Sen. Bam Aquino leads jury in choosing 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards winners

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The complete 5th JFVA panel of judges: (sitting, from left) Boots Anson-Rodrigo, Harvey Ong, Rep. Leni Robredo, Sen. Bam Aquino, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Jollibee ambassador Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi, Belen Rillo, Ruth Angeles, (standing, from left) Atty. Adel Tamano, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares (represented by son, Brian), Fr. Tito Caluag, S.J., Winnie Monsod, Ma. Isabel Dionisio, Francis Flores, and Edric Mendoza.

An esteemed board of judges, composed of some of the country’s leading personalities from various endeavors and disciplines, has handpicked six Filipino families to be recognized in the 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA), the annual recognition program for exemplary families by the leading fast food chain.

The winners of this year’s JFVA – including the recipients of the special citations - will be feted during the Gabi Ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino slated on September 24 at the PICC Plenary Hall. During the deliberations held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, this year’s judges had the challenging task of choosing the awardees from a pool of 15 families whose advocacies stood out for their relevance and significant impact to their communities.

5th JFVA jury chairman Senator Bam Aquino addresses
a concern during the finalists’ deliberations.

Serving as chairman of the board for this year’s JFVA was Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, who is a known advocate of social change and helping and empowering the poor. He believes the inspiring stories of the JFVA families can help change a persistent mindset. “These days, people tend to be cynical, but there are times when it’s good to also remind ourselves that kindness and family values are still present in our society.”

Winnie Monsod poses a question during the deliberations of the families’ advocacies.

A new addition to the board of judges, Solita “Winnie” Monsod shared her experience as both judge and admirer of JFVA’s exemplary families. “When I saw the list of families and their contributions to the Philippines, it restored my faith in the Filipino people. There are families who will do these things for the community out of love and without having to ask for help and it was very inspiring,” she said.

Jollibee Philippines VP for Marketing Harvey Ong with fellow judges Ma. Isabel Dionisio (center), and columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri after the deliberations.

Completing the 15-member JFVA panel are Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares represented by her son Brian Poe Llamanzares, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, veteran actress and MOWELFUND Trustee and President Boots Anson-Rodrigo, actress and Jollibee ambassador Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi, columnist and children’s advocate Audrey Tan-Zubiri, ANC news anchor Edric Mendoza, parenting and relationship consultant Ma. Isabel Dionisio, Coca-Cola Corporation Public Affairs and Communications Director Atty. Adel Tamano, ABS-CBN chaplain and Public Service Integration consultant Fr. Carmelo “Tito” Caluag, S.J. Jollibee Global Brand CMO Francis Flores, Jollibee Group Foundation VP Belen Rillo, Jollibee Philippines’ VP for Marketing Harvey Ong, and VP for Human Resources Ruth Angeles.

(From left) ABS-CBN chaplain and Public Service Integration consultant Fr. Tito Caluag, S.J., Coca-Cola Corporation Public Affairs and Communications Director Atty. Adel Tamano, and ANC news anchor Edric Mendoza have been part of the JFVA Board of Judges in the past years.

The five exemplary families and one OFW family will receive a cash prize of P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. Special citations will also be bestowed to families who promote the following advocacies as endorsed by the citation partners: Education (co-presented with National Bookstore), Environment (Landbank), Children (Children’s Hour and San Miguel-Purefoods), PWDs (National Council on Disability Affairs - NCDA), and Minority Groups (Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas - KATRIBU).

The 5th Jollibee Family Values Awards is made possible with the support of major sponsor Coca-Cola, official airline partner Cebu Pacific, official hotel partners Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, media partner The Philippine Star, and other sponsors Business World, SM Cyberzone, Inewvation, LG, Hunts Tomato Sauce, Great Taste, Magic Crackers and Cream-O. Citation Partners are National Bookstore, Landbank, San Miguel-Purefoods, Children’s Hour, NCDA, and KATRIBU.

The Philippine real estate sector reflects the robustness and optimism of the current times

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RE/MAX country manager Michelle Perlas says that the brand 

is revolutionizing the landscape of real estate in the Philippines.

By Michelle Perlas

The author, the country manager of RE/MAX Philippines, delivered this speech at the International Realtor Conference, which was recently held at City of Dreams last July 31. 

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the International Realtor Conference, where I am honored to share the stage with so many respected luminaries. But first, I would like to thank you for letting RE/MAX be a part of this assembly in its pioneering presence in the Philippines. 

With this year’s event being held, for the very first time, outside the United States, the International Realtor Conference proves itself true to its promise of changing the landscape of global real estate. By bringing a noteworthy gathering of international real estate experts, powerful business opportunities, and an international presence to a country that is slowly but surely attaining global status for its industries and enterprises, the Chamber of Real Estate and Builder’s Association and the National Association of Realtors has drawn attention to a nation whose economic resurgence has resulted in a plethora of rich opportunities. 

Indeed, our economic performance has gone beyond more than just “noticeable.” At his very recent State of the Nation Address, President Benigno Aquino III highlighted a growth rate of more than 8% for the manufacturing sector, a jump in car sales of 27%, and the lowest recorded unemployment rates in over a decade. 

The President also marked a GDP growth of 6.2 percent from 2010, noting that (and I quote) “If we reach 6.8 percent this 2015, then we will have posted the fastest 6-year average growth period in almost six decades.” According to quarter one 2015 report of Colliers International, the IMF has adjusted its 2015 forecast upward by 10 basis points to +6.7%, and JP Morgan by 90 basis points to +6.4%. 

Add to this a strong industrial sector, particularly in manufacturing and construction, as well as rapidly growing industries in which the Philippines already uniquely excels, such as Business Process Outsourcing, and the picture of measured, consistent, and bankable progress is complete. 

This picture has already prompted global analysts to christen the country many luminous new labels, among them Asia’s Rising Tiger, Asia’s Rising Star, and Asia’s Bright Spot. 

We are no longer “the sick man of Asia.” With a manufacturing sector hitting almost a double-digit growth rate and uplifting upgrades from credit rating agencies, it is not difficult at all to realize how such a performance can be interpreted as the beginning of a new era of sustainable and bankable progress for the Philippines. 

Of course, it goes without saying that our real estate sector reflects the robustness and optimism of the current times. Nationwide—from the cities that harbor major business centers to the provinces that play host to rapid residential growth and commercial expansion—we are enjoying a period of stable growth. Land values are anticipated to grow by 6 to 8% over the next several months, and the demand for land and the paucity of availability are both expected to keep the industry busy. 

An examination of movements in real estate licensing reveals notable increases in applications in commercial condominiums, industrial condominiums, and farm lots, balancing a tentative start for the rest of the market. But we have also noted an anticipated surge in office real estate, on the back of the continued rise of the outsourcing industry and the inflow of multinational enterprises establishing their presence in Metro Manila and the key cities. 

The capital value growth in the Makati business district reflects this, with Grade A values appreciating the fastest at 4.1% quarter on quarter, a figure that is only expected to grow. On the residential front, capital values are firmly expected to exhibit significant growth. 

As a Filipino, I am very proud to be standing here, as part of a global community, reporting on the powerful, positive changes that are taking place in the Philippines. 

People all over the world are also noticing this: the emergence of a new kind of Filipino—a global citizen who is up to the challenges and standards of a global scale. This conference confirms this fact. And tonight’s lush surroundings, in the middle of a city and a nation that is all too aware of the importance of performing and succeeding in a global context, certainly add to the excitement and relevance of our gathering over the past two days. The energy and optimism are certainly infectious, and the activities and exchanges have only made us more eager to create connections and explore possibilities. 

This is why it’s particularly relevant that we are here—purveyors, leaders and experts in real estate, Filipino professionals—under the banner and the rubric of the world’s leading real estate brokerage network. 

And this is why it’s the perfect and most exciting time for RE/MAX to be in the Philippines.

As RE/MAX, an internationally recognized brand with a global presence and a proven track record, we are proud to be present in one of the world’s most promising and productive markets. 

As Filipinos, we are proud to play an important role in this country’s progress, not just as brokers and partners, but as participants and movers, and as game changers in this landscape we call home.

Combi World's Biggest POPulation Song; Combi hits all the right notes!

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https://instagram.com/msmyrnz/

Combi World's Biggest POPulation Song was launched last September 10, 2015 and presents the winners of the weekly themes and media friends trooped to the well-known URBN Bar & Kitchen in Bonifacio Global City.  The fun party was hosted by costplayer and model Alodia Gosiengfiao.

Alodia Gosiengfiao 

Made utilizing the multitude of video sound clips submitted, was matched with a video that fully highlighted how unusual combinations can give an amazing result.

We enjoyed as we witnessed that unrelated things be combined into something really big and fun for an amazing result. The many fans of Rebisco's Combi crackers found out when they participated in the Combi World's Biggest POPulation Song!

People were encouraged to send in video sound clips that matched the weekly themes. These clips were intended to be used in an extraordinary song in which all clips would be combined. Held from June 5 to July 25, 2015, for each time period, the best clips were selected and rewarded with cool Humlan headphones from notable audio specialist Urbanears.

Overwhelming with the result, in just over a month, more than 500 video sound clips had been received, comprising a wide range of interesting and creative sound bites from sources ranging from household items to animals and even body parts! The best, however, was yet to come.

The song was revealed amid much fanfare in an event filled with fun games and music by the Buganda Drumbeaters and popular electronica maven Kat DJ. The charming and lively host for that evening was Alodia Gosengfiao, a fixture in the local cosplay scene who is also known to effortlessly create quirky and eye-catching combinations of her own.

The lively host closed the event by asking everyone to tune in for more Combi surprises, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting this. The fun continued after as Kat DJ's beats brought people to the dance floor to groove to her unique musical creations.

During this event, all guests and media just goes to show how unusual things can be combined for an amazing result. In that way, it was just like Combi, in which crackers, wafers and filling or cookies, wafers and filling are combined for a snack that is truly amazing and definitely delicious!

To stay updated with all the Combi fun, Like the Combi Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thegreatcombi.nation) and follow the Combi Instagram account (instagram.com/combi_nation)

The Ups and Downs of a Diabetic’s Life

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Managing type 2 diabetes can be a tall order for anyone — but help has arrived

With the various risks and complications associated with the condition, a type 2diabetes diagnosis imposes a heavy burden on patients and their families. Itmeans that many things about the patient’s way of lifewill have to change, and that the host of challenges brought on by the disease will have to be handled head on.

Patients will first have to deal with the various symptoms of type 2 diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing sores or frequent infections, and patches of darkened skin known as acanthosis nigricans.

Thehealth complications that may be caused by the disease are another source of worry. Among these are a number of life-threatening illnesses frequently associated with diabetes such as kidney disease and various cardiovascular diseases that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

“Between managing the condition each day, the sometimes overwhelming symptoms, and worrying about cardiovascular complications, patients with type 2 diabetes have a lot to deal with,”saysDr. Mary Anne Lim Abrahan, Professor at the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. “It’s important for patients to be as positive and as disciplined as possible.”

The big challenge

Many physicians recommendthat patients commit to a number of lifestyle-related changes to manage the disease. These include maintaining a healthy body weight; avoiding fatty, non-nutrient dense foods; replacing refined carbohydrates with fiber-rich wholegrain foods; and exercising at least 150 minutes each week.

These adjustments are meant to address certain treatment goals for patients with type 2 diabetes – achieving near-normal blood sugar levels; attaining healthy lipid levels in the heart; preventing complications such as heart and kidney disease; achieving healthy weight; and promoting overall good health.

And of course, there is the need to take any possible medication prescribed by doctors. 

TECOS – a source of comfort and reassurance 

There however has been some concern on the part of doctors about any additional risk that might be posed on the cardiovascular system of type 2 diabetics by anti-diabetes drugs. This is understandable, as the disease itself already increases a patient’s risk for cardiovascular events. For this reason, the United States Food and Drug Administration, in 2008, started requiring new anti-diabetic medications to conduct studies on cardiovascular safety.

The University of Oxford Diabetes Trials Unit and the Duke University Clinical Research Institute recently released the results from one of such studies. Known as TECOS (Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin) to its proponents, it assessed the long-term cardiovascular safety of Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. 

DPP-4 inhibitors work by prolonging the activity of the hormones called incretins, which are released in the gut in response to a meal. These incretin hormones help control blood sugar by signaling the pancreas to release appropriate amounts of insulin that are needed by the patient. At the same time, incretins also direct the liver to regulate sugar production. These actions help patients control blood glucose with a lower risk for hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar level), which itself could be harmful.

For TECOS, 14,671 type 2 diabetic patients with documented cardiovascular disease from 38 countries were given either Sitagliptin or a placebo on top of their usual anti-diabetic medications. After an observation period of about 3 years, results showed that sitagliptin did not increase the combined occurrence of cardiovascular events (death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization due to angina) versus the placebo. Moreover, rates of hospitalization due to heart failure, an increasing concern among diabetic patients, did not increase compared to the placebo group.

“The results of TECOS reassures us that Sitagliptin can be safely used by patients with type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose,”says Dr. Leni Iboleon, chair of the Philippine Heart Association Council on Women’s Cardiovascular Health. “Because these patients already face great risk for cardiovascular complications, a good understanding of the safety of these medicines is very important.”

“These findings are a great boon for patients with type 2 diabetes,” adds Dr. Abrahan. “To rest easy with the knowledge that their medicines are effective and safe makes the disease much more manageable. This is a very important thing, as it directly affects the quality of life of patients.”

Allen Dizon, Toni Gonzaga lead 2015 FAMAS winners

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Allen Dizon won Best Actor for the movie “Magkakabaung” while Toni Gonzaga won Best Actress for “Starting Over Again" as the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences held its 2015 awards night on Sunday held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. 

“Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” won Best Picture.

Here is the full list of the 2015 FAMAS awards winners:

Best Picture: Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Best Director: Enzo Williams for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Actor: Allen Dizon for “Magkakabaung”

Best Actress: Toni Gonzaga for “Starting Over Again”

Best Supporting Actor: Gabby Eigenmann for “Asintado”

Best Supporting Actress: Sylvia Sanchez for “The Trial”

Best Child Performer: Miggs Cuaderno for “Asintado”

Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Editing: Carlo Francisco Manatad for “Feng Shui”

Best Production Design: Roy Lachica and Joel Bilbao for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Screenplay: Ricardo Lee, Enrico Santos and Kriz G. Guzman for “The Trial”

Best Story: Ricardo Lee, Enrico Santos, and Kriz Gazmen for “The Trial”

Best Sound: Addiss Tabong for “Feng Shui”

Best Musical Score: Cesar Francis Concio for “She’s Dating the Gangster”

Best Original Theme Song: “Hindi Pa Tapos” for “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo”

Best Visual Effects: Erick Torrente for “Magnum Muslim .357”

Special awards were also given.

Named Iconic Movie Queens of Philippine Cinema were Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Nora Aunor, Maricel Soriano, Dawn Zulueta, Sarah Geronimo.

The German Moreno Youth Achievement Award was given to Bianca Umali, Diego Loyzaga, Jasmine Curtis Smith, Kiko Estrada, Kim Rodriguez, Mark Neumann, Miguel Tanfelix, Nadine Lustre, Robi Domingo, Sofia Andres

Aura Face of the Night prize given to Richard Gutierrez and Toni Gonzaga 

And the Fernando Poe, Jr. Memorial Award was given to Coco Martin.

The FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award for this year was given to “Eat Bulaga” hosts Joey De Leon, Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto.