Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Ayala Malls Solenad invites families to open their world with its Awaken Amazing Holiday Campaign



Ayala Malls Solenad is inviting families to open their world and celebrate holiday traditions old and new through its Awaken Amazing Holiday Campaign.

With its proximity to Tagaytay and its cool climate, plus wonderful outdoor spaces, Solenad is the ideal place to enjoy the outdoors and rediscover the magic of play and traditional games this holiday season. Marvel at playgrounds transformed with enchanting holiday décor and giant installations, breathe in the fresh air around the lake under the stars and enjoy the outdoors at the Activity Park. 

Solenad is a wonderful holiday getaway for families with its magical combination of both indoor and outdoor spaces. They can combine shopping for gifts with outdoor activities like biking and boat rides, then dine al-fresco at Solenad’s many restaurants to feel the great ‘ber months weather.

This holiday season, Solenad will be home to the cheeriest and merriest surprises through an exciting line-up of activities like the annual Festival of Lights and their first ever 3D mapping display. This Christmas is the perfect time to not only celebrate traditions but to create new ones as Solenad invites everyone to open their world and enjoy the outdoors in all its holiday splendor.

Check out Solenad’s holiday calendar and awaken your Christmas spirit with experiences and activities galore!

Shop at the Awaken Amazing Thrills and Deals Christmas Sale
Get the perfect gifts for your loved ones at the Awaken Amazing Thrills and Deals Christmas Sale happening this November 9-11, with offers of up to 50% off at participating stores. You won’t go home empty handed too as you get to pick a prize with every P1,000 purchase during the sale and get free gift wrapping.

Experience the Magic of Play through Awit at Laro
Catch musical performances from father and son duo, Gary Valenciano and Gab Valenciano, singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino, rising star Hannah Pangilinan, and classical performer Lara Maigue, as well as a special dance number from STEPS Dance Studio. You can also play traditional games at interactive booths at the Awit at Laro Mall Show happening on November 10, 6:00 PM at the Solenad Activity Park.

A project that celebrates the spirit of play, Awit at Laro draws inspiration from Filipino children’s games and aims to raise funds for UNICEF, Tukod Foundation and the Shining Light Foundation. With a vision of reintroducing traditional games to a new generation of youth through music and the arts, Awit at Laro is led by Gary Valenciano and Bambi Manosa with the help of over 100 artists. To get tickets, you may visit the Solenad Concierge starting November 3.

Awit at Laro will also be brought to life through the Larong Pinoy Installation. From November 17 – 24, Solenad will be full of colorful, larger than life displays of favorite Filipino games like kites, Tumbang Preso, Piko and more!

Let the Light Shine at Solenad’s Lantern Making Competition
Happening on November 24 – 25, Solenad’s Lantern Making Competition will transform the mall atrium into a festival of lights. Open to all residents of Laguna, contestants can submit their entry at Solenad from November 17 – 23. Lanterns will be on display starting November 24 and shoppers will also be treated to the “Let your Light Shine” Live Art Exhibition. 

The announcement and awarding of the winners will happen during a festive program on November 25 with musical performances from various groups. Interested shoppers can visit www.facebook.com/AyalaMallsSolenad for the complete contest mechanics.

Enjoy Heartwarming Holiday Performances
Be serenaded by heartwarming holiday music as Solenad offers vibrant holiday shows for everyone to enjoy.  Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as internationally-awarded Manila Symphony Journey Orchestra is set to perform on November 11, 6:30 PM.  Sing along to your favorite Christmas songs at the Christmas Cantata happening on December 1, 4:30PM and December 22 -23, 6PM at the Solenad Activity Park or rock out to December Avenue as they perform live in Solenad on December 2, 7PM.

Experience Christmas with local holiday treats and items
Awaken your taste buds with delicacies from the CALABARZON area at the Department of Tourism’s Kain Na! Food Fair happening on December 7- 9. Expand your food horizons and try dishes from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon and enjoy demos from local chefs, performances and more!

Give back in this Season of Giving
Make Christmas merry for those who deserve it the most and awaken the spirit of giving with Laruang Aguinaldo – Ayala Malls’ holiday toy drive for the benefit of UNICEF and Kids 4 Kids. Drop by  Red Tag by Rustans starting November 3 and Toys R Us from November 16 to December 16 and give kids more time to play, beyond Christmas.

Be dazzled by even bigger outdoor spectacles
While the fireworks and light shows have already become a tradition, Ayala Malls Solenad is making the season even more dazzling with 3D projection mapping shows happening from December 14 – 16 at the Solenad Activity Park. Created in partnership with Panasonic and inspired by the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi, awaken your senses and enjoy this all new show with your friends and family.

From wonderful shopping and dining, to heartwarming art installations, holiday decoration and merry musical performances, Solenad is giving families refreshing new ways to celebrate their holiday traditions. Awaken your senses and open your world this Christmas at Ayala Malls Solenad!

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Philippines paves the way for functional medicine in SEA through the first IFM conference in the region




Functional Medicine is experiencing a rapid development across the globe. In the Philippines, LifeScience Institute (LSI) champions this approach through various initiatives to educate, train and pursue research on Functional Medicine.

LSI collaborated with The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) to bring the first Advancing Functional Medicine (AFM) Conference in Southeast Asia, happening on November 16 and 17, at the Enderun Colleges in Taguig City.

With the theme “Uncovering the Interconnections Between Inflammation, the Gastrointestinal Tract and Toxic Exposure,” it brings together over 300 local and international doctors and other allied health professionals to talk about the underlying causes of complex chronic diseases through the Functional Medicine model.

The conference is the first of its kind in the Southeast Asian region. It will put the spotlight on the whole-body approach of Functional Medicine, which will equip doctors and patients to understand the body in its holistic sense.


This primary care approach looks at the whole body to provide long-term health solutions instead of targeting specific parts for short-term fixes. It determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root cause of the disease and see how the body responds to the environment and lifestyle.

Through the conference, more allies in the medical field will understand the core principles of this health paradigm. It will delve into the mechanisms of diseases to know how to reverse them and will tackle topics such as the often overlooked gut health, intestinal permeability, and the immune and neurologic function and their effects on one’s overall well-being.

IFM’s very own Lisa Portera-Perry, MD, Michael Stone, MD, and Robert Luby, MD, will be conducting the talks throughout AFM.

As the purveyor of Functional Medicine in the Philippines, LSI vows to continue its advocacy in spreading awareness on the significance of this medical approach, with LSC as its partner. Should you wish to know more about Functional Medicine or to sign up for AFM, you may contact LSI at (0917) 829 7075 or visit www.lsi-sea.org and LSC at (0917) 573 5433 and www.lifescience.ph. To sign up for AFM, you may reach LSI through the contact details above.


About LifeScience Institute
Our vision is a re-imagined 21st century health ecosystem addressing the root-causes of complex chronic disease. Our mission is to elevate the standard of care for healthcare practitioners to improve the assessment and management of underlying causes of complex chronic disease. We provide medical education and training for both health practitioners and patients about the assessment and management of complex chronic conditions. We support health practitioners in their journey of transition into the Functional Medicine perspective by providing introductory courses, mentoring programs, and case-based learning activities that are adapted to the Southeast Asian region.

About LifeScience Center
We all deserve modern primary care whose mission is to help us lead a happier, healthier life. No countless visits to different doctors, no buffet of medications, and no multiple diagnoses. LifeScience Center deviates from the old system of medical care to provide you personalized and preventive treatments. What makes LifeScience Center unique in today’s healthcare is how it champions genuine doctor-patient relationships. Simply put, your LifeScience care team will guide you on what to take out, what to put in, and it will let your body’s intelligent system do the rest to truly heal.



Monday, October 29, 2018

FamilyMart Glorietta 3 has a ew look and treats for us




October 29, Manila Philippines- Your favorite convenience store just got an upgrade! I remember, the first time had a visit to FamilyMart, I got the feel of true convenience.

The first-ever FamilyMart branch in the Philippines, which opened in 2013 at Glorietta 3, has finally re-opened its doors and is taking the konbini (convenience store) experience as a notch higher! 

Starting October 29, working professionals in the bustling Makati CBD can enjoy the store's fresh and fantastic new design, upgraded and exciting food selection, and even stylish new crew uniforms.

BIGGER, BRIGHTER and BETTER

Enjoy the bright and airy ambience as you shop for your everyday essentials, you can even sit-back and relax in the comfortable space and friendly service when you grab your meals. I love the upgraded and modern design, as well as a bigger and cafe-inspired dining space. This new look of Glorietta 3 is sure a prime location for young professionals in the Makati CBD.

DELICIOUS EATS

Japan's best-selling Fami Chicky, a freshly-fried, thick and crispy chicken fillet, and Hotwags, a warm, fully-loaded hotdog sandwiches available in 6 flavors can now be part of your FamilyMart meals. These yummy treats for can answer your every craving, from Filipino breakfast favorites to classic Japanese treats to dim sum, always freshly cooked and readily available all day.


BETTER-THAN-EVER SERVICE AND UNIFORM

Expect nothing but the best customer service from FamilyMart! From handling your queries and purchases, Family members promise quick and efficient transactions every time. Their staff uniforms were upgraded as well to match the brand new look and feel of the store, designed by renowned Filipino fashion stalwart Rajo Laurel. "I wanted the design to evoke a youthful energy and an invigorated feeling of style and efficiency," says Rajo. "The designs were inspired by classic preppy pieces that tweaked to more fun and functional."

'With this new and improved branch, we're making sure that FamilyMart stays at the top of its game, giving young professionals exactly what they want and need," says Roald Yap, FamilyMart General Manager. "We can't wait to roll out these Generation 2 upgrades to even more stores in the very near future.

The Gen 2 stores manifest how they intend to enrich the daily grind of Filipinos through fresher and healthier options, designed to meet changing lifestyle and needs.

Visit the leveled-up Generation2 FamilyMart branch at Glorietta 3 for the best shopping experience you'll have, brought to you by your favorite convenience store.


For updates, exciting products, and awesome deals, like and follow @familymartph on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter

For store locations or more information on FamilyMart Philippines, log on to www.familymart.com.ph


Familymart is the 2nd largest convenience store chain in the world with over 18,000 stores across Asia. In the Philippines, FamilyMart has branches in Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, Alabang, Laguna and Clark Global City.


Friday, October 26, 2018

Get up to 25% off on appliances at the Electrolux Amazing Holideals promo



Electrolux is hosting its Amazing Holideals promo this October 1 to December 31, 2018, with great deals on Electrolux and White-Westinghouse appliances available in leading appliance stores nationwide.

Get big discounts on selected Electrolux front load and top load washing machines, refrigerators, ovens and more.

Save 25% on the Electrolux EcoInverter Frontload Washer Dryer, which provides efficient cleaning and features to keep your clothes looking like new or get as much as 20% off on other top load and front load Electrolux washing machines.  

Get 20% off on the Electrolux Ultraflex Bagless Vacuum Cleaner, which has a HEPA13 Washable Exhaust filter that seals 99% of dust and allergens and was also awarded the Allergy UK Seal of Approval from the British Allergy Foundation.

Amazing treats also awaits as Electrolux is giving away fantastic freebies upon purchase of selected Electrolux appliances!

Get discounts and a free Electrolux microwave oven when you purchase either Electrolux NutrifreshInverter French Door Refrigerator, the NutrifreshInverter Side-by-Side Refrigerator or an Electrolux Gas Hob with Electric Oven Cooking Range.

Electrolux NutrifreshInverter Refrigerators keeps temperature consistent to maintain the freshness of produce and other food items for up to 7 days. It also comes with Inverter technology for up to 37% of energy savings.




Thursday, October 25, 2018

SM CITY SUCAT KICKS-OFF AN OUT OF THIS WORLD CHRISTMAS THIS 2018!



There is something about Christmas-time that seems almost magical with the feeling that everyone comes together. Through the years, SM Supermalls has been steadfast with making sure that the magic of Christmas can be felt in many exciting ways. As the festive season is fast approaching, SM City Sucat has prepared an out of this world feels this year through the launch of its Robocarnival: An Out Of This World Christmas”, a Grand and Galaxy Christmas campaign.

The official “space” launch of the Robocarnival Christmas is on November 10, 6pm at the Atrium A. This grand launch will be hosted by Vince Velasco of ABS-CBN Sports and Jason Dy of The Voice Philippines Season 2 will be the main guest performer.

The event will be attended by some famous personalities and celebrities such as Chino Roque (First ever Filipino Astronaut), Patty Laurel (Lifestyle and Mommy Blogger), Jackie Go (Lifestyle and Mommy Blogger), Nhikzy Calma (SM Little Stars Grand Winner), Robert Wachtel (Kid Celebrity and Model), Coun. Roselle Nava (Singer/ Actress), Rochelle Barrameda (Celebrity Mom), and Isabel Alves (Bb. Paranaque 2018).

A sumptuous dinner will be served by Gringo, located at the Ground Level, Bldg. A.

As the festive season comes, a series of inter-galactic and awesome activities to look forward for special events will be happening.

SM City Sucat Christmas Events
The Out-Of-This-World experience is just one of the many things to look forward to this holiday season.

On December 9, 16, & 23, catch and jam with your favorite acoustic artists and chorale groups while singing your favorite Christmas Songs.
Every weekends of December, feast your eyes with a meteor shower in space.

On December 8, 15, 22 & 25 at the SM Sucat Atrium A, snap a photo with the favorite guy every Christmas at his meet and greet sessions.

On November 24 and December 23 at the SM Sucat Atrium A, watch out for the invasion of cute aliens and robots mascots.

And finally, watch out for the series of MMFF Movie Tours happening on December.

Aside from all of these, SM City Sucat also shares with shoppers the gift-ingidea that aims to turn the tradition of giving and receiving more meaningful. This is an opportunity for the shoppers to give back and make a child happy through the SM Bears of Joy charity program.

With this, SM Sucat is inviting everyone—Filipino families, excited shoppers and avid mall goer s—to come at RobocarnivalChristmas Launch.

Friday, October 19, 2018

REP announces special production lineup for 82nd season


The untold story of a Philippine hero. An unexpected but hilarious reunion between a man and his estranged family. A poignant companionship between an actor and his dresser. A fresh and original retelling of a Filipino epic. Are you ready to see all these stories unfold on the stage?

After recently concluding yet another stellar season, Repertory Philippines or REP has announced the exciting roster of shows it is set to stage in 2019.

The leading theater company’s 82nd season includes some captivating foreign plays as well as original productions penned by REP talents! With a star-studded stable of directors, writers, and cast members, the next season is shaping up to be yet another promising one for REP.

“This season of REP is incredibly special for a number of reasons,” said president and CEO, Mindy Perez-Rubio. “We’ll be working extensively with some of the most iconic REP talents, as well as several fresh new faces who each embody REP’s brand of world-class quality. As the foremost theater company in the Philippines that stages Broadway and West End plays as well as local originals, we steadfastly commit ourselves to giving audiences a topnotch theater experience that celebrates all kinds of genres.”

The much-anticipated season begins with Miong, a historical play about the first-ever president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. To run from February 15 to March 10, the production will be staged during the 150th birth anniversary of the national figure. Directed by REP veteran Joy Virata and starring rising actor-musician Tim Pavino in the lead role, Miong is a REP-original play, with script and lyrics written by Virata and music by Ian Monsod. Additonal lyrics are by Freddie Santos, while Ejay Yatco serves as musical director.



The momentum continues with the comedic Father’s Day, which will run from March 22 to April 14 and top bills Miguel Faustmann. A sharp and witty play about an awkward and hilarious reunion between a divorced man and his estranged family, the production sees the return of the legendary Baby Barredo to the REP director’s chair.




Next on the lineup is British drama The Dresser, to be directed by Loy Arcenas, whose movie musical Ang Larawan won Best Picture at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. Centered on the relationship between a tormented thespian and his loyal dresser, the production stars powerhouse duo Teroy Guzman and Audie Gemora and runs from May 3 to May 26.


The year ends on a strong note with the REP Theater for Young Audiences production of another REP-original play, The Quest for the Adarna. Running from September 14, 2019 to January 12, 2020, the production is an English adaptation of the popular Filipino epic Ibong Adarna and is written by Luna Inocian with music by Rony Fortich. To be directed once more by the multi-talented Joy Virata, the play is poised to be a colorful celebration of Philippine culture fit for the whole family.

With such a great season ahead, make sure you grab your season passes right away! Make 2019 your most entertaining year yet with REP’s world-class productions.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 451.1474, and Ticketworld at 891.999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.
Repertory Philippines 2019 Season Shows

Miong (February 15 to March 10)
Miong, a musical based on the life of Emilio “Miong” Aguinaldo, follows the life of the country’s first-ever president from his birth until the declaration of independence. Born into a middle-class provincial family and confronted by several problems, Miong must learn how to make the most out of what life has given him. Focusing on the figure’s youth and personal life, it paints a picture of the national hero that is seldom shown by history books. Filled with inspiring songs and stellar performances, Miong is a tale of courage, patriotism, and how the most ordinary young person can accomplish great things.
Director: Joy Virata
Cast: Tim Pavino, Noel Rayos, Cara Barredo, Meynard Peñalosa, Elver Esquivel

Father’s Day (March 22 to April 14)
On an unassuming winter’s evening, Henry Willows receives an unexpected visit from his estranged son, Matthew, and his goth girlfriend, Christine. Still bitter from the divorce that tore his family apart, Henry treats them unkindly. After Henry discovers that Matthew has run away however, he decides to call his ex-wife, Sue, resulting in an uneasy family reunion. When it is revealed that the sixteen-year-old Christine may be pregnant, it prompts Henry and Sue to recall their past, prodded on by the mischievous and conniving Matthew, who wishes to see his parents together again. Brimming with comedic banter and razor-sharp turns of phrase, Father’s Day unpacks its heavy themes with endless humor. 
Director: Baby Barredo
Cast: Miguel Faustmann, Andres Borromeo, Liesl Batucan, Becca Coates, Rachel Coates

The Dresser (May 3 to May 26)
As German bombs lay England to waste, a touring theater company prepares for a production of King Lear. Sir, a tormented but brilliant thespian, arrives on set in a delusional state. Norman, his loyal dresser, does all he can to ensure that the show goes on, much to the disapproval of the company, who have had enough of Sir’s erratic behavior. As the theater fills up and an air-raid commences, Sir steps onstage as Lear while the company crosses its fingers. A poignant look at age, companionship, and the persistence of art in a time of war, The Dresser foregrounds humanity at its most vulnerable.
Director: Loy Arcenas
Cast: Teroy Guzman, Audie Gemora, Tami Monsod, Jeremy Domingo, Robbie Guevara, Justine Narciso

The Quest for the Adarna (September 14,2019 to January 12,2020)
The peaceable and prosperous kingdom of Berbania is ruled by the beloved King Fernando and his equally loved wife, Queen Valeriana. They are blessed with three sons—all mighty warriors. This idyllic life is shattered when King Fernando is struck down by a mysterious sickness and can only be healed by the song of the mythical bird, the Adarna. Anyone wanting to capture this elusive creature must travel to its home on Mount Tabor, a journey that is fraught with danger. After the failure of his two elder brothers, the youngest son, Prince Juan, ventures to find the bird and save his father.
Director: Joy Virata

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Unilab Foundation and partners invite everyone to be part of this year’s 'Play Advocacy Week’





Every child should have access to play. Be it disaster or disease, children are exposed to different situations where they become vulnerable, and they are forced to put their childhood on hold. They may already be suffering from trauma and distress, and there is often no space or opportunity for them to play.
Unilab Foundation believes that play is essential to a child’s holistic development, which is why Play It Forward (PIF) was launched in 2012. All of PIF’s activities are designed to highlight play and its significance to the mental health of children, especially in vulnerable situations. Play It Forward uses therapeutic play to provide psychosocial support to pediatric patients and to children in post-disaster or disaster-prone communities.

This year, PIF takes play further with Play Advocacy Week 2018, a week-long campaign to encourage everyone to take play seriously and to explore how play can be integrated in today’s society.  Happening from November 18 to 24, Play Advocacy Week 2018 aims to make the public recognize the importance of play in a child’s holistic development.

Play is not “laru-laro lang” (it’s just play and it’s not important). According to Dr. Bles de Asis of the Mindfulness, Love and Compassion (MLAC) Institute for Psychosocial Services, “Play is not just important for the child’s healthy and total development—it is essential.” Play can allow children as well as adults to rise up from challenges and regain the strength to live a full life.

Play It Forward has enabled access to play for thousands of children by facilitating play sessions in hospitals and communities, therefore providing them with safe spaces they need to release stress and build resilience. “Play It Forward hopes to reach more communities and organizations through Play Advocacy Week. We invite everyone to join our cause,” says Lilibeth Aristorenas, Executive Director of Unilab Foundation.

Companies, organizations, families and individuals can all become Play Champions to help make play happen for Filipino children, for a healthier Philippines.  Be part of the Play Advocacy Week celebration by organizing your own activity in your respective communities and groups, or spreading the word through social media.


Play Advocacy Week is led by Unilab Foundation's Play It Forward and endorsed by the Council for the Welfare of Children. This activity is supported by the Department of Education, UNICEF, World Vision, City of Tacloban, City of Valenzuela, City of Malabon, DepEd Ilagan, Isabela, Municipality of Atimonan, Quezon, DepEd Marinduque, DepEd Surigao City, DepEd Bicol, Gawad Kalinga, Fundlife International, Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychology Services, Miriam College, MLAC Institute, The Mind Museum, PETA, Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine Heart Center, Rizal Medical Center, National Kidney Transplant Institute, Capitol University Medical Center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, Dr. Arturo Pingoy Medical Center, Lariosa Clinic and Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Tebow Cure Hospital, Metro Davao Medical & Research Center, Inc., National Children’s Hospital, HealthServ, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, My Brave Little Warrior, Metrobank Purple Hearts Club, Cherubs Therapeutic Massage Therapy Advocates, Inc., Kythe Foundation Inc., World Surgical Foundation, Unilab, Gurufirm, Philippine School of Interior Design, Philam Foundation and ComCo Southeast Asia.

For partnerships and more information about the Play Advocacy Week, please contact the secretariat at (+632) 858-1000 local 8163 or email partnerships@unilabfoundation.org. You may also visit www.facebook.com/PlayItForwardPH and www.unilabfoundation.org. 

Celebrate Your Child’s Firsts with Abbott– A Major Step in Childhood Nutrition Supports Better Immunity and Faster Learning






Manila, Philippines, October 17, 2018 – When young children spend time in pre-school, they may be exposed not only to the wonders of the world around them but also to various illnesses that could interfere with their development. Abbott launched the new Similac GainSchool with 2’-FL HMO, for children above 3 years – the first growing up milk in the Philippines to contain the immune-nourishing ingredient 2’- fucosyllactose (2’FL) human milk oligosaccharides (HMO*).


With more than 15 years of pioneering research in HMO* and more than 20 clinical and pre-clinical studies, Abbott has shown that HMO* can play an important role in helping to build a strong immune system, reduce infections, and improve a child’s digestive health.1,2,4,5


In one of the biggest breakthroughs in childhood nutrition in the last decade, Abbott is the first company in the world to include 2’-FL HMO in its growing-up milk, for children above three years. In addition to supporting immunity development, Similac GainSchool is also the only growing-up milk in the Philippines with the clinically proven EyeQ Plus Nutrition System, which contains 10 essential brain nutrients with DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E (NVE) that help support the development of brain connections for faster learning.

At the launch event themed ‘Celebrating Firsts with Abbott’, Danica Sotto-Pingris, actress, TV host and mother of two children said, “Like any other mom out there, being on top of my children’s nutritional needs and overall health is a must for me. I want to ensure the things they consume help support both their growth and immune development. If they are strong and well-equipped against sickness, I am confident they will learn faster, reach their milestones and have a strong start in life.”



“That’s why I am excited Abbott has introduced a new growing-up milk with nutrients to help strengthen a child’s immune system and support their cognitive development,” added Danica as she shared her experience of raising her children.

Two medical and nutritional experts at the event, Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines and Dr. Ria de Guzman, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, spoke on the importance of nutrition in the overall development and growth of a child, as well as the science-based nutrition behind the new Similac GainSchool.

The informative sessions expounded on the two vital nutritional factors that are incorporated in the new Similac GainSchool— 2’-FL HMO* for the support of gut health and the immune system, and the EyeQ Plus Nutrition System, for the support of brain development. 

Dr Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr. explained, “HMO helps strengthen the immune system by nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, where 70% of the immune system exists. Keeping your child’s digestive system healthy also means strengthening their immunity.”

In the Philippines, the most common cause of infections in young children is related to upper respiratory tract infections.[ii] HMO is associated with the reduction of up to 66% of these infections.[iii]

“Good nutrition provides a strong foundation for a child to grow and thrive. With Abbott’s breakthrough science, adding nutrients such as 2’-FL HMO and nucleotides in the new Similac GainSchool growing up milk means a child now has more protection for stronger immunity," Dr Dimaano added.

Similac GainSchool also contains nutrients that are essential in nourishing strong cognitive development. As per Dr. Ria de Guzman said, “One of the main pillars of pediatric health is cognition, which consists of learning, acquiring knowledge, and performing executive functions. What I found interesting in Similac GainSchool with HMO is that it contains DHA, Lutein and Natural Vitamin E, all of which help support a child’s nutritional needs and can enable faster brain connections, for faster learning,” she said.


About Abbott:

At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world – in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals – that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 99,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.


  

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The launch of #AyokoNgPlastik Movement of WWF-Philippines together with Ayala Malls and partners


Pollution is everywhere, there are like seven types of pollution. One of which is the plastic pollution. It is a serious problem all over the world. We as individual can put this to stop by making small steps and discipline starting from our home.

“Plastic pollution is a serious threat not only to marine life but to human life as well. Plastics don’t completely degenerate and just break down into small pieces ─ microplastics ─ which are ingested by the fish that we eat. The possibility of plastics ending up on dinner plates is a serious concern and a health hazard,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO.

Uniting under the call to end plastic pollution, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, together with Ayala Malls and other partner corporations, officially launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement at Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

With eight million tons of plastic ending up in oceans every year, the Philippines ranks as the world’s third plastic polluter of oceans. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement hopes to address these alarming facts by bringing together companies, individuals, and other sectors to minimize and eventually put a stop to single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups. Refusing these is a simple yet strong first step that individuals can take to commit to a sustainable lifestyle, especially since the harm that these materials cause directly affect humans.

The movement is one of the major projects of WWF-Philippines this year. Initiated by its Next Generation Council (NGC), the goal is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to live more consciously and for businesses to operate more sustainably. Introduced during the event, the NGC is made up of young movers and shakers who heeded the call to spread WWF-Philippines’ conservation thrusts. Headed by The Net Group Chair Raymond Rufino, members include television host and columnist Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Philux COO Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Magsaysay Transport and Logistics COO Jesse Maxwell, Teach for the Philippines CEO Clarissa Delgado, The Moment Group Co-Founder and Creative Director Abba Napa, and former WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Chairperson Alexa Cancio.

"Driven by deep concern, every member of the NGC is volunteering time, energy and resources to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the country.  The challenge is daunting but we are determined and committed," stated Rufino.

Ayala Malls, one of the biggest shopping mall developers in the Philippines, has also expressed support for the movement. As part of the Ayala group of companies (recognized by the United Nations as a sustainable development pioneer), Ayala Malls is committed to driving sustainable business and living practices across their many developments.

“Sustainability has long been a priority for Ayala Malls and we’re especially proud to have the chance to continue the momentum with WWF. We launched our initial campaign in 2009, with the aim to bring focus to the importance of sustainable living, and last year we established our intent for no plastic shopping bags across Ayala Malls. We are thrilled to have found a partner in WWF for #AyokoNgPlastik campaign, as we work together for a more sustainable future for the Philippines,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Malls Deputy Head.

In addition to Ayala Malls, other official partners of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement present during the event include National Geographic, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bo's Coffee, Corkcicle, Coffee Project, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Puerto Pension Inn, foodpanda, HSBC, Impact Hub Manila, IVO, The Lind Boracay, The Moment Group, Toby's Estate, CIBO, and CNN-Philippines.

“We’re very grateful to have a number of companies join the movement this early on. With their involvement, it makes it easier for Filipinos to veer away from plastic and choose a sustainable alternative instead. We’re hoping to get more partners to participate in this cause,” Palma remarked.

WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, who hosted the kickoff event, both stressed the importance of every Filipino’s participation in the movement and how this can contribute to positive environmental change by stating how cleaning up oceans and coastlines is essential in restoring marine life and reiterating the importance of preventing pollutants from entering the oceans.

“We’re very happy to see the growing number of people interested in beach cleanups. Now the challenge we must all take is to go beyond the beach and do whatever it takes to reduce our own carbon footprint,” Fernandez said.

“The amount of trash being collected during cleanups is just unimaginable. Everyone needs to realize that our trash is never actually gone and just ends up somewhere else. We need to be responsible travelers and consumers and avoid single-use plastics and recycle what we can,” Nelson added.

If production and usage of plastic remain unchanged, experts predict that there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Everyone is invited to take part in the #AyokoNgPlastik movement and can find more details through WWF-Philippines’ social media pages or the official #AyokoNgPlastik Facebook group, which now has almost 3,000 members since its launch 2 months ago.






WWF National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez, Iza Calzado, and Marc Nelson wearing #AyokoNgPlastik shirts, which are available from October 16 to 21 at Trinoma and Glorietta



About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997. As the 26th national organization in the WWF network, WWF-Philippines is successfully implementing various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia.

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