Free HIV Counselling, Testing and Treatment at QC's Klinika Bernardo

It's alarming, it's not a joke and it's time we put it to stop. I've joined several causes for HIV and it's good that there is an effort at least, but still the rate of increase is something to worry about. Unfortunately, Quezon City has the highest registered number of cases, and in the Philippines 77% of the total new cases come from NCR. It has increased up to 25 percent and estimates say that in 2015 we might get to 45,000 no joke. I am distraught at the numbers, but more importantly depressed at what could happen, the person beside you might be a carrier and we don't even know it. 

Danton Remoto says "Mind you, we've got 1.5 Million people already who died from for AIDS/HIV cases and since I'm from "laglag" now and not from "ladlad", I'm helping the Quezon City government with efforts to address these issues." 

"The state of HIV in the Philippines has rapidly changed in the last 5 years, and it's growing. The number of HIV infections is now 1 new case every 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is about 17 cases per day. There is now 21,000 diagnosed since then. Sexual contact is still the number 1 way of getting it and sharing needles is next. Filipino males are the highest, it also stems from unprotected sex. What's alarming is 15-24 years old comprise 30 percent of this number. We might have less smoking, drugs and vices but have increased sexual adventurism. Thank you to USAID for their invaluable assistance to this effort. We hope all government units follow suit." says Assistant Secretary Pauline Urial of DOH. 

Senior Public Advisor in USAID Dr. Milton Amayun adds "In the Philippines when we talk about HIV we often think of bad news, but really the threat is real. Out of the total number of HIV cases, 93 percent is male. This requires focus, and would you believe there is 812% growth since 2008. We congratulate the QC Government for we encourage everyone, just like Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte here to get tested. The US Government is supporting the Philippine government efforts, and piloting things like this one in Quezon City is impressive. I hope others follow suit. We are very please to partner with them in fighting AIDS/HIV with the objective to have 0% increase, 0 discrimination and reaching out to more people in need." 

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte says "The first step in making a solution in this problem is accepting that there is a problem. We proactively partner in Government and NGO's to set up places like Klinika Bernardo and ensure the health services are given to them. The change will make it conducive to people and we will make additional clinics in other parts of Quezon City. This is part of our continued support to the youth so they have somewhere to seek advice from, especially health concerns. We are progressive, we are going to move forward and will also put up a specialized one for women at the Quezon City General Hospital. We have a gender sensitive anti discrimination ordinance that includes the LGBT sector, they now have equal rights in services. To know is to live, we recognize it is our responsibility to address this issue." 

Mayor Herbert Bautista proudly says "The officers of our health department are professional career officers. They are the ones who are really running the government. To be able to continue programs and implement policies, our thrust is heavily relied by bureaucracy. We come up with the policies and have a progressive council that knows that this issue should be dealt with. We do not condone, but we accept facts and reality. Klinika Bernardo is only a small investment and we hope it gets done in other cities especially in highly urbanized ones. The impact of this is very strong, we thank USAID when they first presented it to me. It was impressive, the purpose is to make the HIV council to monitor on a regular basis. We are very fortunate to be lower than some ASEAN countries but we do know this contribution is important and we will annually do this in our programs without compromising their privacy. We will also launch more communications plans, and perhaps build homes or shelters for people with HIV too. USAID has been our partner in TB and other diseases and I hope we continue to do this with Department of Health and our Vice Mayor for this, and the other issues that have been addressed with that. We just have to let them know that there's government presence, a government that will take care of them too." 

Klinika Bernardo is the first male sexual and reproductive facility in the country. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment. This is why Klinika Bernardo had a facelift, it is now conducive to go back for testing and counseling. Their clinic is just behind Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City. It's easy to see and spot, just look for the leaf symbols on the street and on the building!

For more information about their cause:

klinika.bernardo

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https://www.facebook.com/KlinikaBernardo

Ruffles Grand Fans Day for Kathryn Bernardo

I was there the first instance that Kathryn Bernardo signed up with Ruffles, the popular bag brand found exclusively in The SM Store. Back then, this lady already did hold a lot of promise. From several hit shows, blockbuster movies and a flourishing love life, she was bound to be one of the most successful stars in TV land. KathNiel as most people call Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla's fans, have always sternly supported all the products that they have endorsed in the same period. Kathryn in fact is a special girl, and with the life she has, Ruffles stuck to her like glue because she genuinely loves the brand and even got the chance to be part of the team behind the collection they unfolded that afternoon. It was a day of celebration, it was a great party thrown by Ruffles, Kathryn's greatest fans and the people who continued to love the pair since the very beginning. What love you ask? It's love that even if they have lives of their own, they went to SM Skydome, together with a thousands of her fans to let Kathryn Bernardo sit and watch, evenly enjoy their performances that showed how they loved her. Love her this much.

 

Normally, a fans day would require the actual celebrity to entertain her fans even from the beginning. This time, they made Kathryn sit down and watch, together with her family, friends, some people from ABSCBN management and the people from Ruffles. Then the festivities started. 

One thing that I found really cute was when this kid came out and participate with Kathryn's fans. Kathryn also noticed the cute little kid and asked him questions after the show. Isn't it awesome to find kids this young to adore Kathryn too?

The performances were quite mixed. Some had just plain cheers. Some had cheers, music and songs mixed in them. Some had dance numbers. Some had original compositions played there too. Though in the last bit of where they had to perform, this Mom stole the show and just told the reasons why as Mothers, they supported Kathryn too. She was just as passionate as the rest of the younger ones in the event, though while everyone was actually waiting for her to sing something, she continued to talk more, this was where we had laughs with DJ Jaiho of MOR. Jaiho also called one important man in Kathryn's life, and that's Daniel Padilla. He was trying to congratulate Kathryn Bernardo through the call but since everyone was shrieking in the Skydome, they couldn't hear Daniel Padilla at all. The mere "hello" of Daniel though just made everyone go gaga. He made his point across though. This is a Kathryn Bernardo event and Daniel must have been so proud of her feat.

They also played games where a ton of them would be able to guess, take answers and pass messages until the last member. The closest won. One of the prizes was a life size standee of Kathryn Bernardo. I saw a lot of the grew envy of that girl who won it, hehe I wouldn't blame them because it would probably look like you're with Kath the whole day at home if you get one. :)

Kathryn Bernardo then took the stage and sang her heart out for her latest single included in her own album, would you believe if I tell you almost everyone knew the song already and memorized it even if it's not out in the market? If she does come out with it, she's surely going to get it sold out!

For those who didn't get to the event, here's a treat for you guys! Please watch her in this song!

We love Kathryn Bernardo. Ruffles too. When this happened, you got the event to trend worldwide! Your support has made this campaign successful and I hope you get to see the new collection at all "The SM Store" branches nationwide, Ruffles will be there for sure! By the way, Ruffles is planning more things for Kathryn so please watch out for more, because there's a ton in the pipeline.

For more information about their products:

Ruffles Bags

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Krem-Top's New Campaign: Change For The Better

I felt a little nationalistic when I arrived at Romulo Cafe in Makati City. One of the most popular Coffee Creamer brands in the market Krem-Top just launched their campaign called "Change For The Better", to spark individuals to make the move and make that transformation to personal improvement and learn how it impacts the community as a whole. 

Assistant Brand Manager for Krem-Top Ms. Nikki Tan says "This campaign has been a little personal last year and this time they're taking it to the whole country so they can have change given to a greater populace."

Dr. Mina Ramirez, President of the Asian Social Institute says "Truth and beauty is one, our language defines us and if you see the image of "The Bayanihan" reflects on our language. Our language is empowering and if you can't translate it directly, it is made that way to signify some parts of our language defines who we are. Going back to our roots is a way to connect, ascertain our values and be one with our fair, ourselves. Filipinos are cheerful, all of you smile. You teach children to do this very early, you confuse world news when you smile in cameras during the Yolanda and Ondoy. We are very thankful people, we acknowledge good deeds and try to always exert effort to pay back whatever favors are given to you. We move like a big family and we are resilient because we always believe in a higher being that will take care of us when we are in need. We need to re-learn these core values that are already natural for us. How to be "Mapagpasalamat" (Thankful), "Matatag" (Strong and Resilient), "Masigasig" (Diligent), "Mapagmalasakit" (Selflessness) and "Magalang" (good mannered), we all have these traits from our being, our pronouncement and personification as Filipinos. It's all integrated, our development is not economic, it's wholistic and that's what separates us from other nationalities. This year is harvest time, we will transform our country as a great nation this 2015."

The gorgeous event's host Ms. Gelli Victor also included some messages from Papa Jack, and he says "Why don't we try it? It's natural, we must always challenge ourselves to change for the better so we will be better Filipinos." whilst Richard Yap intercedes "Let's not think about changing that much, but showing more of the truthful things within us, with the help of Krem-Top, we will change for the better."

"Our success stories stems from being in a tight situation, we always have a "can do" spirit. We always find ways to have a solution to everyday lives. Our "Bayanihan" spirit ties us together. We also find ways to make it fit. We have compassion, we're not that rich in gold but our uniqueness is the smiles that we carry, you can't find that anywhere else. I wouldn't trade the world being a poor Filipino than any other nationality" says Jim Paredes who also spoke at the event. 

Blen Fernando VP for Marketing of Alaska says "We are optimistic that this project will help create awareness about the need to restore core values of Filipinos. We also hope we become better version of ourselves for the benefit of our families and country. We will continue to support the Filipino spirit as it makes us a better and stronger nation"

To know about Krem-Top's "Change for the Better" Campaign please visit their social network channels http://www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop and @kremtopPH on Twitter. 

For more information about their campaign:

alaskakremtop

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http://www.alaskamilk.com

Wonderful Smart Things From Philips this 2015

Philips, the world's number 1 brand in lighting showcased their best products in the market in time for Christmas season. They believe so much in innovation and has been going all throughout the country in order to get people see what can make their lives easier. 

Philips LED lights have been so good in my home. I use it for most of my rooms and plan to also change the old school long fluorescent lamps when they go kaput. The thing is, you only need basic lighting in bathrooms and bedrooms. Having different ones would likely result to higher consumption of electricity, which is not a joke in the Philippines where we go second to Japan in rates. We are also in some sort of energy crisis and saving in that part would be beneficial to the greater populace right?

Speaking of which, new technologies in cooking like this Philips Induction Cooker gives us something to think about in kitchen appliances. It's totally going to save you a ton compared to those that have heating elements which layer costs you an arm and a leg in electricity. Best of all, it peaks so fast you don't have to wait that much if you're cooking something. It's safer too because it requires no gas and you can touch the thing without getting burned. 

Philips also has things for ladies. I like their hair irons and hair blowers, which is essential for people like us who need to be presentable at work. :)

Their AVANT line has pretty good pacifiers, breast pumps that would take care of our babies and infant needs. 

I also saw this Baby Monitor that's got audio and video cam capabilities. Put this in your kid's bed and you can vouch for his safety, whilst keeping an eye on him. 

For the kitchen, you'll love the air fryer so you don't have to use oil anymore for those fried food you always love. Less fat, less cholesterol and guilt. I also spotted a Soya Processor which makes milk in a couple of minutes. The Juicer also is a great companion to those who want to eat and drink something real. They're also on sale in stores nationwide, like 60 percent, still thinking? I don't think so. :) 

Ms. Fabia Tettero Bueno of Philips Lighting Philippines says "We have been working hard to reduce consumers energy bills. We also are bringing fancy decorative solutions that are energy efficient and also help decorate houses. We are pushing for LED's because it has continued to be one of our most important contributions in the market. We want to know what its impact is in the community, we can think through together with our partners much like the the Dragon Bridge in Da Nong, Vietnam. We are also helping areas in the Philippines which have no lights at all. We are helping them to have grid independence and have greener communities. Helping them to save energy."

Mr. RJ Buenaventura of Philips Consumer Lifestyle adds "We are a sector that takes care of health and well being. Philips has been associated with high end brands but we are gearing to show smart solutions. We are going to more categories like shavers for men, hair curling irons, domestic appliances like juicers, soya processor and we are hoping to have more solutions for the market as we get more urbanized. We are bringing these in the next few months and it all sounds super exciting for 2015."

Malone Guevarra of Philips Healthcare announced that "Philips has lots of milestones these year. We made important partnerships with DOH and it has resulted in 10CT Scans, 18 Mobile C-Arms (so they can operate in remote areas). Philips also partnered with National Academy of Science and Technology to play an important role in Research and Development in Non Communicable Diseases. PLDT also worked with us by getting access to clinical information anytime, anywhere. We also have been pushing for iDose which gives less radiation exposure but more quality images. Philips will also be providing radiology equipment for the Philippine Orthopedic Center as part of their modernization. We would like to expand our reach, a universal healthcare program that will be accessible to all. We will also be promoting mobile and remote technologies so we will play an important role in the Philippine healthcare system pursuant to our advocacy, to provide meaningful solutions to its stakeholders, that's you!"

It's so easy to trust a company that has done a remarkable job this 2014, thanks Philips! I'm looking forward to see more of your great products next year! 

For more information about their products:

PhilipsLEDPH

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http://www.lighting.philips.com.ph/