Is health a part of your New Year’s resolution? Find a healthy lifestyle!

Tweet

Medical checkups address one of the New Year’s toughest challenges—maintaining your health.

After a well-earned holiday vacation filled with feasts and merrymaking, the New Year gives Filipinos the perfect opportunity to plan and reassess their health for the next 365 days. And it starts with a simple medical checkup.

“Yearly medical checkups are vital in ensuring your health and well-being,” says Sarah Gatpolintan, Wellness Center Supervisor of Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC). “Even though everything appears to be normal, you cannot take risks when it comes to your health. The only way to validate your wellness is to visit a doctor.”

Heart problems are particularly relevant for Filipinos, who typically find it difficult to resist the allure of oily and fatty foods—especially during the long Christmas break. The National Statistics Office says five of 10 deaths in the Philippines are related to cardiovascular complications, making their early detection and prevention all the more necessary.

CSMC conducts checkups for around 60-80 patients every month, and most of them have made these medical consultations a regular part of their yearly health regimens. According to Gatpolintan, these visits are comprised of comprehensive head-to-toe checkups, including blood work, urinalysis, and lipid profiling.

The wellness expert adds: “Checkups easily detect the onset of lifestyle-related diseases, like hypertension and other heart-related illnesses. For such cases, early detection can be the difference between preventing the condition and living with it for the rest of your life.”

Early detection and prevention are just some of the many benefits that regular checkups offer. Essentially, the results of a medical examination become the basis for a person’s health plans for the next year.

Find a healthy lifestyle

After the results of a checkup are finalized, a doctor evaluates them and imparts befitting lifestyle advice to the patient. For most adults, maintaining a clean bill of health can be achieved by a simple combination of regular exercise and well-balanced dieting.

“A thirty-minute walk three times a week can keep you in functional physical shape, while adding some color to your plate (fruits and vegetables) is a small adjustment that can make a big difference in living a healthier lifestyle,” explains Gatpolintan. “Of course, it is always best to consult doctors and specialists to discover specific workout programs and diet plans tailor-made for your body’s needs.”

Build a relationship with your doctor

Checkups also give patients an opportunity to build rapport with their doctors. Established relationships influence a person’s willingness to visit a physician or get a checkup regularly, and they also let doctors guide the progression of the patient’s long-term health.

“Trust is essential in building a patient’s confidence to visit a doctor,” says Gatpolintan. “Once trust is established, even the most fearful and apprehensive patients become more comfortable with the process and they begin consistently scheduling appointments on their own.”

Design a blueprint for your health

Typically, personal resolutions for the next 12 months focus on working harder or traveling more; but ensuring one’s health and well-being is a prerequisite to fulfilling these aspirations.

“Certifying your health for the next year is a worthwhile investment and it only takes a few hours,” says Gatpolintan. “Learning about your health today lets you know the medical risks you might face tomorrow—and this goes a long way in securing your health and wellness.”

About Cardinal Santos Medical Center

CSMC is a leading hospital in the Philippines, and is most known for its expertise in Neurosurgery, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Care, Minimally Invasive Surgery, as well as Rehabilitation Medicine.

Instituted in 1974, CSMC prides itself in delivering excellent, personalized healthcare to its patients. Throughout its decades of service, the hospital has been characterized by passion, commitment, and professionalism, which are directed towards providing the best experience for its patients and guests. At CSMC, the organizational framework is built on trust, leadership, loyalty, and teamwork.

The 235-bed tertiary hospital is also a proven training facility for aspiring doctors and healthcare practitioners in the country.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center is managed by Colinas Verdes Hospital Managers Corporation (CVHMC) under Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), its sister companies include Smart Communications, PLDT, Meralco, Maynilad Water Services, Manila North Tollway, and ABC/TV5 Network.

ABS-CBN BROADCAST HEAD NAMED AMONG 2013’s “PEOPLE OF THE YEAR”

Tweet

“Servicing the Filipino people— that’s what we’re really here for. Our work is tough. There is so much stress, sacrifices, and sleepless nights. But at the end of the day, what keeps us going is the mission to reach out to Pinoys all over the world.” --- Cory Vidanes

ABS-CBN Broadcast Head Cory Vidanes was among the 14 personalities recognized by People Asia magazine in its annual “People of the Year” for her vital role in the achievements of the country’s largest media conglomerate over the past years, particularly her involvement and passionate support for the network’s public service campaigns.

In its 14th anniversary issue, People Asia highlighted how Vidanes can work quietly on the sidelines and achieve greatness without calling much attention to it.

Aside from spearheading campaigns that further increased ABS-CBN’s ratings, Vidanes has been very much involved in the network’s public service projects that include the network’s recent “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” campaign for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

“I feel that I was put in this place by God because this is my purpose. If I can touch, empower or inspire the Filipino in any way I can, then I will always stay in ABS-CBN,” she added.

Other ABS-CBN personalities included on the list were actor Coco Martin, who was recognized for his contribution to Philippine television and cinema, and Miss World 2013 Megan Young, for being the first Filipina to win the much-coveted title after 62 years and for her embodiment of the pageant’s credo ‘beauty with a purpose.’

In 2010, ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio was also among the “People of the Year” awardees for being the first female president of the country’s leading media corporation.

People Asia began the ‘People of the Year’ awards back in 2004. It aims to recognize world-class Filipinos who have made the country proud with their achievements, advocacies, and notable contributions to the Filipino society.

Hennessy Artistry Manila Halo 2014

Tweet

It’s officially back!

The time has finally come again for the culminating night of Hennessy Artistry Manila: Hennessy Artistry Halo 2014.

This will be the fourth the country has seen and it will definitely be its finest.  With every passing year, Hennessy Artistry has continuously proven that no one throws a party like us.  That’s because we’re committed to a global movement for perfect mix ability.  

Headlined by the International DJ Duo: DJ KimKat also known as DJ Kim Lee and Kat Nova, and Australian Pop Star Timomatic. They will be joined by our very own Nicole Asensio, UrbanDub, hip-hop DJ and Drummer Duo Motherbasss and DJ Jessica Milner.

Hennessy Artistry with its call for “The Global Art of Mixing” has one purpose, to bring together various genres of music from well-established talents and upcoming artists. Blending these acts together with vibrant ambience and energy results in a truly memorable experience. This showcases Hennessy’s art of blending in both cognac and music, by combining tradition with innovation. 

This global series has conquered over 40 major cities in the world, from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Taipei, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, to Germany, Poland, Moscow and South Africa; becoming a truly international trendsetter of music and style. 

Skyscanner reveals the Best Time to Book for Filipinos

Tweet

Traveling takes a big chunk of the typical Filipino vacation. Families and barkadas make it a point to go out-of-town or out of the country on holidays. With all these free days pre-marked on their calendars, it is important that they strategize so that they can book their flights at the lowest possible prices.

Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site, did a study on the millions of flights purchased by their customers over the past three years to arrive with the best time to book. The study shows that on average, 3-4 weeks in advance is the optimal time to book flights. This suggestion, however, depends on the type of flight you book or the airlines you book with. When traveling with a budget airline, prices are likely to go up as the day of the flight approaches. If traveling on long haul flights or for more than 5 hours, prices are likely to fluctuate as the flight day grows near, and this does not guarantee the best seats.

In the Philippines, we have always loved the idea of discounts and because of this, booking early has always been a trend. Below are the top outbound destinations in the Philippines alongside the number of weeks you need to book in advance for maximum saving:

·       China. If you book 28 weeks in advance, you can save as much as PHP 7 000 per flight which means more money for shopping and buying souvenirs.

·       Malaysia. Because Malaysia is relatively near, it can be a go-to destination for last minute getaways and short vacations, but booking close to your departure date can be quite expensive. Consider booking 31 weeks in advance so you will only have to pay 46% of the actual flight cost.

·       Japan. Book a flight to the land of cherry blossoms 14 weeks in advance and you can save as much as PHP 6300. Like with Thailand, booking four tickets will make way for another friend or relative to tag along in your trip.

·       Thailand. Save as much as PHP 2990 if you book 16 weeks ahead. The discount you will get from booking four tickets is enough to get you another flight for free!

·       Singapore. This country is the most visited by Filipinos in 2013 according to a recent study by Skyscanner. The best time to book flights going to Singapore is 25 weeks in advance. By booking this early, you can save as much as PHP 1600. This is almost 24% less than the average flight cost.

According to the Best Time to Book study, on average, it is best to book 20 weeks in advance regardless of where you want to go. The study also suggests that the cheapest month to travel is in February and it is most expensive in April. This is for the reason that less people travel on February because they are making way for their summer travels which usually happens in April.

Booking flights during these suggested time frames enables you access to loads of discounts and the best seats possible. If you book early, you can save almost 18% less than what you will have to pay for the average ticket price. Moreover, you can skip the stress of looking for available flights at the last minute which are most likely to be overpriced. Booking your flights early will not just give you these perks but it will also help you focus on the other aspects of your vacation such as relaxation and educating yourself, which is ultimately the point of traveling.

Some simple rules to bear in mind to get the best price:

1.     Book smart: Avoiding peak season travel and flying at less popular hours of the day, can really help to lower costs.

2.     Be flexible:  Costs to different destinations can vary significantly depending on the airlines operating that route and the Thai airports offering these flights. If you are planning your next trip but are open to destinations, running a search to ‘everywhere’ can help find the countries that offer the best value flights at any time.

3.     Compare and contrast: Using a travel comparison site like Skyscanner allows you to compare the widest range of airlines and online travel agents, so you’ll be able to see where you can get the best deal.

4.     Track prices Skyscanner’s analysis has found that keeping an eye on the flight prices a few months in advance of travel, is the best way to find a good value flight. Using a flight tracker price alert service, either by email or via the app can help monitor when prices drop on a chosen route.

Skyscanner offers price alerts on all routes to enable flights to be monitored by email. The Skyscanner app offers widgets for Android, Live Tiles for Windows Phone and “watch” functionality for iOS, all of which allow customers to track the latest price changes on a chosen route.

About Skyscanner

·  Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site providing instant online comparisons for millions of flights plus hotels and car hire.

·  Founded in 2003 by three IT professionals, Gareth Williams, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes, Skyscanner is the no.1 travel search website in Europe and no.3 worldwide, receiving over 50 million visits per month.

·  Skyscanner’s travel search site is available in 40 countries and in 30 languages.

·  Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile apps are available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Windows 8 devices and have been downloaded over 20 million time. Download the app at http://www.skyscanner.com.ph/mobile.html

·  The company employs over 200 staff and has its global headquarters in Edinburgh, with a second Scottish office in Glasgow. Skyscanner also has offices in Singapore and Beijing and plans to open a Miami office in 2013.

·  Follow Skyscanner on Twitter @SkyscannerPH

·  Like Skyscanner on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/SkyscannerPhilippines

·  Visit Skyscanner website at www.skyscanner.com.ph

Primetime TV's "The Legal Wife" tackles the real value of family

Tweet

"The Legal Wife” will not just heat up primetime TV with fierce confrontations but with real-life issues as well, according to top caliber directors Rory Quintos and Dado Lumibao.

“We want to make sure that our audience will follow our show not only because of the slapping scenes, but also because, through it, they learn how to deal with the problems of their own families, which they have been afraid to face,” said Direk Rory about the Primetime Bida series topbilled by Angel Locsin, Maja Salvador, JC de Vera, and Jericho Rosales

“Many viewers will be able to connect with the characters of Monica (Angel), Nicole (Maja), Max (JC), and Adrian (Jericho), because their personal battles are true-to-life. ‘Legal Wife’ is about the love and sacrifices that a person is willing to do for the sake of his family,” Direk Dado explained.

Meanwhile, Angel, Maja, JC, and Echo revealed that story of “The Legal Wife” also made them discover a lot about themselves.

“Everyone has already experienced to love and to make mistakes. Because of my character Monica, I realized that I need to be strong in order to face all the trials in my life, especially if my family is affected,” said Angel.

For Echo, the plot of “The Legal Wife” will serve as a huge eye-opener for Filipino families. “Infidelity is such a sensitive topic, but I believe that this is the right time to make everyone understand why this happens, and why people end up in this situation,” he said.

Maja added that while her character in the series is controversial, she believes that many people will be able to relate with Nicole.

“There are many kinds of love, but there is this kind where somebody accepts your whole personality despite of the things that you did in the past,” she shared.

“I appreciate love for my family and for others now more that I used to because of my character Max’s ability to give everything he has got without asking for anything in return,” JC said.

“The Legal Wife” features the story of Monica and Adrian, a married couple whose lives are about to turn around because of a huge mistake. How will Monica and Adrian be able to fulfill the promise of forever when the foundation of their relationship begins is already shattered?

Also part of “The Legal Wife” cast are some of the country’s best drama actors including Joem Bascon, Ahron Villena, Rio Locsin, Mark Gil, Maria Isabel Lopez, Bernard Palanca, and Christopher de Leon.

Also part of “The Legal Wife” cast are some of the country’s best drama actors including Joem Bascon, Ahron Villena, Rio Locsin, Mark Gil, Maria Isabel Lopez, Bernard Palanca, and Christopher de Leon.

Don’t miss the premiere of  ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.“The Legal Wife” on Monday (January 27) in ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.