Smile Train Expands Comprehensive Cleft Care Services Across Philippines

Smile Train, the world's largest cleft organization, announced today the establishment of four Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) centers across the Philippines to increase accessibility of treatment to cleft-affected individuals and their families.

ARC Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City serving as the first Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) in Cebu)

Every day, more than 540 babies are born with a cleft around the world, an ongoing reality that calls for comprehensive solutions to help them overcome challenges and live a happy, healthy life.

For the past two decades, Smile Train has supported more than 64,000 cleft surgeries through its 50+ partner hospitals and organizations throughout Philippines. As the organization marks its 20th anniversary in the country, it is further expanding its services to include nutrition support, orthodontic and dental treatment, and speech therapy in more locations across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“Smile Train’s goal is to provide those born with a cleft the necessary holistic care beyond their initial surgeries. We will continue to build a network that will bring comprehensive cleft care to Filipinos, so they have the support and the tools they need to overcome any challenge. Through this network and these comprehensive cleft centers, we aim to ultimately provide them the ability to work, play, and live happy, healthy and productive lives,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Vice-President for South East Asia.

Smile Train’s geographical and programmatic expansion comes as the organization celebrates National Cleft and Craniofacial awareness month this July. Smile Train has launched comprehensive cleft centers at partner hospitals including the Philippine Band of Mercy and Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital in Metro Manila, San Fernandino Hospital in Pampanga, and Mabuhay Deseret Foundation in ARC Hospital in Cebu. At these centers, in addition to surgeries, parents and patients in need can access nutrition counselling and nutrition services, orthodontic treatment, and speech therapy sessions at no cost.

These institutions have served as Smile Train’s partners for years, helping patients from across different provinces and performing thousands of cleft surgeries with the assistance of Smile Train, and will be continuing to do so in an increased capacity as CCC centers. Philippine Band of Mercy has performed 25,300 Smile Train-funded cleft surgeries since 2002; Marikina St. Vincent has performed 1,900+ cleft surgeries since 2011; San Fernando Hospital has done over 1,000 cleft surgeries since 2011; and Mabuhay Deseret Foundation has performed 1,500+ cleft surgeries since 2008. Additional partner hospitals will be able to provide CCC in the coming months.

More on Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC)

Comprehensive cleft care complements cleft surgery, which Smile Train has been providing at no cost to families in need for over 20 years in the Philippines. Cleft treatment is not a one-off process or even just a series of surgeries, but often requires a holistic approach including nutritional support, dental and orthodontic care, psychosocial support, and speech therapy. CCC is provided by an interdisciplinary, supportive team of highly trained professionals that typically includes geneticists, nutritionists, surgeons, nurses, speech therapists, ENTs, audiologists, mental health counselors, dentists, and orthodontists, among others. For Smile Train and its medical partners, CCC means that each person with cleft has access to all the care they need in order to thrive.

The expansion of Smile Train’s CCC footprint also supports its efforts to promote a working telehealth network, which will allow patients to access CCC despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and geography.

In the Philippines, the pandemic has not gotten in the way of Smile Train’s efforts to help cleft patients, providing over 1,800+ surgeries (pandemic-related) done in 2020, and 1,120 in the first 6 months of 2021 with 26 partners actively doing surgeries.

Since the start of the pandemic, Smile Train’s speech telehealth program in the Philippines has treated over 200 patients, providing them with more than 1,000 cleft care-related sessions. Recently, the organization launched the country’s first Filipino speech therapy mobile application which serves as a platform for more patients and families born with cleft to continue to receive comprehensive cleft care with minimal disruptions.

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. 

To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines, please visit smiletrain.ph, follow Smile Train Philippines on Twitter and Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines. The Smile Train Philippines mobile application can be downloaded via Google Play and App Store.

About Smile Train

Smile Train empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. We advance a sustainable solution and scalable global health model for cleft treatment, drastically improving children’s lives, including their ability to eat, breathe, speak, and ultimately thrive. To learn more about how Smile Train's sustainable approach means donations have both an immediate and long-term impact, please visit smiletrain.ph. For more information about Smile Train’s work in the Philippines, please contact philippines@smiletrain.org.

Juan Karlos returns from hiatus with arresting folk-rock tune “Boston”

https://juankarlos.lnk.to/MVBoston

After taking an indefinite hiatus from social media, acclaimed artist Juan Karlos returns with a new single that showcases a more laid-back, stripped-down approach in terms of songwriting and production.

Released digitally, “Boston” revisits an old memory with a former flame, and runs with the fictional idea of “what could have been” if decisions in life were done differently. The song also documents that lingering bittersweet feeling of longing that, because of circumstances beyond control, cannot persist.

Going beyond his comfort zone, Juan Karlos recorded “Boston” alone in his home studio without his band. He tapped Dix Lucero for additional sax and flute parts and Noel De Brackinghe as his Recording, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, who made the material more intricately layered but tastefully sparse.

With subtle instrumentation that allows the sentiment of the song to soar and tug hearts, Juan Karlos’ latest single embraces his introspective side with creative whims and folk-rock sensibilities, while retaining a sense of hushed fragility.

“I’ve always wanted a simple treatment with a touch of complexity,” the young singer-songwriter shares in a statement. “Boston works in that vein, and it captures my personal vision as a musician.”

The song comes with a music video that features Juan Karlos performing in a moving pickup, with EDSA as his backdrop.The visual narrative shows the alt-pop artist singing with his guitar, as he traverses the sprawling urban stretch aimlessly, as if navigating places without a particular destination.

“Boston” is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

About Juan Karlos

Juan Karlos is a Filipino band and six-time Platinum awardee signed under MCA Music composed of JK Labajo on vocals and guitar, Jeriko Aguilar on guitar, Louise Bayas on bass, and Gian Hipolito on drums. Formed in 2018, the eponymous band went under several personnel changes and ultimately released their smash hit, “Buwan” in the same year.

Frontman JK Labajo shared that his solo music career is currently inactive. Hailing from Cebu, he first gained recognition as a finalist on The Voice Kids Philippines and went on to pursue a career in music and acting. Following the release of his albums under MCA Music, JK (2015) and JKL (2017), he realized that he has to stop settling and commit to what he really wants: to write, produce, and perform his own songs the way he hears it in his head and heart and be part of a band. Juan Karlos aims to “dream big or go home” and to make a mark in OPM and globally. “I want to be able to make a change, a difference,” he said. I want to show people the importance and beauty of music. I'm in music for the art, to earn in order to fund my daily needs and dreams, and for recognition so I can have reach and to be heard.”

Follow Juan Karlos: Facebook | Instagram

Follow MCA Music: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

7 Tips and Tricks All Beauty Lovers Should Master

Get the lowdown on these must-know tips and enjoy up to 90% off on skincare and makeup must-haves at Shopee Beauty

Throughout the years, we’ve seen just how quickly beauty fads change. We’ve witnessed the industry’s evolution, from yesteryears’ contouring and highlighting trends to today’s more natural, glowy looks.

That said, the fundamentals of beauty pretty much stay the same. After all, whichever look you’re going for, you still need to know the basics of taking proper care of your skin, or of picking out shades that work wonders for your skin tone.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few skincare, hair care, and makeup how-tos for beauty lovers. We’ve also included product recommendations, which you can get for up to 90% off at the Shopee Beauty Sale starting July 28:

Wear sunscreen even while staying indoors

Rain or shine, it’s important to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. If you’re indoors, keep in mind that these rays can still penetrate windows. After your morning skincare, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. SNAILWHITE CC Sunscreen comes with SPF50+ PA+++ and provides natural coverage.

Gently pat your skincare on

The lightweight Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is perfect for the Philippines’ hot and humid climate. Squeeze a generous amount onto your fingertips and softly pat—don’t rub—on your face. A patting motion is more gentle on the skin. For thin skin surrounding the eye area, use your ring finger to help prevent wrinkles.

Don’t shampoo everyday

Did you know that shampooing everyday actually strips the scalp of natural oils? Try shampooing every other day instead. During the days in between, use Palmolive Naturals Dry Shampoo to freshen up your locks. Spritz on sections of your hair for fragrant, floral-scented tresses.

Don’t apply too much mascara to avoid clumps

If clumpy spider lashes are the bane of your existence, here’s a little trick: always wipe off excess product on your mascara wand before wiggling it up your lashes. With Maybelline Lash Lift Mascara’s double curved wand, you can enjoy dramatic volume and lift minus the clumps.

Make your foundation look like second skin

Prior to applying foundation, create a glowing canvas by moisturizing your skin. Next, buff in your foundation of choice, blending from the center of your face outward. For a natural look, Ellana Buttermilk BB Foundie lends the skin medium coverage and a radiant finish.

Prep your lips before applying lip products

Take a look in most Filipinas’ makeup bags, and you’ll definitely find a lip tint. Happy Skin Lip & Cheek Tint, for instance, offers a variety of morena-friendly colors. For smooth, juicy lips, exfoliate gently and swipe on a lip balm. Then apply the tint to the center of your lips and use your finger to diffuse the color.

Use a light hand for your brows

You know what they say—brows can either make or break your look. For flawless arches, use Focallure Eyebrow Pencil to draw small, feathery strokes. Blend out the product as much as you can, then brush the hairs up with a clear brow gel to mimic a naturally full brow.

To discover more deals on beauty products, visit https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-beauty.

For more exciting promos, check out Shopee’s End-of-Month Sale: ShopeePay Petsa de Panalo:

● Earn coins when you pay your bills with ShopeePay. New digital users can enjoy 50% bills cashback, while all users get 20% bills cashback.

● Enjoy ₱1 Deals from Puregold, Potato Corner, McDonald’s, Jollibee, Seaoil, and more.

● Get discounts and flash deals on mobile load, such as ₱5 load for ₱1 and ₱10 data for ₱1.

● Top up at least ₱300 for a chance to win ₱20,000 in cash.

To check out more deals from ShopeePay Petsa de Panalo Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/petsa-de-panalo-sale.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Petron Car Care Center — The Automotive Fluids Specialist

Just like humans, our cars need to be "hydrated" or lubricated with essential fluids to keep them in tip-top shape and ensure their roadworthiness. With its deep understanding of Philippine driving conditions, industry leader Petron Corporation has a complete line of automotive fluids for all of your vehicle's requirements.

As the automotive fluids specialist, PETRON CAR CARE CENTER (CCC), the company's automotive care brand, serves as a one-stop shop carrying Petron’s full range of technologically advanced and internationally-accredited mineral and fully-synthetic automotive lubricants. In addition, it also carries other automotive fluids like engine coolant, engine flush, transmission oil, clutch fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, manual transmission/differential gear oil, greases, and multi-purpose sprays.

Located inside Petron service stations and also as standalone service shops, the standard Petron Car Care Center offers a complete line of professional automotive care services from light to heavy repairs, as well as tire services such as wheel balancing and alignment. They are equipped with twin post lifters, aligners, a scissor lift, tire changer and wheel balancer, automatic transmission fluid exchanger, waste oil drain, and gear oil and grease dispenser. For busy motorists, the Petron CCC Express is a scaled down 2-bay shop that focuses on lubrication and quick repairs.

Petron CCC branches offer a uniform Change Oil Value Package ranging from Php 999 to Php 4399 for gas and diesel engines using your choice of premium multigrade to fully synthetic oils. They also carry various oil filter brands as well as common wear and tear items of most vehicles. Petron CCC technicians will perform a FREE 23-point check to assess your vehicle condition and repair needs. Petron CCC can also help source the parts not available in stock at their branches.

There are currently 46 Petron CCCs — 20 in-station and 26 standalone — with 1 more shop in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, expected to roll out soon. Eleven are in Metro Manila, 19 in Luzon, and 16 in VisMin. To find a Petron CCC near you, visit https://www.petron.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/List-of-Petron-CCC-and-CCC-Express.pdf

As the industry leader and technology innovator, Petron is continuously developing products and services for the benefit of Filipino motorists. Through the Petron CCC, everyone can enjoy affordable, yet casa-quality preventive maintenance services using world-class products that help protect and prolong vehicle life, optimize its performance, and ensure the safety of passengers.

Shopee Rolls Out New Features on Shopee Live to Help Sellers Boost Views and Increase Sales in time for the 8.8 Mega Flash Sale

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches Livestream Flash Sale and In-app Business Insights features to help sellers gain more viewers and boost their sales during streaming sessions on Shopee Live.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is excited to launch two new in-app features that aim to help our online sellers grow on our platform. Our sellers are a big part of our business, and we will continue to support them by providing the necessary tools to help them engage with their customers more. Shopee will continue to offer Filipinos a fun and interactive experience.”

The new Livestream Flash Sale in-app feature lets sellers promote their discounted products, attract more views, and boost orders during a live stream. The Livestream Flash Sale also lets bargain hunters score the best possible deals and enjoy real-time discounts online just like how Filipinos used to hunt for bargains at bazaars and tiangges pre-pandemic.

In addition, sellers can now easily view their live stream data to acquire useful insights to help them strategize and further enhance their Shopee Live streams. With the new in-app Business Insights feature, live streamers can access the number of unique and total views, total likes, and confirmed orders from the live stream. This lets streamers gauge what their viewers like and what the best-selling products are, so sellers can cater their product selection to viewers’ preferences and achieve better sales.

Shopee Live has enabled brands and sellers to better reach and engage Shopee users across the region. More consumers and businesses are adopting Shopee Live to entertain themselves and connect with one another, with 450 million views on Shopee Live during the year-end 12.12 Birthday Sale in 2020.

These newly launched features are just two of the many things users can look forward to this coming 8.8 Megal Flash Sale. Until August 8, they can get free shipping vouchers, enjoy daily flash promos, and exclusive deals when checking out using ShopeePay. To learn more about the 8.8 Mega Flash Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/8-8.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

"Speed Past Power" in Pursuit of Extreme Performance with New POCO X3 GT

Powered by MediaTek's high-performance Dimensity 1100 5G chipset, POCO X3 GT is a high-performance powerhouse to run the immersive and demanding entertainment all-day.

POCO, a popular technology brand among the world’s young techies, today announced to global debut of POCO X3 GT, a performance speedster designated for entertainment and mobile gaming. It will be available soon in multiple regions, including Southeast Asia, Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

Starting at PHP 15,990, POCO X3 GT boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chip with Dual 5G SIM, 120Hz DynamicSwitch DotDisplay, a high-resolution 64MP triple camera, and—for the first time ever on POCO smartphones—67W Turbo Charging technology to rapidly charge its 5000mAh(typ) high-density battery. Plus, POCO X3 GT is built tough, with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™ prevents most scratches and cracks.

"X series is one of POCO Global's three available product series, and it's gaining massive popularity. As of now, we’ve shipped more than 8.8 million* POCO X-series phones globally with our two X models, POCO X3 Pro and POCO X3 NFC. And as of July 25th, 2021, POCO has shipped a total of 20 million* smartphones since the initial launch of POCO F1 in 2018," said Kevin Qiu, Head of POCO Global. "And we’re excited to continue delivering on our customers' expectations with POCO X3 GT, a true powerhouse capable of the demanding mobile gaming and flagship entertainment experience."

Extreme performance powered by Mediatek Dimensity 1100

POCO X3 GT introduces multiple POCO X-series firsts. Under the hood, POCO X3 GT is a beast that's equipped with MediaTek's flagship-level Dimensity 1100 5G chipset. Dimensity 1100 stands out to deliver a faster CPU and better connectivity. This is developed on the back of a 6nm chipset, the first POCO smartphone equipped with this power-efficient flagship process technology. Power up a favorite game and be blown away by the leap in speed and efficiency. POCO X3 GT operates on the latest four powerful Arm Cortex-A78 cores at up to 2.6GHz, and four Arm Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This CPU architecture, combined with an improved nine-core Arm Mali-G77 GPU running at 836MHz, brings more high-fidelity gaming to the device. Plus, you're well connected with an integrated 5G modem, dual SIM card slots, and WiFi 6 support.

Meanwhile, POCO X3 GT remains cool throughout thanks to LiquidCool Technology 2.0, the flagship-level liquid cooling that ensures long-lasting performance. To top this off, UFS 3.1's blazing fast performance makes accessing and saving files lightning fast, so you can do more and do it faster.

Experience immersive entertainment without interruption

The first POCO phone to feature 67W Turbo Charging, charging from 0% to 100% in only 42 minutes**, POCO X3 GT is designed to endure and react to the most demanding content. Its massive 5000mAh (typ) battery, keeps users powered all day, while its high-end display with flagship-level 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate makes POCO X3 GT highly responsive so users will never miss a beat. DynamicSwitch** from 30Hz to 120Hz intelligently adjusts refresh rate to match the needs of each content, largely optimizing power consumption.

POCO X3 GT has been tested to perform reliably even in high temperatures, while its display is Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™ - a leading display material that's highly resistant to drops and scratches and arriving for the first time in a POCO phone.

To enhance user experience, POCO X3 GT comes with practical features users will enjoy day-to-day, such as multifunctional NFC*** and the flagship-level X-axis linear motor for a better haptic experience with every vibration of the device.

Playback breathtaking footage captured by 64MP Triple Camera

POCO X3 GT's cutting-edge features come together and shine through its versatile 64MP triple camera, including a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP macro camera. With this set up, capture not just Pro Time-Lapse shots and select the best shots from a burst of photos with AI Shutters, but also shoot like a pro with ample video recording features that'll empower users with tools to rival the look and feel achieved by professional vloggers. These include real-time bokeh video, while HDR video recording on both the front and rear cameras can capture a wide range of colors and depth. Once that perfect shot is recorded, one of 8 cinematic movie filters can be applied, or users can select from one of five vlog templates.

When viewing their favorite entertainment formats, users will be mesmerized by realistic stereo sound. Flagship-level dual speakers certified by Dolby Atmos® offer an immersive audio-visual experience.

Upgrade your style with three premium colors

POCO X3 GT has been freshly designed to showcase a more refined, premium look. The rounded edges and lightweight design, weighing only 193g with a thickness of 8.9mm, offers a comfortable grip. POCO X3 GT is available in three stylish color- Stargaze Black provides a classic glossy finish, while Cloud White and Wave Blue give a dash of personality in contemporary design.

POCO X3 GT will be available in two variants. The 8GB+128GB variant will retail at PHP 15,990 while the 8GB+256GB will be sold at PHP 17,990 exclusively via Lazada. Both will be available for purchase at an early bird price of PHP 14,990 and PHP 15,990 respectively on August 3 for the Global Open Sale and the August 10 for the Local Sale.

*POCO internal data as of July 2021

**DynamicSwitch: 30Hz/48Hz/50Hz/60Hz/90Hz/120Hz

***NFC functions may vary in some markets.

Diabetes: a deadly but controllable disease

As the COVID pandemic persists, another disease remains under the radar as one of the Philippines’ leading causes of death - diabetes.

Diabetes, a serious and chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels, is one of the major causes of death in the Philippines. Based on recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (2021), diabetes has claimed 37,265 lives last year (2020) despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

“Diabetes is a deadly disease, but it can oftentimes be taken for granted,” said Dr. Aurora Macaballug, Board Member and Chair of the Advocacy Committee of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM). “What not a lot of people know is it can be controlled and managed as long as patients stick to the treatments prescribed by their doctors.”

MSD in the Philippines, Mercury Drug Corporation (MDC), Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM), and Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators (PADE) recently hosted “Mga Ano at Bakit ng Diabetes”, a press briefing aimed to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for greater medication adherence to improve patient outcomes among Filipinos with diabetes, as part of MSD’s Kontrolado Ko, Diabetes Ko (KKDK) campaign.

Apat Dapat, Education, and Accessibility - Key to Diabetes Management

According to Dr. Macaballug, four elements have to be met to successfully manage diabetes. Dubbed as Apat Dapat, patients can take control of their condition through (1) exercise, (2) proper diet, (3) regular intake of diabetes medication/insulin, and (4) regular consultations with a physician.

Adherence, which means taking prescribed medication with the right dose and frequency, is one of the 4 pillars of PSEDM’s advocacy to managing diabetes. And while the patient is largely responsible in adhering to Apat Dapat, healthcare providers recognize the need for more proactive support.

“Managing one’s diabetes is not easy. That’s why we try to help people cope with the illness through more proactive support, beginning with education,” said diabetes nurse educator and PADE President Leyden Florido. “The more they know about their disease, the better they’re equipped to cope and manage it.”

Pharmacists have also expanded their support for diabetes patients during the pandemic, as they have become one of the more accessible healthcare professionals in the community. “We can help patients understand the dangers of chronic diseases like diabetes and the importance of prevention and adherence,” said Mercury Drug representative and pharmacist Nellie Calipjo. “Patient adherence requires a lifestyle change and will be better accepted if access to medicine, counseling, and other care items are readily available. This is the inspiration behind our Get Well Diabetes Care Hub, a one-stop-shop section in select Mercury Drug stores dedicated to the needs of patients with diabetes,” she added.

In the end, the best outcomes for people with diabetes will depend on the changes they make to their lifestyles to follow prescribed treatments.

Through the Kontrolado Ko, Diabetes Ko campaign, MSD continues to collaborate with medical societies and the health care industry to remind Filipinos about the importance of making impactful changes to one’s lifestyle to manage diabetes and promote better health outcomes.

Kontrolado Ko Diabetes Ko is a campaign led by MSD Philippines that seeks to promote medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the Philippines. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness among patients about the importance of making impactful changes to one’s lifestyle to manage diabetes, and that taking medication as prescribed is a vital first step toward better health outcomes.

Sanofi celebrates International Self Care Day with Power To Love Yourself Completely Online Event

(Manila, Philippines) — In celebration of International Self Care Day, Sanofi Philippines held an Instagram Live event called Power to Love Yourself Completely to discuss topics related to self care. Sanofi invited MommaNManila founder Michelle Aventajado and She Talks Asia Co-Founder and CEO Lynn Pinugo to talk about self care, with topics such as how to teach kids about self care, and how working millennials can take care of themselves while working from home.

In photo: Janeena Chan, Jill Lim, Group Brand Manager of Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, Mommy Mish of MommaNManila and Lynn Pinugo, Co-Founder of SheTalksAsia.

In line with the Global Self-Care Federation’s theme, #SelfCarePromise, the event also invited everyone to share their self care promises online, empowering the viewers to take the step towards taking care of themselves even in the smallest ways.

Promoting a holistic approach to health is a big part of Sanofi’s Panata, and encouraging others to practice self care is a part of this. Jill Ong-Lim, Group Brand Manager of Sanofi Consumer Healthcare shared, “We need to realize that self sare in itself is the goal. Not just for others, but just for yourself. ”

Janeena Chan moderated the discussion, sharing her own experience and tips for practicing self care. “Your reality is shaped within your mind, so as long as you know that you can get back up again, you’ll be okay.”

For Lynn Pinugo, it’s important that we know the difference between self soothing and self care. “Self soothing are those emergency routines that we do when we’re feeling bad, while self care are the things that you do so you build emotional agility. For self care, it’s the things you do so you don’t gas out, it’s more for the long term.”

As a mom, Michelle Aventajado also pointed out that self care can be anything simple. “Self care can be so many things. For me, it’s waking up early enough and having quiet time for myself, reading my bible and drinking coffee. For me, it’s to rest when I’m tired, stop when I’m overwhelmed, pause and reflect. And when my kids see me doing that, I’m setting an example.”

The event was attended by over 100 participants who shared their own self care promises via the comments section.

Sanofi Philippines encourages everyone to make their own self care promises via selfcarepromise.org and share them on Instagram, tagging @sanofi.ph, with the hashtags #SelfCarePromise, #ISCD21, and #HealthierPhilippines.

Watch the video here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CRqhk6KHr5c/

IABC Philippines’ CommChat Series Season 2 Premiere Features Beyond the Vax: The Value of Our Body’s Defense and Repair System in Fighting COVID-19

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines invites you to the premiere of Season Two of its CommChat series entitled Beyond the Vax: The Value of Our Body’s Defense and Repair System in Fighting Covid-19 on July 31, Saturday at 3PM.

This season kicks off with Dr. Oyie Balburias talking about the value of our body’s defense and repair system in fighting against COVID-19. Dr. Balburias is one of the three pioneering doctors for Functional Medicine in the Philippines and is also a host in GMA’s health program “Pinoy M.D.”.

The CommChat Series is a webinar series that invites recognized professionals in communications and other industries to talk about relevant and insightful topics that will help in the professional development of communications practitioners. It is one of the initiatives of the IABC Philippines that aims to teach both communication practitioners and aspiring professionals how to survive in the constantly changing industry landscape.

The Season One of IABC Philippines’ CommChat Series tackled different issues, from “Pursuing career goals despite the pandemic”, to “How brands and companies use technology and social media to achieve their communication goals and objectives”.

The event is free and those who are interested in attending this season’s premiere entitled Beyond the Vax : The Value of Our Body’s Defense and Repair System in Fighting COVID-19 can register at https://forms.gle/J2sTktQJEMhAkL3CA.

Partnering with IABC Philippines for the Season Two premiere are regional integrated communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia and payment platform CIS Bayad Center, Inc.

IABC Philippines is the first IABC country chapter in Asia. It is an association of top business, industrial and organizational communicators and professionals that supports the highest professional standards and practice of exceptional quality and innovation in organization and business communication. It advocates for continued professional growth, learning, and communication excellence, linking Filipino practitioners with colleagues and best practices worldwide. Its two major communication excellence industry awards are the Philippine Quill and the Philippine CEO EXCEL Awards. IABC is a member of the Global Alliance of Public Relations and Communication Management.

To know more about IABC Philippines, please visit https://www.facebook.com/iabcph or e-mail iabcphilippinesat30@gmail.com.

Good Vibes Tayo DITO: Get exclusive premium items from Viber when you purchase your DITO sim with a friend!

(Manila, Philippines) - Newest telecommunications player DITO Telecommunity has teamed up with Viber, one of the most popular messaging apps in the country, for Good Vibes Tayo DITO - an exclusive promo from July 23 to August 31, 2021, where consumers can avail of exciting Viber Premium items when they purchase their DITO SIM cards in pairs.

"At DITO, our goal is to empower Filipinos through stronger connectivity with our fast, reliable, and value-for-money data services. By partnering with Viber Philippines, we are hoping to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience of the country's most preferred messaging app to more subscribers all over the country," said Jasper Evangelista, DITO's Brand & Marketing Director.

The Good Vibes Tayo DITO promo is just one of the many programs DITO and Viber have in store for Filipino subscribers. Now, Viber users can enjoy connecting with their family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones non-stop using DITO's reliable and affordable data promo offers.

"Viber is looking forward to expanding its calling and messaging services to more Filipinos all over the country with this exciting partnership with DITO, a new and dynamic telecom company," said David Tse, Senior Director, Asia Pacific at Rakuten Viber. "We are focused on our shared goal of providing services and programs that enable people to keep stronger, more secure and seamless personal and professional connections that impact their daily lives."

The Good Vibes Tayo DITO promo will be available in select DITO stores and partner stores. To join the promo, customers must purchase two (2) DITO SIM cards from participating DITO stores, activate the SIM cards, and register their DITO numbers using the Viber app. Once registration Is complete, the pair will be entitled to join a lucky draw and win exclusive Viber premium items such as plush toys, notebooks, tumblers, and other exciting prizes!

Check out the official social media pages and websites of DITO (www.dito.ph) and Rakuten Viber (https://www.viber.com/en/) for the full list of participating stores and more details on the promo mechanics.

Make watching Netflix and HBO GO a fun family activity with Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi’s HomeWATCH and HomeSTREAM15 promos

Ever wanted to discover the origin of the resurrection plant that turned the fictional citizens of medieval-inspired Joseon Netflix series into rabid zombies? Or perhaps you’d want to watch the epic battle between two legendary titans to see who will come out on top as “Godzilla vs. Kong” premieres on HBO GO?

Whether you’re in for action or rom-coms films, you can catch the latest titles and stream on Netflix and HBO GO with the new HomeSTREAM15 from Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi. 

This is the new budget-friendly tack-on from Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi that lets customers watch trending and all-time favorite movies and series on Netflix and HBO GO.

For just P15 a day, you can add-on to your regular HomeWATCH subscription or any of your favorite Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi promos, to enjoy an additional 2 GB for Netflix and HBO GO valid for one day! So you can bond with your family with Netflix and HBO GO’s expansive selection while staying safely at home.

This can be best enjoyed on top of HomeWATCH199 which comes with 34 GB for 7 days. That's 6GB data for subs' choice with 4GB daily on the following streaming or video content apps like YouTube, Viu, WeTV, iWantTFC, Gmovies, and more.

Apart from Kingdom: Tales of Ashin, catch the latest Asian titles on Netflix like Nevertheless, or Record of Ragnarok. There’s also the comic-turned-animated series that is a source of Pinoy pride, Trese. K-drama buffs can also watch the second season of Hospital Playlist, or for those who grew up watching the Ruruoni Kenshin anime can marathon all four live-action movie series!

On top of that, you can access HBO GO’s newest content such as the Tom & Jerry movie, Sesame Street, Adventure Time: Distant Lands, Tenet, The Flash, The High Note, You Should Have Left, Genera+ion, Krypton, The Handmaid’s Tale, Mare of Easttown and many more.

“What makes HomeSTREAM15 special is that it’s not only very affordable, it’s also a bridge to make ties at home stronger by letting them express their passion points through the films that entertain them,” said Barbie Dapul, Vice President for Marketing of Globe At Home. “Our partnership with Netflix and HBO GO ensures that our customers are not left behind on the latest shows and movies available on both platforms. We also saw the valuable role that our entertainment bundles play for families to keep their mental health in check during this challenging time where most are deprived of things that delight them.”

To avail of the promo, you just need to register your favorite HomeWATCH promo through the Globe At Home app and add HomeSTREAM15 to your subscription. 

You can download the app for free via Google Play Store or the App Store.

Enjoy Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi’s HomeWATCH and HomeSTREAM15 promos but they need to make sure that they have existing subscriptions to Netflix or HBO GO which they can get via the GlobeOne app. For HBO GO, visit the GlobeOne app and check out the Lifestyle Offers where they can subscribe to HBO GO for only Php 149.

Dapul added: “We also know that every peso counts to our subscribers, especially in these trying times; that’s why we wanted to make sure na malayo ang mararating ng bawat sentimo ng bawat Pilipino with just one modem and with the most SULIT promo data ever.”

With faster speeds and a bang for your buck, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi can definitely help you explore a world of entertainment, gaming, and many more beyond your imagination.

Load up with Globe At Home Prepaid WiF’s sulit promos and don’t forget to register to HomeSTREAM15 for your next fun family bonding with Netflix and HBO GO. Reloading Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi is easy and can be done through the Globe At Home app, GCash, or through any Globe Store and partner retailers nationwide.

Apart from HomeSTREAM15, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi has promos for every member of the family: HomeVIU15 for ate who loves her K-dramas or HomeYT15 for family members who wish to watch vlogs on end for education or entertainment. There’s also HomeFB15 and HomeTIKTOK15 for those who want to share their stories on social media. Meanwhile, kuya and bunso can go head to head on Mobile Legends or LOL: Wild Rift with gaming-skewed promos like HomeML15 and HomeWILDRIFT 15.

Globe supports 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which recognizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as important drivers of the economy. Globe also upholds the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact.

To know more about Globe At Home, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/broadband.html#gref.

Reward Yourself at Shopee's End-of-Month Sale: ShopeePay Petsa de Panalo!

MANILA, JULY 28, 2021 - Make the most out of your suweldo this month with the ShopeePay Petsa de Panalo Sale happening today until July 30, 2021!

Starting today until July 30, enjoy up to 50% bills cashback, ₱1 deals on Deals Near Me, and ₱1 load and data offers via ShopeePay

ShopeePay, an integrated mobile wallet, offers a variety of digital services and cost-saving deals that enables Filipinos to seamlessly embrace the cashless lifestyle. Users can buy load & data from major telco networks, pay bills to over 40 billers, and pay with ShopeePay at any of its partner merchants. In addition, Filipinos can also enjoy exciting promos such as ₱1 deals, 90% off on their favorite products, and ₱999 deals on fashion, beauty, personal care, lifestyle, electronics, and baby products during the sale.  

Here are exciting things users can look forward to this coming Petsa de Panalo Sale:

• Bills Cashback: Earn coins when paying for bills with ShopeePay.* New digital users can enjoy 50% bills cashback (capped at 180 coins), while all users can get 20% bills cashback (capped at 80 coins).

• Exclusive ₱1 Deals: Users can add to cart Deals Near Me e-vouchers to redeem a variety of deals for only ₱1 -- these include discounts for Puregold, Potato Corner, McDonald’s, Jollibee, Seaoil, and more!

• Mobile Load Discounts and Flash Deals: Users can also enjoy exclusive digital bundles such as  ₱5 load for  ₱1 and  ₱10 data for  ₱1. 

• Top up and Win ₱20,000: Users who top up at least ₱300 get the chance to win ₱20,000 cash prize! 

• Exclusive Discounts: Shopee offers users the best promos from 90% off on select items to ₱999 deals on various categories such as Health, Beauty, and Electronics.

Beauty - Sace Lady Makeup Beauty Set

Health - Portable Nebulizer

Electronics - MXQ Ultra HD TV Box 

Personal Care - Mini Air Purifier Necklace 

Electronics - HP 2TB Flash Drive

To check out more deals from ShopeePay Petsa de Panalo Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/m/petsa-de-panalo-sale.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play