The 30th Anniversary of International World AIDS Day

On this 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, I'm one with the millions of people all over the world in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As one of the medical providers (I'm a nurse), I am more exposed with cases and know how individuals wage their own battles against HIV and AIDS.

To commemorate its 30th year,  Project Headshot Clinic, The Red Whistle, Love Yourself, Pinaapple Lab and of course with the photographer and creative Director Niccolo Cosme with the rest of famous personalities and volunteers,  took part and unite to help spread awareness and honor all the heroes of HIV work around the world!

But I believe one should look at the bigger picture. Some may emerge victorious in their battle with HIV or AIDS, but the war continues. And the war cannot be won, if there is lack of awareness and concern amongst the general public about these dreaded tandem that continue to take a heavy toll on humanity.

BTS duting the photoshoot with Niccolo Cosme, Anthony Falcon, Blogger  Richard and Jeff

Each responsible citizen therefore, should participate in taking steps to overturn the tide against HIV and AIDS. Every individual can play a pivotal role by taking very simple steps. 

First, be safe. Make a conscious and deliberate effort not only in practicing safe sex, but also in making sure you will not fall prey to other means of transmission of AIDS and HIV. Do not hesitate to ask for a medical certificate from your partner, if you need to. Be vigilant when you or your loved ones have to undergo surgery, or need medical procedures involving blood extraction or blood transfusion.

In all of these, follow the cliche, better safe than sorry.

If you think your health has been compromised or if you just want peace of mind, have yourself tested. Do not be scared to know the truth. Think not only of yourself, but of the well-being of your loved ones whose health might be jeopardized if you have contracted HIV or already have full-blown AIDS.

And if it turns out that you tested positive for HIV or AIDS?
Stop the disease in its track by not engaging in activities that will tend to spread it further. Let that be your contribution in the ongoing war against HIV and AIDS.

And of course by collaborating or participating in the HIV or AIDS awareness campaign like like this, with The Project Headshot (Please LIKE their FB Page to know more and how to participate)

If everyone will follow these steps, then we could eventually win the war against HIV and AIDS. As to when that will happen, we can only pray that it will be soon.

CHRISTMAS COLORS SKIN TREATMENT ONLY AT DIANA STALDER

Christmas season has just arrived and the reasons to be jolly is on perfect time. Before everyone gets busy, let your skin be ready to what's holiday have prepared for you. Fight late night parties, meeting new friends and have that extra glow in family reunions.

This December, Diana Stalder (DS) included Christmas colors Green, Gold and Goji (Red) to make sure that you're all set to party the whole month. DS offers Diamond Peel plus Casmara mask for only 1,650Php, save as much 1,100Php. You can also have five (5) sessions for only 8,495Php.

Casmara Mask is an Algea Peel-Off facial mask with innovative way to treat your skin.

Casmara Green with mineral substances that intensively moisturizes your skin due to its marine algae extracts composition. The mint essence components gives sensation of intense freshness.

Casmara Gold with mineral, seaweed extracts and 24 karat gold dust that actively give tightening effect on your skin, aiding nutrition and revitalization at the same time.

Casmara Goji Mask (red) with Goji berries extracts and quinoa seeds that gives antioxidant and stimulating effects, helps strengthen the natural protective barrier. 

Diana Stalder will always have an affordable solution to keep your skin remains healthy with youthful appearance; rested and renewed strength. 

Have that Christmas colors treat your skin only at Diana Stalder Branches in Gateway, Megamall and SM City Calamba.

PETRON PRESENTS NEW FORT GT COLLECTIBLES

The second series of the much-awaited Petron Limited Edition Toy Car Collectibles is just days away! The Ford GT scale model comes to participating Petron stations nationwide, starting November 30 to December 15, 2018. Collectors can redeem their qualified purchases for the Ford GT scale model of high-quality die cast metal for an affordable price of Php 250 each.

To avail of one toy car for Php 250, you must present a single or accumulated purchase of Php 500 worth of Petron fuels or Petron engine oils. These include Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Turbo Diesel Max, Petron Blaze Racing, Petron HTP, Petron Ultron, Petron RevX, and Petron Sprint 4T. This promo is valid only for same station redemption. Cash and credit transactions, as well as bulk, P.O. and wholesale transactions are qualified to participate in this promo.

The Ford GT is a mid-engine two-seater sports car powered by 3.5L turbo-charged V6 engine generating maximum power of 656PS and torque of 746Nm. Its body is a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque bolted to aluminum subframes. The windshield is made of Corning Gorilla Glass similar to smartphone screens. It has a pushrod suspension system, active aerodynamics, and dihedral doors. The Ford GT accelerates from 0–97kph in 2.8-seconds and can reach a top speed of 348kph.

Like other models in the Petron Toy Car Collection, the Ford GT is a 1:32 scale and has a pull-back to accelerate function. There are two color variations: (1) glossy red with black stripes, and (2) matte black with orange stripes.

Enthusiasts may start collecting from listed participating Petron stations available at www.petron.com or visit the Petron Facebook page.

MANG INASAL'S PORK SISIG, MEATY SARAP

The leading Filipino restaurant that serves the No.1 chicken inasal, Mang Inasal is the go-to place for people seeking to satisfy their craving for a truly delicious Pinoy fare.

Aside from its flagship offering of the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, Mang Inasal also offers Pinoy favorites such as Pork BBQ, Palabok, Lumpiang Togue, and Halo Halo.

And since Sisig is one of the most popular Filipino dishes, Mang Inasal added it in its menu as well a few years back, to provide more choices to the restaurant’s ever-growing number of customers. The fastfood chain even improved the dish’s serving and taste throughout the years.

A homegrown fare that traces its origins in Pampanga,Sisig was first defined in a Kapampangan dictionary in 1732 as a green fruit mixed with vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. From being just a salad, Sisig has evolved over the years into a main dish with sizzling plate and chopped meat as its defining elements.

The Mang Inasal sizzling meaty sarap Pork Sisig is made of a generous serving of flavorful, tender and juicy pork chunks with yummy crunchy chicharon and tangy white onion. Offered as one of the fastfood’s Paborito Meals (PM) for only P99, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig comes with a cup of rice, and an option to have unlimited servings of rice.

Mang Inasal Pork Sisig is perfect both as solo meal and for sharing with your family or barkada. And if you are more into seafood, there is also the Mang Inasal Bangus Sisig for you.

Probably the most scrumptious and affordable Sisig in the Philippines, Mang Inasal Pork Sisig might just be the ultimate Pinoy comfort food you are looking for. Definitely a must try!

REBISCO IS READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

For millions of Filipinos living or working all across the globe, a familiar flavor or a well-loved taste can instantly bring back fond memories and rekindle that warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort.

While most Filipino dishes can be recreated in any kitchen, some Pinoy staples require a bit more effort to find.

This is where Rebisco comes in.

The snack food giant has been doubling down on its international business, ‘invading’ key markets armed with delightful sweets and treats.

“Wherever there are Filipinos, we have a market for Rebisco products because our snacks represent a piece of home,” Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng said. “At the same time, the shared love for food is a universal language that transcends boundaries, languages and cultures. While we bring our diverse portfolio of products to a wider market, we also want to put the Philippines on the global map as a maker of world-class snacks.”

Spreading the love for Filipino-made snacks

Rebisco has been in the export business since early 2000, with key markets including China, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Myanmar. Among their top export brands are local favorites like Ding Dong, Hansel, Fudgee Barr, Rebisco Sandwich, Doowee Donut, Cupp Keyk and Choco Mucho.

According to Rebisco International Business Group Head Jonnel Mangubat, main consumers vary per export market. “For countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, USA, and Taiwan the main consumers are our overseas Filipinos as these countries are top OFW and Filipino migrant destinations,” he said. “As for China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Myanmar, we primarily cater to the mainstream aka local consumers. Thus, our products could be found in their supermarkets and wholesalers where local consumers go to.”

Winning over local snack lovers

Marketing strategy varies, depending on the market. “We localize our portfolio and promotions based on the unique consumer needs per country,” Mangubat explained. “While some distributors directly approach us due to our company’s popularity, we mainly enter new markets through participation in international trade missions and food exhibits. As soon as we see market potential and product acceptance, as indicated primarily by consistent orders, we follow through with significant investment in sales and marketing initiatives in order to maximize the business potential.”

Manufacturing is a key success factor for Rebisco’s international business. In 2015, the legacy snack maker opened its Vietnam manufacturing facility, complete with a sales and marketing force. Mangubat added, “Vietnam’s strategic location in the region makes it an ideal manufacturing hub for businesses that want to penetrate the ASEAN markets. Its free trade agreements also make the country more attractive to investors because of the fewer tariffs and restrictions.”

The Vietnam plant produces cakes, biscuits, wafer and cream paste, for domestic and top export markets like China and Myanmar. Rebisco Vietnam has also recently begun export shipments to Hong Kong and Singapore. Mangubat noted that the total operations in Vietnam have steadily doubled its sales in the past five years, with the top-selling brands including Doowee, Krim Stix and Rebisco Extreme.

More reasons to celebrate

As Rebisco celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, the homegrown manufacturer of snack time favorites sees a bright future ahead for its international business.

Ng noted, “We’re optimistic about the sustained growth of our international operations. We continue to evolve with the changing needs of the market—both locally and globally. Good food never goes out of style. Regardless of where you’re from, there’s always a good reason to sit down and enjoy a snack.”

UNILEVER X SHOPEE'S "ALL ABOUT GIVING' THIS 11.11 BIG CHRISTMAS SALE

Christmas is near approaching and nothing can stop you from having that "All About Giving" spirit. Whether you like it or not, shopping gifts for your love ones are now compulsory (hehehe), be it at physical store, malls or online. But the latter is the most convenient and practical way nowadays, aside from it has more discount and the best deals, you can shop at your most comfortable pace.

Tomorrow November 11 or 11.11 Big Christmas Sale will happen at Shopee, reason why shoppers are getting ready and going gaga to prepare for the big day. Online wallets, Doing Shakes for Coins, credit cards and even cash are all set for 11.11...

Shopee will be having an exclusive Unilever deals that will include products and items in a very discounted price that you can never refused. Like for example a 50% OFF for TRESEMME and ST.IVES products, 40% OFF for DOVE products and FOOD products and 30% OFF in Unilever HOMECARE products.

The Unilever x Shopee voucher code of ShopeexUL valid for 11.11 only, will give you a 20% OFF when you buy 1000Php worth of Unilever items.

Did I mention that it is FREE SHIPPING on all Unilever products when you shop at Shopee?! YES IT IS...Super great deal right?! So load that Shoppe carts of yours with Unilever products now :)

Happy SHOPEE-ng 

PAYMAYA PA MORE TO THE NEXT LEVEL, 10 MILLION RAFFLE PROMO, CASHBACKS FOR 11-11

PayMaya is ringing in the holiday cheer–whether it’s shopping online or at the mall, sending money to loved ones, buying load, or even paying for bills—with the launch of its “PayMaya Pa More!” promo, where account holders stand a chance to win as much as P10 million in the grand raffle draw and a myriad of other prizes and cashbacks every day.  

With PayMaya, you’ll get more from every cashless transaction from November 8 to December 31 because you get raffle entries for a chance to win P10,000 every day or as much as P10 million in the grand raffle draw just by using your app or card. 

Here’s how you can earn raffle entries:  

• Upgrade your PayMaya account  
• Send money to friends or family 
• Shop online or in-store using your PayMaya virtual or physical card  
• Purchase telco load, gaming pins, or prepaid cable TV credits at the in-app shop  
• Pay your bills  
• Pay using PayMaya QR at partner merchants  

And because PayMaya is determined to give you more this holiday season, each account holder who completes four out of the six ways to earn raffle entries within the month will get an additional 100 entries in the raffle! 

Users can transact using the PayMaya app, PayMaya in Messenger or through PayMaya-powered physical cards to earn raffle entries, wherever applicable.  

“Our customers deserve more so we’re giving each PayMaya account holder more than a million reasons–10 million reasons, in fact– to enjoy the holiday season. It’s been another breakout year for PayMaya and the digital payments space as a whole, and we do expect even more Filipinos to hop on and embrace the benefits and convenience of going ‘cashless’ with PayMaya,” said Paolo Azzola, COO and Managing Director at PayMaya Philippines.  

Mega discounts and cashbacks for 11/11  

To kick off the holiday shopping rush, PayMaya is treating everyone with discounts and cashbacks on 11/11, also known as “Singles’ Day,” a popular shopping event which originated in China.  

November 11 is also going to be “Digital Shopping Day” for all PayMaya users because they can get a one-time 11% cashback (maximum of P300) on their PayMaya purchases on that day–including shopping online using their virtual cards, transacting in-store with their physical cards, paying using PayMaya QR, buying telco load and gaming pins at the PayMaya shop, as well as paying their bills using their PayMaya account. 

Additional Rewards from Lazada and Zalora 

Meanwhile, users who purchase using their virtual or physical PayMaya cards at Lazada will get an additional 50% off their purchases (maximum of P300), with no minimum spend so they can shop to their hearts’ content, on top of other promos for 11/11. Shoppers who are into fashion deals can also get an additional 20% off at Zalora for a minimum purchase of P1,000 using their PayMaya cards on the same day. 

“PayMaya is always looking for ways to give better rewards than your credit card or cash this holiday season and beyond. Expect us to give each account holder a little gift from PayMaya with every purchase that they make starting on 11/11. On top of that, you even have a chance to win P10 MILLION! It’s definitely going to be a merry Christmas for all PayMaya users nationwide,” added Raymund Villanueva, Vice President and Head of Growth and Marketing at PayMaya Philippines.   

PayMaya is the digital payments arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the Philippines backed by PLDT, KKR, and Tencent. To stay updated on the latest promos and discounts from PayMaya, visit stories.paymaya.com/promos or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

MYLAN LAUNCHES HEPATITIS C AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WITH ENDORSER MICHAEL DE MESA

Mylan, one of the world’s leading global pharmaceutical companies, in association with the Hepatology Society of Philippines (HSP), launched an awareness campaign for Hepatitis C in the country with of course the brand's endorser Michael De Mesa, who first hand experienced to have and survived the said disease.

The campaign named BEATHepC (Become educated, aware, tested and treated), aims at spreading awareness about hepatitis C It will include dissemination of information through pamphlets and promoting screening among Filipinos at risk.

According to Department of Health (DoH), estimates around 1% of the Filipino population has chronic hepatitis C. According to the 2010 study on Global Burden of Disease by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, university of Washington viral hepatitis causes 1 million deaths each year in the Asia Pacific region. In our country it is said to be endemic and there is a lack of awareness about viral hepatitis and its transmission, prevention, screening, and management among patients, public, and healthcare providers.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Jade Jamias, Liver Specialist and President of HSP said, “Chronic Hepatitis C infection may lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Patients with hepatitis C often do not show early symptoms and so it becomes very critical to educate the people about this infection. Early detection is key to treatment and prevention of liver disease progression. The positive news is that treatment for this disease is now easily accessible to all.”

Ms. Ester Tacanay, Country Manager of Mylan in Philippines said, “Hepatitis C is a chronic public health concern in the Philippines. At Mylan Philippines we are committed to provide access to medicine for treatment of hepatitis C with the objective of reducing the disease burden. Through the BEATHepC campaign Mylan aims to create awareness around risks and misconceptions about the disease and encourage early screening and treatment to prevent the disease. We are happy to partner with HSP to drive this campaign across Philippines.”

Mr. Michael De Mesa said, "We can beat hepatitis C together through awareness, prevention and early screening".

Mylan’s BEATHepC campaign supports the National Viral Hepatitis Task Force (NVHTF) to eliminate or significantly decrease the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the Philippines.