GSK recognizes asthmatic achievers

If you have asthma and would like to indulge in sports, go on as any sport would strengthen the breathing muscles in your chest and can help your lungs work better.

The more you exercise and play any sport, the more the body produce endorphins, which is a natural pain and stress fighters that triggers a positive feeling in the body. It would help you sleep better at night. With just the proper training and the right dose and use of medicine, you also can be a winner against asthma. Such is the case for taekwondo twins Andre Rafael and Anton Joachim Montero, they might be the youngest but they stole the attention from 5 other winners from the Pedia Category at the recent Search for the Winners Against Asthma

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announces the winners against asthma last October 7 at Makati Shangri-la Hotel. The event was hosted by Christine Jacobs Sandejas and graced by GSK executives and Win Against Asthma Ambassador Arnel Pineda 


After months of deliberation and almost 2,000 entries nationwide, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today announces the winners of its Search for the Winners Against Asthma (SWAA). 

Arnel Pineda Win Against Asthma Amabassador

Launched in February 2015, the Search for Winners Against Asthma is a nationwide search for young asthmatic achievers aged 30 years and younger who are outstanding in their respective fields despite having asthma and inspire asthma sufferers that they, too, can win against the condition.

GSK Executives with the Winners Against Asthma Pedia Category

“We decided to target this particular age group because asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood leading to reduced activity, school absences, ER visits and hospitalizations, says Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Medical Director. 

Dr. Gio Barangan GSK Medical Director

“It is also during this stage that young people are in the process of developing the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve their goals in life, and as such we want to let them know that asthma should not deter them from realizing their full potential,” Barangan added.

In the youth category of 19 years old and below, Christian Lacza, a student from Navotas City was judged as the grand prize winner.

Grand Winner Christian Lacsa for Pedia Category Christian Lacsa

Christian is one of the 2014 Kabayan Ten Outstanding Public School Students, and 2014 Ten Outstanding Youth Leaders of Navotas City. He was also an awardee of the 2010 Gawad Huwarang Kabataan of the Antolin Oreta Sr. Foundation and Gawad Modelong Kabataan: Galing at Dangal ng Malabon of the Arnold Vicencio Foundation. He is also the youngest recipient of the Orator of the Year Award in Navotas National High School.

“When I was young, my asthma attacks were so severe that my mother would have to bring me to the hospital almost weekly. This made me realize that if I cannot excel in physical activities, I have to discover and focus on my other strengths,” says Christian.

“Going to my pediatrician was a constant necessity, and she made sure I get the proper medication and treatment, but more than that she never failed to cheer me up and would always give me words of encouragement whenever I visited her.” 

“Instead of letting asthma stop me I stopped asthma from interfering with my life as I pushed myself as a holistic learner-- excelling in academics, student leadership and in various competitions.” 


The runner up winners in the youth category are 15-year old student and dancer Christina Chua; taekwondo twins Andre Rafael and Anton Joachim Montero; consistent student scholar Kenneth Angelo Bagay and Dave Andre Labaton who is also a taekwondo medalist.

In the adult category, incoming third year medical student Teesha Banta was judged as the winner.  The 23-year old student from St. Luke’s College of Medicine, was a full scholar in her first two years of med school and graduated Cum Laude from University of the Philippines Los Banos with the degree of BS Biology Major in Wildlife Biology.

Grand Winner against Asthma Teesha Banta

She is a lifetime member in two international honor societies but besides her academic achievements, she is also actively involved in community service. As an active Girl Scout, Teesha received two of the highest awards given by the organization-- the Chief Girl Scout Medal and is one the 75 GSP National Young Awardees. She had represented the country in national and international events, specifically as an advocate and a National Peer Educator on Adolescent Female Health.

“Asthma runs in our family but symptoms of severe asthma began when I was in college, which, unfortunately, was also the time when I was so involved in my schoolwork and scouting. My mother, who is a doctor and is also an asthmatic, helped me through most of my journey by taking care of me and reminding me to take my medicines. Actually, because of my asthma, I had to temporarily stop med school because bed rest was advised. But it did not stop me from taking a part-time job as a high school Science teacher. Besides being a doctor, teaching was my second dream job”, Teesha narrates.

“Every time I have my asthma attacks, the only thing on my mind is to get well so I could go back to studying and become a doctor to prove that asthma should not stop you from pursuing your dreams.”

Teesha said she plans to become an OB-GYN or specialize in Pediatric Pulmonology so she could treat asthmatic children.

Her message to other asthmatics? “During our many asthma attacks, we may feel powerless and helpless. We do not have the strength that non-asthmatics have and it may feel like it is the end of our dreams, I had that feeling when I had to temporarily stop med school because of my asthma. Well, these are all lies. Our condition is but another challenge that adds more meaning to each of our achievements, an opportunity to push harder, aim higher, and be better persons and citizens of our country.  Perhaps we were given this condition because we have the ability to turn these "setbacks" into “set-ups” of better things to come. We can defeat asthma and we can conquer our dreams!”

GSK Executives with the Winners Against Asthma Adult Category

The other winners in the adult category are UP student Ianna Engaño an athlete, musician, artist and social activist; Yasmin Versoza a firefighter and member of the Marikina City Fire Truck crew; Christianne de Vera a triathlete; and Yliah Nina Bosch a registered nurse who is working as an Emergency Nurse Responder at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Criteria for Winners 
The SWAA is open to all Filipino citizens or foreigners with a permanent Philippine address that have been diagnosed as asthmatic by a qualified physician.

The winners were divided into two categories: Category A (Youth Category) for 19 years old and below and Category B (Adult Category) for 20 years old and above.

Applicants can choose to share how they have won against asthma. These may be in various fields including Arts, Academics, Career, and Sports.

Applicants were also required to answer the question: How did you Win Against Asthma? The screening committee then used the following criteria for each entry
Excellence in their Field or Category 50%
Evidence of winning over asthma 30%
Online Votes 20%


Part of the judging committee are Dr. Eileen Aniceto from Philippine College of Chest Physicians; Dr. Therese Leopando from Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists; and Dr. Carmela Kasala from Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Inc.

The winners received the following prizes:  Huawei P7 Smart Phone; Five Thousand (PhP5,000) worth of GCs from Folded & Hung and Twenty Five Thousand (PhP25,000) worth of Sodexo gift certificates.



“A lot of asthma patients have accepted lifestyle restrictions resulting from uncontrolled asthma as the norm, assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are an inevitable consequence of having asthma. With the Search for Winners Against Asthma campaign, we hope to encourage and inspire more young people to live their lives to the fullest and not let asthma prevent them from doing the things they love.” Dr. Barangan also credits actress Kim Chiu, International Rock superstar Arnel Pineda, and Filipino Olympic Figure Skater Michael Christian Martinez  for helping them spread awareness of this campaign.

Dr. Carmela Kasala, Arnel Pineda and Maya Leander

“Kim, Arnel and Michael are asthmatics who have proven not only to themselves but to the entire world that they can take control of their condition and never let their asthma stop them from following their dreams and achieving success in their very competitive careers,” Barangan added.

For more information about the Search for Winners Against Asthma campaign, visit www.facebook.com/WinAgainstAsthma

Enjoy "Great Little Moments" with Sensodyne and win a trip to Korea!

GSK Fights to Stop Teeth Sensitivity with “Great Little Moments” Campaign and new Mouthwash Launch:

Good dentists are heaven sent! Especially when you have teeth like mine, I have 2 dentists that I have been frequenting for the past 10 years.  When the older one is not around and or in a holiday or is busy with so many patients, I got to visit the "today's generation" dentist. They are both good dentists with light hands to begin with. They have their own style handling the patients, but both relied to one toothpaste that is Sensodyne. Since I have sensitive teeth,  I only use Sensodyne it helps me with the grinding of the teeth that I suffered at night. I woke up to a "no ngilo" teeth  the following morning, it has been my everyday oral care routine and I love how Sensodyne treated my "pangingilo" for so many years now. I got to enjoy the best of both worlds,  devouring hot and cold food at the same time is not a problem anymore.

Sensodyne, the #1 sensitivity toothpaste in the Philippines, recently launched Sensodyne mouthwash with its ambassador Luis Manzano at Rizal Ballroom C, Makati Shangri-la last June 5. Sensodyne initiates the "Great Little Moments" campaign and affirmed its commitment to create a future where every Filipino is sensitivity-free with the “Say No to Ngilo” advocacy.

Now, you dont have to look for another brand of mouthwash for your oral care.  Sensodyne with its new mouthwash gives not only the benefits of your regular mouthwash but also pangingilo relief.

 Sensodyne Mouthwash has all the benefits of a regular mouthwash like providing lasting freshening effect, and fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay. It’s alcohol-free plus it gives pangingilo relief. It has two variants (Cool Mint and Extra Fresh 250mL) at Php165 SRP. The mouthwash is distributed in major supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

"Pangingilo" is characterized by a short, sharp, shooting pain, which many sensitivity/pangingilo sufferers often choose to just endure, the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth may only last for a short period, but the emotional effects of missing out on those precious moments with your loved ones over food and drinks has a far longer impact.

“Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can last for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.” said Dr. Rannier Reyes of the Philippine Periodontal Society.

Sensitive teeth occurs when the layer of enamel becomes thin and exposes the softer dentine underneath. This soft layer makes up the inner part of the tooth leading to the tooth’s nerve center and triggers the pain you feel.

Other things that can cause sensitive teeth are brushing too hard or using a hard bristles toothbrush, teeth grinding, gingivitis and receding gums.

Last year, GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Sensodyne, the #1 sensitivity toothpaste in the Philippines which is also recommended by dentists, spearheaded the “Say No to Ngilo” advocacy where dentists, consumers and Sensodyne came together to enjoin everyone to heed the call to take action to no longer endure the discomfort of pangingilo.

In 2015, GSK and Sensodyne takes the advocacy a notch higher with the launch of “Great Little Moments” digital campaign which encourages Filipinos not only to “Say No to Ngilo,” but also share their experiences after converting to Sensodyne and how they are able to fully enjoy their great little moments sensitivity-free.

Heather Pelier, Incoming Consumer Healthcare General Manager, GSK Philippines.

“With the start of the summer season, everyone is now looking for someplace or something cool, be it at the beach, the pool or even just a quick respite from the heat with some cold drinks or a cone of ice cream, but if you have sensitive teeth, enjoying those cold treats can be a bit tricky,” says Heather Pelier, Incoming Consumer Healthcare General Manager, GSK Philippines.

“But it’s more than just missing out on food. When you choose to just endure the pain, you do it at the expense of fully enjoying experiences and social occasions that go along with it, making you miss out on those great little moments with your loved ones,” Pelier added.

The digital campaign encourages consumers to share their “Great Little Moments” in the Sensodyne Philippines website (www.sensodyne.com.ph) by uploading a photo of a moment (eg. sipping hot chocolate, eating halo-halo, etc.) they can now fully enjoy because they are pangingilo-free. Winners of the contest will win a trip for two to South Korea.

Eduardo Cimafranca, Gianina Fortun, Heather Pelier and Gikki Martija

 “For those who have sensitive teeth like me, I know you’d agree that it is not something you can just ignore. Sensitive teeth can ruin the mood of any romantic date, or stop you from enjoying those unforgettable moments with your loved ones,” Sensodyne brand ambassador, Luis Manzano shares.

Heather Pelier adds, “Our message is simple, there is no need for sensitivity to impact anyone’s life. Making a simple change to one’s oral care regimen will make a real difference. Now that Sensodyne has reached out to more Filipinos who used to just endure the pain, we want to encourage them to tell their stories now that they can enjoy their favorite food and drinks and fully enjoy the eating moments with their family and friends without fear of pangingilo.”

Don’t let the pain of sensitivity get in the way. Say No to Ngilo and Yes to those Great Little Moments!

Polident Mounts First-of-its-Kind Installation in Manila

• Polident mounts bigger-than-life inflatable installation in Metro Manila.
• The installation depicts a denture biting onto a corn cob, aims to highlight the physical tortures experienced daily by denture wearers; which according to dental health professionals is part of the bigger torture problems – emotional and social.
• There will be three scheduled installations in three busy locations.

To create awareness about its metro-wide advocacy campaign promoting proper denture care among Filipinos and help denture wearers regain the confidence to eat, speak and smile,  Polident, a product of GlaxoSmithKline, unveils a first-of-its-kind installation  on May 14, 2015,  at the Palacio de Maynila in Malate, Manila.

The installation is part of “Take the Polident Challenge!” campaign which will run a series of educational activities in Metro Manila such as free denture consultations and fun den-ture torture tests like corn-eating contests and videoke contests.

Towering at 30 feet, the inflatable installation depicts a giant denture biting onto a corn cob to highlight the physical tortures experienced daily by denture wearers, which according to dental health professionals are part of bigger emotional and social problems.

“Wearing dentures is difficult and what Polident aims to do is take away the worry that it would move, fall out, and cause embarrassment. Dentures should not take away the fun out of enjoying their favorite food or singing like their favorite idols. Polident thus challenges denture wearers to do their everyday activities like eating, speaking and smiling with confidence,” says Isa Marfori, GSK Polident product manager.

The Polident installation will be inaugurated at the Rajah Sulayman in Malate, Manila on
May 15-17. Other schedules are on May 22 to 24 at the Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila and on May 29 to 31 at Tutuban Market.

Polident dares denture wearers to live a healthy life free of inhibitions by taking the Poli-dent Challenge. For free samples and delivery nationwide of both Polident Denture Cleanser and Polident Denture Adhesive Cream, call 924-2475.

Paracetamol Calpol helps fight against Dengue

When I was still working at a tertiary hospital in Manila, one of my colleagues was admitted for Dengue Type 3, she was black and blue and unconscious for 2 days with an on and off fever. We thought were going to lose her. She got blood transfusion, Paracetamol every 4 hours, and the doctor had her platelet count checked every 4 hours or so.  I remember her mother praying,  gave spongebath and stayed throughout the confinement. I could still picture her in that hospital bed, skin scaled to ashen gray, with blue nail beds, blue lips,  2 IVs were hooked and unconscious. We prayed for her recovery, after days, and bags of blood, her platelet went to normal,  She was released from hospital, after her condition became stable with a 37 temperature. We became aware of dengue and its complications and we dont want that dreaded disease to happen to any of our family members.

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. Especially now that the rainy season is upon us.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joined forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” and Barangay Caravan  last August 29, 2014 at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Dr, Sally Gatchalian, Secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, told the media of what to do in cases of dengue. self protection measures were observed. If there is a persistent fever of two days duration, one should seek medical attention. Have lots of fluid intake. Take Calpol paracetamol for kids and Panadol tablet for adults. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these drugs may trigger bleeding.  Say no to indiscriminate fogging. If one had contacted dengue, there is always a possibility of second episode. Take extra precautions of second episode, as this will be the worst especially when patient vomitted blood, according to Dr. Gatchalian.  Always have Paracetamol like Calpol for kids and Panadol for adults at the comfort of your house.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever.

Calpol, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

 “While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”



The DOH enagaged with selected barangays in  facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/CalpolPH .