Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz dared one another at the Alaxan Showdown of the Year, share trusted companion in their triumphs through the years

Tweet

Notwithstanding difficulties as world-renowned athletes, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz showcased their determination as they challenged one another at the recent Alaxan’s Showdown of the Year held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center.

To celebrate the coming together of Pacquiao and Diaz for Alaxan FR, the duo challenged each other by switching roles—Diaz challenged Pacquiao to lift weights while Pacquiao dared Diaz to spar. Aside from the challenges, the top-notch athletes also shared about their recent professional and personal endeavors and reveals their companion in their triumphs through the years.

Together with the pain relief medicine brand Alaxan FR, Pacquiao and Diaz, aim to empower hardworking Filipinos–the everyday champions–who continuously persevere and push their limits to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Moreover, as they continue honing their craft to level up with their respective sports, Pacquiao and Diaz, likewise demonstrate the same passion in their other endeavors.

Pacquiao recently unveiled his housing project called “Pacman Village” in Saranggani Province after he was named "ambassador for the homeless and vulnerable" by international organization Spring Rain Global. He is also dedicating his time in supporting young boxers including Mark Magsayo who held the WBC featherweight title in 2022. Pacquiao juggles these social projects with his training as he gears up for an upcoming match this 2023 in Japan.

Hidilyn Diaz, on the other hand, is undergoing rigorous training as she transitions to the 59-kg division for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics in her attempt to defend the gold after snatching it in the last Olympics in 2020. Named the Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), Hidilyn strives to promote weightlifting and empower young aspiring athletes, especially women, to reach their dreams.

While busy with both professional and personal ventures, Pacquiao and Diaz ensure they are accompanied by their tried and tested pain relief partner which helps them focus on being champions without worrying about body pains and without fear of any serious side effect.

Since 2001, Pacquiao has been taking Alaxan FR in fighting body pains not only from trainings but also from his non-athletic activities and endeavors.

“Alaxan FR ang naging kaagapay ko for the past 22 years. Ngayong 44 years old na ako, masasabi kong malusog at malakas pa rin ako, at ‘di ako nangangamba kapag nakararanas ng sakit ng katawan dahil sinusunod ko ang correct dose,” Pacquiao shared.

[Alaxan FR has been a reliable companion for the past 22 years. Now that I am 44 years old, I could say that I am perfectly healthy and have nothing to worry about when experiencing and treating my body pain because I always follow the correct dose.]

“Kilala ang mga Pinoy bilang masisipag kaya talagang isinasabuhay ko ‘to hanggang ngayon. Kapag weightlifter ka, hindi talaga maiiwasan ‘yong sakit ng katawan. I’m sure marami rin sa atin ang nakakaranas ng ganito sa araw-araw kaya importante na mayroong trusted companion gaya ng Alaxan na tumutulong labanan ang body pain at magpatuloy sa laban,” Diaz said.

[Filipinos are known for being hard-working and it is a value that I always keep in mind until now. As a professional weightlifter, body pains are inevitable. I’m sure many of us also experience this in our daily lives so it’s important to have a trusted companion like Alaxan that will help us beat body pains and continue moving forward.]

Trusted by many Filipinos for 50 years, Alaxan has not caused serious side effects with regard to taking this pain relief medicine. That is because it combined a lower level of Ibuprofen & Paracetamol (200mg Ibuprofen and 325mg Paracetamol). In fact, in a systematic analysis done by Cochrane in 2015, they found that “there were fewer side effects for people taking ibuprofen plus paracetamol than those taking placebo (a pretend treatment).” The study highlighted only Ibuprofen Paracetamol as having a good safety profile among all other common pain medicines that were included in the study.

“Pacquiao and Hidilyn have been icons and testaments that attaining your dreams is possible through determination. We’re very honored to have these champions who are very discerning about their health trust Alaxan, and we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve bigger things in life and in their career without worrying about body pains,” said Valerie Ifurung-Siquian from UNILAB Consumer Health.

For more information about Alaxan FR, visit their Facebook Page at @AlaxanFastRelief or visit their website: more about Alaxan. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Get Back on Track After Flu and Other Ailments

Tweet

Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) is available in drugstores nationwide and via major e-commerce platforms

Flu is definitely bad news, especially when you have to worry about the ongoing pandemic along with it. There is always the possibility that the symptoms you are feeling could be signs of COVID-19.

This only means one thing: When you are experiencing flu symptoms, you need to address them right away with the right steps and the right medication, so you can get back on track.

The flu is a contagious infection caused by the influenza virus. It is usually accompanied by a cough or cold, and its symptoms could last from two to three days to about a week. These symptoms include clogged nose, sneezing, runny nose, headaches and body aches, fever. Having the flu can leave you feeling tired and restless the whole day, if not for several days. When you have the flu, it’s likely that you will need a bed to alleviate its symptoms.

Leaving your flu untreated could lead to more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time from the illness.

To recover from the flu immediately, you will need to stay home and rest until your symptoms are better. This also prevents you from spreading it; it is important to stay away from children and the elderly as they are more susceptible to the flu’s more severe symptoms.

Constant hydration is also the key to recovering from the flu. You will also need to eat healthy foods during your bout with the illness, even if you have no appetite for it because of your condition.

Taking the right medication to treat your flu can also fast-track your way to recovery—like Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU), a multi-benefit solution to flu symptoms.

Unlike other medications that deal with only one or two symptoms brought about by the flu, Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) can address several flu-related ailments at once. It helps relieve clogged noses, sneezing, and runny nose and treats headaches, body aches, and fever. It is also formulated to relieve symptoms of other related ailments such as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This makes the product a valuable multi-purpose medication for every Filipino household.

Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) can also be taken to relieve side effects brought about by the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include fever, cough, tiredness, headache, body aches and pains—symptoms that the medicine is meant to treat.

At PHP7.50 SRP per tablet, it is also one of the most affordable multi-purpose flu solutions in the market today.

It’s always good to keep medications at home so you can easily bounce back from the symptoms of flu and return to your healthy, lively, productive self.

Drew and Iya Arellano share their lives amid the quarantine and how they protect their kids against sickness

Tweet

Drew Arellano and Iya Villania are role models for Filipino families. They are especially popular on social media, where millions of followers watch as they raise three adorable children: Primo, Leon, and Alana.

Despite being a celebrity family, they have an aura of approachability that makes them relatable. This became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were affected by the quarantine restrictions just like everyone else.

“We've been staying home. Each day, it's the same routine. We wake up, have breakfast, we work out and the kids play. I'm just waiting for them to say ‘so when do we mix it up? When do we go outside?’ So far they're still okay. They have each other and that's an important thing,” Drew says.

Iya adds, “We're fortunate to be able to say that we're doing well. More than anything, it's the company and because we keep each other happy, no matter where we are.”

To adjust, Drew and Iya allowed their children to decide what they will do for the day. The parents ask if they want to cook, read, or work with numbers. Screen time is also welcome since it provides an opportunity for learning. According to Drew, “when you're trying to teach your kids, we have to go with the flow. We just have to regulate it and try as much as possible to inject it with learning.”

Iya agrees, saying, “You have to give them options because it gives them a sense of power. It's only natural for every human to want to feel that way. Drew and I are aware of how we felt when we were going to school and we don't want to have to enforce that on our kids.”

This unstructured method for learning has proven to be effective. Allowing their children to go at their own pace, when they’re ready to understand and absorb information, made learning faster. Soon, they were surprised when Primo began adding double digits.

Naturally, the Arellanos are considering a combination of homeschooling and unschooling. Unschooling is a form of education where students learn at their own pace, in a supportive setting that encourages curiosity.

The parents are just as decisive about their children’s health. Their approach is a mix of affection and medicine.

“One of my tips would be to give your kids a lot of hugs and kisses. When it needs to be taken to the next level, then that's when you get to something that’s no-fail and that would have to be Calpol for Kids,” says Iya. “Especially kung kaunting fever lang, oh my goodness. Nakakakaba.”

The couple tells a story when Primo, their eldest, had his first sickness. The couple shares, “as first time parents, raising a kid was kind of like walking on eggshells. We weren't sure what to do. It was a good thing we had their grandparents to guide us.”

The parents became more experienced as Primo grew older, which became helpful when Leon and Alana were born. Fortunately, the children are generally healthy.

The family trusts Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, which helps with fever and pain due to toothaches, headaches, migraine, muscle ache, sore throat and musculoskeletal discomfort.

Iya shares, “doctors always ask ‘May fever ba?’ I feel like it boils down to a fever, so it's nice that we have Paracetamol Calpol for Kids that we can rely on. That will definitely make them feel good after a dose because it's so fast-acting.”

The Arellanos advise parents to always have paracetamol fever and pain relievers at home. Iya says “you don't know when you might need that. You don't want to have to worry and wait until magbukas ‘yung mga stores before you can act on it and get medicine.”

Drew agrees, sharing, “You'll have peace of mind knowing that when you have Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, chances are, bababa fever ng anak mo. It's so painful as a parent to see your kids na nanghihina. Sana ako na lang.”

Saving lives with vaccines

For World Immunization Month this August, the Arellanos are reminding parents to get their children vaccinated. When they are inoculated, they build antibodies that protect them from diseases, even if they develop it as adults. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that routine vaccinations during childhood help stop 14 illnesses.

One of the common side effects of getting vaccinated is fever. Paracetamol Calpol for Kids can help. It can relieve fever in just 15 minutes while still being gentle on your kids’ tummies. The medicine comes in orange and strawberry flavors, making it easier for parents to give children their doses.

The couple says, “trust the science and your pediatrician. They know what's best for your kids.”

To know more about Paracetamol Calpol for Kids, visit calpol.com.ph or facebook.com/CalpolPH.

You can also purchase Paracetamol Calpol from the GSK Lazada and GSK Shopee pages.

1 The Importance of Childhood Vaccinations

2 Vaccines: Power to Protect

3 Why Childhood Immunizations Are Important

Vice and Saridon, Match made in headache: Vice Ganda wishes for good health on another lockdown birthday

Tweet

A birthday is something everyone looks forward to. It not only allows us to look back at the year that was, it also allows us to envision an even better year ahead. Last year, comedian and television host Vice Ganda’s birthday celebration was held under unusual circumstances as the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone indoors.

Last April 12, 2021, Isang Kabog Pasabog Na Araw Ka-Saridon! Kabog! Pasabog! SARIDON zoom webinar with Unkabogable Vice Ganda was held with media and bloggers.

Even as Vice Ganda celebrated yet another birthday under lockdown, she chooses to have a positive outlook after the past year proved to be so difficult to so many people. Vice realizes Filipinos are trying to find some semblance of normalcy; even working doubly harder to address the economic concerns due to the pandemic. The efforts often cause headaches and pains due to the stress that goes with it. However, as they say, the show must go on. And on her birthday, Vice Ganda is praying and hoping for good health for herself and for her kababayan.

The good thing is Vice has a partner for moments when headaches strike. She knows that for headache relief, Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action) is there for a faster and better effect. Its caffeine content, when combined with other analgesics like Paracetamol and Propyphenazone, makes the product work in as fast as 15 minutes and provide better pain relief vs. 500mg plain Paracetamol

Vice and Saridon: Match made in headache

This is why Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action) comes in handy for someone like Vice who continuously works on many projects for long hours.

The unkabogable Vice Ganda juggles her schedule with content creation for her top rating vlog and shows on the Vice Ganda Network while still hosting “It’s Showtime!” on a daily basis. Balancing these and her other responsibilities is no joke and having a happy and positive mood is something Vice needs to be effective and sincere in her craft.

Vice’s prayers and birthday wish for good health will always be her priority with the primary reason of being able to provide fun and positivity to her millions of followers.

Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action) associate marketing manager Toby Manlapat shares, “This pandemic has been a challenge to all of us but people who work hard like Vice Ganda need to relieve headache fast in order to get back to one’s normal disposition”

Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon Triple Action) is manufactured by Bayer, a trusted name in pharmaceuticals and consumer health for over 150 years. Paracetamol/ Propyphenazone/Caffeine is the generic name of Saridon Triple Action. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Available in all leading drugstores nationwide and major online retailers. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Ref. No. B044P040721SS

Mikey Bustos on navigating the challenges of being an online celebrity

Tweet

“I don’t think anyone is prepared for the life that comes with going viral in the internet.” 

It’s been 14 years since Mikey Bustos first posted a video on YouTube. It was a video of him performing as a front act for a Pussycat Dolls concert in Manila. And while initially renowned for his career as a singer and performer, it was really the relatable content he has been masterfully crafting and posting online that has captured the hearts and laughs of many. 

“It’s been such a learning curve,” said Mikey about his career, despite years of creating countless viral videos such as “Adobo” - a parody of the song Let It Go from Frozen - and “Balikbayan Box” - a parody of the Miley Cyrus Hit “Wrecking Ball”. “You just have to navigate through,” he added. 

While having to constantly think of new ideas is already a challenge in itself, having an audience that can directly interact with you via a comments section is another. “Having to deal with bashers is something you never get used to,” he remarked. 

Other challenges Mikey mentioned that he has encountered in his career was having to fight through insecurities, second-guessing himself, and managing his schedule. 

There was even a time when Mikey was juggling multiple YouTube channels all while traveling, performing, and managing his ant business. And while it was a challenge for him to do all these simultaneously, all these “trades” brought about plenty of opportunities. 

With these opportunities, however, come crucial choices he needed to make. 

On taking risks 

“For me, to be successful, you need to take calculated risks,” said Bustos who mentioned that one of the biggest risks he made in his life was moving to the Philippines from Canada. 

But this was just one among many risks Mikey had to take in order for his career to flourish further. 

“Signing contracts, teaming up with brands, expanding a team, collaborating with other content creators—these are all risks and choices you have to calculate and think about. You can’t just throw all your chips in and wish for the best” he stressed. 

On the art of de-stressing 

With all these decisions and challenges, not to mention having to sustain his career and business, there is no doubt that stress and risk of burnout frequent Mikey’s life. 

To combat these, he turns to exercise and meditation. 

To combat the stress and risk of burnout that comes with his successful career, Mikey makes sure to incorporate exercise and meditation to his daily routine. 

“I always try to incorporate exercise into my routine. I go to the gym a few times a week, and now I’ve taken a love for running—making sure I go 10km every day. In terms of mentally staying in shape, I do a lot of meditation and prayer.” 

To lessen the risk of burnout, Mikey also makes sure to explore his hobbies, which is sometimes a blurred line for him as his work involves making the most of his interests and sharing it online. He solves this dilemma by exploring his hobbies without feeling the need to bring a camera with him. 

On the importance of trust 

Another way Mikey reduces the stress brought about by his career and ventures is working with people that he trusts, which for him, is crucial to success. 

In the time of the pandemic, Mikey also shared that bringing “trusty” items with him wherever he goes is key to having an extra “peace of mind”. 

In the time of the pandemic, Mikey always makes sure to bring “trusty” items like face masks, face shields and Diatabs wherever he goes to help ensure “peace of mind”. 

“Lately, I always bring all sorts of protective gear—masks, alcohol, face shields, and the like. I also make sure to bring a lipbalm because ‘you never know when you’ll be on camera,’” he remarked. 

Besides exercise and meditation, Mikey also explores other hobbies such as reading to help keep his creative mind in top shape.

“I also make sure that I bring Diatabs with me wherever I go, especially when I’m running. It helps because I’ve been having ‘banyo-phobia’—When I’m far from the house and I really have to go, it’s hard for me to go use the public toilet because of the fear of acquiring the coronavirus. That’s why it’s always good to have Diatabs around,” he shared. 

Diatabs is a product of Unilab, a trusted anti-diarrheal brand in the country, that can easily take care of your upset stomach and give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to bowel trouble. It is available in leading drugstores and pharmacies nationwide. To learn more, visit https://www.unilab.com.ph/products/diatabs

Saridon is all about pain-free fun and positivity

Tweet

To enjoy life, one needs to work hard. To make ends meet, hard work is necessary, even if it sometimes means taking on more responsibilities. 

Saridon Triple Action wants to spread positivity by taking away aches and pains in as fast as 15 minutes.

In times when we’re trying our best, the worst thing that can happen is to have an unexpected headache that stops us from getting more work done. Riding a bike to make a delivery or commuting to report for work at a hospital is tough as it is, you don’t need a sudden headache adding to that stress.

To deal with unexpected headaches, you need something you can trust. You need Saridon. Saridon Triple Action is all about spreading positivity and fun as it also gives pain relief in as fast as fifteen minutes.

For relief of mild to severe headaches, Saridon Triple Action is the solution. Saridon Triple Action has paracetamol, propyphenazone, and caffeine which when combined together has a faster onset of action and greater analgesic effect. It is more effective with caffeine compared to plain paracetamol so that you can get back to work in no time.

Trustworthy and reliable, Saridon relieves those headaches fast, immediately enabling you to go on with your day in a better mood.

Vice Ganda has built a career on providing positivity and fun making her the perfect fit for the Saridon brand. Vice Ganda and Saridon are truly the latest unkabogable pair.

Sharing the same mission as Saridon in spreading good fun is the unkabogable Vice Ganda. Like Saridon, Vice Ganda has built a career on providing positivity and laughter in every situation. It is but fitting that these two trusted names join forces making them truly kabog together.

Saridon associate marketing manager Toby Manlapat shares, “There is no question that Vice is the perfect addition to the Saridon family. With our thrust to spread positivity and take away pain, Vice is quite a fit. We are happy to have her on board.” 

The fun continues as Saridon takes over the hot platorm Tiktok this August.

Saridon is manufactured by Bayer, a trusted name in pharmaceuticals and consumer health for over 150 years. 

Paracetamol/Propyphenazone/Caffeine is the generic name of Saridon Triple Action. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. Saridon is available in all leading drugstores nationwide.

Busting five outdated myths about generic medicines

Tweet

Filipinos today have a bevy of medicine that they can choose from to solve some of the most common ailments that afflict them. Aside from this accessibility, Filipinos can now also avail the medicine they need at prices they can afford all thanks to generic medicines. But many are still hesitant to buy generic medicines, even if they have been scientifically-proven to be as effective as their branded counterparts, simply because of outdated myths and conjecture. 

We’ve compiled a few myths about generic medicines and we’ve busted them with facts that can you use as your reference when buying medicines:

1. Myth: Generic medicines are inferior versions of branded drugs.

This may be the most common myth surrounding generic medicines and it is absolutely false. Generic medicines are similar to branded medication in that they have the same dosage, intended use, effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug.

It is important though that the generics medicine you are buying are bioequivalent to the innovators.

2. Myth: Generic medicines are unsafe.

Because most generic medicine are packaged differently than their branded counterparts due to its affordability, some associate this simpler packaging to reduced effectivity. But, don’t be fooled by the packaging, because generic medicines are safe and effective. Like branded medicine, it passes through the most stringent process. As long as they are approved by the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are safe.

3. Myth: Generic medicines are cheap because they are scraps of branded drugs.

This is an opinion that is wrong on every level. Good quality medications are produced in safe and sterile manufacturing facilities, they are more affordable because the research and development costs have already been invested by the innovator companies. When the patent for medicines expire, manufacturers can apply to the FDA for permission to make and sell generic versions of the drug without the start-up costs for development of the drug.

4. Myth: Branded medicines will cure you, but generic medicines won’t. 

Some people are misled to thinking that branded drugs are effective and generic drugs aren’t. Some world-class generic medicine brands like RHEA Generics, are worth buying not only because they are easy on the pocket but are also world-class quality. They are working with pharmaceutical companies that are recognized all over the world which serves as an assurance that these generic medicines are as effective as their branded counterparts.

5. Myth: All generic medicines are the same.

Consumers should be mindful to trust only those generic medicines created or distributed by reputable companies. A trustworthy generic medicine brand is RHEA Generics. They are known for upholding the highest standards in the pharmaceutical industry resulting to high quality medicines with affordable price points.

RHEA Generics has a wide variety of world-class quality medicines available in Mercury Drug stores nationwide all for your health and wellness. For more tips on health, just follow RHEA Generics on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RHEAGenericsPH.

Find Out Cure for Hepatitis C Through HepCured

Tweet

Let's have health and medical talks ... I am sure you’ve heard of Hepatitis A and B but did you know that there is another one identified as Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contaminated blood.

The Hepatitis C virus can cause permanent liver damage. Most of the time, this leads to liver cancer.

There is a Cure for Hepatitis C ! Find Out Through HepCured.

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The hepatitis C virus is not spread by sweat, tears, or urine. You cannot get it through casual contact, food, water, sneezing, coughing, or breathing air.

The most common way people get hepatitis C is by sharing needles. Tattoos and body piercings done with contaminated needles can spread hepatitis C. Sharing razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes may also spread the virus. There is a small risk of transmission during sex.

About 80 percent of the people who are infected with hepatitis C are unable to clear the virus from their bodies, becoming hepatitis C carriers. As long as the virus is in the body, it can be passed to other people. It can take as long as 20 years for symptoms of liver disease to appear. A special blood test for hepatitis C is the only way to tell if you have it.

While there are vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is no vaccine to prevent infection with Hepatitis C. Good news is, there is a cure for Hepatitis C! But very few people know about it.

Enter HepCured -- a movement that promotes awareness and treatment of Hepatitis C which was recently launched through the website www.hepcured.net. 

Through HepCured, Hepatitis C patients can search for treatments and remedies that are more accessibly priced and can be found in non-traditional sources.

Four years ago having Hepatitis C was a death sentence, there was no cure yet. Now, powerful medicines with a cure rate of 94%-97% have been discovered. And affordable generic options are available so there is nothing to fear. 

Behind HepCured is former photographer, businessman and movie producer a Filipino actor who starred in a couple of films during the late 90s and early 2000 (mostly action movies) and Hepatitis C survivor, Frederick Timothy Yui Dee,  also known as Derek Dee.

Derek Dee

“It is through constant updating and sharing of knowledge that the disease can be identified, battled, and defeated,” he declares. 

For more information, log on to www.hepcured.net or visit their Facebook page, @DerekDeeTheHepster.

Join the "Be a Wall" campaign : Vaccination drive against dengue #WallAgainstDengue

Tweet

The “Be a Wall” campaign  and Vaccination drive against dengue, launch by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of multinational pharmaceutical company and industry leader, Sanofi. 

Dengue remains to be one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world.

The “Be a Wall” campaign to mobilize the citizenry in a nation-wide campaign against the spread of dengue was launched  aims to build awareness among Filipinos parents and inform them how they can better protect themselves and their loved ones against the fastest-growing mosquito borne disease. 

It also aims to educate them about the multi-pronged ways to prevent dengue infection – vector-control, disease information and vaccination.

The Be a Wall campaign engage Filipinos by inviting them to connect, share their experience, ask questions, and join a community that’s building the nation’s resistance against dengue. 

It aims to remind them of their role to step up the fight against the disease and to get involved by taking an active part in health matters that affect them and their families. 

Dengvaxia is the world’s first dengue vaccine. It provides protection against all four virus serotypes. It has been approved for people belonging to the age group 9-45 years.

Celebrities, doctors and medical people, media and bloggers and advocates were at the "Be a Wall" campaign launch held at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta, Cubao Quezon City on October 25, 2016. 

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Christine Bersola-Babao, Paolo Abrera, Mommy Mel and her daughter Rika with Dr. Rubi Dizon who is the Medical Director of Sanofi and Dr. Lulu Bravo President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, stand out to to build a wall against Dengue.

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Multi-awarded Actress, Columnist, Award-winning Author and Triathlete, share her experience on dengue as she had twice. The first was when she was six years old and the second time when she was already married.

“As responsible Filipino moms, let our voices be heard to raise awareness on dengue and let’s spread the good news that it is now a vaccine preventable disease. Each of us can now be a wall against dengue,” Maricel said.

Paolo Abrera, sports and public affairs host, share his own story as when he got the virus, he was down and out for a number of days and this surprised him as it hit him at the peak of his health when he was so active in sports.

“It’s great news that there is a dengue vaccine now available in the market. As a public affairs anchor, I’m on top of the news everyday and it’s very alarming to note the rising dengue cases from different regions of our country. It’s definitely a relief for Filipino parents out there especially a father like me to be able to visit our doctors today and have our kids vaccinated,” Paulo said.

Christine Bersola-Babao, Celebrity mom,  shared she had dengue three times! She also expresses her support for the dengue vaccine.

“I am a mother of two and I want my kids (family) to be safe from life-threatening diseases like dengue. Aside from the vector control measures that we have been doing, we really need a new tool that will help us in fighting the epidemic and vaccination is the answer. I encourage other Filipino moms to ask their doctors about dengue vaccination today,” she shared.

The Philippines ranks among the top-three countries affected by Dengue.

Cebu City, for example, has just declared a state of calamity with over 5,821 dengue cases recorded as of October 2016. Other areas considered as the most infected hotspots include Metro Manila or NCR, Region IV-A or CALABARZON, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Central Luzon, and Western Visayas.

Join “Be a Wall” campaign for the health of our families and love ones and all. Get vaccinated too.  Visit your doctor to know what you can do so we can all be a #WallAgainstDengue.

Scarvivors keep stories with hope and courage, not scars

Tweet

A scar is a permanent patch of skin that grows over a wound. It forms when your body heals itself after a cut, scrape, burn, or sore. Scars usually fade over time but never go away completely. Although scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to two years. It is unlikely they will fade any more after this time.

Scarring can be very distressing, can lead to feelings of depression and affecting their daily activities.

Scars may be a reminder of pain and personal tragedy. However, scars are also a sign of healing wounds. They are a testament to an individual’s courage and resilience. Scars mean closure on whatever pain and tragedy has happened, and it is something that can be visually improved as part of the healing process. 

Scarvivor, is an advocacy from the country’s leading scar management brand Contractubex (Extractum Cepae + Heparin + Allantoin), in support of the burn centers of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) mission. As part of the advocacy, Contractubex proudly shares inspirational and life-changing stories from 6 courageous SCARvivors.

Nikoy de Guzman

“There were issues with those big scars, particularly after my first modified radical mastectomy when I was just 28. Then, I realized It’s about getting well. What you went through. And getting over that,” says Nikoy de Guzman, who has undergone a double mastectomy.

Sherilyn Bruan

“Hindi ka lang scarred physically. Pati yung self-esteem mo natamaan. Nung time na yun, I didn’t want people looking at my scars. Ngayon, I know there’s more about me than my scars,” shares Sherilyn Bruan, a survivor of the Ozone Disco fire.

Giboy Billena

“My scars are very big and my left leg was deformed. It was a very difficult experience, but with the help of many loving people especially my Mom and Dad, I am now on my road to complete recovery,” says Giboy Billena, a 13-year- old bone cancer survivor.

Rubylyn Cua Rodel

“Dahil sa scars, dati binubully ako. Sinusulatan yung libro ko ng sunog. Ganun. Pero hindi ko hinayaang masira ang buhay ko,” says Rubylyn Cua Rodel, who got burned in an accident.

Dwight Bayona

“My experience has been a painful struggle. But I didn’t let it hinder me from doing the things I wanted to do. I want others to know that you can be so much more than your scars. Just trust yourself and your will to fight,” shares Dwight Bayona, a racer who lost his leg in an accident. 

Richard Tagapan

“Ang mahalaga, muli akong makabalik sa aking tungkulin. Dala ng paninilbihan ang sugat na ito, nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob,” according to Richard Tagapan, a PNP SAF officer injured in the line of duty.

The Scarvivors event press launch on August 27, 2015, 10 am at Amici Restaurant, features talks from Dr Jose Joven Cruz, President of PAPRAS; Dr. Dorothy Dy Ching Bing, Burn Rehabilitation Consultant on burn centers in the Philippines; and Nikoy De Guzman, one of the SCARvivors, for the closing remarks. 

The SCARvivor exhibit at Exhibit Space 3, UGF Building A, SM Megamall runs from August 27, 2015 to September 2, 2015. 

We encourage you to be part of the advocacy by visiting the exhibit and extending your support to other SCARvivors out there.

You can also support the SCARvivor advocacy by purchasing Contractubex. For every Contractubex purchased, patients from selected burn centers will be given their own SCARvivor Kit. This is in line with the commitment of Contractubex to helping patients manage scars, so that someday, being SCARvivors themselves, only their stories of hope and courage remain.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine