3 Important Health Guidelines to Prevent contracting the Flu

The resumption of face-to-face classes coinciding with flu season heightens the need for parents to stay on track of their children’s health and wellbeing.^[1] Increased exposure means that there must also be increased vigilance in the observance of public health and safety protocols.

 

"Parents are naturally on guard now that their kids are getting more face time. We’re dealing with dangerous illnesses such as COVID-19, Dengue, and Monkeypox, which happen to have flu-like symptoms," says Dr. Gyneth Lourdes Bibera, country medical director of GSK Philippines. “It’s important to remember that despite their similarities, these are all separate illnesses, caused by different viruses and having different treatments. This is why it is important to strengthen our immunity through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and eliminating the chances of catching communicable diseases by updating your vaccinations. 

To prevent contracting the flu or any of the transmissible diseases, here are 3 important health guidelines to remember:

 

1. Keep your child’s vaccines up to date. Experts advise that vaccination is the best way to stay protected from the flu. Getting an annual flu shot will reduce the risk of illness, severity, and hospitalization among children while lowering their chances of developing any complications. Flu vaccinations can be administered to children starting at six months old. Depending on the child's age and the doctor's recommendation, immunizations may be given in one or two doses.^[2]

 

Annual vaccinations are also necessary because the flu virus constantly mutates. This means that new strains may be formed from year to year, necessitating new vaccines.^[3] When getting the flu vaccine around the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, follow the national guidelines prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH), which is to take the flu vaccine 14 days before or after the COVID-19 vaccine.^[4]

 

2. Isolate at the onset of symptoms. If your children start showing or complaining about any signs of flu or illness, they should stay home to avoid potentially infecting others or having their symptoms worsen.^[5] At the same time, check with their schools as to what the standard protocol is when a student is ill so that they don’t miss out on important activities for any of their classes.

3. 
   Start healthy habits at home. Following the right health and safety measures should always start at home, and parents must ensure that children learn these early on. Practicing good hygiene plays a huge role in the prevention of diseases like the flu. Instill in your children the practices of covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing their hands with soap and water, not touching their eyes, noses, and mouths, wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from other students or teachers, and disinfecting their personal spaces.

 

Besides this, other good habits they may also follow include getting enough sleep, being physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.^[6] By setting these practices as the standard at home, children will be more likely to follow them when they go out for school or other activities.

 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with flu season might raise alarm bells for parents who are now sending their kids to school but making sure to follow the proper ways to prevent sickness will go a long way in staying healthy.

 

"The health protocols we've been following the past two years must be standard practice by now," reminds Dr. Bibera. "Beyond that, we've seen the positive effects of vaccinations on disease severity. We implore all parents to get the annual flu vaccine for themselves and their kids, as this is still the best way to protect against the flu," she ends.

 

---

^[1]Bravo L, et al. Flu in the Philippines Insights into Perception and Action on Vaccination. IPSOS. Retrieved from https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/publication/documents/2020-02/ph_whitepaper.pdf.

^[2] Flu (Influenza) and the Vaccine. (2019, October 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/flu.html. Accessed 15 Aug 2022.

^[3] Harvard Health. (2020, October 1). 10 Flu Myths. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/10-flu-myths.Accessed 15 Aug 2022.

 

^[4] Adult Immunization Committee of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. (2021, July). PSMID Statement on the Timing of Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines with Other Vaccines (Simultaneous Vaccine Administration and Vaccine Co-administration). https://www.psmid.org/psmid-statement-on-the-timing-of-administration-of-covid-19-vaccines-with-other-vaccines/

^[5] Community, Work, and School. (2020, February 11). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html.Accessed 15 Aug 2022.

^[6] Practice Good Health Habits. (2021, August 26). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm.Accessed 15 Aug 2022.

Shopee provides aid to earthquake victims in Abra

 

 As part of its mission to better the lives of the underserved through technology, Shopee recently partnered with the Luzon Clean Water Development Corporation, Indoplas, and Metro Bangued Water District to provide aid to those affected by the magnitude 5.2 earthquake which impacted key areas of Abra last 28 August.  

 

Through its logistics arm, Shopee Xpress, Shopee delivered drinking water and donated 10,000 face masks for over 300 families in Barangay Lusuac in the Municipality of Peñarrubia and Barangay Patucannay in the Municipality of Tayum. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations. 

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said “Shopee remains committed to utilizing our platform and resources to benefit local communities   and part of this is providing help where we can, most especially in times of need. We hope for the recovery and continued safety of these affected communities.”

 

With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective of serving the underserved through technology, by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Introduces FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Test Drive Promo

 

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) is encouraging Filipinos to join in the “Goal of the Century” (GOTC) through its FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Test Drive Promo. GOTC is the brand’s pledge that is part and in fulfillment of the company’s Carbon-Neutral Agenda 2045 to neutralize CO² emissions at all stages of production and operation. This global sustainability campaign aims to unite the world in protecting the planet from climate change and preserving it for generations ahead. 

Harnessing the pure value of team spirit and togetherness created by the universal love of football, Hyundai Motor, with and through FIFA, is engaging with people all over the world towards one big goal. Filipinos have the opportunity to participate by test driving the New Creta. Through this, customers not only get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Qatar to witness the FIFA World Cup™ in action but also experience the innovative subcompact crossover SUV being offered by the brand in the local market.

 

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Test Drive Promo

To enter, interested participants must test drive the Creta during the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, happening until September 18, 2022 or any of the 38 authorized Hyundai Motor outlets nationwide, until September 30, 2022. In order to qualify for the promo, participants must register afterwards at the brand’s official online registration page. A proof of completion with the vehicle will be required to be uploaded in the said page. Once completed, a digital coupon that serves as the raffle entry shall be sent within 24 hours from HMPH through the registered email address. Only one raffle entry per individual will be granted regardless of the number of test drives. 

 

Deadline of submissions is on September 30, 2022 with the drawing of two (2) winners taking place on October 3. Those selected will be allowed to fly with one (1) companion and enjoy two (2) tickets to the Category 1 stage of the FIFA World Cup™ Tournament (4 matches), a Deluxe Room for two (2) at a five-star hotel in Doha for four (4) days, and a Qatar City tour. A Welcome Lunch, hosted by Hyundai Motor Company, bringing together around 200 supporters around the globe will also be part of the itinerary, slated to take place between November 20 to December 2.  

 

Sustainable mobility for the FIFA World Cup

Hyundai Motor first joined forces with FIFA in 1999 and has since then become its automotive provider and sponsor. This time, the brand is taking a step further to position itself as a sustainability partner by deploying eco-friendly vehicles to this year’s FIFA World Cup™, a first in the history of the event. The fleet, which will include the IONIQ 5 and Santa Fe Hybrid and Elec City Bus, are going to be used to transport national team players, VIPs and event officials. Moreover, to expand reach and spread the cause, Hyundai Motor is also pledging 1% of its sponsorship fee to Common Goal, the world’s leading social movement in football.

 

A group of ambassadors, “Team Century”, was formed by the brand in amplification of the initiative. Led by former England national team player Steven Gerrard, together with K-pop supergroup BTS, Afghan refugee soccer player and Danish UNESCO ambassador Nadia Nadim, American fashion designer Jeremy Scott, contemporary Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn, visual storyteller Nicky Woo, South Korean football icon Jisung Park, former Oman national team goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi and Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robot.

 

New Hyundai Creta

The newest addition to the product line up of Hyundai Motor is a sub-compact crossover SUV that is efficient yet fun, stylish but safe and easy to drive. Innovative on every aspect from design to convenience features.

 

·       Design

In the front, the New Creta flaunts a bold ‘Parametric Jewel’ grille with integrated daytime running lights (DRL) and a unique headlamp architecture. The side lines express a more muscular and agile body shape. Its long hood, connected black A pillar, wide C pillar, straight roof line and the deep wheel-arch gives a wider and stable stance completing the muscular look. Behind, the individual lamps match the equally daring front. Paired with the silver skid plate are signature “boomerang” shaped LED rear lamps that add to the unique identity of the vehicle. On the inside, refined lines on the side panels continued on to the dashboard form a clean, symmetrical T-shaped layout. Access panels, buttons and compartments are neatly organized and kept uncluttered to lessen visual driving obtrusions.

 

·       Performance

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter SmartStream engine which allows optimal airflow control, more effective combustion, better heat and friction control and reduced exhaust. The New Creta uses an Intelligent Variant Transmission (iVT), Hyundai Motor’s flagship propriety technology, that regulates vehicle speed more cleverly than the “step-by-step” of an automatic gearbox. These enable an overall improved fuel economy while maintaining high power and torque output. It also comes with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system complemented by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

 

·       Comfort and Safety

Leading the segment in terms of driver safety, the brand’s suite of intelligent cameras and ultrasonic sensors called Hyundai Smartsense is standard to the New Creta. This comprises of functions such as Forward Collison-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Reverse Parking Distance Warning and Rear-View Monitor. For added comfort and functionality, there is also a 10.25” TFT LCD cluster that has multi-lingual settings and user-friendly information menus. This is accompanied by an 8” touchscreen infotainment display compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a fast wireless charger for hands-free connectivity.

 

The model is available in four (4) colors which are Creamy White, Magnetic Silver Metallic, Dragon Red Pearl and Midnight Black Pearl. It has three (3) variants starting with the 1.5 GL 6MT, 1.5 GL CVT and 1.5 GLS CVT. The latter, comes with a black roof for a distinct two-tone styling. 

More information and the detailed mechanics of the FIFA World Cup™ Qatar 2022 Test Drive Promo featuring the New Creta can be found at: https://www.hyundai.com/ph/en/hyundai-story/goal-of-the-century. For other news, promotions and updates, like and follow @HyundaiMotorPhilippines in Facebook and Instagram.

COMCO SEA promotes and appoints homegrown managers

Inter-regional integrated communications agency COMCO Southeast Asia has recently announced the promotion and appointment of its homegrown managers and award-winning talents to key deputy positions in the company. They are AC Recio, Harvey Llamosa, Queenie Resmundo and Patricia Raña.

Each promotion is nothing short of special because they are some of the people who have been with COMCO SEA from the beginning and graduated from the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, the multi-awarded, intensive, and comprehensive talent incubation, industry linkage, and apprenticeship program of the Agency.

In photo are (from left): AC Recio, Harvey Llamosa, Queenie Resmundo and Patricia Raña, COMCO Southeast Asia’s homegrown managers and award-winning talents promoted to key deputy positions of the Agency.

After graduating from the Ateneo de Manila University, AC Recio began his career as a Digital and Multimedia Arts Associate at COMCO SEA. Today, Mr. Recio holds an important role in the Agency’s digital innovation as a Partner, Digital, Social and Content Administrator Pro Tempore, and Senior Digital and Multimedia Arts Manager. 

Mr. Recio is exceptionally skilled in all things digital and handled key digital accounts like Platinum Karaoke, Pioneer Insurance, Dragonpay, SureTayo, Unilab Foundation, Defensil Alcohol, and Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Headlice Treatment Shampoo. He also leads the Agency’s overall corporate branding through the CODY STUDIO project. It comes as no surprise that Mr. Recio has won numerous Quill and Anvil Awards.  Some of the recognition and awards he received are for Pioneer Insurance’s “Move on Lang” songwriting competition, Lamoiyan Corporation’s “Si Kathy at and Kutostrophe” educational coloring book and “Kilusang Kontra Kuto (KKK)” campaigns, Defensil’s “Protection That Is Real – The Defensil Be Safe Now” campaign, and Unilab Foundation’s “Play Advocacy Week” initiative and tool kit. 

“It's a privilege to work with a team that cultivates and sustains the growth of their employees. To be on the receiving end of that support is truly a blessing that cannot be measured. I'm looking forward to making the most of this new role and to give back to COMCO for igniting that spark in me. I will do my best to keep that flame burning bright and to kindle that passion for meaningful storytelling through my work,” said Mr. Recio. 

Another homegrown talent given a strategic role in the organization is Harvey Llamosa who has been with COMCO SEA since the Agency launched in 2016. Mr. Llamosa’s first job when he graduated from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) was with COMCO SEA as an Executive Projects Associate and have been working closely with the company’s Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director Ferdinand L. Bondoy on various landmark executive and strategic initiatives. Today, Mr. Llamosa is not only the Senior Executive Initiatives and Communications Manager at COMCO SEA, but also a Partner and the Chief of Staff to the Group Chief Executive Director. 

Ongoing six years already, Mr. Llamosa has been pivotal to countless of the executive office’s major projects. Some of his best works are AirAsia’s “Red Talks” web series and “See the World” initiatives, M&M’s “Fun First Move” and “Screenbites” projects, SM Cinema’s “Reel to Real” campaign, WWF’s “Earth Hour” and “#AyokoNgPlastik” movements, World Vision’s “Social Innovation Challenge” and “One Voice for Children” campaigns and the global award-winning campaign of COMCO SEA, the “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. At present, Harvey is handling the accounts of Lenovo, RHEA Generics, and Theo & Philo chocolates, alongside his lead role in COMCO SEA's Corporate MARCOMAX (Marketing, Communications, Advocacy and Excellence) initiative. For his outstanding works, Mr. Llamosa has been recognized in MarCom Awards in USA, Marketing PR Awards in Singapore, PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and Quill and Anvil Awards in the Philippines, to name a few. 

“I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to be part of COMCO Southeast Asia, with them I was able to learn from the experts of the industry and create wonderful and meaningful campaigns. With this new role, I will do my best to continue giving valuable contributions to what we consider as our life’s work,” said Mr. Llamosa.

Mr. Llamosa and Mr. Recio were both pioneers and members of the 1st Cycle of the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. As proof of the Camp’s success, the 2nd Cycle no doubt produced another homegrown talent, Queenie Resmundo. 

Ms. Resmundo graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She started as a Production and Administration Associate and is now promoted to Public Relations and Communications Administrator Pro Tempore and Brand Communications Manager. She is also a lead in stakeholder relationship management through COMCO SEA’s MEXINAC (Media, Experts, Influencers, Activators and Communities) program.  

Throughout her work journey, Ms. Resmundo managed accounts such as Electrolux, United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), Angkas, Oakley, Reef, Eastern Communications. Her latest clients include Takeda, Philusa Corporation, and JobStreet. Ms. Resmundo has won awards from the Quill Awards, Anvil Awards, Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, Stevie International Business Awards, Marketing Events Awards, and ASEAN PR Excellence Awards. Some of her award-winning projects include Eastern Communications’ 140^thAnniversary campaign, “Eastern Link VIP Club”, “First Connections are the Strongest: Connecting Filipino People Amid the Pandemic”, “Eastern Home: Connecting Filipinos in the Social Distancing Era for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services”, JobStreet’s “The Future Workforce: JobStreet’s Find the Job You Love” and the “#TogetherAhead: JobStreet’s Response to the COVID19 Impact” campaigns. 

“It's not every day that a company invests in its people to help them learn and expand their skills, and I have always been grateful to COMCO for believing in me since I started and allowing me to grow. I am excited to contribute to the company's continued success and looking forward to sharing more meaningful stories with the team,” said Ms. Resmundo. 

Finally, there is Patricia Raña, a graduate from the University of the East, the 9th Cycle of Camp COMCO, and now one of the Agency’s most trusted Corporate Services Unit members. She has been promoted to Special Assistant to the Comptroller and Senior Corporate Services Officer. 

Ms. Raña joined COMCO SEA in 2018 as a Finance and Administration Associate and has always been the best in handling the Agency's business processes, finance and administration matters. Moreover, she supports the growth of COMCO SEA’s corporate culture and team camaraderie through her work in the Agency Culture and Team Development (ACTDEV) special project. 

“I want to express my gratitude to COMCO Southeast Asia as I truly value their support and encouragement. I'm grateful for the opportunity to advance my skills and grow with our company and I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities this new role provides and continue to work hard for the team,” said Ms. Raña. 

The COMCO SEA team could not be more proud of these immensely talented people. Promotions may be common occurrences in the workplace, but not every day one sees a team member be so dedicated and grow together with their company. 

“Harvey, AC, Queenie, and Pat all started as Camp COMCO apprentices at COMCO SEA. Now, they are experts and full-fledge deputies in their respective fields. They’ve grown so much in just a short span of time, so the word ‘proud’ is definitely an understatement of how I feel towards their progress. There’s still a lot in store to make their careers flourish, and I am excited for what they will make of themselves next,” said Corporate Services Director and Comptroller, Ms. Joan Maslang. 

"As a hands-on leader of COMCO Southeast Asia, I have had the great pleasure of training and working with our most valued apprentices and witnessing them turn into rock stars of the industry! And for them to obtain the positions and recognitions they have now as well as grow in their craft and in their life as a whole, is my greatest honor, the best award I have ever received. To Harvey, AC, Queen, and Pat, I want you to know that your success, your growth, have always been part of our vision and you will always have our back as you continue in your journey. Never stop making us proud and being inspirations to our next in line in #ourCOMCOsquadron and in championing our brand of #MeaningfulStorytelling,” said Mr. Bondoy. 

To know more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter. 

Make the most out of your budget during ShopeePay Day every 16th of the month

It’s payday once again! After weeks of hard work, receiving that paycheck every mid-month feels very rewarding. But let's admit it: as working adults, with payday also comes a stream of expenses that we need to take care of such as household bills and personal necessities. Don’t worry, ShopeePay makes it easier to stretch that paycheck so you can meet your needs and still have something extra to add to your savings.

 

During this time of the month, it’s important to have a routine that will make your payday spendings more sulit. You can make the most out of your budget during ShopeePay Day every 16th of the month.

Get rewards when you activate, send money, buy load, pay for purchases, and more this ShopeePay Day on September 16. Here’s how: 

 

Earn free money when you activate and verify ShopeePay

Don’t pass up this chance to earn free cash, which you can use for your monthly expenses. If you’re still not a ShopeePay user, now's the best time to start since ShopeePay is giving away money to new users who will activate and verify their account

 

Step 1: Activate your ShopeePay and you might get free ₱70.

1.     On your Shopee app, tap the ShopeePay wallet bar.

2.     Enter your personal information and then the One Time Password (OTP) sent to your mobile number.

3.     Create and confirm your ShopeePay PIN.

 

Step 2: Verify your ShopeePay for a chance to receive ₱500 worth of cashback and load voucher.

1.     Visit the promo microsite and register on September 16.

2.     Verify your ShopeePay account.

3.     Send any amount to any ShopeePay user, e-wallet or bank for the first time on the same date you registered.

 

Get coins when you pay bills or send money

Make it a habit to use ShopeePay when settling your monthly bills and sending money to get instant savings. Payyour bills from partner-billers like Meralco, Maynilad, Converge, and you can earn up to 120 coins cashback per bill category. If you need to transfer money to any bank account or e-wallet, sending money with ShopeePay is also free of charge. 

 

To make things more exciting this ShopeePay Day, you can also win up to 1 million worth of coins when you send at least ₱50 to another ShopeePay user and play the lucky draw this September 16.

 

Utilize load and brand vouchers for as low as ₱1

To avoid overspending on your monthly phone expenses, buy ShopeePay-exclusive load offers every ShopeePay Day to avail of discounts. On September 16, you can get ₱50 worth of load for only ₱1, available for all networks.

 

With the extra savings earned from cashback and discounts, you can still reward yourself without breaking the bank. For only ₱1, you can buy vouchers from ShopeePay’s partner-brands such as Gong Cha, Potato Corner, and Wendy’s. Visit the Piso deals page on your Shopee app and redeem the discount vouchers.

Don’t miss these exclusive promos and have a safe and enjoyable payment experience every ShopeePay Day.

Follow @ShopeeCaresPH on Twitter and Facebook, where you and the rest of the Shopee Fam can find answers for your concerns and get the support you need. With Shopee Cares, you shop, we help.