After unveiling two of the most innovative mid range smartphones, Vivo is finally making the V15 and V15 Pro available in the local market, and in truly more convenient ways!

The innovative mobile phone developer will start offering the Vivo V15 on March 30, while the more powerful V15 Pro will hit stores on April 12. Both handset models will be available at all participating stores located at shopping nationwide.

To enable more Filipinos to get their hands on the V15 and V15 Pro and enjoy its 32MP Elevating Selfie Camera, Ultra FullView™ Display, and 48MP AI Triple Camera, Vivo will offer the smartphones at 0% interest. This applies to 6-9 months installment payments using major credit cards and Home Credit.

Aside from the incredible offer, Vivo is also giving away a set of exclusive perks for those who make advance orders of its latest flagship mid range smartphones.

Customers who pre-order the V15 smartphone in stores and online until March 29 can get an NBA Premium Gift Set of a Bluetooth speaker and premium NBA Case while those who pre-order the V15 Pro online until April 11 can score a JBL Clip 3 portable Bluetooth speaker.
Those who place an advance order on either the V15 or V15 Pro will get an extended 6 months phone warranty and can also avail of a screen protection warranty, wherein they will only need to pay P500 to have their damaged or broken screens replaced within 6 months from receiving their pre-ordered units. To pre-order the Vivo V15 and V15 Pro today, visit https://vivoglobal.ph/v15preorder/.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to score the Vivo V15 and V15 Pro at 0% interest when they come up at Vivo outlets and participating mobile phone stores nationwide and watch out for more exciting freebies!

You can now easily get your hands on the V15 and V15 Pro as they will be available at 0% interest at all participating stores nationwide.

As the government intensifies the implementation of its family planning program in the next four years, much more needs to be done to educate Filipinos about the importance of reproductive health and to correct the misconceptions about modern contraception.

Despite the availability and accessibility of different types of contraceptive methods, accelerating the acceptance and utilization is still hindered by misconceptions and lack of knowledge on modern contraception.

“Following the launch of the first World Contraception Day Philippines in 2018, we want to continue the conversation to empower and educate Filipino women and couples to make informed choices about their reproductive and sexual health,” said JunIl Kim, Country Division Head, Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Among the types of modern contraceptives, the pill, Intrauterine System (IUS), female sterilization, contraceptive patch and injection are the most effective types of interventions with ~99% efficacy, when administered correctly and used with 100% accuracy. However, male condom, fertility awareness trackers and withdrawal method remain to be the most commonly used with approximately 72-82% efficacy. [i]

Earlier, the government has announced the implementation of an intensified family planning program nationwide targeting 11.3 million women over the next four years. This is to increase the usage of contraceptives among Filipinos from 40 percent to 65 percent.

Via Antonio, actress and comedian, talked about her own experiences in pursuit of better reproductive and physical health, “In this day and age, reproductive health remains to be a taboo topic, even among women. Many are using contraception for various reasons yet no one is openly talking about it. The stigma on birth control is alive.”

Dr. Amity Casurao-Trono, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center Q.C and Rizal Medical Center, shed light on the myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptives during her “Pillowtalk” session held in Makati City.

In 2018, an estimated 25.8% or 7.1 million Filipinas aged 15-49, are using modern contraception, an increase of 1.2 million since 2012.[ii]

Oral contraceptives or the pill remains to be one of the most effective and preferred form of modern contraception among Filipinas because they are convenient, non-invasive and reversible. It comes in two types --- the combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill, which contains both progestin and estrogen hormones and the Mini Pill or progestin-only pill (POP).

Progestin is the main contraceptive ingredient that prevents ovulation, thins out the uterine lining and thickens cervical mucus such that sperm cannot pass through. Ethinyl estradiol, the synthetic female hormone, stabilizes the endometrium and enhances the action of progestin.

Dr. Casurao-Trono clarified and put sense into the most prevalent myths about the use of COCs.

Pills do not cause birth defects: No adverse effects were observed when COCs were accidentally taken during early pregnancy. Past COC use is not associated with an increase in spontaneous abortions.[iii]

Pills do not increase cancer risk: Studies have not established strong and direct links between breast cancer and pill usage. In fact, the risk of cancer lowered with COC use. It reduces risks for certain cancers such as ovarian cancer (~40% lower), endometrial cancer (~50% lower) and colorectal cancer (~20% lower)[iv]. However, it does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

Pills do not make you infertile: 21% of women get pregnant after one month of stopping taking COCs and 79% get pregnant after one year of stopping.[v]

Pills, depending on the formulation and indication, also treat a variety of hormone-related conditions and imbalances such as hyperandrogenism, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe and debilitating form of PMS. Over 88% of women receiving COCs report no adverse effects.[vi]

Aside from preventing unintended pregnancies, selected COC pills offer added benefits beyond contraception such as reducing estrogen-related fluid retention and bloating because of its anti-mineralocorticoid property. It regulates hormonal problems such as acne, facial hair and hair loss due to its anti-androgenic quality. Some COC pills also come in a 24/4 regimen that promotes user compliance. Despite its additional benefits, OB-GYNs highly recommend women to go on a healthy diet and take regular exercise to achieve the desired results.

Like any other medication, it comes with some common side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness and headache, which are tolerable.[vii]

Some contraindications to taking the pills are presence or history of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Myocardial Infarction, Ischemic stroke, Transient ischemic attack, angina, Severe liver disease, DM with vascular disease, Migraine with aura, Breast cancer, Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known or suspected pregnancy, smokers > 35 y/o, severe lipid disease and uncontrolled hypertension.[viii]

Dr. Casurao-Trono reiterates that, “It’s time for women to take a more active stance in taking control of their reproductive and sexual health. We should be able to normalize these discussions, without the fear of being shamed or embarrassed.”

To learn more about contraception and reproductive health, visit www.Your-Life.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/wcdphilippines/

Actress and host Via Antonio shares her life-experience during a media roundtable on what made her ask her doctor on how she can further take control of her body with the help of oral contraceptive pills – whether it is for planning her family or keeping her hormones balanced.

Bayer marked Women’s Month by reiterating the need to educate women about modern contraception and provide access to credible and scientific information on its added benefits. Also in the photo are (left to right) Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Business Unit Head Michael Cabangon, Via Antonio, Dr. Amity Casurao-Trono and JunIl Kim, Country Division Head.

Dr. Amity Casurao-Trono, an obstetrician gynecologist at St. Lukes Medical Center Quezon City said that there is no better time than today to normalize the conversation about women taking control of their sexual and reproductive health.

 
The passing and signing of the Universal Health Care is a good start in uplifting the lives of every Filipino, it is not as perfect as it is presently but will be perfected as it continues. The Universal Health Care is like motorbiking going to different places, it gets better as you ride along. Obstacles and Scenic spots are just like the problems and good point of UHC, it will be develop more as you take the journey. With the help of technologies things will get even smoother. Perhaps this is how Sen JV perceive the UHC when he was doing the initial presentation. He pictures UHC like his travels on a motorbike.
 
Of course motorbike is just one of the means of transportation and there are more that we can consider when travelling and taking your vacation, specially now that the lenten season is near. There's your usual bus, ferry, and airplane to get you on your destination but I think there's another means that we haven't utilized much, yet, the train. Just like Sen JV's suggested programs in the future.

Election Time again! Filipinos need to know more about the candidates in order for them to choose the better Government Officials to be elected.

Campaigning in different provinces and places here in the Philippines are the priorities of the candidates now. In recent campaign rallies held in Visayas, Mayor Sara Duterte was present wearing the campaign shirt of Mr. Healthcare Senator JV Ejercito. Unfortunately, Sen JV were'nt able to join the campaign, Mayor Duterte showed her support to Sen JV by wearing the campaign shirt.

With this, Sen JV expressed his gratitude and thank Mayor Duterte in his facebook post since he cannot be in the rally.

Senator JV Ejercito is the author of the recently passed bill the Universal Health Care. Sen. JV is Mr. Healthcare!

The search is on and perhaps your child is the next big TV star with Topps Sarap, a favorite cupcake brand from Rebisco, Toppstar talent search.

The Topps Sarap Toppstar started in 2016 created as a platform to discover young Filipino talents and celebrate the “topps” factor in each kid. Parents are encouraged to showcase their kids’ talents in singing, dancing, or acting by having them join the nationwide talent search.
Winners of the talent search receive the ultimate prize—a chance to audition for TOPPSTAR TV.

Airing weekends on GMA 7 and GMA News TV, each half-an-hour episode features performances from the kids, interviews with celebrity guests, unboxing videos, comedic bits, Pinoy games, and product reviews. Viewers also get a chance to join in on the fun through interactive activity bumpers.

Journey to stardom

The talent contest is open to all kids from anywhere in the Philippines, aged four to 10 years old. To join, parents or guardians must create a maximum 30-second video showing their child’s chosen talent. Videos must be uploaded on the entrant’s Facebook account and must tag or mention Topps Sarap.

Once video has been posted, the link of the post must be copied and included in the entry form, which can be downloaded here: http://www.toppstar2019.com/. Participants can submit another entry 24 hours after the first submission. The last submission received will be considered the final entry to be judged. A confirmation e-mail will be sent within two to three days of submission. Entries will be accepted until 11:59PM on March 31, 2019.

From all the valid entries, the top 50 will be chosen based on talent and performance (50%); star quality (45%); and online votes (5%).

An online voting will be held from April 5 to 7, 2019, 11:00 AM. A special award will be given to four entries with the highest number of votes, with one each from Luzon, Greater Manila Area, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The top 50 will undergo a talent workshop-audition which will determine the top 25 who will advance to the final stage. The top 25 will compete in the Grand Finals on May 5, 2019. The final 10 Topps Sarap Toppstar winners will be announced on this event.

Each winner will receive P50,000 in cash and will be featured in the Topps Sarap Facebook page. They will also participate in talent workshops and a chance to audition for TOPPSTAR TV’s next season.

For detailed mechanics, rules and more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ToppsSarap/.

Sarap of Topps Sarap

Topps Sarap cupcakes are soft, mouth-watering cakes with rich, creamy filling, and thick frostin. Experience the ‘sarap from bottom to top’ goodness of Topp Sarap in 4 flavors—Choco, Cookie Monster, Yema, and Choco Peanut.

Hugot lines never gets outdated. Whether it be falling in or out of love, we, Filipinos have the penchant for hugot lines and stories. The more emotionally-charged and relatable the lines are, the more we are drawn to these. We even go up to the extent of making it our own expressions. 

If you're familiar with the works of GMA Public Affairs, the same group that continues to make groundbreaking and award-winning documentaries and programs comes “One Hugot Away” featuring digital love stories set to make hearts flutter beginning March 25.
Produced by GMA Public Affairs, “One Hugot Away” brings to life short film love stories made for digital format but will also be shown on television. The series will be available on GMA Network’s Facebook and YouTube accounts while snippets will also be aired on GMA 7 all throughout the day.

For its first offering, “One Hugot Away” will have Kapuso actors Shaira Diaz and David Licauco banner the story of Ella and Ben entitled “Walang Label”.
Ella and Ben have gotten really close spending time together for the past six months. Ella admits they “enjoy” each other’s company. But it boggles her that While Ben shows they are more than friends, he is not consistent with his actions. What will happen once she confronts Ben about the label of their relationship if there is one?

Snippets of this short film will be seen on TV during commercial gaps of Kapuso Movie Festival, Wowowin, and My Golden Life. Netizens, on the other hand, will be able to catch the two-part story at 7 p.m.

But viewers will have to wait until March 28 during the timeslot of My Golden Life to know what will be the ending of Ella and Ben's story. Netizens on the other hand, can watch the finale on March 29 at 12 noon.

The first “One Hugot Away” short film is written by James Estrada and directed by Zig Dulay. The Clash alumna Muriel Lomadilla sang the theme song entitled “Bakit ‘Di Na Lang Tayo” which was composed by Roxanne Fabian and mixed by Andrea Cullla under GMA Post Music Production.

Go ahead, indulge in your deepest hugot moments. Catch “One Hugot Away” beginning March 25 on GMA Network’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/GMANetwork) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/GMANetwork) accounts and on GMA 7.

Perhaps I can relate to San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez of her being the mother, not only to her family but to the entire city. Of course the relate part is only being a mother. Motherhood is a profession and it's a full time job that most of the time overtime is not paid but of course it's the love for the family that makes it fullfiling and satisfying.

Thankfully, I was part of the invited bloggers to have a simple chitchat with Mayor Guia Gomez. Yes, I'm very glad to have met her personally, the mother of Senator JV Ejercito. She is the mother who became the mother of the entire city after replacing her son from being Mayor of San Juan City.

Mayor Guia Gomez, before and currently being mayor of the city has been a public servant by heart. Owning perhaps the true title of being the mother of the city.


During the chitchat with her she was able to share bits of her past to us, bloggers. She was once also an actress in her prime days but was cut short because of knowing she wasn't into it very much. She also shared her time being the mother who loves to spend time with her family, children, and grandchildren.

Mayor Guia's time serving the people of San Juan has done a lot of improvements in the city. Some of them are additional housing programs for the less privilege, job generation and skills training, and the sustainable programs that will eventually free the majority of the San Juaneños from poverty.

Mayor Guia's motherly trait perhaps comes from her parents. Being the eldest child of Dr. Dominador Gomez of Silay City and Paz Guanzon of Iloilo City. Of course there's a saying "kung ano ang puno sya ang bunga" and this qualities she have were passed on to her son Senator JV Ejercito who also excelled in his own achievements.


The mother who cares for her family and to the city.

Our family is our top priority, as much as possible we don't want them to get hurt and we are doing our best to give our special care and love for them. When they are hurt or get into accidents, we, parents, should learn to do first aid.  With this, last February, I was able to attend a training by Glenmark Philippines Inc. that taught its attendees to be “first responders” at school and at home.  
Glenmark Philippines, Inc., an affiliate of a leading research-based pharmaceutical company Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, conducted a “First Aid for Kids Training” in this city, through its brand on wound care, Foskina Ointment.

Through the training, held at the SMX Convention Center from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Glenmark aims to increase awareness about the value of knowing the application of basic first aid, particularly among parents and school facilitators of pre-school and kindergarteners.

Kids in this age range are usually prone to cuts, scrapes, and burns, acquired either at home, school or other areas like malls, parks, and playgrounds where they are most physically active. Thus, it is of utmost importance that parents and school facilitators are knowledgeable when it comes to applying first aid as the “first responders” on proper wound care management and in other cases of emergencies.

Among the highlights of the training will cover wound care and burn management, allergies and bites, and CPR and choking. The lectures and hands-on demos will be led by the team behind Early Intervention Management, Dr. Dan Luchangco from the Emergency Department of the Makati Medical Center and Dr. Joy Sto. Domingo, Chairman of the VRP Emergency Medicine Consultants.

It is a big help for us, mommies, to learn more on this kind of training.  For sure most of the moms who attended the training learned more on how to give first aid in case of emergencies. With this, Foskina is a good brand for wounds, this is the brand that we have in our house.

Media partners for the event include Manila Bulletin (Digital), Channel Hue, Experience Travel and Living magazine and Moms & Kids Magazine.

For cuts and scrapes, fix it with Foskina! For more information about Foskina Ointment, visit www.firstaidforkids.ph , or follow them at Instagram (firstaidforkidsph) or www.facebook.com/firstaidforkidsph.

Watching TV series makes it more convincing if actors playing the roles are convincing enough to make us, viewers, believe of their characters. Yes, there are plenty and some of them are already making their way to our televisions as they work they way up.  Some of these actors who plays good with their characters are now at GMA Artist Center. Just recently they were happy to announce that these 3 hunks, good looking, and talented actors were now member of the Kapuso network namely Paul Salas, Edgar Allan Guzman and Jason Abalos. The new additions to GMA Artist Center's roster of talents.
Paul Salas, who was part of the talent search "StarStruck Kids" in 2004, stars as Chino in GMA Network's newest primetime series "Kara Mia". In an interview with GMA Network, Paul said he is happy and surprised to have been given a chance to be part of a show. Also an excellent dancer, Paul has also performed in the variety shows, "Sunday Pinasaya" and "Studio 7".
Edgar Allan Guzman got his start in showbiz he competed and won in "Eat Bulaga"'s Mr. Pogi in 2006. Before signing with GMA Artist Center, EA was also part of other Kapuso shows such as "My Korean Jagiya" and "The Stepdaughters". EA is set to be a part of GMA Network's newest series "Dragon Lady" where he will be playing Goldwin Chen, a Chinese businessman. He is also working on an upcoming movie titled "Bag Man".
Jason Abalos, who was part of Kapuso shows "The One That Got Away' and "Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko," shared in an interview with GMA Network that he'd like to try comedy projects. Jason is set to be a part of GMA Network's newest series "Stolen."
Mommy Angie with Paul Salas, EA Guzman, and Jason Abalos

If you own a motorcycle and ride it often, you should already know the rules about motorcycle protective gear. You should always wear your helmet to protect your head, long pants to protect your legs, so on and so forth. You know that you should always wear your gloves as well because most bikers wear them. But what are the real reasons?

Comfort

Wearing motorcycle gloves increases your level of comfort while riding your bike. Motorcycle gloves can absorb much of the vibration that can be felt in the hands while riding. Gloves help prevent the numbing and tingling many riders experience, especially on longer rides. Gloves provide added comfort by protecting your hands from becoming dry and calloused. If the nature of your work involves using your hands considerably, this can be especially important.

Safety and Protection

Gloves with padded palms not only protect your hands from injuries in a fall, but they can also help keep the feeling in your hands and shelter them against the vibrations from the bike. Grip is another safety feature that gloves offer, even in the heat of the summer. When your hands are sweaty from the heat, you tend to loose grip and this can be dangerous. Most gloves have leather or silicone palms that ensure a secure grip.

Another benefit to wearing gloves is protection from sunburns, road debris and even bugs.

Mesh or textile riding gloves? Which type to buy?

Summer Gloves are made for warmer weather and are usually with ventilation, mesh panelling or without a liner for a more comfortable ride in the summer.

Textile motorcycle gloves may be your best choice if staying warm and staying dry are your primary concern. Textile gloves are, to a degree, water resistant and, if they’re backed with a good quality waterproof membrane, they offer the best chance of staying dry on the bike.

Gloves With Style and Performance

Motorcycle gloves come in a wide range of colors, styles, and specifications. Depending on the type of performance you need from your glove, you can select features ranging from stretch mesh finger gussets, silicone prints at the fingertips for maximum grip, padded knuckles for protection, or abrasion-resistant leather. Whether you're looking for all weather riding gloves or simply the best all season motorcycle gloves, you'll find exactly what you need at the online selection on BikeBandit.com.

Women power! FWD Philippines is making it happen as one of today's female triathlete/marathoner, Joyette Jopson will represent the Philippines for the FWD North Pole Marathon. This is the "World's Coolest Marathon" where the marathon is happening in a below negative degrees temperature location in the world.

During the media event, friends, FWD Philippines Executives, supporters and family members gave their full support to Ms. Joyette. Good lucks and words of encouragements comes from the squad member to FWD Philippines executives, to members and supporters were also given to her.



Ms Joyette is a triathlete, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines Filipino Elite Champion, and FWD Financial Wealth Officer. She will be flying to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the forthcoming FWD North Polo Marathon. Imagine the cold weather, the terrain, and the challenge.

“FWD is extremely proud to continue our support for this challenging and one-of-a-kind event, as it resonates our core values of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of limitless possibilities,” said FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Moreover, as a Pan-Asian insurer, we are a strong supporter of Asian achievement, endurance, and excellence.”




Jopson will be joined by FWD representative runners from Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, collectively called FWD Team Asia, as well as runners from around the world, in what is dubbed as one of the world’s most challenging and grueling sporting events.

“We chose Joyette as the Philippines’ representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon this year because of her indomitable spirit, something that will help her conquer the North Pole. As the first Filipina who is set to conquer the marathon, she will proudly bring both FWD and Filipino Pride to the world stage,” Grimes added. “Joyette has broken her own barriers as a triathlete, competing with the most experienced athletes in the world, and this is why we believe she is perfect to be the country’s representative this year.”



“As an FWD Financial Wealth Officer, I take to heart our mission to take care of our customers’ financial future and change the way people feel about insurance,” Jopson said. “I am truly grateful to have been chosen to represent FWD and the Philippines in the North Pole Marathon as this really will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me! Inspired by the FWD’s Get Ready to Live brand spirit, I will bring with me relentless courage and determination against the world’s harshest conditions as I aim to make my country proud.”




How extreme is the "World's Coolest Marathon"? Well, as what the Guinness World Record recognize it the "Northernmost Marathon on Earth" is a very unique and extreme marathon, it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. This marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS). Adding to its uniqueness, it is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.



Toughest marathons it may seems but we know Filipinos can conquer everything and Joyette, she'll the first Filipina to conquer the "World's Coolest Marathon".