Showing posts with label Paul Ranara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Ranara. Show all posts

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Bohol residents make reusable face masks to help people during pandemic

Hilda Bangalao wore a reusable face mask when she went to Cogon public market in Tagbilaran City on Thursday to buy fish.

Bangalao, 43, said she made her home-made mask since there was no available surgical mask in pharmacies and malls.

A vegetable vendor wears a washable mask as a self- protection and community protection from the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Photo: Leo Udtohan

"It's expensive to buy outside," she said referring to reusable or improvised face masks sold outside for P50-P150.

"Practical lang ko kay para protektahan akong kaugalingon sa virus," she added.

Bangalao and other 1.3 million residents in Bohol were mandated to wear masks after Bohol Governor Arthur Yap in his executive order No. 15 last March required all residents to wear masks upon leaving their homes to fight the coronavirus disease.

Face mask means anything from the reusable, washable or improvised to the disposable masks to be worn at all times, in all public places. 

Now, everyone is wearing face masks amid the outbreak. On streets, in office lobbies, and aboard public transportation, people sport pale-hued surgical and home-made masks.

Although health officials emphasized N95 masks are the only ones known to properly provide real protection, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

While the health front liners are exposed to risk,
there are some residents who are making efforts to sew and give do-it-yourself (DIY) face masks to first responders and healthcare workers who try to arrest the virus.

They are hoping their efforts will bring a small layer of protection to all healthcare workers lacking supplies.

Those who answered the call were fashion designers, couturiers and housewives.

Couple Paul and Rose Ranara (of Rose Paul Silhouette) produce multi-layered face masks and improvised personal protective equipments for free to front-liners.

Fashion designer EJ Relampagos of EJ Relampagos Couture created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

Relampagos donated 500 reusable masks to frontliners at hospitals,  barangay health workers and quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran airport.

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Another fashion designers, couple Paul and Rose Ranara of Rose Paul Silhouette, also produced multi-layered masks made from non-woven fabric material like taffeta cloth to the frontliners.

They gave these masks for free to hospitals, provincial Capitol and health centers, and well, neighbors.

Rose said making their mask is painstaking, time-consuming, since aside it is a multi-layered mask, it have pocket for filter and another non-woven layer.

"Just because you're wearing one does not mean you're in the clear... that's why we put together three layers of breathable polyester, non-woven fabric, and waterproof non-woven fabric with an opening to place filters in small, medium and large sizes," explained Rose.

They explained they want to make a difference, even if from their own small ways.

The Ranara couple said they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," said Rose.

Jen and dozens of her fellow nurses in a government hospital are pleading for more personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves and gowns as they continue to grapple with the critical PPE shortages.

Responding to the concerns of the nurses, Rose and Paul made makeshift PPEs for free.

"We work very hard to be of service to you in the midst of this global pandemic. We get dead tired every day because we lack the manpower as many of our sewers couldn't report to work anymore. Thank God we are still left with a few very dedicated employees who never fail us. We feel emotional seeing today's output: PPE COVERALL for our frontliners," Rose said.

Nang Inday, a sewer from Barangay Booy, also made reusable, hand-sewn masks for frontliners for free. But for non-health workers who buy her mask, she sells it for P30.

Bohol-based surgeon April Lumuthang-Froilan said washable mask has limited protection compared to N95 mask.

"These are not N95 masks, but in this time they are better than nothing," said Lumuthang-Froilan who is one of the frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital.

She also said masks could be helpful in another sense to remind people to protect themselves in this pandemic.

She said homemade masks maybe the last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

The Bohol Island State University and its Fabrication Laboratory (Fablab) also turned over face shields made from laser-cut acrylic plastic and acetate to resident physicians of Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH) which the state university put up to help the medical professionals in the front-lines get the much needed protection from the virus.

Bohol province was first to issue a stay-at-home order and mandatory wearing of mask,  the safest ways to avoid the infection.

Please stay at home to protect the community! 

* * *
Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.


Saturday, March 21, 2020

Bohol designers donate reusable face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Powerful Bible verses to fight fear and help you heal in tough times

The COVID-19 pandemic is confusing and frightening millions of people as it refused to die down.

It has redefined social graces--- no beso-beso, hugs and kisses, and shaking hands. People are reminded to observe "social distancing" --- that is three feet away or farther from each other.

The virus has also affected social life. Birthday parties, weddings, concerts, graduations and the like have either been postponed or cancelled.

To all who were advised for home quarantine, please stay at home!  We have the whole community to protect.


It's 14 days to save lives,14 days to save the community, 14 days to save the world. We should not ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts. Remember, a little sacrifice can make a big difference.

The pandemic also questions our faith. It’s easy to lose faith when pain is plaguing our mind, body, and soul. But no matter how hard the situation is, no matter how unsure the world is,  we can count on finding some strength in G-d’s word.

Here are just a few of the great verses found in the Bible about G-d's great power to deliver us from fear and for healing:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 -"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Psalm 91- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my G-d, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Isaiah 41:13- "For I am the LORD your G-d who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Psalm 6:2-"O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror."

Jeremiah 17:14-"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are my praise."

Psalm 27:1- The LORD is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

Isaiah 41:10-"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your G-d. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to G-d. And the peace of G-d, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Deuteronomy 31:8- "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

1 Peter 5:7-"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

John 14:27-"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Joshua 1:9-"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your G-d is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 23:4 -"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

2 Timothy 1:7-"For G-d has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Psalm 34:4-"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Matthew 9:20–22- "Then suddenly a woman . . . came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be made well.' Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, 'Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.'"

*   *   *
Bohol designers donate reusable
face masks for frontliners

It’s crucial for health care workers, doctors, and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus disease to have the proper protective gear to lower the risk of contracting Covid-19, but the world's mask supply is being so rapidly depleted.

Health experts have suggested homemade masks as a last resort for health care providers in places where face masks are not available.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on,  designers Paul and Rose Ranara and EJ Relampagos donate reusable face masks as the province is experiencing a shortage of surgical masks and respirators.

Good Samaritans are rising to the occasion, helping the government in its efforts to arrest the virus.

Cases in point: Bohol designers EJ Relampagos and Paul and Rose Ranara.

They have created washable and reusable face masks intended for frontliners in the province.

EJ and her staff at EJ Relampagos Couture donated reusable masks to frontliners at the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Borja Community Hospital, barangay health workers and  quarantine facility team at the old Tagbilaran  airport

“This is my only available resources that I can share at this point in time," said EJ.

Paul and Rose (of Rose Paul Silhouette) are also producing washable face masks for our frontliners.

In a Facebook post, they need volunteers to help them produce more masks.

"Calling volunteers who can help us produce face masks to donate to the health sector. We have the raw materials and high speed sewing machines but we lack the manpower because most of our sewers already went home to be with their families," they said.

Thank you for the love, thank you for the malasakit!

May your tribe increase!

* * *

Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.