As the coronavirus continues to expand seemingly unchecked in Chile, health experts are warning of a “critical situation” facing the country and exponentially higher numbers of deaths if the epidemic is not brought under control.

The virus has exploded in Chile, prompting health officials to lock down the capital Santiago, the country’s economic engine, and force nearly 10 million of its citizens into lockdown.

Chile has confirmed nearly 247,000 cases of coronavirus and 4,502 deaths due to COVID-19.

Chile’s Budget Office said on Monday (June 22) the country’s economy would shrink 6.5% in 2020, a far deeper hole than predicted just two months prior as the coronavirus pandemic continues to pummel the South American country. (Reuters)

(Production: Esteban Medel)

BANGKOK, Thailand — President Rodrigo Duterte expressed support for Chile’s decision to cancel its hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit set for November 16 to 17.

“The Office of the President therefore expresses the country’s support for Chile as it made the hard decision of cancelling its hosting of the AELM, taking into consideration the interest and concerns of the Chilean people, as its country endured massive street protests that was propelled by a civil disobedience campaign over metro transit hikes,” Malacañang in a statement through Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Friday (November 1).

Due to the ongoing public unrest, the Chilean government earlier pulled out as host of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

Duterte earlier confirmed his intention to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting which was supposed to bring together heads of governments to discuss trade relations and investments within the region.

Panelo said Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez were supposed to join the President in Chile to meet with their counterparts during this years’  final meetings of APEC Senior Officials, APEC Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministers and Leaders.

Panelo emphasized the Philippines’ trade and commercial relations with APEC economies which, according to the official, accounts for 84% of the total trade of the Philippines worldwide, 82% total exports worldwide, and 85% of its total imports and 64% of foreign direct investment into the Philippines, and 83% of tourist arrivals.

“It is also worth noting that 56% of Filipinos abroad call the APEC region their home, and our overseas Filipino workers in this region account for the 57% of the total annual remittances the we receive in the country. As such, there are 33 Philippine Government agencies engaged in the APEC process,” Panelo said.

“The Palace thanks Chile, which is currently the home to approximately 800 Filipinos, mostly women, for its hard work in advocating for inclusive and sustainable growth in the region, such as by prioritizing women empowerment and promoting micro, small, and medium scale enterprises,” he added.

The Philippine government also expressed its continued support in ensuring that the two countries’ citizens  enjoy the benefits of deeper regional economic integration.

It’s almost the end of the year, have you gone on vacation yet? Have you been anywhere else besides your bed or the kitchen?

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It’s not bad to unwind once in a while especially with all the stress from work or school. We have listed a few fun activities you can do with your friends, loved ones, or by yourself—self-love.

Take a hike!

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Spend time with nature. Hiking has been one of the popular activities today because of the breath-taking views to enjoy with good company. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the local culture.

READ: Shinrin-yoku: How to remove stress through forest bathing

You can become a joiner through various hiking groups on Facebook and make friends with new people. This is also a good exercise but be sure to be well-prepared before hiking. Check the itinerary that will be given by hiking organizers and re-check your stuff before leaving.

If you’re uncomfortable talking to strangers you can just reconnect with nature without the need to become social, no one would mind.

Just dive in!

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If climbing mountains seems too tedious for you, just get the classic vitamin sea instead. Nothing beats a good old beach vacation. Imagine yourself dipping in fresh saltwater or making sandcastles. Also, budol fiigghhtt!

You can also enroll in free-diving lessons and enjoy an underwater experience. Be a mermaid for a day! Just make sure you have the proper training before diving in—safety first!

Nurture your culture!

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You can also try immersing yourself in art. The Philippines has interesting museums you can explore. Some of them are even offering free entrance—yay! Free stuff.

Spend your vacation touring Manila, track the roots of Filipino culture and appreciate the art that embodies it. Looking at art can also have a calming effect. Some museums even offer fun activities like painting, origami, or seminars.

Eat to your heart’s content!

If museum hopping isn’t triggering your excitement then try food exploring! Every city in the country has its own best food destination — it’s not just Maginhawa anymore.

Spend your vacation trying some of the best foods that the Philippines can offer. Imagine yourself as a well-known chef in search of the most delicious bites. Create a memorable culinary experience by going to the unfamiliar. Is there a food that you haven’t tried before?

Home sweet home

What else is there to say? Food, check! Entertainment, check! Comfort, check!—AAC