acid attacks along mong kok, hong kong

Last Monday, 8th of June, was the third time that an acid attack happened along the busy Nelson Street in Mong Kok in HK. The attack was the third of its kind within the last six months. The first incident was December last year and the second was last May 17 which prompted the HK government to install eight CCTV surveillance cameras amounting to HKD 1.7 million but just five hours after the cameras were switched on the third attack happened. Twenty-four people were hurt during the last attack and 10 of them are first-time visitors from the Philippines. Any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for three attacks since December will be given a reward of HKD 900,ooo. Just be reminded to take necessary precautions when you happen to visit the busy district of Mong Kok.

human swine influenza (A/H1N1)

As of this time, Philippines has 39 confirmed human cases of A/H1N1 that originated from Mexico and spread to many countries world wide. Originally known to circulate among pig populations, the swine flu viruses do occasionally infect human beings.

• SYMPTOMS

Usually similar to those of human seasonal influenza and include:

1. fever
2. lethargy
3. loss of appetite
4. coughing

Some people may also have:

1. runny nose
2. sore throat
3. nausea
4. vomiting
5. diarrhea

• MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Human to human transmission is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu mainly through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching objects soiled with flu viruses and then touching their nose or mouth.

Swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70 deg C (160 deg F) kills the swine flu virus.

• MANAGEMENT

People who develop flu symptoms should put on a mask and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Those who have been to affected places or been exposed to sick persons should tell the doctor the travel and contact history. Antiviral agents can reduce the severity and duration of illness but must be used under doctor's prescription. It is important for people not to self medicate.

• PREVENTION

Since human seasonal flu is different from human H1N1 flu, vaccines for human seasonal flu viruses will not provide protection against swine flu viruses.

People should observe the following precautionary measures:

1. Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based handrub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled.
2. Avoid touching mouth, nose or eyes.
3. Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing or coughing.
4. Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
5. Do not spit. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a rubbish bin with a lid.
6. Wear mask when respiratory symptoms of fever develop. See a doctor right away.
7. Do not go to work or school if you develop influenza-like symptoms.

Avoid travelling to affected places unless it is absolutely needed. If such a visit is unavoidable:

1. During the trip: put on a mask and do not have contact with sick people.
2. After returning: pay close attention to your health and wear masks for 7 days. Seek medical consultation from public clinics or hospitals right away if fever or influenza-like symptoms appear.

roger federer...the great!

Congratulations to Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer for completing his collection of 14 grand slam titles by defeating Robin Söderling in the 2009 French Open and that levels him with Pete Sampras' record. Federer won his first Roland Garros championship. To read the latest about Federer please visit his official homepage.

angels and demons day

Another movie adaptation of one my favourite books and among Dan Brown's. Actually I'm kind of hoping before I watched this movie that the movie will stick true to the book unlike what they did with The Da Vinci Code. I watched the movie with Jenefer last Sunday after we had our early lunch. We arrived at the movie house with just few minutes to spare so we forgot to take pictures with the movie poster, hehehe! Anyway, I really enjoyed the movie and I believe that Jenefer did, too. Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer and Ewan McGregor the movie took in about US$48 million in it's first weekend release.

twilight vs slumdog at mtv movie awards 2009

Are you a Twilight or Slumdog Millionaire fan? Or both? This year these two movies and their stars will fight for the golden popcorn trophies in different categories at this year's MTV Movie Awards. I am a Twilight fan and of course I do hope that Twilight will win all the seven nominations on May 31. Votes can be cast online until May 27 for all categories except for best movie which will remain open until the day of the show. To vote please click HERE!

for mom!

For the BEST MOM in the WORLD, my MAMU CARMEN...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you! We thank you for everything...from sacrifes you (and Papu) endured to all the love you've been showering us. Sometimes words are not enough to show you how thankful we are for you are the mom that the Father gave us. WE LOVE YOU MAMA!!!

manny pacquiao in time magazine's most influential people

The TIME Magazine just recently released their special issue of 100 World's Most Influential People and Philippine's very own pound for pound Manny Pacquiao is included in the Heroes and Icons category. Way to go PACMAN!!!