Merck steps up awareness campaign against thyroid diseases

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In time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) 2017, leading science and healthcare innovation company Merck, joined forces with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA), Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM), and the Iodine Global Network (IGN), to raise consciousness against thyroid disorders. 

You and your thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that sits in at the lower front of the neck. It plays a key role in one’s overall health and well-being by producing thyroid hormones that help keep the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs in tip-top condition. 

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide. In the Philippines, one in every 11 adults suffers from goiter or other thyroid disorders. 

Thyroid problems are more common in women. Figures show that women are four to seven times more likely to have thyroid disorders than men. They are also at risk of hypothyroidism by 10 times. Moreover, women who recently gave birth and those who are in the menopausal stage are more vulnerable.  

But why are thyroid diseases usually left undetected and misdiagnosed? Blame the symptoms. Tiredness, anxiety, weight fluctuations, difficulty in sleeping – these are some of the telling signs of a thyroid problem. Unfortunately, more often than not, people usually attribute these to merely having poor lifestyle choices. This is why the theme of this year’s ITAW is: “It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid”.

It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid

Since its primary role is to control the metabolism, disorders may occur when there’s little (hypothyroidism) or overproduction (hyperthyroidism) of thyroid hormones. 

Patients with hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone, tend to have slower metabolism: they gain weight despite not eating much, move and speak slowly, feel tired and have depressed thoughts, cannot tolerate cold, and have irregular menstrual periods. On the other hand, patients with hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, will have hyperactive metabolism: they lose weight despite having good appetite, have heart palpitations, irritable thoughts and insomnia, have sweating and heat intolerance, and can have tremors in their hands. 

The diagnosis of thyroid disorders can easily be made by checking the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood. Treatment brings the level of thyroid hormones back in balance, restoring normal metabolism to the body.

For more information, visit www.thyroidaware.com

 or follow “Unmasking Your Thyroid” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thyroidph). 

About Merck

Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company with headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Merck is a leading science and technology company that works to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions

Bigger, Better World Street Food Congress 2017

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“Re-Imagining Possibilities”

The Philippines will once again play host to one of Asia’s biggest food events, the World Street Food Congress (WSFC)! And this time, the event gets bigger and better. For five full days of gastronomic adventure, foodies from around the world will get to enjoy over 35 different kinds of street food from across 13 countries. This will happen from 31 May - 04 June 2017 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Organized by photojournalist and TV personality K.F. Seetoh of Makansutra and presented by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), this year’s WSFC will highlight three exciting components: World Street Food Jamboree, World Street Food Dialogue, and World Street Food Awards.

You can find a wide array of authentic mouth-watering heritage street food representing different countries across the globe in the World Street Food Jamboree. Plus, you can also meet various celebrity chefs and watch their amazing whipping skills at the cooking demos.

The industry’s top chefs, global movers, entrepreneurs, and food aficionados will be coming together to share ideas, developments and opportunities in street food culture. 

With the theme, “Re-Imagining Possibilities”, the roster of speakers will be led by international food and travel celebrity Anthony Bourdain and the country’s very own Chef Claude Tayag and Sau Del Rosario.

30 World Street Food Masters will be awarded in the World Street Food Awards. These winners must possess characteristics of a true street food professional including perseverance, innovation, and the ability to identify possibilities that nurture the world’s comfort and street culinary heritage.

Indeed, by hosting an even bigger and better WSFC in the country, the Philippines is eventually becoming a global destination not only for events, travel, and lifestyle but also gaining recognition for being a premier destination for culinary adventure.

Metro Magazine Celebrates Its 28th Anniversary And Star Magic’s 25 Years With The Newest Roster Of Style Stars

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In celebration of Metro’s 28 years of style, beauty, and culture, and Star Magic’s 25th anniversary, the stars have aligned to once again bring together the newest roster of style stars set to take the country by storm in the MetroXStarMagic25 collaboration.

The brightest of their generation converge in a once-in-a-lifetime shoot with their peers: Julia Barretto, Liza Soberano, Kathryn Bernardo, Janella Salvador, Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, Sofia Andres, Sue Ramirez, Alexa Ilacad, Kira Balinger, Ylona Garcia, and Andrea Brillantes.

Metro also pays tribute to the 25 years of Star Magic through this homage to the August 2010 iconic cover photographed by BJ Pascual.

Premiering an exclusive collection from Martin Bautista as worn by the Star Magic girls, this ultra-collectible issue also features eight Filipinas who are shaping feminism today, including Metro’s Editor-at-large Sarah Meier, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, director Sam Lee, and many more.

The magazine also gives u a look into the stylish life of Maricar Reyes Poon, how to wear statement stripes, ‘70s florals, metallics, and polka dots for spring; a sartorial twist on Gucci S/S ’17, and your go-to Mother’s Day gift guide.

Check out all these and more in Metro’s May 2017 issue, now out in major bookstores and newsstands for P150.

Your Stage For The World’s Best Entertainment Comes To Life At The RTL CBS Summer Fair 2017

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Summer is about to get better with a weekend of fun and excitement at the 2017 RTL CBS Summer Fair happening from May 26 to 28. Join the three-day festival at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati and experience the limelight with the entire family!

Now on its third year, the 2017 Summer Fair is bringing the hottest television programs including The X Factor UK, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Scorpion to life with attractions that are sure to unleash hidden talents and let guests enjoy a moment of fame.

Anyone with a knack for singing can showcase their vocal prowess at The X Factor Stage, or take a shot at becoming a social media hit at the Carpool Karaoke booth.

If high-tech crime fighting sounds exciting, guests can try their hand at action with the Scorpion Laser Room challenge. And for a bit of lighthearted comedy, the Fail Army Velcro Wall will offer a few laughs—all in good fun!

More surprises await guests including an ice cream eating contest care of Baskin Robbins, as well as several raffle games for a chance to win amazing prizes.

Be part of the festivities and pre-register at http://www.rtlcbs-summerfair.com/ to access the venue faster. Admission to RTL CBS Summer Fair is free.

RTL CBS Entertainment has partnered with Novu Hair, Baskin Robbins, foodpanda, Glorietta, Ayala Malls, Monster RX 93.1, SKY, Devant, and Volkswagen to make this year’s Summer Fairmore enjoyable for everyone. RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect (35), Destiny Cable channel 53 (Digital) and 89 (Analog), and Cablelink channels 37(SD), 313(HD).

Construction Show Cebu remains relevant at 25

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Marking its milestone at 25, Construction Show Cebu (CEBUCON) is set to take the center stage at the Sky Hall and Mountain Wing Atrium in SM Seaside City Cebu, from June 2 to 5, 2017. 

With the theme “25 Years of Building Business Networks in the Construction Industry in the Southern Philippines,” CEBUCON remains relevant by showcasing product solutions, innovations and expertise that meet the current and future demands of the industry in the region. 

It was first conceived and organized in 1993 to be aligned with the vision that Cebu will become a major gateway of trade and tourism in the region. 

CEBUCON Organizer L.A. Ducut & Company, Inc.’s managing director, Lilibeth D. Abais, said that this milestone event is evident that CEBUCON delivers its commitment to be a vital trade link between suppliers and their market in the region’s construction industry as the popular venue for product displays, launchings, market tests and networking event among industry trade professionals, suppliers and stakeholders.

One of CEBUCON’s pioneer and regular exhibitors, Manila-based industrial and power tools distributor Elektro Werk, Inc. (EWI) President James N. Tan stated that “with the exposures we have at CEBUCON it had contributed to our business growth. CEBUCON, as always, is beyond showcasing. Its organizer, L.A. Ducut & Company, Inc. extends value-added services to both its exhibitor and visitor markets even beyond the event.”

Cebu Belmont, Inc.’s vice president for operations Engr. Felomino D. Ang, shared the same opinion: “[It] truly understands the local market, especially Cebu and Visayas.” This is one of the reasons why their company have been consistently collaborating their exhibit participation at the CEBUCON with their principals and suppliers. 

One of its consistent trade visitor, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) National Auditor Architect Eldred Caesar I. Tan, commented that “the Construction Show Cebu is an innovator and in the forefront of this kind of exhibition in the part of the country. It has showcased materials, tools and equipment and have provided for intellectual stimulation by holding seminars attended by architects, engineers and allied professionals. CEBUCON has benefited not only those directly involved in the construction industry but also the home and building owners in particular and the general public.” 

A first timer to CEBUCON is Architechnologies, Inc. to introduce its new software to the local market. “The ProgeCAD Professional 2018 is our next generation of alternative CAD product in the market, set to handle bigger sized files, this is the best version yet. We believe the event is an excellent venue to launch the latest offering of ProgeCAD,” stated technical director Ar. Dennis S. Mayo. “It is our belief that there are still a lot of professional who need the benefit of an affordable CAD package. We believe that CEBUCON also carries that belief of sincerely serving the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry and with this partnership, we are tapping the potentials and networks unreachable to us (at the Architechnologies),” he added. As Construction is a booming industry across the country. 

The robust building activities spread out in other parts of the nation given the massive national infrastructure spending by the government. For instance, in Central Visayas, majority of construction activities in the region are located in Cebu, including the P27.9 billion Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), which had its groundbreaking last March; the P50-billion Metro Cebu Expressway that is set to start next year; the P9.2B New Cebu International Container Port; the P98 billion 25-kilometer Cebu rail project; and the P420 million worth Metro Cebu flood control projects, among others. 

Bohol and Siquijor also saw rapid infrastructure developments since the first semester of last year. Such strong growth of the construction industry here and elsewhere nationwide is seen to keep its momentum on the back of sustained economic fundamentals. The Philippine construction industry is expected to continuously grow in the next three years, bolstered by the residential and infrastructure markets.

From $30.2 billion in 2015, Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) projects the sector to reach $47 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate of 9.22 percent. As reported by BMI Research’s Philippine Infrastructure Report last January, construction industry is predicted to grow from P1.09 trillion this year to P1.73 trillion in 2021. The sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product is, likewise, projected to expand from 6.8 percent in 2017 to 7.3 percent in four years.

These prospects open new opportunities for L.A. Ducut & Company, Inc. to make CEBUCON more responsive to the needs of the local construction industry. The exhibit’s major cooperating agency is the Hardwares Consolidated, Inc.