Be a Play Champion! Unilab Foundation and partners invite everyone to be part of this year’s ‘Play Advocacy Week’

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Every child should have access to play. Be it disaster or disease, children are exposed to different situations where they become vulnerable, and they are forced to put their childhood on hold. They may already be suffering from trauma and distress, and there is often no space or opportunity for them to play.

Unilab Foundation believes that play is essential to a child’s holistic development, which is why Play It Forward (PIF) was launched in 2012. All of PIF’s activities are designed to highlight play and its significance to the mental health of children, especially in vulnerable situations. Play It Forward uses therapeutic play to provide psychosocial support to pediatric patients and to children in post-disaster or disaster-prone communities. 

This year, PIF takes play further with Play Advocacy Week 2018, a week-long campaign to encourage everyone to take play seriously and to explore how play can be integrated in today’s society. Happening from November 18 to 24, Play Advocacy Week 2018 aims to make the public recognize the importance of play in a child’s holistic development.

Play is not “laru-laro lang” (it’s just play and it’s not important). According to Dr. Bles de Asis of the Mindfulness, Love and Compassion (MLAC) Institute for Psychosocial Services, “Play is not just important for the child’s healthy and total development—it is essential.” Play can allow children as well as adults to rise up from challenges and regain the strength to live a full life. 

Play It Forward has enabled access to play for thousands of children by facilitating play sessions in hospitals and communities, therefore providing them with safe spaces they need to release stress and build resilience. “Play It Forward hopes to reach more communities and organizations through Play Advocacy Week. We invite everyone to join our cause,” says Lilibeth Aristorenas, Executive Director of Unilab Foundation.

Companies, organizations, families and individuals can all become Play Champions to help make play happen for Filipino children, for a healthier Philippines. Be part of the Play Advocacy Week celebration by organizing your own activity in your respective communities and groups, or spreading the word through social media. 

Play Advocacy Week is led by Unilab Foundation's Play It Forward and endorsed by the Council for the Welfare of Children. This activity is supported by the Department of Education, UNICEF, World Vision, City of Tacloban, City of Valenzuela, City of Malabon, DepEd Ilagan, Isabela, Municipality of Atimonan, Quezon, DepEd Marinduque, DepEd Surigao City, DepEd Bicol, Gawad Kalinga, Fundlife International, Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychology Services, Miriam College, MLAC Institute, The Mind Museum, PETA, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, Rizal Medical Center, National Kidney Transplant Institute, Capitol University Medical Center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, Dr. Arturo Pingoy Medical Center, Lariosa Clinic and Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Tebow Cure Hospital, Metro Davao Medical & Research Center, Inc., National Children’s Hospital, HealthServ, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, My Brave Little Warrior, Metrobank Purple Hearts Club, Cherubs Therapeutic Massage Therapy Advocates, Inc., Kythe Foundation Inc., World Surgical Foundation, Unilab, Gurufirm, Philippine School of Interior Design, Philam Foundation and ComCo Southeast Asia.

For partnerships and more information about the Play Advocacy Week, please contact the secretariat at (+632) 858-1000 local 8163 or email partnerships@unilabfoundation.org. You may also visit www.facebook.com/PlayItForwardPH and www.unilabfoundation.org.

OPPO empowers the Youth through Unilab Foundation’s Ideas Positive

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Empowering the Filipino youth in building healthier communities

International smartphone brand OPPO believes in the power of the youth. With this in mind, the brand conducted its first CSR activity for 2018. OPPO Philippines teamed up with Ideas Positive, the country’s premier youth engagement program for healthier communities. Ideas Positive is a program of Unilab Foundation whose mission is to build a healthier Philippines.

OPPO Philippines donated OPPO F5 Youth units to the youth teams during the boot camp of at Camp Allen, Santa Cruz, Laguna. OPPO phones will be used by the participants in sharing their journey and capturing the best moments and experiences with their communities. The goal is to help the youth spread the word about the innovative health solutions that Ideas Positive are implementing in their communities through social media. 

“We are grateful that OPPO partnered with Ideas Positive. For the past years, majority of our participants use their own mobile phones in documenting their projects. However, not all of them own good quality smartphones that can take quality photos and videos. OPPO’s support this year is a big help to the youth teams in documenting their project implementation,” said Alfred Dicto, Project Lead for Ideas Positive. 

Already on its eighth year, Ideas Positive holds a nationwide competition where youth teams can develop innovative solutions that address health issues in the community level. Among hundreds of entries, seventeen teams were chosen this year to participate in a three-day boot camp, where they learned the basics of project management, leadership, and communication. Each team will receive up to Php100,000 in funding to implement their project with their chosen community. 

 “OPPO believes that the youth plays a huge role in nation-building. We are glad to partner with Ideas Positive in supporting and empowering the Filipino youth,” said Eason De Guzman, OPPO Philippines’ PR Manager. 

“We have seen how enthusiastic and passionate the participants are in helping the communities. We hope that with OPPO’s support, the teams will be able to capture their best moments and share their wonderful stories and experiences with their communities,” de Guzman added.

The teams with the best health outcomes will be announced in August 2018, and will be awarded with cash prizes and smartphones from OPPO Philippines.

For more exciting updates, you may also visit the OPPO Philippines’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ and follow Ideas Positive via https://www.facebook.com/ideaspositiveph  

BAVI opens doors of opportunities to PWDs

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Most companies would think twice about employing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) when they can hire people who are perfectly able. But for Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI), providing work to PWDs also benefits companies and their employees.

BAVI is one of the local companies that have partnered with Unilab Foundation for Project Inclusion, a program that helps PWDs obtain and sustain jobs in an actual work environment, giving them renewed hope and confidence in their talents and abilities.

Aljune Atok suffers from visual impairment, having completely lost sight in his left eye. Despite his condition, the 26-year-old has found work at BAVI and has been a junior programmer in the information systems department for nearly a year.

Aljune grew up in Leyte. After earning his college degree and finishing with Latin honors, he went to Manila to find a good paying job. He recounts that at first, he had to face the fear of discrimination.

“Hindi naman nila sinasabi directly, pero alam mo na ‘yon ang ibig nilang sabihin. Bakit nga naman kasi sila mag-i-invest sa ganito, kung pwede naman sila mag-hire ng abled,” said Aljune.

However, Aljune did not allow this fear to hamper his goal of landing a permanent job with regular pay. Through his perseverance and determination, he was endorsed by a former superior to Project Inclusion, which later on brought him to BAVI.

“What we admire most about Aljune is his attitude towards work. He goes to work every day, eager to learn more and develop new skills,” shared Senior Supervisor Alistair Javillonar. He added that the team is inspired by Aljune’s behaviour and they believe in his ability to perform beyond his disability.

Recently, Aljune participated in Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually-Impaired’s (ATRIEV) very first hackathon for the blind with the blind where his team won second place when they redesigned the website of the Philippine Military Academy to make it accessible to the blind.

Another physically challenged individual that BAVI took under its wings is Donna Tolentino. Overcoming hearing impairment, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics from De La Salle College of St. Benilde and now works as one of BAVI’s finance assistants.

“I felt excited and a bit nervous when I was invited for interview at BAVI. There were many fears. However, I’ve easily overcome those fears with the help of my colleagues and superior,” Donna recounts. “It delights me that there are organizations like BAVI which are open to accepting someone like me to be one of their employees.”

“She is very detailed and careful when making reports and that is something we appreciate,” says Finance Assistant Manager Mae Jane Adem. She also praises Donna’s optimism towards work that motivates the whole team.

Adem added that Donna introduced deaf awareness to the whole team. Now, almost all the team members know basic sign language, which enables them to communicate with Donna.

“We believe that each person has something unique to offer for the progress of the company. What others see as disabilities, we see as something extraordinary that can someday help us reach our goals,” said Ronald Mascariñas, BAVI president and general manager. “At BAVI, we are always open to giving chances to individuals who have chosen to rise over their disabilities to become company assets.”

Going beyond just providing fresh oven-roasted chickens to households, BAVI wants to make Filipinos become part of something meaningful. As a step in that direction, they hope that their partnership with Unilab Foundation will enable them to give more PWDs a chance at a better future by providing them full-time, sustainable jobs.

Filipino Bloggers Network Christmas Party 2014

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I am enjoying wonderful world of bloggers for more than three years. A lively and active online communities, social networks, community platforms and groups of people with similar goals, commonalities, affinities, interests connect and exchange information.

The Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), one of the most active bloggers group in the country, successfully held its annual Christmas party at the Aluform facilities at Jade Garden, San Juan City last December 13.

The event which was filled with fun games, great food and more importantly, sharing of stories of the fellow online writers.

FBN currently has almost 1400 blogger members and continue to expand as it provides a venue for Pinoy bloggers to interact with other members from different part of the Philippines. Moderating the discussions and posting opportunities from different brands for the group are co-admins Divine RC and Richard Mamuyac.

This year’s celebration was supported by the following generous sponsors:

Aluform PreFab Construction and Consultancy - Makers of office buildings and technoparks. The company also supplies the materials for the homes but would-be owners can engage their own contractors if preferred. They can also avail of Aluform’s services for the house construction. For more information and dealership inquiries, call (0917) 828-8189 and (0917) 891-1088. Or email modular.creation@gmail.com

AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. (AMPR) - One of the country’s leading public relations agencies. AMPR is a full service public relations and marketing services company that caters to various industries and companies of diverse sizes. AMPR is also engaged in related services such as event planning and management, news and events monitoring from media and non-media sources, conceptualization and development of creative materials and brand marketing review for clients in need of end-to-end development of communication plans. For more about AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.’s expertise and services, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMPRInc or contact them through (02) 706-1971 and ampr.consultancy@gmail.com.

Get Med app – Published by UNA IT Mobile Solutions Philippines Inc. GetMed is your first stop for leading a healthy lifestyle. Get the latest health tips, news stories, diets, health horoscopes and more via this FREE app. Stories and articles come from reputable sources around the world to ensure you are getting the best advice in leading a healthier life. GetMed also allows you to enhance your experience when you need to search for a Doctor, Visit your Doctor or look for your local hospital. With more doctors registering daily, you will be able to book your appointment with registered doctors with the simply click of a button. The app is available in Google Play and App Store.

Dominguez Marketing Communications, Inc. - One of the Philippines leading and most respected public relations and marketing organizations. Established in July 1995 and fully incorporated in January 1997, the company has become more than a Public Relations Company as it prefer to call themselves an Integrated Marketing Communications Company. Contact them through tel. no. (02) 897708, email pr@dominguezmarketing.net or visit their website www.dominguezmarketing.net.

Comm&Sense - One of the first marketing communications agency in the country to offer inbound marketing solutions. At the core of Comm&Sense’s strategy is Content Marketing. Content Marketing fullfils the goal of finding your customers, without annoying them. This is accomplished by strategically and consistently feeding them with content that they want.  More info at www.commsenseinc.com. You can contact them via email makemerelevant@commsenseinc.com or tel. no. (02) 893-5274.

True Blends the Strip - Hailed as one of the most popular cafes in Ortigas by Zomato Food Guide and published by Yahoo! Philippines.  True Blends’ hearty and healthy drinks makes use of the finest quality tea leaves and coffee beans. True Blends also offers All-day Breakfast Meals, Combo Meals, Tidbits such as Mojos and Chicken Chops, Sandwiches and Sausages at a student friendly price.  True Blends is located along Ortigas Avenue just between Mercury Drug Store and 7-11 at Medical City Pasig.  You can also call for delivery at (02) 697-7977.  And, they also offer flexible and affordable milk tea booth packages for event.

Sugarleaf - Foods that Nourish and Healthy Choices. The company advocates healthy living through organic foods and natural health.  Their mantra s “Let Food be your medicine!” For more info, contact Mr. Angelo Narciso Songso via email angelo@sugraleafph.com, tel. no. (02) 385-0387 or visit their website www.sugarleafph.com

Unilab - The biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines.  The company has a market share of some 20 percent which it has consistently maintained for more than three decades.  Its portfolio includes some of the biggest prescription and consumer healthcare brands in the country. To know more about the company, visit www.unilab.com.ph.

Lightwater - Water is the purest and most natural beverage in the world. The brand’s goal was to create a beverage which is both pure and also functional to meet everyone’s    needs. So they added more function to water to make it better. they added vital electrolytes which will hydrate and keep body systems running smoothly. For more info about lightwater, please contact: Suncoast Brands International Corporation via info@suncoastbrands.com or visit www.drinklightwater.com and www.drinkthyvitamins.com for their Vitamin Boost brand.

GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI) - Transformative values-based marketing campaigns designed to influence perception and change beliefs. The company is known for innovation and strategic marketing in the communications industry. Our services include strategy, branding, digital, crisis and issues management, integrated marketing and events, among others. Contact them through tel. no. (02) 856-4624, email info@geisermaclangnetwork.com or visit www.geisermaclang.com.

Lamoiyan Corporation - The first Filipino Company to succeed in penetrating the local toothpaste industy, long dominated by mutinationals. With Hapee, their own brand of toothpaste since their formal inauguration in March 1988,  the company was able to maintain a consistent quality standard that was patronized and love by the Filipinos nationwide. Lamoiyan also provides a variety of quality products for oral care, household and personal care at an affordable cost. Some of our brands includes Hapee, Kutitap and Gumtect toothpastes. Dazz dishwashing paste/liquid, and Licealiz for lice infestations. To know more about them, visit www.lamoiyan.com.

Breville - An iconic Australian and global brand. Design and innovation have underpinned this success. From the Snack'n'Sandwich maker in 1974, to the wide feed tube Juice Fountain™ in 1999, and the Professional 800 Collection of today, Breville has provided inspiration to generations of customers.

Though Breville's roots are in Australia, Breville-designed products are now sold in more than 30 countries around the world, including the United States. Like a true Australian however, Breville has remained grounded, despite its global success. Breville is proof that some companies still listen to customers. Visit www.breville.com.ph to know more about their products.

Mondelez International  - One big company. The company believes that above all, in one thing – something that’s unique to their organization – and that’s the power of Big and small. They have the scale and resources of a global powerhouse. But also the speed, creativity and agility of a fresh new start-up. Oreo and Tang are just two of their popular products. Visit http://ph.mondelezinternational.com to know more about them.

Sweet Treats by Aci Girl – Yummy goodies for all occasions. Looking gift ideas this holiday season? How about delicious baked products from blogger baker? Contact Aci Girl though SMS/Viber (09287741731), Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SWEET-TREATS-by-ACI_GIRL or Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sweetaci.

With the overflowing support that FBN receives this year from different partner brands and members of the group this year, bigger and better opportunities and events are coming soon in the horizon.

Vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure is linked to chronic diseases

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With widespread health warnings about the dangers of too much sun exposure, opting to stay indoors to avoid harsh ultraviolet rays might sound like a good idea. But what most people don’t know is that avoiding sun exposure can lead to Vitamin D deficiency and increase their risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

For the longest time, Vitamin D was associated directly with bone health, but recently, it has received a lot of attention from the medical community and the media regarding its overall health impact. Studies show that people with chronic disease have low levels of Vitamin D.

Unilab introduces new Vitamin D supplement: More than half of Filipinos are shown to suffer from vitamin D deficiency, cases of which have been steadily on the rise in the country. In efforts to promote awareness of vitamin D deficiency among Filipinos and provide a solution to the silent epidemic, UNILAB takes the lead by launching a new vitamin D supplement, Forti-D. Present at the launch were (from L to R) Dr. Rudy Pagcatipunan, Unilab Consumer (ULCH) Health Medical Director; Katherine B. Martinez, ULCH Category Head; Dr. Marilou Renales, Philippine College of Occupational Medicine Board Director; Dr. Alejandro Diaz, Diplomate and Fellow of the Philippine Neurological Association; and Mr. Alexander S. Panlilio, ULCH Division Head

And considering the Philippines is a tropical country, most would likely believe they’re getting enough Vitamin D due to the mainly sunny weather. Surprisingly and alarmingly, it was revealed that Vitamin D deficiency is becoming prevalent among Filipinos, with 7 out of 10 working adults identified to be suffering from such deficiency. This is based on an ongoing study commissioned by Unilab in partnership with Hi-Precision Diagnostics among 5,000 working adults, 18 yo and above, who live in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the Philippines.

Various researches traced the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency to increasingly indoor lifestyles, with most cooped up in the confines of their offices during daylight. Other factors identified were practices such as using an umbrella and slathering on sunscreen at midday, which is actually the best time of the day to get the ideal amount of Vitamin D. These are the common practices that people inadvertently do that lead to a deficiency of the Sun vitamin. Nonetheless, factors such as skin color, age, clothing choices, cloud cover, and pollution also come into play in Vitamin D production in the skin.

It remains, that most of the Vitamin D production in the body relies heavily on the skin’s exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, since including a Vitamin D rich food into one’s diet could only do so much as only 10 to 15% of the required daily Vitamin D dosage can be obtained from it.

It is highly advised for everyone to meet the required daily dose of Vitamin D to ensure strong and healthy bones and proper functioning of the body’s organs, to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Neurogen-E Launches Life in Your Hands Campaign Embarks on Creating Better Opportunities for Women by Fighting the Effects of Nerve Aging

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STRENGTHENING its resolve to curb the discomfort of nerve-aging among Filipinos, Neurogen-E has recently launched “Life In Your Hands,” an advocacy program that seeks to touch the lives of mature Filipino women through initiatives that enable them to do more and be more.

In the Philippines, 40.5% of the elderly population is suffering from nerve damage attributed to a deficiency in Vitamin B12, the vitamin responsible for nerve regeneration and growth. Nerve-aging is commonly detected through symptoms like numbness, tingling sensations and burning pain in the hands and feet that may progress to total loss of sensation. Among Filipinos, this condition translates to profound effects on their physical faculties that may hamper them from living a full and active life.

Photo of Ms. Diaz: Beauty icon and 1969 Ms. Universe winner Ms. Gloria Diaz is a staunch advocate of Neurogen-E's "Life In Your Hands" campaign to empower Filipino women who are suffering from nerve-aging.

“Aging should not compromise productivity nor hinder anybody from doing the things that they are passionate about. This is the core message of Neurogen-E’s Life in Your Hands program. Through this campaign, we endeavor to touch the lives of elderly Filipino women by enabling them to embrace their passions and create milestones regardless of their age or status in life. With the help of Neurogen-E, countless women can be liberated from the discomforts of nerve aging, and be given a chance to perform the activities that they once enjoyed. They can start living an active and full life once again,” shared Missy Cheah, Assistant Product Manager for Neurogen-E. 

From October to November, Neurogen-E will be hosting a series of lifestyle activities dedicated to enabling women to pursue their passions. Enrichment workshops will be conducted in venues like the Alabang Country Club and Zonta Alabang, highlighting topics like the Art of Ikebana with Japanese Floral Art Master Professor Searpion Metilla, and featuring demonstrations on gift-wrapping and food-styling for the holidays with domestic arts expert Ms. Frieda Colet-Lim. 

Changing the Lives of Women

Stepping up its initiatives to create positive change in society, Neurogen-E is also rolling out a livelihood program that seeks to provide opportunities for women living under difficult circumstances. In partnership with Haven for Women, a non-government organization that supports battered Filipino women, Neurogen-E will be helping the victims reclaim their lives through workshops featuring income-generating activities like soap-making and dish gardening. Neurogen-E’s partnership with communities like Zonta Alabang and Haven seeks to provide a sustainable livelihood program and open doors of opportunities for underprivileged Filipino women. 

Group Photo: Neurogen-E's brand ambassador Ms. Gloria Diaz is flanked by representatives from Unilab Missy Cheah (far right), Raine Calma (second from left) and emcee Lea Doria (far left) during the launch of "Life In Your Hands" advocacy campaign.

Engaging the public to participate in the advocacy to uplift the community of Haven for Women, products from Neurogen-E’s Life In Your Hands workshops created by the participants themselves will be sold in holiday bazaars all over Metro Manila. Christmas gift items like stylish and functional tarpaulin bags, dish gardens, and food products like fish paste, chili sauce, and peanut butter will be made available at the Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa from November 23 to 24, 2013 and December 7 and 8, at the Ayala Alabang Cuenca Covered Court.

“Neurogen-E deeply understands the challenges that Filipino women face because of aging. Through its Life in Your Hands campaign, we want to re-ignite their passions by enabling them to embrace a lifestyle that is positive, active and free from nerve aging,” Cheah concluded. 

For more information about Neurogen-E, log on to www.unilab.com.ph.

B+E More with Neurogen-E

Neurogen-E is a multivitamin (Vitamin B Complex + E) formulated to treat nerve aging. It has a high dose of Vitamin B Complex (Vitamin B1, B6 and 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12) to effectively regenerate the nerves plus the added benefit of Vitamin E , an antioxidant to prevent further aging.

WHAT IS NERVE AGING?

Nerve aging, or neuropathy, occurs when the outer protective covering of the nerves called the myelin sheath gets damaged. Think of your nerves as an electric wire. When the coil of the wire gets damaged, the flow of electricity gets disrupted, resulting to abnormalities in transmission. The same is true for nerves. When the myelin sheath gets damaged, nerves don’t get to transmit signals as effectively as they used to, resulting to discomfort usually felt in the hands and/or feet. 

THREE SIGNS OF NERVE AGING

Three of the most common symptoms of nerve aging are as follow:

1.) Numbness (pagmamanhid)

2.) Glove and stocking sensation (pangangapal)

3.) Pins and needles (parang tinutusok-tusok)

 

HOW DO YOU FIGHT NERVE AGING?

The cause of nerve aging is a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining and regenerating the myelin sheath. Specific to mature adults, nerve aging occurs because the body produces less stomach acid needed to absorb Vitamin B12. This, in effect, leads to a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

According to reports, mature adults need to take a high dose of Vitamin B Complex (500 – 1000 micrograms everyday) to effectively treat nerve aging.

NEUROGEN-E IS THE BEST NERVE VITAMIN TO FIGHT NERVE AGING

Neurogen-E is the best nerve vitamin to fight nerve aging because specific to mature adults, it provides the RIGHT DOSE at the RIGHT PRICE.

RIGHT DOSE

Neurogen-E has a high dose of Vitamin B Complex (300 mg of Vitamin B1, 100 mg of Vitamin B6, 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12) per tablet. Unlike the generic brands that contain a much lower dose of Vitamin B12, Neurogen-E can provide the recommended B12 dosage in just one tablet. On top of this, it has the added benefit of Vitamin E (100 IU) that helps prevent further damage.

Despite Neurogen-E’s therapeutic dose, each ingredient complies with daily safety levels, which means that it is safe to be taken every day.  

RIGHT PRICE

There are some brands that are very affordable but contain a low dose of B12 / tablet. To get the recommended dose, one will have to end up taking 3 or more tablets, which means that he will end up spending more without even realizing it.

With Neurogen-E, you get the right dose per tablet for only P7.50 SRP.