The Voice Season 12 exclusively premieres in the Philippines on February 28, 2017 (Tuesday) only on Star World

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THE VOICE EXCLUSIVELY RETURNS TO STAR WORLD

Star World, FOX Networks Group (FNG) Philippines’ number one female-oriented general entertainment channel announced today the return of the well-loved and three-time Emmy winning talent show, The Voice. The Voice Season 12 exclusively premieres in the Philippines on February 28, 2017 (Tuesday) only on Star World with live telecasts every 2:00 PM and primetime replays at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM respectively. 

Exciting turn of events are in-store for the viewers on the latest season of The Voice as we continue on the search for the next best voice that will shake the music industry to the core. The season premiere of The Voice marks the sweet return of Gwen Stefani as she once again secures her judging spot, rounding up the girl power action on the competition up against Adam Levine and once again reunited with her partner, Blake Shelton. 

The latest season of The Voice boosts a bigger, better and more engaging experience than it has on its previous season by bringing in the biggest and most recognizable names in the music industry as adviser to the coaches, making everything a match made in heaven; Celine Dion joins Gwen Stefani as an adviser taking the femme fatal action to high roads. On the other corner of music, five-time winner of show, Blake Shelton is joined by Luke Bryan — a tandem easy on the eyes and easy on dynamics as the two have worked together before to co-host the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

Adam Levine pairs up with a legend, John Legend that is. These swoon-worthy gents collaborate to take ordinary people to the next level while keeping their dapper in check. Running on her second season for The Voice, Alicia Keys, is all about winning as she teams up with award-winning hip hop artist DJ Khaled, and everyone sure knows, that all he does is win no matter what.

With all these great additions to The Voice stage, the stakes get even higher and better as the season presents extended Blind Auditions, making room for far more artists, far more voices and far more drama — leave it to host Carson Daly to make sure things don’t get out of hand. As the latest season steps up in more ways than one, Star World stays true to its promise of delivering only the best and premier content and immediately brings it fresh from the US! 

Caring for Rare: 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium

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The 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium was held at the Century Park Hotel, Metro Manila, hosted by University of the Philippines National Institute for Health (NIH) and the Department of Health (DOH) last February 22, 2017 with the theme 'Working together for Better Care.'

The Philippines celebrates the 8th National Rare Disease Week on 22-28 February 2017 which, together with the global commemoration of the Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2017, highlights the need to intensify the country’s efforts to provide adequate health care and government support to persons afflicted with a Rare Disease otherwise known as orphan disorder.

What is a rare disease? 

A “life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them”.¹ According to the World Health Organization, a disease is considered rare when it affects one person out of 2,000 or less.²

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them. The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities.

The country recently enacted the Rare Diseases Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10747) which seeks to “improve the access of persons diagnosed to have a rare disease, or persons highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help them cope with their condition.” 

The law mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide benefit package; medical assistance as provided in the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012; fiscal incentives for donations intended for researches on rare diseases, maintenance of the Rare Disease Registry, or for purchase of orphan drugs or orphan products for use solely by persons with rare diseases as certified by FDA. Further, under RA 10747, patients with rare disease will also be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Challenges in living with rare disease⁶

Beyond the diversity of the diseases, rare disease patients and their families are confronted with the same wide range of difficulties arising directly from the rarity of these pathologies:

• Lack of access to correct diagnosis: the period between the emergence of the first symptoms and the appropriate diagnosis involves unacceptable and highly risky delays, as well as wrong diagnosis leading to inaccurate treatments (the pre-diagnosis maze);
• Lack of information: about both the disease itself and about where to obtain help, including lack of referral to qualified professionals;
• Lack of scientific knowledge: this results in difficulties in developing therapeutic tools, in defining the therapeutic strategy and in shortage of therapeutic products, both medicinal products and appropriate medical devices;
• Social consequences: living with a rare disease has implications in all areas of life, whether school, choice of future work, leisure time with friends, or affective life. It may lead to stigmatization, isolation, exclusion from social community, discrimination, and often reduced professional opportunities (when at all relevant);
• Lack of appropriate quality healthcare (combining different spheres of expertise): Patients can live for several years in precarious situations without competent medical attention, including rehabilitation interventions; they remain excluded from the health care system, even after the diagnosis is made;
• High cost of the few existing drugs and care: the additional expense of coping with the disease, in terms of both human and technical aids, combined with the lack of social benefits and reimbursement, cause an overall pauperisation of the family, and dramatically increases the inequity of access to care for rare disease patients.
• Lack of access to treatment, if treatment is at all available.

Mr. Randy Martinez, recounts the challenges of going back and forth to the hospital as her daughter Pauline, seeks treatment for her Gaucher disease. Pauline who is now 11 years old, was noticed to have a small bump on her left torso when she was 6 months old and was later found out after years of several tests to be Gaucher disease. 

“Sana magpatuloy pa ang paggamot kay Pauline at marami pang tumulong sa kanya para dire-diretso ang gamutan. Para makapag tapos din siya ng pag-aaral”, Pauline’s father said.

² de Vrueh, R., Baekelandt, R.F. & de Haan, J.M.H.. (2013). World Health Organization Update on 2004 Background Paper: Priority Medicines for Europe and the World "A Public Health Approach to Innovation".

⁶ Eurodis/ (2005). “Rare Diseases: understanding this Public Health Priority”.

#careforrareph

Dencio’s Rum ‘N Lime, Sweet Combination for a Romantic Month Long Occasion

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This is it ! Gimik, Kainan, kwentuhan, dapat Dencio’s!

After almost 25 years of honing friendships by serving as the ultimate barkada hang out nook, Dencio’s is giving another reason why it deserves to still be on the radar as a “gimik” place. Dencio’s proudly offers Rum ‘N Lime, a perfect mix of white rum, lime and grenadine for the month of February.

This refreshingly invigorating cocktail will set the tone for a chillax kind of bonding with the office, school, childhood or any type of barkada. The entire gang can drink their hearts out side by side Dencio’s sumptuous Krispy Sisig. The combination of the chicharon, onions, meat and other key ingredients served in sizzling plates equates to a perfect crisp giving the complete mouthwatering experience.

Dencio’s laid back setting compliments the sweet combination of the Rum ‘N Lime, the specialized menu and the moments to unfold as guests unwind, eat and drink according to their own pacing. Dencio’s Rum ‘N Lime can be shared by two for Php 195 only from February 11 – 28 in all branches excluding Sta. Lucia as part of this love month’s promo. 

“The best thing about Dencio’s is its branches situated in convenient and accessible locations which makes it easier for the entire group to come together for a chill bonding complemented with superb food, ice cold drinks, and soothing music," shared Robert Trota, CEO, Max's Group Inc. 

Dencio’s is the place to be for barkadas looking for a taste adventure. Barkadas at Dencio’s are squad goals! “Kainan, kwentuhan, dapat Dencio’s” so gather your family and friends, bag a seat at Dencio’s and chill while you fill your stomachs with delectable food and Rum ‘N Lime, a match made in heaven!

Be sure to like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pg/Denciosofficialpage), Instagram, Twitter and visit www.dencios.com.ph to learn more about the latest delectable dishes from Dencio’s.

About Dencio’s

For 25 years, Dencio’s, continues to evolve as the perfect venue for Filipinos fond of bonding over food with families, friends and colleagues. With its well-known signature Krispy Sisig as the anchor, the dining concept conveniently converts into a bar and grill category. Today, Dencio’s has 13 branches located nationwide. To get more information and updates about the brand and its products, kindly visit <dencios.com.ph> and like www.facebook.com/pg/Denciosofficialpage.

About Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI)

Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI), a company that takes pride in its passion to delight its customers and genuine love for its brands, is the Philippines’ largest operator in the casual dining segment. MGI is committed to building loved Filipino brands and it is currently growing its network of over 500 stores in the country and more than 30 international stores in the USA, Canada, Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Its family of restaurants include Max's Restaurant, Max's Corner Bakery, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice Teriyaki Boy, Dencio's, Kabisera, Sizzlin' Steak, Le Coeur de France, Maple and Singkit. The company also operates Meranti Hotel, its maiden venture into the hospitality industry. To know more about Max’s Group, please visit www.maxsgroupinc.com. 

'Mañosa: Beyond Architecture' celebrates Bobby Mañosa’s Legacy

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Architecture, design lecture series slated from February to May

Some artists celebrate life. Others celebrate beauty.

Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa celebrates being Filipino and that, for him, is life and beauty combined.

“I design Filipino, nothing else,” is his mantra as a celebrated architect. This set him apart from the rest.

For more than six decades, Mañosa has inspired artists and creatives to champion Philippine architecture and design.

From conceptualizing the Coconut Palace, to creating the EDSA Shrine, to designing Amanpulo, Pearl Farm, the LRT and other iconic Filipino landmarks, Mañosa has always taken his country and his craft seriously – to the point of turning down potentially lucrative projects simply because they were not in line with his philosophy that “Architecture must be true to itself, its land and its people.”

To celebrate his life, philosophy and legacy, an exhibit dubbed “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture’ runs from February to May at the National Museum of the Philippines. The exhibit showcases over 50 landmark projects from Mañosa’s prolific career, including original drawings and models never before seen by the public. Archived photographs, samples of vernacular materials, furniture, and interior elements, are also featured. The exhibition also explores Mañosa’s other creative pursuits as a jazz musician, toy designer, and designer of craft.

To further inspire new and upcoming generations of Filipino architects and designers, a lecture series runs concurrently with the exhibit, on selected Saturdays from February 18 to May 6, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the National Museum Auditorium.

“Our father always enjoyed interacting with architecture and design students, whom he called his barangay,” says Bobby’s son Dino, CEO of the Mañosa Group’s real estate development arm, Mañosa Properties. “It was important to him to mentor and inspire the youth to think Filipino and be proud of their culture. Unfortunately, his health no longer permits him to give lectures himself, so our Tukod Foundation – which produced both the exhibit and lecture series – invited like-minded individuals – renowned experts in their respective fields – to do the lectures instead.”

The “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” lecture series includes topics on art, architecture and design, Philippine textiles and building materials, Filipino culture and identity, nationalism and nation-building. It features such distinguished speakers as former NCCA Chair Felipe de Leon; Architects Gerard Lico, Paulo Alcarazen, Christian Salandanan, Ning Encarnacion-Tan, Markel Luna, Rino Fernandez, Rosette Santos and Dan Lichauco; art historian Patrick Flores; author and artist Elmer Nocheseda; design creatives Leo Almeria, Medilen Singh, and Len Cabili; performance artist Joey Ayala; and the custodians of Bobby Mañosa’s legacy – his three children, Dino, Bambi and Ar. Gelo Mañosa. 

Each lecture can only accommodate 150 students. Admission is free.

“Mañosa: Beyond Architecture” is co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum, and the Mañosa Group of Companies. It is produced by the Mañosa Group’s Tukod Foundation, and made possible with the support of Mañosa Properties, Philippine Wine Merchants, Aurelio's, FGU Builders, Matimco, Timbermate-HMT Industries Corp, Davies Paints, Kenneth & Mock Designs, Lixil Corp., and PhilConch.

For updates on the “Mañosa: Beyond Architecture exhibit and lecture series, visit https://www.facebook.com/franciscomanosa.exhibit or email exhibit@manosa.com

About Mañosa Properties, Inc.

Mañosa Properties, Inc. is a boutique residential development firm, formed in 2009 as the real estate arm of the Mañosa Group of companies. In the few years since its inception, the company has made its mark in the upscale property development arena, earning recognition for creating artisanal urban communities which combine the best of sustainable Filipino design with earth-friendly innovations and professional property management. Its projects include: Lantana Lane, Ylang Lane and Campanilla Lane in New Manila, and Tagô in Tagaytay City.

DICT and PCTO to hold the 1st Philippine Telecoms Summit

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DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima speaks to the media during the Philippine Telecoms Summit Press Briefing on February 22, 2017

“The consensus among all players is to work on concrete solutions. It will not be a blame game. This way, we will be able to move forward and fast track ICT,” shared Eric De Los Reyes, Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO), during the Press Briefing of the first ever Philippine Telecoms Summit. Held at Via Mare Restaurant, on February 22, 2017, the media briefing was attended by heads of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and PCTO, and representatives from Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

PCTO, in partnership with DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), brings together the Telecommunications Industry’s stakeholders, comprising of government agencies and regulators, industry players, experts, and consumers in one event to address the problems and issues surrounding the state of Telecommunications in the country today.

The PH Telecoms Summit will address three main concerns: Cost, Coverage, and Speed of telecommunication services in the country, and how these can be fixed with the cooperation of all stakeholders. Representatives from the different interest groups will be given the opportunity to deliver their concerns and establish dialogue with all the participants. DICT Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima promises that the Summit will be a no-holds-barred discussion; “I want the problems and challenges all out during the Summit, because if not, we will not know how to find a solution,” he added during the Briefing.

“The problem of one is the problem of all,” reiterated the Secretary, emphasizing the shared responsibilities among the government, the private, and the public sectors. With the goal of using Telecommunications as a tool for Nation Building, the two-day summit serves as a vehicle towards better internet and telecoms services.

Secretary Salalima concluded his statement with a message: “You have the power to use ICT as an enabler for education, enterprise, governance, and social empowerment.”

The Philippine Telecoms Summit 2017 will be held on March 9 and 10, 2017 at The PICC Forum, Pasay City, Manila. Follow DICT on Facebook, Twitter, and http://dict.gov.ph for updates.