Over 10% or 190 million women and girls of reproductive age globally are affected by severe pain associated with endometriosis, a painful gynecological disease in which the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, and this burden affects more women in Asia. Yet misconceptions about endometriosis, such as extreme period pain, are something women still view as part of the norm– resulting in prolonged pain and delayed treatment.

Bayer Philippines, in collaboration with its partners from the Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders (SEUD) and the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine (PRSM), calls for more conversations of care and action to eliminate pain associated with endometriosis by supporting the Asian Congress on Endometriosis (ACE) in the Philippines this year.

OB-GYNE and Asian Congress on Endometriosis 2023 Congress President Dr. Angela Aguilar shared during the Endometriosis Masterclass that prevalence rates of the disease are reportedly higher in Asia compared to other continents.

According to Dr. Angela Aguilar, OB-GYNE and ACE 2023 Congress President, these misconceptions create more barriers on why women do not consult their doctors. “There is an information gap associated with endometriosis and women continue to suffer in silence brought about by debilitating pain,” she said. “This affects their daily activities, their productivity suffers at work and school– diminishing their quality of life.”

Importance of Early Diagnosis

“Endometriosis sometimes takes several years to be diagnosed, but with the Asia Consensus guidelines, it allows us to help HCPs tackle endometriosis by improving diagnosis and treatment standards of the condition in Asia, enabling them to create the best outcomes for their patients,” said Dr. Catherine Donovan, Head of Medical Affairs Asia-Pacific, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Asia-Pacific.

During the Asian Congress on Endometriosis 2023, Dr. Catherine Donovan, Head of Medical Affairs Asia-Pacific, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Asia-Pacific, emphasized that HCPs should initiate conversations of care among their patients for early detection of endometriosis.

The consensus guideline “Clinical Diagnosis and Early Medical Management for Endometriosis: Consensus for Asia” details the recommended practices for caring for women with endometriosis. It emphasizes the role of non-invasive procedures in early diagnosis and treatment to allow for patient-centered care.

In an endometriosis masterclass held at the Marriott Manila Hotel, Bayer emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations on endometriosis to provide a multidimensional approach on patient care.

Seek medical help

Women should realize that pelvic pain accompanying periods are not normal. They should seek help to evaluate the cause of this pain. According to Dr. Aguilar, patients may undergo pelvic examination and imaging as appropriate. Pelvic pain may be due to endometriosis and experts in the field can discern if this is present.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, but there are ways of managing the pain and preserving the woman's fertility as long as it is discovered early and handled competently. “Many patients respond well to medication and go back to their lifestyle with little to no pain”, she added.

Working with multi sectoral partners and joining in the ACE 2023 in the Philippines is part of Bayer’s core commitment in advancing innovative solutions for women’s healthcare. With its recently launched Bayer For Her: Conversations of Care campaign, Bayer aims to raise awareness on women’s health by normalizing discussions on what is considered taboo topics in the country such as menstrual issues and endometriosis.

To help more women make informed choices about their own bodies and seek expert advice on reproductive health, Bayer For Her has an ongoing series of free pop-up consultation clinics at selected Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, and Watsons until October 2023.

For more information about the free consultation clinics or signs and symptoms of endometriosis, visit Bayer Philippines’ Ask Mara Facebook page.

Manila Prince Hotel, a premier hotel nestled in the heart of the City of Manila, is excited to announce its latest initiative to cater to the needs of all guests. The hotel is delighted to open its doors to registered pet cats and dogs, ensuring that their stay is as comfortable as that of their fur-parents. This step reflects the hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and an inclusive experience that guarantees no family member is left out. 

Starting 01 October 2023, guests can book pet-friendly rooms that are thoughtfully equipped to cater to their furry friends. These rooms feature a range of amenities including plush pet bedding, towel, and feeding bowls, kitty litter trays, and more. Protocols are in place to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, assuring a safe and pleasant experience for all. 

Beyond the enhanced room facilities, Manila Prince Hotel is also offering additional services tailored exclusively for its VIP (Very Important Pet) guests. This includes the provision of a dedicated pet park located at the al fresco area of the hotel. This spacious outdoor area allows furry guests to stretch their legs and enjoy outdoor playtime. 

“Our decision to embrace a pet-friendly approach aligns with our commitment to cater to the evolving needs of our guests who consider their furry companions as integral family members,” says Marvin Kim Tan, Manila Prince Hotel’s director of sales and marketing. 

For reservations or for more information about our pet-friendly policy, call +63 2 53282222, email info@manilaprince.com, or visit www.manilaprince.com.

 

Dragon Court, the renowned Chinese restaurant at Manila Prince Hotel, officially reopened its doors on September 27, 2023. The occasion was celebrated with lively Dragon and Lion dance performances alongside an inaugural lunch that brought together esteemed members of the media, hotel executives, and loyal patrons.

The intimate gathering showcased the restaurant’s ambiance and culinary offerings. Guests were treated to the delectable Mid-Autumn set menu – a selection of traditional Chinese dishes such as Hakaw, Siomai, Stir-Fried Beef in Oyster Sauce, Salt and Pepper Spareribs, and Yang Chow Rice.

 

With the local IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry experiencing a “ talent demand-supply gap,” which according to a study by Kearney might grow to 300,000–400,000 by 2028 if left unchecked, Capital One Philippines reiterates its strong commitment to and maintains high importance for the future of the next generation through education. By advocating transformative education, the company seeks to address the demand-supply challenges within the IT-BPM industry.

Through its community education initiative, Contact Center Readiness Program (CCRP), a nine-month program in partnership with Tuloy Foundation, Capital One Philippines teaches students basic proficiency and other capabilities needed for entry-level positions in the IT-BPM industry.

JP Paperman and Kaneth Santiago of Capital One Philippines shared their thoughts on the industry talent gap, on education, and how the CCRP can help address this issue.

On addressing the talent gap

Over the years, the Philippine IT-BPM industry has grown exponentially - attributed to top notch customer service and hospitality Filipinos are known for.

Capital One Philippines’ Head of Operations, JP Paperman says, “The Philippines is a hub for customer experience due to its strong foundation that translates well in our industry. The country's proficiency in English is noteworthy, and we must continue investing in it. To ensure growth, we must identify the opportunities at a global scale and work towards achieving them.”

“Like many others, I naturally gravitate towards integrating the benefits of emerging and evolving technology seamlessly into the passion and Malasakit that we already have. By doing that transformation, incorporating technology with the heart will put us in a place where there is no other footprint in the world that will compete with our workforce regarding future readiness,” he added.

Capital One Philippines’ Director for Strategy and Community, Kaneth Santiago believes that we must find ways to make entry to the IT-BPM industry easier for new hires by incorporating soft skills in the current curriculum. “Education equips us with skill sets to prepare us to join the workforce, but it can be a disservice to future employees if they have to go through the same struggles we did.”

“Take, for instance, my experience in a contact center that dealt with American culture. Understanding customer queries, responses, and terminologies was a challenge. It was crucial to learn how to navigate through these challenges, including grasping the varying concepts of regions like the US, UK, or Australia. Education transformation does not require a complete overhaul. Instead, we can enhance it by integrating skills required in the workplace with the current education system. The focus should be on developing communication, business, and financial skills along with soft skills like persuasion, and de-escalation. Providing access to these skills will enable the youth to succeed in their workplace quickly.”

On the impact of the CCRP

The Contact Center Readiness Program is one of the flagship social investment programs of Capital One Philippines, strengthening its commitment to tap and maximize Filipino talent and generate more job opportunities for the industry.

Kaneth believes that the CCRP can help transform and bridge the gap between the supply and the demand or need of the organization and the (IT-BPM) industry. “One important goal to focus on is establishing clear criteria for hiring individuals in the contact center industry. Imagine a future where all contact centers can employ individuals with a CCRP certification, even if they lack BPO or contact center experience or a college degree. As a result, this would expand the talent pool and encourage more people to consider this field.”

She adds, “In my opinion, democratizing the program is crucial. The government and more organizations can help make it more accessible across the country beyond just the metro areas. Doing so would allow more youths to receive training and become part of the contact center industry in a shorter period.”

For JP, integrating the CCRP into their plans for the future is something organizations should consider. “Through the CCRP, we offer opportunities to highly motivated and talented individuals who require a unique form of investment early on to help them unlock their potential. By doing so, we gain access to gifted individuals, which, in turn, becomes a return of investment. CCRP is an excellent example of how this concept of “train and retain” works, as it has helped us discover some genuinely exceptional gems of talent.”

Kaneth adds, “We invite contact centers, IT-BPM shareholders, the academe, and the government to support the CCRP and help shape the next generation of workers for the industry’s continued growth.”

Advocating for Education

Capital One Philippines strives to bring its values of Excellence and Doing the Right Thing, and Investing For Good to life in everything it does. The organization believes that by investing in the community, businesses can establish vibrant neighborhoods and nurture an inclusive society. Capital One Philippines is committed and determined to enable genuine transformation and progress by investing in the future of the Filipinos through the IT-BPM industry and their work in the CCRP.

 

You guessed it right—Filipino multimedia superstar Jessy Mendiola is yoboo’s newest brand ambassador!

Having built a thriving career in the entertainment industry through the years, the all-around actress, model, and vlogger is now also a loving wife and supermom. She and her husband, Filipino-American TV personality Luis Manzano, welcomed their beautiful daughter Isabella Rose into the world in December 2022.

“We are so happy to have Jessy join the yoboo family, as she navigates through the joys and challenges of motherhood,” said Chinen Rina, Pediatrician and Founder of yoboo. “The love and care she gives Isabella Rose is unconditional, and we want to give her as much support as we can through our baby skincare products. Our campaign #yobooBestie represents how a mother is also the best friend of her child and will always strive towards what’s best for them—and this commitment is something that yoboo deeply respects and cares about.”

The exciting news was recently announced on yoboo Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages. “It’s a wonderful honor to be part of a brand that takes excellent care of Isabella Rose’s skincare needs and wellbeing,” Jessy shared. “A baby’s skin is so fragile and delicate, and really needs special attention through a consistent skincare routine. yoboo gives me this assurance through its top-quality products, so that I can focus on bonding with my daughter and letting her enjoy life with healthy and resilient skin.”

Committed to helping every family raise children in a relaxed and scientific manner, the Japanese-based brand provides expertly crafted skincare products for babies using natural plant extracts and biomimetic essence to awaken the skin’s intrinsic vitality. yoboo’s complete range of products can help nurture the baby’s skin in any environment, whether it’s to protect it from the sun, soothe it from any discomfort or sensitivity, or sustain its moisture after a bath. Its all-natural and easily absorbed formulas reject unnecessary additives, preservatives, and allergens and follow strict quality standards for the parent’s peace of mind.

To learn more about the ultimate baby care experience, visit yoboo Philippines’ official Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/2dw82pjt) and Instagram (@yoboo.philippines) Pages, or shop in their official stores in Lazada (https://tinyurl.com/3vmk8ju9) and Shopee (https://tinyurl.com/3zhthyjx).

Lalamove Philippines, leading on-demand delivery platform, launches BiyahEdukasyon to provide educational financial assistance to 100 partner drivers’ kids and/or siblings from Luzon, Metro Manila, and Cebu to receive a total of PHP 20,000 grant for the upcoming second semester of the academic year 2023 to 2024. This assistance opens doors to quality education and empowers them to pursue their academic goals.

The program, under Deliver Care, the company’s corporate social responsibility brand, represents Lalamove Philippines' commitment to do more than providing earning opportunities and livelihood for partner drivers, but also to support their families in realizing their dreams, particularly their educational aspirations.

“At the heart of BiyahEdukasyon is our desire to uplift the lives of our partner drivers and their loved ones. Nakikita namin ang dedikasyon ninyo sa araw-araw na makatulong sa mga deliveries ng libu-libong tao, kaya ngayon, hayaan niyo naman pong ihatid namin ang pasasalamat sa aming programa (We see your dedication every day to help move things that matter through deliveries for thousands of people, so this time, allow us to show our gratitude through our program). In every student, we see boundless potential, dreams that can transform lives. We want Lalamove to play a part in turning those dreams into reality," Djon Nacario, Lalamove Philippines' Managing Director emphasized.

How to apply?

Lalamove’s BiyahEdukasyon program is open to Lalamove partner drivers – from the serviceable and covered areas of Lalamove in Luzon, Greater Metro Manila, and Cebu – for their children and/or siblings, currently enrolled in senior high school or college, and pursuing any field of study who exemplify a strong desire to continue higher education.

Partner driver applicants can choose one beneficiary – whether their kid or their sibling – then fill up the application form, submit the required documents, and tell their inspiring story. There are no grade requirements to qualify for this program.

Empowering dreams, transforming lives

Beyond offering financial assistance, the BiyahEdukasyon program of Lalamove brings together both partner drivers and their families as they work toward common goals and ambitions.

Nacario explains that Lalamove Philippines believes partner drivers deserve to give their loved ones the opportunity to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial constraints, and that is where Lalamove comes in.

“BiyahEdukasyon is only the beginning of our major steps toward the fulfillment of our long-term commitment to empowering our partner drivers and their families. It aims to underscore Lalamove’s steadfast, long-term commitment to enable the economic well-being of our partner drivers, ” Nacario said.

Interested applicants may visit www.lalamove.com/en-ph/biyahedukasyon to apply and learn more about the program.

Two fintech innovators – CIS Bayad Center, Inc. (Bayad), the country’s pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system, and Tala Financing Philippines, Inc. (Tala) - a global leading money app for the underbanked, has officially sealed its partnership, sharing the same goal of elevating the financial experience of Filipinos.

Since 2017, Tala has been providing financial tools that help its customers manage their household expenses and help them navigate opportunities to invest in small businesses. Tala has recently reached one million wallet users on its mobile application since its official launch earlier this year. Through its partnership with Bayad, Tala now enables Meralco bill payments in its mobile application, while also offering quick and easy ways to pay loans, allowing its customers to settle their bills on time.

Today, Tala customers can now pay their bills in real time using their credit of up to PHP25,000 all within the Tala app. With its flexible credit terms, customers have the freedom to choose when to repay within 61 days, aligning with their respective income cycles.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer shared, “We continue to strengthen our digital footprint by co-creating payment innovations with forward-thinking fintech institutions like Tala. We are one with Tala as we help boost the financial well-being of our kababayans. We are keen on expanding our biller ecosystem as we bring our one-stop bills payment solution in the Tala App. With this, Tala will also soon be able to accept payments for other electric and water utilities, telecommunications, cable, internet, insurance, online shopping, and many others.”

Tala’s Chief Business Officer Jori Pearsall added, “We believe everyone deserves access to financial services, regardless of their background or circumstances. As the Philippines is Tala’s innovation hub, and its largest market in Asia, we view this collaboration with Bayad as part of our ongoing commitment to financial inclusion as we step up to help revive our economy.”

For fintech institutions like Tala that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

Get your creative juices flowing and get your art out there! This year’s Sentro Artista - PCSO Nationwide Art Contest 2023 will be held at the GH Mall Atrium this October. The significant collaboration between Sentro Artista and PCSO seeks to fuse the world of art with social impact, uniting artistic creativity with the power to make positive changes in our communities.

The theme this year is “Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong,” which artists can interpret in any figurative style. Pre-registered artists will be submitting their entries online from September 26 to 29, 2023 for judging.

A panel of judges will shortlist exceptional works that will be displayed at the GH East Wing Atrium, GH Mall to provide artists a chance to connect with a broader audience. All shortlisted entries will be delivered to the mall from October 25 to 26, 2023 from 10am to 5pm by the participants.

The winning artists will be awarded in November. The most outstanding work will take home the grand prize of P1 million, giving artists the opportunity to gain support and recognition for their talents.

GH Mall will provide shoppers with Larger Than Life experiences with its wide range of retail and dining options. With its multipurpose spaces, it’s able to host events that showcase the talents and craftsmanship of Filipino artists.

Interested artists can register for the Sentro Artista - PCSO Nationwide Art Contest 2023 via https://bit.ly/SentroArtistaNationwideArtContest2023.

Here's your one-stop app for all your Larger Than Life experiences: Sign up for the Ortigas Community Card via the Ortigas Malls app to get first dibs on amazing deals, discounts, and perks.

For more information, download the Ortigas Malls app, and like Ortigas Malls on Facebook, and follow @greenhillsph on Instagram.

It’s high time to kick start your dream to study in the EU through this year’s European Higher Education Fair (EHEF). With 85 higher education institutions and diplomatic missions participating on-ground and online from Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, and Sweden, you’ll have a broad selection of schools and programs to choose from that fits best with your interests and passion.

Similar to previous EHEFs, this year’s fair features a hybrid format with an on-ground event on 30 September to 1 October at the East and Grand Atriums of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City; as well as an online edition on 2 October at ehefphilippines.com and on its FB page at @ehefphilippines, where EU higher education institutions will virtually present their offerings and key programs to students and professional aspirants.

Revolving on the theme, “Pathways to Excellence” the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the European Union Member States’ Embassies aim to provide an immersive platform where aspirants can freely explore diverse fields of study and open global opportunities through the fair.

As the biggest and longest-running education fair in the country, EHEF offers a unique opportunity for Filipino students, professionals, academe, researchers, and university officials to engage directly with some of the top higher education institutions from the EU.

More than that, EHEF, whether on-site or online, will hold fun activities and seminars from known academics and EU university alumni. Furthermore, you can participate in language sessions from EU representatives themselves!

Caught your fancy? Here are more reasons why you should come to EHEF:

Meet and directly engage with EU education institution representatives and EU alumni Get a chance to personally converse with exhibitors from the EU and consult various programs that can help you jumpstart your plans and land you to your dream university in the EU. Beyond that, you can also meet and greet alumni from the EU and learn firsthand the amazing things that await you.

Discover different courses that fit your interests and passion

In line with this year’s theme “Pathways to Excellence,” the exhibitors from the EU provide different courses that appeal to your interests! Courses ranging from business, medicine to the humanities are provided by each EU university coming to this year’s EHEF. You can directly engage with the university representatives to know more about what they offer just for you!

Apply for scholarships as an international student

If you’re worried about tuition fees and accommodations, EHEF will provide options! The EU universities participating in this year’s EHEF have scholarship grants just for international students. In addition, the university of your choice provides dormitory rooms as part of your enrollment.

At the fair, you may participate in sessions that will provide in-depth information on higher education systems, research grants, and scholarship opportunities like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, open for students and educators alike.

Overall, the main goal of EHEF is to give opportunities for you to grow in your personal life and career. This is the sign to take that opportunity to pursue an education abroad and carve your own pathways to excellence.

EHEF is supported by the Commission on Higher Education, together with regional hubs University of the Cordilleras (Luzon), Wesleyan University (Luzon), and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao); university partners Ateneo de Manila University – European Studies Programme, De La Salle University – Manila, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite, Mabalacat City College, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Santo Tomas – Manila, and Visayas State University; professional organisations Mathematical Society of the Philippines, Philippine College of Physicians, Philippine Communication Society, Physics Society of the Philippines, and The EdukCircle; and media partners Business World Spark Up, CNN Philippines, iOrbit News Central Luzon, Rank Magazine, Seawave Magazine, Subselfie, The Philbiz News, and When In Manila.

Registration and entrance to the fair is free. Sign up at ehefphilippines.com or visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC), a subsidiary of one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines PascualLab, takes a step into the international market via the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2023 ASEAN Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees tour held last September 7, 2023.    

Opening the Doors to an International Market 

LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and plant in the Philippines,¹ recently welcomed 80 delegates of the ERDB from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, at its 42-hectare home in Nueva Ecija. As part of their three-day itinerary, the delegates from the business, academe, and public sector, were given the tour of the newly refurbished LAC.   

 

 

According to ERDB OIC-Assistant Director Forester (For) Conrado B. Marquez: “We have carefully chosen LAC as the ideal location for the conference tour. LAC is a renowned agriceutical company and the tour provided invaluable insights to every individual regarding the importance and utilization of medicinal plants, as well as the various forest tree species. This immersive experience further enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the potential benefits that these natural resources hold for society."   

Leonie Agri Corp. 

LAC recently renovated its farm and manufacturing plant, to further its parent company’s mission of providing quality health and wellness products and services, with highlight on its combination of organic-based farming methods and produce as well as its pharmaceutical-grade processes and products. Along with its farm and plant improvements comes the widening of its product and service portfolio.   

Home of Ascof Lagundi and WellGreens plus C-Lium Fibre  

Home of the first Lagundi cough relief in the market, Ascof Lagundi² and the first commercially available Sinta food supplements, WellGreens Sinta, LAC is also home to premium and organic-certified raw materials including Sambong (Blumea Camphor) and Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). It also mostly manufactures C-Lium Fibre³, the leading psyllium fiber brand in the Philippines while another food supplement, PureGreens Malunggay is in the pipeline.    

Government-recognized  

LAC, certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and by the Islamic Da’Wah Council of the Philippines for Halal, produces premium organic raw materials to meet the various toll needs of clients.    

Industry-compliant  

Also certified by Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), LAC offers reliable toll manufacturing services such as:  Sachet filling, Blistering, Dehydration, Milling, Encapsulation, Packaging, Spray drying, Extraction, Essential oil extraction, and Sterilization. 

    Antonio C. Causing, LAC President and CEO affirms: “We share with DENR, the same passion for sustainability, and their vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. LAC for one, adheres to these sustainable practices and quality standards.”   

Originally servicing clients in Southeast Asia, LAC is gearing up to explore more markets in Asia and the rest of the world in the coming years.   

Corporate Social Responsibility 

While LAC’s vision remains aligned with its parent company PascualLab’s vision for Strong, Healthy Families and its focus on market expansion, the Filipino-owned agriceutical firm continues to draw from its core – a passion for CSR. LAC is a socially responsible organization that employs sustainable methods. It also supports community development and the livelihood of local farmers. It partners with the local communities not only of Nueva Ecija, but also of Aurora and Bulacan in Luzon, Philippines to train farmers with the processes and standards of organic farming, providing them opportunities to improve the quality and increase the quantities of their crops, through earth-friendly methods, while earning a sustainable living as agripreneurs.   

Beyond this, LAC reaches out to sectors in need and survivors of natural calamities.   

Leonie Agri Corporation – continuously evolving to provide purposeful health solutions to its current and emerging markets.   

For more information, visit http://www.leonieagricorp.com/