Converse PH partners with Ms. Universe Organization for the Positive Action Foundation

Here's the good news to all Converse sneakers collector out there. If you want to add up one of these babies to your collection. Bid your way for a cause and get to own a personalized Converse Chuck Taylor high cut sneakers made by the 2016 Miss Universe candidates.

We had a chance to preview 19 painted/blinged  pairs of the collectible Chucks last January 26 at Orient Square Bldg Pasig. They are the cutest pairs every collector would want to have.  My favorite pair so far is Ms Thailand's painted chucks. It has a clean design that could match up any of your outfit for #ootd.

Ms Thailand's chucks

Converse PH partners with the Ms. Universe Organization in auctioning the customized sneakers (made by the 19 candidates from the 2016 Miss Universe competition) for the Positive Action Foundation.  A foundation supported by the Ms Universse organization, Positive Action Foundation is devoted into helping individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families particularly those who are displaced from their employment due to HIV phenomenon.

The customized converse sneakers which were all creatively done by the candidates will start bid at $50 USD.

Beauty pageant patrons and Chucks collectors will get a chance to own a personalized Chucks  of one of the participating candidates  through a silent bid auction. Bidders may submit their bids, names and contact details thru the information officer in the mall exhibit of the shoes or thru a private message at the Converse Facebook page.

The candidates who participated are Ms. Angola – Luisa Baptista, Ms. Belgium – Stephanie Goldof, Ms. Belize – Rebecca Rath, Ms. Brazil – Raissa Santana, Ms. Bulgaria – Violina Ancheva, Ms. Cayman Islands – Monyque Brooks, Ms. Costa Rica – Carolina Duran, Ms. Germany – Johanna Acs, Ms. Guatemala – Virginia Argueta, Ms. Iceland – Hildur Maria, Ms. Mexico – Kristal Silva, Ms. Netherlands – Zoey Ivory, Ms. Nicaragua – Marina Jacoby, Ms. Panama – Keity Drenan, Ms. Paraguay – Andrea Melgarejo, Ms. Philippines – Maxine Medina, Ms. Russia – Yuliana Korolkova, Ms. Thailand – Chalita Suansane, and Ms. Uruguay – Magdalena Cohendent.



See the personalized pairs at the exhibits in the following dates and venues:

       February 3-5: Robinsons Antipolo

       February 10-12: Robinsons Bulacan and Marquee Pampanga

       February 17-19: Robinsons Isabela and Robinsons Ilocos Norte

       February 24-26: Robinsons Tacloban and Robinsons Cebu

       March 3-5: Gaisano Mall of Davao City and Gaisano Mall of Digos

       March 10-12: Gaisano Mall of Tagum and Gaisano Mall of Toril

       March 17-19: Gaisano Mall of General Santos

Stay tuned on Facebook page for more of #ConversePHx65MissUniverse.

Vivo shares Five Reasons why Vivo V5 Plus is the Perfect Selfie Phone

Filipinos are certified selfie lovers, as proven by a recent study by TIME, which found that Makati City is the world’s “selfie capital”, and the cities of Cebu, Quezon and Iloilo belong to the top 100 “selfiest cities” across the globe. Taking a selfie is an integral part of the lives of millions of Filipinos from all walks of life, which is why they continue to search for the best selfie phone available in the market.


The entry of top five premium global brand 1Vivo’s flagship phone, Vivo V5 Plus, in the local market marks the end of this search. Dubbed as the perfect selfie phone, the Vivo V5 Plus is equipped with the most advanced selfie technology to date, expected to impress selfie- and smartphone-enthusiasts all over the world.

Here, Vivo shares five reasons why the Vivo V5 Plus deserves its tags the perfect selfie phone.  

 1.   The world’s first 20MP dual front camera. After intensive research and development, Vivo finally came up with the perfect front camera for selfielovers. If you think that a 16-megapixel camera is impressive, then prepare to be blown away by the Vivo V5 Plus’ front camera: a 20-megapixel and 8-megapixel combo—the first of its kind.

The face beauty mode 6.0 of the Vivo V5 Plus can remove blemishes and enhance skin tone on-the-spot, eliminating the need for filters or editing. 

A total of 200 engineers from Vivo and its partner organizations spent eight months in developing this dual front camera, creating an algorithm speciallydesigned for beautiful portrait shots.

2.   The true ‘bokeh’ effect. Vivo’s dual front camera consists of a primary (20MP) and a secondary (8MP) camera, with the latter focused on collecting depth-of-field information. The result? An accurate separation of objects based on their distance from the camera lens. This means that the subject in focus is separated from the background, achieving the true bokeh or background-blurring effect, on the spot.

Vivo V5 Plus perfect selfie phone features the true ‘bokeh’ effect, allowing users to beautifully blur photo backgrounds while keeping the details of the object in focus sharp and clear. 

To achieve this, Vivo engineers studied the blurring effects of 96 large aperture SLR camera lenses, simulated each of them in the V5 Plus smartphone algorithm, and added special enhancements to produce even better selfie results.

3.   The selfie soft light. With the Vivo V5 Plus’ selfie soft light, beautiful self-shots can be taken even at night or in poor lighting conditions. The lighting and brightness of every selfie photo is enhanced, onthespot—with no need for an ‘edit’ button.

Selfie lovers can now take perfect selfies even in poor lighting conditions with Vivo V5 Plus’ selfie soft light. 

4.   The face beauty mode 6.0. With the Vivo V5 Plus’ face beauty mode 6.0, whitening and skin tone enhancements of your selfies are easilydone. The face beauty mode 6.0 also “erases” blemishes, making skin look either fair or rosy—your choice.

5.   Other advanced phone features. The Vivo V5 Plus is called a ‘perfect’ selfie phone because its advanced camera features are supplemented by other positive attributes such as amazing style, speed, and performance.

The Stephen Curry-endorsed Vivo V5 Plus is equipped with the most advanced selfie technology to date. 

With its 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, Qualcom Snapdragon 625 processor, and Funtouch 3.0 OS, you can be sure that this Vivo phone has superior power and efficiency.

The Vivo V5 Plus also has a long-lasting battery, at 3160 mAh, and a fast-charging feature. Thus, you never have to worry about your phone running out of juice.

With the world’s first 20-megapixel dual front camera, Vivo V5 Plus can produce high-definition selfies better than the average smartphone

With an ultra-slim bezel technology, the Vivo V5 Plus is light and handy, making the act of selfie-taking even easier.

With all these and more, the Vivo V5 Plus truly has the most advanced selfie technology to date. And, as a welcome bonus, the newest Vivo phone is priced at only P19,990.

No doubt, the V5 Plus deserves the ‘perfect selfie phone’ title.



For inquiries about Vivo V5 Plus, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph, or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivophil) accounts. #


1according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker (http://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/vendor;jsessionid=7595C1498F4F0FBF496CC767E273121B)

Filipino breakfasts, merienda now more delightfully satisfying with Baker John bread products

Known for its innovative snacks and beverages, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been making Filipinos’ snack time enjoyable for decades. This time, it makes breakfast and merienda time more delightful and satisfying for families with its new soft bread products.

 A filling and delicious breakfast or merienda treat, the Baker John Premium Soft White Bread and Baker John Cinnamon Soft Bread are great with spreads and a perfect match with coffee or cold drinks.



The country’s leading food manufacturing company introduces Baker John, a line of premium soft bread that are made with the highest-quality ingredients in URC’s state-of-the-art baking facilities.

Moms can partner their kids’ favourite spreads and cold cuts with Baker John Premium Soft White Bread to make delectable sandwiches for breakfast or merienda; while the Baker John Cinnamon Soft Bread is an ideal match with coffee or cold drinks, any time of the day.

The Baker John Premium Soft White Bread and Baker John Cinnamon Soft Bread are available at selected Mini Stop branches and Robinsons Supermarket outlets nationwide.

Lea Salonga shares her repertoire of musical theater songs from her concert "Songs from the Stage"

For most Filipinos, the first name that comes to mind whenever people talk about Broadway and musical theater is Lea Salonga.

Starting at a very young age, Lea has played a lot of roles starting with the red-haired ‘Annie’ when she was just 9 years old, eventually paving the way to her phenomenal casting and portrayal of the lead role of Kim in the musical ‘Miss Saigon.’

Her performance earned her international acclaim and various awards such as the Tony, Laurence Olivier and Drama Desk, among others. Only 18 at that time, her role is still one of the most coveted and challenging ever created in the music theater canon.


This coming February 17 and 18, Lea shares her repertoire of musical theater songs as she once again fills PICC’s Plenary Hall with her concert aptly titled “Songs from the Stage.’

‘This is the first exclusively musical theater concert we’ve done since 2002, which is quite a long time – fifteen years! So many new shows have been produced since then and this will definitely be a great opportunity to pay those new musicals a visit. At the same time, we’ll do older shows that we’ve not really visited yet,’ quipped Lea.

She likewise shared that music by Sondheim, Lloyd-Webber, Miranda, Bareilles, King, plus songs that the public never thought were in musicals will all highlight this much-awaited concert. ‘The jukebox medley is one I think we’ll all enjoy,’ Lea exclaimed.

She added, ‘I’m just excited to be sharing a lot of musical theater with the audience. It’s not always thought of as a hip art form, until a show called ‘Hamilton.’ This unique art form is a great entry into learning one’s history and culture, and to be a practitioner of it, in whatever way, is always enjoyable and exciting!’

Having toured all over the world, performing sold out concerts in such amazing venues as the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Esplanade, Carnegie Hall in New York, and very soon, the Sydney Opera House, truly excites Lea. But performing in front of her countrymen is always something she looks forward to with bated breath. ‘It’s home. I get to sing in front of the home crowd and there’s really nothing like it!’lea salonga sings

‘Songs from the Stage’ runs at PICC’s Plenary Hall on February 17 & 18 at 8:00pm. It is directed by Bobby Garcia with musical direction by Gerard Salonga, and features the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

The show is in partnership with Bounty Fresh, Facial Care, Insular Life, Asiaworld Advertising, Ayala Malls, Chooks-to-Go, Mango Tree, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Life & Stills, and B&D Rental and Party Needs. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Sing your heart out with McDonald’s new Happy Meal toys!

Sing your heart out with McDonald’s new Happy Meal toys, featuring the entertaining animal characters from the animated movie SING. Packed with beloved classic and pop tunes, the movie follows the high and low notes of the fascinating and quirky animals that join a singing competition organized by a koala bear named Buster who is desperate to save his theater.

1.   MIKE – A street musician mouse. Pull back figure to activate his hat tip.

2.   THE Q-TEEZ – A squirrel trio. Adjust lever at the back to activate all of their arms.

3.   MEENA – A timid teenage elephant. Move her arm up and down to move her ears.

4.   EDDIE - The sheep friend of Buster. Push down to move his head side to side.

5.   JOHNNY – A young gangster gorilla. Squeeze his legs to spin his upper body.

6.   ROSITA – Housewife and mother of 25 piglets. Push her button to see her dance moves.

7.   BUSTER – The koala bear who stages the singing competition. Clap your hands to activate his sound.

8.   MS. CRAWLEY – Buster’s lizard assistant. Wind her up to see her walk with googly eyes.



Collect all eight SING toys now, free with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal!

Customers can choose from a Cheesy Eggdesal or 1-pc Chicken McDo during breakfast hours and 1-pc Chicken McDo, 4pc Chicken McNuggets, Burger McDo or McSpaghetti during regular hours. Happy Meals come with a choice of fries or corn and orange juice for a delicious treat!

Share your family’s bonding moments with the McDonald’s SING Happy Meal toys on facebook.com/McDo.ph or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

Epson’s in Style!

Big surprise, you say?

Well, style trends come and go, but this revolution is so far-reaching, it’s set to rock the foundations of the fashion world for good.

The game-changing development that is shaking up the industry is digital textile printing. Digital textile printing is pushing the boundaries and opening up new possibilities in the fashion world for apparel, accessories and furnishing. With this, designers are given free rein to pursue their creative vision, and are limited only by their imagination in their design, and to translate their ideas to fabric.

This process unleashes design creativity, enables savvy brands to boost their image and helps retailers to meet their customers’ expectations, bringing the latest fashionwear designs from catwalk to the stores in a shorter time. And digital textile printing delivers the distinctive personal styles that today’s individualistic customers want.

Limited only by the imagination 

In the traditional industry model, designs are printed on fabric using silk-screen printing – a costly and labour-intensive process that can take weeks to produce a single order.  Designers are heavily constrained in their ability to translate ideas into finished fabric, since the process requires the design to be engraved on mesh screens by highly skilled craftsmen, and then demands large minimum yardages before a rotary or flatbed printing job can get under way.

In contrast, digital textile printing allows for fabric to be printed in remarkably small runs. And designs need not be just the stripes, dots or flowers we’re used to seeing, repeated across the garment in a limited number of colours.  Textile designers today have absolutely no barriers to their creativity. Already using digital photography and technology such as Photoshop in the creative process, designers are working with source materials like original photography, copyrighted images and paintings, or even creating new designs to produce unique, breathtaking designs that can even be considered works of art.

And there are no constraints on colors – screen-printed textiles typically average six to eight colors at most. With digital textile printing, there is literally no limit to the number of colours that can be used. The digital process is also giving designers the freedom to work with a wider range of fabrics, from the polyester family, as well as cotton blends, lycra, silk, nylon and other materials.

Recent season’s runway shows and major store displays demonstrate how high-end brands have embraced digital printing technology.  For example, Helmut Lang’s designers have used their own photographs of unlikely-sounding inspirations like subway walls and peeling paint, to create unique, abstract designs for the brand’s collection of tops and dresses.

Apart from its enthusiastic take-up by the major fashion brands, digital textile printing is also enabling new designers to spread their wings and bring their ideas to market. The technology provides an exciting opportunity for talented designers in our region and around the world to showcase their creativity – and printing technology leader Epson is offering them significant support.

Epson in style

Renowned fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto has collaborated with Epson on many instances to showcase his creations combining traditional Japanese designs and ultra-modern styles. Commenting on his spectacular “HELLO ISTANBUL” fashion show in 2014, he said, "Recently, a number of new technologies have presented valid alternatives to the traditional Japanese crafts of dyeing, weaving and sewing. I would include Epson's textile printing in the top class of these technologies.” 

 “Hello Istanbul” fashion show by Kansai Yamamoto


Working to exacting standards, Epson spent four weeks reproducing the designs with specialist Genesta inks on the Monna Lisa textile printing system developed by Epson-owned Robustelli of Italy, and on Epson's SureColor SC-F7170 series and SurePress FP-30160 textile printers.

Last year, Epson staged its second Digital Couture event in advance of Fashion Week in New York City, showcasing collections from 11 North and Latin American designers created using Epson’s state-of-the-art SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation printing solutions. In Taiwan last November, Epson collaborated with designer Isabelle Wen to launch her new collection of couture clothing, with a segment of it printed by Epson’s digital textile printers powered by its PrecisionCore technology.




The 2nd Digital Couture Event, New York City

Within Southeast Asia, we have internationally acclaimed designer AvelBacudio from Philippines, who has collaborated with Epson on a collection that pays homage to the beauty of the Philippines last year. He says of printing with digital printers, “Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by physical limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways.”


Unleashing the possibilities in production

Improvements in quality have been key to today’s widespread adoption of digital textile printing technology by the fashion industry. Incremental improvements in printers and inks have led to the longer-lasting, crisper prints we see today. From a production point of view, digital textile printing is often cheaper than screen printing – and it definitely facilitates faster turn-round, whether to enable stores to delight their customers with short run designs that are less tied to the traditional seasons, or to fulfil a one-off commission from a celebrity with an impossible deadline.

For the manufacturer, digital textile printing brings greater business opportunity and agility, in enabling production across segments to meet the market demands – from apparel, furnishing and accessories, to providing a sample print preview to a brand before going mass production. A manufacturer can now produce everyday wearables alongside high end fashion in customised quantities; from interior furnishings such as curtains and sofa covers, to accessories such as tote bags and shoes. Production possibilities are only limited by the designers’ imagination.

Epson is committed to strengthening its presence in textile printing and aims to provide products and services that surprise and delight customers in this market. Their advanced dye sublimation technology is helping designers create their own textile patterns in the exact design they want, when they need it, and in just the quantity required. Their new range of industrial textile printers offers maximum versatility for customised products on-demand – from stunning fashion items to creative interior décor.

From the producer’s point of view, affordability is crucial; the Epson digital textile printer’s low cost of ownership and optimised performance put advanced production technology within the reach of visionary designers, helping them bring their designs to commercial reality in a constantly changing fashion world.

Golf lovers participate and unite in the FIRST BATO GOLF CUP.

A drug-free Philippines, this is the dream of Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.

This dream is definitely not far fetched because last January 14 and 15, 2017 at the Malarayat Golf and Country Club, in Lipa City, what a lovely and picturesque scenes it were , resembling something straight out of a movie, armed with their clubs and dressed in full golf regalia, with their hearts coming together for the greater good. golf lovers participate and unite in the FIRST BATO GOLF CUP.

The Bato Golf Cup is a special sports undertaking that utilized the gentlemanly sports of golf for a higher purpose - that is to raise funds for the projects and activities of the good hearted general who is fully committed in preserving the peace and order in the country.

The public, by now, has grown accustomed to the amiable and accessible General Dela Rosa.  Under his leadership, the Philippine National Police continues its drive against drugs to bring true and lasting peace and order to a nation that has long been dreaming of an environment where we feel safe from lawless elements and people. General Dela Rosa has become the embodiment of decisiveness and sturdiness, making him the voice and the persona who has compassion and  the no-nonsense resolve to get things done. Truly, an action man!

"If you build it, they will come, " so goes an iconic line from Field of Dreams starring Kevin Costner. To paraphrase it, "when a gathering of organizations call out to every one, people who love golf, peace and serenity will not think twice."

General Dela Rosa led the opening of the golf competition with the ceremonial tee-off. He stayed the whole Saturday afternoon to play. He was also most grateful to the people who joined the event and made sure that it was a resounding success.

With work of art trophies designed by renowned artist Carlo Magno, the winners of the First Bato Golf Cup are,  starting with special awardees during the first day:Dong Mendoza for Nearest To The Pin hole (one foot), Captain Pol Salvador (Most Accurate Drive On The Line) and Ivan Avena (Longest Drive, 324 yards.)

Day Two special awardees include Jere Fregil (Longest Drive, 32 yards), Bong Agojo (Nearest To The Pinhole 41/2 foot).and Hermie Perez (Most Accurate Drive.)

For the Tournament Proper, the victors are: Ladies Division - Second Runner Up is Evelyn Quinsay, First Runner Up - Margorie Lupingco,  and the Champion is Glydel Mercado.

For Class D, Men's Division, winners:  Col. Ludy dela Paz (Second Runner Up), Morell Manaig (First Runner Up) and Lito Magsino (Champion). For Class C, Men;s Division, winners:  Cote Thor (Second Runner Up), Joseph Garcia, (First Runner Up), and Noli Alcantara (Champion). For Class B, Men's Division, winners: Jess Bartolome (Second Runner Up), Bong Agojo, (First Runner Up) and Manolo Agojo (Champion).

The Men's Division. Class A Winners are: Elmer Gardiola (Second Runner Up), Teody Pascual (First Runner Up) and Gerald Katigbak (Champion) Other major winners include Ivan Avena (Lowest Net) and Ayi Beech (Lowest Gross).

Present in the First Bato Golf Cup are Mr. Edwin Gardiola. Chairman and Organizing Committee Head, Lipa City Mayor Meynardo Sabili, multi-awarded actor and actress, husband and wife Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado, showbiz royal Vandolph Quizon, and popular musical composer Lito Camo.

The very successful first Bato Golf Cup culminated in a night of fun, food, music, and raffle prizes including the grand prize of a brand-new P2.3 million Kia car, and with l performances from The Brothers Unlimited and Reo Brothers bands.

The two-day golf tournament was also made possible through the kindness of generous partners such as EG group of companies and the Gardiola Family; Mighty Corporation, Pacific Union Insurance, DDT Konstract, JAM Liner, Philtranco, Fastcat, SMDC, SM Prime, Mizuno, Edison Builders, Toreja Construction, RGB, Scientific Games, Aristocrat, Zitro, Lydia’s Lechon, MNTC, CIGNAL,
Maynilad, Filinvest Development Corp., Peugeot Lipa, MVP Kia Molino, SBYC, Asia Cargo Container, Phoenix Petroleum, Newington Builders, Toyota Philippines, Philpost, Atomy Philippines, FWIL, Kilton Group of Companies, Belle Corp., BMW Philippines (ACC), KIA Philippines (CAC), Mahindra, CATS Motors, Autohub, MOSVELDTT law firm, Ayala Land Premier, MVPTech, Volares Audio, Atoy Customs, Category 7, Dreamwave, New Canaan Insurance, Choi Garden, Pax Libera Mining Inc., Genie Magic KTV and Goodlife Reflex Zone;  and various companies and individuals who made valuable contributions. They are certainly an amazing group of organizations that willingly threw in their support to this laudable endeavor.

The Bato Golf Cup is now set as a yearly tournament; with the next one promising to be even bigger. This is indeed a great way to show love and support to the Sport and to the Country!

Vivo V5 Plus: The Perfect Selfie phone

Tony Labrusca and James Ryan Cesena of Pinoy Boyband Superstar

Whether you are a millenial or (trying to qualify as one) you just have to be on  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account.

Either by choice or necessity,  social media has become part of our daily lives whether your purpose is to just chronicle your daily activities or let everyone know whats keeping you busy. Posting and sharing pictures with your new tops, makeups, or even plain exercising in the gym has become the new norm.

Me with my #bloggerfriend Ruth Floresca

If you don’t take a selfie during your vacation, eat out at a restaurant with your friends, celebrating a special day, it is almost as if it never happened. And for that you need a phone that can perfectly capture the moment.

Vivo Philippines finally launched the Vivo V5 Plus in a star-studded event last January 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

The perfect selfie phone is the newest flagship model of Vivo, the top five global smartphone premium brand1, ideal for today’s selfie age, when millennials and even adults enjoy sharing beautifully-captured self-shots with the world of social media.

Basketball superstar Stephen Curry is the official endorser of all Vivo phones, including the Vivo V5 Plus. The NBA star earlier said he believes in the brand’s values—energy, professionalism and pleasure—all embodied in its newest flagship model.

Hazel Bascon, Vivo Philippines vice president

Full specifications of the much-awaited selfie phone were released during the much-awaited launch.

Vivo V5 Plus has the most advanced selfie-technology to date. Equipped with what is, so far, the most advanced selfie technology, Vivo V5 Plus has the world’s first-ever dual front-facing cameras. The primary front camera, a 20-megapixel IMX376, was co-engineered with top electronics company, Sony, while the secondary 8-megapixel camera was designed to collect depth-of-field information for improved self-portrait quality.

KZ Tandingan

The Vivo V5 Plus boasts an advanced selfie technology that features a ‘bokeh’ effect—a background-blurring photography filter. This is complemented by Vivo’s enhanced face beauty algorithm that allows users to take radiant selfies with no need for editing or correction, and ‘selfie soft light’ which makes selfie-taking possible even in poor lighting conditions.

As for its rear camera, Vivo V5 Plus features an impressive 1/2.8-inch 16-megapixel sensor for ultra-clear and high-quality photos.

Sound, speed and style
Aside from its stunning camera features, the Vivo V5 Plus boasts a superior sound system, using the same Hi-Fi system of Vivo’s recent flagship models, and perfected in over two years—the AK4376.

Equipped with 4GB RAM, 64GB ROM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, the new Vivo model is capable of performing multiple phone tasks in a speedy and efficient manner. For a unique touch, the phone runs on Vivo’s very own Funtouch 3.0 operating system, based on Android 6.0.

The Role of Basal Insulin to Type 2 Diabetes

Prof. Helen Baron

Dr. Agnes Cruz, Prof.Helen Baron and Dr. Mia Fojas

Diabetes is often called the silent killer because of its easy-to-miss symptoms. If you have the following symptoms, it is better to visit your Endocrinologist now. So that you will be treated accordingly.

1.  If there is an urge to urinate at night, if that is very often than the usual. 
2.  If you have overly high blood sugar levels that leads to cause rapid weight loss, say 10          pounds or more over two or three months, this is not a healthy weight loss.
3.  Excessive pangs of hunger, that leads you to overeat.
4.  Itchy skin and the darkening of the skin around the neck or armpit area.
5.  If you have wounds, cuts or bruises that dont heal quickly.
6.  Yeast infection or vaginal candida infection in women. 
7.  Blurry vision or having distorted vision or occasional flashes of light. 

Prof. Helen Baron together with Dr. Agnes Cruz and Dr. Mia Fojas discussed to the media the importance of Basal Insulin Glargine 300 (Toujeo) management to the patients suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus last January 19 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

The Philippines is one of the world's emerging diabetes hotspots. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 4 million Filipinos are suffering from diabetes; making us one of the top 15 in the world for diabetes prevalence – and a worryingly large unknown number who are unaware they have diabetes. The IDF reported as well that in 2015, 3.51 million Filipinos ages 20-79 have been diagnosed with diabetes and 51,127 (adults) have died because of it.

The World Health Organization defines diabetes as a chronic disease which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It is characterized by the inability of the body to properly control the amount of sugar in the blood. Insulin is produced by the pancreas especially during meals and if insulin is not enough or is absent, sugar cannot enter the cells and stays in the blood leading to high blood sugar.

Anyone can get diabetes: young or old, rich or poor, male or female, living in the city or out there in the coun-tryside. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology 8th National Nutrition Survey, diabetes prevalence has risen from 3.4 percent in 2003 to 5.4 percent in 2013. The greatest numbers of Filipinos with diabetes are 50 to 69 years of age and wealthy, and living in urban areas.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), for example, is both a genetic and a lifestyle disease linked to aging, un-healthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity and urbanization.

Doctors recommend the use of insulin for prompt treatment and prevention of diabetes. Injections of insulin act as a supplement to the body's insulin and it also helps control blood glucose levels. Insulin treatment is needed by patients with diabetes of all types and formulation will depend on the balance between insulin secretion and insulin resistance; Type 1 characterized when insulin is absent (T1DM) and Type 2 when there is a defective insulin receptor with insufficient insulin (T2DM). Using insulin may require a certain regimen but it is an effective way of managing diabetes and allows one to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Currently available insulin delivery tools consist of syringes, insulin pens and insulin pumps. The choice of insulin delivery tool is very individualized and should be decided by the individual living with diabetes. Knowing the onset of action, the peak action and duration of action of the insulin(s) that you use to treat one’s diabetes will help optimize blood glucose control and avoid any adverse reaction. For example, blood or urine glucose monitoring is recommended in patients who are at risk of hypoglycemia or who do not recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. The risk for developing hypoglycemia is higher in patients receiving intensive or continuous infusion insulin therapy.

Ovation Productions proudly presents DEBBY BOONE SINGS KAREN CARPENTER!

The singer behind one of the top-selling pop hits of the 1970s pays tribute to an iconic singer and her music when Debby Boone performs the greatest hits of Karen Carpenter during a major concert on March 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The presentation from Ovation Productions will kick off the three-night, three-city local tour of the acclaimed American singer, actress and author that also includes shows on March 10 at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City and on March 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.

Dubbed “Debby Boone Sings Karen Carpenter,” the concert series marks the local debut of Debby as she extols the musical achievements and legacy of the late Karen Carpenter, one-half of the ‘70s pop duo, The Carpenters, who, with her brother Richard, made up one of the era’s biggest and most successful soft rock groups.

Touted as the ultimate Karen Carpenters tribute act, the show is expected to evoke happy and  wonderful memories of the magical sound and spectacle of a Carpenters live performance featuring Karen on the drums and lead vocals in her typical contralto vocal range and Richard on the piano with back-up vocals.


 Debby brings with her on her first foray in singing Karen Carpenter the superb vocal quality and style that have produced numerous hit records and sold-out tours during a brilliant and successful musical and entertainment career spanning nearly 50 years.

While there were past tributes to Karen Carpenter by other artists, they were less than impressive and didn’t have the kind of skills, style and appeal in coming out with the familiar soft rock sound and carefully crafted songs associated with The Carpenters and that have captivated millions worldwide.

Among the Carpenters hits Debby is expected to sing are “(They Long To Be) Close To You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Top Of The World,” “Superstar,” “:Hurting Each Other,” “I Need To Be In Love,” “For All We Know” and many more.

She will also perform her best-selling song the mega-hit “You Light Up My Life”.

Debby’s career as a singer, artist and actress  traces its roots to a life full of music as she was growing up in New Jersey with her family led by her father, Pat Boone, the popular singer of the 1950s.

At the age of 14, she began touring with her three sisters and her father, with whom she  earlier recorded as the Pat Boone Family and later as The Boones or The Boone Girls.

She launched a solo career with the release of her debut solo album, “You Light Up My Light” (1977), which became the biggest hit of the 1970s, spending 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart – longer than any other song in Hot 100 history until that point.

(In 2008, Billboard ranked the song No. 7 among all songs that charted in the 50-year history of the Hot 100.)

“You Light Up My Life” earned Debby a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and an American Music Award for Favorite Pop Single of 1977.

She also received Grammy nominations for Best Pop Vocal Performance-Female and Record of the Year.  The song likewise succeeded on Billboard Adult Contemporary (No. 1 for one week) and Country (No. 4) singles charts.  The single and the album of the same title were both certified platinums.

Debby’s overnight success led to a tour with her father and frequent appearances on major television shows.

Other albums that followed include “The Best Of Debby Boone,” “Songs Of Debby Boone” and “Friends For Life.”

In the 1980s, she recorded Christian music which garnered her four Top 10 contemporary Christian albums, as well as  two GMA (Gospel Music Association of the United States) Dove Awards  and two more Grammys, including the winning “With My Song” (1980).

As a musical theatre actress, Debby toured the United States during 1981-82 in a production of the stage adaptation of the film, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” which was a commercial and critical success nationwide before opening on Broadway in July 1982.

She appeared in several musical theatre productions, starring as Maria in the 1990 Lincoln Center production of  “The Sound Of Music” and as Rizzo in the 1990s revival of “Grease.”

She also performed lead roles in stage productions of “Camelot,” “Meet Me In St. Louis,” “Mississippi Love Love,” “South Pacific,” “Human Comedy” and “The King And I.”

She made her television debut in a musical adaptation of O. Henry’s “The Gift Of The Magi” and headlined two of her own NBC TV musical specials: “The Same Old Brand New Me” (1980) and “One Step Closer” (1982)

Aside from a successful music and stage career, Debby is credited with writing children’s books and producing children’s videos.  She has also written her biography in which she shares stories of growing up with Pat Boone, her musical career and her married life. -- #

(Debby Boone Sings Karen Carpenter”is presented by Ovation Productions.  Among the media partners are The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and BusinessWorld. Radio partners are Retro 105.9, 96.3 Easy Rock, Wish 1075, 105.1 Crossover, and 104.3 DWBR,  Tickets for the Smart Araneta Center show on March 8 are priced at P4,500, P4,000, P3,500, P2,500, P1,500 and P800 and are available online at www.ticketnet.com.ph and at all Ticketnet outlets.  For tickets and other info on the Waterfront Hotel Cebu concert on March 10, call (032) 232 6888/0971-622-8705.  For tickets and other info on the SMX Convention Center-Davao concert on March 11, call 0932-637-6185/0932-349-4499.)

Say "I Love You" with Goldilocks, this Valentine's Day!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, one cant help but notice that love is in the air – and it smells oh-so sweet. This special day is a time to spread love, kindness, and sweetness all around; a chance to let the special people in your life know how you feel about them through gifts, cards, flowers, and sweet treats. In fact, they say that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs. If that’s true, then Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, has something special and exciting in store for all the lovers out there.

In addition to its already-impressive treasury of delicious treats, Goldilocks is introducing three brand new limited edition cakes for Valentine festivities that will surely be loved by everyone.

The Strawberry Delight Cake (P540), which— believe it or not — tastes even better than it sounds, is a rich vanilla chiffon cake topped with scrumptious strawberry cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for celebrating with your loved ones and families.

My Cupcake Heart (P450), on the other hand, is an adorable heart-shaped cake adorned with cupcake roses and garnished with fluffy marshmallow icing.

Rounding out the special Valentine’s cakes is the beautiful Bunch of Blooms (P750), a mouth watering vanilla cake topped with 13 elegant cupcake flowers.


In addition to these sure-to-be best sellers, Goldilocks is bringing back its seasonal favorite, Choco Lollipops (P25). These chocolate lollipops come in vibrant reds and pinks with sweet messages and sayings.

Any of these sweet treats will be the perfect centrepiece for any Valentine’s celebration, and will surely make the Valentine’s season even sweeter. Follow your heart and head over to your nearest Goldilocks Bakeshop now, or join the conversation through GoldilocksPH at Facebook and Twitter 
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