CREATING “THE MAZE RUNNER” WORLD

                It will take wit, agility, speed and strength to survive a labyrinth of dangerous walls with predators ready to kill at an instant in the upcoming young adult movie “The Maze Runner.”

                Based on the bestselling YA series of novel of the same title by James Dashner, “The Maze Runner” brings a group of young boys (and a girl) together in a secluded place known as the Glade where they come and stay but does not have any idea of who they really are and what brought them there. Starring, Dylan O’Brien, Ki Hong Lee,  Kaya Scodelario, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, the movie is directed by Wes Ball who envisioned the Maze walls to be modern and ancient.   The towering structure’s creeping vines and seemingly empty corridors mask a threat that terrifies even the most hardened and veteran Gladers.

 The hidden creatures, which the kids call Grievers – though none has actually seen one, preys on those who stay too long in the Maze. This means the boys must get out of the Maze before its walls close because nobody survives a night there.

Check out the cast and filmmakers video here on the making of the walls:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4zAhE67Gyw&feature=youtu.be
“THE MAZE RUNNER” opens September 17 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Calpol presents Himig ng Ginhawa

Music has gained recognition for its therapeutic value over the years. In fact, Music Therapy is acknowledged for a range of observable health benefits including but not limited to developing communication skills, helping decrease pain and anxiety, and reducing of stress. It also encourages creativity and happiness.

Annette Asuncion, a Certified Music Therapist, explains that mothers can use Music Therapy in caring for a sick child. “When a child has a fever, moms can use Music Therapy to help one relax, sleep better and even take medicine in a more pleasant way.” To provide fever relief, doctor-recommended Calpol provides solutions on giving soothing comfort and relief for children with fever not only through its product portfolio but also advocating other therapeutic means like Music Therapy.

Music therapy volunteers of Calpol Himig ng Ginhawa program during a visit to Ospital ng Muntinlupa

Calpol presents Himig ng Ginhawa, a continuation of the brand’s successful 2013 campaign Himig ng Kalinga. Through Himig ng Ginhawa, Calpol will conduct a series of interactive activities that use Music Therapy strategies. These activities will take place at children’s wards in several hospitals nationwide.

Through Himig ng Ginhawa, Calpol is fulfilling its advocacy of providing soothing comfort and relief for sick children. The brand believes in providing different forms of intervention - from medical technology to music therapy, physical care such as warm towels to regular temperature, adequate rest and proper medication like Calpol - to sooth young patients and to improve their health. Rachelle Gamboa, Group Product Manager of GlaxoSmith Kline, says, “We believe that Music Therapy has immense potential in bringing comfort to the sick, young members of our community.”

Headed by a team comprised of musically-inclined volunteers and one doctor, each engaging session encourages young patients to interact with the volunteers by playing instruments and singing along to live music. The result is a fun and relaxing activity that harnesses the healing qualities of music. After the session, patients are given a music CD and a singing critter card.

In May 2014, Himig ng Ginhawa was launched with a successful run at the University of the East – Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM) in Quezon City. Ten UERM residents joined the Music Therapy activities. Calpol will continue to visit several hospitals across Metro Manila and Luzon.

By working closely with doctors, Calpol is able to achieve its mission of creating greater awareness about Music Therapy and its application by health care providers in related medical fields.

To prepare volunteers for the Music Therapy activities, Calpol enlisted Annette Asuncion, a Special Education Teacher and Music Therapist at Connolly Middle School in Arizona. She is also a Visiting Professor for Graduate Studies in Music Therapy at St. Paul University Manila. She explains, “To train the volunteers, I had them experience a Music Therapy session. This allowed them to distinguish the difference between performing and being interactive. I demonstrated strategies that they can use to promote interaction and learning. I showed them how to play music with different instruments and how to use their voice in order to encourage patients to interact, rather than to just listen.”

Calpol gives mothers an opportunity to include music in caring for their children through a special tie-up with South Star Drug DOH-FDA CDRR Permit No. 237 s. 2014. For every minimum purchase of two (2) bottles of Calpol, customers will get a FREE Himig ng Ginhawa CD.

Himig ng Ginhawa is sponsored by doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol. With its Acti-Fast formula, Calpol provides fast fever relief for bilis ginhawa na maaasahan.

Win the Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding coverage

Colgate Optic White’s Dream Wedding launch

Everyone has a dream wedding in mind, but with that comes wedding worries and mishaps.

For wedding coverage, there are two names that stand out among the crowd – Jason Magbanua and Pat Dy. With more than 10 years in the wedding industry, Jason Magbanua has been called many things, including a genius and a magician. But as far as Jason is concerned, he’s simply a visual storyteller with an eye for capturing perfect wedding moments. Pat Dy, on the other hand, started his editorial career by shooting for top fashion magazines in the country. His fashion approach for capturing real couples got the attention of the wedding industry and has since changed the industry landscape.

When planning a wedding, most brides-to-be have Jason and Pat on their wish list; the two are, after all, the best of the best, and are among the most celebrated names in the world of weddings. Their portfolio of clients read like the who's who of Manila's social scene. Case in point: Maggie Wilson and Victor Consunji's racy and headline-making pre-nup shoot by Jason Magbanua; Pat Dy’s romantic Parisian shots of Stephanie Kienle and Chris Gonzalez; and Cat Arambulo and Carlo Antonio’s intimate weekend nuptials in Bellaroca captured on video and photo by the duo.

Now, future brides can join the ranks of Manila's most beautiful by being part of Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding contest. By uploading a short video of their absolute worst wedding worries on the Colgate Philippines’ Facebook page, one lucky bride will have the chance for her wedding to be captured through the eyes of Pat Dy and Jason Magbanua.

“Everyone wants a ‘white wedding’ – a wedding where everything’s spotless and everything goes according to plan,” says Magbanua.

“In most cases though, something’s bound to go wrong,” shares Solenn Heussaff, face of Colgate Optic White and attendee of countless weddings playing guest, bridesmaid, and make-up artist. “But every bride I’ve seen has been able to glide through their weddings – mishaps and all – with a smile.”

Solenn understands that memories are sustained through one’s photos and wedding video, some of the most precious reminders of a bride’s most thrilling day.

“With Colgate Optic White, there is one wedding woe that you need not worry about: the perfect wedding smile,” says Solenn.

Magbanua and Dy agree. “If there’s something that completes a bride’s look, it’s definitely her perfect white smile,” says Magbanua.

“It’s the one day in your life where literally all eyes will be on you, and it’s a day you’ll want to relive over and over,” says Dy. “I’ve taken hundreds and thousands of photographs, and it’s really the perfect white smile that makes all the difference,” he adds.

“There are certain key moments in a wedding: the unveiling of the bride, the opening of the door, the walk down the aisle, and the first kiss of the bride and the groom,” says Magbanua. “You have one chance to get it right. There’s beauty in the moment, and there’s beauty in the bride. The smile says it all,” adds Magbanua.

A smile can make all the difference during the wedding. It has the power to release stress, calm down nerves, and even instantly brighten the entire wedding’s atmosphere. “Your smile is a significant part of you. Not only does a white smile make you look good, it makes you and others feel good,” adds Dy.

 “It’s one of the first things people notice, and having the perfect white smile will definitely boost your confidence to get through any day,” says Solenn. “I’ve used the product long enough to know that you can really rely on Colgate Optic White to give you the perfect smile on your wedding day. And even if I’m not yet getting married, I still want to dazzle my man with my perfect white smile,“ she adds.

“And because Colgate Optic White promises one shade whiter teeth after just one week*, you can be sure to have one less thing to worry about in making your dream wedding a reality.”

Colgate Optic White's Dream Wedding runs from September 4 to October 27, 2014 and is open to all wedded-to-be Filipinos in January until June 2015. The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen and voted on by the public.

The 10 most creative submissions will be chosen by Colgate and voted on by the public.
To know more, like Colgate Philippines on Facebook.

Ben Affleck plays married Nick Dunne to "Gone Girl" the movie

BEN AFFLECK’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YET ON BEING MARRIED IN “GONE GIRL”

This is one of the best book that I have read 2 years ago, and I keep re-reading it to relieve the moment and pain of Nick Dunne. I am pro -Nick, find out why.  Just like everyone else who read the book. I am excited to see the movie. 

The page-turner tome “Gone Girl” written by Gillian Flynn about a woman gone missing on the day of their fifth year wedding anniversary and a marriage believed to be on the rocks is brought to life by Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike under the direction of David Fincher.

From the bestsellers’ shelves, “Gone Girl” reveals the real Mr. and Mrs. Dunne as they go through the motion of making their marriage work. Nick (Affleck) decides to move back to his hometown in Missouri from New York after being sacked as a print journalist, bringing his wife Amy (Pike) with him.  Embittered by his current state due to the advent of online publishing, the couple has slowly drifted apart, with Nick spending most of his time at a local bar he bought and manages while Amy is mostly home and explores the community with a few newfound friends.

                Unexpectedly, Nick’s sleepy town has awakened due to Amy’s sudden disappearance, what was left are confusing clues as to why and how his wife had gone missing.  At the scene of the crime within the Dunne’s home are clear signs of struggle – shattered glasses and an overturned coffee table but there were no signs of forced entry, leaving investigators to think that the prime suspect they’re looking for might be Nick.

                In recent interviews, Pike stated that the movie will make people re-examine their thoughts on marriage.  “That aspect of marriage as a con game, or whatever.  The idea that we perform a sort of ideal version of ourselves that the other person wants. We perhaps belie our true nature in order to perform to the ideal. David and I talked a lot about living in an age of rampant narcissism.”

                Likewise, Affleck shared that ““I actually think this is the perfect date movie, not because I think it’ll result in divorce – I think that’s just David’s fantasy – but because it’s the kind of movie that a husband and wife could talk about afterwards. I think a man and a woman would have different takes on what happens. The last time I was in a movie that I thought polarised men and women in an interesting way was ‘Chasing Amy.’ That was quite some time ago.”

                “Gone Girl” opens in cinemas nationwide on October 8 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Marmalade Kitchen stirs up memories of food

Memories of food brings us to a time and place that delighted us and  make us all hungry. That is Marmalade Kitchen did to me last September 2, 2014. Chef Aileen Anastacio's creation woke up my first food memory, her pancake, made from scratch with all the toffee syrup and banana toppings. Food stirs an emotional part of our lives which is, in many ways, more important than the historical one. I suddenly recall my childhood days.

What do you remember when you smell a vanilla pancake frying coming right from someone's kitchen?  The thought and the scene reminds me of mother in her late 30s with her red dirty apron on,   cake mix stirred in a bowl,  preparing plates and puncturing a can of condensed milk as syrup, and getting that hardened butter from the refrigerator. Her homemade hot cocoa in a ceramic pitcher with cute yellow ceramic cups. Thank God for mothers and their food.

Chef Aileen Anastacio is hands-on to her latest restaurant Marmalade Kitchen located at The Forum 2nd fl, BGC corner Federacion Drive. There is a homey feel inside the restaurant with its wooden table, wood tiled floors,  chairs, and cabinet, which  reminds us of home.

 Chef Anastacio promised to delight us as she began cooking all the dishes that would satisfy our palate and senses. She first served us a bowl of hot pumpkin creamy soup, that is buttery delicious sprinkled with roasted caramel on top.

She made us taste her breakfast goodness of "longganisang hubad" with egg and garlic  fried rice. Started up my day with a filling breakfast. Chef Aileen whipped up all the dishes for the day with no unnecessary garnishes and condiments.

Me and my favorite breakfast Longganisang hubad with egg and garlic rice

Chef Aileen Anastacio with her signature dish

Marmalade Kitchen houses the many things Aileen loves. In a way, it has become an extension of her home. For one, it offers all the things she herself loves to indulge on. Largely inspired by her experiences working in a professional restaurant in the US to her many travels abroad, the dishes is a roundup of food that brings her utmost comfort and pleasure; none of the pretentious kind, just classic and traditional café dishes that people crave for and keep coming back to for guaranteed satisfaction. Chicken and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Beef Stroganoff, Fish and Chips—she prepares and serves them the way we have long enjoyed them,

Royal Benedict

Marmalade Kitchen is an extension of her culinary playground as she and her fellow chef friends host lifestyle classes. Every week, they will be sharing their knowledge and experience to friends and guests who would like to learn a thing or two about cooking and baking, as well as enjoy the food they’ll be making and each other’s company.



Marmalade Kitchen is a home for delectable eats and treats and good learning. And everyone is welcome to partake in all the fun.

Pulled Pork

Black ink pasta with shrimp

Her version of black pasta, this is deliciously good and filling, I love that the pasta is soft and tasty even without the shrimp. This is a meal on its own.

Key Lime Pie

This key lime pie dessert is soo good, not too sweet, the crust compliments everything. Finish your meal with any order of her desserts in the menu, including this one.

Chef Aileen also holds summer cooking classes for the kids ages 7-12 . She will cook 4-5 recipes, that would depends on the ingredients. She will invite chefs over during the summer cooking classes. Reservation is required. Class fee is Php2000.00 per class/session. For inquiries, please call 09178370959.

Cooking classes schedule

Alaxan FR inspires “pusong palaban” attitude among Gilas Pilipinas fans

Alaxan FR is giving more Filipinos a chance to see the heroism and “pusong palaban” attitude of Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA World Cup in Spain by showing the games in different areas nationwide. The games are viewed live for free at selected Courts of Inspiration—basketball courts that were constructed by Alaxan FR with the help of local communities.

“We want to show the Gilas Pilipinas games in our Courts of Inspiration to draw support for our newest basketball heroes and inspire our fellow Filipinos to have a pusong palaban, katawang Alaxan attitude,” said Missy Cheah, Alaxan FR assistant product manager.

Comedy mentalist and blogger Marcelle Fabie receives a Gilas Pilipinas signed basketball for his live tweet during the media viewing party. 

The Philippines vs. Puerto Rico game on September 3 will be seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Cataggaman Nuevo, Tuguegarao City and Barangay Matina Crossing, Davao City. The Philippines vs. Senegal game on September 4 will be seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Taclobo, Purok Santan, Dumaguete City and Barangay Cabu, Cabanatuan City.

The national squad’s first game against Croatia was also seen at Courts of Inspiration in Barangay Minante 1, Cauayan City, Isabela; Barangay Singcang Airport, Bacolod City; Barangay 32, San Roque, Legaspi City; and Barangay Ampayon, Purok 2A, Butuan City.

At Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar, Alaxan FR also treated members of the media to an exclusive viewing party to watch the Gilas Pilipinas game against Croatia. Alaxan samples and Gilas Pilipinas autographed premium items like basketballs and t-shirts were given away as prizes in raffle draws and blogger contests.

Cheah said that Alaxan FR has thrown its support for Gilas Pilipinas after its impressive run in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships where the national men’s basketball team showed their determination and resiliency in the face of great adversity, especially in the game against South Korea.

“Our Gilas Pilipinas players relied on their fighting hearts and pushed their physical strengths to the limit to beat the odds and book a trip to the FIBA World Cup games. This is what our pusong palaban, katawang Alaxan campaign is all about, reminding ordinary people that to overcome challenges, they must have a warriors’ heart and an able body that can effectively conquer pain,” Cheah said.

The audience erupts into cheers during an exciting part of the Philippines vs. Croatia game at the Alaxan FR exclusive media viewing party at Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar.

Since 2012, Alaxan FR has already constructed 26 Courts of Inspiration across the country to empower the youth to learn basketball and work hard to achieve their dreams; and help the beneficiary communities to develop a bayanihan spirit.

In building the Courts of Inspiration, Alaxan FR provides the necessary construction materials and secures a partnership with local government officials to mobilize the townspeople in constructing the play centers which have become not just athletic centers but landmarks and venues for community activities.

AMANDA SEYFRIED PLAYS A GOLD DIGGER IN “A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST”

If you simply want to have a good laugh this week, go and watch this movie. This will surely tickle your funny bones.

Amanda Seyfried (“Les Miserables,” “Red Riding Hood”) stars as Louise, the woman who would break the hero's heart in, Universal Pictures' new comedy “A Million Ways to Die in the West” (opening exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Sept 3.)

In the film, after sheep farmer Albert (Seth MacFarlane) backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend, Louise (Seyfried) leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman named Anna (Charlize Theron) rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband (Liam Neeson), a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

The filmmakers wanted to find an actress who was right in the "Goldilocks" zone, someone who could express that artful balance between a woman whom you don't really want the guy to end up with because she's not the nicest person, but a character who still has enough redeeming qualities that you don't think the guy is an idiot for pining after her. Someone "just right."

Actor-writer-director Seth MacFarlane found everything the team wanted in accomplished actress Amanda Seyfried. He explains: "Amanda is a great example of someone who is perfectly cast. There was the scene on the log where she's talking to Albert and is about to dump him, and I remember thinking, 'God, she is nailing it. She's either the world's greatest actress, or she's cut down a bunch of guys like this.' Amanda is very sweet, so I quickly learned it wasn't the latter; she's just extremely good."

Seyfried was initially surprised at her casting. She advises: "Most of my projects haven't been comedy." Discussing her character, the performer shares: "Louise is a selfish young lady who dumps Albert in such a blunt, insensitive way because he's not getting it. She is enamored of Foy, town's most successful businessman, and how awesome she thinks he is that she can't quite see who he really is. Foy's very charismatic and he's got balls, while Albert has no balls at all... figuratively speaking of course. Foy's attractive to her because he has confidence and sex appeal, and his moustache is really hot."

Although Theron's and Seyfried's characters were at odds, that's where the similarities between the actresses ended. Theron explains that she struggled with the biting dialogue that was directed toward her on-screen nemesis: "I found myself constantly looking at Seth and saying, 'I can't say that. It's Amanda, come on.' There is a line where I have to tell her she looks bad in this dress. I was thinking that I am just not that good of an actor. I mean, look at her! She's like a little doll."
“A Million Ways to Die in the West” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

AFFI SET FOR 2014 FRANCHISE EXPO

The Association of Filipino Franchisers Incorporated (AFFI) is all set to hold their annual Filipino Franchise Show.

This year, AFFI has invited franchisers from all over the ASEAN region to participate in the show as part of efforts to prepare for the ASEAN integration slated for 2015.  Ricardo Cuna owner of the Fiorgelato ice cream franchise and head of this year’s show committee says “This year we are inviting franchisers from all over ASEAN to showcase their homegrown concepts to explore the possible synergies between local and regional franchise brands.” Franchising is one of the industries set to be opened up as part of the integration and is expected to lead to an influx of foreign franchise brands in the country.

He adds that the franchising industry is expected to continue posting double digit growth and is expected to see the entry of more new players. “We are seeing more and more emerging concepts and startup businesses joining the show which shows that the industry is still and will likely continue to grow” says Cuna. AFFI is one of the largest industry bodies in the Philippine franchise industry and counts among its members local brands such as Aquabest, Binalot, Figaro, Lots' A Pizza, Sweet Corner, among others.

The show is considered one of the biggest events in the Philippine franchise industry and attracts thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs who come and see hundreds of the country's top franchise brands.  Apart from an impressive roster of participating franchise brands the show also features companies from allied industries and suppliers.  Among the major sponsors for this year’s show are BPI Family Ka Negosyo , Seaoil Philippines, St. Francis Generic Drug, and The Generics Pharmacy.

AFFI is also set to recognize the outstanding franchise companies and franchisees with their annual AFFI Enabler Awards and Galing ng Pinoy Franchise Excellence Awards. The show would also feature seminars and workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisers from AFFI members as well as BPI Family Ka Negosyo and the Intellectual Property Office.

Supporting AFFI in its advocacy to showcase the very best of Filipino franchise concepts are its sponsors and partners St. Francis Generic Drug, Globe My Business,  Farmacia ni Dok, Geepas Philippines, 2Go Express, Revelnet, My Basic Graphics, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World, Business Mirror, Entrepreneur Philippines, United Daily News, Carl Balita Radyo Negosyo, United Neon, Meralco, Go Negosyo, IPO, DTI BSMED, and TESDA.
         
The 2014 Filipino Franchise Show will be held from October 3 to 5 at the World Trade Center. For inquiries please contact the AFFI Secretariat at (+632) 654 0345, 09228149881 to 82 or email affifranchiseshow2014@gmail.com or one can contact PETCO at (632) 832-9303 to 05 or email secretariat@petcogroup.com.

Lock & Lock CookPlus and Glassware line is the best way to cook, serve and store

From the kitchen to the table: Lock and Lock introduces its newest cookware and glassware line

Who will ever forget that cute Lock & Lock airtight plastic containers, I used to carry that airtight leakproof plastic see thru "baunan" everyday when I worked the night shift at a BPO Company. It stand the test of time, and it has been my favorite container ever since I owned one. I use it to store my favorite dried fruits, fresh fruits, rice and longganisa meal, dessert, spaghetti, etc.. It always has a place in our kitchen for food storage.

 Lock & Lock recently launched its own cookware and glassware lines last August 29, 2014 at Museum Cafe, Greenbelt Makati. “Lock & Lock has been known as a brand that offers high-quality food containers that the Filipino family can use. Now, we introduce the CookPlus line and the Lock & Lock Glass line that offers Filipinos a safe, convenient, and healthy way to prepare and  present their food,” shared Rafael Chua, President of Lock & Lock Philippines.

The CookPlus and Glass line offers a wide variety of products suited to different cooking and presentation needs. Aside from this, all the products are made of top class materials that promise durability, corrosion-resistance, constant brilliance, and long lasting non-stick coating for its cookware.

 Chef Kalel Chan, the boyish looking Corporate chef of Raintree Restaurants,  the one responsible for the scrumptious delicacies behind M Cafe and Chelsea,  made a live demo of cooking Pad Thai using the Lock & Lock cookware line which is made of high quality ceramic that makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requires less oil needed for cooking.

Chef Kalel Chan's delicious meal "Pad Thai"  cooked and prepared in half a time using the Lock & Lock non-stick cookware.

Chef Kalel Chan gamely posed for a picture after the cooking demo

The CookPlus line is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) free, which is a man-made chemical not naturally present in the environment. Most non-stick cookware have this chemical for better cooking quality. However, PFOA is transferred from the cookware to food, which puts people’s health at risk. Lock & Lock’s CookPlus line has found an innovative way to remove this chemical from its products while still providing its users quality cooking experience.

I was a part of the "Lock & Lock cooking challenge" wherein we prepared a breakfast meal of pancake, eggs and bacon, complete with plate presentation.  I cooked beside Ruth dela Cruz, also a blogger, who emerged as the lucky winner. I was surprised that the cookware non-stick fry pan that I used was heat-resistant. I know I have to buy one, its one fry pan that each and one of us should own, if you are a working mother. or is always in a hurry, its time to get the CookPlus line.  Ruth and I went home with the newly launch Lock & Lock Boroseal airtight glass container.

My pancake with eggs and bacon

Aside from being PFOA free, the cookware line is made of high quality ceramic which makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requiring less oil needed for cooking.

The Lock & Lock Glass line on the other hand is made from borosilicate glass. This makes the product durable and able to withstand varying temperatures, allowing us the convenience to easily transfer food from the freezer to the oven and straight on the dining table, without having to transfer containers.

“Lock & Lock’s movement to go beyond containers and offering quality cookware and glassware is our response in recognizing the other food-related needs of Filipinos. Through our products, we not just offer products that are of high quality, but products that can make the cooking and eating experience a more convenient, healthy, and safe event for the Filipino family,” shared Chua.

Nippon Paint encourages Filipino design students to join the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2014

When I heard about father and son tandem Architects Lor and Ed Calma, I cant help but admire and remember some of their finest works like the Mind Museum and College of Saint Benilde, and many architectural forms under their mayhem.

Now Asia's No. 1 coatings Nippon Paint manufacturer launches regional platform that pushes Filipino design students to ‘Re:Think. Re:Create. Our Community, Our Home.’last August 27, 2014 at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Filipino architecture and interior design students have their chance to become another Calma in the future by joining Nippon, the Asia's No 1 coating paint, NPYDA.

For the first time,  stand a chance to win the prestigious Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA), a recognition that aims to inspire students across 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region to apply creativity and innovation in improving their communities.

Working with such reputable professional societies such as Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), Council of Interior Design Educator (CIDE), United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), and Council of Deans and Heads in Architecture Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP), the NPYDA expects to see a big pool of talent from schools nationwide.

“Nippon Paint has a long-standing belief that the ability to break convention and boundaries is found in the minds of the young, the new generation who will be the designers and builders of the future,” said Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group. “Young talent is a valuable resource, one that needs to be nurtured and developed so that all of society can benefit. By giving them the opportunity to be acknowledged by their peers as well as industry professionals, we hope to give them a head-start in their chosen profession.”

Using this year’s theme ‘Re:Think. Re:Create Our Community, Our Home.’ as their guiding principle, participating students are challenged like never before to further push the boundaries for future living by creating a township that is community-centric and sustainable, providing a high quality of life for both young and old, from every walk of life.  This year’s theme is an extension of Nippon Paint’s business philosophy of helping cultivate young talent by driving them to new standards of excellence and providing them greater visibility and exposure not only in the Philippines but throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The NPYDA has two categories — architecture and interior design, both open to students who are at least on their third year from schools affiliated with the United Architects of the Philippines and the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. Each participant is given a fixed area size to Re:Think Re:Create their ideal future living space by showing their knowledge on how colour and design can benefit the community.

Criteria for judging are Green Design Elements (30%), Colour Elements (30%), Planning & Design (30%), and Design Statement, plus Site Planning in architecture category (10%). Deadline of submission of entries is on October 31, 2014

The Gold Awardee will win P50,000 cash prize, a 6-month internship at Lor Calma & Partners plus a fully-paid trip to Japan for the Japan Learning Program, an exclusive workshop crafted specially for winners featuring internationally renowned speakers in the fields of architecture and interior design. Here, winners will be coached by world-class experts, a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The internship with renowned architect Ed Calma shows that the NYPDA is not just about ideas on paper but also a rare chance to get real world industry experience.

The winner’s professor/adviser will also get P10,000 cash prize while his or her academic institution will receive P10,000 cash prize and P10,000-worth of paint voucher.

The Silver Awardee will receive P30,000 cash prize and a plaque. Eight finalists will get P10,000 each. Special awards will also be given out to Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation with P5,000 cash prize each.

The Gold winner per category from the Philippines will be attending the cross country learning program in Osaka, Japan in March 2015 with other winners from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, China, Japan, and Hong Kong.

First launched in 2008, the NPYDA has grown in stature over the years and is now a well-recognized regional platform among students in Asia Pacific, with 10 countries joining. From a mere 87 entries during its first year, the competition had generated a mind-blowing total of 2,033 entries in 2013 and is expected to garner even more this year.

For more information about Nippon Paint and the Young Designer Award 2014, please log on to www.youngdesigneraward.ph

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 .