Health and Wellness

According to a study Bear Brand Adult Plus helps fill in the micronutrient gaps found among adults

Drink milk every day gives benefits to adult who want to take proactive steps in maintaining good health, science can supports this claim through the results of a recent study conducted with adults. No doubt that adults, day in and day out, face all kinds of challenges in pursuit of a better life, whether it’s for their family or for themselves. From waking up early, commuting to work, powering through the day’s demands, and preparing again for another day—a cycle of doing the same tasks everyday can give them the feeling that they’re not getting anywhere in life. But more often than not, they face one serious challenge: Lack of nutrition. This leaves many Filipino adults feeling drained, which keeps them from undertaking new challenges that can improve their lives.

To build the strength to try new pursuits and improve personal well-being amidst life’s challenges, it’s necessary to focus on nutritional intake and be proactive in managing one’s health. There are plenty of ways to take care of one’s health and well-being, such as good sleeping habits, a balanced diet, exercise, and more.  Another way to supplement the body with the right nutrients is by drinking milk. Many adults think that adding milk to a balanced diet is only for growing children, younger people, or seniors, however, it is also beneficial to adults.

The University of the Philippines – College of Home Economics (UPCHE) in partnership with Nestlé Bear Brand Adult Plus conducted 2020 study called “Effects of Fortified Adult Milk Drink Formula and a Stress Management on Work Productivity and Gut Microbiota of Filipino Adults”  shows that adults who drank Bear Brand Adult Plus every day during a 2-month intervention period were able to meet their daily nutrient needs as compared to those who were part of the control group that did not. The findings present that Bear Brand Adult Plus helps meet 100% of the daily nutritional needs of Filipino adults based on the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI) of the essential nutrients such as, Vitamin C, Zinc, and B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12).

Start looking forward to a strong tomorrow, and have the confidence to give 100% in life, no matter what! Beyond taking care of oneself through exercise, sleep, and the right kind of food, drinking milk as a part of the daily habit can significantly improve health. It has the proper nutrients that provide strength to live better than yesterday and achieve small but consistent victories. Stop feeling drained, and start giving your 100% for a strong tomorrow. Drink Bear Brand Adult Plus — the milk that’s proven to help complete the nutrients the body needs.

Lastly, watch this video to know more about it:

November 25, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Through its Guiding Light label, Lampara Books strives to foster spiritual formation and values education

Guiding Light, a new Philippine imprint introduced by Lampara Books, wants to inspire parents and families to be positive influences on their children’s lives. Through highly enjoyable but life – changing books written and designed by some of the world’s most promising and award-winning writers, illustrators, and personalities, the family-oriented and faith-based imprint focuses on promoting spiritual formation, values education, emotional growth, and community development. It’s refreshing to hear books that aim to help children develop an optimistic outlook in life. In our zoom meeting, Lampara Books launched its new imprints that delighted us. It will significantly help the young ones engage more in reading bible-based stories and actively enjoy it at the same time.

“It has always been our goal to inspire adult readers, most especially parents, to engage with their children on stories of inspiration, joy, and life lessons within a framework of Christ-centered beliefs and teachings,” says Segundo D. Matias Jr., the Chief Publisher of Lampara Books. “Our activity books create bonding moments between mom and dad with their kids through storytelling that put good values at the forefront of its principles, while inspiring everyone to become a better human being.”

For its premiere offering, Guiding Light has recently released its ‘Little Life Lessons on’ series—a collection of fun activity books that parents and their children can color, play around with, and use as a medium for purpose-driven instruction. Written in both English and Filipino, the series is made for childhood care providers and parents to help their kids learn important values in life. The ‘Little Life Lessons on’ catalog contains inspirational stories that depict kindness, obedience, respect, and love, among many others.

The motivational imprint also takes pride of its Family Bible Illustrated edition, which has 365 pages of bible stories, meditations, and prayers for the whole family to reflect on together, and The Comic Book Bible, which offers a treasury of stories, known and loved by generations of readers.

Classic Bible Stories, illustrated for pictures-and-words format by talented young artist Tommaso d’ Incalei, is for readers looking for a new take on a familiar story. This timeless anthology will inspire individuals to uncover the meaning behind God’s teachings in an entertaining and easy-to-read fashion, bringing stories to life for a new generation of readers. The Classic Children’s Bible, which is wonderfully drawn and presented to appeal to a younger readership, is another notable product under its umbrella.

Other titles currently available on the Guiding Light website include Rhona Davies’ The Life Of Christ, a beautifully illustrated book that “explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels,” and Angela M. Burrin’s Welcome To The Mass, a beautifully illustrated book that “explains the Mass by linking the liturgy to scenes from the Gospels.”

The Guiding Light official website, https://www.guidinglight.com.ph, has both old and new titles.

 

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Grab Philippines commemorates Buwan ng Tagapaghatid by honoring Grab’s drivers and delivery-partners

Grab Philippines has designated November as Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, a month-long celebration of the important contributions of Grab drivers and delivery partners that will culminate on November 28th, Sunday.

Grab Philippines has evolved into more than just a source of income for its partners. Grab Philippines has built a stronger relationship with each driver and delivery partner over time by assisting them in being the best at what they do and increasing their competitiveness in a digital-first economy.

Buwan ng Tagapaghatid is part of Grab Philippines’ broader range of programs and initiatives dedicated to its driver and delivery-partners. It highlights, recognizes, and celebrates, the different stories of modern-day heroism of Grab driver- and delivery-partners, while emphasizing their role in society and the economy.

“Mahalaga ang papel ng ating mga Grab driver and delivery-partners nitong pandemya, at mas mahalaga ang kanilang magiging gampanin sa ating economic recovery. Sa pamamagitan ng ating platform, patuloy nilang tinutugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan – ito man ay sa ride-hailing o deliveries; at sa pamamagitan ng ibat-ibang programa at initiative ng Grab, natutugunan natin ang kanilang mga pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan, at natutulungan natin silang paunlarin ang kanilang mga kabuhayan. Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala, dedikasyon, at pakikiisa ng ating mga Ka-Grab, at makakaasa kayo na patuloy na makikinig at aalalay ang Grab sa bawa’t isa sa ating mga partners” says Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz.

Biggest tribute to modern-day heroes

This year, Grab Philippines is making its Buwan ng Tagapaghatid more exciting and meaningful for its partners.

Renowned photographer Shaira Luna posing together with some of the viral and inspiring Grab driver- and delivery partners after their photoshoot.

  • Grab Philippines has launched Kwentong Tagapaghatid, Biyahe Serye Comics, and 5-Star Support Film to highlight the stories of drivers and delivery-partners from the perspective of merchant-partners and consumers.
  • Select driver- and delivery-partners were also shot by renowned photographer Shaira Luna, where they are aptly portrayed as modern-day heroes. These images can be seen on LED billboards along major thoroughfares across Metro Manila.
  • Driving community-wide participation and recognition for its driver- and delivery-partners in the Philippines, Grab is working together with Mastercard, Jollibee, Caltex, and other key brands and businesses for this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid.
    • On November 28, for every tip made using Mastercard debit or credit card, Mastercard will match the amount – essentially doubling the tips received by the partner on that day;
    • Partners delivering Jollibee orders on November 28-30 will get FREE Jolly spaghetti.
  • The month-long celebration is also marked by an online concert and the Grab Papugay Awards, where top-performing drivers are recognized for their hardwork the past year, and they can get the chance to take home exciting prizes such as laptops, flatscreen TVs, and motorcycles.
  • Driver and delivery-partners will also receive exclusive promo codes and perks which they can use for meals and other necessities;
  • Grab offices were turned into 5-Star Ka-Grab Pitstops where partners can drop by to get freebies from Grab’s brand partners.

GrabExperience: Grab Philippines Leaders become delivery-partners for a day

Despite being one of the biggest tech platforms in the country, Grab continues to keep its ears to the ground to gain unique perspectives from consumers, merchants, and partners. To kick off this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid, leaders from Grab Philippines took a break from their busy routine as they become delivery-partners for a day.

Throughout the journey, each leader was paired with a delivery partner, allowing them to get first-hand on-the-ground knowledge and build bespoke solutions to better serve Grab’s driver communities in their different roles.

(L) Grab Philippines Head of Deliveries Anton Bautista walks around the streets of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to deliver lunch to consumers; (R) Grab Philippines Country Marketing Head J-Anne Aruta chats with Marvin Ignacio, the delivery-partner behind the viral ‘lugaw’ incident, as they pick up orders in Taguig.

(L) Grab Philippines Public Affairs Head Booey Bonifacio and delivery-partner Michael Olaso prepare the food safely for their consumer; (R) Grab Philippines Country Operations Head RJ Cabaluna and delivery-partner Carlos Cecista Jr with their consumer.

Grab Financial Group and Grab Pay Philippines Head Martha Borja connects with delivery-partner Jonnelle Duran, and tackles how Grab’s financial products and services can better support delivery-partners in their everyday routine and needs; (R) Grab Philippines Head of Driver Services and Support Wayne Jacinto delivers a hearty lunch to his consumer.

L) On a back-to-back delivery run, GrabAds PH Head Wiwa Cajumban delivers lunch to his consumer; (R) Grab Philippines Head of Partner Comms and Training Cons Escamos and delivery-partner Cherrie Concepcion quickly receives their order from a merchant-partner

(L) Grab Philippines Head of People Operations John Calica readily pulls out his consumer’s lunch orders; (R) In between orders, delivery-partner Carlos Cecita, Jr. shares a few delivery pointers to Grab Philippines Legal Counsel Miguel Aguila

Visit https://www.grab.com/ph/driver-featured-blog/buwan-ng-tagapaghatid-2021/ to learn more about the happenings for this year’s Buwan ng Tagapaghatid.

 

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2021 by
Food

Mega Global marks the third National Sardines Day with a spectacular Mega Bigay Sustansya Program, business updates, and the company’s first-ever Mega Sardines Piso Sale

As the Philippines celebrates National Sardines Day this year, Mega Global Corporation, the company behind Mega Sardines, the country’s leading sardines brand, commemorates the occasion by launching a program to help undernourished children across the country, all while focusing on innovations and expansions that will help the company grow. In the zoom meeting that happened, we got excited about their plans and program as they commemorate this special day. We learn new things about how they plan to expand and innovate their products to provide excellent service and help our countrymen.

Taken during the zoom meeting

Mega Global Celebrates 3rd National Sardines Day

Mega Global exhibited its numerous efforts that would assist boost not only the Philippines’ sardines sector, but the economy and people’s lives as well, at a roundtable discussion held on November 23 to start off the holiday celebrations on November 24. In addition, it has presented the positive outcomes of the Mega Bigay Sustansya Program, which was implemented in collaboration with Reach Out Feed Philippines (ROFP), demonstrating its profound concern for Filipinos.

Marvin Tiu Lim, Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, Chris Fernandez, executives of the Mega Global conglomerate, alongside Dawn Marie Cabigon, founder and director of Reach Out Feed Philippines were present in the event to discuss how the Mega Bigay Sustansya program will bring long-term gains to its program beneficiaries.

Mega Bigay Sustansya (MBS) is a CSR program led by the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation that hopes to give a meal planning and distribution program to over 881 children nationwide. The program has supported children in six provinces nationwide for sixty days. Children ages 4 to 12 have received house-to-house delivery of meals every day that included at least one sardines meal, made using Mega Global’s nutrient-packed high quality sardines.

“Mega Bigay Sustansya is one way for us to support communities who need us the most. Canned sardines is one of the Filipinos staple foods throughout the years and through this program that target to feed malnourished children all over the country, we hope to use the same staple product to nurture the health of these children, and sustain it through leave-behind materials that will help them prepare nutritious meals in the long run,” Marvin Tiu Lim, Chief Growth and Development Officer of Mega Global said.

On top of the updates on Mega Global’s MBS program, Mega Global executives have also shared in the discussion how they strived to continue elevating the sardine industry through innovations and the building of new infrastructures. These expansions would maintain the double digit growth of the company in 2022, allow it to create a more sustainable avenue in producing their products, as well as create new products that will surely be a hit to its customers.

Host Shawn Yao with Marvin Tiu Lim, Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, Chris Fernandez, executives of the Mega Global conglomerate, alongside Dawn Marie Cabigon, founder and director of Reach Out Feed Philippines were the speakers for the event, who discussed Mega Global’s innovation for its flagship product, sardines, its CSR effort Mega Bigay Sustansya, as well as brand updates, and other pertinent information

For the past 46 years, Mega Global has been leading the way in supporting Filipino communities through its investments in the sardine industry, which has provided job opportunities for thousands of Filipinos. The company continued to upgrade its Zamboanga facility, where its state-of-the-art operations, including its can-making plant and offices, are based. As part of its sustainability endeavors, it is using solar energy for its warehouses.

Mega Global also discussed details about a new plant in Batangas that will be opened next year. Located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, it will house state-of-the-art technology in manufacturing using sustainable energy sources and is expected to help add dynamism to the economy as it continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Mega SardinaSaya: Game Show Bonanza

Mega Global will also be commemorating National Sardines Day on November 24 with an online game show bonanza. The online event, which will be aired live on Mega Sardines’ Facebook page and Shopee app, will kick off with an Instagram and Facebook challenge that will decide the players for the much-anticipated Pera or Sardinas game.

The game show bonanza will have three major segments representing the tagline of Mega Sardines: Sarap, Saya and Sustansya. For the Sarap segment, Mega Sardines’ ambassadress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo will do a cooking demo that will serve as an introduction of new dishes that mommies can easily create for their loved ones.

For the Sustansya segment, the audience can learn about the Mega Bigay Sustansya program, the company’s nationwide feeding program being undertaken in communities around the country with the help of its partner, Reach Out Philippines Foundation.

Lastly, there will be a series of virtual games for the Saya segment where fun games such as Pera or Sardinas, Call A Ka-Mega, and Trivia Game will be available for the audience to participate in. There will also be a grand raffle, where they have the chance to take home a wide selection of prizes.

Mega Sardines is also introducing a Tiktok Challenge, in which users can show off their moves and have some fun while recording films for a chance to win prizes. Mega Sardines is also having a piso sale on Shopee for Mega Sardines in Tomato Sauce, Tomato Sauce with Chili Added, Corned Sardines, and Mega Fried Sardines in Tausi—certainly a deal that buyers will be eager to add to cart!

Prepare to celebrate National Sardines Day with Mega Global and have a good time! For additional information, go to Mega Sardines’ Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

November 24, 2021 by
Lifestyle

San Juan’s BJMP Livelihood Program is supported by Sterling Bank of Asia

In photo (L-R): Raquel Bumbay, VP-Marketing; Arlene Siongco, VP-Compensation and Benefits, Ethel Peralta, VP-Management Support Services; JO2 Karl Julius C. Leano, BJMP representative; and Dan Guevara, VP-Center for Learning

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has selected San Juan City’s Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) as one of this year’s beneficiaries of their annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the Kind Heart Gives Campaign.

The BJMP’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) of San Juan City showed their skill in their parol-making initiative, which also serves as a means for them to financially sustain themselves and their families. One of the most famous symbols of Filipino Christmas is the “parol,” which is a common fixture in most homes.

“The parol is a great expression of the Filipinos’ faith and hope,” said Cecilio San Pedro, SBA’s President and CEO. “We’d like to take this opportunity to extend our support to the PDL’s of San Juan City as we move towards a brighter Christmas celebration in these challenging times,” San Pedro added.

During the announcement of the activity, Sterling Bank of Asia employees also ordered their own parols to bring home and hang in their homes.

“It is inspiring to see how our fellow employees happily bought their own parols as a way of helping these persons deprived of liberty,” said Dulce Edillor, SBA’s Human Resources Group Head. “From a company-led initiative, our fellow employees voluntarily involved themselves in the project,” exclaimed Edillor.

Visit www.sterlingbankasia.com to learn more about Sterling Bank of Asia.

 

 

 

November 23, 2021 by
Health and Wellness

Prostate cancer is the ninth most common and deadly cancer among Filipino men

According to GLOBOCAN, prostate cancer is one of the top five cancers in the Philippines, with the tenth largest number of cancer-related deaths among Filipino men. Despite the figures, little is known about the condition. The Philippine Urological Association (PUA), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Society of Uro-Oncologists (PSUO), and Johnson and Johnson (Philippines), Inc., organized a series of activities to raise awareness about prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Sama-Samang Labanan, Tamang Impormasyon Kailangan was the unifying topic, with the goal of educating the public about the significance of early identification and treatment to prevent the course of prostate cancer.

On September 11, a lay forum called Usapang Prostate Cancer was live streamed on the PUA Prostate Cancer Awareness Facebook page to highlight facts about the disease. Representatives from the Department of Health’s Cancer Control Division and the Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. also spoke at the event on the available resources to patients and their families from the government and privately supported groups. Last September 18, members of the Philippine Urological Association and the Philippine Urology Residents Association provided free teleconsultations. Over 300 Filipino men took use of the free teleconsultation program.

Fighting prostate cancer with information

Awareness on prostate cancer is very low as men do not talk about it in the open and often confuse its early symptoms as signs of aging. These include frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. The only bigger warning signs are blood in the urine or semen and pain or burning sensation when urinating.

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after 50. It can also run in the family, developed through a combination of genes and poor lifestyle. There is no proven prevention strategy for prostate cancer, which is why early diagnosis is important.

“Information is the most important weapon against prostate cancer,” said Dr. Clarito Cairo, program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control Program, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health. “The more people know about its early symptoms, the earlier they can get screened. Even in advanced stages, there are treatments available that still allow patients to live a long life.”

“While mostly indolent, prostate cancer needs to be addressed immediately to stop the cancer cells from spreading to other areas of the body,” explained Dr. Ernesto Gerial, president of the Philippine Urological Association. “Disseminating information about who are at risk of the disease and what its symptoms are can save many lives.”

He added: “The lack of noise around prostate cancer has resulted to unequal support for the disease as compared to breast and cervical cancer. While we at the Philippine Urological Association have been hard at work for many years for prostate cancer to finally take the spotlight, we know that we cannot do it alone. That is why we are happy to be partnering with other medical associations, the government, and Johnson & Johnson in creating greater awareness for the disease and extending help to patients.”

“There is hope in prostate cancer,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs of Johnson & Johnson’s (Philippines), Inc. “It is a hard fact that most people should know but don’t—not yet.”

“Doctors are our partners in maintaining good health. Supporting them in the fight against prostate cancer is crucial, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic posing several limitations. By working together, information, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for the disease can be made available for all.”

About Philippine Urological Association
The Philippine Urological Association is the official organization of urologists in the Philippines. As initiated by our founders, we are committed to: (1) promote the art and science of urology to enhance the professional growth of members and provide wholesome fellowship, (2) provide residents of urology with comprehensive education and training to render patients competent, compassionate and quality care, (3) act as professional partners to our colleagues in other medical specialties, and (4) share time, talent, resources in the service of the community by providing undergraduate urology education.

 

 

November 19, 2021 by
Health and Wellness

Vicks, the cough and cold expert, has released a product that can help stop a cold in its tracks when used at the first signs of illness

A common cold is unpleasant, so what should you do if you (or a loved one) notice the early symptoms, such as a tickling in the back of the throat followed by a string of sneezes?

#VDefended with #VicksFirstDefence!

Vicks just released a new nasal spray, Vicks First Defense, that contains microgel technology that has been clinically proved to help stop colds in their tracks when taken at the first signs.

Celebrity couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid swear by this new product and shared how they keep themselves safe and healthy nowadays. “We take all the necessary vitamins, get enough rest, sleep, a little bit of exercise, and exposure to the sun.” But, even with these precautions, the power duo shared that they still get paranoid (or “praning”) about catching a cold, especially because of the rainy season. Watch their full video here.

As Regine and Ogie shared, it’s okay to be extra cautious when it’s about health. “As singers, we automatically become worried when we feel the first signs of a cold. But now we have something we can rely on and help defend ourselves against common cold viruses. And, of course, it’s Vicks First Defence nasal spray. A new product from Vicks, a brand we trust as a family!”

Vicks has a 125-year history and has become the most well-known cough and cold treatment brand in the world. Regine and Ogie even feel it a need in their own home when it comes to giving care for family members who are suffering from coughs and colds. They can also feel more at ease now that Vicks First Defence is available, as it helps to prevent colds when taken at the first symptom.

The couple also shared how they always keep one within reach so they can easily use it when they’re up against a cold. “It’s so small that you can bring it with you anywhere. It’s essential to Filipinos because season changes have been drastic nowadays,” shared Regine and Ogie.

Simply spray 2-3 times per nostril up to 4 times a day and allow the microgel to help trap,  inactivate, and remove the common cold viruses.

So if you’re feeling stuffed up, don’t panic. You don’t have to resign to days with sneezing fits stuck on repeat. Vicks First Defence helps stop a cold when used at the first signs of symptoms.

Visit Vicks’ official Facebook page and Vicks’ official website for more information on Vicks First Defense. Vicks First Defense is available at all major drugstores and supermarkets across the country. Alternatively, you can shop online at Southstar Drug / Rose Pharmacy.    

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use.
Vicks First Defence is not a cure or treatment against COVID-19 and its symptoms.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: P144P110521VS

 

November 19, 2021 by
Food

Kiddie Crew Workshop of McDonald’s Philippines returns…….Online!

Time to bond with your kids as McDonald’s Philippines is bringing the first-ever all-digital Kiddie Crew Online Workshop to your homes. Better to expose to everything that sparks their interest, you can encourage them to bring their curiosity to life and keep them active. Even outside the virtual classroom, it is important that they are able to continue learning and explore their creativity. McDonald’s Philippines is once again bringing back the workshop in an exciting digital set-up. Spanning the weekends of November 20 to December 29, each McDonald’s Kiddie Crew online Workshop will be a 2-day session, each lasting 90 minutes in the afternoon.

In a first for McDonald’s Philippines, kids can look forward to having fun-filled afternoons with the return of the Kiddie Crew Workshop – now serving smiles and learnings online! Exciting games and lesson-filled activities await; experience fun and play with McDonald’s through the first-ever online Kiddie Crew Workshop! A well-beloved event of McDonald’s spanning over 29 years, kids and parents alike have looked forward to the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew every year, providing them with not only fun activities that impart values such as discipline and teamwork, but also precious bonding time together.

Housed through a website, children will be guided as they go through a virtual McDonald’s store. Various points in the digital area will let children hop from one activity to another – from dancing, to singing, to playing fun games where they can learn more about the different Kiddie Crew values of discipline, hard work, teamwork, sharing & responsibility, and active play! Even better, attendees will also be accompanied by Ronald and the Gang throughout, making their online workshop experience even more exciting!

For a registration fee of only P499, customers will not only get access to the 2-day online workshop, but also a 1-day Workshop Meal (Happy Meal 1-pc. Chicken McDo with drink) and their very own Workshop Kit (Chef’s Hat, Apron, Bag, and Cap) with a FREE Kiddie Crew T-Shirt and Lanyard!

“Since its launch in 1991, McDonald’s Kiddie Crew has become a well-loved and iconic summer workshop for kids all over the Philippines. With its virtual comeback, we’re happy to share this new— and first of its kind— experience where McDonald’s helps kids stay active, learn values, and build skills despite the online setup,” said Oliver Rabatan, Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Channels.

Now ongoing online the registration for the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop. Just visit www.mcdokiddiecrew.com to sign up your kid/s for a slot, view more information on the workshop, and even to purchase more goodies for you and your kids through the Kiddie Crew Shop.

 

November 17, 2021 by
Lifestyle

Cleft Organization, Smile Train sponsors Filipino Speech Language Pathologists

Conference this year of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft organization supported the virtual participation of Filipino Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs). New skills as well as given access to new research for continued learning that would allow them to further develop their skills in their respective fields were provided during the three-day convention.

“While it is our goal to provide cleft-affected individuals with comprehensive cleft care, we also want to support our partner SLPs and help them gain more knowledge and expertise in their field. By providing opportunities for learning and development for our partners, Smile Train will also be able to provide better services for our beneficiaries,” said Kimmy C. Flaviano, Smile Train Vice President, South East Asia.

The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) conference is the premier annual professional development event gathering speech-language pathologists (SLPs), audiologists, and professionals from all over the world. Led by ASHA President Lynn Williams, the annual convention offers more than 2,500 sessions (Master Classes and Oral Seminars) eligible for continuing medical education credit covering the latest research, clinical skills, and techniques in communication sciences and disorders.

Smile Train not only supported the participation of the SLPs in the conference, but also their membership to the ASHA.

“We are very grateful to receive support from Smile Train Philippines. As professionals who want to be able to provide the best service to our Filipino patients, support from partner organizations is crucial,” said Speech Language Pathologist and Smile Train Partner, Ms. Veronica S. Yu. “Being able to attend the conference and learn from experts from all over the world allows us to expand our knowledge and better learn how we can help Filipinos in need of comprehensive cleft care in the Philippines.”

Smile Train also supported the participation of Speech Language Pathologists in the Chang Gung Forum 2020, Comprehensive Cleft Care Workshops 2020 and 2021.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, Smile Train continues to deliver comprehensive cleft care. With the launch of the first Filipino mobile Smile Train Speech App and the Virtual Telehealth Program, Smile Train was able to provide Filipinos with access to speech therapy sessions from the safety of their homes. Patients still have access to Smile Train’s services and are able to schedule surgeries in partner hospitals despite lockdown restrictions.

Please visit smiletrain.org., for more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate   To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines.

 

 

 

 

November 16, 2021 by
Entertainment

With ‘Kuwaderno,’ Ben&Ben will push the frontiers of concert production to new heights never seen before

With their greatest headline show of their career, Ben&Ben are reinventing the virtual concert experience. The Filipino nine-piece collective, aptly titled Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, is pushing the frontiers of music concerts in the new normal environment by combining artistic fields such as drama, dance, symphony, and technology with a live performance. Their highly anticipated huge concert will take place in the SMART Araneta Coliseum on December 5, 2021, from 8pm to 11pm, and will be aired live via digital streaming platform KTX.ph. As they discussed their plans in the zoom conference that was held, everyone got excited and I’m also looking forward to seeing what they are preparing for. Ben&Ben is also very entertaining and accommodating on all the queries regarding their upcoming concert. It is such a delight because of all the twists and genre they have planned to make the concert a one of a kind experience.

Taken during the zoom meeting with Ben and Ben

“We can’t deny the fact that it’s the biggest project we’ve undertaken so far, and I think you just somehow know that it’s a leap of faith when the streams of guidance and providence lead you to the right people who believe in the same vision you have: To bring the music and the messages they carry to life,” the award-winning group said. “This spirit of collaboration was one of the defining themes of our album ‘Pebble House Volume One: Kuwaderno’ and it was only by natural desire that we brought the same spirit and attitude when we began working on the concert. As for the play between grand and intimate, we really wanted our listeners to relish in the grandiosity of what their support means to us. Doing a concert on this scale and bringing them closer into that bigger picture is our way of expressing immense gratitude to them as well.”

The audio-visual spectacle promises to bring the immense joy of experiencing live music and give an impression of conceptual grandness that are at par with the most memorable concerts in recent history. From mounting multiple-stage setups to performing in one of the biggest live music venues in the country, Kuwaderno aims to open new possibilities despite the limitations of the platform, and intimately build a connection with the audience all over the world.

Kuwaderno’s breathtaking ingenuity and desire would be impossible to achieve without the contributors who carefully put their hearts and souls into the project. To name a few, concert director Paolo Valenciano, co-director Maribel Legarda, Philippine Theater Association (PETA), and renowned light designer Shakira Villa-Symes grasped Ben&Ben’s distinct vision and translated it so clearly into a coherent piece of work. Ben&Ben testify to the importance of their contributions, not only in making the event a reality, but also in ensuring that they are able to foster a creative environment that encourages healthy ideas interchange. “Working closely with them on this concert only made it clearer to us why they are the biggest names in the industry. The flow of ideas and creative energies really went on naturally because of their openness, and their generosity to share with us their thoughts, but what makes them more admirable is their skill to work within the limitations that we have and to adapt when faced with challenges. We definitely learned a lot from their work ethic.”

Believing in the magic that happens when different forms of art intertwine, the prolific folk-pop asserts that some feelings are best conveyed not just by the music elements alone. This prompted Ben&Ben and their team to include actors and dancers as part of the visual narrative to give the audience a semblance of being physically present with them throughout the concert journey. “Movement and dance and the entire visual narrative of it all woven into our music brought our songs to life,” the band said in a statement. “The talented dancers we’ve worked with, headed by choreographer Gio Gahol, are from different dance groups as well. It is amazing to see how they seem to get along and dance so passionately with each other easily.”

In terms of production design, the team stepped up their game in being more in line with the times, and pushing the envelope in terms of how the music can be represented visually. According to the nine-piece ensemble, each stage has its own purpose, its own symbolisms and visual elements. Even the lighting has its own poignant significance. “We want our listeners to know that each piece of the puzzle was thoughtfully included, and we’re excited to see them piece everything together when they watch the full show.”

The band is confident that Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert will not only deliver unparalleled innovation to local concert productions, but also bring light to a lot of people suffering in silence during the most challenging of times. “Having the opportunity to do so during the pandemic, we also felt such a huge responsibility to be able to inspire more people with stories of humanity and hope. We’ve received a lot of messages from Liwanag (the fan club) telling us how the band has helped them get through the tough times. Hopefully through this concert, we’ll be able to use our platform in making them feel that they’re not alone in this fight.”

Ms. Val Guico, the General Manager of Ben&Ben Music Productions, is also equally grateful to the people involved in the production for making strides in pulling off an envelope-pushing event. According to her, one of the main goals of mounting Kuwaderno is to extend help to the production team whose livelihood and work have been greatly affected by the pandemic. “Bulk of the concert earnings will be shared to everyone behind the scenes,” the concert producer reveals. “They are the unsung heroes of the show. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to bring Ben&Ben’s vision to life.”

Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert tickets are available on the KTX website. Other ticket tiers that are still available include KAIBIGAN (priced at PHP 1,000), MAGKA-IBIGAN (priced at PHP 3,500), and MAHIWAGA (priced at PHP 5,500), all of which have different packages and inclusions.

Ben&Ben Music Productions and SMART Telecommunications Inc. present Kuwaderno: A Ben&Ben Online Concert, which is also co-presented by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Sony Music Philippines, Big Bulb, Chapters, Robinson’s Mall, KTX.ph, Elesi, Cream Silk, Primo, Phirst Park Homes, Novotel, JB Music, Urban Smiles, Summit, Philippine Red Cross, Sennheiser, Ver MYX, 96.3 Easy Rock, and Wish 107.5 are grateful for their support as media partners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 15, 2021 by