House of Cards Season 4 - Frank Underwood knows too well that f'oul is fair'

Shakespeare’s power-hungry characters and House of Cards’ chief executive are more similar than we think

The airing of House of Cards Season Four could not have mirrored a more appropriate time as the Philippines and the United States elect their future leaders this year. As Election Day comes closer, the unfolding political drama in these countries grows more and more intense.

But did you know that House of Cards is largely influenced by works of the greatest English dramatist? As artists and scholars all over the world look forward to William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary in April, shows like House of Cards and characters like Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) remind audiences of the enduring influence of the Bard’s works.

Here are some facts on Shakespeare’s influence on the series.

1. Richard III is a major basis of Frank Underwood’s character

The original House of Cards is based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, a British Conservative politician. Dobbs’ novel was adapted into a series that aired in 1990 in the United Kingdom. A major basis of the novel’s central character was Shakespeare’s Richard III, a play about an English king who earned a reputation as an ambitious and murderous villain.

Like Frank Underwood, the title character in Richard III did not hesitate to get rid of the people who thwarted his ambition. Richard III killed one character after another, including his brother, wife, and two young nephews. After a brief reign, the notorious character met a bloody end on a battlefield in the hands of traitors.

2. Kevin Spacey played Richard III

In playing the ruthless Frank Underwood, Kevin Spacey seems to be getting in touch with a character he has played before. In 2014, Spacey played the title role in Sam Mendes’ production of Richard III, which went on an international tour for ten months. For this production, Kevin Spacey’s look was inspired by the late Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi who was killed by rebel forces in 2011.

3. Frank Underwood’s “asides” are often used in Shakespeare’s plays

There are moments in House of Cards when Frank Underwood would talk to the viewer and reveal his intentions. In the British series, the lead character also talks to the audience in this manner called an “aside.”An aside is a dramatic device where a character shares his thoughts to the audience. Asides are usually not heard by other characters on stage, but they allow the audience to understand what’s going on in the speaker’s mind.

4. Claire and Frank Underwood’s marriage mirror the relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Frank Underwood’s wife Claire is supportive of her husband’s schemes and ambitions, and they both share a taste for power. At first, their relationship is very similar to that of Shakespeare’s ultimate power-hungry couple, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

But readers of the Scottish play would notice that at the beginning of the story, Macbeth is full of doubt, while his wife was more certain in their pursuit of power. Towards the end of the play, Macbeth becomes a murderous tyrant, and Lady Macbeth is driven to madness by her guilt.

The outcome of Macbeth and his wife resembles Claire and Frank’s relationship in the latest episodes of House of Cards. While they used to be supportive of each other, their marriage—along with their political partnership—now seems to have broken down.

Considering that House of Cards is based on Shakespeare’s tragedies, a curious question could now be: Will the series end the same way a Shakespearean tragedy would? 

House of Cards Season Four airs every Tuesday, 9:55pm (8:55pm JKT/BKK), first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment HD.

SCG Exhibit at WorldBEX 2016 Redefines the Future of Innovative Living for Filipino Homeowners

Strengthened SCG Smartboard for innovative home building

SCG, an ASEAN sustainable business leader, displayed new products that will help Filipinos create stylish and sustainable homes at the 21^st WorldBEX, which kicked off on March 16, 2016.

With more than 100 years of expertise in the homebuilding and construction sector, SCG showcased their concept of “UNBOUNDED FIBER CEMENT.”  SCG’s 90-square foot booth displayed actual installations of SCG products and the innovative solutions that the Philippine market will be seeing for the first time.

“Our annual participation in WorldBEX affirms the company’s strong commitment to develop world-class products and services to meet the changing and growing needs of international and local construction professionals, traders, exporters, associations and homeowners. SCG is ready to introduce and deliver the latest technologies, innovative building materials and creative construction solutions for Filipinos,” said Mr. Phaskorn Buranawit, Country Director of SCG Cement-Building Materials Philippines.

One of the featured innovations was the SCG Smartboard, a fiber-cement board consisting of SCG Portland cement and non-asbestos cellulose fiber, giving it strength, flexibility, and water resistance. The public was invited to test the strength of the board by stomping heavily on the board, and they were amazed that it did not sustain any damage. 

Two breakthrough technologies showcased at the exhibit were Extrusion Technology and Digital Printing Technology. Extrusion Technology uses a free form molding process that provides a wide range of styles and designs with various depth levels and dynamic forms needed to make distinctive home finishes, as seen in the SCG Smartboard Modeena and SCG Smartwood Floor Plank. 

These floor planks bring life to homes with their multi-layer impression that gives a personal touch to a person’s home. For example, the SCG Smartboard Modeena is applicable for both exterior and interior use due to its termite-free and waterproof properties; while it is the same for the SCG Smartwood Floor Plank which can reduce the weight up to 25%, therefore saving on structural costs.

The Digital Printing Technology on Fiber Cement Board enables printing of a variety of colors, designs, and textures on wall tiles that provide different tones and unique artistic designs. With these products, walls and floors can be stylishly designed to suit various taste preferences. The SCG booth at WorldBEX displayed a room whose walls and floors used digital printing to achieve the look of real marble material.   

“We at SCG understand that Filipino homeowners want their homes to look the very best and to be made by the best materials out there in the market. As a response to this, SCG continually develops their products and services to provide Filipino families high-quality SCG products that can be applied for either exterior or interior parts of their homes, ensuring innovative and sustainable living for all Filipinos nationwide,” said Mr. Buranawit.

PLDT HOME bags the best digital innovation award in CIO Asia for data sharing service

PLDT HOME and Smart’s data sharing service was recognized as among the most notable digital innovations in the region.

PLDT HOME, the home digital services unit of telecoms leader PLDT, has been recognized for its leadership in digital innovation in Asia for its pioneering data sharing initiative, in partnership with Smart Communications (Smart), in the recent CIO Asia Awards.

PLDT HOME won in the Leadership category and is one of only five outstanding companies in the region included in the Roll of Honour list at the 15th Annual CIO Asia Awards .

“The PLDT HOME DSL data sharing offer is just the beginning of more game-changing converged innovations from PLDT and Smart. This recognition from CIO Asia fuels our inspiration to raise the bar and continuously break new ground in digital and mobile technology,” PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali said.

The converged data sharing service from PLDT HOME and Smart is a product of collaboration between the Business and IT teams of the country’s digital and mobile leaders. It is the Philippines’ first data plan that enables subscribers of Home DSL service to share their data allocation with their family’s Smart-powered mobile phones.

It is offered under the Speedster Fam Plan 1299 which gives PLDT HOME DSL subscribers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 gigabytes. By upgrading their Speedster Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600, subscribers can share up to 6 gigabytes of their monthly allocation to their mobile phone lines which they can use even outside the home.

In its citation, CIO Asia Awards said that PLDT HOME and Smart’s data sharing service is “particularly relevant in the Philippines where large, closely-linked family units are common.”

Also in the Honour Roll in this year's awards are Singapore's National Library Board for the Innovation category, Philippines' Manila Water for Transformation, US’ Avnet Inc. for Growth, and Malaysia’s Fraser & Neave Holdings Berhad for Performance.

The CIO Asia Awards is a “prestigious annual listing of the top Asian companies that have deployed information and communications technology to derive the highest strategic value and to yield the greatest returns for their key operations and businesses." It was organized by CIO Asia, a leading resource for IT and digital developments in the region.

To know more about the PLDT HOME Speedster Fam Plan 1299, log on to pldthome.com

Practical tips for the Filipino Home

Every month the average household spends thousands on groceries, utility bills, rent, tuition, and miscellaneous expenses. 

With prices rising every month, Filipino families need to be madiskarte in maximizing the household products that they buy to make sure that they get the best value for their families. Practicality is essential in saving money. So we’ve prepared a few tips that will save you some money while making your home better. 

For your kitchen:

Planning to save some leftover salad greens? Wrap it in paper towels and store it in a resealable plastic bag to extend the shelf life of those delicious arugula and lettuce leaves. 

Cook sumptuous veggies the hassle-free way by laying them in between damp paper towels before putting in the microwave. For perfectly cooked asparagus, cover the container with a wet paper towel before heating it for 3 minutes in the microwave. Voila, you’ll have steamed asparagus on the fly. This technique is also perfect for reheating meat dishes, pasta, or rice.

For your bathroom:

Freshen up your bathroom in a snap by adding a few drops of essential oils, (we suggest something fresh like lavender, lemon, or vanilla) to the cardboard core of your tissue in the loo. This will keep your bathroom smelling divine for at least 24 hours. You won’t need to buy those expensive bathroom deodorizers anymore. 

Cool organizational hacks:

Use tissue cores as wire organizers. With so many electronic devices we have these days, it’s quite challenging to keep electronic chargers organized. To keep clutter at bay, bunch up your charger’s wire and put them inside the tissue core. Store all the cores inside a clear box or a drawer so they won’t clutter your space.

Make gift wrapping of oddly shaped gifts easier with tissue cores or facial tissue boxes. Put your irregular shaped gift inside a tissue core, wrap the outer core with a gift wrapper then surround it with a clear plastic wrap as if you’re wrapping a candy. For the boxes, insert the item inside them then cover with a gift wrapper.

Want to know more Tamang Diskarte tips at inside and outside your home? Search and follow #TamangDiskarte online to learn how you can make the Tamang Diskarte at home and in life,

Got your own Tamang Diskarte tips up your sleeve? Post it on your Facebook and use #TamangDiskarte to share.

Guilt-free options at Pizza Hut

Savour the bounties of the earth completely guilt-free this Lenten season. Pizza Hut, the country’s leading pizza brand, offers you a collection of hearty dishes from now until March 29.

Tuck into a light and easy Crab Salad Roll. It’s the perfect combination of meaty crabsticks, cool cucumber and crunchy lettuce, wrapped in rice paper and topped with delicate sesame soy dressing.

Sink your teeth into the home-style comfort provided by a Fish ‘n Chips Platter during this annual celebration. Fried to crispy perfection, swipe breaded fish fillet fingers and American-style fries on both salty garlic and chunky tomato dips.

Welcome the goodness of Spaghetti Shrimp Garlic and Mushrooms, which features spaghetti, shrimp and mushrooms sautéed in rich garlic-butter sauce.

Enjoy a Veggie Lovers Supreme Pizza, available in Hand Stretched Pizza, Pan Pizza and Stuffed Crust Pizza variants for both dine-in and delivery. With crunchy bell peppers, heady mushrooms, chunky onions, and juicy pineapples laid above a double layer of mozzarella cheese, you’re sure to experience finger-licking delight.

For those staying at home, you can have Veggie Lovers Supreme or Cheese Lovers Pizza in Hand Stretched Pizza, Pan Pizza and Stuffed Crust Pizza variants delivered right to your doorstep. Make sure to try your pizza of choice with freshly-baked Garlic Bread and Slingers for a filling meal.

Try these and other hearty dishes only from Pizza Hut. Visit the official website www.pizzahut.com.ph or check the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @PizzaHutPhils, or simply call 911-1111 (Metro Manila) today!

RE/MAX opens new franchise in Alabang; credits its brokers as brand’s strongest point

The newly launched RE/MAX United located in Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 

Starting the year on a high note and looking forward to a great year ahead, RE/MAX Philippines opened its newest franchise, the RE/MAX United, last Jan. 18 at its office in Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The move affirmed the company’s growing presence in the country.

The newly launched RE/MAX United mainly focuses on, but is not limited to, listing and selling previously owned properties around Metro Manila.

RE/MAX has been credited for institutionalizing the local real estate brokerage system since it launched its operations in the Philippines in 2012. With the recent establishment of its 18th branch, RE/MAX takes pride in recognizing its professional and hardworking agents and the brand’s ability to utilize the power of social media for its long line of successes.

President and CEO of RE/MAX United Baring Olafsson during the launch of his RE/MAX franchise last Jan. 18 at its office in Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 

“I think RE/MAX is all about having great brokers and agents so if you have great people and great connections around the Philippines and in the world, that would help you create a fantastic brand,” said Baring Olafsson, president and CEO of RE/MAX United.

The newly launched RE/MAX United mainly focuses on, but is not limited to, listing and selling previously owned properties around Metro Manila. Olafsson explained that with people’s heavy reliance on the Internet, most of the inquiries and potential buyers they get learned about them online.

“We convince people to list properties with us because we have a state-of-the-art computer technology and we utilize our websites, Facebook, and all other social media platforms,” said Olafsson. “I understand that 75 to 80 percent of leads from buyers come from these property portals so we need to be the best in information technology and have a good presentation of the properties we have.”

RE/MAX opens its 18th branch in the Philippines, which affirms the company’s growing presence in the country. (From L-R: Grace Zambrano, executive secretary; Baring Olafsson, president and CEO of RE/MAX United; Michelle Perlas, RE/MAX PH country manager; and Eddie Santos, region owner of RE/MAX Philippines) 

Olafsson, who was an executive of a leading beverage company for 25 years, joined RE/MAX because he wanted to work with the world’s number one in real estate industry.

He affirmed that being “number one” gives them a very competitive advantage as people instantly recognize the brand. Building trust is likewise easy since a lot of clients are inclined to share their good experience with RE/MAX.

“I went with RE/MAX because of the brand recognition and the support system a number one brand brings to the market. The training and incredible support we get empower us to share the industry’s best practices throughout the company, which is made possible by the RE/MAX system,” Olafsson said.

Now that Filipinos are familiar with RE/MAX and how it works, Olafsson believes that the brand has changed the landscape of the local real estate industry and has brought an impressive level of professionalism into play.

RE/MAX continues to change the real estate industry by bringing a high level of professionalism into play. (From L-R: Arvin Abreu, RE/MAX Philippines business development manager, Grace Zambrano, RE/MAX United executive secretary; Kristine Traviño, marketing manager of RE/MAX Philippines, Baring Olafsson, president and CEO of RE/MAX United; and Michelle Perlas, RE/MAX Philippines country manager) 

“RE/MAX demonstrates a huge capacity for practicing professionalism in this industry. For this reason, the brand enjoys a high level of trust in the market. I believe RE/MAX will influence the market in a big, big way,” Olafsson said.

The company's developer partners in the Philippines include Federal Land, Grand Hyatt, Rockwell Land, Vista Land, Horizon Land, Megaworld, Filinvest Land and SMDC. Property portal partners include Lamudi, Property 24, Persquare, and Property Asia.

Interested to join RE/MAX United? You may contact 835-9625 or +63977-816-4606.

RE/MAX Philippines head office is located at 25/F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City. For more information, call us at 511-1429 to 30 or email us at info@remax.ph or visit remax.ph

Like us on Facebook at REMAX-Philippines

Follow us on Twitter @officialREMAXPH

Follow us on Instagram at officialremaxph

‘Annie’ is coming to Resorts World Manila

After the success of different plays and musicals, Resorts World Manila is bringing another beloved classic this September. Annie, an original Broadway musical, will be the seventh major production of Resorts World Manila, through Full House Theater Company (FHTC) at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT).

Annie, whose story was based on a popular comic strip by Harold Gray entitled “Little Orphan Annie”, tells the story of an 11-year old girl looking for her long-lost parents. In her journey to find them, Annie discovered something else.

Annie set a six-year run record at the former Alvin Theater in midtown-Manhattan, New York. With the combination of music from Charles Strouse, lyrics from Martin Charnin and a book from Thomas Meehan, Annie got nominated for 11 Tony Awards where they won 7, including the Best Musical.

Annie is known for some of its award winning songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life”, making it a favorite for big and small productions all over the world. Since then, Annie had been adapted into a film with the third and latest version in 2014, starring Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, and Rose Byrne.

“We will be singing “Tomorrow” altogether until we make it to September. Annie will surely be a hit like always, bringing fun to everyone and showing the importance of friendship, family, and love. ”

Tomorrow is Lea Salonga’s audition piece that landed her the most-coveted role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon.

Globe's Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) for the youth

After becoming the purveyor of digital lifestyle, Globe is now the driver of digital nation for a #WonderfulPH starting with the youth through the adoption of the award-winning Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP).

DTP holds workshops in high schools to teach young people about the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities.

Consider this:

You may nominate a high school to be part of DTP via bridgecom@globe.com.ph . 

#CyberPinoy #WonderfulPH

Style Weekend Anniversary Party for #StyleWeekendWomenWhoWow

Style Weekend Anniversary party held at Manila Hotel, March 21, 2016 with (L-R) RJ Ledesma (Emcee), Style Weekend’s EIC Liza Ilarde, "Women Who Wow' celebrities Rita Nazareno, Pie Alvarez and Cristalle Belo.

Cheers to all women who inspire and show everyone how beautiful life is. 

Women living in style are featured at the Style Weekend Magazine's 2016 Edition "Women Who Wow" right in time for March’s International Women’s Month.

Style Weekend, the fashion and lifestyle magazine from Manila Bulletin is celebrating their 9th year anniversary and their fifth year featuring inspiring women. A great party held at the Champagne Room of Manila Hotel last Monday, March 21, 2016 presenting the admirable eight “Women Who Wow” from different fields who show women empowerment through their body of work and advocacies.

Style Weekend’s EIC Liza Ilarde

Cristalle Belo hands over the check to Move.Org Foundation

Liza Ilarde receives the check for Aldub Libraries on behalf of Maine Mendoza

"Women Who Wow" Pie Alvarez, Mayor of San Vicente, Palawan

This year's Style Weekend magazine's annual 'Women Who Wow' issue, is headlining by Maine Mendoza, known as "Yaya Dub in the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!'s "Kalyeserye" segment. Simple but classic beautiful Maine, a natural comic and her popularity even grew bigger, making her name a part of the Filipino household.

Aside from Maine Mendoza, the "Women Who Wow" includes Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach; Mayor of San Vicente, Palawan and Greeneration Ambassador Pie Alvarez; Entrepreneur, adventure seeker, always on a mission, Cristalle Belo; 'Little Miss Sure Shot", a former domestic helper in Hong Kong turned professional photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani; Always busy, passionate, actress, and TV host Isabelle Diaz; Creative Director of S.C. Vizcarra, makers of world-class handbags Rita Nazareno; and the bookstore mogul, the mover behind National Book Store Xandra Ramos Padilla.

This is the first time that Style Weekend came out with two covers which feature Maine in casual and in formal get-up. The first cover showing Maine clad in a black and denim ensemble was photographed by Shaira Luna.

The second cover shows Maine in a Mark Bumgarner gown hand-painted by Heart Evangelista.

The two covers are available only in the glossy edition of Style Weekend that is sold in select National Book Store outlets. The newsprint edition comes with Manila Bulletin for free every Friday. Digital editions may also be downloaded via the Manila Bulletin app or through subscription on their website.

Happy Anniversary and congratulations to Style Weekend Magazine and to Style Weekend’s EIC Liza Ilarde.

#StyleWeekendWomenWhoWow

My Favorite Jollibee Tuna Pie: Your perfect snack for Lent

My favorite  Jollibee Tuna Pie is a savory pie with a generous portion of chunky tuna flakes, peppery sauce, cheese, and vegetables, enveloped in a crunchy, golden pie crust.

A classic choice this Lenten season, the delicious and savory Jollibee Tuna Pie is available for dine-in, take out or delivery for P40 a piece.

Truly a classic choice this time of the year,  Jollibee Tuna Pie to satisfy your appetite for a tasty, filling snack this Lenten season.

Available for dine-in, take out or delivery for P40 apiece, the Jollibee Tuna Pie is a snack item that you can enjoy any day! 

The craveable Jollibee Tuna Pie is also available in a Trio Pack for P115 – best shared with friends on your get-togethers or road trips.

This crave-able pie is also available in a Trio Pack for P115 – best shared with friends on your get-togethers or road trips. What’s more, the newly introduced Jollibee Tuna Pie Value Meal with Fries and Drink for P80 pairs this delectable pie with the equally loved Jolly Crispy Fries and a refreshing drink.

Enjoy the new Jollibee Tuna Pie Value Meal with Fries and Drink for P80.

Truly, Jollibee’s Tuna Pie allows you to enjoy a delicious snack, making it much easier to go meat-less this season.

Dingdong Dantes: "Providing good nutrition balance and strength is the first step in helping our parents fulfill their dreams" - Nutrition plays a vital role in helping older adults maintain strength and achieve their dreams

Dingdong Dantes : "Providing good nutrition balance and strength is the first step in helping our parents fulfill their dreams." 

While as you age, hormonal changes can contribute to how your body builds and stores muscle, most cases of sarcopenia are linked to poor nutrition as well as inactivity.  A dramatic loss in muscle mass and strength as you age. Sarcopenia, or the gradual loss of muscle mass, is a common consequence of aging, and poses a significant risk factor for disability in older adults.

One of the best ways to support strength building is good nutrition. We must have balanced meals throughout the day. Vitamins and a protein-rich diet may be key for combating aging-related loss of muscle mass .

A new surveyi found that 9 out of 10 older Filipino adults still have dreams they wish to fulfill, but lack of strength prevents them from fulfilling their dreams. In the survey sponsored by Abbott, children acting as caregivers (aged 30-50) and parents (aged 50-70) were asked about fulfilling their dreams – including what they were and what, if anything, prevented them from realizing their dreams. 

NUTRITION FOR STRENGTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT ARE VITAL TO HELPING PARENTS FULFILL THEIR DREAMS 

The importance of family closeness and support is evident across both parents and their children, as the responses from the caregivers complement those of their parents. The majority of surveyed caregivers knew their parents well, with 83 percent of them saying they are aware of their parents’ dreams and are willing to support them. 

Ninety-three percent of Filipinos aged 50+ think that poor physical condition limits them from fulfilling dreams. But only 20 percent of caregivers considered addressing their parents’ physical strength with nutritional support to help them to achieve their dreams. 

The findings suggest that while the caregivers support their parents’ dreams mostly through financial assistance and helping them find the time, more can be done to help make these dreams a reality, particularly as it relates to how older adults get the right nutrition. Filipino caregivers could therefore consider helping their parents maintain good physical health and strength to live an active life.

PROPER NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL FOR STAYING HEALTHY AND STRONG AS ONE AGES 

Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., Medical Director of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines. 

"As one grows older, nutrition gaps and declining lean body mass contribute to the loss of physical strength, making it difficult to perform simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs," said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines. 

"Maintaining good physical strength in older adults enables them to pursue their unfulfilled dreams in retirement," Dr. Dimaano added.

He further emphasized that proper nutrition is an important determinant of strength, and good health is the starting point for everything that is possible in life.

However, Dr. Dimaano noted that older adults’ intake of nutrients and protein from a regular diet may still be insufficient, thus nutritional supplements may be required to fill nutrition gaps. Nutrition gaps are brought about by poor digestion and nutrient absorption, illness-induced poor appetite, poor dental function, or some loss of the ability to chew, 3-4 which are all common conditions found in older adults.

This is where nutritional supplements like Ensure play a role. Ensure  is scientifically designed to provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein to help with physical strength. It also has other ingredients like medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), dietary fibers, and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) for easy digestion and for a healthy digestive tract. Research shows that supplementing with Ensure® for 8 weeks can help increase physical strength5* needed by older adults to fulfill their dreams.

The ‘Ensure Strength to Fulfill Your Dreams’ campaign aims to remind both caregivers and parents to take the necessary action in helping older Filipino adults have good nutrition to maintain their strength. The campaign also encourages older adults to stay in good physical condition to enjoy an active retirement. 

Actor Dingdong Dantes has a real-life experience with helping his father achieve his dreams. He knew he had to do something when his father implied that he might be too old to revive his passion for riding motorcycles. Dingdong started to refurbish his father’s motorcycle and also reminded his father to build the energy and fitness he needs in order to enjoy a good motorcycle ride. 

“As a son, it’s my duty to remind him about proper nutrition - for him to stay stronger so he can fulfill his dreams. By doing so, he will be able to live his life strongly and to the fullest,” said Dingdong Dantes. 

Ensure can be consumed by adults as a nutritional supplement that can also be a sole source of nutrition for elderly, people not eating well or recovering from an illness or surgery, and for those who are about to undergo surgery.

About Abbott:

At Abbott, we’re committed to helping you live your best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we’ve brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 74,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

i1 Survey conducted by MS Brion Research Services Co. on behalf of Abbott Nutrition. The survey analyzed 100 parents aged 50–70 and 100 children acting as caregivers aged 30-50, using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) method.

² Guenter P, Jensen G, Patel V, Miller S, Mogensen KM, Malone A, et al. Addressing Disease-Related Malnutrition in Hospitalized Patients: A Call for a National Goal. Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety / Joint Commission Resources. 2015;41(10):469-73.

³ Guiglia R, et al. Curr Pharm Des. 2010;16:619-630

⁴ Petersen, EP. The World Oral Health Report 2003. World Health Organization; 2003

⁵ Edington J, Barnes R, Bryan F, Dupree E, Frost G, Hickson M, et al. A prospective randomized controlled trial of nutritional supplementation in malnourished elderly in the community: clinical and health economic outcomes. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2004;23(2):195-204.

*Results based on a clinical trial in malnourished elderly subjects.

Abbott Ensure^®

The Abbott Ensure® product range uses science-based nutrition formula to provide good nutrition and is shown to help support long-lasting strength¹. When consumed in appropriate amounts, Ensure can help fill nutritional deficits to meet daily nutrition requirements with a complete blend and balanced nutrition including high protein, prebiotics and 28 essential vitamins and minerals.

Research shows that drinking Ensure twice a day, in addition to a regular diet, for 8 weeks can help increase muscle strength¹.

Abbott Ensure® Key Features:

• Complete and balanced nutrition with three major nutrients and 28 vitamins and minerals meeting the recommendations of nutritional experts
• High protein to build and maintain body tissue
• Prebiotics to help promote digestive tract health and support probiotic ecology
• Suitable for people with lactose intolerance

Ensure^® is available worldwide in more than 80 countries. In the Philippines, Ensure is recognized as the number one adult nutrition brand and most recommended by doctors.^2-3

References

1.  Edington, J., et al., A prospective randomised controlled trial of nutritional supplementation in malnourished elderly in the community: clinical and health economic outcomes. Clin Nutr, 2004. 23(2): p. 195-204. (note: 8 weeks)
2. PPI Retail Data. July 2014 – June 2015.
3. PMDI Prescription Data for the period of July 2014 - June 2015
4. 
   

Hopeless cases no more - Immunotherapy drug for advanced stages of lung cancer and melanoma now in the Philippines

 MSD launched the New Trend in Cancer Treatment held at the Manila Diamond Hotel, Manila City,  March 17, 2016 

“Addressing the rising incidence of cancer is indeed a tough road to embark on. MSD has been dedicating its resources to developing innovative oncology medicines. Pembrolizumab propelled our research efforts to understand of the role of the immune system and the PD-L1 pathway in cancer treatment” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines.

With this immunotherapy finally available in the Philippines, cancer patients need not equate being diagnosed with advanced or metastatic lung cancer or melanomas a death sentence. Thanks to this breakthrough in cancer medication, patients in the Philippines and abroad have a ray of hope and confidence in what used to be a hopeless case.

An educational article sponsored by MSD

The spark of hope has never been brighter for Filipino patients with advanced stages of lung cancer and melanoma. MSD in the Philippines, a leader in oncology research and development just introduced immunotherapy, one of the most innovative cancer treatment methods to date.

One type of immunotherapy called immune checkpoint inhibitors is a form of cancer treatment that prevents the interaction between the immune system’s T-cells and the tumors. When tumors and T-cells interact, a protein found in the tumor called the Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) deactivates T-cells so they become incapable of recognizing and destroying cancer cells. Through immunotherapy, this interaction is blocked so that T-cells can detect and ward off the cancer cells.

In the Philippines, the anti PD-L1 immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced or metastatic lung cancer and melanoma after failing first-line treatment. In a media roundtable symposium held March 17 in Manila, Dr Gerardo Cornelio, Cancer Institute Head of St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City shared that "Pembrolizumab has the potential to become an integral part of cancer treatment. It has and will be tested across a broad spectrum of cancers." 

Burden of Disease

Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases and annual cases are expected to rise to 22 million within the next two decades. In 2012 alone, there were 14 million new cases reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) with 8.2 million cancer-related deaths. A significant contributor to this statistic is lung cancer, which is the top cause of cancer mortality for both sexes worldwide.

Sadly, incidence from the Philippines is not far off from the global data. According to Globocan 2012, Iung cancer is the second most common cancer in incidence and mortality among Filipino men and women.

As for melanoma, a skin cancer whose risk factors include sun exposure, fair complexion and genetics, around 300 Filipinos are affected annually. Though melanoma is not one of the most common cancers in the country, early diagnosis remains a challenge for most patients. 

The good news is that for many cancers there have been significant breakthroughs – from prevention to treatment options – however, the unmet needs remain high. 

Durable responses, lower toxicities

Clinical trials have shown immunotherapy’s efficacy in the treatment of advanced lung cancer and melanoma. According to a study published in LANCET, Pembrolizumab showed superior overall survival with less high-grade toxicity for previously treated, PD-L1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Results of the trials showed that the most common side effects for lung cancer patients receiving Pembrolizumab were decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and rash.

Clinical trials also showed that Pembrolizumab has superior anticancer activity in patients with advanced melanoma who failed previous therapies. In terms of safety profile, Pembrolizumab showed a lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events compared to chemotherapy. 

Biomarkers play a key role in patient response

The expression of a certain biomarker in patients’ tumors played an important role in their response to Pembrolizumab. Biomarkers are proteins found in a patient’s tissue, blood or fluids that can help determine the outcome of a patient’s disease or response to medication. Clinical trials have shown that if a patients’ tumors express the biomarker Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), patients are more likely to have a better response to the drug.

To maintain a safe and secure shopping center, Tutuban Center holds bomb explosion and simulation exercise

Whenever the names Tutuban and Divisoria are mentioned, it means shopping. Tutuban Center in Divisoria provides a bargain haven in the shopping world - everything people wants and needs under the sun. Going and on the Tutuban Center, experience the hassle of traffic, parking shortage, wrestling though crowds, overcrowding, and skimpy streets. And there are cheaters, pickpockets, not good people and criminals who are just waiting for an opportune time to strike.

Security concerns is one thing important to all. For the past years I go to Tutuban I think policemen are inadequate to keep a close watch on thousands of shoppers. 

But these days, Tutuban personnel and police officers are doing activities to secured the place and provide assistance to people who may take advantage of the daily sale, availing of bargain prices being offered in the city’s prime shopping center,

To maintain the safety and security of shoppers, Tutuban Center recently conducted an bomb explosion and simulation exercise to test the capability of its emergency response team.

The simulated exercise was also meant to determine the strength and weaknesses of its Disaster Emergency Response Team (DERT) in responding to emergency situations and enhance its response procedures when dealing with delicate situations.

Tutuban’s Assistant Vice President-Safety and Compliance, Ted Mosquito, led the activity in close coordination and collaboration with PNP Police Station 2 to comply with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Council (NDRRMC) manual and its implementing rules. The station, located at Nolasco corner Morga Streets in Tondo, Manila, has jurisdiction over Tutuban, and is headed by P/Supt. Nick Pinion.

“We have conducted this activity on a yearly basis in our efforts to serve our customers better, and maintain a safe and secure shopping center. By doing so, we also train and equip with enough knowledge and awareness our DERT staff, our tenants, employees and contracted service providers on how to respond and react properly in this kind of emergency,” explains Mosquito.

The activity was conducted in two phases: preparation and actual. Preparation involved coordination, collaboration and meetings with concerned offices/units and careful planning in terms of personnel and logistics, and the actual, where there were lectures, briefings and rehearsals of Tutuban’s DERT and other participants to ensure success.

Bottom line, the participants were proven effective and efficient in performing their individual roles and assigned tasks when responding to this type of emergency.

There were a total of 168 registered participants, comprised mostly of Tutuban personnel and police officers from Precincts 6 and 7 both under Police Station 2. Other units that participated include the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD), the Special Reaction Unit (SRU), Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Manila Traffic Bureau, plus other Manila Police Department (MPD) units headed by no less than P/Senior Superintendent Carlito Felicano.

Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Visit the Facebook page Fb.com/TutubanCenter, follow at Twitter and Instagram accounts, @TutubanCenter.