of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Visit  https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/channel/. 

New free plays on Thursdays 

The National Theatre in London brings its shows to YouTube. Every Thursday (7 p.m. GMT/2 p.m. EST), National Theatre at Home will release a new play free to watch for one week. It includes cast and creative interviews and post-stream talks. The shows are Jane Eyre on April 9, Treasure Island on April 16, and Twelfth Night on April 23. For information, visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home?queueittoken=e_safetyevent25mar20~q_b79a6e28-67d9-44de-88e6-29cedc812122~ts_1585490458~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_8c7928d22caa971981f7edf53563d20e2fe8f68a3a3a1458b34b1cb17f11b50b.

Dulaang UP’s Ang Nawalang Kapatid on YouTube

Enjoy Dulaang UP’s Ang Nawalang Kapatid, a musical adapted from the Indian epic The Mahabharata, on YouTube. Directed by Dexter M. Santos, the show is written by Floy Quintos (book and lyrics), with music by Ceejay Javier. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vISTL9hHTcc&feature=emb_title.

Ballets at the Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre in Russia showcases The Golden Series of classic opera and ballet performances via livestream on the theater’s YouTube channel. Livestreaming began on April 1 with The Tsar’s Bride. To watch, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/bolshoi.

Free Murakami books online 

Japanese best-selling author Haruki Murakami’s stories are made available online for free at http://www.openculture.com/2014/08/read-five-stories-by-haruki-murakami-free-online.html. Titles include Kino, A Walk to Kobe, and Samsa in Love. 

Free books on modern art

Enjoy PDF and ePubs on modern art from the Guggenheim Museum’s archive. The collection includes books on Francis Bacon, Max Ernst, and Mark Rothko. Visit https://archive.org/details/guggenheimmuseum. 

Free vet consultations online

Dr. Cyron Sarmiento opened his Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mcejsarmiento) and Twitter (@Cyrooon) accounts for free online consultations.  For more inquiries, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/648196199302932/. Consultations will run for the entire duration of the enhanced community quarantine. 

Free Japanese courses

The Japan Foundation Manila launched an e-learning program of free Japanese courses. It includes six-month beginner and intermediate lessons on calligraphy, vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. Sign-up for your chosen course at https://minato-jf.jp/?fbclid=IwAR2SrhYV-9nH4Hbc9TbTspxg0t39DH6xtLQ-jz1n1uOkeGMK3bCdL022O8I. 

Arts and Culture

Learn something new every day with Google Arts and Culture from virtual tours of sites, and museums to food, fashion, and design. Visit https://artsandculture.google.com/

Frida Kahlo’s artworks online

View Frida Kahlo’s work online through the Google Arts & Culture platform. The website has 800 paintings, photographs, and objects by the Mexican artist from 33 international museums. To view the exhibition, visit https://artsandculture.google.com/project/frida-kahlo.

Scribd materials for free for 30 days

Enjoy free books, audiobooks, magazines, and documents for 30 days at Scribd. To view titles, visit https://www.scribd.com/readfree?fbclid=IwAR363ywNP9yoBbKJVQFYCtilfGfljPDGeOatqKJgWMV5Pj9-p7j-gkaGOb8.

Classic Pinoy films online

Director Mike de Leon uploaded classic Filipino films from the 1930s to 1960s on his vimeo account, Citizen Jake. Titles include Manuel Silos’ Pista sa Nayon (1948), Gregorio Fernandez’s Kung Ako’y Mahal Mo (1960), and Lamberto V. Avellana’s Aklat ng Buhay (1952). Watch films at https://vimeo.com/user83013343. 

Free Neil Gaiman stories online

Best-selling author Neil Gaiman offers free essays, audiobooks, book excerpts, and videos at his official website under “Cool Stuff and Things.” Visit https://www.neilgaiman.com/Cool_Stuff. 

Arts BGC at Home

Every Wednesday, Arts at BGC offers creative prompts at the Arts at BCG (https://www.facebook.com/artsatbgc/ and @artsatbgc) and BGC Art Center ( https://www.facebook.com/BGCArtsCenter/ and @bgcartscenter) Facebook and Instagram pages. Join the Arts at BGC Community to get in touch with other participants. https://www.facebook.com/groups/artsatbgc. 

Ballet and opera free online 

The Royal Opera House is showing its performances online through its Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/royaloperahouse/) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/RoyalOperaHouse) pages. Performances include Mozart’s Così fan tutte on April 10; and the ballet The Metamorphosis on April 17. 

Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition online

Best-selling author of The Princess Diaries Meg Cabot offers The Princess Diaries – Quarantine Edition for free on her official website. Entries are updated daily. Visit https://www.megcabot.com/2020/03/corona-princess-diaries-day-1/?utm_content=122945851&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-67512624694.

NHCP Documentaries on YouTube

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines makes Philippine history education accessible through documentaries on YouTube. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/historymuseumsPH/posts/997233837339314. Titles include: Jose Rizal: Sa Landas ng Paglaya, Apolinario Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan, Kababaihan ng Rebolusyon, and,  Gregoria de Jesus: Lakambini ng Katipunan.

Drawing lessons for kids with Mo Willems

Best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems is hosting drawing lessons for kids called Lunch Doodles every weekday on YouTube. Each session will be between 20 to 28 minutes long. Mr. Willems is also welcome to questions (send to: LUNCHDOODLES@kennedy-center.org) which he will try to answer during sessions. For sessions of Lunch Doodles, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL14hRqd0PELGbKihHuTqx_pbvCLqGbOkF. 

Paulo Coelho’s books online 

Best-selling author Paulo Coelho has made his books available for free. Titles include: The Way of the Bow, The Manuscript Found in Accra, and Brida. Visit his blog at https://paulocoelhoblog.com/books-online/. 

Shakespeare plays online

Shakespeare’s plays recorded at the Globe Theater are now available for online streaming. Titles include Hamlet and The Two Noble Kinsmen. To watch, visit https://globeplayer.tv/

Learn at home with Scholastic 

Scholastic is offering free online courses for levels pre-kindergarten to Grade 6. Duration of the courses is approximately three hours per day. They include writing, research projects, and virtual field trips. The website is accessible on any device. Visit https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Free opera streaming online

OperaWire will host Nightly Met Opera Streams of the Metropolitan Opera for free. The performances begin at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be available to stream for 20 hours. Visit https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-to-offer-up-nightly-met-opera-streams/. The Paris Opera is also streaming operas for free. Visit https://www.operadeparis.fr/. 

Free films on YouTube

Catch Filipino films for free on the following channels: Regal Entertainment (https://www.youtube.com/user/regalcinema/featured); Cinema One Originals (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzggCZVkynvnjNV29L9EccA); and TBA Studios (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChh0rmwGvToBd3owvN2vRMg). 

Free online courses

Enjoy 1,500 free online courses from leading universities such as Stanford, Yale, Harvard, and more. Download the audio and video courses (from iTunes, YouTube, or university web sites). Topics include archeology, art, finance, writing, law, health, religion, mathematics, and personality development. Visit http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses. 

Online yoga classes

YogaPlus offers daily yoga classes via Facebook live. For schedules, visit https://www.facebook.com/yogaplusph/. 

Free Broadway performances online

Enjoy your favorite Broadway performances online for a limited time at https://www.broadwayhd.com/. 

Virtual tours 

Explore museums around the world through virtual tours: the Solomon R. Guggenheim https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/solomon-r-guggenheim-museum?hl=en; the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/current-exhibits); the Louvre Museum (https://www.youvisit.com/tour/louvremuseum).  View animals such as otters, penguins, turtles, and corals on live camera at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams.

Taking a VR tour of Israel

The pandemic has effectively put to a halt much of travel worldwide and this includes pilgrimages to Christian holy sites in Israel. But pilgrims who still want to see the Way of the Cross and other sites in Israel can still do so using virtual reality, said the Israel Tourism Ministry.

“While we all remain in our homes we want to stay connected with you. [Through] virtual reality we know you can still experience Israel with us. One thing we’re confident about is travel will make a comeback and we will be able to travel again. Therefore, I would like to first and foremost wish you and your loved ones my best wishes for health and prosperity, and share with you my hopes that these challenging times will soon be behind us. The most important thing now is for each and every one to be safe and healthy. May God bless the Philippines,” Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism Director for India and the Philippines, said in a statement.

Last year, 3,300 Filipino pilgrims visited Israel according to that country’s Ministry of Tourism, but since it closed its borders in March, foreign visitors and non-residents have not been allowed to enter.

Among the sites in the Old City of Jerusalem which can be toured virtually (note that you need a VR headset for some of them) are:

  • the Via Dolorosa or the Way of the Cross via a 2017 video uploaded by CoMo Drone on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTshKXeBdHs);
  • and a 360-degree virtual tour of Jerusalem using Samsung VR via Sygic Travel VR (https://samsungvr.com/view/Wv_0tcndBOG). The sites included in the Samsung VR tour are the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and a panoramic view of the city below from the Mount of Olives.

Celebrating Holy Week online

The Catholic Church has found innovative ways to engage its flock in prayer and participate in church activities amid the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. This includes holding church services online.

As Filipinos stay at home under enhanced community quarantine during Holy Week – which started on Palm Sunday, April 5 and runs until Easter Sunday, April 12 – masses are being livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube by various dioceses across the country (and also by the Vatican).

Following is the schedule of masses in various Philippine churches:

Manila Cathedral

Time: Sunday – 8 a.m.,10 a.m., 6 p.m.; Monday to Friday – 7:30 a.m., 12:10 p.m.; Saturday – 7:30 a.m.

Where: Manila Cathedral’s Facebook page

Quiapo Church

Time: Daily – 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.

Where: Quiapo Church’s Facebook page

Diocese of Kalookan

Time: Sunday – 6:30 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8 p.m.; Monday to Friday – 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m.

Where: Diocese of Kalookan’s Facebook page

Diocese of Cubao

Time: Sunday – 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m.; Monday to Saturday – 8 a.m.

Where: Diocese of Cubao’s Facebook page

Diocese of Pasig

Time: Sunday – 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.; Monday to Saturday – 6 a.m., 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m.

Where: Pasig Cathedral’s Facebook page

Philippine Jesuits

Time: Daily – 8 a.m., 1 p.m.

Where: Radyo Katipunan Facebook page and Radyo Katipunan YouTube channel

Radio Veritas

Time: Daily – 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m.

Where: Radio Veritas’ Facebook page

Sambuhay TV Mass

Time: Saturday (anticipated mass) – 5 p.m.; Monday to Friday – 6:15 a.m.

Where: Sambuhay’s Facebook page

Online masses led by Singapore Archbishop William Goh

Time: Sunday – 10 a.m.; Monday to Saturday – 1 p.m.

Where: Archdiocese of Singapore’s YouTube channel

While at Vatican City, Pope  Francis celebrates daily masses at 2 p.m. at Vatican News English on YouTube.

To help subscribers in their Holy Week devotions, PLDT is giving a free speedboost for Fibr subscribers.

UAAP officially cancels Season 82 with ECQ extended

With the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) imposed on the entire of Luzon extended for another two weeks, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines deemed it fit to officially cancel the conduct of Season 82.

In a statement released Tuesday night, the UAAP, through Season 82 President Emmanuel Fernandez of host school Ateneo de Manila University and Executive Director Atty. Rene Saguisag, said the season was being cancelled as the conditions for the resumption of the activities the league was hoping for can no longer be met.

“As such it is now deemed cancelled,” the UAAP statement read.

When the league decided to scrap the remainder of Season 82 because of the threat of the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and as Metro Manila was placed under community quarantine in mid-March, it still opened the window for the resumption of at least the collegiate competitions albeit with an alternative format.

The UAAP was hoping to work on a new format if the ECQ was lifted by April 14, with competitions beginning no earlier than May 1.

But with the government’s decision to extend the Luzon-wide ECQ beyond 12 a.m. of April 13, its original scheduled end, on Tuesday, it would mean that classes and other school activities would remain suspended, leaving the UAAP with no choice but to cancel the season altogether.

In the statement, the league said it will address the repercussions of the tough decision once everything has normalized in the country.

“All other issues related thereto will be resolved at the proper time as we continue to focus our time, energy, and resources in battling this crisis,” the statement said.

While it laments the decision to cancel, the UAAP extended its gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in Season 82.

“Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our fans, partners, student-athletes, coaches, and all other members of the UAAP community.”

Among affected collegiate tournaments were those of volleyball, football, baseball, softball, lawn tennis and 3×3 basketball.

How PSEi member stocks performed — April 7, 2020

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, April 7, 2020.

GoNegosyo’s Concepcion says businesses in favor of lockdown extension

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion says that, based on informal survey, more than 90% of entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives of large and medium conglomerates support the extension of a Luzon lockdown for another two weeks.

The majority of these businesses reported wanting to avoid a possible relapse and ensure a definitive flattening of the curve. The extension of the Luzon lockdown was deemed the most important recommendation in a consultative meeting between the private sector and NEDA last April 5, 2020, which was attended by NEDA Sec. Ernesto Pernia, DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez, as well as heads of conglomerates and business chambers.

“We have been on Enhanced Community Quarantine for almost three weeks,” said Concepcion. “Despite the negative economic impact, it seems that we are left with no choice but to ensure that this current lockdown is worthwhile and successful. Thus, we strongly support the government in its plans of extending the Luzon lockdown for another two weeks to avoid relapse, which may result in more damages.”

Shifting to barangay quarantines

Another recommendation put forth was a change in strategy and the implementation of an immediate shift to Barangay Quarantines after the extension of the Luzon lockdown. Concepcion recommends that mayors and barangay captains be empowered to implement a lockdown in their affected areas, while following simple and easy-to-follow guidelines set up by the National Task Force (NTF). The NTF will provide the criteria of when a targeted area should be put under lockdown and for how long.

Depending on the number and location of the confirmed cases per area, the Barangay Quarantine can be expanded to a City/Municipality Quarantine, and even a Provincial Quarantine if necessary.

“President Duterte was correct to place Luzon under lockdown immediately, because that was an emergency situation. After implementing three “resets” (three cycles of a 14-day quarantine at home), we now should consider implementing quarantines at the barangay level, moving up to City/ Municipality Quarantines and Provincial Quarantines, if many of the municipalities still experience rising numbers of cases,” Concepcion said.

With the two recommendations in place, the military and police can focus on the infected areas, while both the public and private sectors can proceed with the random testing of barangay residents to measure each community’s level of risk. The data gathered will help in the development of better mitigation plans.

BillEase offers interest-free financing on essential goods with Lazada Wallet

FDFC, the fintech company behind digital credit app BillEase, and Lazada have launched interest-free installment on all essential goods through Lazada Wallet. This effort is their bid to help consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consumers must first create a BillEase account and can choose to fund their Lazada Wallet as a top-up option. Once triggered, the installment plan will activate along with their funds to use for purchasing.

They can then enjoy a 0% annual percentage rate (APR), a small processing fee, and a pay-later option up to three months. Not only does this ease their burdens financially, but it also encourages them to proceed with non-cash transactions, since options like Cash on Delivery (COD) have been temporarily suspended.

“We are taking extraordinary steps to alleviate consumer pain points at this difficult time,” said Georg Steiger, CEO at FDFC. “In addition to extending payment deadlines and suspending penalties, we’ve partnered with Lazada to provide customers an option to defer payments in all essential products with zero interest and encourage the use of cashless-based transactions to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus infection and ensure the practice of physical distancing.”

The limited offer is available from April 1 to 15 only.

Duterte inclined to extend Luzon lockdown

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday evening said he is inclined to extend the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon until April 30.

“We have discussed it even before this. We are inclined to extend the lockdown up to April 30. Tingnan natin (We will see),” Mr. Duterte said in a televised address on Monday evening. 

Mr. Duterte did not give details on the extension of the ECQ, but repeatedly reminded Filipinos to stay at home to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from further spreading. 

The month-long ECQ is scheduled to end on April 12. However, in recent days, business groups and government officials have backed an extension of the lockdown, which has halted most economic activities in Luzon. 

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez earlier on Monday said he supports a two-week extension of the ECQ.

ÒNeed to see the flattening of the curve, and more health and isolation facilities. Then followed by gradual lifting of other essential and job generating sectors,” he said in a mobile message sent to reporters. 

The Philippines is currently in a state of public health emergency and calamity due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Department of Health reported 11 new deaths and 414 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total deaths to 163 and cases to 3,660. At the same time, 73 patients have recovered from COVID-19.

Coronavirus cases reach 3,660; death toll at 163

THE Department of Health reported 414 more coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the total to 3,660.

Eleven more patients died, raising the death toll to 163, it said in a bulletin. Nine more patients recovered, bringing the total of those who have gotten well to 73, it added.

Meanwhile, medical experts from Japan and South Korea will visit Manila to assess the country’s anti-COVID-19 response, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

This after a team of Chinese experts came here to help the government come up with policies to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The foreign experts’ visits will be scheduled to ensure there’s enough local health personnel to accompany them, Mr. Duque told radio DZBB.

Ten Chinese medical experts arrived here on Sunday and will stay until April 19 to share their technical advice on the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the country.

The group would visit the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital and Lung Center of the Philippines and other quarantine facilities to train local medical professionals, the Health department said.

Mr. Duque said the Chinese experts, who have firsthand experience in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan City where the virus was first detected, will share their knowledge on infection prevention and control measures, surveillance, treatment protocols and case management.

meanwhile, Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara said he had recovered from the COVID-19 after testing negative for the virus and being cleared of pneumonia.

Mr. Angara said he was released on Monday after several days of being confined in the hospital.

“After several days in the emergency room and the COVID-19 wing, my doctors finally sent me home today — negative for the virus and pneumonia-free,” he said in a social media post on Monday.

He was the third senator to test positive for COVID-19 after Senators Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Aquilino L Pimentel III.

Mr. Angara took the test on March 16 after experiencing mild fever, cough, headache, and general weakness. He got his result on March 26.

Mr. Zubiri on March 27 said he no longer had symptoms, but opted to extend his self-quarantine to 21 days or until April 1. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas and Charmaine A. Tadalan

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