SOCIAL MEDIA

Hamilo Coast, WWP partner in eco-tourism and sustainability

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Hamilo Coast, the premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, may be the weekend haven of the country’s affluent set, yet it is on track as a thriving model of sustainable eco-tourism practices.






Touting 5,800 hectares of prime seaside development, Hamilo Coast is a project of SM Prime’s Costa Del Hamilo, Inc. (CDHI), which carefully integrates residential, resort, leisure, commercial, and institutional land uses in the sprawling estate. But beyond its vast scope and stunning vistas, Hamilo Coast embraces sustainable tourism at the core of its philosophy and shows how beautiful beachfront homes can harmonize with nature and the environment.



2022 marks Hamilo Coast’s 15th year of productive partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF) conservation group. Hamilo Coast and WWF have been working on key sustainability areas—coastal resource management, ridge-to-reef management, solid waste management, mangrove reforestation, renewable energy sources, and environmental awareness.



This long-standing collaboration with WWF signifies Hamilo Coast’s determination to pursue eco-tourism and sustainability while upholding international standards for leisure property development.




Ms. Imee G. Francisco, Vice President and Head of CDHI Projects and Operations, takes pride in the partnership’s objectives. “More than building and maintaining a beautiful community, we seek to create and sustain a world that future generations can enjoy. To help serve this end, CDHI continues to develop Hamilo Coast without compromising the quality of wildlife living around it.”



This year, Hamilo Coast and WWF will focus on addressing the major components of waste management, which include assessment of solid waste, water and wastewater management practices, formulation of the environmental management plan, and the promotion of food shed farming systems. Apart from these, Hamilo Coast and WWF will continuously work on programs that will help conserve, protect, and nurture the environment.



For one, Hamilo Coast and WWF’s Ridge to Reef program declared three of Hamilo Coast’s 13 coves–Pico de Loro, Etayo, and Santelmo–as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). These are coastal zones where human activities are strictly regulated to ensure long-term conservation. Declaring more MPAs would also mean expanding Hamilo Coast’s scope in safeguarding more marine ecosystems and resources.



Hamilo Coast also continues implementing a mangrove reforestation program in its 24-hectare mangrove belt—one of the largest in Nasugbu. Hamilo has planted 50,000 propagules hand-in-hand with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.



Mangroves are the first line of defense for coastal communities, stabilizing shorelines by averting erosion and providing natural barriers to storm surges, flooding, and hurricanes. As effective carbon storage, mangroves absorb six times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making it all the more vital in slowing down the effects of climate change.




Finally, Hamilo Coast and WWF will further push for environmental awareness by celebrating occasions that show respect for biodiversity. One is the annually held Earth Hour, during which time people are urged to shut down electricity to make a substantial difference in energy consumption. Individuals, organizations, and establishments also come together on Coral Triangle Day to shed light on ocean conservation and how we can protect and preserve the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity.



Likewise, the development boasts the largest volunteer effort for the ocean’s health, made possible with the International Coastal Cleanup, where people gather on the Pico and Santelmo beaches to collect trash and record information on the collected debris.



For all these sustained efforts, WWF has awarded Hamilo Coast the Longest Sustainability Partner Award, recognizing the development’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its positive impact on the Philippine tourism industry.



Francisco affirms, “CDHI is proud of how far we have come at Hamilo Coast with the help of WWF. This inspires us to do even more, hoping that our efforts will make it possible for future generations to witness the beauty of nature as we see it today.”
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The UPSer who keeps pushing back

It is often said that the difference between a good colleague and a great colleague is the willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. If that’s the case then Mang Boy Salas – one of the longest-serving employees at UPS’s Clark hub in the Philippines – is a great guy to have on your team.










Since joining UPS in 2002, Mang Boy has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished members of the company’s ground crew – and when it comes to his knowledge of one particular skill, he’s recognized as one of the best in the business.


Humble Beginnings


Mang Boy was born in Baliuag, Bulacan to a poor family of eight children, the older of two boys. His father passed away when Mang Boy was young but before he left, he urged Mang Boy to continue his studies. The young son didn’t follow his father’s dying wish but looked instead for work to help his younger siblings complete their education.


At 11 years old, he started regularly shuttling to and from Bulacan to Manila to do odd jobs, including working in a restaurant owned by his uncle. One day, he heard there was work available at Manila International Airport (MIA), where he eventually became a baggage loader. He did well and when one of the airport’s senior managers moved over to the then newly-opened UPS facility in Clark Pampanga, he asked Mang Boy to join him as one of the first employees.


He was thrilled with the new job. It offered additional benefits on top of a basic salary and it meant he no longer had to take odd jobs on the side to make ends meet.


Thanks to Mang Boy’s help and hard work, all seven of his siblings were able to finish college.


Knowing how to push back


It is 2022, and Mang Boy is celebrating his twentieth year at UPS Clark. He has risen steadily through the ranks and established himself as the go-to guy for one of UPS’s important ground operations tasks.


“Push back” is the movement of an aircraft from a nose-in parking position to a taxi-ready position using specialized ground equipment. To the untrained eye, it looks pretty simple, but it’s a delicate operation. Any error could compromise the aircraft, its passengers and cargo, and put the ground crew's lives at risk.


“It’s the final step in the loading procedure,” Mang Boy said. “Your maneuver should be calculated, the speed of movement precise.”


He’s happy to share his expertise and experience with his team. New recruits who undergo further training in the United States have returned stressing how Mang Boy’s lessons helped them pass the stringent training requirements.

Work ethic, reliability, legacy


“When people ask me why I’ve decided to stay at UPS so long, it’s because UPS is a company that has always rewarded diligence, expertise, and loyalty,” said Mang Boy.


Angelo Yutuc, UPS Clark Hub manager, said, “After 20 years, we’re still impressed by Mang Boy’s work ethic, and amazed by his outstanding results day in and day out; he’s one of the most reliable employees we’ve ever had.


“All of us, from management to ground crew, enjoy working with him. We really look forward to him sharing his expertise with the younger members of our team, which is important for the development of the group as a whole. For UPS, being able to retain top talent for the long term serves as an inspiration to the younger members of the team and shows that having a good work ethic is an important characteristic for every successful professional.”


UPS Philippines’ Managing Director Russell Reed described Mang Boy as one of the most valuable employees of the organization. “We are grateful to Mang Boy for always putting the interests of others ahead of his own. He embodies the customer first and people-led principles that guide everything we do at UPS.”


Mang Boy hopes his younger colleagues will be able to draw as much joy and satisfaction in their job, and at UPS, as he has. These are his three top tips for how they can do it:


· “Deliver – on schedule and in good condition. The customer paid good money and they expect good service in return.”

· “Come to work well-rested and be prepared for the day’s tasks. You’re handling equipment to maneuver a very expensive plane and its cargo, so your full focus needs to be on the job at hand.”

· “Stay humble; don’t be arrogant. ‘Pakikisama sa kapwa’ is always important but make sure to work for a company that treats its people correctly.


Mang Boy says he will continue to remember and share his advice with others until he finally decides to hang up his UPS uniform for good. When that day comes, he says he’s looking forward to enjoying more of the finer things in life.

“When I retire, I'll spend time with my family and friends, eat out more often, exercise a lot, and go biking with my children. Maybe a few shot-shots every now and then,” he grins.


“And I’ll be very happy and contented seeing my colleagues and the company continue to succeed for many years to come.”
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Take a Peek: Uniqlo U 2022 Fall/Winter Collection

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of the Uniqlo U 2022 Fall/Winter collection starting September 23. Designed by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire and his UNIQLO R&D team in Paris under the theme the Essentials with a Point of View, the new collection offers an even more considered take on minimalism.




Uniqlo U 2022 Fall/Winter began with the idea of a capsule wardrobe that could fit into a single suitcase, adaptable enough to take you through an entire season with essentials that pay special attention to functionality and versatility.


A New Genderless Offering


The men’s and women’s design teams worked together to create a concise collection of genderless essentials such as the practical pocketable long coat and workwear-inspired utility short blouson jacket, varied in size but not design, that reflects a modern approach to dressing. Boxy silhouettes and roomy proportions are suited to many body types and layer effortlessly with both the men’s and women’s garments.


Essentials for our Lifestyles


The women’s collection features carefully considered essentials that provide practicality, comfort, and versatility in our daily lives. Utilitarian, layered silhouettes are both beautiful and functional: coats made for commuting, soft wool knits, menswear-inspired shirts, classic high-waisted jeans with a modern, rounded leg. The men’s lineup is a thoughtfully curated, versatile collection of pieces designed for city life and outdoor pursuits. Generous, boxy layers made of soft wool, flannel and cotton jersey bring a sense of warmth and comfort. The perfect chino pants modernize the classic workwear style with a wide, tapered leg.


A range of sophisticated new colors - bright ochre yellow, purple, washed red and warm white - complement rich neutrals, grounded in nature.


Collection







The lineup includes 25 items for women, 22 items for men, and 1 items for kids.



UNIQLO R&D Centers


Uniqlo U is a collection of “Future LifeWear Essentials.” The world-class designers and patternmakers in the Paris design team reimagine everyday clothing using innovative materials and new, contemporary silhouettes. Each season is designed with the highest precision and in pursuit of a simplified, modern wardrobe.



UNIQLO R&D Centers are places for experimentation, trying new ideas, innovating and creating. The Paris R&D Center complements other UNIQLO R&D Centers in Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Los Angeles.



Christophe Lemaire



Christophe Lemaire has been designing his namesake collection since 1991. He has also served as Artistic Director of Lacoste and Artistic Director of women’s ready-to-wear at Hermès. In 2015, he partnered with UNIQLO, resulting in the UNIQLO AND LEMAIRE collaboration collections for Fall/Winter 2015 and Spring/Summer 2016. Christophe Lemaire was appointed Artistic Director of the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center in 2016, where he and his handpicked team of designers create the Uniqlo U collection.
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#TimeToTalkAboutHPV towards a cervical cancer-free Philippines

“Let’s stop spreading fake news. We should stop spreading misinformation that cervical cancer immediately means a death sentence – it is not!”




This is the appeal of the panel of doctors and patient advocates who spearheaded the freshly held health talk on cervical cancer titled #TimeToTalkAboutHPV: A health forum on HPV prevention and cancer control. Organized by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines (CECAP), together with the Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecology (AOFOG), the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), and MSD in the Philippines, the media forum aims to serve as a reminder that cervical cancer is preventable with regular screening tests and the HPV vaccination.


Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination and screening for precursor lesions (pap smear at least every three years and HPV DNA testing for women starting at age 30), with appropriate follow-up and treatment. With access to accurate information, preventive services, and routine gynecological care, most cases can be prevented and successfully treated early.


Despite this, cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in the Philippines and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Current estimates indicate that 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and 4,052 die from the disease.


Cervical cancer develops at the entrance to the uterus from the vagina and around 99 percent of the cases are linked to HPV or human papillomaviruses. Modes of transmission include sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and rarely, through objects exposed to the virus.


It’s a highly-treatable disease if detected at its early stages. The precancerous stage provides ample window for detection and treatment, and it could take as long as 30 years before it reaches malignancy. However, it is one of the most common types of cancer and  common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, affecting mostly young, uneducated women from poor countries.


But more recently, COVID-19 has taken a toll on women’s health as studies have shown a gap in missed routine preventative exams and screening visits. “I think the world has been focused on Covid for the past 2 ½ years and we have overlooked other health concerns,” said Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, professor and chief of infectious and tropical disease division in Pediatrics University of UP Manila College of Medicine. “It is only recently when vulnerabilities to vaccine-preventable diseases are being noticed once again.”

Things you need to know about HPV


One life-altering issue that deserves focus is the huge burden that threatens women and men, including teenagers worldwide, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). “HPV is a virus that causes a wide range of diseases,” said MSD executive director of medical affairs for vaccines and infectious disease Dr. Mel Kohn.


“Apart from cervical cancer, the 2nd leading cancer for Filipinas, HPV can give men head and neck cancer, anal cancer for both sexes and a variety of less common but also devastating kinds of cancers,” he enumerated. Examples are vaginal and vulvar cancers and penile cancer.


“Genital warts, while it doesn’t kill you, can be quite devastating,” said Dr. Kohn. “It is quite common and very difficult to eradicate. Imagine the psychological toll on the patient. Again, prevention is the best approach here.”


HPV is common. It is passed from one person to another during sexual contact. “It’s a quiet epidemic unlike COVID,” he warned. Unlike the measles with obvious expression, “you don’t immediately see it when you meet somebody but it’s there and has been growing rather insidiously.”


The Philippines has a population of 37.8 million women ages 15 years and older at risk of developing cervical cancer. About 2.9% of women in the general population are estimated to harbor cervical HPV-16/18 infection at a given time, and 58.6% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to HPVs 16 or 18.


Although some infections from this commonly occurring virus with more than 100 types usually go away on their own, at least 14 types of HPV are cancer-causing.


The age indication for HPV vaccines is as young as nine years old for both girls and boys. Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also should have HPV vaccination. Women up to age 45 may be eligible for vaccination after discussing it with their provider.


According to Dr. Ong-Lim, they target the young because of their increased susceptibility to infections.


“That particular age group demonstrates optimal immune response. Also, only two doses are needed to achieve protection,” she shared.


But more importantly, giving the vaccine at a younger age ensures they are already protected before becoming sexually active. “HPV vaccines work best when given before exposure to the virus. We must try to catch that window when the immune system responds very well to it,” Dr. Ong-Lim explained.


Manila Declaration: Call to Action Against Cervical Cancer chair and practicing OB-Gynecologist Dr. Jean Anne Toral mentioned that the young and adult fertility study done recently, indicates that the average age Filipina women become sexually active is 18.2 years old. “Giving the vaccine at age 9-15 would be beneficial as there is no life event that exactly pinpoints exposure to HPV apart from age of sexual debut,” she said.


There will be seven to eight out of 10 women who would be exposed to HPV at one point in their life, “But not all women will develop cervical cancer,” Dr. Toral assured. The probability of HPV exposure developing into cancer increases if a patient smokes is exposed to other sexually-transmitted diseases and has HIV.

School-based HPV vaccination


As part of the government’s effort to protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases, the Department of Health and partner agencies roll out the School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program.


The SBI Program includes measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria (MR-TD), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines administered to eligible students in public elementary schools. The inclusion of HPV vaccination in the SBI Program aims to protect young women from cervical cancer later in life, among other diseases associated with HPV.


Under the DOH’s SBI Program, HPV vaccination is given to grade 4 based on DOH’s recommended age group to receive the two doses of the HPV vaccine, six months apart, for protection against cervical cancer.


Before administering the vaccine, parents’ consent must first be obtained by school officials. That is why vaccination education campaigns usually highlight parents' role in fortifying their children's health shield through timely vaccination against diseases.


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HPV vaccination, formerly delivered through the SBI Program, is now being shifted as part of the Community-based Immunization to still deliver HPV vaccination to young girls amidst the pandemic to protect them against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases and cancers.

Towards a cervical cancer-free future




The elimination of cervical cancer has been defined as achieving an incidence rate low enough for the disease to be considered controlled as a public-health problem; this threshold has been defined by the WHO as fewer than 4 cases per 100,000 women per year.


To accomplish this, every country must reach and maintain three key targets, within the lifetime of today’s young generation. The first is for 90 per cent of girls to be fully vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15. The second is to ensure that 70 per cent of women are screened using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by age 45. The final target is for 90 per cent of women with pre-cancer to receive treatment and for 90 per cent of women with invasive cancer to have their condition properly managed.


Achieving this vision and each elimination target will require a whole-of-society and multisectoral approach to ensure health systems prioritize women and girls. Individuals, families, communities, , civil society, and government agencies at all levels have a role to play in championing greater awareness, education, and social support.


Carmen Auste, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. said that the Philippines is among the countries that declared commitment together with WHO to eradicate cervical cancer in the country by 2040, and by 2030 worldwide. “There is already one type of cancer we can delete or ‘block’ like social media,” she humored. “To attain that goal, we must augment HPV vaccine uptake and educate the Filipinos on HPV, vaccines, and cancers caused by HPV,” she said.


Auste mentioned SUCCESS ('Scale-up Cervical Cancer Elimination with Secondary prevention Strategy') project as one of the advocacies recently launched in selected barangays. Led by Expertise France and delivered in collaboration with Jhpiego and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in support of WHO, the project aims to deploy innovative solutions to fight cervical cancer in four countries, including the Philippines.


At this critical juncture, we must empower women and rally our neighbors, community leaders, and governments to take action and save thousands of lives. If widespread, high coverage of these interventions can be achieved by 2030 and maintained, research predicts cervical cancer can be eliminated in most countries globally by 2120—avoiding over 63 million deaths of women globally.


Together, let’s commit to women everywhere to end cervical cancer. 









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HONOR announces high-profile devices at Europe's biggest tech show IFA

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Backed with impressive innovations and upgrades, the Global technology brand HONOR is set to announce its newest technology at IFA 2022, Berlin, Germany. IFA, or Internationale Funkausstellung, is Europe's biggest tech exhibit where giant brands, like Samsung and Apple, often showcase the latest devices for consumers. The date is September 2, and the time is 5 PM local Berlin time, a.k.a. CEST, which means 11:00 PM in the Philippines.





The brand has not yet confirmed its upcoming device lineup to be released initially in the Philippines. HONOR’s theme “Embracing the Connected Future” at IFA 2022 is a great opportunity for Filipino consumers to know what exciting devices to watch out for!


HONOR is preparing a live stream with an embedded YouTube video that will be accessible when the event starts. Filipinos can easily access the live stream from this link.


In HONOR’s keynote at IFA 2022, George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co. Ltd. will talk about a new connected reality.


Having announced its official comeback to the Philippines with local partners this 2022, HONOR aims to become an iconic technology brand for Filipinos and globally, creating a smart world for all through its powerful products and services. CEO George Zhao's keynote at IFA 2022 will address how HONOR is ushering a paradigm shift for smart living solutions to enable device interoperability between smartphone, tablet, PC, and wearables. Meanwhile, Tony Ran, President of HONOR Europe, will share further details regarding how European consumers benefit from the new HONOR Smart Life products.


With a consistent focus on research and development, HONOR is committed to new technologies. "They are designed to empower people worldwide to go beyond themselves and give them the freedom to achieve and do more." George Zhao emphasizes.


George Zhao and Tony Ran will speak about their company goals as well as the new breakthroughs of HONOR in the connected future at IFA 2022.

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SM Launches My City, My SM, My Music Campaign

Bringing Music and People Together


Over the past few years, the My City, My SM series has showcased the different facets of our country’s rich culture – our tourist attractions, our cuisine, our artisan crafts, and most recently, our visual arts.




Beginning this August, our cultural journey takes us to another exciting route with the premiere launching of My City, My SM, My Music at The Block at SM City North EDSA.


A joint project of SM, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Filipino Heritage Festival, WCOPA, and the Philippine Star, with support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) and Tahanan Books, My City, My SM, My Music is a celebration of Philippine performing arts –music, dance, and theatre.


It aims to bring music and people together by showcasing indigenous, folk classical, and contemporary artistry in a roadshow around the SM Supermalls. Advocating music for all, we are working with communities to mount shows, exhibits, workshops, and contests in key cities around the Philippines.


But why music? While every country has its own language there’s only one language we can understand: the language of music. Music plays a very important role in bringing people together because it connects people in ways no other medium can.


More than that, it is said that Filipinos are born to sing, dance, and perform. Beyond the melodies of everyday life, singing is our way of celebrating. Indigenous groups continue to practice inherited music like songs for work, rituals, festivals, mourning, and courting. And today, music continues to move us, inspire us, and join our hearts in song.


“Like art, music has the power to connect and bring people together,” says Metropolitan Museum of Manila President Tina Colayco, who has collaborated with SM on many cultural projects. “ I think that every performance and every art exhibition is a celebration.” With that, “the Metropolitan Museum of Manila is very honored to continue again another campaign with SM for My City, My SM, My Music. We are proud, happy, and inspired to be able to participate in this kind of holistic approach where music, dance, and theater all come together for a different kind of experience.”


For Filipino Heritage Festival President Armita Rufino, who has worked with SM for many years to bring our rich culture to the malls. “ this project of SM is going to be very informative for us who love music and who love dance.”


“Music is the language of the soul,” says Annie Mercado, Creative Director of the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Team Philippines, which has brought much honor to the Philippines since it joined the prestigious annual competition in 2005. “It connects hearts. It speaks to you. It knows no boundaries, religion, ethnicity, culture, or social class. I am happy that SM has given recognition to the performing arts and music, the recognition it rightly deserves.”


More than that, “music is a gift from God,” adds Gerry Mercado National Director for WCOPA Team Philippines, “ and we feel very blessed that through this project, Filipinos will be able to showcase their God given talents all over the country.” Team Philippines dazzled the world by winning a total of 390 medals, including 136 golds, in the 23rd Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2019 in Long Beach, California. This is quite a feat as WCOPA is often cited as the official “Talent Olympics”, and the only event of its kind in the Hollywood area, the entertainment capital of the world.


For National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) President, Dr. Renato Lucas, who is also a cellist and conductor, “music expresses the unspeakable, describes the undemonstrable, and it reminds us of the memorable. Our music and our performing arts is a living monument of what we were, what we are, and what we could be.”


Since 1973, NAMCYA has been a driving force in discovering major music talents from all over the country in the fields of choral singing, piano, chamber music, family ensemble, and indigenous instruments. Some of the country’s brilliant artists like pianists Cecile Licad and Raul Sunico, Violinists Julian Quirit and Joseph Esmilla, tenor Noel Velasco, soprano Andion Fernandez, the UP Singing Ambassadors, the Loboc Children’s Choir and the University of Mindanao Chorale are among its distinguished winners.


“The Philippine Star has been all the way with SM in its My City, My SM series ever since its first incarnation, says Philippine Star EVP for Sales and Marketing Lucien Dy Tioco. ”I think this edition is really exciting because music covers everybody and it celebrates the culture of every region. With our collaboration, we will be able to bring Philippine performing arts more to the mainstream.”


Mallgoers will have the rare opportunity to have a glimpse of the life and work of National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon Pagayon Santos during the premier of My City, My SM, My Music event at SM City North EDSA from August 27 to 31. The award winning PWU JASMS Manila Rondalla under Noli DO. Rodriguez will be performing his compositions during the event launch; as will the amazing WCOPA Team Philippines medalists who have given us much honor in the prestigious international competition.


My City, My SM, My Music is a take-off from the My City, My SM campaign which promotes tourism; My City, My SM, My Cuisine, which highlights family heirloom recipes in the different regions; and My City, My SM, My Crafts, which celebrates traditional arts and modern Philippine design. Most recently, My City, My SM, My Art was a celebration of Philippine visual arts – painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and filmmaking.


My City, My SM, My Music’s next stop will be at SM City Olongapo Central.

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Two-peat win of Smart Omega CODM reaps praise, regionals next

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is proud of its professional esports team Smart Omega Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) for bagging the two-peat championship title in the recently concluded Garena Masters Season 3.

 


Besting seven other squads from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Smart Omega CODM defended its title in the first offline event since the global pandemic.

 

“This is a special memory I will treasure for a long time because our team's hard work finally paid off,” said CODM sniper Jerrold "Woopiiee" Regay. “As the team captain and leader in-game, I was mentally prepared to guide my teammates in this battle. I braced myself by preparing for all potential game outcomes, including various strategies,” he added.

 

Smart Omega coach Bruce Cruz recalled the young esports athletes' training to achieve this goal. “We relentlessly scrimmaged with international teams and removed their mindset of being complacent and other bad habits. We had to be consistent in following our winning system,” Cruz shared.

 

Smart’s support of the Smart Omega CODM team is part of its longstanding push to promote Philippine esports and cultivate the passion, skill, and talent of Filipino esports athletes and mobile gamers. Aside from organizing the country's biggest esports events, Smart also supports gamers with relevant data offers and services, powered by the country’s fastest mobile network according to Ookla.

 

“We are very proud of this team, which consists of young dreamers who are making their mark in the esports arena. As a staunch supporter of esports development in the Philippines, we will continue to support Smart Omega CODM as they prepare for their next biggest challenge in the international stage,” said Jude H. Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

 

After their success in Garena Masters Season 3, Smart Omega will advance to the Stage 4 Regionals in September and face top squads to earn a spot in the World Championship.

 


The reigning champs also recognize the contribution of their fans who showed their support during the event. “We won't forget how you cheered loudly to boost the team's morale and how you screamed your hearts out when we won the championship. We won't let you down and we'll give it our all in every game,” Regay said. 

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Takeda Philippines urges public to #ContinueCaring for Lymphoma Patients

As the COVID situation in the country is improving, biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. highlights the importance of providing continuous care for patients diagnosed with lymphoma.






“Now that restrictions are easing up, we have the opportunity to take initiative and engage in activities that will allow us to extend the much-needed assistance that lymphoma patients need,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “The situation may constantly change, but our commitment towards educating Filipinos about this disease and improving patient access to treatment and quality of lymphoma care remains the same.”

Knowing the enemy disease


Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the world. According to a study by the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), over 600,000 new cases of lymphoma were detected worldwide in 2020, making it the 11th most common cancer in the world.[1] In the Philippines, there were over 4,000 new patients were diagnosed with this disease in 2020.[2]


It begins when an infection-fighting white blood cell (or lymphocyte) mutates, divides and grows out of control, compromising the immune system and lodging itself onto lymph nodes or "kulani" and causing them to swell. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that involves the presence of a specific type of lymphocyte called Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma cases comprise one-fifth of all lymphoma cases worldwide, making it a rare cancer.[3]

Like any other cancers, detecting the disease in its early stages is essential, as survival rates drop from 90% to 70% in patients with advanced stages. Hodgkin lymphoma shares common symptoms with other diseases such as fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. This, coupled with the fact that it is a relatively rare disease, makes it difficult for people to identify it in its early stages.

Diagnosing lymphoma entails several tests to confirm its type. One of which is through a bone marrow biopsy. Another one is through a series of panel tests called immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, specifically the one that tests for the CD30 lymphoma marker. However, IHC is not a standard test in the country due to its cost and lack of availability in hospitals.


Plights of a lymphoma patient



Jheric Delos Angeles, lymphoma survivor-advocate and co-founder of Lymphoma Philippines, shared some of the struggles faced by lymphoma patients. These challenges include access to accurate diagnosis and new medicines, financial means, communication gaps with healthcare providers, cultural stigma, and discrimination.





Having battled lymphoma himself, he co-founded Lymphoma Philippines, a patient support group that aims to help patients and their loved ones who are diagnosed with the disease, and to raise awareness about lymphoma.


Apart from these barriers, Delos Angeles added, “Every individual requires a strong support system. In fact, Lymphoma Philippines was created to provide emotional support and empowerment and to bridge the information gap.”


Takeda Philippines stands with all the lymphoma patients and recognizes the struggles they face, and the many dreams and hopes they are yet to fulfill. Hence, Takeda Philippines takes on the mission to create approaches that would help patients overcome the barriers and shares multiple ways on how the company shows the continuity of care for lymphoma patients.


Takeda Philippines invests in various programs and solutions to address affordability barriers and to improve treatment access among patients. First, the company is guided by a tier-pricing approach where medicines are priced in a manner that reflects the holistic value they offer to patients, the healthcare system, and society. Secondly, Takeda Philippines has the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This uses innovative and collaborative financing models to increase access to treatment and medicines for the recommended duration. Eligible patients may contact their doctors for information on enrolling in the program.


“Aside from this, educating ourselves about the nature of the disease – its causes, symptoms, manifestations – is one of the first steps to take, which we can easily do by researching about lymphoma and attending talks facilitated by medical experts,” shared Dr. Joy Pabellon, Medical Affairs Lead at Takeda Philippines.


She added, “Engaging in conversations about lymphoma can also help strengthen the dialogue surrounding it. We can create spaces for lymphoma awareness and care campaigns through our social circles and platforms.”

A commitment to lymphoma patients


Takeda Philippines has engaged in several initiatives on lymphoma awareness, such as webinars, talks, and workshops, in partnership with national cancer organizations. Earlier this year, it launched the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about lymphoma by providing free testing to patients, partnering with relevant organizations and institutions, and sponsoring talks and seminars to educate the public about the disease.


Recently, Takeda Philippines provided a Php 1,000,000 grant to Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH) to expand cancer research efforts in the country. This initiative is geared toward providing a more comprehensive range of support for Filipino cancer patients. The grant will allow CARE PH to train encoders and lead additional site-specific cancer registries. It will contribute to the research and development of newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to diagnose cancers earlier and ensure that the best possible treatments are accessible and available to patients.

Furthermore, Takeda Philippines aims to sustain its efforts to provide patients access to the CD30 lymphoma marker test through donating to the PHAPCares Foundation. The PHAPCares Foundation is the social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) mandated to help improve the health and lives of Filipinos disadvantaged by sickness, poverty, conflicts, and disasters.


This year, the PHAPCares Foundation is partnering with one of the country's largest tertiary public referral hospitals for the CD30 Testing for Lymphoma Awareness and Prevention Program (CLAP) to facilitate early screening, diagnosis, and confirmation of the disease. The CLAP initiative will provide CD30 testing for free to indigent Filipinos who would not have otherwise been tested.


“We are committed to outsmarting cancer so that more patients can benefit from—and have access to—life-transforming medicines. Through our cancer research and development, we are building on our deep understanding of cancer to develop new ways to approach the disease,” said Villanueva.


She added, “In all our efforts, we seek not only to increase awareness about lymphoma, but also to heed the call of the government to implement the spirit of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and for the medical, patient, and healthcare community, to come together to work towards a cancer-free Philippines.”


To know more about Takeda and its initiatives, visit www.takeda.com.






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MR.DIY’s affordable school essentials and supplies



It’s the back-to-school season with millions of students returning to face-to-face classes after two years since the pandemic pushed them towards online learning.






With this much-awaited return, a new set of back-to-school items are very much needed to help students prepare and get ready as they finally see their teachers and classmates in person and once again experience the joys of physical learning and socialization.



No matter the modes of learning, whether face-to-face or virtual, there’s no denying that students are thrilled to shop for the school supplies that go along with their books, uniform, and other essentials.



MR.DIY back-to-school essentials





Sharing the joy and excitement is MR.DIY, a one-stop shop for home improvement that makes shopping fun, easy, and convenient with their back-to-school essentials ready for grabs in all their stores nationwide!



True to its motto of “ALWAYS LOW PRICES”, MR.DIY covers a wide range of affordable products that students, along with their parents surely don’t want to miss as they shop and create their own haul of school essentials and fill in their backpacks!



Below is a quick guide of back-to-school essentials that can be found in MR.DIY that makes planning for back-to-school shopping a breeze.



Stationery and supplies all in one place!




In the stationery section, a variety of school supplies and items can be discovered such as pens, notebooks, highlighters, organizers, scissors, and other essentials that will surely help students for their daily needs – whether it’s for note-taking, art and creativity activities, and active learning assignments.



Starting with a clean slate or simply replacing a few missing essentials, MR.DIY has exactly what is needed for this coming school year – making categorizing and organizing an easy task to do.



Other items are available to stack up such as tapes, drawing books, sharpeners, and many more!



Pack your lunch in style!





More items from MR.DIY’s affordable back-to-school pieces are Tupperwares and Lunch Boxes that are perfect to safely store food. These items are fashionably ready to carry by students as they go to school and keep their food fresh and packed all throughout the day. Parents, on the other hand, will have peace of mind with regards to their kids not skipping their meals and eat what they have prepared.



As a brand that aims to provide a comfortable and convenient shopping experience to its customers, MR.DIY is excited to help students and parents to be ready and prepared with their affordable back-to-school items that can be easily found in their stores.



To learn more about MR.DIY and its products, visit www.mrdiy.com/ph. You may also follow /mrdiyPH on Facebook, and @mrdiy.philippines on Instagram and Tiktok for updates and upcoming promos.
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Sleep is the best gift you can give this Christmas

Monday, August 29, 2022

With the highly-anticipated “Ber” months just around the corner, Filipinos everywhere are getting ready to spread the early Christmas cheer the only way Filipinos know how—blasting Mariah Carey and Jose Mari Chan, counting down until December 25, and gearing up to give gifts to their loved ones.






Of course, what better gift is there to give than the gift of a good night’s rest?



According to Filipino sleep and lifestyle brand Linen & Homes, the gift of good sleep is essential simply because it’s the key to a wide range of health benefits like better energy.



Sleep-deprived Filipinos




Linen & Homes’ emphasis on quality sleep is essential given that studies have shown that nearly half of all Filipinos fail to get an adequate amount of sleep every night. This number puts Filipinos among the most sleep deprived in all of Asia. Many even report experiencing a negative impact on their stress levels and mental/emotional health.



With sleep deprivation affecting Filipinos of all ages, from young schoolchildren to working adults, it goes without saying that getting quality sleep is something everyone should appreciate.



“Sleep can be the gift that keeps on giving,” said Linen & Homes co-founder Shelly Tan. “Getting better sleep has the power for a healthier and happier lifestyle. We are grateful to be in a business where our product collection can positively impact us.”



Giving the gift of sleep to everyone




Founded by married couple Shelly and Ryan Tan, Linen & Homes has curated a collection of products that help customers create a cooler, more refreshing sleep environment amidst rising temperatures and a society driven by the hustle and bustle.



Linen & Homes’ products, like sheets and sleepwear, are made with natural bamboo fabric that adjusts to your body’s temperature. The premium bamboo fabric carries hypoallergenic properties to keep the body cool and even stay friendly to sensitive skin. Bamboo fabric is also anti-bacterial, meaning the fiber is more resistant to odors.



Linen & Homes’ collection of products are available in a curated range of products, making them ideal for gift-giving. For instance, the luxurious bamboo sheet sets sold by the brand are perfect for families or even new couples trying to settle into a new sleep routine. Likewise, soft, cozy bamboo cotton blankets are a great gem to give away at office parties and give colleagues one more reason to look forward to their time to relax after a day of work. Refreshing, the brand also offers soft and stretchy sleepwear that has become whole-day outfits, becoming the favorite outfit for night and day as told by repeat customers.



“Often, customers say that their recipients are pleased with their present. But, it’s also something that gets brought up repeatedly with true joy,” said Ryan Tan. “It was special for me to hear my no-nonsense uncle talk about how soft and cool his pajamas and sheets feel.”





Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that many Linen & Homes products are Oeko-Tex Certified—meaning customers can sleep well knowing it’s guaranteed the brand’s beddings contain no toxic or allergic substances. Being certified means products were tested according to the Standard 100 tests by Oeko-Tex, an association of independent institutes for product safety and sustainable production in the textile industry. The tests included inspecting for carcinogenic substances and harmful chemicals.



With Linen & Homes, consumers can rest easy (literally) knowing they’re getting top-quality sleep. In an increasingly stressful or anxious world where more people don’t get the quality sleep they need, the value of good sleep can hardly be understated.



“As the ‘Ber’ months approach and the Christmas season begins, we hope you consider giving the gift of better sleep.,” mentions Ryan. “We offer gift wrapping and direct delivery to recipients. Making the process convenient for the customer is important to us.



To learn more about what makes Linen & Homes special visit their website at: https://www.linenandhomes.com/.
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