Merck Set to Release Fertility Count Scorecard at ASPIRE Congress

Population has always been at an all time high in the Philippines, and what better place to launch this new initiative by Merck: a Fertility Count Scorecard. It's also the best time to happen because it was all laid out during the ASPIRE Congress.

The matter has affected everything socially and economically but this counts as something that would encourage policy makers to incentivize those who choose to pro create and build communities especially in emerging economies like ours.  

Albeit having a slight reduction in birth rates compared to the past decade, they attribute this dip to fertility preferences and the various programs in population control.

Merck has noted this (our country) as a key market compared to those that are in the Asia Pacific Region. We should realize that the key should be making it sustainable, one that would not inhibit growth and development. Our choices will greatly impact what we need as a society, because as much as we don't admit it, a lot of the developed countries are having problems in workforce and declining birth rates.  

For those who don't know, the ASPIRE congress is a place to exchange information especially for those who have a say in decisions that affect a population. This also includes how to provide healthcare and plans on having a manageable birth rate at the end of the day. They also plan to have discussions about it in the event especially for local attendees and regional ones. We are after all, family friendly, and creating a society would be enabling us to implement great policies, and not just lip service.

For Merck to release this Fertility Count Scorecard, it would be quite valuable in a global perspective especially for business leaders or those who plan ahead. The methodology is also a bit more scientific, backed by data, which hopefully would get implemented well. So if you want to know more, just check out the data they have at fertilitycounts.com.

BARBIE FORTEZA and DAVID LICAUCO Wishes Box Office Success for "THAT KIND OF LOVE"

Looks like the quest of finding love will be easy when you watch this new movie called THAT KIND OF LOVE. This stars well loved pairing Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, popularly known as #BarDa. 

They've been really followed quite intensely during GMA series "Maria Clara at Ibarra", but this is the first time that they are doing a movie, under neophyte Pocket Media Productions Inc. The material was crafted by Ellis Catrina who has made this specifically for them. This is directed by Catherine O. Camarillo, who's first film under the same outfit "Chances are, You and I" was well received by critics for its very compelling story.

 

"That Kind of Love" will be featured  in Japan as a spotlight entry under the Jinseo Arigato International Festival. This will be held in Nagoya, Japan. While the local screening will start on July 10th which is a few weeks from now. They will also be doing a premiere night on July 4th, so make sure you go and support them (especially if you are a BarDa fan). Know that parts of the movie has been shot in South Korea. Both Barbie and David enjoyed doing scenes in Seoul where much of the shoot happened.

Barbie says "There were so many risks done in making this movie. There is pressure, much so because people are just starting to go back to cinemas. But I am confident about our project, our film, because who doesn't want to feel good? to fall in love? This is what we want to offer, and our goal is for you to fall in love with David once you go out of the theater."

David adds "We are pressured, but I know how good the material is. This is also directed by Direk CC. As long as we do our part in promoting the film, I know this will do good in the box office. I can control the things that I can do, so we just have to promote and help the movie."

People have already seen the trailer, and had really good feedback. The Director mentioned how this is not the work of one person, but a lot of people who did their best to make this movie what it is now. It's a quality film, and Barbie wants people to patronize the movie based on its merits, and because it is done excellently. She also hopes that Filipinos start watching Filipino made films first before they venture on watching other films from different countries. Here are parts of the press conference where we asked questions for Barbie, David, Ms. Arlene Mulach, Divine Aucina, Ivan Carapiet and Jef Gaitan who were there that afternoon. .

As of today, word has it that the fan base of both Barbie and David are arranging block screenings in different theaters nationwide. They are also asking Sparkle management for a little lee way in their schedules so they could attend the screenings as they happen.

I felt how happy Ms. Arlene was when she told the story of how kilig she got when she saw Barbie and David portrayed Mila and Adam. Will this perfect guy fall in love with the dating guru? Who knows! Best to watch it in cinemas when it goes out on the 10th!

35 Strong Years of Celebrating EVERY WOMAN: Philippine WACOAL Corporation

35 strong years of celebrating EVERY WOMAN, this is the journey of Philippine Wacoal Corporation.

Having been able to support and dress the Filipina intimately in the Philippines, this retail brand showcased their latest products through a fashion show in Okada's Grand Ballroom last June 20. Their executives including Philippine Wacoal Corporation President Ms. Ann Christine Palisoc, award winning celebrities Janice de Belen, Gelli de Belen, comedienne Candy Pangilinan, actress Natalie hart, Trina Candaza, Arlene Muhlach, legendary Eva Darren and several Sparkle stars during that evening. 

They also had Ms. Karen Davila as guest speaker, and recognized 4 icons Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Ms. Glenda Garcia , the gorgeous Ms. Glenda Dela Cruz and the heavenly Jamie Rivera. Power belter Ms. Sheryn Regis and a few acts also graced the show and performed for the audience including the fashion show depicting empowered women in 4 acts.

Here's the whole show on video, please enjoy!

They called it HER (for Ms. Glenda), HEALING (for Ms. Glenda Garcia), ARMOR (for Ms. Lorna Tolentino), and TRANSFORMATION (for Ms. Jamie Rivera). They named it after their personal experiences, the battles they've fought, and the things it represents.

They also made sure we felt how WACOAL has encompassed the matters of race, body type and the importance of how women should always exude confidence. This show didn't just celebrate their anniversary, but WOMEN. WACOAL also isn't stopping there, because they now have a huge sale in their stores, boutiques, and online via their website wacoal.ph.

Here's hoping for another year, more milestones and even more empowered women in the country!

PS. The fashion show and program was also organized by V-Works Events Management. They handled it quite well and did put up a great show. Congratulations on that!

CABRINI Hits Philippine Cinemas Today June 19th

If you are religious, faithful, care about other people, or know an OFW, you definitely should watch this movie called CABRINI. This stars Cristiana Dell'Anna, John Lithgow, David Morse and an ensemble cast of Italian-Americans, because this is mainly, a story about them.

Cristiana plays the role of Francesca Cabrini, a woman who after landing in New York's shores, saw the shocking plight of immigrants, their children, and the condition they live in. The story is TRAGIC right from the moment she stepped foot in Five Points, a place where she saw the orphaned children, the abused women, the people who live through unbelievable means. She was frantic, and wanted to do something about it. 

Cabrini was also with other nuns, whom all worked from sun up to sun down preparing what's supposed to be an orphanage so they could house the kids, take them away from the streets and burrows, the sewers of the same city. They began feeding them, cleaning them up. They did sew a lot of clothes, they looked quite nice in dresses and suits which the nuns personally had woven, and sewn together. Though this was the time they began noticing, they needed funds in order to serve a lot of children (bambinis).

But just like the Philippines, the politicians had a different view. They felt there should be no funds, and they should never be seen as part of the city. It was disheartening to see how when Chrisitana was making headway together with the nuns and community, they began sabotaging, do unnecessary things to stop them from flourishing on American soil. It felt like when they already had a roof on their head, they begin throwing a ton of bricks on top, or burn them to the ground because they didn't like what they were seeing.

She started to device a way to put the spotlight on those who need help specifically the immigrants, Italians, and children. After getting displaced, lack of funds, she began believing she could do more for the voiceless, those who are quarantined and in the slums, the ones with dignity and still have the chance to live. She does ALL these while suffering from an incurable disease (back then). A woman who in spite of adversities, used art, a second language, her faith and love in order to make sure the women, children and people she serve gets adequate medical care, nourishment, and dignity they deserve.

Watch this trailer to get a grasp of the story

Her story based on real events is so inspiring. The dark treatment/color grading for this masterpiece by Director Alejandro Monteverde was apt for the mood they wanted to exude. Its excellent, and warrants you to definitely see and hear her story, on how this once sickly but feisty lady from Italy became the first American saint, and patron of immigrants.

It shows in the Philippines starting today, June 19 in theaters nationwide!