Fiber is an essential part of an athlete’s diet, says POC nutritionist

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Sepak Takraw standout Emmanuel Escote, whose team won silver in 2015 SEA Games, says POC’s newest nutrition program helped him improve his diet.

Donning the Philippines’ colors in the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia—the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which recently concluded in Singapore—Filipino athletes showed that they can slug it out with the best athletes from neighboring countries.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has new programs for the SEA Games representatives in order to realize their full potential and ensure that they are at their peak condition during this much-hyped event and other international sporting events in the future.

SEA Games silver medallist for Decathlon Jesson Ramil Cid says he had to do his best during training to make sure the he performs well in the SEA Games.

The Philippines’ foremost sportsmen successfully translated these programs into more wins after improving the country’s seventh place standing during the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar, to a sixth place finish, bagging 30 more medals in this edition of the Games.

POC enlisted the help of professionals in the fields of sports science, sports psychology, sports vision, sports rehabilitation, sports training, and nutrition in order to whip the athletes into shape and to achieve their optimal fitness level.

Before heading to Singapore, athletes from different sporting events went through rigorous training and special programs that rendered them more competitive than usual.

“Ngayon mas naging doble yung hirap na ginagawa namin compared sa ibang international competitions; mas mahirap talaga yung training for SEA Games. Parang gusto na naming sumuko minsan pero pinipilit namin kasi para ‘to sa country,” said Olympic Rowing representative Justine Vinas, who missed the podium after settling for fourth place.

Emmanuel Escote, who is the spiker of silver medalist Sepak Takraw team, said they trained intensely to top their successful performance in the recently concluded King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championship in Thailand. “Mas binubugbog namin ‘yung sarili namin ngayon! Siyempre kung ano ‘yung skills mo ngayon, kailangan mo pang higitan.”

While athletes have varying motivations for playing for the national team, they share one cause—to bring home a win and make their fellow Filipinos proud.

“Para sa ’kin, masarap i-represent ang Pilipinas. At saka yung karangalan na maiuwi mo yung mga medalya sa competitionmo, isang malaking bagay na yun e!—isang malaking karangalan,” declared Escote, who is now on his 4th playing year in the national team.

“Magandang opportunity po ‘to! Masaya kasi hindi ka lang nagbibigay ng pride sa bansa mo kundi pati kay God—‘yung talentko ginagamit ko sa magandang bagay,” Jesson Ramil Cid, the country’s silver medalist for Decathlon, affirmed.

Athlete’s nutrition

Acknowledging the important role of good nutrition in an athlete’s performance, POC created a sports nutrition program to make meal plans for the athletes depending on their specific needs.

In the process, POC nutritionists learned that many of our national athletes are constipated and lack an understanding of proper nourishment in achieving optimum health.

To address this issue, the POC partnered with a leading supplement brand in the country, C-Lium Fibre. With the tie-up, fiber was incorporated in every athlete’s meal plan in order to reach the 25 to 30 grams of recommended daily fiber intake. Athletes were asked to take C-Lium Fibre in husk form mixed with water, first thing in the morning.

Philippine Olympic Committee enlisted the help of professionals in the fields of sports science, sports psychology, sports vision, sports rehabilitation, sports training, and sports nutrition in order to whip the athletes into shape and to achieve their optimal fitness level. (From L-R: SEA Games sepak takraw silver medallist Emmauel Escote, POC nutritionist Luningning Caravana, SEA Games decathlon silver medallist Jesson Ramil Cid, POC nutritionist Yancy Liwanag and Rowing representative Justine Karyle Vinas)

“’Nung dumating kami, many of them are constipated kasi unang-una sa lahat hindi nila alam kung ano ‘yung mga dapat nilang kainin. Ang ginawa naming approach is to make sure na balanced ‘yung kinakain nila at ma-achieve nila ‘yung required daily fiber intake with the help of C-Lium,” said POC nutritionist Luningning Caravana.

“Ang fiber naman kasi, in general, ay tumutulong para mailabas ‘yung dumi sa katawan natin, mapababa ‘yung cholesterol, and, at the same time, nakakatulong sa weight management para mas makapag-perform ng maayos ‘yung mga athletesnatin,” she added.

After just a couple of weeks on the program, athletes readily reported experiencing regular bowel movement and no longer suffering from bloating or other signs of digestive disorder.

SEA Games first-timer Vinas claims that the bloating of his stomach disappeared after he started POC’s nutrition program. “Regular na ’yung bowel movement ko! Personally, nakatulong talaga ‘yung nutrition program ng POC—may meal programsila for us and we consume the required daily fiber intake —kasi nga mahirap mag-training pag may nararamdaman kangdiscomfort sa tiyan. Ngayon wala na akong iniisip, training na lang talaga.”

The Sepak Takraw standout, on the other hand, revealed why POC’s newest program has been a tremendous help. “Nagbabawas ako ng timbang kasi feeling ko ‘nung last game mabigat pa ang katawan ko. From personal experience,nakatulong ‘yung nutrition program sa aking bowel movement so feeling ko it helps na rin sa pag-maintain ng weight ko. With the help of the program, nare-reach namin ‘yung required daily fiber intake.”

C-Lium Fibre—available in husk and capsule formats—is made from natural psyllium plant, which is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber.

According to the National Fiber Council, the soluble fiber in psyllium absorbs water, turns it into gel, then attaches to food, sugars, cholesterol, and fats in the stomach. It then helps to expel these from one’s digestive system. A high-fiber diet also helps lower the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, certain forms of cancer, diabetes, and stroke.

Coach Jim Saret who is heading POC’s newest program says that C-Lium Fibre is a very good and convenient product to reach the required daily fiber intake.

“I think it’s one of the most important supplements we need to take as individuals. C-Lium Fibre is actually a very good product and it’s very convenient and so there’s no excuse for you not to be able to get the right amount of daily fiber because it’s so accessible,” said Coach Jim Saret.

Coach Toni Saret, who is co-heading POC’s program with her husband Coach Jim Saret, said that nutrition also plays a big role in an athlete’s performance.

Coaches Jim and Toni Saret believe that fiber is one of the most important nutrients that the body needs.

“You cannot work out with poor nutrition. Fitness and sports are always tied up with proper nutrition; you cannot have one without the other or else you cannot attain your optimal performance as an athlete,” said the female coach.

With new partnerships such as that with C-Lium Fibre, POC has high hopes that our representatives will perform better in different international sporting events like the Olympic Games and this will translate into medals for the country.

“You can never question the Filipino spirit. We will always fight; they will always continue to fight despite the odds and being the underdog; lalaban at lalaban pa din ang Pilipino. So that makes me really proud to be a part of this program,” said the Coach Jim Saret.

With the growing popularity of sports in the country, Filipino athletes are drawing increasing national support, which inspires them to do better in the international arena like SEA Games. (From L-R: SEA Games sepak takraw silver medallist Emmauel Escote, Rowing representative Justine Karyle Vinas, and SEA Games decathlon silver medallist Jesson Ramil Cid)

POC nutritionists Luningning Caravana and Yancy Liwanag say that sports nutrition is an integral part of an athlete’s overall performance.

Philippine Olympic Committee partnered with C-Lium Fibre in order to help athletes achieve the required daily fiber intake that their body needs. (From L-R: POC nutritionists Yancy Liwanag and Luningning Caravana, coach Toni Saret, 2015 SEA Games sepak takraw silver medallist Emmauel Escote, Rowing representative Justine Karyle Vinas, and coach Jim Saret)

C-Lium Fibre is a product of Pascual Laboratories, Inc., and is available in major drugstores nationwide.

Beach-ready body by summer? Coach Jim Saret tells you how.

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The pressure to have a beach-ready body gets more intense by the day, now that summer is officially here! Especially if you’ve indulged in all of your food cravings and have not hit the gym of late, you must be in some kind of a bind. We know all too well that losing weight is never that easy, and getting fit takes months, if not years, to achieve. 

Fortunately, fitness expert Jim Saret, known as Coach Jim in The Biggest Loser (Pinoy Edition Doubles), understands your situation. He is, after all, the guy who created the program called MetaFIT, which speeds up a person’s metabolism and allows him to burn calories throughout the day, not just during a workout.

Fitness expert Jim Saret, known as Coach Jim in The Biggest Loser (Pinoy Edition Doubles), swears by C-Lium Fibre, which helps provide his recommended daily allowance of fiber along with a healthy diet. Aside from the powder form in small sachets, he takes the product in its capsule form because of its convenience. "It’s as easy as ABC," he says.

While there is no turning back now from the consequences of bingeing and just lazing around, kicking yourself over not excercising sooner is not going help you either. The good news is, there is still time! Coach Jim clues you in on what you can do right now so you can showcase your beach-worthy physique with pride.

For starters, Coach Jim wants you to pay attention to your diet. “Most people are not really aware of what to eat and what not to eat,” he says. What should constitute your diet from hereon is lean meat, fruits and vegetables,” he enumerates. “These are ‘fail-proof” types of food.” 

Supplementation is also necessary to achieve good nutrition. “Take Vitamin C to boost the immune system, Vitamin E to slow down aging, Calcium for stronger bones, CoQ10 to boost energy, Creatine for muscle and memory, Omega 3's for the heart, and Glucosamine for your joints,” Coach Jim recommends. 

One of the most important components of nutrition, Coach Jim emphasizes, is dietary fiber. As a student taking up his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at Brigham Young University (USA), Coach Jim learned that fiber has a multitude of health benefits that include lowering cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar, maintaining good bowel health, aiding in preventing colon disease, reducing the risks of Type 2 diabetes and blood pressure, and helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Personally, Coach Jim is a strong believer in fiber, taking it regularly in order to maintain a healthy, fit stomach, and an ideal body weight. 

Coach Jim supplements the fiber in his diet by taking C-Lium Fibre, manufactured by PascualLab. Prefering to take it fuss-free because of his hectic schedule, Coach Jim favors both the capsule and sachet forms. “At home, all I have to do is mix my C-Lium Fiber sachet in a glass of water and that’s it,” he says. “Easy as ABC, done in less than 20 seconds.” 

Coach Jim suggests that if you want to have a beach-ready body, you have to pay attention to your diet that should include “lean meat, fruits and vegetables.” To achieve good nutrition, Coach Jim recommends vitamin and mineral supplementation, including fiber. For his fiber needs, he relies on C-Lium Fibre, which is a natural source of fiber derived from the Psyllium plant.

Having the energy to move and be active, Coach Jim is able to follow his rigorous physical training, which keeps him in tiptop shape. After all, a beach-ready body is also honed through a committed regimen of physical activity. Watch what you eat, consume fiber, and move your body.  Develop these three habits and you’ll be ready to conquer not just the beach, but the world. 

As a fitness expert and motivator, Coach Jim has devised workout regimens that burn unwanted fat in no time. It is important, he says, that one should have a healthy digestive system, which fiber helps promote. For his fiber needs, he relies on C-Lium Fibre, a natural source of soluble and insoluble fiber derived from the Psyllium plant.

C-Lium is available in capsule and husk formats in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide 

Medicard-Metafit launches Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3

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A part of Medicard’s mission of enjoining the public to live healthier lifestyles, here comes the latest Metafit Fitness Boot Camp Season! 

Medicard Philippines, Inc., a leading HMO provider, opens the year with season 3 of the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp at the Cul-de-Sac of the Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, beginning February 3. 

Teamed-up for Season III. Photo shows (Seating L-R): Ms. Joy Polloso, senior vice president for Retail Operations, Filinvest Corp.; Dr. Nicky Montoya, president, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; Coach Jim Saret, founder, Metabolic Fitness program; Ms. Rose Nuqui, vice president for Marketing, Exhibits, and Convention, Filinvest Corp.; (Standing L-R): Mr. Ricky Suarez, senior marketing manager, Filinvest Corp.; Kate Joaquin, marketing services manager, MediCard Philippines, Inc.; and Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret, co-founder, Metabolic Fitness program.

“We are elated that Westgate Center was chosen as venue for the Boot Camp,” said Joy Polloso, SVP for retail operations of Filinvest. “We have open spaces that are ideal for sports and other fitness activities. We hope to generate more fun through wellness events here at Westgate.”

Polloso added that the boot camp is the first of its kind at Westgate, and this would give them perfect opportunities to bring to residents in the south a proactive and healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of Medicard Philippines, welcomed Westgate as the new partner for the boot camp’s third season.

“With the success of our first two seasons, we feel that it has become our duty to continue the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “We have chosen Westgate because of its wide, open spaces and to give people living in the South a chance to experience this activity.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp, which started in February 2012 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Makati, gives participants a chance to challenge and motivate themselves for comprehensive training and high-intensity workouts, with proper guidance from and supervision of expert fitness instructors, including ABS-CBN’s Biggest Loser coach and Meta Fit developer Jim Saret, together with other coaches. Its success has produced three editions of the program across Metro Manila. 

“The boot camp is a perfect venue for health and wellness advocates as we help provide them a more comprehensive health and fitness package,” Saret said. “Meta Fit provides physical training part while MediCard provides the health service.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp Season 3’s 12-session program runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Online registration for interested participants is open until January 31, 2014, through the official Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/app 206429986046631.

The Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge : New Program from Abbott Offers Simple Tools to Help People with Diabetes Manage their Disease

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As always my priority for myself and for my family - health. Nothing is more important than your health. Even when I am younger, I always do researches and ask healthy tips from elders who are in their line of work and experiences regarding nutrition and medical work, just to give proper attention to health.

When we lost our father due to diabetes (that was 12 years ago), I've been aware to maintain healthy lifestyle, to stay away from bad food whiich will destroy our body. I have never been sick for long years. Last 2011, I have experience a brain anuerysm operation due to headaches and, as my doctor told me, due to stress. So blessed that God have given my second life after that operation day. And more blessed that I was declared fine, I have no other kind of sickness. And thank God that I am not diabetic. I am still healthy and strong, also doing diets, exercises, and workout routines. But up to now, for myself and my family, I always read healthy tips. 

However, the concept of health has been defined and understood in many different ways. Recently, I was invited to join the media launch of Abbott's new program - The Glucerna 1-2-3 Challenge. So blessed to be given check-up for my blood sugar level last week. I am 100 mg/dL, it's ok, fine and normal. This is great for everyone.

First, we were given Weight and Physical Activity to do regularly, by Coach Jim Saret. He is he Sports and Fitness Science Specialist. His areas of expertise include biomechanical movement analysis, injury prevention, sports medicine, exercise physiology.

Then, a simple meal plans and healthy recipes given by Nadine Tengco,  a US Certified Fitness Nutritionist-Chef and Weight Management Specialist. The Sexy Chef, her areas of expertise include fitness nutrition, weight management, exercise nutrition, naturopathic nutrition, healthy meals and menu development, and diet, exercise and wellness programs.

As the third speaker regarding the interactive tracking tools and tips of the Abbotts' new program, Dr. Roodolfo Dimaano, the Medical Director of Abbott Nutrition Philippines.   He is currently the secretary and a board member of the Philippine College of Pharmaceutical Medicine.

The Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge provides three easy steps to enable people with diabetes in the Philippines to better understand how to take charge of managing their condition with a healthy lifestyle.

To assist over 11 million Filipinos with pre-diabetes or diabetes, Abbott is introducing The Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge, a free program designed to help people with diabetes implement new healthy habits and provide them with useful resources that can help make managing their diabetes with a healthy lifestyle easier.

This unique 12-week program provides online and mobile resources for people with diabetes to create a simple plan that incorporates 1) a healthy meal plan, 2) exercise, and 3) specialized nutrition such as Glucerna Triple Care. The three steps of the 1-2-3 Challenge help people with diabetes to address three important components of managing their condition – managing blood sugar response, reducing weight and waistline, and supporting heart health.

“Proper diabetes management can be overwhelming for people with diabetes, but is essential for them to maintain a healthy and active life,” said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Medical Director, Abbott Nutrition. “That’s why we developed the Glucerna 1-2-3 Challenge to provide people with diabetes an easy-to-use resource that helps them take charge of managing their condition and feel confident they can lead a healthier lifestyle.” 

Features of the Glucerna 1-2-3 Challenge: 

Located online at http://www.glucerna123challenge.com.ph or available via mobile app downloadable via Iphone® or Android phones®*, the 1-2-3 Challenge features a robust set of tools and tips to provide people with diabetes with: easy, healthy meal plans and recipes based on caloric needs and personal preferences, daily exercise plans and step-by-step instructional videos.

Glucerna serving recommendations,tracking tools and progress reports to monitor their progress that they can share with their doctors, and a loyalty program that rewards members with points so they can redeem prizes depending on the number of points accumulated such as Freestyle® Glucometer, Freestyle® glucose strips, Mercury® Drugstore Gift Certificates, Robinson’s® Gift Certificates, and a lot more.

“Little steps, such as eating right, exercising and incorporating specialized nutrition, such as Glucerna Triple Care, as part of your diabetes management plan can help you live a healthy lifestyle,” said Nadine Tengco, a US certified fitness nutritionist chef. “Lifestyle intervention is important in overall diabetes management to help reduce the risks and complications of diabetes.” 

Why Proper Diabetes Management Is Important

People with diabetes are two-to-four times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than people without the disease.1 Additionally, they are at risk for many health complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, lower-limb amputations and death.

These factors make proper management vitally important to people with diabetes, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is the first step to proper diabetes management. Additionally, managing excess weight and physical inactivity are important as they can contribute to health-related complications for people with diabetes. 

The Role of Specialized Nutrition in Diabetes Management

In addition to meal and exercise plans, the 1-2-3 Challenge provides Glucerna serving recommendations, a specialized nutrition product from Abbott Nutrition that leads the world in diabetes nutrition science. 

The new Glucerna Triple Care product provides a unique system of ingredients to help patients manage their blood sugar response and support heart health. Also, Glucerna Triple Care can support weight management when used as part of an overall diabetes management plan. It has been clinically proven to help manage weight and reduce A1C in conjunction with an overall diabetes management plan, including diet and exercise.

THE GLUCERNA® 1-2-3 CHALLENGE**

The Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge is a 12-week program** that was specially designed for people with diabetes to learn simple techniques to help them manage their diabetes with a healthy lifestyle. Sponsored by the makers of Glucerna, a specialized nutrition product from Abbott for people with diabetes, the 1-2-3 Challenge provides resources for people with diabetes to create a simple plan that incorporates 1) a healthy meal plan, 2) exercise, and 3) specialized nutrition products such as Glucerna. The program’s three easy steps help people with diabetes to address three important components of managing their condition – managing blood sugar response, reducing weight and waistline, and supporting heart health.

• 

  How the 1-2-3 Challenge Works – This free 12-week program features a robust set of online tools and solutions to provide people with diabetes with easy, meal plans and recipes, daily exercise plans with step-by-step instructional videos, and guidance on how to incorporate Glucerna into their healthy diet. Additionally, the program provides tracking tools and progress reports so they can monitor their progress that they can share with their doctors.

• Why Proper Nutrition Is Important – Eating right and exercising can have an impact on the health of people with diabetes. Additionally, scientific evidence supports the use of calorie replacement, including specialized nutrition, as part of a diabetes management plan.^1-2 By providing information on exercise and healthy nutrition choices, the 1-2-3 Challenge enables people with diabetes to create healthy habits that will help in :
  • Managing Blood Sugar Levels – Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is the first step to proper diabetes management and reducing the risk of complications from the condition.
  • Addressing Weight and Physical Activity – Excess weight and physical inactivity can contribute to health-related complications for people with diabetes.
  • Supporting Heart Health – Like all individuals, people with diabetes need to maintain heart health. Further, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease than people without the disease.³

• Features of Glucerna Triple Care – The new Glucerna® Triple Care™ product provides a unique system of ingredients to help patients manage their blood sugar response while supporting heart health. It also can help reduce weight and waistline when used as part of an overall diabetes management plan.

• Website and Mobile App – People with diabetes can go to https://www.glucerna123challenge.com.ph to participate in the 1-2-3 Challenge. A mobile app also is available for iPhone® or Android® smart phones* for on-the-go access to the program.

• Rewards Program – To support the members of the Glucerna 123 challenge, it also has a loyalty program that rewards members with points found in every can of Glucerna Triple Care everytime they purchase. This rewards program is also extended everytime the members access the website and to update their levels of blood sugar, weight and physical activity. This promo activity was submitted and approved by FDA, per DOH-FDA permit no.1386 s.2013

For More information on the Glucerna and Glucerna 1-2-3 Challenge can be found at http://www.glucerna123challenge.com.ph or by contacting [ 02-995-1555].

About Abbott's Commitment to Diabetes Management 

For more than 20 years, Abbott Nutrition has been at the forefront in developing innovative solutions to help people with diabetes better manage diabetes through advances in nutrition-based science.

In addition, Abbott Diabetes Care, based in Alameda, California, USA is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing glucose monitoring systems designed to help people better manage their diabetes. Additional information about Abbott Diabetes Care may be found at www.abbottdiabetescare.com.

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been developing and marketing science-based nutritional products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Internationally recognized brands include ; the PediaSure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition for children; and the Ensure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition for adults.

The company is a leader in nutritional products clinically shown to address the distinct dietary needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient requirements, such as the Glucerna® brand of nutrition shakes and bars for people with diabetes. 

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.

Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews. 

References 

IDF: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Fact Sheet, Accessed 2 March 2012, www.idf.org/fact-sheets/diabetes-cvd 

IDF: Diabetes Atlas (Fifth Edition), Accessed 2 March 2012, www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/the-global-burden 

Look Ahead Research Group. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(17):1566-1575 

Wadden et al. Obesity. 2009;17:713-722 

*iPhone and Android are not trademarks of Abbott

a. All participants should seek the advice of their physician: (i) before participating in this program; and (ii) if they found to be suitable to the program on a continuing and regular basis during the course of the program.

b. Glucerna Triple Care is not a substitute for any existing course of treatment administered by your physician and is only meant for use under strict medical supervision as part of an overall diabetes management plan

All Set and Ready for the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp

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Coach Jim Saret believes that the Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp is the first of its kind when it comes to fitness programs. “It’s a really good match to have the physical with the medical side, for any fitness and wellness program of any person… METAfit together with Medicard is the first one to offer all components of a total health and wellness.”

Last February 7, 2013, one of the leading health maintenance organizations Medicard Philippines represented by Dr. Nicky Montoya, officially signed and joined hands with METAfit founder and famous Sports and Fitness Science Specialist, Coach Jim Saret to create the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp. Present in the contract signing were Ms. Kate Cruz-Joaquin, Medicard Philippines Marketing Manager; and Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition finalists and METAfit coaches, Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua.

Left to Right: Grace Siongco (APEX-Metafit) Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder) Raffy Tan (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist),Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret (APEX-Metafit) Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager). 

“Here’s a real program where we ask our members to join; that should promote a more active and healthy lifestyle. We (at Medicard Philippines) are trying to be pro-active in promoting health…” shares Dr. Montoya, President of Medicard Phillipines. 

Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager). 

Dr. Montoya further expounds, “If you have the nutrition, the exercise and the psychological motivation, putting that together, it fits into what we are trying to promote.” 

MEDICARD-METAFIT MOA SIGNING

Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager).

METAfit and Medicard Philippines are known in the country to help Filipinos reach their health goals, whether to lose weight or to be medically healthy. Before the partnership, these two industry movers are doing great works on their own, but they felt there was something lacking. 

“It’s a perfect combination for a METAfit program because we are providing the physical, the motivational and the nutritional program but what’s missing basically is the medical side of this,” Coach Jim said.

The 12-session program is designed to cater to all types of individuals and fitness backgrounds. The idea of the program is to acquaint participants with basic work-outs; and depending on their capacity and determination, they will progress to more advanced routines until they graduate. Fitness goals will also be laid down, however, as Coach Jim states, participants should not be worried as he, and his team will support them every step of the way, under the medical care of Medicard. Coach Jim guarantees that at the end of the course, many would be surprised by their own bodies’ capabilities.

Joining the METAfit team are Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua. They will work as motivators and facilitators of the boot camp with Coach Jim’s lead.

The sold-out Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp will start on February 25, 2013 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Paseo De Roxas corner Buendia, Makati City. Medicard members, as well as non-members who signed up for the boot camp couldn’t wait any longer; they are very excited and looking forward to maximizing their body’s potentials.

For sure, people can expect many more boot camps in the near future! Not even on its first session yet, many are already inquiring about the next boot camp. With that, the team behind the Medicard-METAfit Boot Camp couldn’t wait to get started.

For inquiries and added information, please visit the Medicard Philippines website at http://www.medicardphils.com.