ABS-CBN searches for the next online singing sensation in "Bida Star Singer"

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ABS-CBN's online talent competition, "Bida Star," begins its search for the next online singing sensation in "Bida Star Singer" with mainstay hosts Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza, who will be joined by “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10" housemate Anji Salvacion.

Anji believes that her experience as a former "Idol Philippines" contestant will help her impart lessons to aspiring singers. "I experienced the same thing as they do. I'm grateful to be able to host a singing contest since this is where I started," she said.

It is the first singing edition for “Bida Star” wherein aspiring singers will showcase their talent in exciting challenges like "The Cover," a live singing showdown in front of their judges, "Online Gig," wherein the contestants take over Star Hunt's kumu account, and a "Bida Star Bagsakan."

"I'm excited to see how the contestants will give a new flavor to the songs that a lot of people have performed before,” shared Karina. " I'm excited about what new things will they offer to the Kapamilyas. We are all unique, so I expect to see it.”

For his part, Aljon shared how the online talent search has helped him hone his hosting skills. He shared, "I learned how to listen to the guest than focusing on the suggested questions. I learned that communication and connection are key to hosting."

The contestants are in for an exciting journey with their judges, which include ABS-CBN singing coach Anna Graham, head of "It's Showtime" and Polaris Reily Santiago, and a weekly celebrity guest judge from Polaris. The “Bida Star” winner will win an ABS-CBN management and recording contract, a special trophy, and a cash prize of P50,000.

Filipino citizens aged 18 years old and above, who have a talent for singing, can audition to become the next Bida Star Singer until March 18 (Friday) by visiting forms.abs-cbn/bidastarsinger for more information and fill out the audition form.

“Bida Star” Star has fulfilled the dreams of young and talented Filipinos like Dustine Mayores, who is now a "PBB" kumunity teen housemate, and Ruth Paga, who is now a Star Hunt artist. Both Dustine and Ruth became the Ultimate Bida Stars in the past seasons after getting the highest votes from viewers and their mentor Direk Rahyan Carlos for the acting skills they showed in the competition.

To know more about “Bida Star Singer,” follow Star Hunt on Facebook (@starhuntabscbn), Kumu (@starhuntabscbn), Twitter (@starhuntabscbn), Instagram (@starhuntabscbn), and Tiktok (@starhuntabscbn

Study shows some OTC throat lozenges found highly effective against the COVID-19 virus

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Lozenges containing both Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) found efficacious in COVID-caused sore throat

Steyer Study discussion with preventive health education and health reform advocate, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon during the Virtual Media Roundtable

on Wednesday, March 16

Some OTC throat lozenges may be effective against COVID-19

We know your over-the-counter throat lozenge can relieve a sore throat and can help manage a pesky cold or cough. But can they take the wind out of the sails of the dreaded Covid-19 virus?

The question got a fresh look recently after researchers at Microbiology and Immunology Institute of the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, found that throat lozenges containing a combination of Benzydamine Hydrochloride (BH) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) may have a virucidal effect against Covid-19 and help reduce the risk of viral transmission.

Virus-killing Action against SARS-CoV-2

The preliminary findings, based on testing in a defined and controlled laboratory environment designed to mimic the conditions of the oral cavity, found that all three test settings showed strong virucidal (virus killing) activity against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 infection.

In fact, the throat lozenge test products in a high concentration were the fastest at destroying the virus, reducing the viral concentration by 99.99% in as fast as 1 (one) minute. This also suggests the possibility of reducing the amount of virus in the oral cavity as well as reducing the risk of viral transmission.

Encouraging step in fight against Covid-19

While it’s important to note that the study is yet to be peer-reviewed, with economic activities opening up and the country on Alert Level 1, these results are extremely encouraging and a positive step in finding ways to manage the spread of COVID-19; especially through a simple and effective method such as using widely available medicated sore throat lozenges.

Getting Vaccinated with Booster shot, and the observance of standard health protocols such as proper handwashing, physical distancing and mask-wearing are the current mainstays for the reduction of virus spread. However, Benzydamine HCl and Cetylpyridinium Cl containing throat lozenges could prove to be another valuable tool.

*The results of this study were first published by Andrej Steyer, Misa Marusic, Marko Kolenc, Tina Triglav from the Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the article “A throat lozenge with fixed combination of cetylpyridinium chloride and benzydamine hydrochloride has direct virucidal effect on SARS-CoV-2”, COVID, 2021;1(2):435-446 (Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/Covid1020037) which has since been republished with permission in the Romanian Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice (Sarafoleanu C et al, 2021).

WellGreens Advocates for Self-Love By Going Beyond Natural Health Supplements - Alice Dixson reaffirms commitment to making natural, healthy choices

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(Quezon City, Philippines) – WellGreens, Pascual Laboratories Inc.’s premium and certified organic natural food supplement brand advocates self-love this pandemic by encouraging people to go beyond natural with healthier choices via its 2022 campaign “Go Beyond Natural! Choose Premium and Certified Organic​”.

Going Beyond Natural

In these times, self-love, specifically caring for one’s health has been key to surviving and thriving. Food supplements, such as vitamins and herbal products, have become the new must-haves in people’s daily nutrition. WellGreens doesn’t just believe in sourcing products naturally but in going certified organic. The PascualLab brand is not only natural, with ingredients found in the environment; WellGreens takes it further as it undergoes stringent processes that subscribe to industry-approved farming & production, and high manufacturing standards, making it certified organic.

Certified Organic

WellGreens’ ingredients are mostly derived from one of the largest organic-certified farms in the Philippines, Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC). With EU-based certifying organization Control Union’s stamp of approval, the farm has both EU and USDA organic certifications. Aside from these, LAC is also certified for Good Agricultural Practices by the Department of Agriculture.

Premium Food Supplements

WellGreens products which include Sinta, Lagundi – Cuban Oregano, Malunggay, Mangosteen-Malunggay, and Ampalaya are harvested, processed, and manufactured through a stringent 13-step process.

WellGreens Organic Sinta

Sinta or Andrographis Paniculata is known in folklore as an herb that benefits type 2 diabetes¹ - the variant caused by lifestyle choices. Clinical studies attest to this and Sinta’s many health benefits – aside from helping reduce blood sugar,², ³ it also relieves upper respiratory tract infections.⁴ Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage certain inflammatory conditions ⁵

WellGreens is Alice Dixson’s Healthy Choice

Alice Dixson, launched as WellGreens’ brand ambassador last year, reaffirms her commitment to loving oneself through healthy choices by going beyond her comfort zone. Known to live a healthy lifestyle, Dixson is not one to go easy on her routine, and with it she makes sure to incorporate preventive food supplements into her diet.

Dixson says:

“I started living a healthier lifestyle as part of self-love so I can pursue more of my passions. At my age, I need to keep myself going by complementing my already healthy choices with food supplements that go beyond their natural goodness. WellGreens Sinta which is certified organic and premium, continues to be my choice since it helps keep my blood sugar in check”.

WellGreens is available in all Mercury Drug branches nationwide and in PascualLab’s flagship Lazada and Shopee Stores. Avail now of WellGreens with their Buy-One-Take-One promo! Join the FB community @WellGreens for updates on the latest in healthy choices.

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Sources:
¹Okhuarobo A, Falodun J, Erharuyi O, et al. Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Pac J Trop is. 2014 Jun; 4 (3):213-222. DOI: 10.1016/S222-1808 (14) 60509-0

²Ischak N, Botutihe D. Premiliminary Study of Clinical Antidiabetic Activity of Salam Leaves (Eugenua Polyantha) and Sambiloto Leaves (Andropgrahis Paniculata in Type 2 Diabetic Patients. IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Envronmental Science. 580 (2020) 0123034. Doi: 10. 1088/1755-1315/589/1/012034

³Alrich JR Hilario , et. al. “Evaluation and Characterization of Indigenous King of Bitters, Andrographis paniculata (Sinta) and Momordica Charantia (Ampalaya)”. September 2021

⁴Nizmawardini Y, Endang H, Djunaidi R, et al. The Effect of Andrographis paniculata Extract Capsules on Blood Glucose Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Current Research. 2013; 5(3): 578-581. ISSN: 0975-833X.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10589439

⁵Rahmi E, Kumolosasi E, Jalil J, et al. Extracts of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Leaves Exert Anti-Gout Effects by Lowering Uric Acid Levels and Reducing Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Inflammation. Front Pharmacol. 2022; 12:787125. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.787125

Upgrade Your Summer 2022 With These Worth-Your-Savings Products

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Spend smart and save more this summer with GLife’s all-new exclusive promos for March 2022! All things you need have already been carefully and specially curated for you, so you can spare more time to have a good life everyday.

Summer 2022 is here and everybody is ready to make this one different from the past 2 summers that were spent in lockdown. While this means more of the fun and exciting activities people have missed out on, this also means more spending. With all the summer sales happening, it can get hard to keep savings in check.

Good thing there’s GLife. In case you’ve missed it, GLife is a whole shopping platform right inside the GCash app with exciting merchants ranging from food and drinks, retail, tech and gaming, homecare, beauty, and even pet care, with exclusive promos every month so you don’t have to worry so much about keeping your savings intact. And with the quality list of merchants, you know that each peso you spend is worth it.

Whether you’re looking for something specific or are just looking to do some retail therapy, with GLife on GCash, you’re instantly provided with smart choices on how to spend your Summer 2022 with easily accessible merchants and products right in the palm of your hand without ever having to switch apps. Keep reading to get the latest updates on the promos this month!

KOOL PH

Be cool and stay cool in the heat while saving more at the same time with 10% OFF on the 25oz insulated bottles of KOOL PH.

Onward

Level up your summer lifestyle with Onward’s future forward solutions tailor fit for all kinds of activities at home or outdoors with no minimum purchase required, 35% OFF on selected items, and an additional 5% OFF for GLife purchases (via a promo code).

Warehouse Club

Looking for something new or different? Warehouse Club is your hub for uniquely diversified online sellers from personal care, to food, to useful learning courses, and more! Enjoy discounts on selected items exclusively on GLife.

DATABLITZ

In case it gets too hot outside and you prefer to stay indoors, you can transform your gaming experience at home instead with big promos from Datablitz on GLife! Purchase the Gigabyte M32U Monitor Promo + Aorus SSD and receive a PHP1,000 Steam Wallet for FREE! (Promo period is until March 31, 2022).

You can also get the best of sustainability, productivity, and value for money with the new Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-57WC 15.6-Inch FHD IPS Laptop, an eco-friendly laptop made and built for a more sustainable future environment that comes with FREE access to MS Office Home & Student 2021 PLUS the Acer Entry Run Rate backpack so you can work smart anywhere.

Other Top Picks You’ll Love & More

Your best summer ever is already in the making. Check out these other top picks you might love for your smart summer choices on GLife.

Photos taken from merchant websites

SKINNI

Goal Getter Green Bikini - P1,899

Duma Diwata - P2,999

Fully Booked

Serene Sunday Crossword Puzzles - P769

House Planted: Choosing, Growing and Styling - P850

HairMNL

Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray: For Full Bodied Beachy Looks - P1,350

Bed Head by TIGI Totally Baked: Meringue Styling Prep - P1,250

Island Girl

Solihiya Planter Sleeve in Small - P695

Coconut Planter - P220

Wonder slumber

Wonder Slumber Weighted Blanket with Cotton Duvet - P4,800

Wonder Pillow - Orthopedic Pillow with Gel layer - P2,400

Puregold Channel Launches the Much-Awaited “Ang Babae Sa Likod Ng Face Mask” Romcom Series

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This summer, expect pure fun and entertainment from Puregold Channel with the much-anticipated release of its first-ever rom-com digital series “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask” on March 26.

A 13-episode romantic comedy series conceptualized with Puregold, produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig, and directed by critically-acclaimed Victor Villanueva, “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask” marks the introduction of social media personality and comedienne Herlene Budol in her very first starring role.

Popularly known as “Hipon Girl,” Herlene’s wit and charm helped her get an initial break—regular exposure on the variety show ‘Wowowin’. Now she takes on a lead role in Puregold Channel’s second digital series, “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask”.

“Napaka-exciting na opportunity ang ibinigay ng Puregold sa akin,” Herlene gushes. “Nakilala ako bilang co-host at sa aking sariling YouTube show. Ngayon naman, gusto ko ipakita sa lahat ng followers at Hiponatic supporters ang kakayahan ko bilang isang leading lady.”

“Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask” tells the story of Malta, played by Herlene Budol, a 25-year-old cashier. Malta works hard to support her mother, Madam Baby, portrayed by seasoned actress, Ms. Mickey Ferriols.

One day at work, Malta meets the handsome but unlucky in love Sieg, played by Kit Thompson. It’s love at first sight for Sieg, who is mesmerized by Malta’s eyes. What unfolds is the story of how Malta and Sieg find love and overcome their doubts and insecurities, and break the negative cycles of their past.

“Ang Babae…” follows in the footsteps of Puregold Channel’s first series, “GVBOYS.” Both bring back warm feelings of nostalgia from the early years. Where “GVBOYS” is reminiscent of the 90s sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake,” this new series can be seen as the modern and comical “Blusang Itim” excluding the elements of fantasy.

Puregold marketing manager Ivy Piedad adds, “The ever-present face mask is now a symbol of hope and self-love for our lead in this new series. And we hope to entertain a large number of viewers online especially given the Pinoy’s fondness for light, romantic comedies.”

The entertainment media caught a preview of “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask” during its virtual launch, which drew the attendance of the show’s stellar cast such as Herlene, herself, her leading man Kit Thompson, Mickey Ferriols, and others.

Expect laughter, tears, and the highs and lows of great romcoms from the “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask”. Stream the digital series for free on YouTube Puregold Channel every Saturday, 6PM, beginning March 26, 2022.

For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube.