The biggest, brightest and merriest Christmas spectacle of the year with magical friends happened at SM Supermalls!
A wonderful afternoon I enjoy was the lighting of the 50 feet Christmas Tree and witnessed a fantastic, show stopping special performance by Acrobat Troupe at SM Mall of Asia last November 9.
A magical season awaits the whole family as SM Supermalls celebrates a Merry SM Christmas in 65 malls across the country. During SM Megamall’s launch of its Royal Holiday thematic last November 8, SM invited everyone to dazzling sights, joyful sounds, festive tastes, holiday finds, and Christmas feels in SM malls this Yuletide season.
SM Mall of Asia
Kicking off the retail giant’s holiday experiences is spectacles of fireworks and laser lights in some malls, SM’s Dazzling Christmas Sky, happening in all weekends from November 30 to December 25. Since Christmas is about giving back, SM shoppers can get a pair of SM Bears of Joy for only PhP200.00 and share one with a child in need from November 8 to December 25.
SM Megamall, SM Aura Premier, SM Lanang Premier, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Mall of Asia will take center stage on November 8 and 9 as the first batch of malls to unveil larger-than-life Christmas mall displays and holiday pop-up stores. On November 10, SM will then unwrap an exciting surprise at SM City North EDSA for kids and kids at heart – in partnership with a truly magical global partner.
Mall hallways will begin to echo joyful sounds of pop Christmas carols and brass symphonies starting November 10, creating the perfect atmosphere for customer to get holiday gift and finds especially for loved ones.
From November 18 to December 25, the Grand Christmas Parade of SM Supermalls will indulge mallgoers with a field demonstration of the season, while lots of heartwarming holiday feels will be in the air at the Santa Station brought to you by Vivo Smart Phone from November 30 to December 25.
Visit http://www.smsupermalls.com/smagicalchristmas to join SM’s #SMagicalChristmas countdown or to know more about the many fun and exciting things in store for everyone this holiday season at SM Supermalls.
DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today launched a limited edition Mavic Pro Alpine White, available exclusively at Apple.com and Apple Stores in most countries.
The Mavic Pro Alpine White will be offered as a holiday bundle which includes a remote controller, two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, two additional pairs of propellers and an aircraft sleeve, at a US retail price of $1,049.
The portable, powerful and easy-to-use Mavic Pro that features DJI’s most innovative flight technology now comes in a white, sleek version. The remote controller and propellers also come in the alpine white color to give the aircraft a consistent look.
Mavic Pro was DJI’s first consumer drone designed to be taken just about anywhere. Small enough to toss in a bag and easy enough to launch quickly whenever the time and place are right, its unique folding design compresses the entire drone to practically the size of a water bottle. Despite its compact body, the Mavic Pro Alpine White is equipped with an advanced stabilized camera system, an array of onboard intelligent features and uncompromised flight performance.
With a 3-axis gimbal 4K camera, FlightAutonomy system for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance, and intelligent flight controls such as ActiveTrack, TapFly, and Gesture Mode, the Mavic Pro family of drones continue to set the standard in the consumer drone category.
Through DJI's OcuSync video transmission system, the Mavic Pro Alpine White can support a range up to 4.3 miles (7 km)1 and is fully compatible with the DJI Goggles. Its ultra-light aerodynamic airframe and state-of-the-art propulsion system give the Mavic Pro Alpine White up to 27 minutes of flight time and can top speeds of up to 40 mph (64.8 kph) in Sport Mode.
The limited edition Mavic Pro Alpine White will be the newest addition to the Mavic Pro family, which includes the Mavic Pro and Mavic Pro Platinum.
The Mavic Pro Alpine White holiday bundle retails at $1,049 USD and includes a remote controller, two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, two additional pairs of propellers and an aircraft sleeve. The product is now available for purchase exclusively on Apple.com and store.dji.com. Starting November 16, 2017, it will also be available at select Apple Stores and DJI Flagship Stores.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, is available in select countries and provides peace of mind for Mavic Pro Alpine White owners. DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage to the aircraft, gimbal or camera during normal use for up to 12 months, and for an additional charge, the plan will offer up to two full replacements that are new or equivalent to new. DJI Care Refresh is available for US$99 before a new Mavic Pro Alpine White is activated, or within the first 48 hours after activation.
DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI’s global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, inspection, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and other industries.
Happy World Cord Blood Day "Cordlife" - a consumer healthcare company catering to the mother and child segment.
Cord blood, a newfound and non-controversial source of stem cells, has since saved thousands of other children from dreaded diseases through 40,000 cord blood stem cell procedures performed to date. Yet, not everyone is aware of the need to preserve this valuable, vital resource. In fact, in 98% of childbirths, cord blood is thrown away as medical waste.
In 1988, a significant event happened that changed the way we see our bodies and the birthing process. A cord blood stem cell transplant performed by Dr. Eliane Gluckman in France saved the life of a young boy who was fighting Fanconi Anemia.
Dimples Romana
This year, November 15 has finally been designated as the first ever World Cord Blood Day.
The World Cord Blood Day - arising as an answer to the need to promote awareness and expand education on the life-saving benefits of cord blood and cord blood banking, this is a celebration filled with talks, lectures and activities geared at reaching more families about this life saving resource and procedure.
A celebration held at the Crowne Plaza, Origas, hosted by Cordlife Brand Ambassador Dimples Romana.
Cordlife Moms talk about their Cord Blood Banking experience (Dimples Romana, Vanessa Matsunaga-Sunga, Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez, Prima Villarama, and Gretch Santos-Lee
A wonderful celebration of life, the day’s events revolve around the value and benefits of cord blood and cord blood banking, the latest developments in its use such as in the other areas of regenerative medicine such as the treatment of spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and more.
In the country, Cordlife Philippines led the celebrations for this important event as the prime mover in the drive to enlighten Filipino families, particularly expectant parents, on the benefits of cord blood banking as an available standard option for treating over 80 life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, thalassemia major, lymphoma and other blood disorders.
Dr. Arvin Faundo, one of the leading experts in Stem Cell Transplantation in the Philippines, answered many questions about cord blood and cord blood banking and how it serves as a non-controversial source of valuable stem cells that can save the lives of children afflicted with various dreaded diseases. According to Dr. Faundo,"expectant parents in this country must be given sufficient information on the importance of cord blood banking. If the choice is not made, that chance is lost for good."
The highlight of the celebrations isceremonial pact between Cordlife Philippines, its partners and its celebrity brand ambassadors including Vanessa Matsunaga, Nina Corpuz, Prima Villarama, Gretch Santos-Lee and host Dimples Romana to work hand in hand to promote and spread awareness of about cord blood and cord-blood banking—a life-changing medical development that can save the lives of children all over the world.
Why is this crucial?
Everyone knows about stem cells- they are at the forefront of one of the most fascinating and revolutionary areas of medicine today. However, not everyone knows that cord blood contains the healthiest stem cells that can replenish blood, regenerate damaged bone marrow, and treat blood cancers as well as correct genetic defects.
About Cordlife
Launched in February 2010, Cordlife Philippines is the country’s first and only DOH-registered Cord Blood Bank and part of the largest stem cell banking network in Asia. It provides private cord blood processing and boasts of a state-of-the-art, ISO-certified cryopreservation facility and accrediated by AABB (formerly known as American Association of Blood Banks)– all aimed to give the Filipino the chance to benefit from the advantages of having a readily available supply of cord blood.
Cordlife Group Limited is an international provider of umbilical cord blood and cord lining services. Among the first to offer this service and technology in Asia, it was awarded the prestigious 'Technology Pioneer' status by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum in 2007 for advancing the field of adult stem cell cellular therapy, cord blood banking and technologies. This rare recognition was awarded to 47 companies worldwide, from a pool of 225 nominees– with only three coming from Asia.
Through cord blood banking, families now have a chance to survive fatal genetic diseases. At your baby’s birth, you have the unique opportunity to safeguard the health of the ones you love by storing his/her precious umbilical cord stem cells.
Make that one choice to take that one chance: protect your child’s life with Cordlife.
To know more about World Cord Blood Day, call Cordlife at (02) 3321888 or log on to www.cordlife.ph
Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Most cancers are named for where they start.
Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastatic tumors, those that grow from cells that have traveled from their original site to another part of the body.
A precise approach to personalized cancer management for each patient’s cancer genes bodes well in gaining an advantage in the fight against cancer.
A cancer diagnosis is one of the worst news anyone can get from their doctor. Your life and future change in an instant, and suddenly everything is uncertain. But, what if it were possible to catch the cancer in its earlier stage, early enough to take steps to better manage it?
Also, in a lot of cases with cancer, the treatment is nearly as bad as the disease itself. What if, you can identify which therapy will deliver the best possible result through a more precise, more individualized management plan?
The Research Genetic Cancer Center (RGCC), a world-class laboratory that specializes in medical and cancer genetics, focuses on early detection, personalized chemosensitivity testing, and accurate monitoring. They believe that “there’s no one-size-fits-all method to cancer treatment,” and the only way for practitioners to come-up with an effective battle plan is to be fully knowledgeable of the cancer, at a genetic level.
RGCC’s first step in cancer therapy is isolating and identifying Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). CTCs are cells that have broken away from a primary cancer site and entered the blood stream. Oncocount is RGCC’s screening test that gives information on the presence and concentration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells could potentially spread the disease even to distant organs.
What is Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC)?
• CTCs are cancer cells which have broken away from the primary tumor and have entered the blood stream where they circulate and have the potential to generate metastatic disease. These cells can be isolated and identified and there is growing interest in their detection for the following purposes:
- The early detection and diagnosis of new cancers - Monitoring existing cancers - Prognosis – providing information about the risk of recurrence of a current or old cancer
Oncotrace shows the presence of CTCs, their concentration, and immunophenotype (what type of cell it is). Oncotrail is the test tailor-made for specific types of cancers used for follow up control on old cancers. With the information that their tests provide, new cancers are detected and diagnosed; existing cancers are monitored; and information about the possible risk of recurrence of a current or old cancer is provided.
Once the cancer cells have been identified and targeted, RGCC tests for chemosensitivity or chemoresistance. These tests provide guidance in deciding on the best available treatment for the individual patient. They take out the trial and error aspect in cancer treatment because it already determines how effective a specific treatment and how significant the side effects would be even before embarking on a chemotherapy program. Onconomics gives the information on whether or not a specific drug works on the cancer cells of the patient. Onconomics Extracts, in the meantime, shows if natural biological substances or extract can counter cancer cells—this gives the patient the option of using natural substances as a complementary treatment strategy. Onconomics Plus is a combination of the two tests.
Emphirical chemotherapy may have a low percentage of efficacy because each person’s response to drugs can be different. Every person has a unique genetic response to cancer, depending on their genetic fingerprint. There are the Rapid Metabolizers, whose cells can process the drug so fast that it doesn’t have an effect on them; Accumulators, on the other hand, cannot take out the by-products of a drug so they often suffer from debilitating side effects and toxicities; and there are the Normal Metabolizers, who can normally process a drug to its active form and releases its byproducts. ChemoSNiP examines the inherited variations in genes that dictate drug response and explore the ways these variations can be used to predict how the patient will respond- positive, negative or non-response- to the drug.
Meanwhile, the Immune-Frame looks for the type of cells that are responsible for the activation or repression of one’s immune system. Cells of the primary tumor may have the ability to spread to other organs. To help doctors and patients in proactive monitoring of the metastases trends, Metastat can help identify the potential organ that can be affected in the future, like the lungs, bone, liver, and brain.
The main goal of RGCC Genetic Cancer tests is to discover, analyze, and screen the cancer cells at every stage of the disease to give the patient an advantage against the fight against cancer.
With the information from the tests, patients and their doctors are better equipped in creating a precise, effective and sustainable health management plan. Meanwhile, health and wellness facilities focused on creating health can work with the patient and physician in developing a health plan that would keep the rest of the body strong and healthy, through diet and lifestyle modification, to help prevent the spread of the cancer. The attending physician or oncologist can focus more on the cancer treatment and management plan.
Dr. Ioannis Papasotiriou, CEO and Medical Director, RGCC
“RGCC Group” – RGCC Group, which stands for Research Genetic Cancer Center Group, was established by Dr. Ioannis Papasotiriou in 2004. The company is a pioneering, innovative organization working in the fields of medical genetics and in particular, cancer genetics, chemosensitivity, and chemo-resistance testing. The company headquarters are in Switzerland and their laboratory is in Northern Greece.
Mr. Mitch Genato, Group CEO Global Medical Technologies
The RGCC Genetic Cancer tests are made available and accessible by Global Medical Technologies (GMT). GMT has been at the forefront of making some of the most up-to-date and relevant medical technologies and diagnostics from developed countries accessible to Filipino medical practitioners and patients, and help them outsmart health issues.
The RGCC tests can be requested through your Physician. It is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Global Medical Technologies, for more information, patients and health practitioners may visit www.gmtmanila.com.
GCash is adopting the cashless payments model of Alipay, China’s leading third-party mobile and online payments platform, which is enjoying unprecedented success in China, India and the rest of Asia to give people ease, convenience, and security when purchasing goods and services from lowly street vendors to high-end shops.
Alipay is operated by Ant Financial which has earlier entered into a joint venture with leading Philippine telecommunications provider Globe Telecom and the country’s oldest conglomerate Ayala Corporation to boost the operations of Mynt, parent company of GCash mobile wallet service.
“I believe e-payments have a tremendous amount of potential in the Philippines given the continuous growth of smartphone penetration and the number of unbanked Filipinos. Only a very select group of Filipinos have access to financial services so we want to provide that access to them. Part of financial services is cashless payments. It has taken off in other countries like China and India where the people have realized its value because of the convenience and security that it provides -- merchants and buyers don’t have to prepare change, e-money cannot be easily stolen, payments can easily be tracked, among other things,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.
A Filipino shopper uses the scan to pay feature of the GCash App at a store in one of the popular malls in the Philippines
At present, 7 out of 10 Filipinos are unbanked while 9 out of 10 do not have access to formal credit. This situation has led to the popularity of cash payments in the country.
Eric Jing, Ant Financial Services Group CEO said: “Ant Financial is working closely with Mynt to bring digital financial inclusion to Filipinos. Imagine a day when you can just pick up your phone and pay using QR codes when you shop, buy tickets, buy food. We’re leveraging technology to provide that. We will use technology to make financial services more transparent and easier to access especially for those who are underserved or unserved. Digital payments with GCash is only the beginning of many new things. I am looking forward to GCash creating more benefits for the individuals and micro and small businesses in the Philippines and to provide financial inclusion for everyone.”
Aside from the scan to pay feature of the GCash App which was allows QR scanning to pay for goods and services, GCash customers can also use the app to cash in, top up their prepaid credit, borrow load, book movies, transfer money, and pay bills.
In China where Alipay started its operations, cash is becoming obsolete as people are doing away with paper money and coins to pay for about everything. Instead of cash, they use smartphones to scan QR codes – a type of barcode which includes the merchant’s information - and pay from their electronic wallet.
Electronic payment using QR codes has become a way of life in China that practically every business, big or small, even street performers are already part of the ecosystem. Right now, over half a billion Chinese are using Alipay’s e-payment system.
A similar trend is occurring in India with Paytm, India’s largest digital wallet where Ant Financial is also an investor. Paytm has already registered over 200 million customers for its digital wallet with a goal of reaching 500 million by 2020.
