Your favorite crispy fries from Jollibee just got another tasty update!

Make every day the perfect time to bond with the squad as Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food chain, brings a tasty new upgrade to the crave-able and mouth-watering Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries. Coming out with another truly exciting way for more memorable and enjoyable squad bonding moments, Jollibee introduces another flavour profile to the Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries: garlic and cheese!

Made with 100% real potatoes fried to a golden crisp, the new Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries in Garlic and Cheese is the perfect combination of smooth and creamy cheese with a distinctly savory garlic kick in every bite which will surely leave you and the squad grab for more than just one.

Though summer season is almost over, it’s always a good day to try and discover new adventures with the squad. Check out the countless and thrilling new experiences with the barkada and don’t forget to bring the fun wherever you go with Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries in Garlic and Cheese.

Still available in Super Cheese, snack on the undeniably craveable Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries in Garlic and Cheese for dine-in, take out, delivery, or drive-thru transactions in three sizes: Regular (P40.00), Large (P65.00), or Extra Large (P80.00)*.

Available in all Jollibee stores in Luzon, squads from Visayas and Mindanao can soon start enjoying the latest tasty addition to the Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries on June 19, 2017!

The lovable, silly characters from the Despicable Me movie franchise return for a limited time.

It’s Minions Mania today, May 31 as the mischievous Minions take over McDonald’s with the return of the Despicable Me 3 Happy Meal!

Say “Bello!” to your favorite yellow creatures and characters from the movie with 10 new toy designs available in every Happy Meal purchase in-store and via Drive-Thru, Take-Out and McDelivery. Each toy has its own unique personality and feature!

Get ready to hunt down all 10 toys as soon as they launch (and be quick – we think they will sell out fast!):
Enjoy the Despicable Me 3-themed menu items (plus the Instagram-worthy packaging), starring the Despicable Me Trio. It features the NEW Cheesy Burger McDo—our beefy Burger McDo topped with a slice of creamy American cheese; the Honey Banana McFloat—a sweet Honey Banana flavored Sprite McFloat; and our World Famous Fries!


Other Minions-approved menu items are also available: the Honey Banana McFloat N’ Fries Combo; Banana Pie a la Mode—our sweet Banana Pie topped with vanilla soft serve, drizzled with luscious caramel topping; and the Banana McDip—our creamy vanilla soft serve covered in crunchy banana-flavored dip on a blue wafer cone (available in Dessert Centers and select stores only).

Head over to McDonald’s now to grab all 10 Despicable Me 3 Happy Meal toys and these limited time offer treats before they run out! Share your love for the Minions at McDonald’s via the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @McDo_PH to your sweet and funny McDo moments on Twitter or Instagram and use the hashtag #MinionsAtMcDo

There are so much many things to do before the summer ends. And there are more bonding moments to experience with the family just before the school starts. Now that rainy season is coming, going to the mall is one of the best way to spend quality time with your loved ones.
It was great that SM City Fairview have their so-called Q Art Exhibit that their patrons will enjoy and experience a whole fun of scanning those QR codes. It is just as simple as 1 2 3. All you have to do is connect to SM Free Wifi and then downloaded the QR Code Reader via Google Play. Then start scanning some of the QR Codes scattered all over the exhibit area then viola you got yourself some discounts for the store inside the mall. There are some QR Codes once scanned will give you a surprise gift and there are some that will give you discounts and as for me I was able to scanned one QR Code that says "Congratulations you win a surprise gift". Then another scan that I did gave me a free Classicos Jr. from La Lola Churreria. It was really a fun experience and you'll really love scanning those codes to get more discounts and surprises.

The idea of this engaging activity is from SM Supermalls Group Marketing Manager Mr. Jay M. Aranas who hopes to involve not just their customer but the tenants of their mall as well through scanning those QR Codes. According to SM Marketing Officer Ms. Kat Dionisio the particular code saying "Congratulations you win a surprise gift", can claim such as Kitkat chocolates or movie passes depending on the time of the claim. The exhibit have a special booth for claiming those surprise gift items.

It was really engaging. From the time that I posted the news about this through my social media, there were already some of my friends who sent their inquiry about those QR Codes. I was happy that I could disseminate this kind of information fast and what's great was that it gives excitement to those who read my announcement.

So, Mommies after you enroll your kids at their school, give some time to visit SM City Fairview and try to scan those QR Codes. You can let your kids experience the fun together with you. For sure and definitely I will let my hubby and my kids get to try this kind of activity this coming week.

Hurry! The Q Art Exhibit is located at The Atrium of SM City Fairview and will last until June 2, 2017 only. For more details just log on to www.facebook.com/smcityfairview

Okay, my first try of having a fun run together with my kids and hubby was frustrating because of the weather during that time. And though it was only a 3K run, which is by the way became a walk-jog-walk activity, the rain was a hindrance for me. That was my first and nothing came after that not until this Runrio Trilogy Race Series 2017.Woohoo! I'll be having another run and hopefully this one will get a bit serious.

For all running enthusiasts and for those who are really looking forward for this kind of activity, this is your chance again to get sweaty and burn those fats away as one of the most renowned running coach in the Philippines, Coach Rio dela Cruz of Runrio Events, Inc. announced to bloggers and media the start of this year’s anticipated running series in the country - the RUNRIO Trilogy 2017. The announcement happened last April 28, 2017 at one of the newest and extravagant hotel in the metro, the Okada Manila in Paranaque City.







If you’re familiar with Runrio’s trilogy running event, you know it already how it works but for those who don’t have any idea about it, well, get a few more time reading this and you’ll know what I am saying.

The very first Runrio Trilogy event was held last 2010 and it is aimed to purposely provide a progressive running program for those who want to finish a full marathon. This was did by Coach Rio to prepare potential marathoners.

The trilogy is compose of three running events. The first leg is set for June 25 that features a half-marathon run including 10Km and 5Km race. Then followed by the second leg on August 13, which is Rio’s very own Afroman distance, a 32Km run together with shorter distances - 21Km, 10Km and 5Km. Then the last leg is on October 1 with a full marathon of 42Km, which also includes 21Km, 10Km and 5Km race distances.

During the event in Okada Manila Coach Rio presented their celebrity partner and ambassador for this year’s Runrio Trilogy. According to Dingdong Dantes “We are excited to launch the Runrio Trilogy race series because there are many running enthusiasts out there who are looking forward to this event. This year marks the 7th year of Runrio Trilogy, whose main objective is to educate runners to train and train and race progressively.” He alos added, “Aside from this, part of the proceeds of this year’s race series will go to YesPinoy Foundation to support the organization’s philanthropic works.”

During the launch they also introduced their newest campaign and expects would be mantra of every participants, the “Heart to Finish”

“We at RUNRIO understand that people join races not just to run. It’s more because of their desire and passion to be able to finish their 21k, 32k or 42k races with different motivations. We believe that if you run with your heart, anything is possible” said Coach Rio dela Cruz, President of RUNRIO Events, Inc.

The online registration was opened during the launch while the onsite registrations was started May 6, 2017 were participants can visit the following stores:


For more information, visit www.runrio.com or like the official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/runrioeventsinc/.

Have you watched the latest Truffling Shuffling Dance video of YouTube's popular dynamic duo Ranz & Niana? If not, check out their latest dance moves together with McDonald’s Creamy Truffle Shake Shake Fries below:

Get up, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to shuffle with the truffle like Ranz & Niana as you join McDonald’s #TrufflingShuffling Dance Challenge, happening this weekend from May 26-28, 2017! Here’s how you can join:

1.Grab a Shake Shake Fries bag and complete the missing dance moves in the Truffling Shuffling Dance video found on McDonald’s official Facebook Page HERE.

2.Take a video of yourself completing the missing dance moves.

3.Post your video in the comments section of the Truffle Shuffling Dance video on McDonald’s post HERE.

Make the most out of your weekend and don’t miss out on this chance to be one of the 20 lucky winners who can throw a Shake Shake Fries party for you and your squad!

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph/

TEFAL, a world leader in small domestic appliances, brings together family as well as its passion for healthy living in its newest campaign, “Live Healthy, Stay Happy.” As a partner of every cook, foodie and homemaker, TEFAL sees the importance of equipping the Filipinos with innovative home and kitchen appliances which give them more reasons to embrace their daily tasks and perform them with ease.
A special launch called “Experience Tefal” was held last May 12, 2017 at Abenson , Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. TEFAL, along with its brand ambassador for domestic appliances and TV’s Chef Next Door Chef Jonas Ng, kicked off the “Live Healthy, Stay Happy” campaign by introducing its newest cookbook for happy and healthy eating - “TEFAL: Bringing Joy in Cooking.”
Through his recipes and with the help of TEFAL appliances, Chef Jonas inspires all to choose healthier lifestyle by creating flavorful and nutritious dishes. “Even for pros, cooking at home can be a chore since we usually face the same limitations in our home kitchens such as lack of space, time and budget. I wanted to put together simple and quick recipes that are made for busy mothers and professionals who would rather spend their time enjoying, than preparing food. With the unique leverage that TEFAL appliances offer, you’re assured that you’ll be able to whip up amazing meals in half the time. Thus, TEFAL gives its users more time to spend with the family and other important things,” shares Chef Jonas.

From left to right: Tefal Corporate Chef, Ms. Sonia Astudillo, Tefal Brand Marketing Manager, Ms. Tobi Corciega, Tefal Commercial Manager for the Philippines, Mr. Ryan Borines, Tefal brand ambassador, Chef Jonas Ng and Business Development Vice President of Collins International Trading Corporation, Miss Julie Lim

The event was also graced by TEFAL’s Corporate Chef, Maria Sonia Astudillo. A proponent of healthy eating, she is the author behind TEFAL’s 2017 Summer Recipe book, Fruity Summer Fest – a collection of fruit smoothies, juices, skewers and dips recipes. “Just like in life, there are super, ordinary and awful fruit combinations. Some fruits click so well that aside from tasting good, they become easier to digest and friendlier to the stomach than others”, she emphasizes.

Understanding the limitations of the regular kitchen and the constraints that most individuals encounter on a daily basis, TEFAL has developed appliances that are innovative, efficient, and practical. From Electrical Cooking, Food & Drink Preparation, to Linen Care and Home Care, TEFAL’s innovations will be redefining the Filipino home experience and bringing it to a new level.
Cook your rice to perfection with the TEFAL Microcomputer Rice Cooker. TEFAL’s innovative 4-layer ceramic coated pot has a unique diamond-shaped pattern that contributes to even heat diffusion and better cooking, resulting in tasty and fluffy rice. It is very durable, resistant to scratches, and cleans very easily (no need to soak!). Enjoy its versatility with 10 automatic cooking programs like a fun Cake function to make meal times more enjoyable.

For health-conscious individuals, TEFAL offers various Blenders and Juicers. TEFAL Blenders’ innovative Tripl’Ax Technology maximizes the action of 6 blades with three combined actions -- Cyclone Booster, Extreme Mixing and Chunks Killer – to make a perfectly smooth blend. TEFAL’s Infiny Press Slow Juicer on the other hand, offers 35% more juice, 30% more Vitamin C and 75% more antioxidants than using traditional juice extractors to provide naturally genuine vitamin-packed and nutrient-filled juices.


When you can’t get enough of your deep-fried picks such as French fries, sausages or fried chicken, TEFAL Fry Delight serves up the same fried taste and texture that you love, but with less oil. This low-fat fryer with Air Pulse Technology keeps food crisp on the outside and cooked tender on the inside, all while making usage and post-cooking cleanup fast and easy.
Since smartly-pressed, crease-free clothes always create a good impression, TEFAL Irons and Garment Steamers are home essentials. TEFAL innovations like its Durilium Soleplate Technology makes ironing less of a chore due to its smooth glide, so clothes can be ironed in half the time compared to other irons without it.

As a proud domestic appliance brand, TEFAL places emphasis on leading a healthy and happy lifestyle, not just with cooking, but in your everyday home tasks. Whether you’re independently single, part of a young, growing family or have an extended brood, TEFAL offers ingenious solutions to help lead a better and more balanced life. Discover confidence, convenience and a pleasurable life experience with TEFAL. Together, let us live healthy, stay happy.

To help kick off a healthier, happier lifestyle at home, all TEFAL small domestic electrical appliances will be 20% off, from May 10-31, 2017. TEFAL Small Domestic Appliances are exclusively distributed by Collins International Trading Corporation in the Philippines. For more information about TEFAL promos and the “Live Healthy, Stay Happy” campaign, visit its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/tefalappliancephilippines.

Bored with your usual everyday routine? YouTube’s popular personalities Ranz & Niana will shake up your day with the Truffle Shuffle Dance. Watch them show off their latest dance moves together with their new favorite snack, McDonald’s Creamy Truffle Shake Shake Fries. This video currently has over 600k views on YouTube and close to 1.5 million views on Facebook!

Siblings Ranz & Niana share their passion for dancing which a lot of Filipinos find entertaining. Their Facebook page has more than 2.8 million followers, while their individual YouTube channels have almost 2 million subscribers combined—making them two of the most followed local personalities on social media.

Like this dynamic duo, make every day a trufflin’ shufflin’ day when you try out the new Creamy Truffle Shake Shake Fries! Its rich and savory truffle flavor, balanced with a hint of creamy cheese and chives, will have you busting out your best moves.

Are you ready to shuffle with the truffle? Head on to any McDonald’s restaurant or get it via mcdelivery.com.ph or McDo mobile app.

The second part of my blog post that I know will really get into your nerves if you read this. So it starts.

May 16, it was early in the morning when we went to St. Peter's office for the signed death certificate, we got the signed death certificate and went to City Hall for the document to be registered. After which we went to Bagbag Cemetery for the place to bury my father's remains. Thank God we finished it all in one day.

May 17, we stayed in our parent's house for the wake. During that time most of our visitors were asking why St.Peter didn't have any flowers. Though we bought our own flowers, still it's part of their services. So I asked my collector, Ate Nilda, she said it should have flowers and it should have been delivered immediately.

It was May 18 when Ate Nilda talked to me and informed me that Ms. Jennie will follow up at the flower shop. It was 9:30PM when the flowers was delivered, it was Thursday and the 6th night of my father's wake.

May 19, early in the morning, my Mother and I bought some of the things that we need on my father's interment day. And we looked for some Chapels to blessed my father's remains at their house. We are so tired, so my mother took some rest in our house and later on decided to go home where my father's wake is. At 230pm, Owen called up and asked if I already paid the burial payment. I told him that I don't know because the documents were at my Parents house. He insisted that I need to go to City Hall together with my mother to pay for the burial fees. We were so tired and the time is already 3:00 PM. We were stressed out that day because of the time constraint in order to process that burial payment that they said. I asked him if I can have it processed on another day. Insistingly he said that it is one of the requirement for my father's burial on Sunday. It serves as the permit to bury the dead. I called my mother, and I told her about the situation. She was so mad at first but since it was one of the requirements we don't have any choice to have it processed. What is worse is that it was already Friday and the time is very limited and we all know that there will be a long line at City Hall. My mother's blood pressure shoot up. My Collector, Ate Nilda offered help that she'll join me in City Hall to have it finish immediately.

When I am about to leave to go to my Parents house, Ate Nilda called me and she told me that Ms. Jennie explained to her that it was already included in the receipt for the registration fee of the death certificate. Yes, it was included when I saw the receipt. Imagine the tension that Owen gave to us, knowing that they can't bury my father's remain just because of that permit. Plus the health issues that my mother gone through.

The concern here is that why they didn't even know how they process the papers and the documents needed for the burial when it is their routine work process. They are all inefficient and they are all insensitive of the situation of their clients.


After experiencing so many hassle, we were already cautious that their might have another problem, that's why I kept on reminding Ate Nilda of the burial's schedule and to remind the personnel of Tandang Sora branch. I informed her that the internment is 2:00 PM so St. Peter should be at our parent's house by 1:00 PM.

It seems that they are very consistent in their inefficiency. On the day of the internment, at around past 11:00 AM someone called me from a new number that they are going to be a little bit late. Unknowing of the number I responded to it and communicate with them to know the reason. Suddenly, the St. Peter appear in our door step at around quarter to 12, telling us that they will now have my father's remain carried to Bagbag Cemetery because they have another 2:00 PM schedule. My family and my relatives were all in shock that it is not yet time. They were all pointing at me and telling why I scheduled it that early when everyone knows that it was 2:00 PM. I responded back to them that the schedule is 2:00 PM and I don't know why they are so early. Imagine the commotion that it brought to us. So, immediately I contacted Ate Nilda and their supervisor (I think) Ms. France and informed them of the misunderstanding with the schedule. They agreed to provide another driver for the 1:00 PM schedule of loading my father's remains in the "Caro".

We thought it will go as scheduled. St. Peter assured me that they will be at my parent's house at 12:45 PM to have enough time to load my father's remain in the "Caro" and the travel time going to Bagbag Cemetery. It was already 1:10 PM and all eyes are on me. They were asking where's the St. Peter. So again, I followed-up and texted Ate Nilda and Ms. France. They told me that they informed the driver and personnel handling it. They were 30 minutes late of their assured time of 12:45 PM.

We are all grieving and it was the time that we are all vulnerable. And the saddest part is that they worsen it with stress, tension, and hassle. Why do we have to experience something like this? And it was from a burial services that we thought would give us the ease of taking care of our departed.

The feeling of shame/pity to myself, because I offered St Peter to my family knowing that they have the best services, but the worst experience happened. I don't know how to explain to them plus the fact that it so expensive for my family. Actually, I asked St. Peter if they can give a discount for the hassle, the tension, and the stress they brought to us to at least comfort our feeling, but still they did not provided it. So we pay the total amount of Php33,125.00 and in return the worst experience.

I think St. Peter should check the staff at Tandang Sora branch. Actually, I also suggested that they need to have a checklist and explain everything to their client, it will be a big help and it will ease the process and have good relationship with their clients.

I did this blog so that it will not happen again to their other clients. It will be a lesson learned to my family and to my readers. I think they need not only to check but to have an overhaul of their staff.

Now, I am thinking if I will get again a Life Plan from them. What do you think?

St. Peter Life Plan is one of the known plans here in the Philippines when it comes to insuring your death. An assurance that families of plan holders won't have to worry spending more when the time has come. There's a negative phrase locally saying that "mahal mamatay dito sa Pilipinas" (it's expensive to die in the Philippines), well, it is in fact true because there are too many things that you need to pay. From the time that body is declared dead up to the time of its burial.

My in-laws, my friends and even my past officemate, they all have St. Peter Life Plan. We realized that we really need to secure, at least our burial. So last year, my husband and I decided to avail the plan. We started paying last November 2016. Until last May 12, my father died. It was a painful experience for us and for the whole family.

Out of my love for my father, I talked to my mother and offered my St. Peter Plan to be transferred and be used for my father's burial. Even though most of my siblings wanted our fathers burial be catered by the other funeral services, still I insisted and my mother accepted it.

The plan that I've chosen is St. George with a face value amounting to Php37,500.00. Since the plan is still new and I had only paid Php4,375, we need to pay it in full to be utilized for my father's burial. I explained to my siblings that I heard to some people that I know about the good and efficient services of St. Peter, "maganda at maayos ang services ng St. Peter". No hassle. So, I stick to that belief. Unfortunately that belief was torn into pieces with what St. Peter Tandang Sora Branch did to us. It worsen our grieving.


It was lunch time of May 12, we lost our father. It was a very painful day for our family. Even though at grief I manage to contact my St. Peter agent (Ms. Emms Bautista) and collector (Ate Nilda). I informed them of what had happened and they extended their condolences and help for our family. They did their effort to provide the best services they can offer and made sure that we are taken cared of. We chose St. Peter Tandang Sora Branch, since it is near to us. Unfortunately, the Tandang Sora branch didn't have any available room at that time. The branch informed us that they'll be having an available room a few days after, which is Monday. My mother didn't accept the offered because we will be prolonging the day that we won't be seeing him and besides our relatives and friends would surely want to bid their farewell as well as early as possible. Though they offered the Novaliches Branch we didn't take it because it is way to far from our place.

Without any room to cater the wake of my father, my mother decided to have the wake at their house. To immediately facilitate the wake at their house, I talked to St. Peter and informed them of our decision. I called them and asked for the time they will get my father from the hospital, because my mother heard one of St.Peter client in the same hospital that they called St. Peter to pick the body of their relative in the morning but no St.Peter showed up. So I talked to Tandang Sora branch the experienced of their client and hoping that it won't happen to us. Gladly it's not because they immediately get my father at around 6:30PM of may 12.

May 13, they called us that we need to bring the clothes for my father. We went their around 1230pm. I handed the clothes to a girl that I think doesn't know what she must do because she keeps on asking the guy named Vladimir. She's there so I presumed she's one of the staff but later on I get to know that she's one of the utility personnel. Vladimir talked to me for a while then he approved the form for my father's clothes. I gave him the documents (my St. Peter Life Plan form) and asked him to acknowledge the receipt of the documents by signing on the copy that I have. He posed and ask me why? I told him that you're getting my original Life Plan documents so I need a confirmation that you received the documents. He received it and signed the copy.

I asked him if I still have any documents to fill-out and sign or any fees to pay, he just responded nothing more. I followed a question asking the time my father's body will brought to my parents house. He said that it's 3 hours to prepare the body, dress and whatever things they will do. It's already 1:00 PM that time so we were expecting they brought it at around 4:00 to 5:00 PM.


Around past 5:00 PM still no coffin was brought to my parent's house. I followed-up at 5:30 PM. I don't know who answers, not sure if its France of Jennie, asking me to bring my mother back at their office to fill-up and sign a form. I responded with a different tone asking what. I told her that we went already there when we brought the clothes for my father and asked if there are any forms that we are going to fill out or sign but the respond that we got was nothing. So assumed that everything is all clear. What's worse is that they say my father's body won't be delivered unless we accomplished the form they are referring to. I told them that we've already exerted our effort and my mother is already tired, so it's their job to do theirs. I suggested to her to bring my father's coffin together with the form and we will accomplish at my parent's house. Afterwards the girl started texting me asking for basic information about my father. It was already 6:30 PM finally my father was at their house together with the form so I filled the needed information and let my mother signed it.

May 15, we went to City Hall to register the Death Certificate of my father. This day is another worse hassle that we experience with St. Peter Tandang Sora Branch. The city hall did not accepted the death certificate because the embalmer from St. Peter did not signed the back portion of the certificate of which he was ought to do. The fact that St. Peter Tandang Sora staff should know that already and all the process concerning things like this but it seems they are lacking the efficiency. They didn't even bother to explained those things to us. So, from City hall we immediately went to their branch, talked to Ms. Jennie. She explained that we'll have to wait for the embalmer of which will take an overnight. So in other words we didn't accomplished any on that day.

To be continued on the second part of this blog post.

The health maintenance organization, founded and run by doctors, celebrates three decades of industry leadership by encouraging more Filipinos to capitalize on good health so they can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and pursue a better future

MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider in the country, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a stronger commitment to provide more Filipinos access to quality health and medical care, amidst the fast-paced, technology-driven lifestyles of this generation.

To make the celebration more meaningful, the country’s top HMO put forward the theme, “Brave the World,” to emphasize the company’s commitment to encourage each and every Filipino to capitalize on his health so that he can seize more opportunities, dare to make a difference and successfully pursue a better future.
“The world has indeed become smaller, providing Filipinos more opportunities to excel and grow. However, many pass up these great opportunities as health issues sometimes stand in their way. As we celebrate our anniversary with this in mind, MediCard will continue to strive to provide more Filipinos access to quality health care through innovative products, and services and free-standing clinics in key locations that will make staying healthy possible for every Filipinos thus, allowing them to brave the world,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Innovative and responsive products

Along with its corporate packages, MediCard also highlights its new products as it celebrates 30 years of providing quality and accessible healthcare to Filipinos: MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund and allows returns of unused fund.

On top of these innovative health maintenance products, MediCard offers various health plans to fit each individual’s budget. For individuals and families who want coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures and preventive healthcare, among others, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For a more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard also offers VIP plans; and Kabayan, created for overseas sponsors to provide quality healthcare for their loved ones in the Philippines;

Other healthcare pre-paid plans offered by MediCard are: The RXER plan, which offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases and preventive and outpatient care in MediCard free-standing clinics; Healthplus plan, where members can avail themselves of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100; and the MediCard Health Check Card, which gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups at MediCard free-standing clinics for only P500.

Clinics across Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu In addition to its 12 well-equipped clinics, MediCard also brings its top-notch medical services to more Filipinos by opening more free standing clinics outside Metro Manila. It recently opened clinics in Lipa City, Batangas and Cainta, Rizal, making their quality healthcare services accessible to everyone.

Chief among them is the MediCard Lifestyle Center, a first of its kind wellness center in Makati, which has a breast clinic - an outpatient facility that offers breast exam, mammography and consultation with breast specialists before undergoing any diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Giving back to the community

Furthermore, in 2012, MediCard maintained the lead on the realization of its founding chairman’s vision and created another symbolic milestone with the birth of MediCard Foundation, the  first charitable institution in the Philippine HMO setting. It develops and implements health-related programs and conducts outreach activities through funded CSR projects, fund-raising activities and donations from generous corporations, philanthropic individuals and other foundations. With all these developments, new product offerings and network of clinics, MediCard is truly the health partner to help members and patients achieve optimum health and be on their way to brave the world.

For more information, visit www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/. .

“It’s a song about holding on despite the many hardships of any relationship,” says the award-winning balladeer as he shares his inspiration behind ‘Kapit’, his newest single under Universal Records, which he recently released via online streaming.

Co-written by Christian himself together with Bryan Lotho of Sonic State Audio Productions, ‘Kapit’ offers a glimpse of what is next for Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, who is currently working on his new album, his first studio album since his platinum record Soundtrack, which was launched in 2015.

Already regarded as one of the premier and most sought-after balladeers of his generation, not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia, Christian’s passion for music remains as strong as ever as evidenced by the work he is putting in in his new album.

Despite his busy schedule juggling his acting career (he is currently taping episodes for the Philippine remake of My Love from the Star) and his first love, Christian, a certified hit-maker with eight platinum albums under his belt, is bent on continuing what he does best – giving his loyal fans songs that will forever touch their hearts.

Unlike his previous albums, which feature mostly remakes of classics and popular soundtracks and theme songs of movies and telenovelas, Christian regards the new album as some sort of self-rediscovery and a new phase in his already stellar music career.

“This album is a journey to find my next music path, a challenge to write more songs and to continue writing songs for others” says Bautista, who is fresh from his stint at the recent ASEAN meeting held in Manila, where he sang the annual regional convention’s theme song.

The new album, which is set for release very soon, will contain mostly original songs including ‘Kapit’ and is sure to make music fans fall in love with Christian’s soothing voice and legendary song-writing prowess. All songs in the new album will be co-written and co-produced by Christian Bautista himself with the help of Universal Records.
‘Kapit’ is now available for download and online streaming on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Spinnr, Deezer and Amazon Music. Fans of Christian Bautista can also watch the music video of ‘Kapit’, directed by Miggy Tanchanco and shot in Solaire Resort and Casino, on YouTube and Christian Bautista’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChristianBautistaOfficial.

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. [ American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Information. http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/ Accessed May 2017.]

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. [ Carlos-Raboca, J et al. The Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study 1 (PhilTiDeS 1): Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders Among Adults in the Philippines. JAFES. 2012.]

Thyroid problems are more common in women. Figures show that women are four to seven times more likely to have thyroid disorders than men.[ Thyroid Foundation of Canada. Thyroid Disease: know the facts. Available online http://www.thyroid.ca/know_the_facts.php last accessed May 2017.] 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. [ American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism. Accessed from: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypo_brochure.pdf on August 2016.] 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. [ American Thyroid Association. Hyperthyroidism. Accessed from http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hyper_brochure.pdf on August 2016.]

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).

We all love to cook, but the problem is how to prepare it in a very easy way and serve it in an unusual way. There are now too many cook books in the market that can teach how to cook and there are too many cooking show that can guide you, but the problem is that which one is the best for you, for us.
Okay, there's one show that I was glad to have seen and known, the Home Foodie. It continues to have shows that teaches and help create simple to prepare, easy to cook and delicious food. So it's another round for the good hosts of Home Foodie as they air their 3rd Season. Home Foodie is hosted by the ever click couple Drew Arellano and Iya Villana-Arellano. Together with the line of products of San Miguel Purefoods, with Celebrity Chefs, RJ Garcia, Rene Ruiz and Nutri Nurse Llena Tan-Arenas will get to share more of the "Madalicious Meals". Easy and delicious home cook meals.


Madalicious stands for Madali (easy) and Delicious food that they will offer this season. In addition to that, Home Foodie Madalicious Meals Mobile App was launched during its digital conference, where all home foodies can download the app in their smarthphones and watch 60-second cooking demos as weal as meal planning and preparation tips of the the recipes featured previously on Home Foodie TV episodes. This season, once the show is up on the TV it is automatically added to the Madalicioius Mobile App. Host Drew Arellano explains all about the said app through the video below;
The 26 recipes will be presented in thematic combos to give viewers quick tips and ideas on meal pairings. Most of the recipes featured this season have about 5 main ingredients that are pantry-friend and come in a 4 step procedures, using the finest quality products of San Miguel PureFoods.

During Home Foodie Season 3 Blogcon, Bloggers also had a taste of the flavorful dishes that will be featured on the show. Here are some of the food presented to us;

Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf.

Easy Oven Toaster Pizza, Bread Pudding in a Pan, Salted Egg Spareribs and Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf.

Mommies, this will be a big help for us as we serve meals for our loved ones and what's interesting is that it is a Madalicious Meals.  It will be a more bonding moments with the family because it is "Madalicious"








Catch Home Foodie beginning today May 15, Mondays to Fridays, after Unang Hirit on GMA 7.
To know more about Home Foodie and their recipes log on www.homefoodie.com.ph and follow them at Twitter: @homefoodiePH Instagram: @homefoodiePH and on Facebook www.facebook.com/homefoodie