Monthly Archives

July 2019

Entertainment

ONE Championship: DAWN OF HEROES Comes to Manila for its Biggest Fight Night

The greatest ONE athletes have gathered last Tuesday in a pre-fight presscon at the City of Dreams, Manila. With 5 Pinoys about to face international fighters, everyone at the event was all hyped up for the upcoming“ONE: DAWN OF HEROES!”

Everything about this fight is “the biggest.”

The previously held press conference was the biggest media gathering ever hosted by ONE, attended by hundreds of people from the press, media, and fans. On the other hand, the upcoming “One: Dawn of Heroes” will be the biggest martial arts event in the Philippine history while  Furthermore, the series of championship games is considered the most stacked ONE card, seeing the best martial artists from all over the world.

The press-con was graced by ONE Championship CEO and Chairman Chatri Sityodtong, who recognized Filipinos as the “best martial arts fans in the world.” He said in his opening speech:

“This is without a doubt the greatest event in Philippine martial arts history. If you are a Filipino anywhere in the world, you do not want to miss Friday night.”

And of course, Filipinos aren’t just known to be great sports enthusiast as we also pride our nation as a breed of best fighters. In fact, five of the Team Lakay members will fight in front of a home crowd on August 2, Friday, at the MOA Arena.

Two fights will headline ONE: Dawn of Heroes. The title for Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship will be fought between Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The second title will be for the Featherweight World Championship, fought between Martin Nguyen and Koyomi Matsushima.

But for us Pinoys as well as CEO Sityodtong, the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semi-final bout between Filipino mixed martial arts icon and two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and the multiple-time lightweight world champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez will be the highlight of the day.

Apparently, the ONE CEO is also a fan of Folayang. He said:

“On a personal note, I am so excited for Eduard Folayang versus Eddie Alvarez, genuinely two of the greatest martial artists on the planet, two incredible legends with storied careers, and such incredible human beings.”

Meanwhile, asking the fighters to share a message on the podium, Alvarez, who’s making a comeback said about Folayang:

“I respect Eduard. I respect everything he’s done not just as a fighter, but also as a human being for his community.

This is what this sport is all about. It’s beyond what goes on in the Circle.”

Top fighter face off ahead featuring: Folyang – Alvarez

He added:

“In the movies, heroes always prevail. The nemesis loses, he goes home and everybody’s happy. Unfortunately, that’s not the story here. You picked the wrong guy at the wrong time. I love you Manila. I respect you Eduard. Let’s have some fun.”

Folayang, on the other hand, expressed same level of respect for Alvarez, saying:

“He’s one of those athletes that I spent a lot of time watching before.

He says this isn’t the right time, but I believe it’s God’s time. It’s a huge honor for me to be able to test my skills against him.”

Eduard Folayang had lost his belt earlier this year but says his fight with Eddie Alvarez is a new chapter in his career.

ONE: Dawn of Heroes fight night will see a total of 15 fights, leading to the main events.

 

 

News, Tech

World-leading smartphone brand OPPO renews three-year partnership with world-famous Football team FC Barcelona

OPPO, FC Barcelona continue their 4-year alliance

This furthers an already successful four-year alliance with the world-famous team, which is now the longest running partnership between a Chinese brand and a European football club. This new chapter was also commemorated by the release of a Limited Edition FC Barcelona Reno 10x Zoom Series handset.

Kicking off an exciting new chapter

The renewed partnership will include in-stadium signage, training camps, workshops for fans, plus creative online and off-line fans engagement activities; kicking off an exciting new chapter in the OPPO- FC Barcelona story.

“These elements aim to inspire Barca fans, strengthen the community by bringing them closer to the club and OPPO products, and drive our two sides’ shared values of passion, creativity, innovation, and perfection,” explained Derek Sun, OPPO Global Marketing Director.

Both organizations’ mutual philosophies have become even more apparent with this re-upped partnership. Just as FC Barcelona’s world-renowned passion for the “beautiful game” has effectively transformed football into an art; likewise, OPPO aims to create beauty in people’s lives, through cutting-edge devices that unleash users’ creativity. Both partners’ shared values extend to innovation and perfection, with OPPO setting up institutes across the world to advance the company’s tech innovation and research capabilities in 5G and AI, as well as the Barça Innovation Hub, that is exploring the use of new technologies on the football field.  Camp Nou is also set to become the first stadium in Europe with dedicated 5G coverage.

OPPO has been able to reach out to Barça’s more than 200 million fans across the world, making this a critical element of the company’s overseas branding strategy.

An already successful partnership

When OPPO and FC Barcelona kickstarted their partnership in 2015, it marked the very first in-depth cooperation between a Chinese brand and a European football club.

OPPO places tremendous value in sports globally, becoming the first Asian sponsor of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in the UK, the first Chinese sponsor of the French Tennis Open, Roland-Garros, while also backing the Indian national Cricket Team. These events serve as a communication bridge for OPPO, effectively bringing its young and innovative technology to sports fans worldwide.

Stunning new handset that combines technology with art

Since the start of OPPO and FC Barcelona, it has gifted fans several limited edition smartphones. Under the slogan “The Smartphone of Champions”, OPPO released the FC Barcelona Edition of the R7 Plus in 2015. Following this initial success came a series of well-received limited edition handsets including the R9 (2016), F3 (2017) and R11 Plus (2017).

This 2019, stunning new Limited Edition FC Barcelona’s handset from OPPO celebrates the three-year partnership, highlighting to fans the fruitful relationship between the two. This commemorative edition of OPPO’s Reno 10x Zoom phone blends the team’s famous garnet and blue colors, creating a genuine work of art that is sure to resonate with Barça supporters globally.

Sporting the powerful features of the Reno 10x Zoom such as the camera with 60x zoom and Ultra Night Mode 2.0, panoramic screen, and VOOC 3.0, this limited edition smartphone offers something more special to fans.

Inspired by the club flags waving in Camp Nou, the phone’s exterior sports the club’s famous garnet and blue colors. This used an innovative, industry-first heat-press technique to create its unique gradient effect. Overlaying this are two Barça logos: a larger blurred logo, paying homage to the club’s glorious history, as well as a smaller gold team logo at the bottom, which represents the club’s present, as well as its bright future.  It also comes equipped with custom software, including exclusive wallpapers and icons such as footballs, garnet and blue kits, and more. Fans can also feel like Barca is with them wherever they go, thanks to its custom ringtones that sample the FC Barcelona anthem and stadium sounds.

The Limited Edition FC Barcelona OPPO Reno 10x Zoom with 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM will be available in select markets in Europe and Asia.

 

Lifestyle

SPERRY End of Season SALE Up to 50%

Very excited for next month because it’s my birthday and one of my favourite Iconic American shoe brand Sperry is giving a treat to all! Imagine the whole month of August, Sperry’s signature boat shoes, sneakers, loafers and more are up for grabs with up to 50% discount. Definitely, the fans of the brand from all over the country including me will enjoy the sale as the discounts are available in ALL Sperry concept stores nationwide and online at sperry.com.ph!

Do not miss to mark your calendar from August 1 to 31, 2019 and be sure to shop for your next classic pair. Here are some items that you can buy from this month-long Sperry treat:

Sperry Flex Deck CVO in White Mesh (Original Price: P3,495 NOW: P1,745)

Kick off the month with the Flex Deck CVO Sneaker. Adjustable bungee lace with toggle gives you security and function for easy on/off use. It is also equipped with the patented SON-R Technology™ which utilizes unique sensory feedback to provide greater stability. Its lightweight, breathable, quick-dry mesh upper provides lasting comfort, while its vulcanized construction that bonds the outsole to the upper creates a sneaker that’s always on-the-go. It comes in Blue, Black, and the White so you and your friends can cop one of each color!

Cloud Cvo Star Wars Rebel Pilot Orange (Original Price: P3,795 NOW: P1,895)

Great news for Star Wars fans, you may cop Star Wars merch for your feet at Sperry! Gear up for your run on the Death Star™ with the Orange CVO Rebel Pilot. It features battle-worn canvas in the orange shade of the X-Wing™ pilot jumpsuits. An element of Luke’s own helmet decal comes through in the silver and yellow heel stripe. With the Rebel symbol featured on the side, no one can mistake whose side you’re on.

Authentic Originals Orleans Navy (Original Price: P3,475 NOW: P2,895)

For fans of the boat shoe silhouette, this is a treat for you. The Authentic Originals Orleans shoe is one among the many boat and deck shoe styles you can grab from the sale. Each pair is made with the brand’s premium leather material and signature stitching quality. It is also designed with two-eye rust-proof eyelets and round, rawhide laces. Thanks to its Razor-Cut Wave-Siping™ on non-marking rubber outsoles, the shoe is slip-proof making it safe to wear on the boat or wet surfaces.

7 Seas Carbon  – Charcoal (Original Price: P2,495 NOW: P1,995)

Cop a pair of Sperry’s most innovative boat shoe, the 7 Seas. It features a modern boat shoe design engineered with 21st-century technology. This cutting edge offering from the iconic American brand provides beastly traction, fierce fit, and intense vent—making it the ideal pair to wear for both land and water adventures.

Get all these and more from the Sperry End of Season Sale starting August 1 to 31, 2019! Visit Sperry stores located at SM Megamall, UP Town Center, Trinoma, Festival Mall, SM North EDSA – The Block, SM Fairview, Estancia Mall, SM East Ortigas, Bonifacio High Street, SM Aura Premier, Glorietta 3, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Dasmarinas, SM Lipa, SM Legazpi, Robinsons Place Ilocos Norte, SM Baguio, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, SM Davao, SM Lanang, and Centrio Mall.

Check out www.sperry.com.ph to enjoy great deals, too. Also, follow Sperry on Facebook.com/SperryPh and on Instagram at @sperryph

News

McDonald’s Philippines bring home 15 recognitions in PANAta Awards

McDonald’s PH x Leo Burnett

Out of 130 entries, McDonald’s, and its creative agency Leo Burnett, once again dominated the stage during the 2019 PANAta Awards. Recognitions—including five Golds, four Silvers, three Bronzes, and three People’s Choice Awards. McDonald’s campaigns that were recognized for their excellence included “Hope for Marawi,” “Frymoji,” “Doodelivery,” “#WalangPasok Deals,” and “ShaGab Loves McDo.”

The Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) hosts its annual awards show called the PANAta Awards which showcases the industry’s best brand campaigns that have exhibited excellence in strategy, execution, and results.

Earlier this year, McDonald’s also won Gold for Advocacy for “Hope for Marawi” during the 2019 Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards and last year, McDonald’s won the Brand Builder of the Year Award for its McDelivery Pin campaign, following its induction into the “PANAta Hall Of Fame” the year before—a distinction held by no other brand in the industry.

McDonald’s Marketing Director, Christina Lao says, “We always aim to deliver campaigns that showcase feel-good moments through stories that strongly resonate with the Filipino people. Our goal is to create strong and authentic connections with our customers, ensuring they have more and more reasons to love the brand and what it stands for.

 

 

Entertainment

Biggest and most diverse festival lineup for “Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino”

The scheduled performances

The “Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino” (LMP) mark another exciting milestone with more than 70 music showcases spanning bar performances, concerts, railways jams, multimedia guestings, busking sessions, songwriting workshops, theatrical specials, and out-of-town gigs, this year’s edition.

The annual music festival presented by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), aims to promote the awareness and appreciation of all forms of Filipino music through a variety of on-ground and online platforms starting July 20 onwards, happening in different music venues nationwide from Metro Manila to Davao City.

Local Government’s commitment for Filipino music

The week-long celebration of Filipino music is part of the commitment to promote and develop the local music industry. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 933, which declared the last week of July every year as Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.

According to OPM President, Ogie Alcasid, “Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino has always shown consistency in terms of championing top-notch Filipino music. It’s inspiring to see the project evolve into a sustainable platform that helps local musicians to showcase their work to a diverse but receptive audience. We also have partners from both the government and private sector who support our vision for LMP. We hope to continue where we started off, and hopefully build a viable music ecosystem that we can share with the rest of the world.”

Themed performances and curated shows

Expect another exciting milestone in Filipino music as LMP puts a spotlight on high-profile performances ranging from the reunion concert of ‘90s alternative rock icons Rizal Underground last July 2 at 70’s Bistroto the highly anticipated restaging of Rak of Aegis Season 7 on July 27, 8pm and July 28, 3pm at PETA Theater.

The annual observance also dares to step up its curation with themed showcases featuring ‘90s music legends (Barbie Almalbis, Wency Cornejo, Dong Abay, and Cooky Chua), bar shows all over the Metro and provinces, stripped-down sessions on several venues and pocket stages, and open mics in various gig hubs.

OPM is also collaborating with LRT for “Railway Jams”—a series of live sessions to entertain commuters who are waiting for their train rides. Numerous busking activities have already taken place this month and will continue for more months as part of the institutions’ collaborative efforts in giving local musicians a space to showcase their musical gifts.

Mall-goers are in for a treat as Powerplant Mall and Lucky Chinatown Mall will be staging music shows to serenade guests with soothing music while they dine or shop. Some of the performers include Bea Lorenzo, Cookie Chua, The Manila String Machine and more.

Multi-platform celebration

Will also host the upcoming single, album, and music video launches of select OPM members on several intimate venues in Metro Manila, including the highly anticipated EP release of PhilPop Grand Winner ChudFestejo to name a few.

To intensify the campaign, several local music acts will be guesting on TV, radio and online music platforms to perform their originals and covers for the entire month of July. Participating multimedia shows include ABS-CBN’s ASAP Natin ‘To, DZMM’s TodoTodoWalangPreno, Home Radio 97.9, WISH FM 107.5, Inq Pop, Inq Publications: Showbiz Live, and EDGE TV.

With all these activities prepared in partnership withLight Rail Manila Corporation, Ikot MNL, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Power Plant Mall, PhilPop, and other digital, bars and other production partners, you will surely have fun with this year’s Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino!

Noel Cabangon, OPM Board Member points out, “The celebration is an assertion to inject in the consciousness of the Filipinos that we have our own treasure trove, local and regional, written in national and local languages, of songs that reflect our culture,” Noel Cabangon. And that we Filipinos should have the consciousness to support it.We are on our 5th year since the Presidential Proclamation 933 was signed in 2014. It is very young. And it is a struggle. But it is very important that we have this mandate from the government.At least now we’re gaining grounds. Hopefully we’ll get more support in the years to come.”

 

 

 

News, Tech

THE GROUNDBREAKING TECH INNOVATIONS OF OPPO’S NEW CHANG’AN R&D CENTER

An architectural rendering of OPPO’s New Chang’an R&D Center

OPPO announced at a ground-breaking ceremony that it will establish a new research and development center in China’s Chang’an Town, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, as it accelerates its push to boost Research and Development capabilities. The new facilities, along with the company’s existing R&D centers, will form a robust research engine that powers OPPO’s continued innovation for the emerging era of intelligent connectivity.

OPPO’s new Chang’an R&D center, as one of Dongguan’s major initiatives to drive the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is expected to house 5,000 R&D personnel upon completion.

“We are very pleased to officially break ground on OPPO’s new Chang’an R&D center. It will play a strategic role in OPPO’s R&D endeavors, further enhancing the core technological capabilities of the company and accelerating the implementation of our R&D strategy and objectives.The project will be built to the highest industrial standards and we will spare no effort in making the new R&D center a masterpiece initiative in the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Corridor, helping to bolster the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” OPPO Vice President, Eric Zhu shared.

OPPO will spend RMB 10 Billion (approx. Php75 Billion) on R&D this year. As a global R&D engine for the company, OPPO’s new Chang’an R&D center will be responsible for the R&D, design and testing of a vast range of smart devices, including smartphones and IoT products. The R&D will support OPPO’s mission of providing cutting-edge smart devices and services for the era of intelligent connectivity.

An architectural rendering of OPPO’s new Chang’an R&D Cente

OPPO’s new Chang’an R&D center, designed by top global architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and in partnership with dozens of professional consultants, will cover an area of approximately 123.5 mu (roughly 82,000 square meters) and will consist of 10 all-glass towers, including offices, a talent development center, an R&D center, a mobile internet research center, and a testing center. Standing at 249.5 meters tall, the landmark office tower, upon completion, will represent a spectacular fixture of Dongguan’s skyline.

 

Lifestyle

The Amount Of Hiring A Maid Or Helper In Singapore

People hire domestic workers for various reasons. You may be getting a maid to take care of your aging parents, your children while you work or a general house manager to get your home organized as you work. The economic conditions globally has recently prompted many families in Singapore to look for full-time domestic workers from foreign countries.

This confirms the high number of foreign domestic workers in Singapore. Many families have shown interest on foreign maids as they assume that it is cheaper—or is it lack of domestic workers in Singapore? Whichever the case, we are going to analyze and break down the costs of hiring a domestic worker in Singapore to get a more definite figure that will determine whether this option is actually cheaper or it’s just another bad business.

The monthly salary

The maid’s salary predominantly varies based on some factors like the country they’re coming from, the years of experience, and many others.

  • Filipino- $570
  • Indonesian-$550
  • Indian-$350
  • Myanmar-$450
  • Sri Lanka-$400

You’re also expected to pay for meals, medical, lodging and travel expenses on top of the salary.

Levy

As the employer, you’re supposed to pay levy directly to the government. The average monthly rate stands at $260 while the concessionary fee is $60, Although the monthly levy is expected to rise any time between now and 2019.You only pass to get the concessionary rate if there is a person with a disability, an aged person, a grandchild, or child living at the same residence as you. Here are the conditions;

  1. Either you or your spouse has a young child or a grandchild who is below or at the age of 16 years, a Singapore citizen and living the same address.
  2. You or one of the family members living with you is disabled
  3. You live with a Singapore resident aged above 65 years
  4. Agency Charges

Every agency has its own rate which heavily depends on the services listed. Many agencies don’t virtually announce their prices, but you should always expect them to command about $1000. Some little research won’t do you harm but may help shed some light on the various charges and services. Also, pay attention to agencies requesting very low agency fees as this industry has very many scammers as well as immoral and unethical operators.

Work permit

Work permits for domestic workers nowadays costs about $30 plus an additional $30 after the application has been successfully completed. Work permits virtually take three to five weeks nowadays and once obtained can be renewed after two years.

Medical and other personal insurance

You’re responsible for purchasing insurance policies for your maid. Depending on the many coverages available, some of the basic policies include medical and personal accident insurance coverages.  The minimum costs for each include:

  • Personal accident protection: $40,000
  • Medical coverage: $15,000

There exist other insurance companies that provide coverage for both policies at a subsidized rate as a combined package. Most of them are available in premium packages that range up to $200 for 26 months.

Performance bond

If you intend to hire an Indonesian domestic worker, the hiring or renewing contracts may set you back with a slap of $70. This amount covers for the performance bond of $6,000 the full amount of money you will be required to pay if you breach the agreement.

This bond helps protect the migrant worker by making sure that the employers stick by the employment terms and condition of the contracts. Similarly, you will need to pay $40 for a bond worth $2000 if you intend to employ a worker from the Philippines.

Medical checkups and regular examinations

The maid will be required to take an initial medical test needed for your work permit application. You are financially responsible for paying this test which costs S$80. Subsequently, the worker may need to get regular medical checkups which may cost you approximately S$35 depending on the type and number of tests. Some tests are only required to be taken after every two years.

Settling in the Programme (SIP)

Another additional cost is the Settling in Programme (SIP). You will need to send your domestic manager a special program known as Settling in The Programme (SIP) upon arrival which costs S$75. The program typically covers subjects like stress management, relationships, safety, and employment conditions.

Travel expenses

Depending on where the maid is coming from, you’re entirely responsible for the air ticket for your employee. This may cost you between S$ 200 to S$600 depending on her home country. Alternatively, you can find a credit card that offers travel bonuses and benefits to help you save a couple of bucks as you will need to find a taxi or personally fuel and drive to the airport to pick the employee. In the airplane, she will need to eat and rest if the flight is a long one—all that should be covered by you.

For more information and quotation, visit http://bit.ly/30US9ri 

Food

Tim Horton Brings Canada Day To Philippines With Dozens of Special Treat

Tim Hortons celebrates its hometown in the Philippines, bringing Fil-Canadians closer in a series of fun festivities and activities.

Tim Hortons is not just celebrating its second year anniversary of being in the country but also commemorates its origin as it brings Canada month in the Philippines. On July 20, the home of delectable donuts and coffee turned the Glorietta 2 Activity Center in Makati into a house of several sports activities, fun games and get-together.

Celebrating Canada Month

Tim Hortons has been giving away special Tim Hortons passports to every customer who bought Canada-inspired products. This created the hype among TH lovers, making the passport their official pass to the event last Saturday.

The event saw hundreds of TH lovers flocking at Glorietta who were excited to join in the fun games and win exciting prizes!

One of the interesting activities was seeing how many Tims were actually loyal to Tim Hortons. There were dozens who posted their proofs at the special photo booth and checked on others who were on the same “Tim team” as they were.

A game called Hockey Penalty was also commenced to honor Canada’s favorite sport. Another is the Air Hockey game where skills of the participants were tested. Finally, the Shoot The Raptors game was created to honor the country’s bet and new NBA Champions, the Toronto Raptors.

And who didn’t feel full at the Timbits Eating Contest where participants competed to eat the most Timbits in a limited time?

Apart from the activities held at Glorietta, the 9 Tim Hortons restaurants in CEU, Three E-Com, Burgos Circle, Paseo 111, Calle Bistro, Circuit Makati and SM Fairview let their guests with a minimum purchase of P400 toplay the Wheel of Hortons. Guests got to spin the wheel where they win a corresponding price like a Tim Hortons mug, or a box of delicious donuts!  And if you haven’t tried this yet, no worries! This game will extend until July 31.

Tim Hortons always wants to #MakeYourDayGood so we also want to introduce two inspiring Fil-Canadians who have decided to come back to their home country, for good. Yoya Gueco is a young mother of two who lived in Canada for years but decided to come home to set up her own fashion business, Yoya Moda. Meanwhile, Rolando Isla, who was doing well in Canada, came back and established the Isla Kali Mandirigma Martial Arts School. Listen to their uplifting stories of love and perseverance.

Maple Mustard Wrap with Iced French Vanilla

Maple Cream Donut

And to keep the celebrations going, Tim Hortons introduced its newest and yummiest limited edition offerings: the Maple Mustard Chicken Wrap, the Maple Cream Donut and Iced French Vanilla. TH lovers will enjoy these special treats until September 1!

Iced French Vanilla

The Maple Mustard Wrap is a treat with a sure hint of Canada. It is a chicken wrap with mapled bacon and mustard cream. Meanwhile, the Maple Cream Doughnut features a yeast-fill doughnut with Venetian cream filling dipped in maple syrup.

Both goodie foodies are perfectly paired with the cold Iced French vanilla! All these festive treats are only available for a limited time.

But there’s more!  At all 32 branches, on all Mondays of July, from 2 to 7 p.m., TH lovers can grab a small Iced Cap to get another one for free.

The celebration goes on and on at Tim Hortons. Celebrate with them and enjoy their newest flavors and win in their games until their promos last.

For more information and updates about Tim Hortons Philippines’ new products and offerings you may visit www.timhortons.ph or follow them on facebook @TimHortonsPhilippines and instagram @timhortonsph

Health and Wellness

NAD 2019: RECOGNIZING COMMON ALLERGIC CONDITIONS

Taken during the PSAAI Forum (from right): Dr. Aimee Lou Manalo Nano and Dr. Jeannette Abella Borgonia

Allergy experts are alarmed that the prevalence of allergy is increasing among Filipinos and that many cases of allergy have remained undetected. This is why the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology, Inc. held a health forum earlier this month to educate Pinoys about the symptoms of common allergies.

July saw the celebration of the annual National Allergy Day. This year, physicians talked about the common allergy conditions like Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, Atopic dermatitis, Food & Drug Allergy, Allergic contact dermatitis and Anaphylaxis.

Allergies can be life-threatening too. This lecture discussed the important things to learn about allergies.

PSAAI Health Forum_Drs. Borgonia & Nano_updated

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that’s not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander.

Your immune system’s job is to keep you healthy by fighting harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it thinks could put your body in danger. Depending on the allergen, this response may involve inflammation, sneezing, or a host of other symptoms.

Your immune system normally adjusts to your environment. For example, when your body encounters something like pet dander, it should realize it’s harmless. In people with dander allergies, the immune system perceives it as an outside invader threatening the body and attacks it.

Allergies are common so there are already several treatments that were proven and tested effective t helping you avoid your symptoms.

Symptoms of allergies

The symptoms you experience because of allergies are the result of several factors. These include the type of allergy you have and how severe the allergy is.

If you take any medication before an anticipated allergic response, you may still experience some of these symptoms, but they may be reduced.

Causes of allergies

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why the immune system causes an allergic reaction when a normally harmless foreign substance enters the body.

Allergies have a genetic component. This means parents can pass them down to their children. However, only a general susceptibility to allergic reaction is genetic. Specific allergies aren’t passed down. For instance, if your mother is allergic to shellfish, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be, too.

Allergy treatments

The best way to avoid allergies is to stay away from whatever triggers the reaction. If that’s not possible, there are treatment options available.

Medication

Allergy treatment often includes medications like antihistamines to control symptoms. The medication can be over the counter or prescription. What your doctor recommends depends on the severity of your allergies.

Allergy medications include:

  • antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • corticosteroids
  • cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • loratadine (Claritin)
  • cromolyn sodium (Gastrocrom)
  • decongestants (Afrin, Suphedrine PE, Sudafed)
  • leukotriene modifiers (Singular, Zyflo)

Many people opt for immunotherapy. This involves several injections over the course of a few years to help the body get used to your allergy. Successful immunotherapy can prevent allergy symptoms from returning.

But if you have a severe, life-threatening allergy, carry an emergency epinephrine shot. The shot counters allergic reactions until medical help arrives.

Some allergic responses are a medical emergency. Prepare for these emergency situations by knowing allergic reaction first aid.

Preventing symptoms

There’s no way to prevent allergies. But there are ways to prevent the symptoms from occurring. The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that trigger them.

Avoidance is the most effective way to prevent food allergy symptoms. An elimination diet can help you determine the cause of your allergies so you know how to avoid them. To help you avoid food allergens, thoroughly read food labels and ask questions while dining out.

Preventing seasonal, contact, and other allergies comes down to knowing where the allergens are located and how to avoid them. If you’re allergic to dust, for example, you can help reduce symptoms by installing proper air filters in your home, getting your air ducts professionally cleaned, and dusting your home regularly.

Proper allergy testing can help you pinpoint your exact triggers, which makes them easier to avoid.

Complications of allergies

While you may think of allergies as those pesky sniffles and sneezes that come around every new season, some of these allergic reactions can actually be life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis, for example, is a serious reaction to the exposure of allergens. Most people associate anaphylaxis with food, but any allergen can cause the telltale signs:

  • suddenly narrowed airways
  • increased heart rate
  • possible swelling of the tongue and mouth

Allergy symptoms can create many complications. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms as well as the difference between a sensitivity and a full-blown allergy. Your doctor can also teach you how to manage your allergy symptoms so that you can avoid the worst complications.

Living with allergies

Allergies are common and don’t have life-threatening consequences for most people. People who are at risk of anaphylaxis can learn how to manage their allergies and what to do in an emergency situation.

Most allergies are manageable with avoidance, medications, and lifestyle changes. Working with your doctor or allergist can help reduce any major complications and make life more enjoyable.

To know more about Allergy visit the website of Philippine College of Physicians: pcp.org.ph or follow their facebook: www.facebook.com/pcp.org.ph

 

 

Tech

FIRST-EVER 1–HOUR FLASH FIX WITH OPPO

OPPO introduces a quick, excellent customer service experience and remains committed to its promise of providing excellent customer service to both new and loyal customers in the Philippines and abroad with the 1-Hour Flash Fix program that gives customers the quickest smartphone repair and consultation, all in less than one hour. The service is open to 3 OPPO Service Centers locally: via walk-in or online appointments in SM North EDSA and SM Manila, while SM Marikina currently accepts walk-ins only.

The 1-Hour Flash Fix service is a fast fix service program that guarantees quick and excellent repair services by OPPO-certified technicians in any OPPO service center in the Philippines. Special compensations await should it reach beyond the guaranteed one-hour service coverage: specifically, customers will instantly receive OPPO merchandise items through a computer-based freebie roulette game. Merchandise selections include OPPO signature umbrellas, OPPO pens, micro USB cables, OPPO earphones, and VOOC Charge powerbank.

The 1-Hour Flash Fix is free of charge, unless your smartphone requires replacement or new internal parts installed. If the smartphone is still covered by the warranty and the damage is not caused by negligence, it will be repaired and changed for free.

“OPPO will always prioritize its customers’ satisfaction as we continue to be one of the leading smartphone brands in customer sales worldwide. The 1-Hour Flash Fix program aims to make OPPO smartphone repair service and consultations more convenient with lesser waiting time while observing superior quality service,” OPPO Philippines Director of Customer Service Kent Zhang shared.

OPPO has the most branches that offer customer service managed directly by the brand. There are currently 3 OPPO service centers offering the 1-Hour Flash Fix program, but the company aims to make it more accessible by preparing to include the 20 remaining OPPO service centers nationwide, as well as the 30 OPPO concept stores.

OPPO Service interface on OPPO F9

Furthermore, OPPO recently introduced OPPO Service, a mobile application that allows users to check the repair prices of OPPO smartphones, locate nearby stores and service centers, monitor repair processes, and do online consultations. Right now, the app is available on F9 units only, but OPPO will announce the availability of the OPPO Service on all the OPPO smartphones soon.

Want to know more about the 1-Hour Flash Fix? Visit www.oppo.com/ph for more information or OPPO Philippines Facebook page.