Taguig schools to receive eco-friendly handwashing stations in support of Global Handwashing Day

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In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, the multinational company behind the number 1 anti-bacterial soap in the Philippines Safeguard, is donating eco-friendly handwashing stations to 19 schools in Taguig City as part of its commitment to bringing health and hygiene to Filipinos across the country.

From left to right: P&G Philippines Corporate Communications Manager King Martin Agoncillo, Head of Taguig City Health Office Dr. Norena Osano, Taguig City Health Office Executive Assistant for Health Dr. Cecille Montales, and School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) OIC Chief Dr. Roldan Jamindang

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year, on October 15, which aims to promote the importance of proper handwashing with soap as an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep communities safe from diseases. 

This initiative is part of P&G's #SafeWASH program in collaboration with Manila Water Foundation, which aims to strengthen efforts to promote the importance of proper handwashing with soap and water in schools. The project underscores the significance of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) in schools, a commitment at the core of the joint project between the two organizations. The eco-friendly handwashing stations will be constructed in partnership with Green Antz Builders using eco-bricks, which are made by turning plastic waste into durable building blocks. 

“These eco-friendly handwashing stations will promote proper WASH habits that will help protect students and teachers from disease-causing bacteria and viruses while also championing sustainability, says King Martin Agoncillo, Corporate Communications Manager at P&G Philippines. 

Sample eco-bricks that will be used to construct the 19 eco-friendly handwashing stations.

In another Global Handwashing Day Celebration, P&G supported Pasig LGU’s "Apir Tayo, Pasigueno! Global Handwashing Day Fair 2023" in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, benefitting over 1,000 Pasiguenos, including PWDs, 4Ps beneficiaries, Muslim market vendors, enforcers, and health workers.

P&G has been a consistent partner of MWF since 2020 in providing students with quality handwashing facilities; promoting health and hygiene through good handwashing practices. The partnership has since constructed 285 handwashing stations, reaching over 1 million students, teachers, and other school staff in over 285 schools in Metro Manila. 

MaxiLife helps Make-A-Wish Philippines Kids Live Life to the Max

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MaxiLife, in cooperation with Make-A-Wish Philippines, granted the wishes of children with critical illnesses at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City last Saturday, October 14, 2023. This served as a testament to the transformative power of wishes coming true, underscoring both organizations’ commitment to uplifting lives and safeguarding wishes.

In celebration of MaxiLife's 1 year anniversary, the company has collaborated with Make-A-Wish Philippines to help continue its mission of protecting Filipino's aspirations for lifelong peace of mind. After a fun day at the Mind Museum in BGC, all the wish childrens wishes were granted thanks to the hard work of both companies' volunteers.

For children battling critical illnesses, the power of wishes is more than just a source of happiness but is a source of strength.

"In every child's wish, we see an opportunity to make a difference. We believe that each moment counts. We are not providing financial support for their medical needs, but instead inspire hope through granting their wishes and empower them to wish bigger. Together with the Make-A-Wish Philippines, we are committed to fulfilling their wishes and make them a reality. This is the essence of MaxiLife, to be present, to uplift, and to safeguard the dreams and life aspirations of Filipinos, even in the face of uncertainty," said Mervin L. Pobre, PhD, President, and CEO of MaxiLife.

MaxiLife's Chief Revenue Officer Jun Marasigan, spending time with the children in need at the Mind Museum at BGC last Saturday, October 14. In celebration of MaxiLife's 1 year anniversary, the company has collaborated with Make-A-Wish Philippines to help continue its mission of protecting Filipino's aspirations for lifelong peace of mind.

Making Wishes Come True

According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), over 60,000 children die annually before their fifth birthday because of medical complications in the Philippines. Despite this, numerous children in critical conditions still wish to grow up and having fun with their friends and family.

However, the medical treatment the children undergo is not only financially draining, but also emotionally and psychologically tumultuous for many families.

This is why it has become imperative for life insurance companies such as MaxiLife to provide these families with a chance to live the way they should. As the company's purpose and vision is for every single Filipino to choose to live their dreams with full confidence knowing that they are financially protected in every moment. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Philippines and granting children’s wishes at the event is an initial step towards a bigger goal for the company - to empower Filipinos, especially in the middle class and working class, to focus on funding their life aspirations, with MaxiLife as a financial safety net against life’s uncertainties.

“MaxiLife is the best partner for this event as they put kids in need as one of their priorities and are spreading awareness about the opportunity to be the catalyst of a life-changing moment to a child,” said Aleah B. Ortiz, Executive Director of Make-A-Wish Philippines

Make-A-Wish Philippines' Senior Program Officer, Danimei Everett, leads the wish granting program for all the children in need at the Mind Museam in BGC, Taguig. celebration of Maxilife's 1 year anniversary, the company has collaborated with Make-A-Wish Philippines to help continue its mission of protecting Filipino's aspirations for lifelong peace of mind.

Granting the best day ever

The event brought together 10 children with critical illnesses as well as their parents, guardians and 15 MaxiLife volunteers for a fun-filled afternoon at The Mind Museum’s galleries and exhibits. The children not only had time to explore the interactive and educational sections but also took part in exciting games all throughout the venue. After the tour, the children were in for a surprise as MaxiLife and Make-A-Wish Philippines brought out a huge variety of gifts that the children had all wished for. At the end of the day, although many volunteers and children were hesitant to say goodbye to their new friends, they all would not forget this very special day.

“MaxiLife’s key objective as a life insurance company is to encourage preparedness and promote awareness of the real possibility of unexpected critical illnesses so that when it occurs, the insured person and their family can be free of financial burden and able to focus more on recovery,” said Pobre.

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About MaxiLife

MaxiLife is a comprehensive life insurance company that offers new innovations in customer experience, affordability, and availability following the leadership experiences of its founders. MaxiLife was formed through the synergy of Maxicare, the biggest HMO in the Philippines, Gokongwei Group and Equicom Group to deliver a comprehensive set of financial solutions for individuals and their families, addressing both potential healthcare expenses and unexpected life events.

Website: www.maxilife.com.ph

Finding the right jeans that suits your personality

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Having self-confidence generally refers to a sense of comfort with yourself, your instincts and a belief that you can trust your own abilities, knowledge, and judgment.

People can be confident in specific areas of their lives. Some are more confident in their athletic abilities than their cooking expertise, in certain academic subjects, looks, height, body shape or on their personality. The areas where people feel self-confident often represent what they’re most passionate about in life.

Most people also looks for clothes to look beautiful, confident to present herself to people around. One’s clothes can give some impressions about his or her personality. It may be a tool for expression. For instance, people who wear casual clothes like a pair of jeans and open shirts are relaxed, comfortable, and flexible. They are easy to approach as they prefer to express their real personality.

To be more confident, most people are looking for the right pair of jeans to have comfort and look slimmer.

There are standout pairs of jeans for every look, personality, and build.

It is important that you pick the right fit for your body type. Remember, while it is reassuring when you look good in certain clothes, comfort should always be a priority.

There are jeans perfect for curvy body, many says they're sexy and cool. They will be comfortable, durable and easy. Check this website. You can enjoy these curvy faja jeans.

This Curvy-faja collection empowers you to feel confident and comfortable on any occasion. Elevate your style and embrace your curves with these exceptional shapewears. Explore the selection at Curvy -faja to discover the perfect pieces that meet your specific requirements, no matter the moment or event.

Curvy-faja meticulously designs and sources high-quality shapewear that complements your curves, offering support, comfort, and confidence throughout the day.

Curvy faja bring you the latest innovations in shapewear.

Seamless Design - shapewear is constructed with seamless technology, ensuring it remains invisible under your clothing while providing maximum support and comfort.

Breathable Materials - breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable all day.

Targeted Compression - has varying compression levels to address specific areas, ensuring a customized fit that caters to your unique needs.

Durability - withstand regular wear and washing so they stay with you for the long haul

Choose jeans that are true to size, find ways to accentuate your waistline, there are lingeries to check to choose and fit extreme tummy control shapewear, These products really draw attention to your best features and remember that self-confidence is the best outfit you can ever.

Confidence is not just about how you look but how you feel. Curvy-faja is more than just shapewear; it's a lifestyle. Curvy-faja enabling all women to find their confidence. 

Explore jeans collection effortlessly, make every step of your Curvy-faja journey enjoyable.

Uncover the best fashion and beauty buys on Shopee with your Shopee Besties this October

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The influencer squad will reveal their go-to fashion items and make-up products from Shopee

Shopee is thrilled to announce the launch of "Shopee Besties," a dynamic squad of the country's top fashion and beauty influencers. These influencers have shared their favorite Shopee fashion & beauty picks since July. With the official launch, this exciting collaboration is set to redefine the online shopping experience as the Besties reveal more fashion and beauty secrets from Shopee.

Huiyan Pan, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines, shared about the partnership, stating, "We are glad to be partnering with fan-favorite influencers to bring more personalized and engaging content to our shoppers in the Philippines. Shoppers can look forward to insider shopping tips, top picks, and exclusive deals from Shopee Besties. We will continue to work with our partner brands, sellers, and influencers to deliver a more interactive and enjoyable shopping experience for shoppers this year-end.”

The latest Shopee Besties lineup includes fashionistas sharing their must-have clothing brands and beauty gurus who will showcase their top makeup and skincare recommendations, available on Shopee.

Fashion Besties:

Eya Borja (@eyevanana)

A fashion & beauty creator with over 13.2 million followers on social media, Eya shares that Shopee allows her to purchase high-quality pieces at affordable prices, thanks to the various promotions and discounts.

Liane San Jose (@snj.liane)

As a lifestyle and fashion content creator, Liane uses Shopee as the platform to help make her “dream wardrobe come to life”, thanks to the wide array of fashion and beauty items available.

Denise Annthea (@deniseannthea)

A content creator and the founder of the online crochet bag shop, She Made Me Buy It, Denise shops on Shopee to keep up with the updated fashion trends on the platform.

Breanna Estacio (@breyannuh)

For fashion and lifestyle content creator Brenna, Shopee is “where fashion finds a wallet-friendly runway” thanks to the numerous discounts and vouchers she can use for each purchase.

Andy Arguelles (@andyarguelles13)

While managing her studies, Andy is a content creator who mostly features fashion (outfit and style trends) on her social media. She loves to purchase fashion items from Shopee as the items are of great quality and arrive very quickly.

Beauty Besties:

Michelle Dy (@michelledyy)

Michelle is an established beauty vlogger with over 1.6 million followers on Instagram. She enjoys purchasing beauty products from Shopee due to the promotions and discounts available, and the platform also provides a vast selection of brands that she can pick from.

Kianna Duntugan (@kianna.d)

Despite still being in school, Kianna has started carving her path as a content creator known for her beauty-related content. With Shopee, it allows her the “most convenient way of shopping” with the array of items available.

Muriel Nicolas (@murielnicole)

Balancing her work as a flight attendant and beauty content creator, Muriel relies on Shopee as her “go-to platform for hassle-free shopping”, providing everything she needs - from skincare and toiletries to clothes and household items.

Alex Manuel (@alexmanuell)

Alex is a beauty and lifestyle content creator who shares her daily OOTDs and makeup looks on social media. She describes Shopee as the “one-stop shop” for all her needs, given the wide range of available items.

Denise Mascarenas (@denisemascarenas)

Denise describes Shopee as accessible and affordable, allowing her to choose from various products and exclusive vouchers and discounts that help her save more as she creates lifestyle and beauty-related content on her social media.

Shoppers are invited to uncover the secrets of looking as fabulous as the Shopee Besties themselves through engaging and informative content on Shopee and their social media channels. Stay tuned for the exciting KOL content on the Shopee app and social media platforms, where our fashion and beauty experts will divulge their insider shopping tips and unveil exclusive deals.

For the latest beauty and style finds, follow the Shopee Besties, and visit the microsites here and here.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Honored Among Asia’s Best Workplaces in 2023, Cited For Its Exceptional Workplace Culture

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Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (“Takeda”), a leading pharmaceutical company committed to promoting better health for people and a better future for the world, has been listed by the Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, on the 2023 Best Workplaces in Asia™ List.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc is listed in the 2023 Best Workplaces in Asia™

Takeda Healthcare Philippines is thrilled to be on the list for the first time

Best Workplaces in Asia award honors workplaces in Asia that provide exceptional work environments for their employees

Takeda Philippines Team Building

The 2023 Best Workplaces in Asia award honors workplaces in Asia that provide exceptional work environments for their employees, based on employee experience surveys that assess company culture and values. This prestigious recognition recognizes companies that prioritize employee well-being, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and demonstrate outstanding practices in areas such as leadership, career development, and work-life balance. 

“We are absolutely thrilled and proud to be listed as one of the Best Workplaces 2023 in Asia. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of trust, empowerment, and inspiration for our people to use their unique voices and talents to positively impact people’s lives every day – including their own,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “Creating a remarkable experience for our people is the first step in providing transformative healthcare solutions and contributing significantly to our society. By offering a diverse and inclusive work environment, job flexibility, and rewarding development opportunities, we make this possible. Our people are the heart of our success.”

Great Place to Work® encourages companies to continuously invest in their employees' growth and satisfaction, high-trust environment and ultimately contributing to the overall development of the respective industries. A Great Workplace is about the trust employees have with their leaders, the pride they have in their jobs and the happiness they experience with their colleagues, which has become increasingly important in today's competitive job market. Organizations on the list were selected from those that had participated in the Great Place to Work® renowned employee survey process. 

Employees at Takeda Philippines are free to express their ideas, suggestions, and recommendations because the company is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and diversity while fostering a respectable, honest, inclusive and speak up culture. This will help the business determine how to make long-lasting improvements. There are numerous opportunities for employees to openly discuss issues with their leaders, such as Coffee Talks and "Thank God It's Friday" sessions. 

Takeda Philippines Mid-Year Conference at Taal Vista Hotel

In addition, in the Philippines employees receive quarterly care packages from the company to make them feel valued. Fridays are also designated as "no meetings day," allowing employees to finish up any unfinished business, reorganize for the coming week, and start winding down for the weekend a little earlier. Not to mention, there are programs for leadership development, on-the-job training, and employee assistance initiatives that aim to help employees in need or develop their skills.  By doing this, Takeda Philippines gives its employees the tools they need to succeed and make a real difference in their work and ultimately the lives of others.

"Well-being is the cornerstone of our People-First culture. Our mission of ‘Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World’ is only possible when we take care of our own people. Being listed among the Best Workplaces in Asia is a remarkable achievement for us. I am so proud of our team, so inspired by our people and so motivated by their energy,” added Villanueva.

As Takeda Healthcare Philippines celebrates this remarkable achievement, the company looks forward to building on its success and continuing to serve as an example of excellence in workplace culture not just across Asia but also around the globe.

The Best Workplaces in Asia List is published here: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/asia-2023

 

Lukas Graham to perform live in Manila on October 22, 2023

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Singer-songwriter Lukas Graham is set to perform live in Manila on October 22, 2023 at the New Frontier Theater. 

Lukas Graham became one of the first 25 acts to enter Spotify’s Billions Club. ‘7 Years’ is the remarkable story of a poem – a global multi-Platinum #1-hit song with no classic pop hook but a life-changing message to tell of family, friendship and growing older – that paved the way for a Worldwide Danish pop sensation and an unimaginable rise to fame of one of the sincerest songwriters of the 21st century.

‘7 Years’ was released in the Autumn of 2015. It wasn’t a hit over night but a timeless classic. Eventually, Lukas Graham took the stage with memorable performances on some of the biggest American talk shows hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, James Corden, Conan O’Brian, Ellen DeGeneres and Seth Meyers. It was primetime pop poetry that skyrocketed the song and artist into a global phenomenon.

To this day, the official music video for ‘7 Years’ has more than 1,4 billion views on Youtube while the Billion Club-hit is closing in on 2 billion streams on Spotify. The massive success was followed by another milestone: the self-titled international debut album!

From humble beginnings in a Copenhagen hippie commune to sharing the red carpet with the likes of Adele, Justin Bieber and Beyoncé in Hollywood, Lukas Grahams honest reaction, when talking to The New York Times about the astonishing accomplishment, was “Completely surreal”.

Lukas Graham made the headlines again with the release of ‘Love Someone’ also announcing the highly anticipated ‘3 (The Purple Album)’. While the debut album was dedicated to Lukas’ late father, new beginnings began to unfold with ‘Love Someone’. Engaged to his long-time girlfriend and now a father himself, the theme revolved around “the kind of love I’m feeling that I’ve never felt before”.

With an international career, spanning over more than seven years, the singer-songwriter’s journey of self-discovery was portrayed into the words and songs that would become his most honest work to date: ‘4 (The Pink Album)’, inspired by his daughters’ favourite color.

Lukas Graham has toured over the years selling out shows and tours across Europe, North America and Asia - engaging and enchanting audiences with both highly energetic and captivating performances wherever he goes.

Lukas Graham’s concert in Manila will really be a night to remember. Promoted by Midas Productions and KDR Music House. Tickets at ticketnet.com at 4925 (VIP) / 4175 (Orchestra) / 4070 (Loge) / 3655 (Balcony 1) / 3105 (Balcony 2). Tickets are currently on sale.

On October 22, Lukas Graham will be joined by fellow Universal Music artist, Juan Karlos, whose song, “Ere”, recently made history as the first Filipino song to appear on the Spotify Global Chart.

For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Midas Promotions at https://midaspromotions.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/midaspromotions

Hurry! Buy One HONOR device and Get One FREE phone this TikTok Friday Madness Sale

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Get FREE HONOR phone when you buy an HONOR device only this October 20 on TikTok Friday Madness Sale!

The maddest sale from the leading smart devices provider, HONOR Philippines, is here! You can get a FREE HONOR phone when you buy select HONOR devices during the TikTok Friday Madness Sale (https://bit.ly/3IMaizo) on October 20, 2023 from 12NN to 6PM!

“This is the very first time we are doing this and we’re very excited as to how consumers and our HONOR fans will receive this. It is not everyday that you see a tech brand having this promo and the best thing about it is, this is just the beginning! In the coming weeks, expect more and bigger deals from us,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

One of HONOR’s hero products, HONOR 70 5G, is the first one you can buy to receive a FREE phone. Get it for just Php 26,990 and receive a FREE HONOR X7 worth Php 9,990! HONOR X8 worth Php 12,990 will also give you a FREE HONOR X6 worth Php 6,990. Last but not the least, a FREE HONOR X8 worth Php 12,990 awaits you when you purchase an HONOR MagicBook X 14, priced at Php 29,990.

Along these exciting deals, you can also get up to Php 6,000 off other HONOR smartphones, tablets, laptops, and accessories during this TikTok-exclusive promo. Rush and head on to HONOR’s TikTok Shop: (https://bit.ly/3IMaizo) tomorrow to watch the live and check out the Buy One Get One promo!

For more updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Bath time just got more colorful : Capture life’s colors with American Standard color fittings

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When building a home, everyone dreams of being able to create a space that they truly love. Whether this means having a house that reflects your unique personality or a space that gives you a sense of true serenity, this can easily be achieved by carefully choosing the colors and finishes of your furniture. With the newly launched finishes by American Standard – Polished Cool Sunrise, Brushed Hard Graphite and Matte Black, consumers are now able to add a more personal touch to their bathroom spaces.

Every color has a story. Which one fits yours?

Polished Cool Sunrise

The timeless beauty of Polished Cool Sunrise will brighten up your home. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated feel or want a touch of vibrant color to your bathroom, this bright gold polish can infuse your space with a comforting glow that will match what you’re looking for. With this color, light gracefully dances across its glossy finish which helps you create a warm and joyful ambiance in your home.

Brushed Hard Graphite

For those who want to transform their bathroom space, the stunning Brushed Hard Graphite shade and its rich grey hue and textured finish is perfect. If you pair this finish with dark or earth tones, this will create an atmosphere of zen and tranquility in any room. However, if you’re looking to add more unique character to your home, its industrial-inspired look and refined appearance can also effortlessly balance style and functionality.

Matte Black

The striking beauty of Matte Black helps you escape the noise of everyday life within your home. This finish can either help you set a bold statement or establish understated elegance — all because of its rugged all-black texture that exudes a commanding presence and leaves a lasting impression.

Elevate your bathroom with Acacia Evolution and EasySet

All three-color finishes are available in the Acacia Evolution faucets, EasySet Concealed Auto Temperature Mixer and EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature and select accessories.

Elevate the look and feel of the bathroom with the modern, minimalistic clean lines of Acacia Evolution fittings. With EcoStart, Acacia Evolution faucet releases cold water instead of warm water upon lifting the lever, saving you up to 30% of precious energy as it prevents the boiler from heating up. To get hot water, you will only need to move the lever to the left, and by providing a resistance midway when lifting the lever, ClickMove gives you better water volume control, saving you water. Lastly, ComfortMove provides smooth handle performance for optimal precision and comfort.

The EasySet Auto Temperature Mixers, which come in both Concealed and Exposed variants, will elevate your showering experience to a whole new level of comfort. Adjust the water temperature and volume with a simple push and turn to pamper yourself with a shower at a constant and comfortable temperature with ThermoComfort, even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. Prevent accidental scalding, especially for the young and elderly, with ThermoSafe which caps water temperature at 49° Celsius and shuts off when cold water supply fails. As an added precaution, the EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature Mixer features CoolShield to ensure the faucet body is always cool to the touch to prevent any instances of scalding when come into contact.

If you’re building your first home or planning an upgrade to your current homestead, the bathroom space design plays an important role in your wellness experience at home. Choosing mood-boosting colors for you and your family can transform your basic toilet and bath into a personal sanctuary – something that you will love to come home to every day, and a space you and your family will enjoy being in.

Follow us on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best in class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.

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ABOUT LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. Approximately 55,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.ph

GCash supports COMELEC’s Kontra-Bigay campaign

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GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Seated from left: Committee on Kontra bigay commissioner-in-charge Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Comelec commissioner Socorro Inting, chairman George Erwin Garcia, commissioner Rey Bulay and deputy executive director for operations Rafael Olano, together with the GCash legal team (standing)

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people's will.

"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.

A REMARKABLE SWAN SONG: Filipino Jet Ski champion takes home another world title in impressive last hurrah

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A remarkable final race

Paul del Rosario’s recent and final race was held at Lake Havasu City in Arizona, USA, in early October, entering his last World championshipsa, the 2023 SBT (Short Block Technologies) IJSBA Jetski World Finals.

Del Rosario was able to secure one first place finish for the Philippines, under the amateur ski modlites class, and a runner up finish in another category the, veterans (ages 35-45yrs) ski gp class. Both categories are from the ski class/stand up category, a jetski type with no built in seats, requiring the rider to stand up, which is the most difficult form of jetski racing to date.

Del Rosario came close to winning two world titles. Unfortunately, with stiff competition, and exhaustion from being made to do a total of 6 races in one day instead of dividing the two categories in separate days, ended up finished a little short in the Vet Ski GP category, with a tie breaker rule involved (the vet class is for racers in the 35 to 45 years old bracket), where he took home a silver medal. This was still a big improvement from the fifth place finish he had the previous year.

Del Rosario fresh from ending his last 2023 JSAP Philippine national race season held last September also won two Philippine titles—the Open Ski class (Open, which means almost no limits to modifications to the hull and motor; and Ski, meaning stand-up type Jet Ski, which is the hardest form of jet skiing); and the expert Stock Ski Class (Stock, which means leaving the motor and hull untampered and leaving them in their original form). Del Rosario was also the first hall of famer recipient from JSAP this 2023, for his notable international achievements as his contributions to the organization and to our country.

“[Being recognized as a Hall of Famer] is truly an honor,” he said. And while every win is important. His dedication and passion for the sport led him to numerous victories and prestigious titles, cementing his status as one of the most prominent Filipino athletes in competitive Jet Ski racing.

“It’s a fitting ending for a long jetski racing career. I can now retire in peace and focus on work, family, and assisting JSAP to develop more talent to represent the Philippines internationally,” Del Rosario said.

A colorful, storied career

Del Rosario’s remarkable achievements include clinching the Philippine Rider of the Year award from the Jetski Association of the Philippines (JSAP) an impressive nine times.

His crowning glory came in 2010 when he finally won his first World title in the expert runabout World Finals after years of trying. For years, he came close to bringing home the gold but never entirely, with mechanical issues always plaguing his final races.

In 2022, Del Rosario at 43 years old remarkably secured his second gold medal, for himself and for our country, this time on a stand up class jetski, a class difficult for his age, at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals in the Ski Modlites category, held in Arizona, USA. IJSBA is the governing body of the sport, similar to how the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) oversees soccer in the world.

Bagging the top prize in the World Finals is a big deal. In the world of Jet Ski racing, this league is like its Olympics, with respective national champions from other countries sent to compete.

This victory not only brought pride to the Philippines but also elevated him to the coveted rank of #1 in the world rankings for his category.

Among the many accolades he has won over the years are being three times World Champion (2010 Expert Open Runabout/sit down type), 2022 Am Ski Modlites Champion, 2023 Vet Ski GP; 2007 Thailand Pro Am Runabout Super Stock; and 2011 Thai World Cup champion (Pro-Am Runabout Open).

Del Rosario is also the only Filipino rider to win internationally on all three major types of Jet skiing—sport, ski, and runabout.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Del Rosario said, “Jet Ski racing makes me feel much more alive. When I’m riding one, it feels like I’m in a different world.”

However, every athlete knows that retirement is inevitable. In 2023, Del Rosario made the difficult decision to retire from competitive sports, acknowledging that his fruitful career had prepared him for this moment.

“I can now retire in peace and focus on work, family, and assisting JSAP to develop more talent to represent the Philippines internationally,” he said.

Del Rosario’s achievements are not just personal victories; they are proof of the resilience and dedication of Filipino athletes.

Jet Ski racing presents its challenges, including the high cost of entry and the physical risks involved, Del Rosario’s story showcases the unwavering spirit of athletes who overcome these obstacles for the love of their sport.

His seven-year hiatus—partly due to injuries such as herniated lumbar discs, advanced tendinitis of both kneecaps, and an impinged shoulder—and subsequent comeback highlight the mental and physical fortitude required to compete at the highest level.

As he bids farewell to competitive racing, Del Rosario is full of gratitude. “My gratitude goes out to all the brands and people that have supported me over the years, the likes of Davies paints, Lordfel marketing, Mesco inc, Motul, BG products, Ryusei Int'l, Manila Cordage, Dynamic castings, k2 top engineering, Jetpilot Philippines, Networx jetsports and fastpowersports.

Moving forward, Del Rosario remains optimistic about the future of Jet Ski racing in the Philippines.

With his retirement, Del Rosario plans to continue riding recreationally and focus on his personal life, work, and family. Del Rosario notes as well, that he’ll do his best to cultivate the next generation of racers through JSAP.

Del Rosario leaves behind a meaningful message for the aspiring talents of the future: “The future is bright for Jet Ski racing. We have come a long way—from being laughed at before to being respected in the game. And I know we can go much further and achieve more.”

Indeed, Paul del Rosario’s amazing career serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino Jet Ski racers, reminding them that with determination, dedication, and the right support, they too can ride the waves of success.

Health Experts Raise Alarm on Dengue Crisis

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 Next Generation Dengue Vaccine, other Solutions Presented

Dengue remains to be a major public health problem in the Philippines. But it is reassuring to know that medical science has continued to develop and is working on real solutions, such as new vaccines and other novel and ingenious solutions that address the dengue crisis head on.

Affirming that the full might of Japan, one of the healthiest nations in the world, is behind the Philippines in its fight against dengue: Minister Nihei Daisuke, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The inaugural Dengue Forum titled “Addressing the Mosquito in the Room” held last Wednesday, 27 September, aimed to amplify the conversation on dengue as a public health concern in the Philippines. The event was organized by RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group (RAN-BCG) and was supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH).

Between 1 January and 9 September of this year, 125,975 dengue cases were reported across the nation, so far lower compared to cases in the last five years.  Since mid-June 2023, 5,000 cases have been registered on an average every week, according to the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines.^[1] Despite the plateauing dengue cases, the DOH is not shutting down the possibility of an uptick in cases during the coming the rainy season.

The present impact of dengue was described in the recent dengue forum "Addressing the Mosquito in the Room": The forum gathered a panel of experts from various relevant fields from both relevant government agencies, as well as from the private sector. It aimed to raise the alarm on the already ongoing Dengue Crisis, assess the extent of the burden at this time, map out a multi-sectoral strategy, but perhaps most importantly, to discuss new developments globally on newly introduced solutions that can make a real impact in ending the dengue crisis. This dengue forum was also an opportunity to establish a robust platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the dengue situation in the country.

In an official statement, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) Teodoro J. Herbosa, MD, emphasized the urgency of the event, and the importance of a holistic approach: “This event carries profound significance as it highlights the importance of a Philippine Collaborative response framework. Dengue is a self-limiting disease, there is currently no definitive therapy or regimen available,” he stressed. With the COVID-19 threat now effectively mitigated, dengue now looms as the one of the most prevalent health concerns in tropical countries such as the Philippines.

Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, MHA, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, and pediatrician Dr. Maria Fatima Gualberto of Otsuka Solar Phils. Inc. of Japan shared that dengue was among the leading causes of hospitalization in the post COVID-19 era. While Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano of DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau pointed out that dengue was the second biggest health condition in terms of cost for PhilHealth claims nationwide in the last year.

The DOH was represented by Ms. Angelica Garcia Supervising Health Program Officer DOH Epidemiology Bureau (Center), who gave a thorough situation report on dengue in the Philippines for the last 3 years. She is flanked by Lo-Anne Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Right) and Ranielle Mendoza -Founding Partner of Rise Above Now (Left).

Meanwhile Ms. Angelica Garcia of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, shared the alarming truth, that statistically, 56% of all dengue fatalities are children 9 years old or younger. Furthermore, 70% of all dengue cases are people 19 years old or younger.

Representatives from Local Government Units where dengue incidence was relatively low namely Pasig, Caloocan, Quezon City and Baguio shared their best practices in the area of vector control, or eradication of mosquitoes, emphasizing adherence to the Five S method of controlling dengue:  

Search and destroy

Self-protect 

Seek consultation

Support fogging

Sustained Hydration

 

The fact that Dengue is among the leading causes of hospitalization in the Philippines was pointed out by Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, MHA, President Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (Center). He is flanked by Lo-Anne Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Right) and Ranielle Mendoza -Founding Partner of Rise Above Now (Left).

New hope, a LOT of new hope.

However, the most promising news came from the medical experts on hand, who shared that there are in fact new weapons that are available in the war against dengue. Consultant to the DOH and eminent infectious disease authority, Dr. Rontgene Solante fully acknowledged the need for stringent vector control, but he cautioned: “If you focus only on vector control, there is a possibility that it can also reduce herd immunity.” Dr. Solante then shared that there are in fact second-generation dengue vaccines, one that is actually already licensed for use in over 30 countries, including ASEAN neighbors Indonesia and more recently Thailand.

This  vaccine are far more advanced than the previous generation. They can be administered safely to people whether or not they have previously had dengue. Numbers are also significantly better than 1st gen vaccine. Solante shared that the TAK003 vaccine already licensed in over 30 countries are 80.2% effective at preventing dengue infection, compared to just 56% for first gen vaccine, it is also 95.4% effective at preventing severe dengue, whereas first generation vaccine had only 91% efficacy.

Dr. Solante shared that the reason behind the superiority of 2nd generation vaccines was that they were engineered on a dengue virus backbone, whereas the 1st generation was built on a Yellow Fever backbone. This is also the reason why 2nd gen vaccines are effective even for those who have never had dengue.

Despite the promise of an effective vaccine, Dr. Solante echoed Secretary Herbosa’s opinion: “Vector control, environmental control, patient education, awareness, even updates in the clinical management are all part of what we call an integrated approach and a vital part of this will be vaccination. So, this is what we call a comprehensive strategy. You have vaccination, as well as vector control.”

TAK003 is manufactured by global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company Takeda. Takeda was represented at the forum along with three other Japanese firms and no less than Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Mr. NIHEI Daisuke who affirmed Japan’s commitment to help ease the global burden of dengue: “We also consider dengue as an international concern, and we are one with the Philippines in your fight against this disease.”

TAK003 vaccine was also recently recommended by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) for introduction in settings with high dengue disease burden and high transmission intensity to maximize impact to public health and that the vaccine introduction should be accompanied by a well-designed communication strategy and community engagement.^[2]

New vaccines are not the only new development, Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, Chief of the Division of Infectious and Tropical Disease at the Philippine General Hospital shared that there is in fact promising news in the area of developing antivirals that could both provide immunity and cure already infected patients. In her presentation, Dr. Ong-Lim shared both the action of the antivirals in development, as well as what stage of trials they have already shown promise in.

While sharing the promise of new developments, Dr. Ong-Lim also talked about simple yet ingenious best practices that have worked worldwide, such as mosquito nets that are used to cover entire small villages. She did reiterate the importance of vaccine, but also pointed out how much more effective these would be if combined with other tactics: “Of course, we know that vaccines are known to be the most efficient approach to be able to target big numbers in these kinds of conditions, but when vaccines are complemented by therapeutic agents, you can even [have] better control.”

Ultimately with these new developments, it will be possible to bring dengue numbers down to insignificant levels. To make dengue vaccination widespread though, will require that every Filipino learn more about this disease and demand that any and all means be used to end this crisis.

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About RANBCG

Rise Above Now Business Consulting Group (RANBCG) is a management, marketing and capability-building consulting firm based out of the Philippines specializing in the healthcare industry. RANBCG, with its 50 years of collective healthcare experience from its roster of consultants, has been a trusted partner of pharmaceutical companies in conducting medical conventions, virtual engagement sessions and physical capability-building workshops for healthcare workers. In 2021, RANBCG was the partner of the Department of Health in holding resiliency workshops for all healthcare professionals amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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^[1] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2023/4/19/DOH--Dengue-cases-up-by-94--in-Q1-of-2023.html

^[2] https://www.who.int/news/item/02-10-2023-who-recommends-r21-matrix-m-vaccine-for-malaria-prevention-in-updated-advice-on-immunization