Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company, has recently launched two new exciting additions to its product line-up in the country: a new favor of Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix - Cookies and Cream, and Herbal Aloe Concentrate Mandarin.

"Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix is our flagship product and the new Cookies and Cream flavor will surely capture the taste buds of our Filipino consumers. We’re equally excited for Herbal Aloe Concentrate Mandarin, with its refreshing taste and nutritional benefits," said Mr. Rosalio Valenzuela, General Manager of Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. "As a purpose driven company aimed at making the world we live in healthier and happier, we will continue to offer great tasting, high-quality nutrition products to help people get the right balance of healthy nutrition everyday.”

The launch event was held at the Herbalife Nutrition Philippines Corporate Office in Bonifacio Global City Taguig. It features an exercise routine led by Herbalife Fitness Coach Dwan Abantao, a wellness evaluation, a live demonstration on how to prepare Herbalife Formula 1 Shake, and a sharing on the results of the 2017 Balanced Nutrition Survey – spanning 15 Asia Pacific countries including the Philippines.

Herbalife Formula 1 Shake provides balanced nutrition through an optimum mix of high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and fibers. It is recommended for people seeking an easy-to-prepare healthy, balanced meal to support their daily nutrition, and is also available in Dutch Chocolate, Wild Berry, and French Vanilla flavors in the Philippines.

Herbal Aloe Concentrate (HAC) Mandarin flavor is made from aloe vera concentrate with natural mandarin flavor. It complements the established Herbal Aloe Concentrate mango flavor, and likewise prioritizes healthy digestion.

From pastel casual wear that are bright and happy for playtime, to dainty skirts and polos for dressier occasions, clothes come in a magical assortment of colors and designs to choose from. They also sport fun prints for girls like flowers, butterflies and rainbows while boys, on the other hand, get to explore his adventurous side with prints of dinosaurs and monsters.

 

Your tween wonders can start their style game early with cool separates that are perfect for mixing and matching for the girls, while preppy polo shirts, blazers, shorts and jeans are perfect for the boys.

Take your kids out shopping this whole month of September, and make their style dreams come true, only where there is surely more to love--Robinsons Department Store. For more information, and to get updated on the latest promos, like Robinsons Department Store on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. 

- 73% worry about dengue, but only one-third feel prepared and in control

- More than 70% believe there is a cure for dengue and that antibiotics are needed to manage symptoms

- 84% are keen to learn more about how to treat and prevent the disease, and parents feel dengue education should be taught in schools

- Allied Against Dengue is committed to raise awareness on dengue prevention and management across Southeast Asia through engagement, empowerment and education

Dengue, the fastest spreading viral disease in the world, is also the number one concern in Southeast Asia (SEA), according to the SEA Dengue Survey. Commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare, the survey takes a comprehensive, present-day look at the prevention and management of Dengue, which outranked dangerous viruses such as Zika and HIV.

GSK is one of the founders of Allied Against Dengue (AAD), an open movement initiated by public and private institutions with a mission to reduce the impact of the disease on society. The pharmaceutical company presented the highlights of the survey at a scientific forum on ASEAN Dengue Day in Legazpi, Albay.

Two thirds of respondents are anxious about widespread occurrence of the virus, and almost 40% have had an immediate family member who has suffered from it. While governments in the region have made extensive efforts to inform their citizens, dengue continues to be a huge burden to society.

“The impact of dengue has dramatically risen over the past few decades, putting about half of the world’s population at risk,” says Debjit Rudra, Area General Manager for Southeast Asia, GSK Consumer Healthcare. “Southeast Asia alone carries the highest prevalence of dengue, affecting 2.9 million people annually, representing the biggest regional burden in the world.”

There is also rampant misunderstanding among the public, with more than 70% in the region and almost 80% in the Philippines mistakenly believing there is a cure,  or that antibiotics are needed to manage dengue symptoms. A low 28% of Filipino respondents are aware that paracetamol is the only recommended medication for dengue fever management as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the trusted paracetamol brands in the Philippines is Calpol, which is proven safe and efficient in relieving pain and fever among children who are most vulnerable to the disease.

Beyond management, survey findings also uncovered that there is still a struggle to identify the symptoms of dengue in the Philippines. Only 19% know that dengue can be detected on the first day of infection and that majority would only visit the doctor when fever persists up to 3 days. Ironically, more than half of parents are confident that they would be able to diagnose their children with dengue, which may lead to misdiagnosis and place children in jeopardy.

“It is alarming that a large proportion of the population are misinformed about dengue management. This emphasizes the greater need for education,” Rudra says. “In light of these results, the AAD will continue to intensify its public advocacy program to mitigate the impact of dengue on communities in the region.”

On a positive note, the survey revealed that 95% of Filipinos are interested to learn more about dengue, and almost all parents feel schools should play a role in educating students about the disease.

Initiated by a coalition of 12 organizations, the AAD launched its pilot educational campaign in Indonesia in 2015, followed by Malaysia and the Philippines. More than 11,500 healthcare professionals and pharmacists joined efforts to empower and educate more than seven million patients on disease prevention and management across digital and media channels, and on-ground activations.

Active members of AAD, alongside GSK in the country, are the Department of Health (DOH) and Mercury Drug Corporation. Each organization provides their expertise in support of defeating dengue burden in the Philippines.

“Dengue is rife in Southeast Asia and, as a coalition partner; we can play an active role in society empowerment. The AAD is a perfect model on how we can join forces, and leverage on our collective strength and partnerships to drive awareness. The results of the survey will guide us on developing initiatives to educate people better,” Rudra says.

Jollibee makes kids’ playtime more exciting with fun music from the Jolly Musical Band that comes with every Jolly Kiddie Meal.

Kids can enjoy jamming with Jollibee and Friends by simply collecting and connecting the toys to form the stage, assemble the band, and see performance-ready Jollibee, Hetty, Popo, Twirlie, and Yum with their instruments.

Simply push each of the collectibles to the left or to the right to see some of their awesome concert moves. See and hear Jollibee sway and sing sweet melodies while Hetty dances and shakes her maracas. Watch as Popo strums the strings of his guitar and Twirlie hits the ivories on her piano, all while Yum adds some cool percussion with his beat box.

Get the Jolly Musical Band toys with every purchase of a Jolly Kiddie Meal. For a Yumburger Meal at P90, a Jolly Spaghetti Meal at P95, or a Chickenjoy Meal at P122, kids can get these great toys all with their own Jolly Joy Box.

Promo runs from October 1 to November 15, 2017. Visit the nearest Jollibee branch and complete the Jolly Kiddie Meal Jolly Musical Band!

Dr. Salvacion Garchalian of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines discussed the nature of Japanese Encephalitis and its effects on patients, Japanese Encephalitis is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia cause by the JE virus. Transmitted by the mosquito vector of the Culex species (mainly Culex tritaeniorhynchus), it exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs, and/or water birds.
The public is urged to pay special attention to symptoms to ensure early detection. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), leading to high fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, and in sever cases, seizures, spastic paralysis, and coma.
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment  for this disease. JE is fatal in 20 to 30% of cases and among those who survive, 30 to 50%  suffer from permanent disabilities.
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) have estimated that there are currently 3 billion people at risk for JE who are living in transmission risk areas, including 24 countries in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. JE usually occurs in rural and agricultural areas, with the disease occurring year-round in tropical countries. A local epidemiologic study showed that the virus circulates in all regions of the Philippines, including urban areas like Metro Manila, constituting a significant public health burden.
According to the WHO, the most effective way of reducing JE disease burden is through human vaccination. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has reviewed data on the different types of JE vaccines (inactivated, live attenuated, and live recombinant vaccines) and has found them to have acceptable safety profiles. Public health impact studies have also shown that JE vaccination is cost-effective. Local medical societies, including the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), have recommended that JE vaccination be give to those 9 months old and above. Other preventive strategies for disease control include bet nets, repellents, long-sleeved clothes, coils, vaporizers and mosquito control measures.
In light of the increasing reports of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the news and online media, the Food and Drug Adminsitration (FDA) and Sanofi Pasteur have come together to shed light about the nature of this disease and its prevention.
As of August 2017, the Department of Health has reported 133 cases of Japanese Encephalitis in the Philippines, nine of which resulting in death. As the public grows more aware of this mosquito-borne disease, the demand for the vaccine has also spiked. A recent advisory by the FDA warned the public against purchasing the vaccines online as these sellers are not authorized and safety of these online products has not been verified.


About the Vaccine
THe JE-chimeric vaccine (JE-CV), a live attenuated recombinant vaccine, was first licensed in the Philippines in 2013. The vaccine is produced by Vero cell culture, a cell culture technology recommended by WHO. Different clinical phase sutides have demonstrated its high immunogenicity and acceptable safety profile in both adult and pediatric populations. It is administered subcutaneously as a single dose for those 9 months and older. For individuals 9 months to 17 years of age, a booster dose is recommended 12 to 24 months after the primary dose. It is contraindicated for those with a history of allergy to the vaccine or any of its components, immunodeficiency, and to pregnant or lactating women, The public is advised to visit their doctors to know more about JE and how to prevent the disease.

Between meetings, reports, and traveling through crazy traffic, being a typical working Filipino is the perfect excuse to sit back and indulge every time you get a break. Taking time off is the best way to recharge your mind and body, but what happens during the rest of the days when you’re stuck in the daily grind?

Here are three important habits to take up so you not only get on your #fitspiration – you just may start a new lifestyle that helps you not only feel better but live better.

Know where to start
Before you hop on the latest diet and fitness craze, find your starting point. Know where you stand and work from there. Not everyone is running the same marathon, so join the one that’s meant for you.

Thanks to the power of the internet, there are now hundreds of free tools that can give you a general idea of what your health status is. BPI-Philam offers wellness tools like the Philam Vitality Active which can be accessed online for free. Users can get a quick assessment of their health status, and then get a corresponding activity recommendation to improve this.

If you’re willing to take it a step further, the Philam Vitality program can help you start your total wellness journey. Activate your membership to Philam Vitality and get access to different health checks online, and discounts on basic and selected advanced screens from medical partners such as Makati Medical Center, and Hi-Precision Diagnostics – all of which aim to give you an understanding of your current health status.

Make the right moves
Once you know how healthy your body is, it’s easier to know what needs to be done to live better.

Don’t expect to stay committed to a full hour of lifting and cardio on the get go. Ease in to ten-minute workouts, jogging around the village, or doing planks while you watch the latest episodes on Netflix. No matter how quick your workout is, gear up for your routine to train your mind to get your body moving.

Policy-holders of BPI Philam that will avail of Philam Vitality membership are given preferential rates to different active lifestyle brands, which makes fulfilling one's health goals easier. For one, members gets 70% off elite membership at Gold's Gym making staying in shape more accessible. Need the right gear? Members get 25% off regular priced items at Toby’s and selected fitness tracker from Garmin.

Reward yourself
It may sound simple, but deciding to make a lifestyle change to live healthier is never easy. Therefore, always find ways to reward yourself for a job well done!

As you lead a healthier lifestyle, you effortlessly earn points through Philam Vitality that gets you freebies, treats, and discounts on theme parks, cinema tickets, hotel accommodations, and airline bookings. What' s best is that you get an upfront 20% additional coverage on your Philam Vitality-powered premium on the first year, which can increase up to a maximum of 50% as you sustain your active lifestyle and move up your Philam Vitality Status.

Are you finally excited to start living better? Then visit any BPI branch near you, or log on to: www.bpi-philam.com

Philam Vitality is a health and wellness program that encourages you to get the best of life by leading a healthier lifestyle. The program will take you to a journey of knowing and improving your health and eventually enjoy the rewards for your healthimprovements. For more information visit www.bpi-philam.

Petsa de Peligro bringing you down? Here’s a funny commercial you can relate to!

Jollibee makes us laugh once again and crave for their deliciously affordable offerings with their new JolliSavers commercial
Petsa de Peligro—those few days when one has to go tiis-tipid before the next paycheck comes in—is an experience that most working-age Pinoys can relate to. This period (which usually occurs near the 15th and 30th of each month) often becomes a creative opportunity for the budget-challenged, dodging lunch-out invites from their officemates.

For many Filipinos, “masarap” is often equated to “mahal,” which makes dining out for lunch more problematic for those on a tight petsa de peligro budget. To avoid losing face when declining invitations for a “masarap” lunch, one often has to resort to making excuses such as “I’m still full eh” or “I’m on this very strict diet kasi.”

Jollibee’s latest TV commercial, which aired last September 17, 2017, proposes a truly creative way of getting out of this typical petsa de peligro trap: ride a giant robot, and run away!

The commercial begins with an all too familiar situation: a group of young employees deciding where to eat lunch, when someone innocently suggests going somewhere “masarap.” Sensing a threat to their limited budget, three guys unleash their secret weapon to escape spending more than what they are prepared to.


No need to resort to such extreme means during petsa de peligro—there’s always JolliSavers to save the day. For only P50.00* or less, one can always count on sulit-sarap meals even when it’s not payday yet!

JolliSavers includes bestsellers such as their Burger Steak (P50.00*), which offers a satisfying combination of 100% beef patty, topped with flavorful mushroom gravy, enjoyed with a cup of white rice. There’s also the cheesiest, meatiest Jolly Spaghetti (P50.00*), which delivers an incomparable sweet-sarap experience with every forkful. Burger lovers can count on the reliable Jollibee classic, the 100% beefy langhap-sarap Yumburger (P30.00*).

“The creative ways of getting through petsa de peligro are always funny and relatable, but there’s no need to go that far, especially with JolliSavers,” said Mari Aldecoa, Jollibee Marketing Director. “In Jollibee, there’s always good, satisfying food for everyone at very affordable prices.”

Enjoy everyday sulit-sarap meals with JolliSavers, available for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru transactions in all Jollibee stores nationwide. With JolliSavers, may sarap na parang payday, everyday!

For more information on the Philippines’ number one fast-food brand, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, or follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

* Prices may vary across different locations ###

PLDT-Smart Foundation's Gabay Guro is back to honor the country's modern heroes—our beloved teachers.

For 10 years, Gabay Guro has been supporting and empowering teachers through trainings, livelihood programs, broadbanding and computerization of schools, housing and facilities, scholarships and the much-awaited Teacher's Tribute, a grand gathering that the Gabay Guro Foundation dedicate to teachers.
Gabay Guro Chairperson Chaye Cabal-Revilla says, "Our nation's children depend on our nation's teachers to lead them to a bright future. Gabay Guro gives tribute to those who shape the next generation of nation-builders."

On its 10th year, Gabay Guro is set to top the last nine years of victory via the Grand Gathering on September 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena with nothing less than an explosive celebration as the country's biggest stars and performers converge in one grand stage to bring world-class performances. Lucky teachers can also go home with any one of the exciting prizes lined up— including gadgets, cash prizes, livelihood packages, vehicles and a house and lot.

Stellar names set to give the teachers the time of their lives on this day are Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Jaya, Sarah Geronimo, Pia Wurtzbach, Pops Fernandez, Andrew Wolfe, Michael Pangilinan, Jona Viray, Marian Rivera, Southborder, Jay-R, Luke Mejares, UP Pep Squad, and G-Force, and more surprise big stars.

A DECADE OF EMPOWERING TEACHERS

Gabay Guro has over 1,200 scholars in various state colleges and universities nationwide. There are over 300 LET passers, 496 active scholars as of August 2016 and a projected 167 graduates in 2017. Gabay Guro also celebrates the fact that 137 scholars graduated with honors - 112 cum laudes and 25 magna cum laudes. Gabay Guro has also partnered with local government units to further teacher education.The foundation has conducted trainings for over 16,000 teachers. Today, it runs eight training programs for teachers around the country namely: Teacher's Treasure Chest; English Proficiency Training; Computer Literacy; Emotional Intelligence; Teacher's Armor; Leadership Training; IT Sustainability and Literacy; and Unleashing Creativity in Teaching. At the same time, Gabay Guro answers to the needs of the times by doing grassroots anti¬drugs trainings in schools.

Gabay Guro's initiative on Broadband and Computerization has had great impact nationwide. All partner-schools are recipients of either computers/laptop or internet connection from PLDT or Smart.
Knowing that shortage of educational facilities is a major disaster area in the Philippine education system, Gabay Guro has also taken the cudgels in the construction of classrooms in the provinces, mostly those that have been hit by debilitating calamities. There are over 40 classrooms constructed and donated already in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

Brand advocacy head Gary Dujali noted that Gabay Guro carries with it an outstanding history littered with awards and citations that make all of them advocates stand a little taller.

Among these prestigious awards are the Gawad Tanglaw, Anvil Awards, Philippine Quill Awards, and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) Awards.

Gabay Guro's Grand Gathering 2017 is made possible by the generous support of Ayala Land Inc., Foton, Perry's Group of Companies, PR Savings Bank, Maynilad, Motorlandia Philippines, Devant, Telescoop, PLDT Employees Credit Cooperative, First United Travel Inc., Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, Red Cross, Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), Light Rail Manila Corp (LRT 1), New Balance, Enchanted Kingdom, Penshoppe, Filstar, Fly Ace, Flanax, Tempra, Vivalyte, PLDT, Smart, Sun and TNT.

The 2017 Gabay Guro Grand Gathering event is exclusive for teachers only. Gates open at 12 noon. Admission is free. All they have to do is like Gabay Guro on www.facebook.com/gabayguro. For more information, visit gabayguro.com, or follow them on Twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro.

Bring a whole new world of fun to your kids’ next play date with this educational and engaging app.

Customers across the globe have always enjoyed McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal. Highly collectible, each Happy Meal release comes with a range of toys for kids to delight in. With the launch of the new Happy Studio app, customers can now enjoy their favorite toys and characters in a new and exciting platform.

Happy Studio is an interactive learning and play app that makes the Happy Meal experience even more enjoyable. Filled to the brim with character-themed games, the Happy Studio app is a place where kids can explore their creativity while developing useful skills.

Using the app is simple and easy. All you have to do is download the app for free and click on your activity of choice to get the fun started. The best part? You can even scan a Happy Meal toy to unlock more fun and games within the app!

Happy Studio has been designed in collaboration with a panel of child development and play experts. These experts have been working with McDonald’s to create a fun new environment that grows children’s imaginations and encourages innovative thinking.

Educational Game Play
In the Happy Studio app, kids can choose to step into the shoes of an inventor, an artist, or a musician. Each activity is focused on developing certain skills while putting the child into playful mini-scenarios.

As an inventor, kids can build various objects with their favorite characters while learning creative and logic skills as they go. As an artist, children are able to improve their creative skills and exercise their imagination. As a musician, kids are able to explore musical patterns to help improve their rhythm and timing.

Parents can also join in on the fun with features such as Happy Readers, for quality bonding experiences with their kids.

Happy Studio is now available for download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Share your love for the app via the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/mcdo.ph, or by tagging @McDo_PH to your sweet and funny Happy Studio moments on Twitter or Instagram.