How to Choose the Right School – Put Your Future in Focus

How do you choose the right school> Do you base it on course? Specialty? Prestige?

The truth is, there is no single answer to this. But if you had to put your future into the hands of one school, wouldn’t one that combines theoretical expertise with practice experience be the logical answer?

“The role of higher education, as far as iACADEMY is concerned, is to equip students with the capability to excel inside the classroom, and more importantly, outside the walls of the institution. Our school is proud of the fact that we are able to cross traditional academic boundaries through an integrative and immersive approach to learning, across some of the most in-demand industries today,” says Ms. Vanessa Tanco, President and CEO of iACADEMY.

School of Computing

The school of computing’s academic foundation ties its programs to a real-world curriculum that is meant to make students industry-ready for their chosen career.

“iACADEMY institutionalized an extensive internship program that really focuses on the student’s talents and exposes them to the demands of the job. This ensures relevant training in the field that lets them stand out as fresh graduates,” says Mr. Mitch Andaya, Vice President for Academics.

Notably, iACADEMY is also known for producing some of the most talented graduates in Software Engineering, Game Development, Information Technology and Web Development.

School of Business

For business, iACADEMY’s courses are strongly anchored on fundamental business concepts as much as it is on the abstract ideas that drive businesses and organizations to succeed. These include thinking on their feet, smart decision-making, creativity, leadership, networking, accountability and social relevance.

“We offer business administration but with strong focus on financial management as well as marketing and advertising – all of which are the pillars of a holistic approach to business in today’s modern landscape,” explains Mr. Lucky Malveda, Dean of iACADEMY’s School of Business.

More importantly, iACADEMY makes sure that students are given a chance to learn from working professionals who are updated with the trends and constantly evolving nature of the industry.

School of Design

The study of design is as much about nurturing creativity as it is exposure to technology and real-world experience.

“Many people tend to think that the tool males the artist, but the reality is entirely the opposite. We coach students in the use of industry-standard software and equipment to unlock their creative potentials, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Our main objectives are to hone their talent and nurture their imagination to help them succeed as artists and designers,” says Mr. Ryan Abeledo, Chairperson of Multimedia Arts and Design.

It takes a more focused and practical approach to a course that is traditionally based on the subjectivity of a student’s talent. Across its different areas of discipline, specifically Animation, Multimedia Arts and Design, and Fashion Design and Technology, iACADEMY makes sure that students graduate armed with the necessary skills to become game changers in their careers.

“Given the competitive nature of design, we also want to give students a global perspective on how they can succeed,” adds Mr. Dane Romley iACADEMY’S Creative Director, whose expertise stems from having worked as one of the animators in the longest running cartoon series in the world, The Simpsons.

Senior High School Curriculum

In line with the government’s thrust to improve the nation’s education system, iACADEMY is now also offering Senior High School Program that will give students a more comprehensive educational background as they enter higher education.

That said, iACADEMY takes it a step further by creating a senior high school program that is focused on the school’s core competencies in computing, business and design; thus giving students more exposure and experience for the creative and technical expertise required to excel in their field. It also enables to make better decisions for their future careers.

“Right now, students are in the best position to learn how to become the game changers of their chosen industries. And while a theoretical academic approach is important, the competitive nature of today’s industries prompts a more comprehensive and holistic approach to education to prepare students for what lies ahead,” ends Mr. Jake Aragon, iACADEMY’s Senior High School Principal.

TLC for the Women who Take Care of Everyone

As the holidays approach, Riantique Global Inc. president Ria Castrillo shares some words of wisdom with all the busy women who wear the hats of mother, professional, nurturer, friend and wife: “Liking the way you look is vital to health and happiness. Beauty comes first from within. No matter how much makeup you have slathered on yourself, if you are unhappy, that will still show making you less beautiful.”

Beauty is more than just skin deep, according to Castrillo: It is the outward expression of all that you feel inside. “When you are happy content, that inner glow and beauty will radiate outward,” Castrillo said. “Happy people have younger hearts, younger arteries and a younger real age. Happy people recover more quickly from surgery, cope better with pain, have lower blood pressure and have longer life expectancy than unhappy people.”

So, yes, tis the season for the Up&Up skincare products Riantique exclusively distributes in the Philippines, like Up&Up Skin Lifting Serum by Yuyu Healthcare Inc. This breakthrough skincare product offers a non-surgical solution for enhancing beauty and restoring the skin’s youthful glow in an instant.

“Not only does your health benefit from happiness, there's nothing like a contented smile, a look of ease and, I believe, this will make you feel years younger.” Castrillo said. “This holiday season is the time for being with your friends and family—something made even more special when you like with the way you look and are happy. This will make the gatherings lighter, brighter and merrier, especially if you are the host at your gathering. Being confident in how you look will see expression in the way you set your table, prepare the food and handle the night's festivities with grace and confidence.”

“Stress may come along during the holiday season,” she said. “It's the time of the year when traffic is horrible, the time for late night gatherings before going off to hear the dawn Mass. You will have a busy work schedule, one where you must meet the demands of year-ending work, then fitting in last minute shopping somewhere in between these activities that will leave you tired, haggard and burnt out.”

“The Christmas season is all about joy and giving,” Castrillo added, especially for women who are wives and mothers as well. “We will handle it best by organizing our schedules and being well-prepared for the stresses of the holiday season in advance.” So begin by preparing your skin, she advises: “Up&Up Cream is the perfect line filler and wrinkle reducer for those who prefer a fast, safe and practical way to keep their skin youthful. It is the best non-invasive and instant anti-wrinkle solution in the market today.”

Like Up&Up Skin Lifting Serum, Up&Up Cream contains the safest chemicals and the finest botanical blend to regenerate skin cells and stimulate collagen and elastin production for visibly firmer and young-looking skin around the face and neck area, according to Riantique’s lovely head honcho.

“The magic combination is using Up&Up daily, in the mornings so you look fresh all day,” she said. “An organized schedule will help you overcome the busy schedule you need to get through and wearing a smile at your busiest time is the key.”

The best Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones, according to Castrillo, “is my presence. An email, text message or sending a Christmas card letting them know I am here for them despite our respectively busy days.”

After that comes the gift: “I would prefer that the gift is personalized so my friends and loved ones will feel that the gifts are specifically for them so they may feel all the thought, love and effort I have put into these gifts. Then I will choose a box of Up&Up, which will really be useful and helpful since it is a skin-perfecting serum that helps smoothen skin, fills in lines and whitens and brightens the skin so the person who get such a gift can use it to uplift her skin as well as her mood.”

Model Marina Benipayo also gives her own advice on the importance of staying lovely as the years pass: “I would like to think that we are responsible for ourselves, that we feel and look good—no matter what age. Aging is a natural process, yes, but the environment and stress we have to handle hastens the appearance of wrinkles. We need products that target our skincare needs and suit our lifestyle. Up&Up makes my wrinkles less noticeable. Is easy to use and fulfills the promise of youthful-looking skin.”

“Preparing for the coming season’s parties and gift-giving takes a lot of planning and time management,” Benipayo said. “Making Up&Up a habit will ensure that, come Christmas, our skin looks as if we haven’t gotten stressed over anything at all.”

She would also give Up&Up skincare products as gifts to her loved ones and friends to share the joy it has brought her: “Any woman would be happy to receive Up&Up since it gives them the chance to discover and experience beautiful, radiant and wrinkle-free skin like never before.”

Thousands of Young Athletes Compete at the 20th Alaska Football Cup Championship

Celebrating two decades of an active, healthy lifestyle 6,150 young athletes compete at the 20th Alaska Football Cup Championship

Two decades of commitment with the world’s most popular sport, Alaska Milk holds the 20th Alaska Football Cup at the Alabang Country Club in Ayala Alabang Village for a three-day event on November 28 – 30.

The biggest football event for young athletes attracted players of all ages, from as young as six years old. They have gathered in one venue to participate in one of the longest-running and most successful grassroots-development programs in the local football scene.

“This marks another monumental event for Alaska. We have 410 teams and a total of 6,150 football players together in one venue, all united by their love for football,” shares Wilfred Uytengsu, President and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation. “It is of great pride to witness how the Alaska Sports Program has engaged young athletes into this kind of culture, and how they live by the values inherent in sports,” he further adds.

The Alaska Football Cup is one of the highly anticipated annual football tournament for today’s young athletes. The weekend event will be played with more than 800 seven-a-side games, in 29 football fields, and officiated by over 168 game officials.

School teams and football clubs from all over the Philippines including Masbate, Baguio, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Davao, Palawan, Legaspi, Laguna, Batangas, Bukidnon, Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ilocos, Bicol, Romblon, Davao Sur, Compostela Valley, Quezon, Cavite, Albay, Pangasinan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Mindoro and Metro Manila will participate.

Alaska on developing the child’s “winning form”

Alaska Milk encourages sports engagement, as it instills the values of determination, discipline, hard work, team work and sportsmanship during the early stages of a child’s life. Participation in sports like football helps them achieve the “winning form”, which has been Alaska’s goal for children since it launched its first football cup tournament in 1995.

Football provides an active alternative for children in place of passive activities such as watching television, surfing the Internet, or spending too much time on social media. The National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) reported that health issues are best addressed by adopting an active lifestyle along with healthy diet, and regular drinking of milk, at least twice daily.

Sports tournament like this develops the athletic and social skills of participants through healthy competition among the same age group, while it boosts physical and mental development. 

Become an inspiring athlete too and join Alaska’s sports @- NUTRITION. ACTION. CHAMPION.

For general information about Alaska Milk Corporation visit www.alaskamilk.com.

For general information about the 20th Alaska Football Cup visit www.alaskapowercamp.com/football ; 

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PlayPH for updates.

Beauty Lane brings Milan’s hair master in the PH

Italy’s most sought after master educator in hair and coloring, Alessandro Cavazzini is in the Philippines to conduct a series of trainings for local hair stylists and colorists, courtesy of Elgon Professional Hair Color. The Milan-based brand is exclusively distributed in the country by Beauty Lane Philippines, Incorporated, headed by its President and CEO, Dina de Villa-Tobojka. Through the trainings, local salon specialists will learn the ever-evolving science and art of hair color, get a deeper insight into the brand, Elgon, and learn how to maximize its products.

“The trainings will be more on using Elgon products in new ways. It’s something we can pass on to our customers here because stylists are constantly looking for something new,” Tobojka said. Just recently, Tobojka, along with Beauty Lane Philippines, Inc. General Manager Rebecca Lopez and Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco of JURO Salon Exclusif, the brand’s Philippine ambassadors had recently undergone the same training under Cavazzini in Milan.

“Whatever we learned, we will show in these demonstrations. Alessandro is here to train our educators, and let them experience what have experienced in Milan. Apart from this, we’re also planning to conduct look-and-learn seminars in Cebu and Davao which will be done by Jude and Rose as Elgon ambassadors,” Lopez said.

Elgon is one of the most preferred brands of hair color solutions in Italy as it is well known for its reputation as leaders and experts of innovation when it comes to hair color. In its 45 years in business, Elgon was able to create products that can serve and treat different needs of various salon owners and goers. It’s a brand that guarantees quality, and is dedicated in putting the health and safety of its customers first, before anything else.

“A testament to their dedication towards health and safety is their Elgon Color Remover, because you can remove color safely, without bleach. Elgon is a brand that is very conscious about health and safety, absolutely, it’s one of the things I absolutely loved about them. It’s just not, sell, sell, sell. It’s selling with a heart. Selling with concern. Selling with a soul. You can see what the company stands for just by looking at the product line. Elgon’s products have characteristics directed to health, safety, and the environment as well, which says a lot about the company.”

To prove its dedication and concern towards its customers, Elgon has a solution for people who want a certain look, but don’t have all day to spend in a salon to achieve it. “Salons don’t have to turn-down customers who are in a hurry. There are people who come to salons and say, ‘I only have thirty minutes, can you dye my gray hair?’” Lopez said.

“Actually, if you answer a salon asking for that kind of service and tell them you only have ten minutes, the stylists will probably laugh at you. With Elgon’s 10 Minute Color, time won’t be an issue. Not only will you be able to make a hurrying customer satisfied, but you can also service more customers in less time. This significantly increases your salon’s performance.” Tobojka said.

Now, a product like this has to come at a high price, right? The good news is it doesn’t! It’s actually cheaper compared to the Philippine’s current leading brand of hair color. To many salon owners, Elgon products are competitively priced considering that it is better performing compared to many brands out in the market.

Businesswise, all these characteristics in Elgon products can definitely help boost the productivity of salons.

Beauty Lane Philippines, Incorporated, the premier salon and beauty solutions provider in the country, is the exclusive Philippine distributor of Elgon Professional Hair Color. The company is also known for its success in bringing world-renowned brands of salon and beauty products in the country, including Brazilian Blowout, China Glaze, Gigi Wax, and Ardell, to name a few. 

To know more about Elgon, visit www.elgon.ph, or follow their social media pages, ElgonPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Philippines Sets Stage for Annual International Museum Council Summit

The Philippines is set to welcome more than 200 culture and museum leaders and experts of the Asia Pacific region this first week of December for the International Council of Museum- Asia Pacific 2015 Conference and General Assembly dubbed as ICOM ASPAC 2015. The event is slated on December 3 to 7 at the newly opened Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City. 

ICOM is a global network of more than 35,000 culture and museum institutions and professionals that work together to achieve its mission of conserving, continuing, and communicating to society the world’s natural and cultural heritage. Its Philippine National Committee, the ICOM-Philippines headed by its Chair, Gina V. Barte is tasked to host this year’s annual event. The ICOM President, Hans-Martin HInz, will address the event together with the ICOM-ASPAC Chair, Dr. Song Xinchao, Chair of ICOM-China and Deputy Director of the Directorate of State Cultural Heritage of the Peoples’ Republic of China.

This year’s theme, ‘Pathways for Museums for a Sustainable Society,’ promotes ICOM’s response to changes in today’s social environment and represents ICOM’s contribution to societal development, particularly in the domain of culture and museum building. This is part of ICOM’s response to the global call of uniting its partners in culture and development to create the greatest impact in becoming a cultural driving force towards sustainable development.

The link between sustainable development issues and the core function of museums to safeguard and promote and educate the public about their cultural heritage is becoming more pronounced in recent years. The world is increasingly torn by conflicts and violence, where museums and cultural heritage sites have become targets of destruction or end up as collateral damage, in situations of terrorism and war. Calamities and disasters resulting from extreme weather conditions continue to endanger museums and collections that represent irreplaceable culture and heritage. Poverty and growing population have led to neglect in some countries, making museums and cultural objects to pillage and theft.

In this event, the ICOM-ASPAC will be able to gather the key leaders of culture and museums in the region as well as other countries outside of it as one community in an effort to recognize its role in defining, promoting, and implementing sustainable practices. It will explore take off points that will bring forth significant and new knowledge about the framework and best practices of each of the 24 ICOM-ASPAC member countries. The goal is to create pathways that puts culture and museums at the core of sustainable development in the countries/regions where the ICOM-ASPAC is present, including Australia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam (observer), China, Cambodia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Japan, Khyrghyztan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Shri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand. They will be joined by Palau representing the Pacific rim countries and middle east countries, the Republic of Iran.

“As the country host, the ICOM-Philippines is looking forward to having our colleagues and our sustainable development allies, learn from the plenary discussions and workshop sessions but most of all, discover our own cultural treasures through the study tours of significant cultural sites, museums, and exhibits and other activities lined up for the event,” enthuses Barte. 

She also added that the Philippine hosting of this year’s ICOM event comes at an opportune time as the government, through the Department of Tourism, has identified the role of cultural tourism as one of the driving forces in the development of Philippine tourism. The event is also a testament that the country, and especially Iloilo, is now ready to be globally competitive in hosting international events like ICOM.

DOT follows the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), which also supports the direction of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), as its strategic framework in the development of the tourism section. Under the NTDP, opportunities for the country to develop and market competitive destinations and products has been identified. Part of this is cultural tourism as well as promoting the Philippines as a competitive venue for global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) activities.

ICOM ASPAC 2015 event will be attended by museums and culture professionals, culture and tourism planners, entrepreneurs, policy makers, advocates, academics, partners from the business sectors and civil societies, other stakeholders from the Philippines and members from the global ICOM network. If you want to know more about ICOM,visit http://icom.museum/. To know more about the event, visit http://network.icom.museum/icom-philippines/. For additional queries, contact the Secretariat at icomph.secretariat@gmail.com, +632550-2218 or +63927-812-2335

CD-R KING HOLIDAY MUST HAVES

Celebrating the season won’t be complete without giving and receiving gifts form loved ones and 

colleagues. Gifts without relying on the tag price are much appreciated especially if much thought have been given to the receiver.

Recipient appropriate gift

We must consider the preference of who we are giving gifts to. Someone who loves to cook should be given something that would complement her cooking skills. A sports buff would appreciate something he can use for his sports. Kids would definitely love toys and gaming gadgets.

Cd-r King, you’re one-stop media provider can give you more ideas as you visit their close to 400 stores nationwide. From Gadgets to home appliances and other personal stuffs, Cd-r King can give you a more affordable choice.

Newest from Cd-r King

Stand Alone Film Scanner Php2800

5 megapixel Stand-alone film scanner

2.4” Color TFT LCD

Easily one-touch button scanning

Compact and stylish design

Auto exposure / color balance

Algorism by powerful processor

USB 2.0 compatible

Embedded SD/MMC Card slot

Supporting preview, playback and editing function

USB power from adapter

USB Cable Protector (for lightning 8-pin usb cable) Php50

You may find you gadget cables shortened life span due to over bending, this one might just solve your worries.

Micro USB to Micro USB Php150

Share you battery anytime, anywhere through this innovative cable.

USB 3.1 Type C cable Php500

Connectors: USB 3.1 Type C Male to USB 3.1 Type C male

For charging and data transfer

Data Transfer: 5-8Gbps

Power Transfer: up to 22.5W

Backward compatible with USB 3.1

Compatible with Nokia N1 Tablet, chrome book Pixel 2015, MSI Gaming notebooks , new MacBook 12" etch , and other devices with USB 3.1 Type C port

Wireless Iphone presenter Php880

Air mouse function

Line mark drawing function

Net searching control

Media Player control

PPT presentation control

PC volume control

2.4GHz 10M Distance range

Plug & Play no need any driver in PC

Free Download IAMP Software on Apple App Store

Selfie Spotlight Php380

For those who can’t afford to buy a new selfie phone for that awesome selfie, fret no more.

Micro USB interface

Charging Time: up to 1.5 hours

Actual usage time: up to 1 hour

Rechargeble 200mAh Li Battery

LED Lights: 21pcs.

Wireless Charging Receiver Pad for SAMSUNG NOTE 2 Php580

The wireless charger is a transmitter which can achieve the close range wireless power transmission through magnetic induction.

It has intelligent control, turn into hibernation while no receiver is over power. Short-circuit protection of receiver.

Wireless Charging Pad Php1380

Level up your Wireless experience with this Wireless Charging device which has Circuit protection design with auto-switch off function to avoid over charging & overheating.

SOLAR LED LAMP WITH CHARGER ADAPTER Php1880

Lightweight, easy to carry and with comfortable handle

Ideal use in camping, long journey, indoors & outdoors activities and in case of emergency

Cd-r King balances affordability and efficiency

With their growing number of stores, Cd-r King regularly retails thousands of items of all sorts. Like any other brands, there will always be a room for flaw as no products or brand can always claim 100% efficiency. 

Cd-r king has always maintained less than 3% defect rate, giving value for money items for the budget conscious consumers. 

Cd-r king believes that technology prices should not be a hindrance to those who cannot afford the pricey stuff and this is what the general public has been enjoying.

Visit Cd-r King branches near you to find out more.

Dermcare: A Total Health, Beauty and Wellness Center

Dermcare is one of the Philippines’ leading skin, hair, and wellness centers. There you can indulge with a relaxing and therapeutic facials, or retreat to their luxurious spa for a soothing massage that will stimulate your body’s own healing process. Their lavish body scrubs and signature skin and body treatments, are sure to delight and make you feel good all over.

Indulge in one of their transforming cosmetic skin services that will result in fresher and youthful looking skin. As a total center for wellness and beauty, they also have specialized services for the hair, and other Dermatological treatments provided by duly-licensed physicians and therapists.

This is an opportunity to make a difference in your own well being that you truly deserve. Come to Dermcare Professional Skin, Hair and Spa, your trusted partner for more than 20 years now.  Here you’ll certainly love the unique Dermcare touch and pampering. Escape from life’s daily stresses, and bask in pure body and soul pampering and visit a Dermcare center near you today! 

My Mommy's House of Kare Kare

When in Subic.... eat at My Mommy's House of Kare Kare!

Subic Freeport is a melting pot of diverse people - both local and foreigners love visiting Subic Freeport not just for the outlet stores of our favorite brands but also the food.

From Japanese, Korean to Indian food Subic has a lot to offer. But the best is still home cooked meals prepared by our Mommy. If craving for some you can have your home cooked meal by Mommy at My Mommy's House of Kare Kare.

Its quaint design brings a very homey feel to its customers that they keep coming back for more.

And being known for their Kare Kare, My Mommy's House of Kare Kare brings you delicious Kare Kare that is so good that even without the preserved fish paste it still tastes great.

If craving Italian, My Mommy's House of Kare Kare also offers authentically made Pizza - all its ingredients are all from Italy to be true to its word and also cooked in an oven for that perfect bite.

Check out My Mommy's House of Kare Kare when you are in Subic.

To know more about My Mommy's House of Kare Kare follow them on Facebook for updates.

https://www.facebook.com/My-Mommys-House-of-Kare-Kare-1502166893414421/

Leciel Hotel - Providing irresistible and relaxing stay like in Korea!

Experience a top hotel stay like those in Gangnam with Leciel Hotel.

With its goal to provide a swanky, irresistible vibe that makes its guest feel like a Kpop celebrity Leciel will be able to give you that without a hefty price. With a wide variety of suites from 39 sq.m. rooms to their Presidential suites - you will think that you are in Gangnam with its one of a kind suites.

In terms of service they also provide high quality room and customer service in every inquiry. Amenities at Leciel Hotel also will make you love it more with its own spa service and sauna that are similar to the Jjimjilbangs of Korea.

For more information or you would like to inquire about their services make sure to check Leciel Hotel on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/LecielHotel2015

Stay with the Yachts at Subic Bay Yacht Club

One of the most known places to stay in Subic Bay is probably Subic Bay Yacht Club.

Just Located north west of Manila, Subic Bay Yacht Club over sees the Zambales Mountain Range in the east and the tranquil waters of Subic Bay that opens to the south China Sea on the west.

As one of its oldest and most renowned to all yacht owners who dock at Subic Bay - staying at the luxurious Subic Bay Yacht Club makes not just your yacht but you feel pampered. With its one of a kind service to its members, you would wish to be part of the members allowed to stay here.

It is indeed a perfect paradise with its safe harbor, elegant design and warm hospitality.

Experience us, Experience Subic Bay Yacht Club.

The Big Difference Communications Supports Business Mirror in its 10th year

Now on its 10th year in business, Business Mirror is getting stronger with its bringing news to its readers and providing excellent information to them.

As it turns its 10th year, They opened the celebrations at House Manila in Remington Hotel with a whole night of surprises and fun for all the people that have supported them.

One of the attendees is the CEO of the Big Difference Communications Ms. Jennifer Catherine Bustamante Burwell who have supported Business Mirror tremendously because of their dedication in bringing great features and headline news that will benefit their Filipino readers.

As being a great contender in the Public Relations' world, The Big Difference Communications handle Public Relations, crisis management, sponsorship management, and also marketing to leading companies of today such as Hattendo Philippines and Apag Marangle.

Owned and managed by Ms. Jennifer Catherine Bustamante Burwell, The Big Difference Communications brings a whole new level of Public Relations and Marketing to different brands with its one of a kind projects to its clients.

Congratulations to Business Mirror on its 10th year, and also to the Big Difference Communications for its utmost support to one of the Philippine's best newspaper Business Mirror.  

For more information about Business Mirror and The Business Mirror you can check out their social networking sites respectively.

Washing the Skin with Guava Leaves

Much has been said and written about the medicinal value of various plants in the Philippines.

The Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 which promoted and advocated the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development was signed by then President Fidel Ramos. And since then, the Department of Health has endorsed 10 medicinal plants which can be used as herbal medicines in the Philippines because of its proven health benefits. These are Lagundi (Vitex negundo), Yerba Buena (Mentha cordifolia Opiz), Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), Ampalaya (Momordica charantia), Niyug-niyogan (Quisqualis indica), bayabas (Psidium guajava), akapulko (Cassia alata), Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida), and Bawang (Allium sativum). Many of them are already available in commercial preparations.

One of the more popular traditional medicines is the guava, scientific name is Psidium Guajava, “Bayabas” in Filipino. This plant has been used for many generations and recognized by arbolaryos (herbalists) and those who practice natural medicine. 

Boiled, chopped or pounded guava leaves have been used and accepted as an antiseptic for wound disinfection.It helps clean off bacteria and germs found in the wound in order to prevent complications and infections. To prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum infection, boiled guava leaves can also be used as a mouthwash.

As a skin wash to clean skin and help accelerate healing and prevent infection one has to boil leaves for 15-20 minutes, cool and use as a soak, a wash or a bath rinse for wounds or prickly heat or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

However, with the urbanization of more areas. There are lesser guava trees. Thus, the leaves aren't as readily available. Now there is Guavawash. Guavawash takes away the hassle of looking for guava trees to get their leaves. One has to just mix a Guavawash sachet in warm water. Made from guava leaf extracts, Guavawash also contains other natural extracts recognized for its skin care benefits eucalyptus for its cooling effect, lavender, known as antiseptic and for aromatherapy. lemon grass as an anti-microbial, fungicidal, mint to soothe itchy skin, rose root as an anti-oxidant and to prevent premature wrinkles.

The effectiveness of all these herbal ingredients go as far back as the heydays of the albularyo. Now, they are all found in Guavawash - a natural and convenient skin wash. Guavawash is available at major Mercury Drugstore and Watsons branches.

Pfizer Strengthens Global Campaign on Bone Health, Calls on Filipinos to ‘Love Your Bones’

It is easy, or seemingly involuntary, to take things for granted when living in today’s fast-paced world. Health is almost secondary, as work is often given high priority. But to keep the body going, one needs food and nutrients for sustenance—the same goes for the need for strong bones to ensure continuous mobility and support.

Sadly, food and bone health, although considered vital life components, are still largely ignored, be it due to poor lifestyle or lack of awareness.

To help address this growing health problem, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (PCH) partnered with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to spearhead the local celebration of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) on October 20.

Aptly themed “Serve up Bone Strength,” WOD 2015 focuses on the importance of adopting a bone-healthy diet throughout a person’s lifetime to optimize bone strength. The campaign highlights the point that poor nutrition is one of the critical risk factors for developing bone-related diseases.

“It conveys the message that the first step in osteoporosis prevention begins in youth, when nutrition can help maximize our bone-building potential, and continues throughout life as we strive to maintain strong bones at older age,” explained IOF, the global organizer of WOD. A key date in the bone, muscle, and joint community agenda, WOD is an occasion when people around the globe unite to put the spotlight on the immense burden caused by osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal diseases, and the actions that can be taken to prevent and treat them. It aims to put bone, muscle, and joint health on the global health agenda.

In the Philippines, PCH has remained a solid supporter of this global movement and has advocated various activities in the past to raise awareness on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

The Silent Disease

According to IOF, osteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide. Approximately one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone (also known as osteoporotic fracture) due to this silent disease. Fractures, specifically hip fractures, can cause loss of function and independence with 40% of patients unable to walk independently; 60% requiring assistance a year later; 33% being totally dependent on or in a nursing home. Moreover, hip fractures cause the greatest morbidity with reported mortality rates up to 20-24%

in the first year after a person suffers a hip fracture.

“We at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare support the IOF in its advocacy to inform the people about osteoporosis and the fact that it can be prevented,” says Dr. Egbert Dorado, senior medical manager at PCH. “We echo IOF’s key message: Adequate intake of the right nutrients contributes to bone health at all ages, and is a first step in osteoporosis prevention. For those who already have osteoporosis, a bone-healthy nutrition should be part of their treatment and rehabilitation program.” Three of the major nutrients that help optimize bone health are: calcium, vitamin D, and protein, with recommended daily allowances varying throughout life.

“Regulating calcium levels in the body promotes better bone mass density (BMD), alongside improving muscle performance and balance. Taking a calcium supplement with adequate levels of Vitamin D3 also helps maximize calcium absorption,” adds Dr. Egbert. While proper nutrition works, it is also important to have a holistic approach to osteoporosis prevention and management.

“It is indeed crucial to build strong bones early in life by following a healthy diet as it is the key ingredient in helping a person achieve peak bone mass, and maintaining it throughout life. But it is equally important to avoid other modifiable risk factors including sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol use,” explains Dr. Egbert.

Osteoporosis is an incurable disease, but controlling its risk factors and complying with treatment regimens where prescribed can ensure a mobile, independent, and fracture-free life.

For more information on osteoporosis and World Osteoporosis Day 2015, visit www.worldosteoporosisday.org, follow IOF on Instagram (@worldosteoporosisday) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/worldosteoporosisday), or subscribe to its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/iofbonehealth).