A luxurious and exclusive mountain resort to open soon in Bagac

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From the outside, one could see that Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort (RB) in Bagac, Bataan is not just any hilly resort but a luxurious sanctuary, locked in unpretentious greenery leading to well-planned and almost dream-like villas, for families, lovers and tourists who love to frolic with nature, have that peace and quiet and to be just by themselves.

Perched on the mountain range of Barangay Ibis in Bagac in the historical province of Bataan*, Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort is about 2.5 hour drive from Balintawak via North Luzon (NLEX) and Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressways (SCTEX) from Manila.

Named and patterned after the master-planned community of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, California the Bataan hilly resort—which is almost fronting the West Philippine Sea (aka South China Sea)—boasts of amenities one can’t find even in five-star resorts and hotels with its infinitesimal luxury and elegance.

To soft open sometime in January 2019—initially with 4 to 5 villas and ultimately 30 for the first phase alone—Rancho Bernardo’s villas fetch anywhere from P45,000 for overnight stay at the silver room for 2 adults (with an option to have rights to it for 1 to 5 years) and P65,000 for gold with 2 adults and P84 adults also for 1 to 5 years. The rates just carry breakfast. Food will be served at the restaurant.

Because of its natural thick foliage, Rancho is the coolest place to live in this summer—although rooms are air-conditioned with wide windows that open to a forest view and from the tip a view of the sea and the adjoining towns.

Upon entering the ornate and heavy wooden door of the villa, light fixtures and other amenities would turn on with the command of a voice, said Gina Virtusio, RB’s Consultant for Communications and PR. 

The shower, toilet and bath have a different story to tell: the toilet cover and seat have sensors that would automatically open when they feel humans and the seat is comfortably warm, the flash and bidet would turn on once the user moves indicating completion of a toilet ritual. The tiles are exquisitely gold and marble (real 24 carat, not just plated) much like the royalty in Saudi Arabia and the bathtub is an experience on its own.

Each villa has an outdoor jacuzzi and the place has two swimming pools with bars—one at the lower level and the other one at the tip of the hill. But who would dare swim at that height and during rainy seasons?

Bagac is fast becoming a luxury destination with the likes of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar and Montemar Beach Club, La Jolla Leisure Estates, further below and Playa la Caleta a beach resort that also offers trekking and now Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort.

For Phase 1, Rancho Bernardo will offer thirty (30) round-shaped villas (a creative vision by its owner, Ramil del Rosario, a native of Bagac) with Bali-inspired designs and intricate carvings done onsite by the wood carvers of Bulacan spruced on fifteen (15) hectares of hilly terrain. A function hall able to accommodate 200 persons would also rise in the enclave along with a boutique hotel.

Del Rosario’s vision is to be able to promote Bagac as a sustainable tourism destination that will not only showcase its colorful culture and history but also provide livelihood for the locals, and most importantly, protect the environment and its natural resources.

Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort does not operate like a membership club but offers value packages and preferential rates to enjoy in chosen villa categories. Rancho Bernardo Luxury Villas and Resort is a destination for any traveler and adventure seeking individuals (here and abroad), corporates for incentive program. 

For queries and information: visit www.ranchobernardo.ph or email at info@ranchobernardo.ph

Banca ni DV project turns over 20 to augment fishermen’s livelihood in Lian, Batangas

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Businessman Dexter Villamin, owner and CEO of DV Boer Farm International Corporation, turned over 20 bancas to the fishermen in Lian, Batangas. Recipients of Banca ni DV will have the bancas, with 7.5 horse power, measure 20 x 27 inches and equipped with two life vests, dash camera, paddle, net (lambat pangawil), cooler, compass and flashlight.

The formal turnover ceremony held at Matabungkay Beach Hotel, November 23, 2018 was attended by AFP, PAF and DSWD officials along with media attendees, mostly from national dailies and news networks.

Pastry Chef turned farming mogul Dexter 'Dex' Villamin through his company DV Boer Farm International Corporation donated turns over 20 to augment fishermen’s livelihood in Lian, Batangas, together with partners in the newly launched Oplan Pamamalakaya initiative such as LTC Engelberto A. Nioda Jr., BGEN Edward Libago, ASEC Jose Antonio Hernandez of DSWD and Magsasaka Inc’s Ariel Camarillo, Congresswoman Eileen Ermita-Buhain and Atty. Argel Joseph Cabatbat.

The bancas, produced by workers from Barangay Hukay in Calatagan, are part of a total of 50 “Banca ni DV” to be distributed in Lian, Batangas in line with Oplan Pamamalakaya. The other 30 will be given out soon to fishermen residing in Brgy. San Diego.

Recipients of Banca ni DV are former NPA rebels who have turned to fishing for livelihood. The bancas, with 7.5 horsepower, measures 20x27 inches and is equipped with two life vests, dash camera, paddle, net (lambat pangawil), cooler, compass and flashlight.

An orientation seminar last Nov. 12, attended by around 30 of the fishermen-recipients was held where DV (Dexter Villamin) shared his advocacy on providing livelihood for fishermen and farmers. This project is being undertaken by the Special Project Department of DV Boer Farm International Corporation in cooperation with banca workers headed by G. Narciso Aleroza and Rolando Gomez.

Oplan Pamamalakaya is primarily intended to offer profitable and sustainable livelihood opportunities for members of MAGSASAKA Inc., a legitimate non-governmental organization (NGO) whose main purpose is to contribute to the country’s overall agricultural progress and development not only in terms of livestock farming but crop productions and fisheries as well.

LTC Engelberto A. Nioda Jr.

"Oplan Pamamalakaya shall serve as a model for both national and local government to replicate it on a nationwide scale if only to ensure enough supply of cheaper fish and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for many of the country’s fishermen," said Lt. Col. Nioda.

Dexter Villamin

"It has been my dream to help the fishermen and farmers in Batangas where I was born. I want them to dream big just like what I did. If I can be successful, they too can,” said Dexter, who also hosts a show on PTV-4 titled “Magsasaka TV.” 

Also known as “The People’s Farm” DV Boer is fast becoming the foundation of modern farming in the country. To know more about DV Boer Farm, visit their website at www.dvboerfarm.com

Jess Got Sexy with IAM Worldwide! Jessy Mendiola is now the brand endorser

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Staying fit and healthy plays an important role in our life. People neglect their health because of the hectic daily schedules but there are little things that you can do each day that will add to being healthy and fit.

Ms. Jessy Mendiola, the beautiful and sexy actress got more sexy as she joins IAM Worldwide, a popular weight loss product.

With a thriving career, active ifestyle, and blossoming relationship, Jessy is on fire. Her line-up of numerous endorsements, TV and film appearances is only the icing on the cake as she faces the tough challenge of balancing her work, hobbies and relationships on a daily basis

Jessy teams up with IAMWORLWIDE as the newest endorser of their popular, weight loss product, Amazing Grape Juice with Garcinia Cambogia. To stay in top shape and keep up with the demands of her professional and personal life, Jessy  enjoys taking grape juice with Garcinia Cambogia, a herbal supplement.

Jessy achieved amazing results in her health and fitness which pushes her to achieve

amazing milestones in her career and life

Jessy Mendiola at the I  Am Worldwide Contract Signing as brand ambassador
 held at Luxent Hotel,  November 30.2018. 

Amazing Grape Juice with Garcinia Cambogia is a herbal supplement endorsed by several nutrition experts as "a revolutionary fat buster" and "a breakthrough in natural weight loss".

Cambogia is a small, sour fruit of a tropical tree that is native to Indonesia.

Among its benefits are suppression of appetite, conversion of fat to energy and increase of serotonin that help improve one's mood and avoid stress eating, leading to a more effective weight loss

Amazing Grape Juice with Garcinia Cambogia is only one of the many product distributed by IAMWORLWIDE. Founded by seasoned network marketing professionals Founder President Allen Marvin Yu Eder and Founder / Vice President Aika Lorraine Uy. IAMWORLWIDE is a direct sales company that seeks to bring real change in people's wellbeing through health, prosperity and balance.

For mone information, you may contact: Mr. Christian Balang. Manager IAMWORLDWIDE at 

09178790930 or visit www.iam-worldwide.com

Not alone: PH lung cancer community inspires hope in the face of disease

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Breakthrough lung cancer pill Osimertinib shows promise at stopping disease progression and improving patient survival

The fight against lung cancer doesn’t have to be a solo battle.

To help Filipino patients and their loved ones rise above this challenging condition, biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has partnered with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), along with local support groups such as the Cancer Coalition Philippines (CCP), and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) to launch LVNG With Lung Cancer, an online resource portal for patients across all stages of the disease

From left: Dr. Mary Claire Vega-Soliman, President of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and Head of the Tumor Clinic of East Avenue Medical Center; Carla Comendador Britanico, a patient living with Stage IV lung cancer for more than 6 years; Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Abesamis-Tiambeng, Director of the Cancer Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center; and Dr. Paolo dela Rosa, Medical Advisor and Medical Oncologist at AstraZeneca Philippines.

“Being diagnosed with lung cancer can make patients feel anxious and hopeless, which is why support is vital,” explains Dr. Donald Ray Josue, Medical Affairs Head of AstraZeneca Philippines. “LVNG With provides support by forming a community of patients and their loved ones so they can inspire one another and exchange helpful information about their treatment. Through the network, patients may realize that while lung cancer is not yet curable, it is very treatable. There’s still so much more for them to look forward to in their lives.”

Struggling with stigma

Lung cancer is the top cancer killer worldwide, with 2.09 million incidences and 1.76 million fatalities this year alone according to the GLOBOCAN 2018 report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).[1] But while a majority of lung cancer deaths involve tobacco use,[2] non-smokers are also at serious risk.

“‘Are you a smoker?’ Many lung cancer patients get this question, but the truth is, different factors cause the disease,” said Dr. Denky Shoji Dela Rosa, a medical oncologist from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center . “Lack of awareness has been a source of stigma because people often put the blame on the individual. This makes it difficult for lung cancer patients to find support and form communities.”

A 2015 study on the European Respiratory Journal notes that about 25 percent of lung cancer incidences are not linked to smoking, and that the rate of never-smokers diagnosed with the disease has been increasing.[3] The American Cancer Society identifies several causes, such as exposure to second-hand smoke, diesel exhaust, asbestos, radioactive radon gas, and chemicals released by burning coal products.[4]

Adding to the stigma, new patients tend to think that their illness is a hopeless case. This leaves them with a sense of isolation that worsens their anxiety over their diagnosis.

LVNG With addresses these stigmas by dispelling myths that prevent lung cancer patients from seeking proper treatment and seeing hope in their condition. The community also empowers patients with information that enable them to reach out to medical professionals so they can learn more about treatment options.

Dr. Mary Claire Soliman, president of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and member of Cancer Coalition Philippines also emphasizes that, “Standard evidence-based medicine is the way to go in treatment. I understand how the promise of alternative medicines (‘natural”, “herbal” or “nutraceutical medicine”) may be tempting, especially with their claims that they do not have side effects. The fact of the matter is that there is very little evidence to support these claims.

A recently published study by Skyler B Johnson at the Journal of the National Cancer Institute this January 2018 revealed that patients who initially chose alternative medicine over conventional lung cancer treatment had a more than twofold increase risk of dying. At the end of the day, alternative treatments should not replace standard evidence-based medicine.” 

Breakthrough treatment

Chemotherapy—or the use of drugs to kill and stunt malignant tumors—is usually thought of as the only treatment for cancer. “The fact is, various options are now available depending on the patient’s diagnosis, preference, and recommendations from the healthcare team. Among these include surgery to remove affected lung tissues, radiation therapy that use high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells, and targeted drug therapy.”, Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng of Cardinal Santos Medical Center emphasized.

Targeted drug therapy may be recommended based on biopsy findings. Through biomarker testing, the biopsy can reveal genetic mutations in cancer cells that can be targeted by drugs designed to zero in on those cellular abnormalities.

Therapeutic advances have made targeted drug therapy the standard of care for personalized medicine in the fight against certain lung cancers. One breakthrough is Tagrisso (Osimertinib), an oral tablet from a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target tumors with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Tagrisso (Osimertinib) is a third-generation EGFR TKI that has shown better precision and power at stopping lung cancer growth and improving patient survival. A double-blind FLAURA study shows that Tagrisso delivers 18.9 months of median progression-free survival, nearly twice as long as older drugs that deliver a median of 10.2 months. Tagrisso (Osimertinib) also reduces the risk of lung cancer metastasis on the central nervous system by 52 percent, and lowers the risk of death by 37 percent based on its preliminary data.

“These results have made Tagrisso (Osimertinib) the recommended and preferred first-line treatment by international guidelines for advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer—the most prevalent type of lung cancer—that tested positive for EGFR,” Dr. Josue adds.

EGFR biomarker testing is available across laboratories and hospitals nationwide including the Chong Hua Hospital, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Lung Center of the Philippines, Manila HealthTek Inc., National Kidney and Transplant Institute, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, and The Medical City.

Learn more about LVNG With Lung Cancer at www.lvngwithphilippines.comor www.lvngph.com.

Vivo creates “treasured moments” with elderly this season of giving

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Global smartphone brand Vivo has played Santa ahead of Christmas as it created treasured moments to the elderly at the God’s Grace Home Care Center (GGHCC) in Quezon City on November 24, 2018.

Vivo employees and God’s Grace Home Care Center founders Grace Fe T. Capital and Rufino M. Capital smile for photos.

GGHCC serves as a home to the elderly, the disabled, and other patients who need palliative care. With this in mind, Vivo as represented by its 24 employees brought cash donation, brand new wheelchairs, commodes, adult diapers, slippers, pillows, and personal hygiene kits for the GGHCC. At least 40 older adults from the GGHCC participated in Vivo’s visit. 

Vivo Philippines HR Director Ms. Nerissa Choy gives her opening remarks at Vivo’s outreach in GGHCC

“We as a brand is known for having high-grade smartphone cameras that understand the value of capturing precious moments in the best ways possible. We wanted to extend this vocation by celebrating Christmas with our elderly at the GGHCC,” Vivo Philippines HR Director Ms. Nerissa Choy said in her opening remarks. 

Vivo also invited its young endorsers Inigo Pascual and Maris Racal to the visit. Inigo serenaded the lolas and the lolos with his hit “Dahil Sa’yo” and his rendition of the Christmas classic “Sana Ngayong Pasko.” He also played the Hep Hep Hooray game with the elderly. 

Inigo Pascual serenades the elderly at the GGHCC.

Maris Racal helps Vivo give out its gifts to the GGHCC elderly. 

Maris, on the other hand, performed her original song “IkawLang Sapat Na” and her cover of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” during the visit. She also played the Siomai, Siopao, Suman game with the residents of the GGHCC. 

Vivo also collated video greetings from its other endorsers Kisses Delavin, Edward Barber, Maymay Entrata, Darren Espanto, Kathryn Bernardo, and Daniel Padilla.

Vivo Philippines HR Director Ms. Neri Choy, hands out its Php20,000 cash donation to the God’s Grace Home Care Center Grace Fe T. Capital and Rufino M. Capital. With them is Vivo endorser Maris Racal.

Vivo previously extended help to Cottoleng Filipino, Habitat for Humanity, and the AFP Medical Center (V. Luna General Hospital). 

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), 

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.​