Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Coordination needed against TB - Diabetes tandem - study


The Philippines is not prepared to detect and prevent the complications, including resistance to treatment, posed by the tandem of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Researchers of state think-tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), led by Dr. Emmanuel S. Baja, urge national health agencies to work together to initiate research studies and produce a coordinated response to detect, prevent, and manage the deadly TB-DM tandem in a study released by PIDS. The output of Baja’s study is part of the Health System Research Management Project of the PIDS and the Department of Health (DOH).

The International Diabetes Foundation stated in their 2014 report that people with diabetes are prone to contracting tuberculosis. In countries where there is a rising rate of diabetes, there is an alarming and significantly matching spike in tuberculosis. The compounded infection makes it hard for patients with both TB and DM to respond to treatment.

The World Health Organization in 2011 reported that TB patients who are diagnosed with diabetes have a higher mortality risk.

At present, the Philippines is ranked 15 as an emerging diabetes hotspot. At the same time, the country also has one of the highest notified cases of multidrug resistant TB.
To understand the current state of health programs to address the TB-DM tandem, the PIDS research team surveyed the level of awareness and vigilance among medical practitioners to test TB patients for DM and vice versa.

Majority of surveyed physicians could adequately identify observable symptoms, and correctly answered questions about diagnostic tests for either disease. However, less than half appeared confident about the prevalence and risks of contracting both disease.

More than two thirds do agree that screening for TB in DM patients and DM in TB patients should be performed. About a half of them agree that a TB-DM tandem presents difficulties in treatment.

Focus group discussions with the staff of the National TB Control Program (NTBCP) and the Degenerative Diseases Office (DDO) of the DOH were conducted to determine the current level of coordinated action to control and prevent the TB-DM tandem, as well as evaluate the costs of bidirectional screening.

The study found the lack of consensus among the staff of these agencies on how to address the TB-DM, despite the 2011 WHO recommendation for countries with high rates of either disease to pay attention to the “double burden of disease and the need for joint surveillance, coordinated referral and management systems, a joint research agenda”.

The study also revealed that the DDO staff believed that screening for TB-DM is important and challenging, but they didn’t necessarily view the tandem as a public health issue.

However, the NTBCP disagreed that prevalence of DM in TB patients is an extensive problem, and underlined the concerns that TB diagnosis might stigmatize DM patients. 

The study recommends a pilot study on the tandem disease. The current lack of initiative to detect it could be related to the lack of information to guide the change in detection policies.

The costly implementation of bidirectional screening, especially screening TB in DM patients, also compounds the issue.

The PIDS-DOH study strengthens the argument for a more informed study on the issue. It states, “Given the government’s commitment to the nationwide control of TB, the underexplored frontier of TB among diabetic patients can be among the stretch goals towards increased case detection, management and prevention efforts.”

The national agencies overseeing the care and control of TB and DM need to cooperate to increase awareness among health workers and the general public about the prevalence and risks of the tandem disease.   They have to coordinate their respective policies, programs, and operations, including bidirectional screening, to detect and manage it. 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

One Healthy Christmas Basket

Happy Holidays!

How's your simbang gabi?

For most Filipinos, giving gifts to family, friends and loved ones during the most celebrated season in the Philippines is definitely a big deal. They go to great lengths to make sure that their gifts are outside the ordinary, spending much time to make sure that they are truly one of a kind.

One popular gift fare is the so-called “Christmas Basket” of various sizes, filled with assorted goodies such as candies, canned goods, wine, and biscuits. Imagine the excitement of those lucky enough to be on the receiving end of these baskets, a gift-giving tradition that has been part of Filipino culture whenever Christmas time comes.


But instead of giving the “usual” Christmas Basket, you may want to try out something that’s on the healthy side, but equally enjoyable if you want to fill your tummy before Christmas Day: McVitie’s Digestives, UK’s favourite tea time biscuit, is an absolutely perfect item to give out this season.





Apart from seeing the usual ingredients for spaghetti, fruit salad and ham, your loved ones and friends would be surprised to find McVitie’s Digestives in their basket. While a pack of McVitie’s is surely unique, it would also be a healthy gift before people start to indulge on the most sumptuous meals this season. McVitie’s Digestives has fewer calories than most biscuits, less fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, zero cholesterol and transfat that can potentially harm the body. It also has more fiber that helps propagate proper digestion.

Putting the entire McVitie’s Digestives variants such us McVitie’s Original, Whole wheat, Milk Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate in cardboard boxes with simple design patterns could make your gift look elegant.

Going local is also one good option in packaging your McVitie’s Digestives. The Philippines has an array of local produce that can be used as baskets for your goodies like abaca, sinamay, and even the bayong

You can even go crazy in putting other colorful and decorative wrappings in your basket like shredded paper or twine to add color to your present.

So take your pick, either go crazy or go classy in decorating your Christmas basket is your choice. For as long as you’re giving away McVitie’s Digestives, you can never go wrong in giving your loved ones and friends enjoyable yet healthy treats this Christmas, and show them how you say “Happy Holidays!” You may also want to avail of McVitie’s “Buy One Take One” promo and grab as many boxes of McVitie’s Digestives as you want in selected supermarkets this December.

For more info about McVitie’s Digestives, visit www.mcvities.com or click “Like” on their Facebook page,www.facebook.com/mcvitiesdigestives. Distributed in the Philippines by Delfi Marketing Inc., McVitie’s Digestives is available in leading supermarkets nationwide.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Athlete Janice Lagman for Rev3

Happy Holidays! How was your week?

In times like this, what we need is a reliable, safe, and powerful energy drink to effectively fuel our bodies and reliably help maximize our potential.

With the new Rev3 energy drink, Pinoys can enjoy an all-natural, preservatives-free energy pack that can help everyone do more.

USANA Philippines revs up Pinoys to becoming champions with new Rev3 Energy Drink

Whether in sports, work, or life in general, our greatest asset is our body. This intricate, high-powered mechanism allows us to achieve the things we need and drive us towards success and a more enjoyable life. However, there are times when our body slows down.

To make this happen, USANA Philippines recently launched the Rev3 energy drink — an all-natural, preservatives-free energy pack that can help every Filipino make the most of our time and efforts.

“We have always been dedicated to empowering every Filipino to becoming champions in whichever field, passion, or discipline they want to undertake,” says USANA Philippines general manager Aurora “Duday” Gaston. “The addition of Rev3 complements our existing roster of offerings that help bring out the champions in our countrymen.”

Perfect for athletes and those who are just simply always on the go, Rev3 is rich with crisp and clean taste without using any artificial flavourings, sweetness, and colorants. It also contains Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 to replace the lost vitamins during rigorous physical activities like exercise. It also pumps L-Carnitine as well as antioxidants from the all natural caffeine from green and white tea to our bodies to keep us healthy, alert, and energetic.

Even USANA Pilipinas Elite Athlete Janice Lagman, who recently bagged the world championship for Poomsae Freestyle Mixed along with the rest of the national team recently, attests to powerful benefits of Rev3. “I was amazed as to how I was able to sustain the energy needed during the daily rigorous training I had to go through and yet still be active towards the rest of the day without resulting into the usual energy booster ‘sugar crash’,” explains Lagman.

“During the competition, I was confident that I was in my “top shape” to sustain the team formations and win the Gold Medal, and true enough, together with the national players, we won and became the World Champion for Poomsae Freestyle Mixed”

Initially available in Surge Packs, Rev3 easily and conveniently transforms our regular drinking water to a powerful energy booster that can help us pave the way to becoming champions in our own right.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Taking Care of our Teeth

Our teeth is the first body part that grabs public attention and it says a lot about our genes, health and cleanliness habits.

Taking care of it is easy but we do have the tendency to be neglectful about it.

It has been taught since we were kids the proper way of caring our teeth - that we have to brush 3x a day and visit the Dentist regularly. Having a healthy teeth can produce a beautiful smile.
Dr. Steve Mark Gan, President and CEO of GAOC with resident dentists at the opening of #GAOC in St. Luke's Global City. <veggiecircle.blogspot.com>
Dr. Steve Mark Gan, President and CEO of GAOC with resident dentists at the opening of #GAOC in St. Luke's Global City.
At the launch of newly open branch GAOC at St. Lukes Global City, the founder Dr. Steve Mark Gan sit in with the press and media over a simple conference about the importance of having a healthy set of teeth.

GAOC at St. Lukes is one of Asia's most advanced and world class dental centers.

#GAOCStLukesOpening Congratulations for another Center of Excellence. It's not just a smile, it's a statement! 😃

Being a good example to their tagline 'It's not just a smile, it's a statement' Dr. Gan imparted his goal in putting up his clinic and that is to really change the dentistry landscape of the Philippines.

It does not stop by just learning that there is a dental clinic alone but to educate many people that they can go to a place where they can have their teeth taken care of and can help them concerning all problems about it.

So if you are feeling scared of going to a Dentist due to serious teeth problem, GAOC clinic can help you know more.

Aside from making his patients look more beautiful and confident, Dr. Gan wishes to work with patients with more serious dental problem.

GAOC specializes in General Dentistry, Dental Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry.

 To view photos during the opening of GAOC St. Lukes go to my flickr page.



For more information you may visit their website http://gaocdental.com/ and like them on facebook.

Beginning

Late 2005, Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda visited his clinic for a surgery and then they started thanking Dr. Steve Gan in The Buzz and that started him getting a lot of celebrity patients. He is now known as the Dentist of the stars.

 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

My food of the week

This is the first week of Christmas. 

Thank you kalabasa, mongo and Jamba Juice.

Thank you Yoga, running and volleyball.

Looking forward for a great week ahead.

Cheers!


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

A healthy weekend at Nurture Spa

At last I got the time to relax at Nurture Spa in Tagaytay. The nearest place I know where I can spend a complete relaxation. A place where I can be free from pollution and stress.

During my vacation at the end of November and in celebration of Thanksgiving my weekend was such a great time.

Nurture spa offers a blissful place, healthy food, peaceful home and they really value  their clients.

I'd like to commend a great service during my stay. It was such a good time.

Aside from enjoying to stay I also love to take photos around.





Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure is linked to chronic diseases

With widespread health warnings about the dangers of too much sun exposure, opting to stay indoors to avoid harsh ultraviolet rays might sound like a good idea. But what most people don’t know is that avoiding sun exposure can lead to Vitamin D deficiency and increase their risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

For the longest time, Vitamin D was associated directly with bone health, but recently, it has received a lot of attention from the medical community and the media regarding its overall health impact. Studies show that people with chronic disease have low levels of Vitamin D.

And considering the Philippines is a tropical country, most would likely believe they’re getting enough Vitamin D due to the mainly sunny weather. Surprisingly and alarmingly, it was revealed that Vitamin D deficiency is becoming prevalent among Filipinos, with 7 out of 10 working adults identified to be suffering from such deficiency.  This is based on an ongoing study commissioned by Unilab in partnership with Hi-Precision Diagnostics among 5,000 working adults, 18 yo and above, who live in Metro Manila and other urban areas in the Philippines.

Various researches traced the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency to increasingly indoor lifestyles, with most cooped up in the confines of their offices during daylight. Other factors identified were practices such as using an umbrella and slathering on sunscreen at midday, which is actually the best time of the day to get the ideal amount of Vitamin D. These are the common practices that people inadvertently do that lead to a deficiency of the Sun vitamin. Nonetheless, factors such as skin color, age, clothing choices, cloud cover, and pollution also come into play in Vitamin D production in the skin.

It remains, that most of the Vitamin D production in the body relies heavily on the skin’s exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, since including a Vitamin D rich food into one’s diet could only do so much as only 10 to 15% of the required daily Vitamin D dosage can be obtained from it.

It is highly advised for everyone to meet the required daily dose of Vitamin D to ensure strong and healthy bones and proper functioning of the body’s organs, to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Meal Plan for Meatless Mondays

I plan to eat a lot on Mondays. It is the start of the week and it is going to be a very busy week for me.

Food

Cereals
Broccoli
Ramen
Wheat Bread
Mongo
Tofu

Drinks
Malunggay Tea
Water
Salabat


Monday, August 25, 2014

Energizer Night Race Manila 2014 - September 6

Last year was a blast. It was my first time to run during night. After the run I started running during midnights.

Following last year’s “glowing race” supported by thousands of runners in the Greater Manila area, people can experience again the one-of-a-kind fun run as Energizer opens Night Race Manila 2014. 

What:        Energizer Night Race Manila 2014
When:       September 6, 2014 (Saturday)
Where:      Filinvest City, Alabang
Race Categories:      3k, 5k, 10k
Assembly Time:         5:00pm
Gun Start Time:          7:30pm
Race Beneficiary:      GMA Kapuso 

Energizer Night Race Registration Details:

Registration Fees:
3k – PhP 600
5k – PhP 700
10k – PhP 800


For those who love running but do not like the heat, Energizer’s night race, is the perfect fit. Just like the past years, this event in September will also create a night of lights as the runners beam up the race route in Filinvest City Alabang produced by the Energizer 3LED Headlights which is part of their running gear.


With a different venue and route, the race will focus on the basic goals of this year’s fun run enjoying a good run and powering up for “positive energy,” for the 3,000 target participants.

More than just the fun and excitement, the race will also support GMA Kapuso Foundation with various Energizer Lights and batteries to be used for their outreach programs.

Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines, Inc. Marketing Manager explained the advocacy saying they are offering the run not just for the beneficiaries but for the runners too.

“We would like this year’s run to be a venue of fun and excitement for everyone who will join, so we’re focusing on their enjoyment this time more than anything else,” she said. “Beyond the beneficiaries, we will focus on our goal to provide that “fun” for the runners so we can radiate the positivenergy to everyone “said Tecson.

Though the press kits include a headlight that is worth P499, organizers of the event still made the run more affordable for runners with the price registration ranging from P600 for 3k runners, P700 for 5k and P800 for 10k runners.

Monday, August 18, 2014

Top 6 Filipino fruits and vegetables

I love fruits and vegetables. Since I went vegetarian on 2001 I make sure to eat plenty of it.

Today I bought a kilo of guavas. Filipinos are very fortunate to live in a tropical country where plenty of fruits and vegetables grow. 

These staple food crops can be easily grown in home gardens and are sold affordably in the markets. They also provide great health benefits.

“Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help nourish your body and keep you protected from diseases. They are also low in fat and calories, which make them excellent for weight management,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines, a leading health maintenance organization provider in the country.


Some of the most nutritious and inexpensive fruits and veggies that you can easily find around your locality include:

Monday, July 14, 2014

NBA Cafe in SM Aura

Published: June 8 | Update: July 15

NBA announces that the first NBA Cafe in the world has officially opened last April 25 in Manila, Philippines, at the SM Aura at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

SM Aura seems to transform Taguig’s town center into a landmark and prestigious address, showcasing the best in building design and environmental sustainability, with superior engineering, cutting-edge technology and modern facilities for conventions, exhibits and other community events. 

As an integrated development, SM Aura incorporates office towers, a chapel, a convention center, and mini-coliseum, supported by a retail podium with an upscale look and feel.

Now it has NBA Cafe.

It is a first-of-its-kind NBA destination which features a unique dining and entertainment experience that captures the energy and feel of NBA atmosphere.

There are good things SM Aura has brought to Taguig, one is putting up great unique places which you never see in malls.

On the issue between SM Prime Holdings Inc. vs BCDA, SM Prime won the project bid by Taguig legally. 

The property was not built only for mall purposes, but as a state-of-the-art civic center. 

BCDA cannot put restrictions on what Taguig / SM can do with the property. 

After SM Aura opened on May, BCDA press on the issue too much.

Maybe there was big concern on getting the target market of Market! Market! and Bonifacio High Street. 


So it is now open and they offer cool vegetarian options. Mr. Veggie captures the menu to see what they offer for us.


PENNE - 375


Three Cheese Pizza - 495
Margarita Pizza - 480


Roasted Mushrooms - 300
Salad of olives, cherry tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers - 280
Arugula, grape and almond salad - 250


Roasted tomato soup - 150
Garden vegetable soup - 120

Grilled portobello - 395


Creamy spinach, white bean, and artichoke dip - 195

NBA Cafe Now Open SM Aura Skypark Bonifacio Global City


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Recommended Vegetarian Options at Just Thai BGC

Just found a new restaurant near Forbes wood heights where I usually swim and go gym, it's called Just Thai, it's an authentic Thai food and it offers many options for vegetarians.

What I like about the place is the blissful aura. There's plants, wood, elephants, paintings and more.

And the best things about Just Thai is the wide variety of vegetarian choices. Just inform their friendly staff that you are a vegetarian and they will show you the menu for vegetarian options.


My Top 3 Choices are :
1. Spicy Tofu and Mushrooms
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls
3. Tofu in Basil

Here's a mini list of vegetarian food you can have when you dine in here.
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls - 220
  • Vegetable Tan Yum - 190
  • Tom Kha Puk *vegetable in coconut soup - 190
  • Vegetable Pad Thai - 220
  • Spicy Tofu &; Mushrooms - 200
  • Tofu in Basil - 200
Not to mention their papaya salad is so interesting!


They also have Spicy  Kangkong. 




It's a must try!


They also have the softest maja blanca around the metro.

Just Thai Restaurant
Forbestown (Burgos Circle) Fort Bonifacio 403-8718
Prism Plaza, TwoE-Com Center, Manila Bay (near MOA) 519-8135
Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang 808-4058
Special Thanks to Kenny (Life is Kulayful ) for the dining experience.

Like them on Facebook page for promos and updates:

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Vegetarian Meal Plan

VEGETARIAN MEAL FOR DAY 1 

BREAKFAST: Apple, Oats and Bread 

LUNCH:1 cup of rice, Monggo with alugbati or malunggay and Nilagang okra

SNACK: Biscuit Water

DINNER: Baked Beans no rice


VEGETARIAN MEAL FOR DAY 2

BREAKFAST: Saba and Kamote

LUNCH:1 cup of turmeric fried rice with sayote, carrots and leeks

SNACK: Biko

DINNER: Mushroom soup and bread


VEGETARIAN MEAL FOR DAY 3

BREAKFAST: Baby Potatoes

LUNCH:1 cup of rice, Sauteed Broccoli with bell peppers

SNACK: Oats

DINNER: Miso soup and vegetable empanada

Sunday, June 15, 2014

why people go vegetarian

There are four general reasons why people go vegetarian.

1. Health , those people who would like to become slim.

2. Environment, it’s a fact that being vegetarian is the best way to contribute to Mother Earth.

3. Ethics/Morals , there are people who acknowledge that animals also feel the same way, just like you and I , they don’t want to get hurt.

They feel pain.

4. Religion, some are obliged because meat eating is not allowed in their religion.



Tips on how to succeed in becoming vegetarian.

1. Have a strong determination

2. Some people tend to give up becoming vegetarian because they are not determined.

3. It takes months, years to become vegetarian, so don’t rush. Take it real slow.

4. Survival 101, a friend of mine started going vegetarian when he was in a military academy. His diet? : Rice, Toyo, Peanuts, Dingdong, Nesvita.

5. Most people are allergic to Eggs and Seafoods, shifting to plant based diet is a better choice.



Eat your veggies everyday!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Love those Burgers at the Ministry of Mushrooms

During my visit at Sunday Legazpi Market inside Makati Street Market, I've found interesting vegetarian stuffs from the Ministry of Mushrooms.

Ministry of Mushrooms is a group of mushroom growers composed of Marco Lobregat, Jose Javier Ortoll and Victor Sala who are passionate about mushrooms and mycological solutions.


If you've seen the latest TV commercial of SUN cellular that's young entrepreneur Marco Lobregat.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Mushroom Tofu Burger Burger at Greens



Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Café

Location:
92 Scout Castor near Tomas Morato and near Chino Roces
Quezon City, Philippines

Tel. No.

Food:
Vegetarian and Vegan




My Order:
Mushroom Tofu Burger 95 pesos

Ingredients: Mushroom, Tofu, Lettuce, Cheese, Tomatoes



Like their facebook page:

How to get to Greens via mass transportation

From Makati (or South)
1. Take the MRT Northbound. Go down GMA-Kamuning station.
2. Walk to Timog Ave. through GMA Road.
3. Ride any jeepney going through Timog, away from EDSA.
4. Go down Kamuning Road.
5. Take a Roces/Pantranco or Welcome jeepney.
6. Go down Tomas Morato cor. Roces Aves.
7. Walk towards Scout Castor St. Go into the street. RCBC Bank and Amber’s are at the corners.
8. A few meters later… Greens! :)

From Manila
1. From España Ave., take a Proj. 2-3 jeepney.
2. Go down Kamuning Road cor. Tomas Morato Ave.
3. Walk towards the restaurants portion of Morato. You will pass by Banco de Oro, a McDonald’s, across Roces Ave. then past UCC.
4. Cross the street to RCBC.
5. Walk towards Scout Castor St. Go into the street, RCBC Bank and Amber’s are at the corners.
6. A few meters later… Greens! :)



Monday, May 19, 2014

Vegetarian Finds in Makati

I worked in Makati since March this year and still exploring the area on where to find a near vegetarian food. From the building of Solar Century Tower, I sometimes walk towards Buendia to look for what to eat out there. Here are some of my picks during my first visit.

https://twitter.com/PipinoVeg
1. Pipino Vegetarian Jupiter Makati
Across Tong Yang, 38 Jupiter, Makati City, Pilipinas 
Contact number: +63 2 550 1781 
Operating hours: Daily 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Website: http://www.pipinovegetarian.com/





Fried Rice is topped with steamed broccoli, carrots and chips. For only 125 pesos.



2. Wabi-Sabi Noodle House and Vegetarian grocery
7274 Malugay St. Brgy. San Antonio, Makati
Contact number: 0918 962 2935
Fanpage: facebook.com/wabisabi.noodlehouse

Operations:
Mon - Thu: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Asado regular - 30
Chaypao regular - 30
Siomai - 55
Lemon grass - 50
Milk Tea - 60


3. Corner Tree Cafe
150 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, 1209 Makati
Contact number: 897-0295
Operations:
Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm



Spinach & Pechay Chowder - 160 pesos only 
A comforting pureed soup of leafy greens and potatoes  with a dollop of organic yoghurt 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Etude Princess Run: May 25

Get FIT, have FUN, and REACH OUT!

Etude Princess Run aims to support YesPinoy and Lifeline Foundation's One Chair, One Child Campaign. You just need to take one step to inspire! Register online or at the four participating Etude House boutiques : SM North EDSA the Block, Eastwood, Glorietta 3 and SM Southmall!


Details of Etude Princess Run:
May 25, 2014 @ 5AM 34th corner 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City 3K / 5K / 10K

Registration Fees:
3K – Php 600 (open for cosplayers)
5K – Php 600
10K – Php 800 - Inclusive of Singlet, Race Bib

For Pink Membership Cardholders you will get a Tutu Skirt

Top 3 males and top 3 females for each category shall receive medals and a prize.

The 3000+ survivors of Estancia Elementary School in Northern Iloilo will be the beneciaries of the Princess Run. Said Lifeline Foundation’s Deputy Director, Betty Romero, “This chair is more than a chair; it’s their dignity. It’s for their future.” Registration for the run is until April 15. Go to http://www.etudehouse.com.ph/ for online registration.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Di ka ba nanghihina puro gulay ka lang?

Most people asks me 'Hindi ka ba nanghihina puro gulay lang ang kinakain mo?'

So I have thought of challenging myself if I run a hundred kilometers and just eat kamote and biscuits.

Last March 15, I have proven that I can survive a 100 km run even if I eat vegetables alone.


The first-ever 100-km. international marathon was held on March 15-16, 2014 in Alaminos city. 

It has been a huge success for marathon enthusiasts all over the country.

Participated by more than 50 runners coming from Manila, Kenya, Malaysia and near countries, 25 strongly finished the long road in a total of not more than 18 hours. Majority were elite ultra-runners. I heard that some Kenyans did not finish the race due to vomiting at their almost 60 km stage.

For majority of the elite, they consider this event as the battle of the champions.

Yours truly joined the race and luckily finished the course with a time of 17:30. 

It was my first ultra marathon.


Monday, April 14, 2014

Health benefits abound if you get good, healthy sleep

Ever wondered how to get the best sleep you can ever have? To know more about it, you may probably have to go to a sleep conference or any fora and shell out money to get much-needed information.

Luckily, Uratex, the Philippines’ largest manufacturer of commercial and automotive polyurethane foam and mattress products, knows how valuable information is when it comes to knowing how to get healthful sleep and reap its benefits—and they’ll even bring the information directly to the people.

Just recently, Uratex kicked-off its “Mobile Sleep Solutions” at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City that aims to educate Filipinos in Metro Manila and nearby provinces on how to get the best of sleep health.

On board a customized, air-conditioned van transformed to mimic a cozy bedroom environment, guests learned from Uratex sleep experts the 10 commandments of sleep hygiene for adults, the benefits of good sleep and the many exciting Uratex products that best suit the needs of customers when it comes to their sleeping needs. Inside the van guests also got to sample the cozy and comfortable feel of the Uratex Airlite Mattress that offers superior sleep benefits.

Incidentally, the launch of the Uratex Sleep Solutions Caravan coincided with the celebration of World Sleep Day, which aims to promote sleep health worldwide. The commemoration of this significant event also explains why the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine, a group that promotes the importance of sleep health and an affiliate of the Philippine Medical Association, conducted a mini conference, which Uratex also supported as part of its better sleep advocacy.

It was a really informative day for many guests and onlookers who trooped to the “Mobile Sleep Solutions Van.” They all marveled at the unique vehicle that was adorned with balloons and made alive by the presence of 15 friendly personnel from Uratex, led by Consumer Marketing Manager Marvey Alcantara.

“Our guests were so happy about this mobile sleep solutions van. We got many inquiries from people who asked us on the good sleeping habits and the different Uratex products which, according to them, they only see in stores and malls. Now the products are here and they can try these items. They are very interested about the foam, mattress, fold-a-mattress, pillows, portable mats, and our new product line,” Alcantara said. 




Inside, guests also joined the on-going #CelebrateSleepWithUratex photo contest where they can win wonderful prizes. They only needed to visit the “Mobile Sleep Solutions” with a maximum of five people and take photos on the Uratex Airlite Mattress. Participants should then post their picture on Facebook and tag all their friends included in the photo with the hashtag #CelebrateSleepWithUratex, and put the link of the photo in Facebook to win via rafflecopter.

Adjacent also to the Mobile SleepSolutions van is a game booth where guests were invited to participate in exciting games and entertainment. Lucky guests truly enjoyed the fun and went home smiling while toting several great prizes from Uratex. 

The Uratex “Mobile Sleep Solutions” is just the start of many wonderful days for some 3,000 people who dropped by the promo vehicle. For the next three months, the “Mobile Sleep Solutions” will motor to different places in the metropolis. Afterwards, it will head to the provinces, particularly in Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, Bulacan, among others.

For more about Uratex products and updates about the Uratex “Mobile Sleep Solutions,” go to www.uratex.com.ph and www.facebook.com/UratexPhilippines


Many Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle

After many years of staying at home and starting to adopt the new normal, finally nakapag fun run and recreation ulit. And it's good to ...

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