BLOG-PH.com — Philippine Lifestyle News ★

The COVID-19 pandemic totally changed the way Filipinos shop or make purchases. When before it was about taking a trip to the nearest mall or department store, the idea of being struck by an unseen virus drove fear into the hearts of many Filipinos.

Good thing that merchants stepped up and went digital to provide services to customers who can’t go out. By going online, many existing and aspiring small businesses were able to survive and provide for the shopping needs of Filipinos.

But shopping purely online has its own share of problems, like fake items, miscommunication on product specifications, late deliveries and worse, getting a product that’s not what was ordered.

The birth of Go Shopping Philippines

These scenarios struck a chord on Neil La-as, Chief Executive Officer of Go Shopping Philippines, so he decided to establish a shopping platform that will make every Filipino’s shopping experience truly exceptional and satisfying.

“When I came up with the Go Shopping Philippines concept, it was based from my own experiences. We all share the same sentiment of receiving substandard and fake items, late deliveries, customer service that takes forever to bounce back, and being duped, only to receive items we didn’t expect when we shopped on other platforms. All these frustrations gave me the inspiration to help fix the e-commerce landscape. Seeing the immediate need for contactless purchases most especially from the blunder of 2020, I sought to come up with a solution to serve my fellow Filipinos,” La-as said.

Go Shopping Philippines is a truly homegrown Filipino e-commerce platform that serves Filipinos the way they want to be served, and more.

“I envisioned a fully digital mall, a fully virtual shopping platform where one can experience all the perks of a physical mall that is within reach with a few simple clicks to buy that favorite blouse, or swipe and you are brought to the cinema, scroll and you can reserve at your preferred restaurant and hotel, press and you can reach your doctor for an appointment, all without falling in line. As many as the combinations your hands can make, the possibilities are endless,” La-as added.

La-as explained that Go Shopping Philippines is not just any ordinary e-commerce platform but a completely one-stop-shop for consumers. He said that the merchants are the ones in charge of product development, while Go Shopping Philippines, aside from the selling part, does the marketing, shipment and interaction with clients.

“The service and interactions within Go Shopping Philippines are done real-time and personal with our virtual sales representatives. Queries are entertained and they will be assisted just like in a regular mall.

La-as said that just like any physical mall, security and safety is a top concern, and they took every possible step to ensure that transactions inside the Go Shopping Philippines sphere are done and concluded safely and securely.

He also emphasized that succeeding in the digital world is about having the proper cybersecurity measures in place to protect consumers, the Go-Shoppers, tenants, employees, and the business itself from constant threats. This is the reason why, La-as pointed out, that they partnered and collaborated with one of the best in web development, researched on everything to know about consumer behavior, and in identifying what works with regard to cybersecurity while ensuring excellent user experience.

In Go Shopping Philippines, he adds, the public can forget about the fakes because they scrutinize the brands and the legitimacy of their products.

Also, La-as said they encourage businesses from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector to join them. “The MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy in terms of GDP and employment. They are among the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic so we need to help them also for their survival. While we value the presence of large brands, we also welcome MSMEs with open arms. After all, what is an original Filipino e-commerce platform without original local products,” he continued.

With Go Shopping Philippines, they will transcend geographical borders so that every Filipino, wherever they may be, can shop with ease, comfort and safety. “You can shop in Manila, the US, and back to Mindanao without having to leave your home, where you are safe and secure. Imagine those fond malling memories you have had before, only much easier, with no traffic, long lines, for a totally worry-free shopping you can only experience with us.”

Amidst the pandemic, when most people are confined in the comforts of their homes, priorities started to shift, and taking care of their skin plunges to the bottom of the list. People lose track of their daily and monthly skin care routines which eventually took toll on their skin. People started to experience the worst wave of acne breakouts during the lockdown because of lack of access to their regular beauty regimens made the situation worse. And because of this new normal, where there is prolonged usage of protective masks, combined with high levels of stress and anxiety, lack of sleep, and overall lifestyle change have resulted negative consequences for the skin and also to their self-confidence.

We all know that skin is one of the first things other people notice about us and the health of our skin health has a powerful impact on our emotional wellbeing as it can influence our self-confidence. Beauty is more than skin deep, but it is difficult to feel beautiful when your face is blemished. Diana Stalder will uplift your self-confidence by helping you to regain smooth, healthy and visibly clear skin. It's so hard to stay positive and motivated when you have tried dozens of treatments, and you still have acne or acne marks. Diana Stalder has numerous ways on making your skin look and feel better, as we offer several treatments to make you feel less self-conscious when facing any social situation and to ensure you could bring out the best in you.

Diana Stalder Acne Cure Treatment is a treatment done by a skilled skin therapist giving clients utmost care in addressing different types of acne. This treatment which is done by skilled therapist and dermatologist helps control acne, dries up pimples fast, and reduces sebum formation.

Diana Stalder Skin Vigoration Treatment is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat skin concerns which promotes collagen production, also known as collagen induction therapy. This treatment produces new tissue to make the skin firmer and helps reduce the appearance of acne scars and open pores. It is also considered as an anti-aging treatment.

Both the Acne Cure and Skin Vigoration Treatment played a role in a life changing situation in making our clients view a more positive and meaningful perspective in their life.

We also offer Diana Stalder Anti-acne Kit as your take-home acne remedy set that serves as your first line of protection against acne. This set comes with an Acne Solution Toner, an Acne Solution Cream, Night Therapy Gel, and Lemon Soap.

Acne can change the way you feel about yourself. It can make you feel self-conscious, embarrassed, ashamed, and or angry. To a large extent, these feelings are completely normal. Young millennials have a big role in skin care adversities, although acne is completely frustrating, there are things you can do to get it under control. There are also a few things you shouldn't do if you want to see improvement; and just feel better about your skin in general.

Here are some tips from Diana stalder to become more confidently beautiful:

1. Stop Blaming Yourself

Acne doesn't happen because of something you do or don’t do. Acne just is. Some people are prone to it, while others aren't. Acne isn't your fault and you're not the cause. So, stop blaming yourself and instead, spend that time finding a treatment and products that works for you.

2. Stop Buying Into the Myths about Acne

It's hard sometimes to separate facts from fiction, but knowing the truth about acne, its development, and its treatment is the key in getting acne under control. Probably the biggest myth of all is you have to outgrow acne or wait for it to go away on its own, it doesn’t. Acne can be treated and your skin can be cleared.

3. Stop letting it Rule Your Life

You don't have to pretend acne doesn't bother you. Acknowledge these feelings. Bring them out into the open. Talk to someone who is supportive. Often, just opening up helps you feel better. Stop letting acne dictate your social schedule. It's easier said than done, but it's important that you don’t let acne rule your life. You're much more than your skin.

4. Stop Sabotaging Your Treatment

First and foremost, you have to visit your doctor regularly. It's all too easy to get busy in the morning and rush off, or be so tired at night you just fall into bed. Sometimes you just forget the routine for your take home regimen, but every missed dose means less effective treatment.

Don't jump from product to product. Weeks of waiting can seem like a lifetime, but by jumping around with your treatments you aren't allowing enough time for improvement. If you want to see if a treatment really works, you have to wait it out. If acne is affecting you to the point where you feel like it's taking over your life, let your doctor know. It may mean you need to treat your acne more aggressively to get the improvement you’re looking for.

‘’Don't allow others to have power over how you feel about yourself. Remember, you define who you are, not anyone else and certainly not your acne problems.”

You may also visit Diana Stalder clinics for a free skin analysis and counseling by a skilled Therapist.

To learn more of Diana Stalder’s products and services, visit the official website at dianastalder.com and follow us on our social media accounts; facebook.com/dianastalderbydermaline, Twitter: @Diana_stalder and Instagram: @dianastalder. You may also visit Diana Stalder at Gateway Mall, Basement 2, Araneta City Cubao. Contact us at (02)351.0299 | +63 917 6218468.

GUESS Pave G Heart Necklace (PHP 1,698) and Pave G Heart Crystals Bracelet (PHP 1,698)

GUESS launches a luxe jewelry line featuring gorgeous bracelets, earrings, and necklaces perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift!

Celebrate the day of love with a gift made to last with GUESS. Thoughtfully designed to embody elegance and sophistication, GUESS’ new jewelry line features crystal-studded pieces that are versatile additions to every woman’s closet.

Whether you’re showing appreciation for a loved one or rewarding yourself with a pretty accessory, the GUESS jewelry collection is a must-have for every stylish woman.

The heart-shaped earrings are available in yellow gold, rose gold or silver. An eye-catching design of crystal studs makes it the perfect statement piece for any outfit.

GUESS Pave G Heart Crystals Stud Earrings (PHP 1,398)

The GUESS Pave G Heart Necklace, available in yellow gold, rose gold, or silver, features a bold heart-shaped pendant studded in white or black crystals, making it the perfect statement piece.

GUESS Pave G Heart Necklace (PHP 1,698)

The GUESS Pave G Heart Crystals Bracelet gives off an understated elegance. Available in rose gold, yellow gold, and silver, each piece is a classic addition to any jewelry collection.

GUESS Pave G Heart Crystals Bracelet (PHP 1,698)

Get up to 20% off when you buy any 2 pairs of jewelry available online and instore from February 5 - 16, 2021. Shop at our GUESS website at www.guess.com.ph, download the GUESS mobile app at Google Play or go to any of our GUESS stores nationwide.

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GUESSPhil/ for more updates and visit www.guess.com.ph for more information.

About GUESS?, Inc.

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world. As of May 2, 2020, the Company directly operated 1,141 retail stores in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Company’s partners and distributors operated 540 additional retail stores worldwide. As of May 2, 2020, the Company and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about the Company, please visit www.guess.com.ph.

Make the love month special with Midas Hotel and Casino’s Love Surprise special car setup and Heart-shaped Pizzas! 🍕❤️

A day filled of love messages, romantic gestures, and anything heart-shaped – these are just a few of what people witness on Valentine’s Day.

Now, Valentine’s Day expressions have evolved to keep the love alive and well. To keep passion alight this love month, Midas Hotel and Casino launches the Love Surprise, a special Valentine’s Day setup. This arrangement brings a romantic gesture to clients for a safer Valentine’s Day celebration. The Love Surprise car setup brings decorations like banner, balloons, stuffed toys, and more to a recipient worthy of all the sweet nothings it encapsulates.

The Love Surprise setup also comes with car service delivery with driver, cinematic light box, message card, car trunk background music, customized photos, and ribbons. A romantic expression like this is available to Metro Manila residents and even to those who reside outside the metro.

To make this Love Surprise gesture even more festive, clients can add a bouquet of flower, money bouquet, chocolate bouquet, dedication cake, LED light box, fairy lights, fruit basket, and extra teddy bear.

Pop up a car trunk full of surprise to make your loved one feel extra special. Reserve as early as today to avoid the rush. For inquiries or reservations, contact Ms. Je-Ann Dela Cruz at 09175654712 or jessica.delacruz@midashotelandcasino.com. Booking requires a minimum of one week before the scheduled date. All rates are inclusive of VAT and service charge.

For those who’d like to celebrate love through food, then Midas Hotel and Casino’s Heart-shaped Pizzas is your go-to fare. Filling and delicious, these pizzas are not only perfect for sharing. They’re also excellent as gifts for friends or relatives this love month. Choose from Hawaiian, Pepperoni, or Margherita flavors. Call 09175217853 (Globe) or 09985626474 (Smart) today for inquiries and orders.

About Midas Hotel and Casino

Nestled in a bustling city, Midas Hotel and Casino stands tall in its grandeur as it welcomes upbeat travelers and families looking for a safe and delightful place to stay. The hotel’s 226 spacious rooms, four food and beverage outlets serving sumptuous local and international cuisines, a quaint little spa, a contemporary gym, expansive event venues, impressive casinos, and modern lifestyle shops coupled with heightened safety and security protocols present a comfortable and satisfying experience that lingers in the memories of its guests the world over. The hotel’s dedicated team known for its warm hospitality also ensures a pleasant stay for each guest, making this hotel a preferred brand for people with discerning taste. For those who desire the only finest things that life has to offer, Midas Hotel and Casino is the perfect hotel choice.

“Still Life-Gong” by Gabriel Custodio, 1956

M Gallery opens the new year with the retrospective art show “Pagdakila sa Sining Mabini: Honoring the Masters of Mabini” Art Sale on February 9, Tuesday, 3 PM.

The exhibit sale pays tribute to eight masters of the Mabini Art School: Cesar Buenaventura, Salvador Cabrera, Jose D Castro, Gabriel Custodio, Miguel Galvez, Paco Gorospe, Crispin Lopez, and Simon Saulog.

"We want to revive appreciation for the Mabini artists," asserted M Gallery owner, Mrs Jeane Enriquez Monteverde, "so we are unveiling previously hidden masterpieces from Mabini to show that all art is beautiful, no matter where they come from."

More importantly, Mrs Monteverde added, "Since some of these are 50 even 70 years old, we are not only selling works by Mabini geniuses, but also prized antiques!"

Reintroducing Mabini Art in the 21st Century

"Now, we're taking the opportunity to reintroduce 31 outstanding works by Mabini artists to Manila's new art audiences: the new and much younger art collectors and aficionados," she revealed.

Headlining the show are two big museum-worthy impressionist pieces by Gabriel Custodio (1912-1993), "Still Life - The Gong" (43" x51.5", oil on canvas, 1956) and "Ruin" (33"x 47", oil on canvas, 1954).

Hailing from Tanza, Cavite, the UP School of Fine Arts graduate of 1939 gained global prominence by having his mural "Fishing Village" displayed at the lobby of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

“Suman & Mango” by J.D. Castro, 1978

“Vegetable & Pot” by J.D. Castro, 1979

“Still Life” by Crispin V. Lopez, 1966

Paco Gorospe (1939-2002), from Binondo, Manila, and known as "The Picasso of the Philippines, has three modernist works on sale including the colorful piece called "Musician (47.5" x 35.25', acrylic on canvas, undated).

On sale, too, are the famous still life paintings by J.D. Castro (1908-1994) from Carmen, Nueva Eija, which became famous and much sought-after for their uncanny realism.

There are also portraits from the older brother of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, Salvador Cabrera (1930-1986), who is known in art circles as "The Quick Draw Artist' for finishing as many as 10 paintings a day.

There is a 72-year-old seascape done in 1948 by Miguel Galvez (1912-1989) from Paombong, Bulacan. He is the first Filipino to win in the South East Asia Art Festival.

Also included is a painting of a beautiful maiden by Simeon Saulog (1916-1995), whose works have made the rounds of the auction circuits, realizing prizes as high as $7,266.

“Scenery” (1980) and “Landscape” (1972)

by Cesar Buenaventura

For sale, too, is the historical oeuvre "Katipunan" (43.4"x 35.5", oil on canvas, 1976) by Crispin V Lopez (1903-1985). The piece won first prize in the Historical category of the Arts Association of the Philippines painting competition.

The show also features 15 alluring landscapes, one of which is a diptych, by Cesar Buenaventura (1922-1983) from Manila. The son of painter Teodoro Buenaventura, he studied under Maestro Fermando Amorsolo. His peasant life and landscape works have often been compared to those of Vincent van Gogh.

Interestingly, Mrs Moteverde's decision to launch this Mabini show, seen to be the first of many, fimed up when she realized how Cesar Buenaventuras are raking big money in the auction circuit.

"What makes these Mabini artists great is their masterful brushstrokes," she explained "coupled with depth, balance, and colors that bring out feelings that speak to everyone.

Thus, for Mrs Monteverde, this retrospective is aimed at "pure appreciation of beauty and to honoring the goodness of the masters for the people's appreciation."

"I want to magnify only the beauty of visual arts because to let real beauty and truth shine through!" she concluded.

Pioneering Art Supplies in the Philippines

M Gallery started only 7 years ago, with Madame Imelda R Marcos herself cutting the ribbon, but its roots are deeply grounded in the owner's very auspicious family history.

Abstract” by Paco Gorospe

The gallery has been mounting group exhibits by both veteran and young artists since 2014.

Mrs Monteverde is the granddaughter of the Philippines' pioneer art supplies store patriarch Mariano Enriquez, who opened the first and only pre-War art supplies store along Recto in the 1940s and 1950s.

M Enriquez Art Supply started as the only importer, dealer, distributor, and seller of quality art materials becoming a household name among students and artists.

I was a teenager then and I would meet all sorts of artists and students visiting our store to buy their art supplies," Mrs Monteverde recalled. "We catered to architecture and engineering, too."

"Painting then was more of a hobby than a profession," she explained, "artists would sometimes give us their paintings in exchange for art suppliesor simply because they're happy."

This accounted for how the family started to accumulate so many paintings over the period of 50 years. They supplied leading bookstores with imported but affordable top-quality art materials like Grumbacher, Talens, Holbein, and Sakura.

We would have the likes of BenCab, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Ibarra dela Rosa, Oscar Zalameda, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Lopez, Custodio, and Buenaventura dropping in to buy paints and supplies," she mused.

"Many of these works were the artists' own gifts to our grandfather. Others were bought from galleries. Many were procured in bulk from galleries that closed," and, thus, the Monteverde art collection grew through the years and are now being sold for the first time.

Getting Inspiration from 1930s Architecture

"The architecture was exquisite!" she delighted. Thus, the inspiration to come up with a gallery came from the purchase of the beautiful pre-War Rufino ancestral mansion along Taft Avenue.

Hence, the artworks found a new home. "When I bought the mansion, I knew it would have to be more than just our office," Mrs Monteverde waxed. She now handles the family's importing business.

Traditional Chinese women aren't allowed to inherit and run the family business," she confessed. "So, I concentrated on something else I knew would make a great livelihood, too."

I have always been fond of old things-furniture, lamps, and, yes, paintings-and we used to import shiploads of antique from around the globe," she shared.

"So, we came up with M Gallery or Gallery M, which could mean Masters, Museum, or even Mabini," she teasingly quipped, "depending on how you want to look at it."

M Gallery is open Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. For appointments, viewing schedules, and price inquiries, call 8-834-8143 or email mgallery00@gmail.com. Visit mgallery.ph for photographs of their painting collection.

Frankly, gamblers that engage in sports betting often want a safe and secure environment. If you are not familiar with the Philippines gambling industry, you may feel that citizens do not engage in sports betting.

Sports betting is very popular in the Philippines. The Philippines has numerous online and retail sports betting platforms. Come to think of it, is sports betting legal in the Philippines?

This Philippines sports betting guide will answer all these questions and more. Right now, eligible gamblers in the Philippines are more than 3 million people. Naturally, online and offline sportsbooks will want to tap into that market.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the Philippines?

Yes, sports betting whether online or offline is legal in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, sports betting is extremely popular among Filipinos. However, their certain restrictions like:

Gamblers must be 18 years and above
Filipinos are required to bet at the Philippine Amusement and Gambling Corporation (PAGCOR)

However, foreigners can place bets with any land-based or online sportsbook in the Philippines. Nonetheless, Filipinos still find a way around betting on the foreign online sportsbook. For instance, most citizens login into online sportsbooks with a VPN to avoid any restrictions. Recently, online sportsbooks in the Philippines are increasing.

The Sports Betting Market in the Philippines

About a few years ago, when Manny Pacquiao was reigning supreme in the boxing world, the most popular sports betting was boxing. Nevertheless, recently, other sports have become more popular among the sport betting community. Other sports betting markets in the Philippines are:

Soccer
Basketball
NFL
Hockey
Rugby
Tennis
Horse racing etc.

If you are betting at online sports betting sites, these sports betting markets will be readily available to you. However, the most popular sports betting options at a land-based sportsbook in the Philippines are soccer, basketball, and boxing.

Regulating Agency in the Philippines

Like most sports betting markets, the Philippines market is regulated by an agency too. The regulating agency is called the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Apart from regulating, licensing, and monitoring the Philippines market, PAGCOR also runs online casinos and sportsbooks. Also, the PAGCOR regulates and monitors the activities of offline and online sports betting sites.

Revenues generated by the PAGCOR are remitted to the National Treasury. However, the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) regulates all sports activities in the country.

Mobile Sports Betting in the Philippines

The mobile sports market in the Philippines is presently waxing stronger. Since the introduction of certain smartphones, mobile sports betting has gained momentum in the country. In most cases, you can log in with your Android or iOS devices. Interestingly, the mobile sports betting platforms are not different from the desktop versions.

Nowadays, most mobile sportsbooks have mobile apps. These mobile sports betting apps are available on Google Play Store or Apple Store. Also, you can download it from sports betting websites most times.

Frankly, the bonuses offered by mobile sports betting sites in the Philippines are impressive. However, gamblers must deposit a minimum amount.

Choosing the Best Sports Betting Operator in the Philippines

The land-based sports betting operators are just a handful in the Philippines compared to their online counterparts. Also, most of the land-based sports betting centers are strictly regulated and any foul play is very rare. What's more, most of the online sports betting sites are foreign-based. Therefore, our major focus here will be to help you choose the best online sports betting sites in the Philippines.

Licensing: To choose the best online sportsbook, ensure that they are licensed by a trusted agency. There are a lot of scam sportsbook sites operating in the Philippines. So ensure you look out for sites that are approved, monitored, and licensed by a reputable agency.

Security: Check for websites that have a firewall and encryption security. Don’t forget, most of your sensitive details will be logged into this online platform. Ensure they are safe and secure to avoid being scammed.

Payment Methods: An online sportsbook should have safe and secure payment options. For instance, the safest options are MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Entropay, and so on.

Reviews: Furthermore, sports betting review websites can also be helpful. They offer in-depth details about the sportsbook operations. Look out for a sportsbook that is recommended by trusted review websites.

If you take note of these features, you will most likely be choosing the best sportsbooks in the Philippines.

Conclusion

In the past, sports betting was illegal in the Philippines. However, over the last decade, Philippines laws have accommodated sports betting. Finally, sports betting in the Philippines is a big business. The COVID-19 has made it more popular. Bet responsibly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the popular sports in the Philippines market?

Soccer, basketball, and boxing are the most sports betting options available at the land-based sportsbook. However, online sports betting sites offer a wider range of betting options.

What is the legal age to bet at sport betting sites in the Philippines?

Gamblers must be 18 years above to bet at both offline and online sportsbooks.

Can I bet at mobile sports betting sites in the Philippines?

Yes, you can. There are several mobile sport betting sites in the Philippines. Similarly, some have mobile betting apps.

Which agency regulates online sports betting in the Philippines?

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates online sports betting in the Philippines.

Long gone are the days when surgeries automatically mean surgeons cutting huge swathes of skin to open a patient’s body and look for the part that needs surgery. Science and technology has enabled the emergence of a revolutionary surgical procedure that boasts of shorter recovery time for patients in the form of minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Hospitals and medical practitioners in the country have long been practicing this type of surgery and in an effort to further educate the public about the advantages of MIS, Cardinal Santos Medical Center held its first ever webicon (a hybrid of a webinar and a press conference) last January 27, 2021, entitled, Why Less Is More: 10 Things To Know About Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The virtual event’s roster of speakers included Dr. Alfred Allen Buenafe, Executive Director of Cardinal Santos’ Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery—the pioneer MIS training center in the Philippines, Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Jaideep Raj Rao, Senior Consultant and General & Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon of Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore.

During his talk, Dr. Buenafe highlighted the main advantages of laparoscopic surgery, a type of minimally invasive surgery that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen and pelvis without making large incisions on the skin.

“Laparoscopy can be used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions that develop inside the abdomen or pelvis, through direct visualization of the affected organs,” he says. “It can also be used to carry out surgical procedures like removing a diseased organ like the gallbladder, or for collecting tissue samples for testing or biopsy.”

Less is better. Dr. Alfred Allen Buenafe, Executive Director of Cardinal Santos Medical Center's Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery, explains the technological advancement behind minimally invasive surgery which results to less scarring and faster recovery period for patients.

To add to his point, Dr. Rao elaborated on the benefits of MIS for patients.

“When we started doing minimal access surgery, the results were not only similar to large incision surgery, but they were even better,” Dr. Rao explains. “Patients recovered much better and they could get back into society doing their normal activity. And they even have low recurrence rate. Now we know that when we have these minimal access surgeries, there’s minimal disturbance in a patient’s physiology, and therefore, the amount of stress to the human body is much lower and therefore the recovery is much faster.”

Patient testimonies

Patients who underwent minimally invasive surgeries also shared their experience during the webicon.

Dr. Steve Costello, a patient of Dr. Buenafe, was operated on in 2017 for his hernia.

“I must admit that as much as I’d come to believe Dr. Buenafe, I wasn’t totally convinced when he told me I could get back to my previous good health and lifestyle almost immediately,” Dr. Costello shares. “But healing was smooth as silk and I quickly returned to a life I had not enjoyed in years. My work, my play, and my self-confidence all returned, and it was easy to be happy again!”

Isis Huang, a young urban professional, also underwent surgery after what she thought was a simple acid reflux turned out to be a cyst in her ovaries.

“I truly thank God for a successful surgery—they were able to take out the cyst the size of a California orange,” says Huang. “The MIS procedure helped me to have a faster recovery process. After I was discharged, I was advised to stay home for two weeks but all I needed was just one week. I went back to my OB-gyne and my wound was dry and healed.”

The panelists of Why Less Is More: 10 Things To Know About Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Ultimately, the greatest evolution in the medical industry translates to the patients’ post-operative experience—an innovation that Cardinal Santos is hoping will become more accessible for the Filipinos.

“The Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery Training Center of Cardinal Santos Medical Center is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It was established to provide access to world-class training while promoting the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to our junior consultants and nurses in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific,” says Dr. Buenafe. “Through this advocacy, our ultimate goal is to elevate the standard of healthcare especially for the Filipino patient.”

The future of surgical healthcare. In minimally invasive surgery, there’s minimal disturbance in a patient’s physiology, and therefore, the amount of stress to the human body is much lower and therefore the recovery is much faster.

ABOUT CARDINAL SANTOS MEDICAL CENTER

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is a 269-bed private tertiary hospital located in West Greenhills, San Juan City. The hospital is known for its pioneering and world-class services in the fields of Neurosurgery, Oncology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Cardiology, and Minimally Invasive Surgery. CSMC boasts of some of the most respected medical professionals today with expertise in a variety of specialties, ensuring that patients can access the healthcare that they need and deserve. With a commitment to clinical excellence, and a dedication to compassionate care, CSMC is one of the most sought-after medical institutions in the country today.

Mental health is the third most common disability in the country, with about 6 million Filipinos living with depression and/or anxiety, according to WHO. Lack of data fails to present an accurate and complete picture of the status of mental health in the Philippines today, but previous studies by WHO, the Philippine Statistics Office and other bodies indicate mental health is a serious – and growing – concern.

As the pandemic continues to unsettle the country, constricting the economy, causing deaths and job losses, disrupting education and work, and painting an even more uncertain future for Filipinos, the number of people with anxiety and other similar mental health concerns is estimated to have risen further. The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) reported a marked increase in calls received during the pandemic than before, with monthly average from March to May last year more than double the monthly average from May 2019 to February 2020 or before the pandemic. Calls received by the NCMH related to suicide likewise spiked.

The upcoming 27th National Public Relations Congress, an annual gathering of communication practitioners from across the different industries and sectors of society, will tackle this pressing matter this February 17 to 19. Mental health in the workplace, in particular, will be a hot topic scheduled for the third day, which will be dedicated to deep diving into narratives punctuating many of today’s business actions and discussions, especially on social media, such as the environment, equality, diversity and leadership.

Jane Fordham, a strategic people consultant with two decades of experience in agencies and the creative industries, will share her insights on how to ensure mental health in the workplace, noting how the PR industry is often perceived as very stressful. The discussion will try to look into ways of detecting mental health needs among office and work team members, how organizations and businesses can create an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration in the workplace, and what measures or programs should be in place to assist team members with mental health needs.

Themed Transcend, the 27th National PR Congress hopes to enjoin communication practitioners to work more closely together to contribute to addressing social issues and make a lasting impact on the nation in line with PRSP’s 2020 theme of PR for Good. The annual conference will likewise explore the outlook for the PR industry as it rebounds from the setbacks resulting from the pandemic and gears up for the challenges and opportunities in this new decade.

PRSP President Norman Agatep, APR, said: “As we revisit our business plans and strategies for this new year and decade, we must also look into how we can better work with the society to address concerns that impact not just businesses and the economy but the whole nation. That is part of our commitment as the industry storytellers.”

Ana Pista, PRSP vice president for external affairs and Congress chair, added: “As in previous congresses, we want this annual conference to be a platform for meaningful discussions and exploring solutions to our problems as an industry and nation. Mental health is a serious matter, one of many issues we need to prioritize, and we hope that through the Congress we can help start the discussion on how to ensure we have the right programs in place for our people.”

For more information about the 27th National Public Relations Congress, visit the event website or Facebook page or contact Lessa Azcarraga at lessa.azcarraga@ardent.com.ph.

ABOUT THE PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF THE PHILIPPINES

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines is the country’s premier organization for public relations professionals with dedicated programs in professional development and continued learning, PR excellence, student PR education, social outreach and partnerships with institutions. Annually, it confers the Anvil Awards, the Oscar of PR in the country and holds the National PR Congress in September, the National PR Month.

Nestlé Philippines and the Department of Education (DepEd) formalized today an agreement that will reinforce the implementation of the government’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) nationwide. Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones and Nestlé Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki led the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) virtual signing ceremony, which strengthens Nestlé Philippines’ support for the DepEd through the provision of online modules and educational kits that will aid in the country’s shift to blended learning.

“The Department of Education is committed to helping our learners to achieve their dreams, and we are thankful to Nestle Philippines in supporting our mission of delivering quality education amidst the pandemic. Their initiative to develop health and wellness within the Filipino family was good support for our learners, parents, and to our teachers,” said Secretary Briones.

“We always welcome assistance that gives importance to the health of our stakeholders and their well-being, and we look forward to more engagements like this as we believe that it will take a nation to educate a child,” she added.

As the current academic year unfolds, the DepEd is in full pursuit of efforts to ensure that students across the Philippines have access to quality education despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic. Mr. Marzouki said, “As the Kasambuhay ng Pamilyang Pilipino, the trusted companion in life of Filipino families, and as a longstanding partner of the Department of Education, we are fully committed to support the BE-LCP, which lays the foundation and direction for the country’s education system at this critical time. Our partnership with the DepEd provides us the opportunity to stay true to our focus of helping raise and educate healthy and well-rounded Filipino children.”

Expanding support, resources for DepEd

Under this MOA, Nestlé Philippines brings together experts to collaborate under the Nestlé Wellness Campus with MILO and Bear Brand Fortified and co-create modules based on the DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). These modules, according to Mr. Marzouki, will be uploaded on DepEd Commons, making them accessible to all public schools and teachers in the country.

“This MOA reflects how Nestlé Philippines has intensified its partnership with the DepEd by sponsoring over Php 120 million worth of online modules and physical educational and nutrition kits for this school year. We hope to be able to support the teachers, students and parents as they too, level up to adopt a new way of learning,” Mr. Marzouki added.

In addition to preparing modules on healthy habits for children including Solid Waste Management, Nestlé Wellness Campus also produced a Dancercise video. Sports instructional videos were also created in collaboration with MILO and their established sports partners to encourage students to stay active. A Nestlé Wellness Campus Facebook Group for public school teachers will also be launched.

According to Mr. Marzouki, these initiatives further signify Nestlé Philippines’ unwavering commitment to encourage Filipinos, especially young children, to develop health and wellness practices together with their families at home.

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