GE and Cardinal Santos Memorial Center Presents Future of Cancer Care

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This Wednesday ( March 8 ) GE Philippines together with Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) held a media discussions where key Healthcare Stakeholders share their views on the following topics:

• The current state of cancer care in the Philippines
• The need for more education around cancer prevention and seeking treatment early
• The technologies and treatments available to help detect and treat cancer in the Philippines 

Health experts share view on current state of cancer care in the Philippines. 

• Cancer is one of the Philippines’ top causes of death, claiming 56,000 lives per year.
• Increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and becoming more pressing for institutions like Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMS) to pursue strategic interventions.
• CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the GE Discovery™ PET/CT 710, which features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.

Early diagnosis key to preventing cancer, experts advise

Despite the increasing number of cancer deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that between 30-50 percent of cancers can be prevented by interventions such as lifestyle changes and early screening. ¹

In the Philippines, cancer claims the lives of 56, 000 Filipinos a year, making it one of the country’s top causes of death.² Top cancer killers in the Philippines include breast, lung, colorectal, liver and cervical cancers. ³

According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for nearly 8.8 million deaths in 2015, a number that could reach 17 million by 2030.⁴

“The increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and it becomes more pressing for us to pursue strategic interventions,” said Dr. Christine Gruenberg of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC).

Diagnosed too late

Cancer symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, and skin changes are often mistaken for common illnesses that by the time of diagnosis, the tumors have already spread to other parts of the body.⁵

Though one third of cancer deaths are due to behavioral and dietary risks namely high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use, factors such as family history, physical environment, and infectious agents like HPV also contribute to the rise of cancer incidence worldwide.⁶

Patients’ survival chances also get slimmer when their cancer is diagnosed at a late stage. Aside from lower likelihood of survival, delayed diagnosis also causes serious treatment-related side effects and higher healthcare costs.⁷

PET/ CT Inauguration ( Cardinal Santos Medical Center)

Better cancer outcomes

The WHO identified three steps that can help improve diagnosis: improving awareness, capacity building, and ensuring treatment access. ⁸

Treatment methods cannot begin, however, if there is no pathologic confirmation of the disease. This is why the availability of advanced healthcare technology matters in improving diagnosis, said GE Healthcare Philippines Country Manager Ivan Arota.

“Just like all other health challenges, addressing the burden of cancer requires a multi-sectoral approach. Our work as a healthcare solutions provider does not stop with the development of innovative medical equipment,” Arota said.

“We help build on the diagnostic capacity of healthcare workers pursuant to the recommendations of the WHO,” he added.

CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the Discovery™ PET/CT 710. The Discovery PET/CT 710 features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.

A PET-CT scan is an invaluable diagnostic tool in cancer care that simultaneously performs two individual tests to detect cancer and determine its stage. The highly sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells - a key element in the diagnostic process; while the CT scan creates a detailed image of abnormal cancerous tissues inside the body, including their location and size.

To identify any abnormalities, a radiopharmaceutical marker called Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is injected into the patient. The PET scanner picks up the signal produced by the marker, creating images of the FDG distribution in the body. Combined, a PET-CT scan provides doctors with comprehensive information on the disease and allows them to plan treatment effectively.

“When healthcare providers recommend treatment options to cancer patients, they rely heavily on data generated by equipment and other tools. We can’t compromise quality and efficient monitoring because lives are at stake,” said CSMC Medical Director Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy.

“The addition of a PET/CT in CSMC’s range of equipment and services will help us in our commitment to provide improved cancer care and better clinical outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Javier-Uy added.

About GE:

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

1 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/

2 World Health Organization Cancer Country Profile Philippines http://www.who.int/cancer/country-profiles/phl_en.pdf?ua=1

3 International Agency for Research on Cancer GLOBOCAN 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx

4 The global burden of cancer: priorities for prevention https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802672/

5 American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html

6 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ ; American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html

7 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

8 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

100% beefy, langhap-sarap with Jollibee’s newest Yum Burger endorsers Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia prove that great burger experiences start with delicious aroma

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The mouth-watering aroma of perfectly-seasoned, consistently cooked, and high-quality ingredients is indeed the start of the best dining experience.

Young stars Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia – the newest members of the Jollibee family – both agree that there is only one fast-food burger that meets the langhap-sarap criterion: the Jollibee Yum Burger.

“The Yum Burger is uniquely delicious and Pinoy,” said the 19-year-old actress. “Isang langhap mo pa lang, alam mong masarap agad ang matitikman mo.”

Joshua could not agree more. “I love that the Yum Burger is made with 100% pure beef,” he shared. “You can easily smell why it’s the best. Amoy pa lang, ang sarap na.”

These discerning, no-compromise (at least, when it comes to their burgers) young celebs attest to their love for the Jollibee Yum Burger in a TV commercial (TVC) which started airing on March 5, 2017. Watch the TVC below:

The new TVC amusingly mirrors elements from a classic Jollibee 60-second commercial from the 1980s, from visuals to the use of music. The 2017 version pays homage to this hit vintage ad, celebrating how Jollibee has been home to the best inlanghap and best in sarap for decades, pleasing not only foreigners but even today’s millennials.

A burger like no other

The Jollibee Yum Burger, an essential part of the ever-growing menu of the country’s top fast-food chain, has always been a favorite among Filipinos for its unique flavors and distinct aroma.

Every Yum Burger is made with a 100% pure beef patty at its core, seasoned to fit the discerning Pinoy palate.

“With this patty that’s made with 100% pure beef, we’re able to consistently deliver real flavors that Filipinos have loved for decades,” said Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Global Chief Marketing Officer and Philippines Head of Marketing. “This core ingredient is also responsible for the mouthwatering aroma that signals the start of a delicious, satisfying experience.Langhap-sarap, indeed.”

Complementing the inimitable Jollibee beef patty are Jollibee’s very own special burger dressing and soft bun, which make every bite of the Yum Burger a uniquely delightful experience.

New members of the Jollibee family

When Julia and Joshua found out that they will be joining the ever-growing Jollibee family, both admitted to being quite emotional.

“I cried because I was just so happy,” the young actress shared. “Jollibee was a big part of my career when I was just starting out, so this endorsement is like coming home.”

Julia first endorsed the Yum Burger in 2014, which she said was “one of the best choices I’ve made so far.”

“I really prayed and waited for a project like this,” Joshua shared. “I cried when my handler confirmed that my Yum Burger endorsement is a go.”

Both young celebs love the Yum Cheeseburger with Joshua mentioning that this variant offers a flavor experience like the Yum Burger, but even more special because of the cheese.

“We hope that Julia and Joshua will inspire Filipino millennials to continue their pursuit for the best,” concluded Flores. “They embody a generation that won’t settle for anything less than the best and knows that for the best in langhap-sarap, there’s always the Yum Burger.”

The Yum Burger and Yum Cheeseburger are available in Solo or with Jollibee Value Meals for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru in all stores nationwide. Prices start at P33.00 and P45, respectively.

Petron offers exclusive perks for Grab drivers

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Industry leader Petron Corporation recently signed a partnership with the leading ride-sharing platform Grab, to offer exclusive benefits to Grab drivers and employees through its Grab-branded Petron Value Card.

Forming part of the benefits that Grab drivers enjoy when they sign up with Grab, the PVC cards will be given free to all Grab vehicles, except Grab Taxi. With their Petron Value Card, Grab drivers earn peso-points every time they fill up with Petron fuels—Petron Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Advance, Turbo Diesel, and Diesel Max. Peso points earned can be redeemed for Petron products at over 2,000 Petron stations nationwide. These can also be converted to cellphone load, air miles, groceries, movies, and other options.

Other ways to earn more points are through the Frequent Visit promo where the PVC cardholder gets additional points on every 5th visit to a Petron station, and the Birthday Promo that awards bonus points when the Grab driver gases up within five days of his birthday.

Petron takes care of its loyal customers, and Grab drivers can enjoy the following benefits —subject to terms and conditions—through their Petron Value Card: free 24/7 towing and roadside assistance, free personal accident insurance coverage of PHP 10,000 for accidental death and PHP 1,000 medical reimbursement, and privileges at partner establishments.

The Petron Value Card mobile app, available for iOS and Android smartphones, provides the transaction history and points summary, as well as access to the various promos, rewards and benefits.

Beyond the perks and privileges they will enjoy as PVC cardholders, Grab drivers have the assurance that Petron fuels and engine oils are of world-class quality, thus offering savings not just through fuel efficiency, but by reducing maintenance costs through better engine protection.

According to Grab Philippines country head Brian Cu, “Our goal has always been to take care of our Peers and drivers, and we want to stretch their income in any way we can. We are positive that this partnership with Petron will give our drivers more flexibility in their expenses.” He points out that the tie-up will not only expand the drivers’ income but also benefit their families.

Grab will handle distribution of the co-branded Grab-Petron Value Card, which can be claimed at the following locations: Libis, Araneta-Cubao, Fisher Mall, Manila, Imus, and Metro East.

For more information visit Grab Philippines’ Facebook page or visit their website www.grab.com.

GetGo, Honda Cars team-up for exciting, new partnership

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GetGo by Cebu Pacific has partnered with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) through the recently launched “Points to Fly, Points to Drive” campaign.

The alliance between the country’s fast-rising loyalty rewards program and the world-renowned car manufacturer aims to strengthen their commitment to provide rewarding and innovative products and services to their customers.

“Through our partnership with HCPI, loyal GetGo members can expect even more exciting benefits and promos that can make their everyday spend rewarding as ever,” said Nik Laming, GetGo Loyalty Division General Manager.

Photo shows Laming (left), and HCPI President and General Manager, Toshio Kuwahara sealing the partnership.

No More One Day Millionaire This 2017

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Do you know the term ‘one day millionaire’? 

Manage your money wisely when you earn your first paycheck and don’t give in to that one-day splurge habit so that you’re not crawling your way to the next paycheck.

According to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Filipinos receive large amount each year from OFW padala. But why do most Filipinos still feel as if money is scarce?

It’s about time to change old habits and end the cycle of mismanaged finances. We’ve listed down five helpful tips to be more financially responsible this year:

1. Budgeting 

As OFWs send money hassle-free anytime and anywhere in the world withMoneyGram’s global network of approximately 350,000 locations in 200 countries and territories worldwide, relatives back home must learn to allocate the padala accordingly.

Know where your money is going. The classic formula of Income – Savings = Expenses would come in handy. Decide how much you’d like to save before listing down all your expenses. It’s best to write it down on a spreadsheet or use the envelope method to ensure you don’t dip your hands into money allotted for other categories.

2. Credit Cards: On Interests and Debts

Credit cards should be used for convenience, not to make ends meet. They are actually handy as they eliminate cash transactions and offer great rewards, however, just be sure that you can pay the bill in full, otherwise, it will incur interests and cause you to get into debt. If you can’t pay for it in full, it means you are living beyond your means.

3. Necessity or Luxury

When purchasing something, always ask yourself --- is it a necessity or a luxury? For example, you might need a place to live, but you don’t need a mansion unless you can pay for it in cash. Or purchasing a phone in a financially responsible manner means being able to pay for it in cash. Consider purchasing a refurbished phone for a cheaper upgrade. If you’re having difficulty paying for these financial guidelines, but would still like to buy the more expensive one, ask yourself “why?”. If the reason is because everyone has it, do keep in mind that your neighbors are not the one paying for your bills, so they should not dictate your choices nor your standard of living.

4. Pay Yourself First

Spending every centavo of your paycheck is not being financially responsible. A good principle is to pay yourself 10% in savings before you pay your bills. You can also opt to invest in stock market to get higher returns. This will involve risks so make a calculated one at that and have a plan. Banks generally offer a wide range of products for you to choose from. Try asking if your employer has a sponsored savings plan available. Most plans match your contribution up to a certain percentage, so by contributing at least enough to get the match, you’ll earn a guaranteed return on investment (ROI). 

5. Emergency Fund

Being financially responsible means being prepared for the unexpected. Most experts agree that you need to be able to support yourself at least 6 months without an income. If you are living with dual incomes, make sure you can pay for bills and utilities on one income or even neither income! If a missed paycheck will ruin you financially, it is high time to create a plan to prevent this.

Ultimately, being financially responsible is living within your means and doing what you have to do to take care of your needs and the needs of your family. So evaluate your earning and spending habits and make the necessary adjustments to put yourself on a responsible footing.

About MoneyGram International, Inc.

MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. In 2016 MoneyGram received the “Remittance Product of the Year” award from The Asian Banker. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com

Sources:

1. ADB Economics Working Paper Series

2. BSP: Overseas Filipino Remittances

3. 2015c. Monthly and Quarterly Remittances Flows to Selected Countries. Washington, DC: World Bank.