Happy Life airs on GMA News TV on Sunday Dec 11

GMA News TV and White Lion's TV partner for Happy Life, a new travel show on a Sunday morning to watch out. The show aims to transport televiewers to the beautiful sights and sounds, delicious native cuisines, local culture and traditions. It also encourages others to pay it forward by helping and initiating projects for the poor and the less privileged in the form of livelihood projects or community sharing acts.

Director/Actor Eric Quizon directs the show and serves as a tour guide, bringing everyone to places that need attention both by adventure-seekers and those who want to help others.

The show hosts by Bea Santiago, MJ Lastimosa, Jamie Herrell, Giulia Zahar, Sophie Rankin and Anthea Murfet. 

Happy Life was recently launched to the media at Gloria Maris Greenhills on Nov 30. The launch was hosted by Happy Life Actor-Director Eric Quizon . The event was attended by Councilor Chavit Singson, Happy Life hosts Bea Santiago, MJ Lastimosa, Jamie Herrell, Giulia Zahar, Sophie Rankin, Anthea Murfet, Alice Dixon, Theresa Loyzaga and media.

Spearheaded by White Lion Media Productions, Inc, Happy Life is a new Sunday morning special to watch for, with its light, stylish take on seriously important matters such as encouraging others to pay it forward and initiating projects to benefit the less privileged, either in the form of livelihood projects, shelter-building initiatives, or community sharing acts.

Most travel shows capture the beauty and significance of places and people while enjoying the experience on and off camera. A new travel show, Happy Life certainly has it, and more.

Set to air its pilot episode on December 11, Sunday at 9:30 am on GMA News TV, Happy Life takes the joy of traveling and celebrating life along with the sense of extending help to others in need. In this case, the people it meets during its travels and out-of-town visits. it is traveling with and for a cause.

 Hosts Bea Santiago, MJ Lastimosa, Jamie Herrell, Giulia Zahar, Sophie Rankin, and Anthea Murfet -a classy group of ladies owing to their allure and intelligence as beauty queens and models -will take viewers to interesting places around the Philippines all in the name of fun and sharing.

Needless to say, the show implies that altruism is really the way to a happy life on top of the joys of traveling.

Under the direction of multifaceted showbiz figure Eric Quizon, the program is a breath of fresh air as it gives the public the value of traveling with an extra purpose. Here,

"We primarily showcase the value of helping others with the backdrop of eyepopping destinations readily provided by the Philippines. It's a lifestyle show with a style all its own”, emphasized Eric Quizon. In a way it is interactive, encouraging people to lend a hand and contribute to the good causes the show carry through. It wants to let the public know that there are generous people willing to help." Team Happy Life claims, "We are one with you in going the extra mile.” 

So, sit back, relax and open your heart. Happy Life is here to touch down destinations and touch people's hearts.

Dont wait until its too late, always #MakeTimeForDad

I have  a love-hate relationship with my father back when I was younger, we did not get to see each other often during my teenage years because of work and school. It was just in recent years that I have come to appreciate all the little things that he did for me. Maybe the fate made us closer together because of some personal problems that arised recently.

My father is now in his late 70s. I visit him every weekend to talk about anything, eat, and watch his favorite TV show and then chat again.  We always catched up with the latest chismis, like politics, his limping knee, the tastiest lechon manok, his "quantum" medicine, his neighborhood friends and their lives, actually anything under the sun.

I have come to realized that I am not yet ready to lose him, he is sick and is on medicine "maintenance" for his "high blood pressure" and heart problems.

I am thankful that I was brought up this way, emotionally and physically strong and always "ready" for everything that would come my way. My father thought me how to be forgiving and honest and that the best is yet to come. I always made it a point to hug and kiss him each time.

Then  Epy got to remember "Dolphy", his struggle and how he coped up with him during his hospitalization from  COPD.

For 60 years, we Filipinos knew comedy by one name-- Dolphy.

He was the epitome of a total entertainer whose talent in acting, singing and dancing was honed through years of experience and hard work.  His talent was equaled only by his work ethic as he lived by credo “the show must go on,” even after he got sick and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

In the last few years of his life, while Dolphy continued to make people smile, his family was desperately trying hard to keep theirs, knowing that their patriarch was risking his health with every performance.

“Dad lived to perform, even if he was already wheelchair-bound and could barely stand, he would revert back into his old self whenever the cameras started rolling,” shared son Eric Quizon.

According to his son, actor-director Eric Quizon, his father was a heavy smoker who started smoking in his teen years. “He was 45 when he went cold turkey after being diagnosed with emphysema and by that time, his lungs were so black.”

The damage to his lungs continued to progress with age and Dolphy was diagnosed with COPD at the age of 79, at that time only his partner Zsazsa Padilla knew of his condition.

Eric recalled his father initially tried to hide his illness, but he grew suspicious when Dolphy asked him to buy a portable oxygen concentrator, which he found out was for patients with COPD.

“When he turned 80, he began carrying that oxygen concentrator everywhere he went. It was at the same time of the launch of his book and when we went on a US tour,” he recalled.

The once vibrant Comedy King had become lethargic. Aside from frequent coughs and shortness of breath, Eric said his dad would complain of tiredness after taking a few steps.

From his yearly medical checkups, Dolphy’s hospital visits became more and more frequent until his doctors diagnosed him with COPD. That was the time Dolphy decided to talk to his 18 children about his condition. Eric said it was one of the most difficult times for their family, knowing there was no cure for the disease.

“Our dad was a fighter. He was our general, our commander-in-chief, so watching him get weaker and trying hard just to catch his breath was very difficult for us,” Epy, Eric’s younger brother recalled emotionally.

“The saddest part of is seeing how your loved one deteriorates and there is nothing you can do.”  Epy said.

In mid-2012, Dolphy was hospitalized again and after battling 13 bouts of pneumonia, Dolphy succumbed to the disease on July 10, 2012 at age 83.

Dolphy’s journey as a COPD patient has become the most familiar patient story for Filipinos as his constant hospitalizations and deteriorating health were always part of the news.

COPD: A FAMILIAL PROBLEM

COPD is a progressive lung ailment that makes breathing difficult and invariably leads to death. It is the seventh killer(1) disease in the Philippines, which is not surprising in a country where there are 17.3 million adult smokers.(2) Unfortunately, only 2%(3) of the 4.2 million Filipinos are diagnosed.(4)

Cigarette smoking causes 80% to 90% of COPD cases. Aside from smoking, pollution - both indoor and outdoor - can also cause COPD, according to studies by the World Health Organization.(3)
Patients who are suffering from COPD experience breathlessness, abnormal sputum characterized by a mix of saliva and mucus, and chronic cough.(5)

As COPD is a progressive disease it becomes a familial problem, much like the case of the Quizon family. Once the father is affected, the rest of the family assumes the responsibility of taking care of the patient and they play an important role in a patient’s treatment journey.

People are often diagnosed with COPD in their 50s and 60s. However, these diagnoses are relatively late as COPD can begin in your 40s.

“Do not make the mistake of a lot of patients who usually see their doctors when they are already in the later stages of COPD.  It is easy to confuse COPD with other conditions such as smoker’s cough and shortness of breath due to ageing but if your father is a smoker and he begins to experience coughing with phlegm and an unusual breathing pattern, consult a doctor. He may be asked to get a spirometry exam to diagnose COPD,” says Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK’s Medical Director.

Spirometry is a simple breathing test that gauges how much and how quickly air moves out of the lungs. It measures the lung function in patients and determines the progression of the disease.
Dr. Barangan says if COPD is detected early, patients will have fewer limitations on their activity.
#MakeTimeForDad

As part of the commemoration of World COPD DAY, GlaxoSmithKline and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), are spearheading a new campaign called #MakeTimeForDad.

The campaign encourages family members to upload 30-second videos on Facebook and Instagram, stating a list of things they want to do or wish they could have done with their loved fathers. This would serve as a reminder for them to act now if they feel that their loved ones are at risk for COPD, and value each moment they spend with them.

Joining the campaign again are the Quizon brothers Eric and Epy who are honoring their father by fighting the disease that claimed Dolphy’s life.

 “Our dad died because of COPD and we just found out it is actually one of the leading causes of death in the country,” says Epy.

“We want to educate people, and make them aware of the disease. We hope this will give them a clearer picture of how the disease affects not only the patient but the entire family,” he said.

 “MakeTimeForDad encourages people to be more sensitive to the condition of their fathers especially those who smoke and are more prone to develop COPD”, says Dr. Barangan.

 For more information on COPD, visit pinoycopd.com.

Backroom talents in ABS-CBN’s ‘Pasion de Amor’

ABS-CBN’s new show Pasion de Amor will feature two new faces: former varsity athlete turned aspiring actor and model Benj Bolivar, and Century Tuna Superbods grand winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba, who join the cast of the sizzling primetime drama that airs right before TV Patrol.

Pasion de Amor, which is directed by Eric Quizon and premiered last June 1 on the Kapamilya network,is the  story of love and revenge between two sets of siblings, the Samonte brothers (played by Joseph Marco, Ejay Falcon and Jake Cuenca) and the Elizondo sisters (Ellen Adarna, Arci Munoz and Coleen Garcia). The original was first aired in 2007 and featured Mexican superstar Mario Cimarro in the lead role.

 In this currently-airing ‘Filipinized’ version, Benj plays the best friend and co-worker of Joseph Marco’s character. “The story is, I met him at this bar called Armada na owned by the family ng mga Elizondo sisters. Si Joseph, nag-apply doon. Ako ang naging best friend niya. Matagal na ako dun sa bar, kaya marami akong alam na family secrets ng magkakapatid.”

The show is Benj’s first acting assignment since Moon of Desire, which was almost a year ago. Benj was surprised when he got the callback from the show’s staff. “Nag-audition ako, nu’ng nagpa-go-see sila ilang months ago,” he says. “Di ko nga inexpect ang callback, hanggang tinawagan nila ako at sinabing na-shortlist daw ako.”

He’s been learning a lot from his co-stars, especially Joseph Marco who, like him started out modeling until he got his big break in showbiz. He’s been advising Benj to be patient with the pace of his career. “Ine-encourage niya ako lagi,” says Benj. “Wag daw ako maiinip, and to just take it one day at a time daw.”


But Benj’s bigger goal is to eventually make his mark as an indie film actor. He dreams of doing gritty character roles like the one done by his idol, Hollywood actor Michael McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club, the Oscar-nominated film about a Texas electrician who suffers from AIDS.
According to Benj, he’d be willing to do any role or character—he’s even open to gay roles or play a serial killer—as long as what he’s asked to do is essential to the story. “Okay lang naman sa akin,” he says. “Lalo kung kinakailangan talaga.”


          Meanwhile, Century Tuna Superbod winner Mauro ‘Maui’ Lumba also wants to try doing character roles, and he finally gets his chance with his role in Pasion de Amor, where he plays a kontrabida-type role as one of several ‘goons’ employed by the Samonte brothers as they exact revenge for the death of their sister. It might not be a major role or guarantee a lot of screen exposure, but as far as Maui is concerned, it’s a step in the right direction, acting-wise. It’s what every beginner or newbie like him dreams of.

          Of course, there are still many things he longs to do to prove that there is room for him in this business. “Mahilig talaga ako sa mga action films and roles,” says Maui, who longs to prove that there’s more to him than just his good looks and hunky body. “Actually, ang dream ko, maging action star. Gusto ko sana buhayin ‘yung action genre ulit.”

Maui’s goal—aside from being an ambassador for health and wellness—is to prove that he is different and has the potential to stand out from among all the newcomers now angling for a spot in showbiz. Says Maui: “I just want to be different just by being consistent, but ‘yung roles sana, iba-iba and not always the same. I want to be challenged in different ways. Gusto ko din na ‘yung look ko, maiba sa ibang mga artista.”

          Like Benj, he’s willing to go out on a limb and take a risk with his roles and assignments. He’s excited to see what the future holds. “I really want to be an actor,” says Maui.
          He feels that all the guidance he’s received, the workshops and training he’s attended will really help him achieve his goal.  “Kailangan lang siyempre, tiyaga, and to be patient and believe in yourself,” he says philosphically. “Things will happen at the right time.”

The serious truth about COPD

I lost my grandfather to COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease when I was in high school. It was painful to see him go as he draw his last breath. That was his final goodbye, after pronouncing him dead three times for the same diagnosis. We wailed and cried for the first three failed pronouncements. So when the final goodbye went through, we ran out of tears. We prayed and recited a rosary instead. He smokes 4 sticks a day, drinks alcohol everyday when he was in his 40s. It was a lesson learned, I vowed I will never touch a stick of cigarette ever. I drink, occasionally though.

World COPD Day was observed last November 19, 2014 at the Isabela, Makati Shangri-la. Their guest speaker was Eric Quizon, who recounted the times with his beloved demise father-actor Dolphy who suffered from COPD.

COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the 21st century. The Global Burden of Disease Study by the World Health Organization projected that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020.(1)

In the Philippines, it ranks as the 7th leading cause of death with a prevalence rate of 13.8% in Manila.(2,3) Despite the high incidence of COPD in the Philippines, only 2% of the cases are diagnosed by doctors in contrast to the overall prevalence. (4)The cause of this under-diagnosis and under-treatment is probably due to lack of public health awareness of COPD in our country.

COPD is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lungs. Cigarette smoking continues to be identified as the most commonly encountered risk factor, accounting for 80-90% of cases. (6,7) Other risk factors that should be taken into account include air pollution,  exposure to certain dust, chemicals in the workplace, indoor air pollution from biomass cooking (i.e. firewood/charcoal), and heating in poorly ventilated dwellings. Only a few cases of COPD are caused by genetic condition.

A clinical diagnosis should be considered in any person 40 years old and above who has risk factors such as exposure to noxious particles or gases.  A COPD patient may not feel anything at the start and develop cough and sputum production during the mid to late stage of the disease.  Thus, high index of suspicion is needed for any person with risk factors. Spirometry is needed to make a confident diagnosis of COPD. It is one of the diagnostic tools that is often underutilized in the Philippines.  A person with risk factors and symptoms should ask his/her doctor about spirometry testing.

The impact of COPD is not only confined to its ill effects on the individual’s health but may also result in an economic and social burden that is both extensive and increasing.(6,7) There is a direct relationship between the severity of COPD and the cost of care.  In developing countries like the Philippines, COPD will certainly force two individuals to give up their work - the person afflicted with COPD and a family member who must now stay home to care for the sick individual. Given that people are often the most vital asset for developing nations, the indirect costs of COPD potentially pose a serious threat to their economies.

Appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are needed to reduce the symptoms, frequency and severity of exacerbations and improve health status and exercise tolerance. Smoking cessation is without doubt still the single most effective way of reducing the risk of developing COPD and delaying its progression.

It is important to remember that for COPD patients, early detection of the disease and appropriate interventions are vital.  These can help slow down its advance and facilitate quality of life for the patient.  To quote 2014 World COPD Day’s theme:  IT’S NEVER TOO LATE….