Mental Health Matters

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With successive incidents of suicide among notable celebrities here and abroad, there is now a strong call to promote good mental health among people suffering from various mental health disorders. Now, it is not just enough to provide emotional support, belongingness, understanding and compassion. There is also a strong need to spread enough information, how to know if one is suffering from mental issues, especially those undergoing various amounts of physical and emotional stress that can be too hard to handle, much more ignore.

To stress further the need to spread more information about mental health issues, Mental Health Matters (MHM) recently celebrated its 1st anniversary through its “Mental Health Matters Fair.” The event, which was held at the Crown Spaces in Makati City and opened to the public, was organized by the group and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, herself an advocate of good mental health and who once underwent bouts with depression.

The fair featured several inspirational talks from guest speakers from the medical profession and the legislative sector, free psychiatric consultations, art exhibits, live performances, and interactive and imaginative booths and was open to the public. Priority access, however, was provided to the MHM Support Group and the Anxiety and Disorder Support Philippines (ADSP).

The whole-day affair started with psychiatrists from the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPS) and Talang Dalisay, a nongovernmental organization, who jointly provided professional psychiatric advice for free to select attendees. Both are partners of MHM.

The afternoon started with a talk by Senator Risa Hontiveros, author and principal sponsor of the bill that became Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte recently. She said mental health struggles among Filipinos are very complex. “Today and every day, you are not alone,” she assures those present.

She said the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is now being developed under the Department of Health, particularly on seeking increase in access to services up to the community level, a progressive “referral” system, on-campus anti-discrimination and anti-stigma program, and inclusion of non-medical interventions to health and healing.

Verzosa, a strong advocate of mental health since her reign, said she organized the event for the benefit of everyone who has been struggling and who has survived. She also called on people undergoing depression to not be afraid to seek help. “Get help by talking to someone. Let’s speak up about mental health before it’s too late.” Dr. Gia Sison, a breast cancer survivor and a Youth for Mental Health Coalition national adviser, meanwhile, provided invaluable advice, particularly on developing mental strength to help overcome failures.

There were also other speakers who shared their mental health advocacies. UST student Reymark Simbulan, a member of the LGBTQ community who also suffered from depression, shared many important things about finding one’s anchors, not giving up because it will get better, and knowing that God will make us stronger. He also noted that “members of the LGBTQ community are almost three times likely to experience mental health problems like depression,” he said.

Diet coach Nadine Tengco, meanwhile, said food has a profound effect in addressing one’s mental health while Mariella Tung, a pastry chef, shared her story of resilience and recovery. “I finally came out to people about depression and became strong because of my son, my anchor. Every day, I remind myself of that one person.” Kates Ante, head of operations at ADSP, explained how “laughter yoga” works, and said the art pieces in the exhibit were masterpieces of people with mental health problems. Rachelle Jardin, a former media researcher, filmmaker and poet, meanwhile, said her team is working on an idea of a social enterprise for mental health.

Mental Health Matters is an online support group established for people experiencing various forms of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. The group also offers seminars to spread awareness about mental health in many universities nationwide. For more information about the group, go to www.Facebook.com/mentalhealthmattersbykylieverzosa.

Pru Life UK fetes national cycling champs off to Prudential RideLondon 2018

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Cycling national champions Jermyn Prado, Ismael Grospe, Jeremy Maraña, and Aidan Mendoza are all set to see action in Prudential RideLondon 2018, the world’s largest cycling festival, over the weekend of 28-29 July 2018 in the capital of the United Kingdom. They, together with other winners from the local cycling event PRUride PH 2018 which took place earlier this year and Pru Life UK’s employee representative, will form the eight-strong official delegation to represent the country.

Backed annually since 2013 by Pru Life UK’s parent company as the title sponsor, British financial services giant Prudential plc, Prudential RideLondon is expected to see more than 100,000 participants cycling more than three million miles in seven different events.

Headlining the delegation is Prado, who was named double-gold national champion for winning both of PRUride PH 2018’s Philippine National Road Race Championships Women’s Elite and Criterium Women’s Elite. She will be representing the country in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100-mile event.
Meanwhile, Grospe, who participated in last year’s Prudential RideLondon as a rising 18-year-old cyclist, is making a return this year, but now as a national champion for Philippine National Road Race Championships Men’s Elite U-23. He will join the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46-mile event.

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Rounding out the lineup are Maraña and Mendoza who are national champions for Individual Time Trial Women’s U-23 and Criterium Men’s U-23, respectively. Brompton Challenge winner Jun Minagawa is also with the group to represent the country in the exciting Brompton World Championship.

Pru Life UK employee and cycling hobbyist Ryan Lamayo will join other employees from Prudential’s business units in Asia to ride the Surrey 100-mile event. Also with the delegation are PRUride PH 2018 raffle winners John Kenneth Cruz and Bertrand Tepltixky.

“We are proud that aside from having our largest delegation from the Philippines to date – with eight strong and highly competitive cyclists ready to overcome the challenges of the long ride – they are the Filipinos’ champions in advocating cycling as a way of life,” said Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, during the send-off celebration on July 19.

“Prudential RideLondon banners cycling across London to encourage healthier and more active travel, and this is what Pru Life UK wants to emulate here in the Philippines. We hope to help raise awareness on cycling as an alternative mode of transportation so we can all work towards having a healthy, safe and environment-friendly community for generations to come,” he continued.

This is the third year that Pru Life UK will be sending an official delegation to the Prudential RideLondon. The Company has been advocating cycling since its maiden cycling event in 2016. It eventually became the country’s largest cycling festival as PRUride PH 2018 where over 2,000 participants saw action over the two-weekend festivities in January this year.

The delegation will fly to London via the Philippine Airlines, Pru Life UK’s official airline partner.

Pairs run towards a healthy lifestyle

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The 11th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run kicked off at the parade grounds of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City with different types of running pairs—parents and kids, siblings, lolos and their apos, loved ones, officemates, best friends, even neighbors—competing in the 5K and 10K races.

“We are happy to provide an opportunity for people to start their wellness journey in a fun and one-of-a-kind event with their partners. After all, getting fit and choosing the healthier lifestyle is more worthwhile when shared with a buddy,” said Jody Gadia, Robinsons Supermarket general manager.

Presented by Robinsons Supermarket, the 11th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run 5K race offered a top prize of a trip for 2 to Siargao with 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodation while 2nd and 3rd placers get Php8,000 worth of Robinsons gift certificates. For 10K race podium finishers, the top prize includes a trip for 2 to Hong Kong with 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodation while 2nd and 3rd placers get Php15,000 worth of Robinsons gift certificates.

After crossing the finish line with their buddies and celebrating fitness in a fun and exciting way, most of the participants also enjoyed exciting activity booths and took home big grocery loot bags that have been the trademark of the Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run through the years.

The loot bags contained lots of freebies from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth Nutrition, Abbott Nutrition, Fonterra and Unilab.

The fun run is in line with Robinsons Supermarket’s wellness commitment to continuously encourage more people to choose and live healthier lifestyles. Find out more about the wellness commitment and other activities at their official website at www.robinsonssupermarket.com.ph or like their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketofficial.

Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018

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This summer 2018, strong and sexy will know no age as Century Tuna, the country’s number one tuna, ups the ante, raises the stakes, and pushes the envelope once more as it launches the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018—the most awaited and most exciting summer event that spotlights health and fitness for men and women of any age!

The hunt for the fittest and healthiest men and women all over our islands returns to break the norms of what our bodies can do. Whatever the age, there should be no limits, no boundaries, in what you can achieve in order to be fit and healthy, especially with Century Tuna!

For the first time ever in this most awaited bi-annual event, the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 search features two exciting categories with 36 finalists: 20 finalists in the 18-37 years old category and 16 finalists in the 38-50 years old category. Yes, you heard it right! This year’s Superbods search, truly summer’s hottest event, will now also welcome ageless participants in its bid to prove that, indeed, you can still be fit, sexy, and beautiful regardless of age.

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“This year’s Superbods search revolves around the theme of ageless,” says Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food, Inc. “This time around, we want to put forth the message that age should not be a hindrance to staying fit and healthy, and that we should never stop in our pursuit of physical fitness and wellness. That’s why we added a totally new category for those 38-50 years old.”

Making their presence felt and serving as the ultimate ageless fitspirations are Alice Dixon, Ina Raymundo, and Sunshine Cruz, Century Tuna’s Power Women, who previously appeared in the all-new ‘Red’ TVC that highlights their ravishing bodies and gorgeous looks despite their age. Joining them are the Yummybodies of Century—Gerald Anderson, Matteo Guidicelli and Paulo Avelino.

The Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 kicks off with the nationwide go-sees on February 11, 18, 24, and 25 in Davao City, Cebu and Manila, respectively. These will be followed by a slate of exhilarating activities that are sure to add spice and delight to the search! There’s the VIP Night to be hosted by Mond Gutierrez and Gelli Victor; the Ultimate Challenge that will test the finalists’ mental and physical health to be held at the Inflatable Island, Subic; the Superbods Weekend including the fun Underpants Run in Filinvest; the Zalora Fashion Show, which culminates in the Finals Night on April 12, 2018 at the Cove, Okada Manila.

Up for grabs are a whopping 500,000 pesos each for 4 winners, a chance to have a training contract with Star Magic this year, and a chance to win a Chevrolet Trax! Also at stake are special awards including Stylish Superbod of the night, People’s Choice, Best in Congeniality, Superbods Photogenic, Runway Superbod of the night, Superbod Beach Bod, and Superbods Challenge Winner.

“Whether you’re in your fittest best at 20 or still in your peak at 40, we want to prove that age is just a number,” Gela Pecson, Century Tuna marketing manager relates. “Which is why, this year, we’re encouraging and motivating everyone, especially those in the ageless bracket, to take part and prove to others that nothing is impossible if you set your mind and heart into it.”

So go ahead, conquer yourself! Show them what you got in the Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018.

Century Tuna Superbods Ageless 2018 is made possible by Cove Manila, Philipps, Indesit, Mabe, Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Zalora, and Chevrolet.

For more details, updates on events, and registration, visit Century Tuna Superbods on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centurytuna.

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CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS AGELESS 2018 MECHANICS

Casting Call for Century Tuna Superbods 2018-02-05
The Century Tuna Superbods is the hottest event of the summer with over 2 Million prizes at stake. This year, Century Tuna goes Ageless, there will now be two age categories:
Category 1 – The Superbods (18-37 years old)
Category 2 – The Ageless (38-50 years old)

One male and female for each category will be declared this year’s Superbods and Century Tuna’s next image models, winning Php500,000 each plus other exciting perks.

Are you healthy? Are you sexy? Are you a Superbod? Be part of CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS AGELESS 2018!

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Open to male and female with Filipino Heritage.
2. Age limit: 18 to 37 years old (Superbods) and 38 to 50 years old (Ageless).
3. Height requirement: Must be at least 5’7” for Men and 5’4” for Women (and or above).
4. Physically fit.
5. Pleasing personality.
6. No prior endorsements from any competing brand.
7. PARTICIPANTS MUST RESIDE IN THE PHILIPPINES FROM FEBRUARY 2018 UNTIL APRIL 2019.
8. No prior record of public misdemeanour.
9. Must be available on the following dates:
• February 25, 2018 – Final Callback
• March 3, 2018 – Grooming of the Finalists
• March 4, 2018 – Workshop
• March 5, 2018 – Photoshoot
• March 15, 2018 – Press Launch
• March 19, 2018 – Superbods Ageless Ultimate Challenge
• April 2, 2018 – Zalora Fitting
• April 7, 2018 – Zalora Fashion Show
• April 8, 2018 – Superbods Day (Marathon and Fitness Party)
• April 10 to 11, 2018 – Offsite Rehearsals for Finals Night
• April 12, 2018 – Finals Night

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Most recent photo (1 Head Shot and 1 Full Body)
3. Three (3) pcs. of Century Tuna Label
4. Filled-up application form
5. Swimwear (two-piece for female and board shorts for male)

GOSEE SCHEDULES:
• February 11, 2018 – SEDA Hotel, Davao City (10 am – 5 pm)
• February 17, 2018 – Gold’s Gym, Ayala Center Cebu
• February 18 and 24, 2018 – Manila (venue to follow)

For inquiries and registration, feel free to contact Apple Marabe-Cuenca at 0917-702-1894.

Having a Healthy Lifestyle try Brown Rice

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Apart from the morning pandesal, rice is the most common food staple in the Filipino dining table, be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even merienda. It’s simply something that Pinoys can’t eat without.

Eating white rice, especially with sumptuous dishes, can really be filling, but it could also significantly add to one’s weight.

Thankfully, Filipinos have an alternative to having steamed rice for their everyday meals—brown rice.

One of the healthiest types of rice, brown rice is a fiber-rich whole grain that has little calories and contains no trans-fat or cholesterol. It is a good source of magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, thiamine, niacin, manganese, and vitamin B6.

With its nutrient rich bran, brown rice is a better option to white rice as it is proven to prevent heart disease and lower bad cholesterol, protect children against asthma, help maintain a healthy bowel function, help control blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of developing cancer, among other health benefits.

To help Filipinos eat healthy, Robinsons Supermarket was the first to partner with the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Rice Research Institute to promote the use of brown rice in the country.

In December, it launched a promo that gave discounts for every kilo of participating brown rice products bought at selected Robinsons Supermarket and Robinsons Selections outlets.

This New Year, start the year right by adopting a healthy habit of eating brown rice. Go to any Robinsons Supermarket branch to choose from among the brown rice products available. Check out www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph for more details.

Novartis promotes awareness on Dry Eye Syndrome, a common condition among Internet users

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Filipinos spend more time on the Internet than people in any of the other 29 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America, and Europe profiled in the “Digital in 2017 Global Overview” report. Produced by global advertising agency We Are Social and social media management platform Hootsuite, the report shows that the average Filipino Internet user spends 9 hours online each day, with mobile Internet access accounting for more than three and a half of those hours.1

 

“It is a welcome development that more Filipinos now have Internet access. Digital connectivity brings many socio-economic benefits such as improved communication, knowledge dissemination, and economic opportunities, among others. However, spending too much time online also has its drawbacks,” said Ms. Cheryl Maley, President & Managing Director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

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The prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES, also known as dry eye disease or simply dry eyes) is increasing worldwide and is now an important public health problem. One reason for the rapid rise in the number of cases of dry eye disease over the last few years is thought to be prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) exposure because of increased computer use. VDT exposure is also becoming common in the general population because of the widespread use of Internet-based mobile technology and portable information terminals, especially smartphones, among all age groups.2

 

“When we work at a computer or use our smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less frequently. This leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of DES,” said Dr. Richard L. Nepomuceno, Cornea and External Eye Disease Specialist.

 

Ms. Maley and Dr. Nepomuceno spoke during a media briefing held by Novartis Healthcare Philippines to promote awareness on DES and highlight Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops. Developed by the Novartis eye care division Alcon, Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops are clinically proven to deliver extended protection and high-performance dry eye symptom relief that lasts. Also present during the media briefing held on November 8, 2017 at the Ludo BoardGame Bar and Bistro in Makati City, were filmmaker and model Janina Manipol and homeschool teacher and mommy blogger Joy Mendoza. The two Systane Ultra brand ambassadors shared their personal experiences on eye care given their busy lifestyles.

 

DES is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. DES signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include a stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes; stringy mucus in or around your eyes; sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in your eyes; difficulty wearing contact lenses; difficulty with nighttime driving; watery eyes; and blurred vision or eye fatigue.3

 

To help prevent DES among office workers, call center agents and other individuals who spend long hours online, experts recommend the “20-20-20 rule”: Look away from the computer/ smartphone/portable digital device screen every 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away, and look at it for at least 20 seconds.4 Dr. Nepomuceno also recommends the use of artificial tears, such as Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops, to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes.

 

Systane Ultra is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. For more information about Systane Ultra, visit the Novartis Healthcare Philippines official website, novartis.com.ph or like us on Facebook via Facebook.com/SystanePH  or follow @systaneph on Instagram.

 

References:

  1. We Are Social. Digital in 2017 Global Overview. Available at: https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview. Accessed November 3, 2017.
  2. Dogru M et al. A Field Test of Web-Based Screening for Dry Eye Disease to Enhance Awareness of Eye Problems Among General Internet Users: A Latent Strategy to Promote Health. J Med Internet Res. 2013 Sep; 15(9): e209. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785952/. Accessed November 3, 2017.
  3. Mayo Clinic. Dry eyes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/basics/definition/con-20024129. Accessed November 3, 2017.
  4. Healthline. 8 Tips to Prevent Eyestrain. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/eye-strain#overview1. Accessed November 3, 2017.

 

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 119,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

 

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis.

 

BLUE WATER DAY SPA GAINS MORE STAR POWER WITH ITS NEW ROSTER OF CELEBRITY ENDORSERS

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While many head to Blue Water Day Spa to get themselves beach ready for the summer, a healthy mind, spirit and body is always in season.

Blue Water Day Spa, the renowned leader in ultimate pampering and rejuvenation, helps you achieve and maintain that balanced state of well-being through its wide, varied range of treatments. From intensely rejuvenating massages to deep cleansing facials, and sculpting and toning treatments that help you maintain your toned physique, Blue Water Day Spa helps you address all the symptoms of stress and gives you that boost you need to get you through the week.

With several branches located in around the metro, Blue Water Day Spa also offers its discerning clientele relaxing respites in the city where they can de-stress and pamper themselves.
And just in time for this holiday season, Blue Water Day Spa proudly presents its roster of ambassadors: Michelle Dee, Harry Morris, Fabio Ide, Ara Arida and Christian Bautista.

The youthful Michelle Dee has a lot to deal with these days, a hectic schedule and so much more. And the stress of the daily grind ultimately affects her well-being, causing headaches, neck strains and pains in her lower back. To help soothe the symptoms caused by stress, Michelle turns to Blue Water Day Spa’s Combo Herbal Massage. Using a soothing blend of essential oils, the deep tissue massage helps to work out the tensions in the back and neck. “After just one session, you feel looser and more relaxed. You’ll definitely feel that you’re ready to take on another day!” shares Michelle.

A multi-awarded artist and actor, Christian Bautista has to divide his hours, recording at the studio and shooting for his back-to-back shows. The long production days and the stress on set oftentimes makes him binge on junk food. “Which, of course, affects my weight and my mindset. When I eat junk food, I feel lethargic and don’t quite have the energy,” he says. For this, he uses the Blue Water Day Spa Therapeutic Colonic Massage. It is the latest method of losing weight, and it gives Christian that boost of energy. “It makes you relax, and it helps tone the body. I combine this with exercise and eating right, and after a few sessions, you’ll see impressive results,” he shares. “The Colonic Massage also helps get rid of the blockages and impurities in your system, so you instantly feel lighter and freer.”

Ariella “Ara” Arida, Miss Universe 2013- Third Runner Up, understands the importance of looking your best, and so despite no longer competing for the crown, she invests time and effort in maintaining her toned physique and youthful looks. To help her look camera-ready, Ara schedules her Blue Water Day Spa Y-Lift treatments regularly. The Y Lift treatment, a combination facial and skin treatment, helps to reduce the signs of skin-aging and gently “lifts” the face for that youthful look. “When it comes to my body, I try to eat clean and live healthy, and complement that with my Y-Lift treatments which gives me that radiant glow and smooth complexion,” she says.

Blue Water Day Spa has numerous other treatments for different body issues and has treatments that complement the different lifestyles of its customers. For active individuals and athletes like Fabio Ide and Harry Morris, they turn to Blue Water Day Spa’s Athlete Massage to help soothe the aches in their muscles.

Harry Morris, a player of the Philippine Volcanoes (rugby team), often pushes his body to the limits, going through intense trainings and games regularly. “After training or a rough game, my muscles and joints hurt a lot. When I get the Athlete’s Massage, I’ve noticed that my recovery time gets cut in half,” he says. Fabio Ide, entrepreneur and model, agrees with Morris, adding, “Your body is like a well-oiled machine, so you have to make sure it gets the upkeep it needs. This massage does incredibly well in making sure that you stay at the top of your game and that you enjoy that range of motion painlessly.”

Whether it’s to look more beautiful, to speed up recovery time, or to just simply pamper yourself after a long, hard week of work, Blue Water Day Spa is here to help you relax and rejuvenate anytime.
For more information, visit www.bluewaterdayspa.com

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation opens a new Exclusive Wing in VRP Medical Center

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To add to the year-long celebrations of its 30th anniversary, Maxicare marks a momentous milestone in its partnership with VRP Medical Center (VRPMC) through the opening of the Maxicare Exclusive Wing inside the said hospital’s facility.

The two organizations have had a long history of combined efforts being that VRPMC has been an affiliated hospital of Maxicare for 25 years. Tracing it back to start of their partnership in 1992, they have already assisted thousands through their joint healthcare service delivery of consultations, confinements, laboratory exams and medical procedures. Together, they serve an average of 2,000 Maxicare members on a monthly basis.

This successful delivery is due to the synthesis of VRPMC’s trusted experience of 50 years in the medical industry and Maxicare’s dedication to its commitment to stay strong as the number one Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the country. Given those reasons and furthermore with Maxicare proactively looking for effective means to serve its members better, the idea of a profounder arrangement with VRPMC came to mind.

Probing into the demand indicators in the area such as the growing number of Maxicare members in the surrounding residential and business hubs near VRPMC, an opportunity for Maxicare to expand its network of care was certain. The fruition of which is the Maxicare Exclusive Wing in VRPMC as it is all of the learnings combined and subsequently transformed into tangible experience for its valued members.

The opening of the said facility broadens the partnership from a regular affiliated provider setup to Maxicare now having the all the patient rooms at the 8th floor exclusive for its members. The Maxicare Exclusive Wing generally takes pride in the ease of access it offers which is incomparable to typical confinements. It has 34 artfully designed private rooms and each have been fitted with a brand new air-conditioning unit, cabinets, tables and a Smart HD Television. Patients and their guardians may even access the internet using the free Wi-Fi connection with speeds of up to 50mbps.

Moreover, Maxicare members may take advantage of the “EZ admission” procedure which is the prearranged check-in for a reserved room during their elective confinements (planned procedures). And upon discharge, an equally hassle-free express check-out process. Thus, with or without incurred excess charges, there will no longer be a need to line up in the hospital’s cashier or in any other office as all matters will be proactively resolved within the patient’s room. This process significantly reduces the time spent for check-in and check-out and it significantly makes the hospital experience more pleasant for the patient and his/her guardian.

This delivery of a customized healthcare experience is what Maxicare aims to be known for. And given the growing needs of its members, Maxicare recognizes that healthcare service now more than ever is more demanding and challenging . It should be provided with greater ease in every step and always partnered with additional lifestyle-related feature that reduces the disruption and inconvenience from the patients’ daily lives when availing of healthcare services.

Innovations such as the Maxicare Exclusive Wing enables Maxicare to stay at forefront of the HMO industry as it gets to serve more members better and faster.

Enfagrow A+ Four reveals its biggest breakthrough with MFGM Pro

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The first five years of life is the most exciting, because 90% of brain development happens in this stage. That’s why parents invest so much time, effort, and nutrition to carefully nurture their children, yet still wonder if they can do more. Now the latest innovation in pediatric nutrition may be the help parents need.

Mead Johnson Nutrition announced its biggest breakthrough today: the introduction of MFGM, or milk fat globule membrane, in the new and improved Enfagrow A+ Four.

Recent studies demonstrate that MFGM plays an important role in supporting cognitive development, immunity and gut health. Moreover, a clinical study1 suggests that MFGM supplementation in children’s milk can positively impact behavioral regulation—
EQ development, in parent speak—in young children.

“Indeed, this is our biggest breakthrough since we first introduced DHA into our products in the early 2000s. With MFGM, we are bringing pediatric nutrition to a whole new level,” said Chris Ritchie, General Manager of Mead Johnson Nutrition, Philippines.

“This allows us to help parents prepare their children, particularly in the aspect of IQ and EQ development, for the demands that the future may bring.”

With this innovation, Enfagrow A+ Four is now the first and only children’s milk that contains the breakthrough ingredient MFGM Pro. Parents can now rely even more on Enfagrow A+ Four as their partner in developing their children’s IQ and EQ, for the challenges that the future holds.

Pia Wurtzbach is the new #QueenoftheCentury

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The Queen of the Universe is now also the Queen of the Century, Century Tuna that is, the country’s number one tuna!  Pia Wurtzbach – ever gorgeous TV host, model, and Miss Universe 2015 no less – joins Century Tuna’s outstanding roster of endorsers, as she appears in an all-new TVC that’s oozing with sexiness and elegance!

 

“We’re thrilled to have Pia Wurtzbach in the Century Tuna family,” beams Greg Banzon, Century Pacific Foods, Inc. General Manager. “Pia is indeed ‘The Queen of the Century,’ the epitome of a mutli-faceted woman who excels in a variety of fields while staying fit and sexy.”

Pia first got bitten by the acting bug at the tender age of four, which later led her to join the Star Circle Batch 11, appearing in a string of television shows and movies. But her real break came when, in her third attempt, she entered the Binibining Pilipinas Pageant in 2015, the stepping stone to her most glorious achievement thus far: bagging the highly coveted Miss Universe 2015 crown – following in the heels of Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margie Moran in 1973 – in what was a most contentious competition.

Together with, of course, her ravishing looks—her poise, style, and grace—her talents and intelligence, it is Pia’s commitment to self-discipline and physical fitness — just look at her lean and Ultimate Superbody! — that brought her into the Century Tuna fold.

In fact, with a help of a personal trainer, Pia heads to the gym regularly, where she engages in a combination of planking (the best exercise for a flat, toned stomach), tricep pull-downs (for well-defined arms as well as shapely biceps and triceps), as well as squats and lunges (for firm and strong looking legs).

Naturally, a healthy, balanced, yet satisfying diet comes hand in hand with her exercise routine. And for this, there’s nothing else but Century Tuna — the 100% winner in tuna — of which Pia has been a long time fan. “I have a busy schedule and always on the go so when I do have the time to grocery shop or prepare a meal, I make it a priority,” relates Pia, who, unbeknownst to many, studied culinary arts. “I like to enjoy food that keeps my energy levels stable, like Century Tuna.”

Because of Century Tuna’s versatility, where it can be used in a myriad of yummy and nutritious dishes, Pia need not deprive herself while becoming the ultimate superbod. After all, Century Tuna is made of 100% real tuna, rich in Omega 3 DHA, which helps you achieve a healthy and 100% winner superbody, just like hers!

“I’ve always been a Century Tuna girl! And this body you see is made possible by Century,” Pia continues.

No doubt, Pia Wurtzbach has become an inspiration to many and a true role model, the perfect embodiment of Century Tuna’s winning ways and her role as the new Queen of the Century! Hail to the Queen!