Great Taste launches John Lloyd Cruz as its newest Celebrity Ambassador

When there is passion, greatness exudes. You need to enable and empower that greatness. It requires effort. It requires hard work. By willing to open to new challenges. and take risks, and prepared not to fail and if you did fail, go and find another horizon that suits your inner being.

The pursuit of excellence and the journey to greatness are presence for everyone as Great Taste launches its new Celebrity endorser Mr. John Lloyd Cruz on May 11 at Crowne Plaza, Manila and hosted by Ms. Gelli Victor. Selected media guests participates in a series of activities by Great Taste, showcasing Filipino’s everyday greatness.

“We are very pleased to have John Lloyd Cruz as the latest addition to the Great Taste family. As our endorser, we believe he will reinforce our values and philosophy with the same kind of passion and greatness that he has exemplified in his life,” said Universal Robina Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei.

Greatness is within every Filipino. It can come out in many forms, in any situation, at no particular place or time. From game-changing choices to simple, unplanned acts of kindness, greatness can thrive every day.

Believing in the remarkable traits of Filipinos is Great Taste Coffee. Through the years, constant innovation has allowed the brand to constantly introduce new and better ways to enjoy a cup of coffee. As it continues to help bring out the greatness in every Filipino, Great Taste Coffee introduces a new endorser to join its journey of serving even greater experiences to its loyal consumers.

In its Choose to Be Great media event, Great Taste introduced John Lloyd Cruz as its newest brand endorser. During the coffee shop-themed event, media guests were treated to various activities that showcased Great Taste’s celebration of the Filipino’s everyday greatness.

During the event, media guests were treated to an exclusive preview of Great Taste Coffee’s newest campaign featuring John Lloyd Cruz. The new campaign captures the respect and admiration that he and the brand have for Pinoy’s greatness.

Like Great Taste Coffee and John Lloyd Cruz, Filipinos can achieve greatness—from small triumphs, to great milestones. Choose to be great with Great Taste Coffee, available at all leading supermarkets, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores nationwide.

Like Great Taste Coffee, brand endorser John Lloyd Cruz is a staunch admirer of the Filipinos’ everyday greatness.

Proudly local and always innovating, Great Taste Coffee consistently empowers Filipinos to make every day great.

Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza lets you fly to Las Vegas for free!

Pizza hut launches Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza in partnership with the biggest entertainment companies in the country, 20th Century Fox, presents the nationwide release of X-Men: Apocalypse and a chance to win tickets for two to Las Vegas for free and a collectible limited-edition Magneto Helmet!

The event was graced by Chief Operating Officer TH Lim, Tony Rulloda, Marketing Director of 20th Century Fox, Raymund Nobleza, Marketing Officer-in-Charge for Pizza Hut, and Binibining Pilipinas 2016 winners. 


Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza presents X-Men: Apocalypse and Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure
Popular pizza chain rewards fans with new extra-large, limited edition pizza, a chance to win tickets for two to Las Vegas and one-of-a-kind collectible items

Pizza Hut, the Philippines’ well-loved pizza brand, serves not only a flavorful extra large pizza and the hottest blockbuster movie promotion of the summer, but also the chance to win an exciting trip to Las Vegas, Nevada!

Dubbed Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure, Pizza Hut's newest promotion was launched during an event presided by its Chief Operating Officer TH Lim.

“Given that Filipinos enjoy eating together, we have recently introduced the Blowout Pizza, our biggest pizza ever that gives families, colleagues and barkadas more reasons to bond over this extra-large, extraordinary pizza,” he said. “But with the upcoming screening of one of the most awaited blockbuster movie franchises, we've kicked things up further with an exciting series of X-Men: Apocalypse branded offerings."

 With the tie-up, each order of Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza is packaged in one of four limited-edition collectible boxes for fans of the X-Men film saga to enjoy.

On top of all this excitement, Pizza Hut is set to reward lucky patrons with the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure promo. Grand prize winners of this raffle promo will go on a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada where they can live like an Egyptian God for four days and three nights in a deluxe room with private VIP poolside cabana access at the Luxor Hotel. Winners will also ride on a private helicopter above Las Vegas’ iconic pyramid featuring an incredible view of the strip, become horsemen on a guided 2-hour horseback trek into the Grand Canyon, and explore Las Vegas’ iconic Neon Graveyard after dark.

Tony Rulloda, Marketing Director of 20th Century Fox, shared during the event, “This is going to be the most thrilling X-Men installment, and we thought to make it even more exciting by tying up with a brand that has always been a favorite of moviegoers, a brand that never fails to amaze and thrill its loyal customers.” 

Raymund Nobleza, Marketing Officer-in-Charge for Pizza Hut, presented details of the promotion to guests. Pizza Hut customers can join by ordering a Blowout Pizza in any Pizza Hut restaurant, filling out the receipt’s back with their contact details and signature, then dropping it at designated boxes. “You can choose to enjoy the Blowout Pizza through Hut Feast promos on site or a la carte, or if you want to enjoy your a la carte order by delivery you can get an upgrade with add-ons like Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Fried Chicken, Spaghetti Bolognese or Slingers for just P99,” he said.

Aside from a limited-edition Magneto Helmet as seen on X-Men: Apocalypse, other prizes in the promo include ten 18” Blowout Pizzas, which combines the Hawaiian, Supreme, Roast Beef and Veggies, and Sausage and Bacon flavors into one pizza, as consolation prizes.

Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza’s X-Men Apocalypse and Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure promos are valid until June 6, 2016. For more information about Pizza Hut’s Blowout Pizza, the X-Men Apocalypse promotion and the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure raffle, visit www.pizzahut.com.ph or “like” www.facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines. You can also follow @PizzaHutPhils on Twitter and Instagram, or simply call 911-1111 (Metro Manila) today!

"Raven" is seeking her true purpose in the "X-Men: Apocalypse"

                It has been 10 years since the heroes of “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” saved humanity and themselves from threats within and without. Now, in “X-Men: Apocalypse,” things are – at least for people like Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) – a little more settled. Humanity is aware of the mutants living among them and relations have been, for the most part, peaceful. But all that changes when the ancient, incredibly powerful mutant known as Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) awakens in the early 1980s and begins to destroy the world as we know it, convinced that he can create civilization again the way he thinks it should be. With Bryan Singer once more directing, “X-Men: Apocalypse” promises a huge global adventure and another thrilling mission for the world’s favorite mutants.

                The world of 1983 also has undergone upheavals in the treatment of mutants.  This next stage of human evolution is now accepted by most—but not all—of humanity, thanks to the heroism of Raven/Mystique, who (as seen in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) prevented the assassination of the U.S. president and a war between mutants and humans.

                Jennifer Lawrence is back as Raven aka Mystique, a blue-skinned shapeshifter, is seeking her true purpose, as well as elusive self-acceptance.  In the years leading up to “X-Men: Apocalypse,” she had tried to stay hidden from the world, shunning her celebrity as the face of hope and change for the new, mutant-integrated world.  She resists bearing the weight of that label, and feels much of her past doesn’t warrant the world’s perception of her as a hero.

Now, Raven is living by her own code and working independently as an underground mutant savior, to fight against the remaining instances of human exploitation of mutants and save those still being persecuted.

                “The character is more ‘Raven’ than ‘Mystique’ in this story because she cannot be her true mutant self in a world that she feels is still not as mutant-friendly as it’s perceived to be,” says Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, who first played the role in “X-Men: First Class” and then reprised it in “Days of Future Past.”  “That’s why she has basically been Raven since the events of the previous films, so no one would know she’s that mutant.  When we meet her in this film, she’s been living a covert life as Raven.”  Raven’s mission to help mutants where she can culminates in her leading the X-Men in a massive battle with Apocalypse.  But first she is reunited with the two men with whom she is closest, and with whom she shares a complex and evolving history: Charles Xavier (aka Professor X) and Erik Lensherr (Magneto).  Raven and Charles have a long history together and were part of the original X-Men team.  In the subsequent years they grew apart, separated by both distance and philosophies. 

                Costume designer Louise Mingenbach drew upon the resources and inventory of numerous costume rental houses in the U.S. and Montréal and scoured retail vintage stores across North America to find thousands of wardrobe items needed to dress performers in 1980s apparel from Cairo, East Germany, and the U.S.  For Jennifer Lawrence, Mingenbach took into account Raven’s modus operandi:  “She’s fighting for a cause and is not particularly concerned with how she looks,” says the designer.  She found Lawrence a “Chrissie Hynde type” studded leather jacket and an old rock-‘n-roll t-shirt.  “1983 was the great era of the rocker chick,” says Mingenbach, “and that kind of look reflected Raven’s rebellious nature.”

                It’s mutants vs. mutants when “X-Men: Apocalypse” opens May 18 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. (also available in 3D and IMAX)

Experience Manual Therapy at Polarity Physiotherapy Center

When my father first had a heart attack almost a decade ago, his cardiologist referred him to undergo physical therapy, to help him stand straight and restore some strength in his muscles.

I was the one who accompanied him to the Physical Therapy Dept where he was made to do some exercises to improve his posture and his right side body weakness. After a month or two of regular visits, he said he felt relieved of the pain and felt very much improved.

Shortly after that, I also experienced neck pain and back pain due to stress at work. My doctor likewise advised me to get some PT sessions for about 2 weeks. As far as I can remember, they used an ultrasound machine (not the one for pregnant women of course). It is a small portable machine and ultrasound is applied using the head of an ultrasound probe that is placed in direct contact with your skin via a transmission coupling gel. It did relieve the pain but it took me months to heal.

Then I heard about Polarity Physiotherapy Center last month from some friends, and I was intrigued about their myofascial release therapy  treatment. I quickly made an appointment as I was eager to try it out.

For those who regularly read my blog or my facebook posts, Im sort of obsessed with spa and massage treatments or anything that could relieve my constant back and neck pain.

Polarity Physiotherapy Center was easy enough to find as it is just along Examiner Street and a couple of blocks from Quezon Avenue.

The center exudes a very “homey” vibe since it was really a converted house and for me its definitely a lot better and less intimidating than say going to a clinic or smelling that “hospital scent.” At least you don’t get the feeling that you have some unknown sickness which the doctor is just to eager to surprise you with.

The place is calming and relaxing but not too relaxing like a “Spa” with their aromatherapy and misty interiors which I also like. The place looks professional and serious but not too daunting—Its really more like a small hotel than medical facility.

We were greeted by Ms Anna, the receptionist and I was introduced to my therapist Hazel.  
Hazel is a Physical Therapy graduate from UST. which gave me the feeling that I was really in good hands.

She first took us on a tour of the facility. There was a rehabilitation room complete with all the equipment you need for strengthening exercises like weights, a stationary bike and some seats for stretching and mobility exercises.

There was also a separate area, with complete gym equipment for those who are training or want to join some zumba or yoga workshops. Polarity just opened recently so all the equipment are relatively new and the amenities from the floor to the locker room are very clean and well maintained.

Before being evaluated, I was asked to sign a standard patient information waiver, which is nothing to be alarmed about. Hazel then led me to the individual treatment rooms. The first thing I noticed was that there was no device or gadgets inside just a bed and a small table. This was because they promote Manual Therapy instead of those usually used in hospitals.

Hazel asked me a series of questions to assess my neck and back and a bit of my medical history. She explained to me that the pain coming from my back has to do with sitting up for hours, and wrong posture. The assessment is very important to gauge your pain levels and determine which part of your body needs treatment.

My therapist Ms. Hazel Cuevas

Hazel then started to manipulate my back using the Myofascial Release Therapy technique. The technique focuses on pain believed to arise from myofascial tissues — the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles. Which she, locates the myofascial areas that feel stiff and fixed instead of elastic and movable under light manual pressure. These areas, though not always near what feels like the source of pain, are thought to restrict muscle and joint movements, which contributes to widespread muscle pain, she told me.

She did the myofascial release for back and neck. The scapular retraction exercises and stretching of neck and shoulders. The treatment lasted for almost an hour and I immediately felt that my muscles were more relaxed.

It was definitely more “relieving” than a spa massage.

Framed Photo snapshots such as these, hang inside the isle of the treatment room, if you like any of them, you can approach the receptionist. As these are for sale.

Polarity is an advanced manual physiotherapy and myosfacial release center located in #47 Examiner St. Quezon City.  It is a premiere Physical Rehabilitation, Functional training and Wellness facility that caters to all clients who need relief from pain, recovery from injury, improvement of physical condition or beginning a new and healthy lifestyle.

If you are:

>Tired of being in pain from a physical condition or injury
>Tired of long lines at the hospital or waiting in other physical rehabilitation facilities
>Looking for a place to start
 conditioning your body without feeling intimidated in gyms and other exercise facilities
>Looking for specialized training programs that are based on your health goals and physical fitness      level
>If you want to experience the new and emerging techniques of manual therapy and new approaches that work to get you better, faster.
>The Polarity Physiotherapy team consists of well- trained, skilled and PRC- licensed Physical Therapists from outstanding Physical Therapy Programs in the country. They have specialized training in the facets of physical rehabilitation through exercise, manual therapy, muscle and fascia manipulation, muscle release techniques, functional exercise and training, and specific conditioning.

The services they offer are:

1. Myofascial Release (MFR) – an effective hands-on therapy which can directly change and improve health of the fascia. The purpose of MFR is to break down scar tissue, relax the muscle and ‘myofascia’ and restore good posture.

– MFR techniques focus on relaxing the deep tissue of the body providing lasting and effective relief to the patient.
– It uses slow and sometimes deep pressure to restore the proper health of the fascia.

2. Physiotherapy – a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and well being, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle. At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.


Polarity Physiotherapy Center is located in #47 Examiner St. Quezon City.
+63977 692-1380
+63943 658-4890
(02) 799-2700

email: info@polaritywellnesscenter.com

Watch "Journeys with Martin Nievera" on May 24

On May 24  2016, a special concert billed, “Journeys with Martin Nievera” will be staged at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The country’s best crooner and all-around good guy—Concert King MARTIN NIEVERA—lends his voice in a one-of-a-kind benefit concert for the EPCALM Adult Leukemia Foundation of the Philippines.

Now on its 11th year, EPCALM is the only non-profit organization in the country focused on extending timely, personalized, practical and family-oriented support for patients journeying through leukemia, as well as their families. It works through networks of committed partners and volunteers to extend spiritual, medical and financial services and resources.

“Journeys…” is all about you and me giving hope to our sick sisters and brothers—as they journey toward wholeness—healthier, happier. However different our individual journeys may be, let Martin’s distinct brand of music get you through life’s challenges, through his songs of inspiration, healing, triumph, and hope.

As Martin, an honorary EPCALM Board Member, said: “I sing; you save.”

EPCALM receives requests for assistance every single day. Concert proceeds will go to the EPCALM Hope Fund, launched on 1 April 2016, to sustain the various EPCALM services and ministries, and raise the much-needed financial resources to make a holistic difference in the lives of adult leukemia patients and their families.

Tickets are now available in all SM Cinemas and SM Supermalls. For inquiries and reservations, please call SM Tickets at Tel. No. 470.2222. For online ticket purchases, visit smtickets.com/events/view/4431.

Political whodunit “Magtanggol” champions the welfare of abused OFWs

Investment banker Jojo Dispo doesn’t consider his initial foray into scripting and producing a movie a gamble. “Magtanggol,” the first offering of Felix and Bert Film Productions, is an undertaking fueled by passion and compassion.

Tom Rodriguez

Directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez and conceptualized by Jojo Dispo, “Magtanggol” tackles the issue of abuses committed against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by their employers. “I’ve traveled to a lot of places with high concentration of OFWs,” Dispo discloses. “I’ve talked to many ambassadors around the world about them, have had first hand exposure with many OFWs. I’ve heard their stories. I want to help.”

“Magtanggol” dares to ask the question “Sino ang bayani ng mga bagong bayani?”

 It zeroes in on Senator Juan Magtanggol, a member of the powerful Magtanggol political clan, who is one day thrust into the limelight for being a suspect for the spate of killings of international employers of Filipino OFWs victimized by abuse. Tom Rodriguez who plays Senator Juan

Magtanggol considers “Magtanggol,” his first venture in the political thriller genre, an eye-opener. “I didn’t realize the gravity of violence committed against our kababayans who only want to improve the plight of their respective families. Leaving your family behind to work overseas is already painful.”

Tom relishes working on this indie project. “Ibinalot ‘yung pelikula sa isang masayang panoorin na kuwento pero nakatago rin doon ‘yung larawan ng totoong sinasapit minsan ng mga kapatid nating OFWs,” shares the Kapuso leading man. “The production people and the director, grabe! Pinag-iisipan nila lahat ng shots. I’ve learned so much from all the other projects I’ve done in the past. I’m learning so much more just being here. How they compose the shots. How they color and light the scenes. There is a reason behind everything.”

Seasoned actress Dina Bonnevie who plays the second wife of the Magtanggol patriarch (played by Joonee Gamboa) says that the movie is call to action.  “It is very timely in light of the upcoming elections. If you have discontent over the way the government is running the counry, then you have to speak up.”

Playing a very challenging role is emerging young actor Ejay Falcon. “It is an honor for me na makasama sa project na ito.”

“Magtanggol” also stars Yam Concepcion, Kim Domingo, Albie Casino, and Denise Laurel.

Like everyone who experiences hardships, OFWs need all the help and assistance they can get. One way of doing that is by watching “Magtanggol” when it opens on May 18 in theaters nationwide because whatever the movie earns sue will be used to fund projects to promote the welfare of OFWs.
In our own little way, we too can become heroes.

MAGTANGGOL (2 Hours 23 Min. ) Tom Rodriguez, Ejay Falcon, Denise Laurel, Yam Concepcion, Kim Domingo, Albie Casino, Dina Bonnevie, Joonee Gamboa, William Martinez, Ricky Davao, Giselle Sanchez, Epy Quizon, Mavi Lozano

TAGLINE:
Ano ba ang meron sa apelyido ng isang tao at kinakailangan mong pangalagaan at ingatan ito? Ano bang meron sa pangalang ipinamana sa iyo at kailangan mong iwasan na mabahiran ito ng kahit na ano? Minsan tuloy, iniisip ko, ang apelyido ba ay isang regalo o isa bang sumpa ito?"

SYNOPSIS:

For decades, the Magtanggol family have been a name to reckoned with in Philippine politics. Since Spanish period, their name have been very synonymous to the words “revolutionary”, “heroes”, “nationalistic”and “fighter of rights”. They keep this reputation intact althroughout history, leaving it unblemished and free from any controversy. But when the young politician of the family, SENATOR JUANCHO MAGTANGGOL (a popular Senator being groomed for presidency in the coming elections) was thrust into the limelight for being a suspect at the spate of killings of international employers of Filipino OFWs who were victimized by abuse, the family, headed by its patriarch ex-Senator JUAN MAGTANGGOL, SR., is shaken to its core as media tries to scrutinize every inch and detail of the family’s secrets. As time runs out on them and the Magtanggol family reputation on line, they need to act fast or lose everything that their family has long worked for for years. They are up against a topnotch lawyer/congresswoman, ATTY. SUSAN DEL ROSARIO, who heads the inquiry on the issue and who was once the object of affection of both JUANCHO and ANTON when they were younger. Will the lawyer prove the family’s guilt or will love go in the way of seeking justice? In a society where there is no sure protection for our Overseas Filipino Workers, will justice be forever blinded, deafened, and crippled?

 JUANCH MAGTANGGOL
The once happy-go-lucky eldest son of ex-Senator Juan Magtanggol who was thrust into the limelight to follow his father’s footsteps after an accident almost cost the life of his brother who was being groomed to be the next politician. Champion of OFW rights. More likely to solve issues the legal way than in a revolutionary fashion. He is now the complete opposite of the man he used to be in his younger years. A married man who still carried a flame for the one who got away. The most likely-presidential candidate of the opposition in the coming elections. Is thrust into controversy after a spate of killings that involved employers of abused OFWS he is fighting for. Portrays himself as a champion of the masses but is really having a hard time trying to be one.

ANTON MAGTANGGOL
The younger Magtanggol sibling who is wheelchair-bound and has somewhat of a disfigured face after an accident that almost cost him his life. Has a patch on one of his eyes after he lost it in the accident and has a hard time talking and expressing himself. Was once a law student before the accident and a known student activist. Has a penchant for being a wide-reader and has a long collection of books and magazines inside his room. Always goes along to his brother’s travels as his brother feels he is indebted to Anton after the accident.

"Be in control and be Asthmalaya" GSK Commemorates World Asthma Day

I remember a classmate of mine in elementary school who had an asthma attack.  She had seizure episodes and difficulty of breathing. Then her nailbeds turned into blue. This incident happened inside the classroom, and we all panicked. I did not know what triggered the attack for I was young then. She was absent during the week, when she came back she looked sick and helpless. I remember her until now,  I wanted to know if she still lives or has  controlled her asthma ever since. That is why I am afraid of contacting the disease.

I used to work to in a hospital before. When I had allergy attacks, I frequented  Dr. Nanette Tiu's clinic. I still do up to this day. She is an Allergologist and a Pulmonology Pediatrician at Chinese General Hospital. I consider her a friend, I had a note tucked into my wallet, and I still remember it by heart. This is applicable to both asthmatic and have allergy to mites and dust. This works for me during those years, I know it will, for you too.

Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, (when you shop, ask the saleslady for this.) Do not allow pets in bedroom or on furniture. Remove carpets and stuffed toys from bedrooms. Avoid areas where people smoke. Avoid harsh cleaning products and chemicals. Reduce stress. Pay attention to air quality. Exercise indoors. Take control of your seasonal allergies. Make sure people around you know you have asthma.

According to the Global Asthma Report, an estimated 300 million people worldwide are affected by asthma.¹ In the Philippines, approximately 11 Million or 1 out 10 Filipinos are suffering from this debilitating disease.² This incurable disease burdens patients with a sense of imprisonment and constant restraint preventing them to live their lives to the fullest.

ALL ABOUT ASTHMA
“Asthma is a recurring inflammatory disorder in the airways of breathing, which undergoes variable expiratory flow and reversible bronchoconstrictions. In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways”, shares Dr. Melvin Pasay, a pulmonologist and Medical Affairs Manager of GSK.

Common symptoms include constant wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing often late at night or early in the morning. Asthma can be triggered by dust, changes in weather (often cold), animals (pet hair in particular), exercise, tobacco smoke and stress.

Dr. Gio Barangan GSK Medical Director

The cause of asthma is unknown. However as shared by Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc. (PSAAI) President, Dr. Carmela Kasala, several predisposing factors to consider include genetic history (personal history or first degree relative) with asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema; weight and smoking history. “While there is also no known cure for asthma, this serious chronic disease can be controlled and effectively treated. By establishing a strong partnership between a patient and his doctor, results showed that asthma can be controlled” shares Dr. Kasala.

Dr Melvin Pasay GSK Medical Affairs Manager

Dr Carmela Kasala Pres of Phil Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc (PSAAI)

BURDEN OF HAVING ASTHMA
In the Asia Pacific, including the Philippines, a study showed that activity limitation caused by asthma has been quite prevalent. A mean of 44.7% of respondents reported that normal physical activity was compromised, and 37.9% believed that their choice of job or career was limited. A total of 52.7% of respondents said that sports and recreation were affected, and 37.6% believed their lifestyle was restricted while almost 50% reported sleep disturbances.³

Bing Salandanan GSK Group Product Manager

“A lot of asthma patients have resigned and became ‘prisoners’ to their condition. Many seem to have created imaginary cages and locking themselves up with lifestyle restrictions. They are assuming that frequent symptoms, exacerbations and lifestyle limitations are inevitable
consequences of having asthma – unaware that their condition can be controlled,” observes Dr. Pasay.


What is alarming is that 98 percent of Filipino asthma patients remain uncontrolled or only partly controlled.⁴

“This means that asthma patients will only use medication when they have attacks believing that as long as there are no attacks they will be okay. As such, they believe that it is enough that they have available medicines to be taken on an as-needed basis,” shares Dr. Sylvia Yang, World Asthma Day committee chair of Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP).

Regular visits and consultations with doctors likewise became less as children grew up and had lesser asthma attacks. Most are relying on peers, family and even online resources to provide limited information and possibly, sub-optimal treatment for their condition. This makes patients underestimate their condition leading to poor asthma control.

Cost of treatment is also a main consideration for compliance, but the truth is uncontrolled asthma can lead to higher odds of hospitalization and emergency room visits and become more expensive due to direct medical cost like hospitalization or medications and indirect cost like time lost from work, overall productivity or even premature death.

WORLD ASTHMA DAY
In celebration of World Asthma Day, an annual event organized by the “Global Initiative for Asthma” (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world, GSK Philippines unveils “ASTHMAlaya Ka Ba Talaga? campaign, a disease awareness initiative that also seeks to encourage asthma patients, to be more proactive in consulting their doctors on how they can achieve asthma control.asthmalaya (1)

So how do you know if you need asthma control? It’s easy, if you are an asthma patient who experiences daytime asthma symptoms (coughing or wheezing) more than twice a week, wakes up at night due to asthma, uses an asthma reliever more than twice a week or have any activity limitations due to asthma, you may have uncontrolled asthma and need to immediately consult your doctor.

The celebration was participated by advocates from Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) and the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Inc. (PSAAI) who are one with the advocacy of furthering awareness and urgency among patients to consult their doctors for proper asthma control.
As Dr. Pasay profoundly put it, “Our message is clear; “You don’t have to serve a life sentence of limitations because of Asthma, be in control and be ASTHMALAYA!”

For more updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma/, or for more in-depth information, you can check out GSK’s website. https://health.gsk.ph

References:
1) The Global Asthma Report 2014. Auckland, New Zealand: Global Asthma Network, 2014.
2) Varona, LL., et. al. Prevalence of Asthma Among Filipino Adults Based on the Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS). PJIM Vol 52 Num 4, Oct-Dec 2014
3) Lai, E. A. (2003). Asthma Control in the Asia Pacific Region: The Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific Study. J Allergy Clin Immunol , 265.
4) Wong, GWK, et. al. Pediatric asthma control in Asia: Phase 2 of the Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific (AIRIAP 2) survey. Allergy 68 (2013) 524-530