HEADS UP: Gyms, Spas in Metro Manila Closed Until Easter (March 24)

Here's a Heads Up from Reportr.World on news that you need to know today, March 24:

NCR BUBBLE, HOLY WEEK GUIDE:

• Metro Manila mayors decided to close gyms, spas and internet cafes for the duration of the NCR Plus bubble, until April 4.
• Churches have reverted to live streaming masses through the Holy Week. Some are open for silent prayer at limited capacity.
• Here are the shortened operating hours of banks during the bubble period.
• Heads up if you're planning to take the MRT, LRT or PNR.
• If you're booking a post-Holy Week vacation, subsidized RT-PCR tests are suspended until the end of March, said the DOT.
• See our guide below for more NCR Plus information that you need to know

CULTURE EXPLAINED:

• Is tinola bland? Filipino foodies are divided over the chicken soup that is both comfort food and fuel for champions like Manny Pacquiao.

TOP STORIES:

• The Department of Tourism is looking into reports that Balesin Club had been offering members within the bubble a workaround to fly to the island by using its Anti-COVID Immunity Treatment as an excuse.
• In a symbolic journey, a Filipino scientist conquered the third deepest spot on the planet.
• New COVID cases yesterday were at 5,867, lower than Monday, as the NCR Plus bubble took hold.
• In Los Banos, scientists are swabbing bats in the hopes of understanding how the coronavirus goes to humans from animals. The goal is to halt future pandemics on their tracks.
• Protection for economic frontliners. Jollibee is vaccinating its employees against COVID-19 for free.
• Actress Liza Soberano is trending again, this time for asking what she called a "genuine question": Where is the assistance for the poor?
• Siargao's chefs banded together to make kitchen magic, hoping to save restaurant jobs during the pandemic and establish surf town as a foodie destination.
• A new study sought to explain why children have better defenses against severe COVID.
• They're just fishing boats, China said of the presence of 220 vessels off a Philippine reef, which officials in Manila called an "incursion."1 in 3 COVID Survivors Suffer Long-Term Health Issues: Review
• One in three COVID survivors suffer long-term health issues, according to a study.
• Nintendo has teamed up with Pokemon Go Creator Niantic for Smartphone Games
• The Philippine Postal Corp has released commemorative stamps to mark 500 years of Christianity in the country.