Lifestyle

Smile Train – Providing hope all-year-round

As the global pandemic enters its third year, COVID-19 has unquestionably become everyone’s top health issue. However, because many people are still affected by the epidemic, Smile Train understands that children born with a cleft lip and/or palate face substantial health risks.

Smile Train has been compelled to become even more focused and persistent in its activities as a result of the pandemic’s problems. In 2021, it was able to perform 2,500 cleft operations, 750 more than the previous year. Smile Train enabled more medical practitioners to give telehealth consultations and speech therapy sessions by harnessing technology to ensure access to much-needed services.

“Throughout last year, we wanted our beneficiaries to know that Smile Train services are ongoing and have never stopped. We want our patients to know that hope is not lost. While we stay at home for everyone’s safety, Smile Train worked hard to innovate and create programs to reach more Filipinos in need,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

For many Filipinos, the pandemic caused a temporary disruption to their lives due to mobility restrictions. However, through the first Filipino Speech Therapy App by developed by Smile Train and its Speech Telehealth Program, patients can continue to receive their treatment and guidance from healthcare professionals in the comfort and safety of their homes.

The Speech Therapy App is a free mobile application, designed to help patients who have received surgery for their cleft palate. Since its launch in 2021, the application has reached an audience of 50,053 Filipinos for continued treatment and services. The app also features a wide array of educational videos and speech therapy sessions in Filipino, with features and content for young patients. The application is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

On the other hand, Smile Train’s Telehealth program connects patients and guardians to healthcare practitioners for consultations, health education, and assessments via WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom, on any device. This program has provided patients with more than 2,000 cleft care-related sessions, covering speech therapy, nutritional support, breastfeeding guidance for mothers of babies with clefts, pre-surgical consultations, and psychosocial care.

Aside from continued treatment for current patients, Smile Train endeavors to reach more cleft-affected individuals and their families in need. In the first quarter of 2021, the charity launched Cleft Con Philippines, the first-of-its-kind conference, streamed through Smile Train Philippines’ official Facebook page. Cleft Con was a  series of discussions from experts who discussed various aspects of cleft care, such as breastfeeding babies with a cleft, oral hygiene tips, surgery, the importance of speech therapy and building one’s self-confidence.

With the successful launch of Cleft Con Philippines, the charity, in partnership with RMN Foundation and Radio Mindanao Network, launched Cleft Con Radio, a series of discussions covering comprehensive cleft care that aired in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

Another milestone for Smile Train is the launch of its first Comprehensive Cleft Center in Cebu. Located at ARC Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, the center aims to make cleft care services more accessible to individuals and families in the region.

While the charity organization expanded its reach and services, Smile Train Philippines also continues to support medical professionals involved in providing cleft care by offering them education and training opportunities for developing their skills further and exchanging best practices with other experts around the world. By supporting cleft professionals, cleft-affected individuals and their families can ultimately receive safe, high-quality, and timely care throughout the year.

“We’re coming into 2022 with the determination to help more people in need. Despite the challenges of the current times, Smile Train continues to innovate and improve access to comprehensive cleft care for the tens and thousands of Filipinos depending on us,” said Flaviano.

Smile Train has shown its unwavering dedication to a vision of a society in which Filipinos have free access to comprehensive cleft care and may enjoy a healthy life. With Smile Train Philippines, having comprehensive cleft treatment can be one less worry while the pandemic continues to alarm Filipinos.

Visit smiletrain.org for more information and to donate to Smile Train’s global initiatives. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to discover more about Smile Train’s local activities in the Philippines.

Clients of UnionBank can now perform their online shopping more easily through Shopee and Lazada, the country’s two largest e-commerce platforms, by directly cashing in their e-wallets. This new alternative gives Bank customers another way to conduct their online transactions in an efficient way.

Surely, buying essentials online has never been this easy! Shopee and Lazada buyers can now easily cash-in, in real time from their UnionBank accounts. Customers also enjoy discounts and added benefits with their online purchases, for every top-up transaction.

This was made possible with the collaboration of tech savvy ShopeePay, Lazada Wallet and UnionBank, combining the power of three digital leaders.

“These partnerships are timely especially now at a time when e-commerce and cashless transactions are exponentially rising. This ensures Filipinos can participate in the headwinds of innovation and a better, more seamless customer experience as a result.” shared by Erika Denise Dizon, UnionBank FVP and Head of Fintech Business Group.

This is how it goes. To use UnionBank Online Banking to cash in your ShopeePay, go to ShopeePay Wallet, select Cash-in, enter the amount, choose online banking as the payment method, and select UnionBank. After that, you’ll be taken to the Bank’s online banking to complete the transaction.

Click the wallet symbol in the upper right corner of the homepage to access Lazada Wallet. In the Cash-in Methods page, click the cash-in button, input the amount, and then click “Add UnionBank account.” After that, you’ll be taken to the Bank’s online banking site to confirm the transaction. Then have fun shopping!

You must still be suffering from a post-holiday hangover. There’s something about being able to spend time with friends and loved ones (whether online or in small groups) in this snuggle weather that allows us to have restful thoughts and tranquil hearts, even if just for a moment.

You’re probably high on natural endorphins right now, with a restored sense of clarity. Don’t you wish you could hold on to that sensation as you start a new year?

We’re approaching 12 months of endless opportunities; 52 weeks and ways to be better; and 365 days of unknown possibilities. The power to right our wrongs is upon us!

“COVID-19 has left many feeling displaced. ‘I’m stuck. What can I do? How do I move forward?’ The pandemic has affected us in so many ways, bringing up fear, worry, and even languishing. We, at Viviamo, want to reassure Filipinos that these feelings of hopelessness and despair can be replaced with hope and positivity. That is why we offer you the tools to help you switch from that mindset of ‘simply surviving’ to thriving! We have the power to rewrite our own stories,” shares Viviamo CEO Darlyn Ty-Nilo.

For 16 years now, Viviamo, makers of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, has been creating empowering products. Scratch that – more like, Dreampowering products – Dreampowerment is an advocacy so close to the core of Viviamo’s purpose and has grown a 10,000+ strong community through The Bella Tribe, BDJ Plan With Me and You Got This Facebook Groups that ultimately help Filipinos desire a life full of love and joy through mindfulness, journaling with love, planning with courage and this year, coaching for abundance.

Literally, turn a new page in your life with any of these products from Viviamo’s 2022 Collection:

The Belle de Jour Power Planner (P599, P699, P1,199) is not a planner with empty pages. It’s a LIFE PLAN. BDJ believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. The 2022 edition is the support you didn’t know you need that will allow you to declare your purpose in life. It gives you the space to remember who you are in 4 stylish designs that suit your personality and packed with lifestyle coupons from over 40 brands; free mobile and desktop wallpaper downloadables, Spotify playlists and NEW features this year include free virtual reality meditation videos and 12 Coaching Experiences led by 12 world-renowned experts in the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Strengths Finding, Reiki Masters, Holistic Aromatherapists, Business and Beauty Experts, Energy Healers, Positive Psychologists, Motivational and Image Training Professionals in the BDJ Coach Quenza App that you can access from the pages of the BDJ Planner.

“I wasn’t much of a journaling person and was satisfied with simply writing my schedules on sticky notes. However, last year was highly toxic for me and I was in an identity crisis. When I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw an advertisement for the 2021 Journal and was intrigued with the design –the girl on the cover is beautiful and she looked confident. I liked the design, the content, and the marketing strategy so I decided to give journaling a try. A year has passed and I don’t think I can ever live without your journal; I don’t think I can ever use another journal if it’s not the BDJ version. I’ve imprinted my soul into it and I will continue to support you as your journal has with its owners.” shares Trisha Manao, one of the many users of the BDJ Power Planner.

The Navi Journal (P599), on the other hand, invites you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and features 12 magnificent staircases around the world that you can virtually explore through the exclusive I Am Cardboard virtual reality videos embedded in the QR codes of the monthly dividers throughout the year.  Despite their grandeur and intricacies, these captivating staircases are still just a small representation of what your mind can create. And yes, it has a coupon booklet too!

“You never know what will happen in life,” you could think. There are some factors over which you have no control.” This is why you find it difficult to use a planner. This year’s Everything is Possible Planner (P599) is what you’ve been waiting for, inspired by phases of the moon that reflect inspiration, restoration, and unyielding vitality. EIP has been helping individuals achieve their major and small goals for a decade, with 13 Monthly Calendars (encompassing December 2021 to December 2022), unique Pages that help you reach your goals and open possibilities, and a vertical weekly style with timestamps. It’s a planner for go-getters like you who know exactly what they want and are willing to go to any length to make their ambitions a reality. It’s now time to quit feeling like a victim of circumstance and start living the life you desire. It is still not too late. It’s never the case. You, like the moon, will go through phases.

And finally, The Focus 2022 Journal (P550) is a guide to help you accept your life as it unfolds. With each phase, chapter, or stage of life comes new challenges and experiences that make up the fabric of our lives. It’s a great tool to inspire you to shove the distractions aside and put your goals to the forefront. With it’s dedicated weekly grid layout and unique worksheet pages, you will be able to start building the tomorrow you want with laser-like clarity.

Viviamo also has beautiful leather Quest Journals (P280, P499, P699, P999) in 4 sizes that you can switch out fillers and create a journaling system with, along with calendar pads and other productivity tools! Who says you only need one notebook? Get a journal for every aspect of your life, every piece of your brain to start rewriting your story.

With these intriguing notebooks from Viviamo, you may pour out your problems, picture your ambitions, and convert them into actionable plans! From www.shop.ilovebdj.com and www.crazyaboutpaper.com, choose any or all.

In many parts of the world, the concept of wellbeing has long been confused with the concept of being healthy. While this is an important aspect of being healthy, the current reframing of wellness has progressed beyond this, to an interpretation that considers a more holistic view of well-being.

Company background

To better understand the ways in which the company operates, it’s helpful to first look at its history to see how it came about. LifeWave was founded in 2004 by CEO David Schmidt. At that time, the CEO had already made a name for himself through more than 30 years of work in the field of business and development. With an undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems and Biology from Pace University, he spent much of his early professional life pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors in the fields of manufacturing and product development.

Schmidt’s efforts in this area included work to design new ways to synthesize elements, a concept for a bladeless turbine, and even a combustion rocket engine. Based on the strength of these ideas he was invited to work on the Navy’s next generation of mini-subs. David’s work on this project centered around the goal of helping service members maintain high levels of energy without the need for stimulants or other chemicals. In this pursuit, he was motivated by finding a method that was effective but didn’t come with unwanted side effects or negative health consequences.

With this framework in mind, the CEO developed the line of wellness products for which his company has become known — its phototherapy patches. These topically applied patches utilize the power of specific wavelengths of light to reflect energy into a user’s body. Depending on the placement and design of the patch, each one can have different wellness benefits. For instance, the first patch designed by the company, the Energy Enhancer Patch, was created to help promote energy levels and increase a user’s stamina. They’ve also found great success in helping athletes achieve personal bests in competition.

Fighting aging

A decline in wellness is not caused solely by disease or other conditions, it can also be the natural result of aging. While aging is, of course, a normal part of life, there’s plenty of interest these days going towards how we can help to mitigate the negative aspects of the process. As many people are living longer, they’re looking for ways to increase the longevity of their wellness rather than just their overall age.

To address this issue, LifeWave has conducted innovative research into an area of aging that has fascinated scientists for decades — stem cells. As our normal cells age, they can be replaced via the use of stem cells, however, stem cells become less active over time, causing many of the issues we associate with aging.

With the design of the X39 patch, the wellness company has attempted to solve this gap in modern wellness. This patch helps promote wound healing, skin regeneration, and other functions by activating the body’s existing stem cells. It not only marks a significant advancement in anti-aging research, but it also demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the current wellness industry.

Through wellness products that tap into the body’s natural energy and resiliency, as well as business opportunities that encourage personal and professional satisfaction, LifeWave is here to assist people feel better, look younger, and live more happier lives. For more information on our phototherapy patches, go to www.lifewave.com or call +632-85409558.

In the Philippines, ideals of beauty are rapidly altering as empowered women celebrate positive beauty and reject stereotypes. Today’s Filipino women have realized that it is past time to abandon beauty stereotypes and are actively redefining beauty standards to be more diverse. More women are turning to Beautyhub.PH, an online magazine that advocates equal portrayal of all types of beauty and allows women to be their own kind of beautiful, as a result of this shift in mindset.

Women may learn how to develop their own styles and break free from preconceptions at Beautyhub.PH. It’s jam-packed with useful advice on not only beauty but also wellbeing and self-care. Women can learn about other women’s experiences with body image, self-doubt, and enjoying life to the fullest on this site.

Easy to read, Beautyhub.PH has a casual, friendly vibe that is easy to relate to. It is full of how-to guides, listicles, and simple QAs on inclusive beauty – acknowledging real everyday concerns of women and offering simple solutions and product suggestions, Always inclusive in its approach, the articles don’t impose a single standard or look but cover a lot of ground. In other words, readers won’t feel insecure or compelled to conform to stereotypes after reading the articles, but will instead come up with ideas on  how to deal with beauty on their own terms.

The section on Skin, for instance, has suggestions on skin care routines, as well as informative tips on usual concerns such as underarm care, acne-prone skin, and wrinkles. Haircare concerns are also extensively covered, ranging from haircuts, hairstyles, and the best products for different hair concerns.

The Lifestyle Section touches on fitness, body care, and natural beauty. Discover how you can use green tea or bergamot oil to feel better and enhance your beauty routine. For those who need a dose of inspiration from celebrities, there are empowering articles from Pia Wurtzbach, Heart Evangelista, and Kathryn Bernardo who share how they overcame obstacles and insecurities to love themselves and be their own beautiful.

Because men’s upkeep is just as important as women’s, Beautyhub.PH also includes MANifesto.PH, a section dedicated to men’s grooming guidance. It includes articles on skincare, haircare, and lifestyle, as well as modern issues like self-motivation, maintaining a good habit, and the benefits of meditation, to mention a few. MANifesto.PH encourages men to take care of themselves and enjoy some alone time. With the help of Beautyhub,PH, and MANifesto.PH, you may learn about inclusive beauty and celebrate your own unique beauty.

Everybody there yearns for the pleasure that the holiday season brings, especially in a country where Christmas is celebrated as a family affair. For the past year, holiday shopping at bazaars and fairs, Christmas carols around the neighborhood, homecoming reunions, pamamasko, and gift-giving may have been limited to a dose of nostalgia, but GCash informs us that we are going for brighter days this time!

GCash, the Philippines’ top e-wallet platform, is taking these well-loved Filipino Christmas customs to life this Christmas, giving us further reasons to rejoice and be joyful. GCash, the country’s undisputed #1 financial app with over 40 million users, is welcoming everyone to Merry GCash, the country’s largest and brightest Christmas festivities, with promised daily rewards and an opportunity to become the first GCash millionaire, digitizing your favorite Filipino Christmas traditions.

Showing that Life Is G during the most awaited season of the year, GCash enables users to share these well-missed holiday experiences with their loved ones, wherever they may be, and delighting them with exciting rewards and deals over the holiday season.

Mag-Enjoy sa Christmas GLife Tiangge

GCash invites users to experience a more rewarding thrill of fulfilling wish lists and Christmas shopping. No more going through the dreaded Christmas rush, as GLife merchants will offer exclusive discounts and promos open for all users to enjoy!

Simply click on GLife on the GCash app, select the MerryG category and shop from featured brands and MSMEs.

• Globe at Home
  • Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE advanced modem and get a free TP-link extender
  • Buy Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi LTE Black Pink themed modem and get a free TP-link extender
  • Get 50% off when you purchase a TP-link extender
• Auntie Anne’s

Save as much as P115 when you get the Holiday Bundle, which includes a box of pretzel and 1 liter of lemonade for only P550

Food & Drink: Cafe Calypso, CiderBears, Dream Coffee, Mayani, Taste and Tell MNL

Health & Wellness: EYEPRO, VPharma, Other Options Lifestyle

Home: Shibui, Hamlet Kids Room, Magnificent Marketing, Orion

Retail & Fashion: Aug3 Clothing, Baby Cuddle PH, Bibs Manila, FanLife, Milkwear, Skinni

Mamasko When You Send Love, Send Pamasko

The tradition of aguinaldo will continue to live on even if we can’t physically visit our ninongs, ninangs or inaanaks. With Send Love, Send Pamasko, GCash gives us a convenient and safe way to send love to our loved ones and share blessings with partner charities. Even OFWs who can’t make it home can send their pamasko from anywhere across the globe to anywhere in the country with GCash.

It only takes a few taps to make a difference and make Christmas more meaningful. With Send Pamasko, users can donate in GLife for participating charity partners. Sharing the spirit of goodwill, GCash is partnering with ABS-CBN Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Save the Children, OFW Family Club, UNICEF and WWF. To send love to these causes close to your heart, select GLife on the GCash app and click on GCash For Good.

If you are thinking of adding a special Christmas touch to your pamasko for your family and friends, Send Pamasko and Send with a Clip features allow you to use special themes created by partner charities and the GCash Barkada. Simply fill in their GCash number and total amount, add a thoughtful message, select from holiday themes and confirm the transaction to show them how much they mean to you.

Magsaya With A Chance To Win 50 Million Worth of Prizes

Brighten up your holidays with more chances of winning just by using your GCash app. Catch up and connect with your loved ones this holiday season with the Lucky Load promo. For every PHP 50 worth of transaction through Buy Load on your GCash app, you get a Lucky Load ticket. With each ticket, you get to pick 6 out of 30 icons, and when you match at least 3 icons, you get a share of the pot prize of up to PHP 100,000.

Traditional Christmas parols are available at GCash, and they’re not only fun to look at but also enjoyable to brighten up. Users can gather as many parols as they can through the GCash app and light them up for daily discounts and rewards with Shake it Up, Light it Up!

Users get one unlit parol per feature every day for a minimum GCash spend of Php 100, which will show the next day on their Merry GCash tab on the app. Users can further increase their entries by using GCash Padala, GSave, GInvest, GInsure, GLife, and GCredit, which operate as multipliers, allowing them to obtain two unlit parols in one purchase. To light these parols and disclose their goodies, simply shake them. The first parol will grant the user a guaranteed merchant voucher, while the second parol will grant the user an entry into the Merry GCash raffle for a chance to win one of 5,000 prizes.

Aside from giving away different packages, GCash will give away a Sari Sari Store Showcase to 3 GCash users. During the Grand Draw on Dec. 21, one lucky winner will be the first GCash millionaire.

While waiting for the raffle draw, GCash users who participate in the Shake it Up, Light it Up will get daily discounts and prizes from partner merchants.

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

60PHP off with a min spend of 300PHP when you order from Jollibee via foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

FREE DELIVERY with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x foodpanda

40PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you order from foodpanda

• A+ Rewards x SHEIN

15% off when you purchase from SHEIN (no min spend)

• A+ Rewards x TeraBox

2-week free trial with TeraBox

• A+ Rewards

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you spend on Alipay+ Store

• A+ Rewards x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang In-Game Voucher

30PHP off with a min spend of 200PHP when you make an in-game purchase on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Available for both Google Play Store & App Store)

• A+ Rewards x Steam

10PHP off with a min spend of 50PHP when you purchase from Steam

• DITO

P20 load voucher to buy DITO Regular Load or High Speed Data Promo, Min. Spend P199

Even though the ways we celebrate Christmas have evolved over time, particularly since the pandemic, we all recognize that the finest present we can offer is to interact and share joy with our family, friends, loved ones, and kababayan in need of love. With all of the holiday surprises and incentives it has to offer, GCash is joining Filipinos in keeping the Christmas spirit alive. Are you ready for a #MerryGCash? Visit https://go.gcash.com/merrygcash to learn more about why GCash is the best way to #GPaRinAngPasko!

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 2.5M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.) since 2015.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 46 million Filipinos in the country today.

It Takes a Village — With the help of friends and advocates of Smile Train and his mother’s dedication to ensure he receives surgery at the soonest possible time, Baby Mao finally received free cleft surgery at Philippine Band of Mercy, a partner of Smile Train Philippines (photo on left from Cristalle Belo’s IG)

Every day, 540 babies are born with a cleft palate, a critical health problem that can lead to life-threatening problems such trouble eating, breathing, hearing, and communicating. Individuals born with a cleft palate and their families can receive full cleft care from Smile Train. Smile Train continued to provide free cleft surgery and care for individuals in need, including baby Mao, despite the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novalyn, Mao’s mother, had initially given up hope. Mao was underweight and unable to have surgery during his first check-up at another institution. The pandemic broke out soon after, causing even more delays in seeking treatment. Novalyn was referred to Smile Train by Cristalle Belo, Tim Yap, and Javi Martinez after more than a year. Mao had surgical treatment his cleft lip in September 2021.

“This life changing procedure of baby Mao is truly such a blessing to their family, and we can’t thank Smile Train enough for making this dream a reality. Can’t wait to see the results after baby Mao has healed,” said Cristalle Belo on her Instagram post.

Baby Mao

In 2019, Cristalle Belo met baby Mao during one of her family-owned Belo Medical Group’s outreach activities. Baby Mao was not allowed to receive surgery then as he was not strong enough at the time.

Chef Xavier Btesh, who was there to support the outreach activities, also took an interest in Baby Mao’s case, helping to ensure he goes to his pediatric check-ups and gets his vitamins to be healthy enough for his eventual surgery through Smile Train.

“Para sa mga magulang, huwag pong mawalan ng pag-asa dahil nandyan ang Smile Train laging naka suporta para sa atin at para sa mga anak nating may cleft. Pero hangga’t maari, bilang isang magulang, bilang isang nanay, isa sa mga responsibilidad natin na alagaan ang sarili natin lalo na pag tayo ay mayroong anak na may cleft,” said Mommy Novalyn.

(“For all the parents out there, do not lose hope, Smile Train will always be there to support us and for our children with cleft. However, as much as possible, as a parent, as a mother, one of our responsibilities is to take care of ourselves especially when we have a child with a cleft,” said Mommy Novalyn.)

“Through Smile Train’s sustainable model of partnering with local hospitals and empowering local medical professionals, we are able to provide cleft care throughout the year. This model has allowed us to continue to carefully provide safe, quality and timely surgeries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kimmy C. Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

During the epidemic, Smile Train provided approximately 3,000 telehealth sessions for speech therapy and nutrition counseling, in addition to cleft operations. Smile Train has also released the first-ever Filipino language mobile  speech app designed for those born with a cleft lip or palate to keep learning at home. Despite present hurdles, Smile Train is devoted to its vision of a world where everyone has access to adequate and thorough cleft care and may live a full and healthy life. Smile Train has financed over 65,000 cleft operations in the Philippines in just over 20 years.

Visit smiletrain.org for more details and to donate to Smile Train’s global projects. Visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines to discover more about Smile Train’s local activities in the Philippines.