ABS-CBN shuts down sports department

ABS-CBN Sports will cease to exist effective Aug. 31 as a result of the non-renewal of the network’s franchise by the House of Representatives last week.

The network’s head of Integrated Sports Dino Laurena confirmed the sad news in a post on his personal Facebook page on Thursday, describing it as “The Final Buzzer” for their sports division.

“And so ends this journey… I made the painful announcement to our beloved Sports team today. I’ve been on this road before and I can assure, it is not something I will swear even on people I don’t like. It’s heart-wrenchingly painful,” read Mr. Laurena’s post.

On Wednesday, ABS-CBN released a statement that it will be implementing a retrenchment program covering its subsidiaries as well effective Aug. 31, 2020, following Congress’ non-renewal of its franchise.  

ABS-CBN said that while it hurts to implement the retrenchment program, it was something it had to do to keep the company going.

Over 70 regular employees from the sports division are expected to be let go, including members of its TV production and online team. Also affected by the retrenchment are independent personnel (cameramen and crew) and talents like game commentators and show hosts.

ABS-CBN’s S+A channel has been home to a number sports leagues in the country, namely the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Also shown on the channel are events of international mixed martial arts group ONE Championship.

Aforementioned leagues said they were weighing their options in the aftermath of Congress’ thumb-down of ABS-CBN’s application for renewal.

The NCAA and the PVL still have live contracts with ABS-CBN, while the UAAP’s contract ended last May 31. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

DOH Secretary Duque, binawi ang deklarasyong na-flatten na ang curve ng COVID-19 cases sa Pilipinas

Hindi komedyante si Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, pero nagawa niyang patawanin ang marami dahil sa kanyang pahayag na nagtagumpay ang ating bansa na patagin ang kurba ng COVID-19 pandemic mula pa noong Abril 2020.

Hindi rin kontrabida sa pelikula at sa teleserye si Duque, pero sumiklab ang poot ng marami sa ating mga kababayan dahil sa kanyang sinabi sa isang online pre-State of the Nation Address forum ngayong hapon, July 15.

"We have successfully flattened the curve since April," deklara ng DOH secretary.

"The metrics for arriving at that conclusion of flattening the curve is actually, one, the case doubling time of the COVID-19 infection has actually become longer."

Ang mga pinakawalang salita ni Duque tungkol sa COVID-19 situation sa ating bansa ang dahilan para batikusin siya nang todo.

Muli ring nabuhay ang panawagang bumaba na siya mula sa puwesto na kanyang mahigpit na kinakapitan.

Walang gustong maniwala sa pahayag ni Duque dahil patuloy na tumataas ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa.

As of today, July 15, umabot na sa 58,850 ang bilang ng kumpirmadong kaso ng COVID-19 sa Pilipinas. Kasama sa bilang na ito ang 1,614 na namatay at 20,976 na gumaling.

Pagkatapos tumanggap ng mga masasakit na puna dahil sa kanyang deklarasyong napatag na ang kurba ng COVID-19 cases sa bansa, binawi ni Duque sa pamamagitan ng mga tweet ang kanyang mga naunang pahayag.

Pahayag niya: "I would like to clarify my statement made earlier during the Pre-SONA on flattening the curve.

"Our case doubling time in April passed the 3 day doubling time mark; NOW, July 15 - it is at 8 days CDT (past the 7-day doubling time mark). Read more at pep.ph

Breast Massage Health Benefits That Will Surprise You

A breast massage might seem like a taboo concept but it is essential to early diagnosis of  breast cancer. About 70 percent of breast cancer cases were detected in women under 50 through self-examinations, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

Breast massage has been a part of ayurvedic therapeutic practices. Abhyanga is a breast massage that has roots in ayurveda. It involves gentle massaging of the breasts in circular motions with herbal oil.

In Western culture this may be frowned upon so it makes more sense to massage your own breasts for the health benefits that it provides. Use gentle pressure with the first four fingers starting from the nipple and then move your hands to the outer part of the breast. Doing this a few times is useful for the following reasons:  

Removes Toxins

Lymphedema is the buildup of excess fluid in the network of vessels near the breastbone and collarbone. Breast massage can prevent the accumulation of waste in the chest region and the arms. However, the evidence to prove this is limited. A review done in 2013 said that 10 randomized controlled trials could not prove the positive effect of stimulating the breasts on lymphedema specifically. 

Cancer Detection

Cancer is often detected when a hard lump or overgrown tissue is felt with bare human hands manually. The earlier the diagnosis, the more chances of recovering and preventing the disease from spreading to other parts of the body. However, majority of lumps turn out to be benign. 

Improves Circulation

Breast massage could remove blockages and toxins due to bras, scars and sedentary lifestyles. "A breast massage can improve circulation and aid in detoxing. The breasts are part of the lymphatic system, which moves toxins and unwanted materials through the body," Torrie Thompson, lead health coach at Modern Holistic Health, said.

Alleviates Stress

Breast massages help release feel-good hormones similar to all massages that leave the recipient feeling good and therefore reducing stress. "Oxytocin is one of our feel-good hormones that is also released from breastfeeding and hugging," Thompson said. 

Soothes Sore Muscles

Sore muscles affect the breasts as well after a rigorous workout doing push-ups and pull-ups. Breast massage could reduce strain on the muscles under the breast tissues. 

For people who have had surgery and breast cancer recently, they should be extra careful and consult with a doctor before massaging the breasts.