Bath time just got more colorful : Capture life’s colors with American Standard color fittings

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When building a home, everyone dreams of being able to create a space that they truly love. Whether this means having a house that reflects your unique personality or a space that gives you a sense of true serenity, this can easily be achieved by carefully choosing the colors and finishes of your furniture. With the newly launched finishes by American Standard – Polished Cool Sunrise, Brushed Hard Graphite and Matte Black, consumers are now able to add a more personal touch to their bathroom spaces.

Every color has a story. Which one fits yours?

Polished Cool Sunrise

The timeless beauty of Polished Cool Sunrise will brighten up your home. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated feel or want a touch of vibrant color to your bathroom, this bright gold polish can infuse your space with a comforting glow that will match what you’re looking for. With this color, light gracefully dances across its glossy finish which helps you create a warm and joyful ambiance in your home.

Brushed Hard Graphite

For those who want to transform their bathroom space, the stunning Brushed Hard Graphite shade and its rich grey hue and textured finish is perfect. If you pair this finish with dark or earth tones, this will create an atmosphere of zen and tranquility in any room. However, if you’re looking to add more unique character to your home, its industrial-inspired look and refined appearance can also effortlessly balance style and functionality.

Matte Black

The striking beauty of Matte Black helps you escape the noise of everyday life within your home. This finish can either help you set a bold statement or establish understated elegance — all because of its rugged all-black texture that exudes a commanding presence and leaves a lasting impression.

Elevate your bathroom with Acacia Evolution and EasySet

All three-color finishes are available in the Acacia Evolution faucets, EasySet Concealed Auto Temperature Mixer and EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature and select accessories.

Elevate the look and feel of the bathroom with the modern, minimalistic clean lines of Acacia Evolution fittings. With EcoStart, Acacia Evolution faucet releases cold water instead of warm water upon lifting the lever, saving you up to 30% of precious energy as it prevents the boiler from heating up. To get hot water, you will only need to move the lever to the left, and by providing a resistance midway when lifting the lever, ClickMove gives you better water volume control, saving you water. Lastly, ComfortMove provides smooth handle performance for optimal precision and comfort.

The EasySet Auto Temperature Mixers, which come in both Concealed and Exposed variants, will elevate your showering experience to a whole new level of comfort. Adjust the water temperature and volume with a simple push and turn to pamper yourself with a shower at a constant and comfortable temperature with ThermoComfort, even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. Prevent accidental scalding, especially for the young and elderly, with ThermoSafe which caps water temperature at 49° Celsius and shuts off when cold water supply fails. As an added precaution, the EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature Mixer features CoolShield to ensure the faucet body is always cool to the touch to prevent any instances of scalding when come into contact.

If you’re building your first home or planning an upgrade to your current homestead, the bathroom space design plays an important role in your wellness experience at home. Choosing mood-boosting colors for you and your family can transform your basic toilet and bath into a personal sanctuary – something that you will love to come home to every day, and a space you and your family will enjoy being in.

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ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD

American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best in class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.

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ABOUT LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. Approximately 55,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.ph

GCash supports COMELEC’s Kontra-Bigay campaign

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GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as "Kontra-Bigay", ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Seated from left: Committee on Kontra bigay commissioner-in-charge Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr., Comelec commissioner Socorro Inting, chairman George Erwin Garcia, commissioner Rey Bulay and deputy executive director for operations Rafael Olano, together with the GCash legal team (standing)

Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney's Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).

COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.

One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.

“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.

GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people's will.

"We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.

As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy, is for all.

A REMARKABLE SWAN SONG: Filipino Jet Ski champion takes home another world title in impressive last hurrah

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A remarkable final race

Paul del Rosario’s recent and final race was held at Lake Havasu City in Arizona, USA, in early October, entering his last World championshipsa, the 2023 SBT (Short Block Technologies) IJSBA Jetski World Finals.

Del Rosario was able to secure one first place finish for the Philippines, under the amateur ski modlites class, and a runner up finish in another category the, veterans (ages 35-45yrs) ski gp class. Both categories are from the ski class/stand up category, a jetski type with no built in seats, requiring the rider to stand up, which is the most difficult form of jetski racing to date.

Del Rosario came close to winning two world titles. Unfortunately, with stiff competition, and exhaustion from being made to do a total of 6 races in one day instead of dividing the two categories in separate days, ended up finished a little short in the Vet Ski GP category, with a tie breaker rule involved (the vet class is for racers in the 35 to 45 years old bracket), where he took home a silver medal. This was still a big improvement from the fifth place finish he had the previous year.

Del Rosario fresh from ending his last 2023 JSAP Philippine national race season held last September also won two Philippine titles—the Open Ski class (Open, which means almost no limits to modifications to the hull and motor; and Ski, meaning stand-up type Jet Ski, which is the hardest form of jet skiing); and the expert Stock Ski Class (Stock, which means leaving the motor and hull untampered and leaving them in their original form). Del Rosario was also the first hall of famer recipient from JSAP this 2023, for his notable international achievements as his contributions to the organization and to our country.

“[Being recognized as a Hall of Famer] is truly an honor,” he said. And while every win is important. His dedication and passion for the sport led him to numerous victories and prestigious titles, cementing his status as one of the most prominent Filipino athletes in competitive Jet Ski racing.

“It’s a fitting ending for a long jetski racing career. I can now retire in peace and focus on work, family, and assisting JSAP to develop more talent to represent the Philippines internationally,” Del Rosario said.

A colorful, storied career

Del Rosario’s remarkable achievements include clinching the Philippine Rider of the Year award from the Jetski Association of the Philippines (JSAP) an impressive nine times.

His crowning glory came in 2010 when he finally won his first World title in the expert runabout World Finals after years of trying. For years, he came close to bringing home the gold but never entirely, with mechanical issues always plaguing his final races.

In 2022, Del Rosario at 43 years old remarkably secured his second gold medal, for himself and for our country, this time on a stand up class jetski, a class difficult for his age, at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals in the Ski Modlites category, held in Arizona, USA. IJSBA is the governing body of the sport, similar to how the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) oversees soccer in the world.

Bagging the top prize in the World Finals is a big deal. In the world of Jet Ski racing, this league is like its Olympics, with respective national champions from other countries sent to compete.

This victory not only brought pride to the Philippines but also elevated him to the coveted rank of #1 in the world rankings for his category.

Among the many accolades he has won over the years are being three times World Champion (2010 Expert Open Runabout/sit down type), 2022 Am Ski Modlites Champion, 2023 Vet Ski GP; 2007 Thailand Pro Am Runabout Super Stock; and 2011 Thai World Cup champion (Pro-Am Runabout Open).

Del Rosario is also the only Filipino rider to win internationally on all three major types of Jet skiing—sport, ski, and runabout.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Del Rosario said, “Jet Ski racing makes me feel much more alive. When I’m riding one, it feels like I’m in a different world.”

However, every athlete knows that retirement is inevitable. In 2023, Del Rosario made the difficult decision to retire from competitive sports, acknowledging that his fruitful career had prepared him for this moment.

“I can now retire in peace and focus on work, family, and assisting JSAP to develop more talent to represent the Philippines internationally,” he said.

Del Rosario’s achievements are not just personal victories; they are proof of the resilience and dedication of Filipino athletes.

Jet Ski racing presents its challenges, including the high cost of entry and the physical risks involved, Del Rosario’s story showcases the unwavering spirit of athletes who overcome these obstacles for the love of their sport.

His seven-year hiatus—partly due to injuries such as herniated lumbar discs, advanced tendinitis of both kneecaps, and an impinged shoulder—and subsequent comeback highlight the mental and physical fortitude required to compete at the highest level.

As he bids farewell to competitive racing, Del Rosario is full of gratitude. “My gratitude goes out to all the brands and people that have supported me over the years, the likes of Davies paints, Lordfel marketing, Mesco inc, Motul, BG products, Ryusei Int'l, Manila Cordage, Dynamic castings, k2 top engineering, Jetpilot Philippines, Networx jetsports and fastpowersports.

Moving forward, Del Rosario remains optimistic about the future of Jet Ski racing in the Philippines.

With his retirement, Del Rosario plans to continue riding recreationally and focus on his personal life, work, and family. Del Rosario notes as well, that he’ll do his best to cultivate the next generation of racers through JSAP.

Del Rosario leaves behind a meaningful message for the aspiring talents of the future: “The future is bright for Jet Ski racing. We have come a long way—from being laughed at before to being respected in the game. And I know we can go much further and achieve more.”

Indeed, Paul del Rosario’s amazing career serves as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipino Jet Ski racers, reminding them that with determination, dedication, and the right support, they too can ride the waves of success.

Health Experts Raise Alarm on Dengue Crisis

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 Next Generation Dengue Vaccine, other Solutions Presented

Dengue remains to be a major public health problem in the Philippines. But it is reassuring to know that medical science has continued to develop and is working on real solutions, such as new vaccines and other novel and ingenious solutions that address the dengue crisis head on.

Affirming that the full might of Japan, one of the healthiest nations in the world, is behind the Philippines in its fight against dengue: Minister Nihei Daisuke, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

The inaugural Dengue Forum titled “Addressing the Mosquito in the Room” held last Wednesday, 27 September, aimed to amplify the conversation on dengue as a public health concern in the Philippines. The event was organized by RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group (RAN-BCG) and was supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH).

Between 1 January and 9 September of this year, 125,975 dengue cases were reported across the nation, so far lower compared to cases in the last five years.  Since mid-June 2023, 5,000 cases have been registered on an average every week, according to the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines.^[1] Despite the plateauing dengue cases, the DOH is not shutting down the possibility of an uptick in cases during the coming the rainy season.

The present impact of dengue was described in the recent dengue forum "Addressing the Mosquito in the Room": The forum gathered a panel of experts from various relevant fields from both relevant government agencies, as well as from the private sector. It aimed to raise the alarm on the already ongoing Dengue Crisis, assess the extent of the burden at this time, map out a multi-sectoral strategy, but perhaps most importantly, to discuss new developments globally on newly introduced solutions that can make a real impact in ending the dengue crisis. This dengue forum was also an opportunity to establish a robust platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the dengue situation in the country.

In an official statement, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) Teodoro J. Herbosa, MD, emphasized the urgency of the event, and the importance of a holistic approach: “This event carries profound significance as it highlights the importance of a Philippine Collaborative response framework. Dengue is a self-limiting disease, there is currently no definitive therapy or regimen available,” he stressed. With the COVID-19 threat now effectively mitigated, dengue now looms as the one of the most prevalent health concerns in tropical countries such as the Philippines.

Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, MHA, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, and pediatrician Dr. Maria Fatima Gualberto of Otsuka Solar Phils. Inc. of Japan shared that dengue was among the leading causes of hospitalization in the post COVID-19 era. While Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano of DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau pointed out that dengue was the second biggest health condition in terms of cost for PhilHealth claims nationwide in the last year.

The DOH was represented by Ms. Angelica Garcia Supervising Health Program Officer DOH Epidemiology Bureau (Center), who gave a thorough situation report on dengue in the Philippines for the last 3 years. She is flanked by Lo-Anne Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Right) and Ranielle Mendoza -Founding Partner of Rise Above Now (Left).

Meanwhile Ms. Angelica Garcia of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, shared the alarming truth, that statistically, 56% of all dengue fatalities are children 9 years old or younger. Furthermore, 70% of all dengue cases are people 19 years old or younger.

Representatives from Local Government Units where dengue incidence was relatively low namely Pasig, Caloocan, Quezon City and Baguio shared their best practices in the area of vector control, or eradication of mosquitoes, emphasizing adherence to the Five S method of controlling dengue:  

Search and destroy

Self-protect 

Seek consultation

Support fogging

Sustained Hydration

 

The fact that Dengue is among the leading causes of hospitalization in the Philippines was pointed out by Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, MHA, President Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (Center). He is flanked by Lo-Anne Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Right) and Ranielle Mendoza -Founding Partner of Rise Above Now (Left).

New hope, a LOT of new hope.

However, the most promising news came from the medical experts on hand, who shared that there are in fact new weapons that are available in the war against dengue. Consultant to the DOH and eminent infectious disease authority, Dr. Rontgene Solante fully acknowledged the need for stringent vector control, but he cautioned: “If you focus only on vector control, there is a possibility that it can also reduce herd immunity.” Dr. Solante then shared that there are in fact second-generation dengue vaccines, one that is actually already licensed for use in over 30 countries, including ASEAN neighbors Indonesia and more recently Thailand.

This  vaccine are far more advanced than the previous generation. They can be administered safely to people whether or not they have previously had dengue. Numbers are also significantly better than 1st gen vaccine. Solante shared that the TAK003 vaccine already licensed in over 30 countries are 80.2% effective at preventing dengue infection, compared to just 56% for first gen vaccine, it is also 95.4% effective at preventing severe dengue, whereas first generation vaccine had only 91% efficacy.

Dr. Solante shared that the reason behind the superiority of 2nd generation vaccines was that they were engineered on a dengue virus backbone, whereas the 1st generation was built on a Yellow Fever backbone. This is also the reason why 2nd gen vaccines are effective even for those who have never had dengue.

Despite the promise of an effective vaccine, Dr. Solante echoed Secretary Herbosa’s opinion: “Vector control, environmental control, patient education, awareness, even updates in the clinical management are all part of what we call an integrated approach and a vital part of this will be vaccination. So, this is what we call a comprehensive strategy. You have vaccination, as well as vector control.”

TAK003 is manufactured by global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company Takeda. Takeda was represented at the forum along with three other Japanese firms and no less than Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Mr. NIHEI Daisuke who affirmed Japan’s commitment to help ease the global burden of dengue: “We also consider dengue as an international concern, and we are one with the Philippines in your fight against this disease.”

TAK003 vaccine was also recently recommended by the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) for introduction in settings with high dengue disease burden and high transmission intensity to maximize impact to public health and that the vaccine introduction should be accompanied by a well-designed communication strategy and community engagement.^[2]

New vaccines are not the only new development, Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, Chief of the Division of Infectious and Tropical Disease at the Philippine General Hospital shared that there is in fact promising news in the area of developing antivirals that could both provide immunity and cure already infected patients. In her presentation, Dr. Ong-Lim shared both the action of the antivirals in development, as well as what stage of trials they have already shown promise in.

While sharing the promise of new developments, Dr. Ong-Lim also talked about simple yet ingenious best practices that have worked worldwide, such as mosquito nets that are used to cover entire small villages. She did reiterate the importance of vaccine, but also pointed out how much more effective these would be if combined with other tactics: “Of course, we know that vaccines are known to be the most efficient approach to be able to target big numbers in these kinds of conditions, but when vaccines are complemented by therapeutic agents, you can even [have] better control.”

Ultimately with these new developments, it will be possible to bring dengue numbers down to insignificant levels. To make dengue vaccination widespread though, will require that every Filipino learn more about this disease and demand that any and all means be used to end this crisis.

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About RANBCG

Rise Above Now Business Consulting Group (RANBCG) is a management, marketing and capability-building consulting firm based out of the Philippines specializing in the healthcare industry. RANBCG, with its 50 years of collective healthcare experience from its roster of consultants, has been a trusted partner of pharmaceutical companies in conducting medical conventions, virtual engagement sessions and physical capability-building workshops for healthcare workers. In 2021, RANBCG was the partner of the Department of Health in holding resiliency workshops for all healthcare professionals amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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^[1] https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2023/4/19/DOH--Dengue-cases-up-by-94--in-Q1-of-2023.html

^[2] https://www.who.int/news/item/02-10-2023-who-recommends-r21-matrix-m-vaccine-for-malaria-prevention-in-updated-advice-on-immunization

 

Asia Harm Reduction Forum (AHRF) Champions Transformative Change in Upcoming Flagship Event

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The Asia Harm Reduction Forum (AHRF) is set to host its flagship event at the Manila Hotel on October 19, 2023, from 9 AM to 5 PM. This momentous gathering will unite advocates from across Asia to delve into pivotal issues and solutions surrounding harm reduction, reinforcing AHRF's commitment to pioneering global health equity and saving lives.

AHRF, in its relentless pursuit of health equity, is seizing the spotlight to raise awareness about harm reduction practices and their transformative potential. The upcoming event aims to enlighten attendees on the profound impact of harm reduction on individuals and communities in everyday life.

Harm reduction, as advocated by AHRF, seeks to mitigate the negative effects of harmful habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, overeating, and risky sexual behaviors. The forum will underscore how these habits take a significant toll on people, communities, and the environment, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to enjoy these activities without compromising well-being.

The Asia Harm Reduction Forum 2023 will feature eye-opening insights, emphasizing the power of community engagement, collective action, and grassroots initiatives. AHRF 2023 believes these elements are pivotal in building resilience to embrace harm reduction practices and transform neighborhoods into safer spaces.

The conversation will delve into potential solutions, including early intervention programs, addiction education in schools, and policies to promote harm reduction practices.

With this, the existing programs and policies in the Philippines related to harm reduction, particularly in the context of tobacco use. Despite governmental initiatives to control tobacco use, challenges such as misinformation, limited resources, and discrimination persist.

Recently, AHRF conducted an interview featuring Karen Bordador, sharing her journey of transformation and resilience after facing drug accusations and wrongful allegations that led to her time in prison. Karen's story illustrates the importance of community support, vigilance, and awareness of harm reduction practices and rights. Her journey serves as a powerful source of inspiration for those seeking to overcome adversities with community support.

AHRF, at the forefront of pioneering global health equity, seeks to amplify the importance of sharing knowledge, supporting initiatives, educating friends and family, and taking the first steps toward harm reduction. The organization encourages everyone to get involved and play a role in building a safer and healthier community.

Save a seat at the forefront of change awaits:

https://www.asiaharmreductionforum.online/

https://www.facebook.com/AHRF2022