Jollibee Halloween Fun thrills Jollibee Kids Club members with tricks and treats

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Be a part of the Jollibee Kids Club and join the spooktastic Jollibee Halloween Fun parties in select Jollibee stores nationwide until November 5, 2017. Drop by the nearest Jollibee store to find out more.

This Halloween, Jollibee Kids Club members are in for more treats than tricks as the country’s leading fast-food chain hosts the most exciting and thrilling costume party—Jollibee Halloween Fun.

Little ones will have the chance to dress up in fancy costumes, enjoy fun games and have a wonderful time with their fellow kids at the costume party being held at participating Jollibee stores nationwide until November 5, 2017.

Kids can unleash their imagination and be whoever they want to be at the Halloween Fun costume parade. Here they can channel their inner fairies, superheroes, princesses, pirates and so much more for a chance to be the best-dressed jolly kid and win cool prizes.

From dancing like zombies and Frankenstein, to feeding monster creatures and passing around a pumpkin ball, members of one of the country’s most active kids clubs are in for a series of exciting Halloween-themed games that will have them jumping from their seats.

To prep the kids up for a bucket brimming with sweet Halloween treats, they will also get a chance to get creative with their creepy candy-holders. Jollibee Kids Club members can make and decorate their own paper plate candy-holders with the help of their parents.

With a jam-packed program that is sure to get tummies hungry, Jollibee Kids Club members can recharge and munch down on some of their favorite langhap-sarap treats. 

Let your kids be part of Jollibee Kids Club for a chance to join the Jollibee Halloween Fun until November 5, 2017 at select Jollibee stores nationwide! 

Visit a Jollibee store near you for more details on the event.

“Bridging Baby Steps” gives education on infertility and raise awareness on IVF ( in-vitro fertilization)

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The advancement of technology in the medical field and availability of improvised technique has given a ray of hope to millions of childless couples across the world.

Merck Philippines, one of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, remains committed to changing lives of couples with fertility problems. As they continuously spreading awareness to help couples who are having problems conceiving, “Bridging Baby Steps” symposium was held at the Shangrila Hotel, Manila on October 21, 2017. 

Through the Fertility Awareness Campaign, now on its fifth year, Merck Philippines held the “Bridging Baby Steps,” to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination. 

Infertility, is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Not all couples are suffering from fertility problems. Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. 

At the symposium “Bridging Baby Steps” we have learned a lot about In vitro fertilization treatment that has given a lot of respite to couples from various parts of the country and abroad, who are facing infertility disorders.

Aside from marrying age, educational status, professional goals, and other socio-cultural practices affect a couple’s ability to procreate, infertility can also be traced to issues affecting both the female and male reproductive systems, and medical conditions that compromises the quality of egg and sperm cells. 

Dr. Gia Pastorfide talks about Egg freezing

Anthony Marc B. Ancheta

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and most effective type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women become pregnant. In the simplest description of IVF,  is the process of joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish.This procedure involves fertilizing an egg outside the body, in a laboratory dish, and then implanting it in a woman's uterus.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves a significant physical, financial, and emotional commitment on the part of a couple. Psychological stress and emotional problems are common.

As it commonly known as Test Tube Baby, IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment procedure enables multiplication of ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the process, embryos will be formed outside the body of a female patient and will be transferred once the cultures are successfully formed. Patients who are suffering from severe sperm deficits, blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders can be candidates for this treatment.

Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production. Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries, and blood test samples are taken to check hormone levels.

Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to remove the eggs. Medication is provided to reduce and remove potential discomfort.

The male is asked to produce a sample of sperm, which is prepared for combining with the eggs.

In a process called insemination, the sperm and eggs are mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish to encourage fertilization. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization. The eggs are monitored to confirm that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.

The embryos are usually transferred into the woman’s uterus three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization. A catheter or small tube is inserted into the uterus to transfer the embryos. This procedure is painless for most women, although some may experience mild cramping. If the procedure is successful, implantation typically occurs around six to ten days following egg retrieval.

The success rate of IVF clinics depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.

Mr. and Mrs. Basilio shared their story on how blessed they have now two babies after IVF.

There are a number of questions to ask regarding the cost and details of specific centers and fertility programs. To further equip yourself with information of fertility, and IVF in the Philippines, visit Facebook page www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines.  

Catch the hottest volleyball action live at the PSL Grand Prix- Free with any Cloudfone device!

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Cloudfone users can watch the games live for free! 

Cloudfone and the Philippine SuperLiga (PSL) forge a new partnership to bring league perks to Cloudfone users and first-in-the-Philippines in-game innovations.

The PSL taps Cloudfone as the league’s first technology sponsor in the 2017 Chooks-to-Go PSL Grand Prix Conference. 

The Grand Prix, which officially starts on October 28, will be marked with a grand opening, including the public launch of the tie-up. Karch Kiraly, head coach of the United States women’s volleyball team, will be among the special guests of honor during the opening. 

Free admission for Cloudfone users

Cloudfone users can let out their biggest cheers as they root for their favorite players and team as they watch the games live and for free at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. 

Cloudfone devices, including feature phones and smartphones, become free Lower Box passes, and entitle all Cloudfone users to see the games during the Grand Prix Conference for free until the grand finale on December 16 as the best teams of the league go face-to-face for the championship rounds.

“They just have to show their phone units and register at the gate. We will always reserve a special section for all Cloudfone users inside the venue so that they can have the best seats, the best view to watch the games,” says PSL Events Director Dr. Ian Laurel.

This perk gives Cloudfone users unparalleled experience of the sport. There’s no need to buy tickets, which are being sold at the venue, at SM Tickets booths at SM malls, and online at smtickets.com.

“All they need to do is come over, watch, and enjoy the best volleyball action that we have--the best players, the best teams in women’s volleyball right now,” says Dr. Laurel.

The PSL games take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, and at different provinces in Luzon and Visayas. All games are aired live on ESPN5 at 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with replays of select matches on the next day. 

“As the only professional volleyball league here, PSL believes in elevating the quality of the sport while making it more accessible for Filipinos from all regions to enjoy the games. Cloudfone is aligned with the same mission of bringing global standards in our products and making these available to all Filipinos. Both Cloudfone and PSL advocate for the same thing, to bring quality within reach of our customers and audiences,” explains Ray Caguin, Cloudfone Group Brand Manager.

Cloudfone has already established itself as a brand that provides more value beyond what the usual phones offer. “In all our partnerships, we ensure that we give customers an access to lifestyle wants and wishes. And we are always happy to get those values from our partnerships and give them to our customers. Now, with the PSL agreement, Cloudfone gives access to exciting and world-class quality volleyball games that Cloudfone users can enjoy for one full conference. Owning one of our feature phones, the Cloudfone Lite premier, which only retails at P499 already gives you unlimited access for the entire conference,” Caguin adds.

The league’s schedule is available on the PSL website philippinesuperliga.com.

New sports technology

The partnership could not have come at a better time. Aside from providing benefits to sports fans through free games for Cloudfone users, this new alliance introduces the tablet system to Philippine volleyball.

“We welcome the partnership of Cloudfone with PSL. This is a big support because in this Grand Prix, we are launching the tablet system for the competition. The timing of the partnership is really good,” says PSL President Ramon Suzara.

The PSL precedes other leagues in the country as it pioneers the Volleyball Challenge System, which requires the use of tablets. Cloudfone, as the PSL’s official technology partner, provides all the tablets needed to make this breakthrough possible.

The Volleyball Challenge System kicked off at International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) games in 2013 and was first adopted at an Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It allows coaches to use a tablet to officially call timeouts and request challenges through video review, among others. 

“This is being used now in international volleyball. There used to be just a button that coaches press underneath their seats when they need to call a timeout. But this time, we have a tablet,” says Dr. Laurel.

The PSL begins implementing the system in the Grand Prix’s semi-finals. All teams to make it to this stage are issued Cloudfone Cloudpad tablets.

These developments showcase the two organizations’ common passion for innovation, volleyball, and elevating Filipinos’ skills and talents to international standards. 

“The Philippine SuperLiga is the only league sanctioned by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the FIVB,” says Dr. Laurel. “We want to keep up with the standards that they set. We follow competition regulations like an international governing body.”

Fans of the sport and the brand alike can know more about Cloudfone’s products and services by approaching Cloudfone booths installed at game venues or visiting cloudfone.com.ph. 

The company offers a wide range of devices such as the recently launched Next Infinity Series boasting screens with an 18:9 aspect ratio.

Expect equally exciting announcements about Cloudfone and their partnership with PSL as the conference progresses.

For more awesome Cloudfone information, visit www.cloudfone.com.ph.

Tindig Marawi : Mindanao Peace Advocate Robin Padilla Launches "Kabahayan, Kabuhayan for Marawi"

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Robin Padilla well known film director, screenwriter, producer, actor and MINDANAO Peace Advocate launched, Tindig Marawi, yesterday, October 26, 2017 held at Ilustrado, Intramuros, Manila. 

Tindig Marawi, Padilla's  personal advocacy to help rebuild the war-torn city and provide support for its people in terms of shelter and livelihood opportunities.

Marawi City, officially known as the Islamic City of Marawi, is the capital and the only city in the province of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The people of Marawi are called the Maranaos and speak the Maranao language. They are named after Lake Lanao, which is called Meranauin the language, upon whose shores Marawi lies. The city is also called the "Summer Capital of the South" because of its higher elevation and cooler climate.

All hopes and effort for the full-blown rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding to get back into normalcy of the city after the five-month battle against Islamic State-inspired terrorists.

“Ang Mindanao at kapayapaan ay dalawang bagay na malapit sa aking puso,” Padilla shares, explaining why the Marawi Siege that lasted for five months has impacted him in a big way. 

Unknown to many, Padilla has already started helping the people of Marawi since the war started last May by reaching out to friends, relatives, and private companies to gather relief goods for those displaced by the war. Padilla also recently donated Php5 million for the psycho-social intervention of the kids of Marawi and personally distributed Php5 million worth of relief goods to affected families.

Despite these efforts, Padilla admits that the people of Marawi need so much more help.

An advocate and dedicated Filipino, Padilla created the “Tindig, Marawi” movement to create heightened awareness on the critical needs of the people of Marawi despite the recent government’s declaration on the end of the Marawi siege. 

Padilla said that the worst thing that could happen is for the public to forget that the people of Marawi still needs everyone’s help, especially at this time of rebuilding.

“Ang Tindig Marawi po ay isang kilusan, hindi poi to pansariling pagkilos ko lamang. Inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat na tumulong para sa pagbangon at pagtindig na muli ng Marawi. Natapos man po ang digmaan, napakalaki pa rin po ng kanilangang pangangailangan. Bahay, hanapbuhay, pagkain, ospital, paaralan—napakarami pong nawasak sa Marawi at malawakang pagtulong po ang kailangan para makatindig silang muli,” Padilla said during in a press conference yesterday.

Damaged buildings and houses. (Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)

Padilla said that he hopes to use “Tindig, Marawi” as a springboard to generate more support from private individuals, corporations and organizations to support and help in the rebuilding of Marawi.

During at the yesterday’s press conference, Bhavna Suresh, managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the global property portal Lamudi, signed a memorandum of understanding to officially partner with the Tindig Marawi program, particularly in the establishment of a portal that will help serve as a fund-raising platform for the rebuilding of shelters in Marawi.

Lito Villanueva, managing director of the financial technology company FINTQ, is also collaborating with Tindig Marawi through the “Pabuhay” component where they commit to assist the Marawi victims regain their livelihood and facilitate organic farming and micro business training through their program, KasamaKa. 

They will also kickstart the Tindig Marawi Livelihood Fund, hoping to raise a minimum of P10 million which will be used to provide seed money to the people of Marawi so they could start and rebuild their businesses.

Dr. Potre Diampuan 

Also present during the press conference was Interfaith peace advocate Dr. Potre Diampuan who shared with the media the three things that the Maranaos need at this time – Shelter, Subsistence and Sustainability. 

Padilla appealed for media, government and non-government, and all to support this cause - Tinding Marawi.

“Umaasa ako na sana’y itong proyekto nating Tindig Marawi ay maka-antig sa puso ng ating mga kababayan na tumulong sa mga kapatid nating naapektuhan sa katatapos lang na labanan sa Marawi,” Padilla said.

Padilla mentioned some of his colleagues in the industry, such as actor Piolo Pascual and director Joyce Bernal, have already donated to the Tindig Marawi fund and Padilla hopes that more people will follow suit.

Halloween Weekend Special and October Rock Festival at Chaos Nightclub, City of Dreams Manila

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City of Dreams Manila’s Chaos night club ends October on a high note with a Halloween Weekend Special and a rock festival featuring the country’s most sought after DJs, singers and bands.

For a spine-chilling revelry, Chaos casts the spotlight on DJs: Brandon Jon, David Ardiente, and Emil Angeles to spin retro tunes in “Nostalgia” on October 26th; and Trapped, MVRXX, Jet Boado, and Supmerman to showcase different music genres from hip-hop, pop to EDM in “Across The Board” on October 27th.

An extraordinary ghoulish night dubbed as “Out of the Norm” features the Trap and Dubstep beats of DJs JJ Saur, Nathan J, and MK Thompson on October 28th as co-presented by Heineken. The Halloween Weekend special will be hosted by MC Ronthug.

Partygoers are encouraged to show off their scariest and most creative costumes for a chance to be chosen as the best in male and female Halloween attire and win a bottle of Bacardi each.

The last installment of Chaos’ rock music festival held on Sundays of October highlights Nicole Asensio of General Luna and Ney Dimaculangan of 6Cyclemind onOctober 29.

Nicole Asensio, the former lead vocalist of all-girl rock band General Luna, with her powerful pipes, will perform a repertoire of songs from her debut solo album “Schizoprano”. Combining her background in theatre and classical music with her rock and roll vocal prowess, tracks like “Leader for A Day”, All in All”, Wag (Mo Na Ako Mahalin)”, and “A Song On A Broken String” will have the crowd fired up and wanting for more.

Aptly concluding the month’s line-up of rock bands is Ney Dimaculangan, the former frontman of 6Cyclemind who will be performing with the eponymous band – NEY – together with Arnee Escobedo, Patch Sanchez, Kervi Capin, and Louie Lopez. Armed with an album that was released in March, the group will set the stage ablaze with their top tracks: “Doble Kara”, “Sa Akin Ka Na Lang”, “Kahit Saan, Kahit Kailan”, and “Habag”, among others.

Entrance is free for the October Rockfest on October 29. Door charge is priced at P500 inclusive of one drink for the Halloween Weekend Special from October 26 to 28. For Chaos VIP table reservations, guests can call 0917-8863678 or go to www.chaosmanila.com.