A puzzling backache could indicate a variety of issues. It could be the result of overuse or a minor injury, or it could be a symptom of Axial Spondyloarthritis.
Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory condition of the axial skeleton that, if left untreated, can cause severe discomfort and, in some cases, full disability. It’s also a highly heritable condition, so those who come from a family with a history of arthritis are more likely to get it.
Axial Spondyloarthritis usually develops in early adulthood, and it’s been dubbed “the disease of the young” by some. Most patients have a 7-year diagnosis delay, according to research, owing to the fact that Axial Spondyloarthritis only manifests itself as persistent pain in the lower back during the first few years. However, by this time, the disease would have advanced to the point of permanent damage.
For this reason, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J) has teamed up with the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and the Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines (ASAPh) to raise awareness about Axial Spondyloarthritis and encourage patients with symptoms to seek medical treatment.
The significance of catching the disease at an early stage
The lack of awareness among the public and the lack of familiarity with the disease among primary care providers have resulted in fewer referrals to specialists and delay in diagnosis of patients.
“Together with DOH, PRA, ASAPh, and J&J, we conducted a lay forum last July 22 entitled Inflammatory Back Pain: Ating Suriin, Ating Alamin! to educate more Filipinos about chronic and debilitating conditions such as Axial Spondyloarthritis. We frequently distribute reference materials too, so that more people would become aware of the complications that follow this chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease if not acted upon immediately. It is also PRA and ASAPh’s plea to make medications more accessible to patients in need,” added Dr. Reyes.
“Axial Spondyloarthritis is fairly common and so are its symptoms,” said Dr. Bernadette Manapat-Reyes, chair of the Philippine Rheumatology Association for Spondyloarthritis. “The most common symptom is prolonged pain in the lower back. Some people also experience pain in the hips, swelling of joints, episodes of eye inflammation, and even weight loss.”
“We know Axial Spondyloarthritis has an early onset, but life doesn’t have to stop when it happens,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. “If you have been experiencing symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis, it is very important that you see a specialist immediately. You shouldn’t delay this because the disease can be crippling if left unchecked.”
“Axial Spondyloarthritis is a lifelong condition that may affect you differently at different times. Creating a treatment plan with your rheumatologist can greatly help in dealing with the challenges that come with living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.”
“While there is no permanent cure for Axial Spondyloarthritis, its symptoms can be managed and the speed of its progression can be reduced with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”
Axial Spondyloarthritis can be controlled with regular exercise and physical treatment in the best-case scenario. In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics, patients can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics.
About Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That’s why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world’s largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science, and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com. Follow us at @JNJNews.
Today, October 20, a teleconsult website that claims to make medical consultations simple and convenient for many Filipinos was launched. As I attended the virtual event that they conducted, I learned so much from their vision to help and give knowledge to other people. Giving also this convenient consultation it aims to reach more the unserved and be guided properly.
QURE.ph, a website created entirely by Filipinos, offers a platform for online video consultations, connects doctors and patients for convenient appointment booking, and provides a directory of pharmacies and other health and wellness services. In response to the growing demand for virtual consultations, QURE.ph provides a free platform for doctors who want to expand their services via teleconsult.
“We created this platform with the Filipino patient in mind. It’s a simple website and it does not complicate the teleconsultation process. Even those not comfortable with technology will find these consultations easy to do. This is our new normal and QURE is here to help you navigate the future of healthcare,” said Gary Libby, QURE Chief Technology Officer.
A trip to the hospital may also be burdensome these days, as the COVID pandemic persists. QURE will help Filipinos find their way through this public health crisis while keeping their health in check.
“This will definitely benefit doctors and patients. No more overbooking for doctors, and no more long lines for patients waiting for their turn at clinics. Whether via teleconsult or face-to-face check-ups, the scheduling system of QURE helps both patients and doctors,” Libby added.
Andrea Trinidad
Andrea Trinidad, Chief Executive Officer of QURE, said the idea of the teleconsult platform started last year when the lockdowns extended and it became difficult for patients to see their doctors.
Trinidad, who has a life-long disorder called hemophilia and is the president Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines, said the pandemic really affected patients.
“When I was approached by my friends last year and they shared with me their idea of a telemedicine platform, I told them it was brilliant. We envision QURE to be an e-mall of health services where you can book consults, buy medicines, book laboratory appointments and even book a consult with the veterinarian for your fur babies,” she added.
More to know about QURE:
1.The platform is data-safe, both for patients and doctors. Registering is FREE for patients and doctors. Consultation fees range from P500 to P1,500, depending on doctor’s specialization. But for its introductory price, QURE is offering a 50 percent discount for consultations.
2.Registered users can look for doctors for their tele-consult. Specialists have expertise on:
Cardiology; General Surgery; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Integrative General Medicine; Internal Medicine, Dermatology; Otolaryngology (ENT); ENT Specialist Head & Neck Surgery; Psychiatry-Adult; Physical Medicine/Rehab; Pediatrics; Allergy & Asthma, Immunologist; Urology; Sleep Medicine/Insomnia; Ophthalmology; Family & Occupational Medicine; Cardiology; Pediatrics-Pulmonology; Family Medicine; Lifestyle Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery and Hematology/Oncology.
Also in QURE’s pool of experts: Nutritionist Dietician; General Dentistry/Orthodontics; Dentistry/Prosthetic and Esthetic;
3.The website lets you know who is online.
Is the doctor in? No need to guess or call the doctor’s secretary. Through the QURE website, you can easily see if the doctor is available to take consultations.
4.Find doctors in your area or teleconsult with a specialist anywhere in the Philippines
QURE has a growing number of specialists from all over the country. The drop-down menu on the website shows that many doctors have already signed up. Many more are joining QURE in the following weeks.
5.It’s a growing health and wellness community.
In the coming months, expect more health and wellness features. You will also soon see reviews of doctors done by patients themselves.
A project by Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP), the mobile kitchen jeepney has a fully-functioning kitchen working to feed 500 individuals everyday
In partnership of the private sector program Kain Tayo Pilipinas, international aid organization Rise Against Hunger Philippines established a mobile kitchen jeepney, mobilizing additional resources to reduce hunger in the Philippines. Take Action Against Hunger PH and Kain Tayo Pilipinas join together to change how businesses and organizations may help communities in need by developing a model that can be readily replicated and sustained. The mobile kitchen is equipped with a fully functional kitchen that can serve up to 6,000 meals each month as a step toward eliminating hunger and malnutrition. Architect Deo Alam designed the mobile kitchen in the shape of a jeepney, which contains a modern rendition of the Filipino mythical bird Sarimanok, whose beak corresponds to giving food to the people.
“We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of our partner organizations who continuously supported us to address the root of the nation’s concern on involuntary hunger including: challenges on food production, food distribution and accessibility. We hope through mobilizing the first mobile jeepney kitchen, we can encourage more organizations to provide aid to more Filipinos especially during this time of crises.” said Rise Against Hunger Philippines Executive Director, Jomar Fleras.
Together with representatives from both organizations, and in collaboration with the Local Council of Women, the mobile kitchen officially rolls out its operations at Barangay Rosario, Pasig City where it will be serving lunch-time meals. Throughout the course of the project, mobile kitchens and food banks will be stationed in different barangays across cities of Pasig, Taguig, and Manila thrice a week every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The program aims to prepare 500 meals for every individual everyday with its mission to address the nutritionally at risk Filipinos.
The mobile kitchen was launched at Pasig Elementary School on September 30, with 100 of the city’s jeepney drivers and their families invited as guests. Apart from the food from the kitchen, they also received free vaccinations through a donation from San Miguel Foundation.
Together with the other private sector organizations, Rise Against Hunger Philippines appeals to the Filipino communities, organizations to join the program to provide more mobile jeepney kitchens to be made available to reach more communities in the country.
The private sector, in collaboration with non-government organizations (NGOs) and government partners, launched Kain Tayo Pilipinas, the flagship program of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, a multi sectoral movement behind Task Force Zero Hunger which aims to eradicate hunger in the country. Kain Tayo Pilipinas is an initiative that invites everyone including the public to help feed more Filipino children and equip families with nutrition information to help alleviate malnutrition especially amongst children 5 years and below.
The three-fold approach of feeding, education and collaboration guides the program in being able to holistically address the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the country. The feeding programs of the various organizations will be complemented by an education program to ensure that families are equipped to sustainably provide nutritious meals for everyone in the household.
Contact us at [email protected] if your company or group wants to help eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.
Converge is awarded as the Straive Technology Company of the Year Award in the 12th Asia CEO Awards recognizing the company’s excellence across the areas of technical expertise, financial growth, company reputation, and social responsibility – reflecting a well-rounded and holistic growth.
The country’s leading fiber broadband provider, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., continues to gain national prominence as it was recently awarded as the Straive Technology Company of the Year Award in the 12th Asia CEO Awards, besting seven other Philippine ICT companies for the coveted award. The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Philippines and one of the largest events of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. Its purpose is to promote the Philippines as the premier business destination for global enterprises.
With the recent win in the annual Asia CEO Awards Converge continues its winning streak in both the international and national stage for its demonstrated innovation and technological prowess. According to the national award-giving body, nominees of the Straive Technology Company of the Year award are judged according to: management achievement, financial contribution, recognition, pioneering achievements, and social commitment.
Thus, the category recognizes Converge’s excellence across the areas of technical expertise, financial growth, company reputation, and social responsibility – reflecting a well-rounded and holistic growth.
“With the increasing demand for reliable and consistent internet, we at Converge knew we needed to be more innovative and progressive in coming up with more solutions designed with our customers’ needs in mind. We are dedicated to deliver better online experiences by building the right technology and infrastructure to empower people, businesses, and the nation,” said Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus Romero as he thanked the Asia CEO Awards for the recognition.
Leveraging its all-fiber network and its modern, future-proof network infrastructure, Converge innovatively created a suite of broadband products customized to Filipinos’ needs, unlike any plan offered by other players in the market. Among its innovations is the FiberX Time of Day plans which allows customers to choose which period of the day to double their bandwidth.
Another innovation is the Direct Internet Access Upload (DIA Upload) a cloud connectivity solution that allows asymmetric download and upload bandwidth allocation. In this way, business can get the same quality of the premium internet service with two times upload speed, best for outbound traffic intensive business operation.
With innovation-led products such as these, Converge captured 47% of fixed broadband net adds amongst the three largest broadband operators in the Philippines in the second quarter of 2021.
Converge’s meteoric rise in the ICT space saw a major boost in 2020 as the pent-up demand for high capacity and high speed internet further shot up amid the pandemic. With its twin expansion strategy – Go Deep and Go National – already in place before the pandemic struck, Converge was in the best position to cater to the urgent need of the people for fast and reliable fixed broadband connectivity that can only be delivered by fiber technology.
Since 2020, Converge has gone from strength to strength, expanding nationwide coverage to 32.5% of households in the country, passing 8.3 million homes, going nationwide in service, and recording industry-leading revenue growth.
In the fourth quarter of the year, the fiber broadband provider is showing no signs of slowing as it will begin to service the Visayas and Mindanao islands more widely.
AmiananPop Music Inc. is organizing the first edition of its songwriting festival, which will take place online on December 4, 2021, in order to promote a greater knowledge of North Luzon culture and identity through current music. The most awaited event was told during our webinar, it amazes and excites me the most as an Ilocana to know that there will be an upcoming event that will be held in my province in Ilocos. As I learn so much from the webinar, they will truly commemorate the festivity of music and its art.
Taking a leaf from its contemporaries, the Visayan Pop Music Festival (Vispop) and the Mindanao Popular Music Festival (MinPop), the newly formed institution highlights a new generation of composers, interpreters, musicians, and producers from the Ilocos, Cordillera, and Cagayan regions, as well as some non-Tagalog speaking areas in Central Luzon.
Taken during the AmiananPop webinar
Through AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021, artists from the North are encouraged to write, record, and produce songs in their own language as a way to present one’s individuality and debunk misconceptions about non-Manileño Filipino cultures. “Every language and/or dialect is unique, and so are the stories and nuances that come with it, and that is why this is the ultimate goal of the movement, to create a community of storytellers that will represent the NOW generation of Northern singer/songwriters,” says AmiananPop Co-Founder and Chairman Davey Langit.
The annual competition is committed to bringing modern regional pop music at the forefront of mainstream consciousness by making sure that the songs are well-produced and could compete on a global level. As Ebe Dancel, Co-Founder and President of AmiananPop sums it up, “All the finalists have excellently-written and arranged songs, and the melodies are great. How do we bridge the gap? We make sure that the songs are well-produced, so that when people not familiar with the language hear them, they will be encouraged to look for the translation of all songs.”
Going all out on its debut edition, AmiananPop aims to secure its place on the Philippine music map with its insistence to subvert old practices and embrace new forms of music-making that is at par with the professional level in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila. Using the tagline Sikamimet!, which is an Ilocano word for ‘it’s our turn,” the regional songwriting event is keen on igniting a new music movement from North Luzon that turns the resounding battle cry into a marker of an evolving and dynamically growing scene.
“We have to bring it to the fore and show the people that we have an evolving culture, particularly, in music,” Co-Founder and Board Member Noel Cabangon explains the basis behind AmiananPop’s vision. “The songs that we know are already traditional songs. What about the stories and song of the new generation? That’s how important cultural evolution is. Dapat kasabay ng pag-evolve ng panahon ang kultura.”
This year’s finalists have shown promise in making generation-defining anthems that not only assert cultural identity in a compelling way, but also reflect the social conditions of their immediate environment and the community that shaped their individuality. The North Luzon artists that impressed the adjudicators in the preliminary rounds include:
Ryan Madrid (Composer) & Kimberly Collado (Lyricist), PUDNO NGA AYAT
Ruth Lee Resuello, AGKA MAPAGA
Ruth Lee Resuello, ANTO KASI NGARAN TU MAN
Rivah-Anne Singson & Remedios Singson, NAPACURUG NGA AYA
Red Gumayagay, ARAPAAP
Patrick Visto, LAB STORY
The selection went through rigorous process of adjudication led by Chairman Davey Langit, President Ebe Dancel, as well as Foundation Board Members Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Noel Cabangon, Gary Granada, Ma. Cristina Joy Balajadia, Melvin Morallos, Christopher Donaal, and Agat Morallos.
The finalists are chosen based on musicality, lyrics, inventiveness, and new sound, as per the Co-Founder Noel Cabangon. “We judge entries based on how creatively made the songs are, not on their winnability,” the award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter says.
AmiananPop Songwriting Festival 2021 is the first project of AmiananPop Music Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the splendor and variety of modern pop music in North Luzon and its surrounding areas. PhilPop, FILSCAP, NLEX-SCREX, PotenCee, Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, Office of Cong. Kristine Singson, Office of Cong. Christopher de Venecia, Mansho, and Island Living are among the festival’s official partners and sponsors this year.
The SM brand is one of the true entrepreneurial success stories in the country and because of this, the conglomerate recently launched the SM Startup Package to help enterprising Pinoys realize their potential of being successful entrepreneurs themselves by setting up shop in any of the prime SM mall locations, within 13 regional and premier malls, around the Philippines. The SM Startup Package offers friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge; marketing assistance is provided to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside the malls; financial assistance with BDO; and mentorship from SM experts on operations and marketing.
New opportunities will be given by SM Supermalls as they discuss their plans and ideas to us during our webinar event. I was astonished at how they work hard to help our aspiring entrepreneurs continue their endeavors even during these hard times. It’s been over two years since the pandemic halted life and many livelihoods in the Philippines. During the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, 70.6 percent of 1,804 Philippine MSMEs were forced to temporarily close, with 66.2 percent reporting temporary workforce layoffs, according to a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) research.
Taken during SM StartUo Package Webinar
Despite these numbers and the challenges posed by the changing landscape, the industrious Filipino discovered many chances in online enterprises, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recording over 88,000 new e-commerce registrations by the end of 2020. By 2022, the number of e-commerce businesses is expected to reach a million (from 500,000 in 2020). MSME owners have become unsung heroes of the economy by utilizing the online arena, all while providing for their family and realizing their business aspirations.
SM Supermalls very well understands the potential of each Filipino to be successful business owners because of their founder, the late Mr. Henry Sy’s own inspiring story. Sy, fondly called “Tatang” in SM, started out as a small business owner with his first footwear shop ShoeMart.
It is said that because of this, it is in SM’s DNA to enable and inspire small businesses like the one it once was. This October 15, not coincidentally Tatang’s birthday, SM launched The SM StartUp Package, which aims to provide small online businesses the valuable support they need so they can set up their own shop in an SM mall. This is available to the first 100 digital-based MSME owners who currently don’t have a shop inside SM or any other physical store in general.
The package offers features such as start-up friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge; marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside malls; financial assistance with BDO; and mentorship from SM experts on operations and marketing.
The Start Up Markets, as they will be called, will be situated in prime mall locations within 13 regional and premier malls in major cities: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Southmall, SM Pampanga, SM Clark, SM Grand Central, SM Sta. Rosa, SM City Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, SM CDO Downtown Premier, and SM Lanang Premier.
“We created The SM StartUp Package because we saw how Filipinos persevered in the past year. Very much true to the spirit of Henry Sy, who always said he worked harder during bad times, many MSMEs did not let the pandemic stop them from providing good service and products — even from their own homes. We want to give them a chance to further grow their businesses and brands, and enable them to start their own SM shops which they can one day grow into business empires, just like our founder once did.,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.
Following Tatang’s legacy
The late founder Mr. Henry Sy is also proof of an entrepreneur’s resilience and hard work. After arriving in the Philippines at just 12 years old from China, he helped sell products in his father’s retail store. When he saved enough money, he was able to open his first business in 1958: a footwear shop called ShoeMart, which would later become the foundation for today’s 77 SM Supermalls.
The success of the mall didn’t come without challenges. A notable one was when Mr. Sy opened SM Megamall in Edsa in 1985 during a turbulent time in the Philippines. Instead of letting the political and economic climate discourage him, it pushed him to work harder to overcome the crisis. This disposition would carry over in the next few decades and would inspire a new generation of MSME owners to look for opportunities even during adversity.
This is evident in the stories of entrepreneurs like Chizmozza founder Hannah Ramos, who sold her own mozzarella recipe online before opening her food cart at SM, Ian Darcy, who started his namesake fragrance brand after being forced to resign from his marketing job; and Oishii Maki chef Ramon Molina, who started a sushi and maki business at SM after working as an Overseas Filipino as a Japanese Chef in 5-star hotels.
Starting with just one humble ChizMozza cart in SM North Edsa in 2016, the small business has steadily grown and now has a total of 21 branches, situated in various SM malls, nationwide. Seen in the photo is ChizMozza founder, Hannah Ramos – a true believer in the entrepreneurial spirit of Filipinos, as well as how SM continues to help entrepreneurs like her become even more successful with the recent launch of its SM Startup Package.
“I took a chance to grow Chizmozza from an online store to having one humble food cart in SM North Edsa back in 2016. Now Chizmozza has 21 SM branches. They saw the potential of our unique cheese products and through our mutual hard work and perseverance, we grew, even through the pandemic.” Hannah shared
These are just some of the stories behind successful MSME owners and how they were able to succeed, when empowered with the right resources. The SM StartUp Package will allow more people to level up their online start-up, inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of “Tatang” so they can take more confident steps even during these uncertain times.
SM Supermalls President Mr. Steven Tan was attended by three young successful MSMEs, Nina Cabrera from Colourette, Patty Ang from Patton, and Jerald Sze from 365 Designs Retailing, during the virtual launch of the SM StartUp Package hosted by Sam Yg last Oct 15, who talked about how their businesses started online and how they successfully grew them at SM Supermalls.
Other notable guests during the launch included Ms. Jean Pacheco, Assistant Secretary of DTI, and the SM Super Team composed of BDO Network Bank’s SVP and MSME Business Head Karen Cua, BDO Acquiring FVP Merchant Partnerships and Retail Sales Head Bob Tolentino, SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Marketing, Grace F. Magno, and AVP for Leasing Strategy and Operations, Gina T. Katigbak, who discussed details of the SM StartUp Package.
For more information on how to join up for The SM StartUp Package, go to www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media sites.
About SM Supermalls
Starting as a humble shoe store in Manila established by its founder Henry Sy Sr. in 1958, SM has grown into the Philippines’ biggest chain of shopping malls. With its 74 malls in the Philippines, and 7 in China, SM Supermalls is now home to over 20,000 tenants, most of which carry the world’s best loved brands. It is the retail destination for family fun experiences and events.
SM Supermalls is owned by SM Prime Holdings, Inc., a publicly-listed company and is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia.
Who loves extra-treats? The spooky season is here again, and McDonald’s is here to celebrate Halloween, all month long! Starting October 8 until October 28, get a FREE surprise treat with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal via Dine-in, Drive-Thru, Take-out, or Delivery. Every Happy Meal can elicit nervous giggles or fits of laughter!
If the little ones have a knack for thrilling mysteries, the Mystery Monster Boxes will surely pique their curiosity. Experience the excitement of the Mystery Monster Box in person when you stop in for a spell and drop by on your brooms via Dine-in and Ride-Thru!
The Halloween surprises won’t end there — a spooktacular Halloween is incomplete without trick-or-treating. McDonald’s is here to help kids get into the Halloween spirit while staying safe through the Monsters and Mysteries Ride-Thru! Let the kids have a fang-tastic celebration by giving them a chance to go trick-or-treating safely.
Drive-Thru at McDonald’s from October 29-31 to get an exciting Halloween item from the Mystery Monster Box for a minimum purchase of Php 250. To remember the ghoul old times, feel free to capture and immortalize the special family moment by taking a picture with the Monsters and Mysteries Photo Frame.
McDonald’s Monsters & Mysteries Drive-Thru dress-up for select stores
Want to feel the Halloween hype even more? Enjoy the Halloween decorations in select branches that will be “dressing-up” their Drive-Thru lanes!
No tricks—only treats await this Halloween season at McDonald’s! Delve into the unknown and claim surprise treats to fully experience the spooktacular Halloween spirit.
Just visit McDonald’s Philippines Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages for more information and updates on this offering.
Nobody’s Home, a Filipino alternative rock band, has presents the official music video for their new single “Cigarette Daydreams,” which is a rendition of Cage The Elephant’s 2014 chart-topping hit. The video, directed by Swimming Pictures’ Ysa Aranda, shows the promising band on a wild road trip, performing in front of a warehouse and escaping reality “to achieve peace of mind,” as the lyrics suggest.
Aranda says the inspiration for the music video came from her own personal experience, specifically the feeling of ease that comes with driving. “I needed to go on a drive and imagine events that would fit with the music.” Apart from the song’s lyrics, driving has helped me deal, especially during these tough times, which is why the MV includes driving sequences.”
The visual narrative of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s End Of Summer, a short video that stands as a document of a serene scenery in “one of the most vital and threatened locations of our planet,” inspired Aranda’s take on “Cigarette Daydreams.”
Paying homage and making it their own
The song was produced by Nobody’s Home and Ely Buendia, and its overall treatment maintains the melodic charm of the original, while incorporating ‘90s-sounding guitar-rock affair, candied pop hooks, and pulsating synths to the mix.
“Generally, we wanted to pay respects and keep the original vibe of the song,” Frontman and principal songwriter Eon Buendia explains. “We stuck to that nostalgic acoustic feeling for the verses while making it simpler in terms of instrumentals. But when it came to the choruses, that’s where we changed the vibe from the original’s lighter feeling to a darker and synth-y tone that is more akin to the sound of the band.”
Nobody’s Home strikes a balance between paying homage to the song and making it their own—a task that they supremely aced with conviction and confidence. “The main idea we had was that the verses would be simple and we wouldn’t add much to it in order to keep the spirit of the original, and then the choruses would be where we came in and do our thing,” Eon shares in a statement. “And then we put elements that we usually use when producing our personal tracks such as vocal layering, synthesizers, and lead guitar lines.”
Production notes
The track’s producer, Ely Buendia, also commends the alt-rock outfit’s dedication in upping the ante of their version, while retaining the song’s feel-good catharsis in the process. “I just trusted the boys’ musical instincts, knowing that their own personal preferences would make sure that this will not be a note for note translation.”
In terms of production, Ely points out, “we at least wanted the production to be gritty yet polished, if at all possible, to honor the vibe of the original.”
Nobody’s Home’s cover of Cage The Elephant’s “Cigarette Daydreams” is now available internationally via Sony Music Philippines on all digital music platforms. Here’s a link to the music video.
Smile Train, the world’s foremost cleft charity, started the #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti campaign in the Philippines, inviting Filipinos to commemorate World Smile Day® on October 1st with the #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti campaign. World Smile Day®, which takes place every year on the first Friday in October, is a day dedicated to inspiring people all over the world to commit acts of kindness.
Smile Train Philippines centralized the campaign with #KayGandaNgBawatNgiti, which encourages the public for cleft-affected individuals, capture the beauty of all kinds of smiles, and help alleviate discrimination against those born with a cleft or other birth differences, in line with Smile Train’s global message “All Smiles are Beautiful.”
“Smile Train strives to give individuals born with a cleft their forever smiles and brighter futures. With the help of all our partner hospitals and medical professionals, we can truly make a difference to create more smiles and second chances at life,” said Vice President, Smile Train South East Asia, Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano.
Art for Smiles
Ica Narvaez
In celebration of this year’s World Smile Day®, Ica Narvaez, a local artist, partnered with Smile Train Philippines to raise funds for cleft-affected individuals in need of lifesaving surgery and care through an online auction of her work. As a long-time supporter of Smile Train, Ica created artworks inspired by Smile Train beneficiaries and their families.
“I worked briefly with the organization before and witnessed firsthand how their organization makes a difference in the lives of children. I have personally met beneficiaries of their program and saw the impact of a cleft lip and palate surgery,” shared Narvaez. “I wanted to do this auction to help children receive the desperate care they need. ” One of the pieces, “Flowers for Smiles”, is an abstract painting in acrylic. Each artwork’s bid begins at PhP13,000.
Coming from a family of artists, Ica grew up surrounded by different forms of creativity. However, during the pandemic, Ica realized she can combine her passion for art and community development to make a difference. Ica now aims to create inspirational work and art that calls for community action. “If people purchase my work for Smile Train, the result will be countless smiles for these children,” she shared.
As Smile Train works toward helping individuals born with a cleft smile confidently, it is no secret that many cleft-affected individuals still experience discrimination for their appearance. In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month which also coincides this October, Smile Train is taking the opportunity to bring this issue to light by hosting a Facebook Live discussion on bullying, mental health and well-being medical experts and beneficiaries, happening on October 29 at 4:00PM on Smile Train Philippine’s Facebook page.
The focus of the virtual discussion will be on how victims of bullying respond and cope with the consequences, as well as how Smile Train may help promote acceptance among all children. Menchie Silvestre, Executive Director of Alagang Kapatid Foundation, will moderate the discussion, which will feature the following speakers and guests: Dr. Edmund Mercado, Plastic Surgeon from Marikina St. Vincent Hospital; Dr. Arsenio “Boboy” Alianan, Professor from the Department of Psychology, Ateneo De Manila University; Joana Mariz Julian, who was born with a cleft; and Maricel Teylan, mother of a cleft.
Visit smiletrain.org to celebrate smiles, learn more about Smile Train’s global initiatives, and make a gift. Visit smiletrain.ph/get-help to learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines and to refer a patient in need. Smile Train Philippines can be found on Instagram as @SmileTrainPh, and on Facebook as @SmileTrainPhilippines.
Filipinos are losing their life, their means of subsistence, and their aspirations. What more proof do we need that the respect they deserve from their leaders has been sporadic at best, and non-existent at worst? What other fact can possibly persuade us that what is happening in our country must come to an end? What should we scream and what should we do to get our country back on track?
We are on the verge of having to take action and not wait any longer, lest our country’s health system collapse and drag down everything else that has health effects, including our economy, social order and security, education, national growth and development, and our ability to compete in the future. Our weak and unstable health system is corroded and destroyed by the constant and sustained assault. It is such an interesting avenue to learn something new from the zoom meeting I attended. We all know how our country faces this global pandemic and how our government responded to it. We saw many unwanted approaches that all of a sudden changed our different perspectives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn so much from the zoom conference; I now have a better understanding of the challenges and obstacles that our medical workers face, as well as their demands from our government.
We cannot – and must not – allow this to continue!
Guided by our Code of Conduct, we, the members of the health profession and the health sector of the Philippines, have endeavored to remain true to our mandate to attend to the health needs of the nation without regard for politics. But no other phenomenon in history than this Covid-19 global pandemic has opened our eyes and minds wider to the vulnerability and folly of this long-standing passivity. It has left free and unrestrained politicians and people with absolutely no competence in running the country, much less this catastrophic health debacle, to abuse power with impunity, misuse and steal taxpayers’ money and insult their intelligence, feed on the Filipinos’ desperation and helplessness at the time when their plea for true leadership is loudest but has remained unheeded.
Exposed and battered beyond any doubt in the past 18 months of the global pandemic, our broken health systems need to be overhauled and invested upon with huge financial resources and human expertise in both science and technology, and the political will of our top leaders to get things done quickly. Instead, the global pandemic has brought to bear on the Filipino people not only the contagion of, and deaths from, Covid-19 but worse, the incompetence, insensitivity and corruption of no less than those who are supposed to lead and protect them. Unmitigated and shameless greed is being flaunted to our faces!
The corruption and the total disregard for decency and morality have begun to permeate the Filipino soul. This is NOT who we are, but this is what we are going to be unless we do something about it NOW. Impunity has become the norm; the culture that our offspring will imbibe in the years to come is there for all of us to dread. The so-called leaders, voted into office ‘without thinking’, have no more shame – brazen, avaricious, sugapa, with no regard for how the nation would survive! They actually believe that they can go on and on with this delusion of irreproachable power, reflected from their leader who they will eventually dump when the time comes.
We shout out our indignation and intolerance to what is happening! We will no longer compromise the truth for what we have been conditioned to believe to be true but clearly isn’t, we shall not go down the slippery slope of decay as a nation. We are already down on the ground, made worse by the fear, helplessness and hopelessness that can paralyze us into inaction.
We cannot go on fighting for every Filipino’s life and health if we cannot work together – because we are afraid, because we are severely handicapped, because we are in pain – physically and psychologically, because our numbers are dwindling. If we say and do nothing, and just accept that our nation’s health will
remain in the hands of people who care not for our country but for themselves, then what are we here for?
Who are we?
We are the leaders of the health profession and the health sector. As we look beyond our individual comforts and interests, we aspire to fight for order, decency and integrity in government, and commit to take collective action against poor governance and impropriety in the health sector for the sake of our patients, our colleagues, our families and children, the doctors, nurses and nurse assistants at the frontlines, the medical technologists in the laboratories, and for our own sake. We avow to initiate and execute within our respective professional organizations appropriate collective action toward this end.
For love of country, our Philippines, we are affixing our signatures as expression of our indignation, raising our voice to ensure that we are heard, and expressing our readiness to take a stand against whoever and whatever would dare frustrate the Filipinos’ call for good governance, and deprive them access to decent healthcare and the right to aspire for a healthy life! We are asserting the call to change and render accountable the people who are responsible for the abuse, misuse and theft of the people’s money for their own benefit at the worst time when the citizens’ lives are at stake!
We support the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in its investigation to seek the truth and crush corruption that has severely crippled our society. Public office is a public trust. Public officials should be accountable to the people; they should serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; they should act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.
We do not and cannot expect anything less.
(SGD)
Past Presidents and Leaders of Medical Societies
Dr. Manuel Dayrit
Former Secretary, Department of Health
Dr. Enrique T. Ona
Former Secretary, Department of Health
Dr. Carmencita Reodica
Former Secretary, Department of Health
Dr. Susie Pineda Mercado
Former Undersecretary, Department of Health
Dr. Madeleine de Rosas-Valera
Former Undersecretary, Department of Health
Dr. Juan Maria Pablo Nanagas
Former Undersecretary, Department of Health
Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Tito P. Torralba
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Esperanza A. Icasas-Cabral
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Abdias V. Aquino
Past President, Philippine College of Physician
Dr. Dante D. Morales
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Vicente V. Tanseco Jr.
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Marcelito L. Durante
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians and Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Antonio H. Villalon
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Rene I. Juaneza
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Charles Y. Yu
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Eugenio Jose R. Ramos
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Norbert Lingling D. Uy
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Oscar T. Cabahug
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Priscilla B. Caguioa
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Anthony C. Leachon
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Nenita Avena-Collantes
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Maria Gina C. Nazareth
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Mario M. Panaligan
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Minguita Padilla
Chair, Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines
Dr. Albert A. Atillano
Past President, Philippine Society of Hypertension
Dr. Saturnino P. Javier
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Nelson S. Abelardo
Past President, Philippine Society of Hypertension
Dr. Cesar S. Recto
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Orlando Bugarin
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Lynn A. Gomez
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology Philippine Society of Hypertension
Dr. Rafael R. Castillo
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Antonio Sibulo
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Adriel E. Guerrero
President, Philippine Lipid and Arteriosclerosis Society
Dr. Ma. Belen O. Carisma
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Carolyn R. Narvacan-Montano
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians- Southern Luzon Chapter
Dr. Raul L. Lapitan
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Edgardo Ortiz
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Edgardo F. Faustino
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians- Southern Luzon Chapter
Dr. Jorge A. Sison
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Efren R. Vicaldo
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Francisco Y. Arcellana Jr
Past president of Philippine College of Surgeons
Dr. Nannette R. Rey
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Manuel T. Chua Chiaco Jr.
Former Director, Philippine Heart Center
Dr. Walfrido Sumpaico
Past President, Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society
Dr. Jasmin R. Igama
Co-Chair, Committee on External Relations Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Romeo D. Saavedra
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Aurelia Leus
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Rosalio P. Torres
Past President, Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
Dr. Benjamin Alimurung
Former Medical Director, Makati Medical Center
Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis
Past President, Philippine Society of Hypertension
Dr. Louie C. Racelis
Past President, Academy of Filipino Neurosurgeons
Dr. Alex T. Junia
Past President, Philippine Heart Association
Dr. Beatrice J. Tiangco
Past President, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Dr. Eleanor A. Jara
Co-convenor, Solidarity of Health Advocates and Personnel with a Unified Plan to defeat COVID-19 (SHAPE UP)
Dr. Conrado Gabriel C. Lorenzo III Makati Medical Center
Dr. June Pagaduan Lopez Philippine Psychiatry Association
Dr. Carmela Bingcan
Current President, Philippine Society of Blood and Marrow Transplant
Dr. Elizabeth Arcellana-Nuqui
Past President, Philippine Society of Oncologists
Dr. Ma. Angelina L. Mirasol
Past President, Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
Patricia Mines Gomez, RM, MCHS Executive Director, Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines Inc.
Dr. Rafael S. Claudio
Past President, Philippine Society of Oncologists
Dr Dina C. Gonzales
Past president, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr. Josephine B. Ramos
Past President, Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Dr. Mark Anthony A. de Lusong
Past President, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Marvin D. Basco
Past president of Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Dennis A. Ona
Past President, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Benjamin Gerardo A. Perez
Past President, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Marie Michelle S. Cloa
Past President, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos, Jr.
President, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Dr Lyra Ruth Chua
Past President, Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society
Dr. Julieta L. Gopez-Cervantes
Gastroenterologist
Dr. Marysia T. Recto
Past President, Philippine Society of Allergy Asthma and immunology
Dr. Julius C. Co-Soriano
President, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Ma. Carmela Kasala
Past President, Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Dr. Catherine SC. Teh
President Philippine Association of HPB Surgeons
Dr. Patricia P. Prodigalidad
ENT, Makati Medical Center
Dr. Aileen Rosel Santos
Ways and Means Member, Kilusang Kontra Covid (KilKoVid)
Dr Ester S. Bitanga
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Agnes A. Alarilla-Alba
President, Pediatric Nephrology Society of the Philippines
Dr. Roberto C. Mirasol
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Roberto N. de Guzman, Jr
Past President of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines
Dr. Mia C. Fojas
Past President, Phil Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Virginia Irene R. Santos, FPPS COVID VACC Team, RID 3780
Dr. Eduardo R. Gatchalian
Past President Philippine College of Surgeons
Dr. Lorenzo Angelo R. Santos
UST, 2nd year Residents, Department of Ophtha
Dr. Jerry H. Santos, FPUA Member, UAU
Dr Olimpia Malanyaon
President, Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Imaging of the Philippines
Dr. Cynthia Cuayo Juico
Philippine Pediatric Society
Dr. Mario Joselito M. Juco
Past President, Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Dr. Jose Vicente T. Prodigalidad
Makati Medical Center
Dr. Victor B. Lopez
Ophthalmology
Dr. Jeremy Jones F. Robles
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Marceliano T. Aquino Jr.
Past President, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr Manuel Francisco Roxas
Past President, Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Dr. Armando C. Crisostomo
Past President, Philippine College of Surgeons
Dr. Alberto Roxas
Past President, Philippine College of Surgeons
Dr. Michael L. Villa
President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Cynthia Halili-Manabat
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Generoso T. Abes
Past President, Philippine Society Otorhinolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery Professor Emeritus,
UP College of Medicine
Dr. Joselynn Añel-Quimpo
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Rosa Allyn G. Sy
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Gabriel V. Jasul
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Mary Ann Lim-Abrahan
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Cecilia A. Jimeno
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Carlo M. Cornejo
Gastroenterologist, Makati Medical Center
Dr. Pepito E. De la Peña
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Monica Therese Cating-Cabral
Board Member, Philippine Society of
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Brian Michael I. Cabral
Nephrologist
Dr. Dennis L. Sacdalan
Head, Cancer Care Center, Medical Center Manila
Dr. Ronald V. Romero
Board Director, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Luisito R. Maaño
Past President, Philippine Orthopedic Association
Dr. Stephen M. Nazareth
Urologist
Makati Medical Center
Dr. Camille Ann C. Abaya
Obstetrics & Gynecology
St Luke’s Medical Center, QC and BGC
Dr. Clarita Cruz Maaño
Past President, Philippine Dermatological Society and Professor Emeritus, UP College of Medicine
Dr. Fe A. Icasas-Inducil
Past President, Bayside Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Joseph C. Bocobo
Past President, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr. Deo Panganiban
President, Phil society if experimental and Clin Pharmacology
Dr. Gerardo B. Paulino
Radiology
Dr. Rudie Frederick B. Mendiola
Past President, Philippine Society of Reproductive Medicine
Dr. Madalinee Eternity D. Labio
Past President, Hepatology Society of the Philippines.
Dr. Laura Trajano-Acampado
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Noel M. Castillo
President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Patricia Maningat
Endocrinologist
Dr. Antonio R. Paraiso
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Vimar A. Luz
Board of Trustees Member, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Frederick T. Dy
Past President, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr. Susan Añonuevo-Dela Rama
Past President Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr Arlene Lamban
Nephrologist
Dr. Agnes Torrijos-Cruz
Past President, Diabetes Philippines
Dr. Dolores Bonzon
Past President Philppine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Maria Victoria D. Garcia
President, Philippine College of Physicians, Marikina Chapter
Dr. Marietta C. Olaivar
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Henry David Nava Dimaano
Orthopedics
Dr. Leorino M. Sobrepena
Chairman, Heart of Jesus Hospital
Dr. Roberto C. Tanchanco
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Elmer M. Garcia
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians, Marikina Chapter
Dr Alberto T. Chua
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Theresa Marie Valdez-Faller
Past President, Alliance of Clinical Endocrinologists Philippines
Dr. Gladys Diaz
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology Southern Tagalog Chapter
Dr. Helen Ocdol
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Maria Rhodora de Lara-Valenzona
President, PCP Southern Luzon Chapter
Dr. Gabriel M Eala
CEO, SPC Medical Center San Pablo City
Dr. Carlo M. Punzalan
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology Southern Tagalog Chapter
Dr. Marie Dione P. Sacdalan
General Surgery, The Medical City and Medical Center Manila.
Dr. Maria Ailsa A. Escobin
Nephrologist, DLSUMC
Dr. Joseph Michael P. Abcede
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology Southern Tagalog Chapter
Dr. Roselmo Doval-Santos
Convenor, HPAAC Open Spaces Coalition
Dr. Benjamin A. Balmores, Jr.
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Lydia A. Villamayor
Fellow, Philippine College of Radiology Fellow, Ultrasound Society of the Philippines
Dr. Elizabeth Angelica L. Roasa
Past President, Phil Society of Nephrology
Dr. Ricardo A. Batac
Past Secretary General, Philippine Medical Association
Past President, PCP Southern Luzon Chapter
Dr. Jaime Jesus D. Rojo
Co-founder and Current Chairman, Subic- Olongapo Cancer Foundation Inc. (SOCFI) Chairman,
Philippine Specialty Board of Medical Oncology (PSBMO)
Dr. Nathaniel E. Agoncillo
Nephrologist
Dr. Rose Marie H. Yu
Nephrologist
Dr. Marizel M. Catungal
Nephrologist
Dr. Gina Santiago Eubanas
Dermatologist, Daniel Mercado Medical Center and St. Cabrini Medical Center
Dr. Sjoberg A. Kho
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Maria Caryl Elejerio
Internist
Dr. Rolando N. Macalalag
Nephrologist
Dr. Ruby T. Go
Past President, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Dr. Jose Eduardo DL. Duya
Internal Medicine – Adult Cardiology Public Health Practioner
Advocate of Preventive Cardiology
Dr. Jesusa O. Bello
Nephrologist
Dr. Grace D. Sabado
Gynecologic Oncologist, Marikina Valley Medical Center
Dr. Ma. Rhowena A. Flores-Florendo
Nephrologist
Dr. Maria Lorna Yap-Wong
Nephrologist
Dr. Clarissa R. Manuel
Marikina Valley Medical Society
Dr. Eugene Tan
Family Medicine
Dr. Jemmer Afable
Surgeon
Dr. Edgardo Noblejas Jr.
Nephrologist
Dr. Loralie EM. Perez-Miranda
Family Medicine
Dr. Christine Joy S. Arquiza, DPBO-HNS, FPSO- HNS
Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Dr. Jeanne Marie Michel B. Monzon
Nephrologist
Dr. Jed Dumagpi
Fellow, Gastroenterology
Dr Ulysses Dorotheo
Past President, Neuro-Ophthalmology Society of the Philippines
Dr. Patricia C. Prodigalidad
Secretary, Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy
Dr. Daniel Ryan C. Castillo
Internal Medicine
Dr. Martin B. Martinez
Consultant Surgeon, National Kidney & Transplant Inst.
Dr. Ofelia Samay-Sy
Past President, Albay Medical Society and PCP-Bicol Chapter
Past Regional Regent, Philippine College of Physicians
Dr. Benwyn B. Rañeses
Internal Medicine
Dr. Nikko Raymundo Fellow,
Gastroenterology
Dr. Jose Gregorio T. Manaig
Internal Medicine
Dr. Junice D. Melgar
Executive Director, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health
Dr. Abundio A. Balgos
Past President, Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Dr. Noel P. Pingoy
President, Philippine College of Physicians, Socsksargen Chapter
Dr. Ricardo D. Isip Jr.
Past Governor, Philippine Medical Association Bicol
Dr. Anna Lynda T. Bellen
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians Bicol Chapter
Dr. Abe Marinduque
President, Philippine Society of Responsible Parenthood
Dr. Delia V. Bayog
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Divina R. Cruz-Ribas
Nephrologist
Dr. Christina Erika L. Basilan
Nephrologist
Dr. Ronnie Perez
Nephrologist
Dr. Randy Abdullah
President, Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines
Dr. Maria Caridad R. Pasno
Nephrologist
Dr. Judith D. Gapasin
Past President, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr. Raymundo Lo
Former Vice President, Philippine Society of Pathologists Inc.
Dr. Louie S. Tirador
Past President, Philippine Heart Association Panay Chapter
Dr. Daisy King-Ismael
Past President, Philippine Dermatological Society
Dr Albert E. Ismael
Past President, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology
Dr. Ivan N. Villespin
Past President of Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Dr. Anita Jesena
Past President, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Dr. Rogelio V. Tangco
Cardiologist, The Medical City
Dr Gerardo Cornelio
Past President, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
Dr. Giselle Cayton
OB Gyn
Dr. Josefina Isidro-Lapena
Family Medicine, UPPGH
Dr. Higinio T. Mappala
President, Philippine College of Physicians Manila Chapter
Dr. Jose Marcelino Cayton Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Jose Florencio F. Lapeña Jr.
Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of the Philippines Charter President, Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors
Dr. Inocencio P. Alejandro
Past President, Philippine Rheumatology Association
Past Vice President, Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine
Dr. Noemi M. Sarabia
Past Governor, Philippine Medical Association
Dr. Jerome Patrick C. Nazareth Physician
Dr. Leslie Jean B. Egnora
Perpetual Succour Hospital
Dr. Marlon T. Co
Trustee, Philippine Society of Hypertension
Dr. Kristoffer Tanseco
Cardiologist
Dr. Francisco P. Altarejos
Past President, Philippine Orthopedic Association
Dr. Ditas Decena
Past President, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society
Dr. Mariann Almajar
Medical Director, Proser Clinics
Dr. Eric Chacon Diabetologist
Dr. Hyacinth Claire Tanseco Chacon, Pediatric immunologist
Dr. Patrick Vincent Tanseco Urology
Dr. Niño Anthony Tanseco Radiologist
Dr. Benjamin Castro Jr. FPCP, FPSG Dr. Vicente P. Tanseco III Nephrology
Dr. Ma. Felicidad Soto
Past President Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Raymond L. Rosales
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Benita Padilla
Past President, Philippine Society of Nephrology
Dr. Pearl Tamesis-Villalon
Past President, Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology
Dr. Christian Sigfried T. Estanislao Nephrologist
Dr. Rogelio Lim Libarnes Philippine Neurologic Association
Dr. Guia Crisostomo Tan Bioethicist
Otolaryngologist, The Medical City
Dr. Irene E. Castillo-Paler Nephrologist
Dr. Ma.Socorro Sarfati
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Ma. Annette Bautista
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Raquel Alvarez
Past Presidents, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Philip Ramiro
Past Presidents, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Rosalina Picar
Past Presidents, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Romulo Esagunde
Past Presidents, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Vic Salas
Public Health and Development
Dr. Rogelio Libarnes
Philippine Neurologic Association
Dr. Maria Belen Tamayo
Past President, Philippine society of Medical Oncology
Dr. Art Catli
Past President, Pasig City Medical Society
Dr. Ricardo D. Isip Jr.
Past President, Albay Medical Society PMA Past Governor-Bicol
Ronald John Recio, M. A., RPsy EMDRPac. MBPsS Clinical Psychologist
Ricardo Boncan, D.M.D., FOPAP, FICD President, Orofacial Pain Association Philippines
Dr. Zarinah Garcia Gonzaga, FPOGS
Board of Trustees, Philippine Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine
Dr. Roehl Salvador
Surgeon, Manila Doctors Hospital and Asian Hospital
Dr. Lou Camille D. Jalbuena IM-Gastroenterology
Dr. Angelo Lozada
Treasurer, Hepatology Society of the Philippines
Dr. Raymond Espinosa
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Pamela Rose A. Matti Infectious Diseases Specialist
Dr. Rommel F. Galvez Cardiologist
Dr. Paolo Joel Nocom Cardiologist, Caloocan City
Dr. Jemma Ma. Irene Echiverri Diplomate, Internal Medicine
Dr. Nerissa Reyes
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Cid Czarina Diesta
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Edna Cuasay
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Josephine Tuason
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Novito Magsino
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Rhoderick Cevallos
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Zernan Labaguis
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Julie Ann Espino
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Jeremias Bautista
Philippine Neurological Association (Central Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Jose Antonio M Salud
Past President, Philippine College of Surgeons
Dr. Remedios Coronel
Past President, Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Vim I. Samonte
President, Philippine College of Physicians Capiz- Aklan Chapter
Dr. Criselda G. Abesamis Pathologist
Dr. Carl Balita
President, Alliance of Allied Health Organizations of the Nation (AAHON)
CEO, Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC)
Dr. Nerissa C. De Guzman
Past President, Philippine College of Physicians, Marikina Chapter
Dr. Josefina M. Lagunzad
President. Philippine College of Physicians, Caraga Chapter
Dr. Eloisa E. Pornillos
President, Philippine College of Physicians Bicol Chapter
Dr. Melvin R. Hacutina
Immediate Past President, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Jerome O. Laceda
President, Philippine College of Physicians Rizal Chapter
Dr. Deborah A. Bernardo
Secretary, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Anne Margaret J. Ang
President, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Benjamin T. Castro Jr., FPCP
Member, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Mary Josephine C. Barona
Member, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Cesar M. Quiambao, FPCP
Member, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Alvin L. Dalumpines
Member, Philippine College of Physicians Quezon City Chapter
Dr. Edilberto Concepcion
Medical Practitioner and Acupuncturist
Dr. Marianne Linley Sy-Janairo Gastroenterologist
Dr. Carlos Paolo D. Francisco Gastroenterologist
Dr. Mark Corleto N. Untalan Jr. Internal Medicine
Dr. Joy Arabelle C. Fontanilla
Past President, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Philippine Chapter
Dr. Karen Hernandez-Lim
Training Officer, Department of Internal Medicine, MCU-FDTMF Hospital
Dr. Rowena P. Magsino
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Corina Macalintal
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Ana Marie Javelosa
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Eric T. Capulong
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Grace Joy Arceo
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Romeo Porlas Jr.
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Maria Cecilia E. De Guzman
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Jean Marie Ahorro
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Ranhel De Roxas-Bernardino
Philippine Neurological Association (South Luzon Chapter)
Dr. Maria Isabel Samaniego Member, PCP PAMUNLAS Chapter
Dr. Maria Estrella R. Ledesma
Head-Bioethics, Legal Medicine and Jurisprudence
USLS College of Medicine
Dr. Suzette Lazo
Former Director, Food and Drug Administration
Dr. Christine Anne Chacon Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Elizabeth Palines
Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Roberto Tabio Jr.
Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Geohana Jimenez
Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Jjoanne Robles
Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Jennifer Manzano
Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Cheyene Azarcon
Philippine Neurological Association
John Jerusalem Tiongson Philippine Neurological Association
Dr. Herminigildo H. Gan
Past President, Philippine Neurological Association
