Watsons: The Filipino’s health and wellness partner

Over 6,000 participants from casual and serious runners to fitness enthusiasts, groups of friends, and families joined Watsons Race for Wellness on Sunday, March 5. The event marks the brand's enduring commitment to becoming Filipinos’ ultimate health and beauty partner. Watsons helps Filipinos achieve a balanced lifestyle through its holistic solutions, products, and services for every wellness and medical need. 

21K gun start: No matter if it's 3 AM, the drive of these 21KM marathoners can be felt through the atmosphere right from the gun start! 

There are many benefits to a healthy lifestyle. It lowers the risk of diseases, prolongs life, lifts the mood, and makes one look their best. This can be attained through a variety of ways: eating healthy food such as fruit and vegetables, lowering one’s intake of sugar, salt, and fat, and staying active.^[1]

 

With the Race for Wellness, participants chose between the 5K, 10K, and 21K categories, all of which have surprises along the routes. Runners were energized by drum beaters and cheerers as they go through Pinoy-themed and Wellness zone obstacles. Apart from these, foam and water fest stations were also set up. “Kuya Kim” Atienza, celebrity endorser for Watsons Brand Vitamin B Complex, and Geneva Cruz were also spotted having fun while keeping up with the challenges. An awarding ceremony was held for all the category finishers who completed the race in the shortest time possible.

 

Category	BIB No.	Winner	Gun Time
Female
21 KM	21955	April Rose Diaz	1:36:20
10 KM	10552	Saltanat Simbina	0:48:27
5 KM	52801	Princess Valerie	0:25:38
Male
21 KM	21301	Welfred Esporma	1:14:51
10 KM	10847	Alfrene Braza	0:34:20
5 KM	50337	Mark Angelo Biagtan	0:17:08

 

"The fun run is one of Watsons’ many ways to wellness, with the ultimate goal of encouraging everyone toward a healthy journey of always looking and feeling their best. Good health is a right and is needed to lead happy and productive lives. It, however, requires effort and making the right lifestyle choices. Watsons makes it easier by making health and wellness products, services, and information accessible to all,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Director for Customer Division.

5K female finishers with their medals:Princess Valerie, Nice Dimple Sagarino, and Leanne Austria, the female winners of the 5 KM route, receiving their medals from Watsons’ Chief Operating Officer Jefferson Go and Customer Director Jared de Guzman.

 

Princess Valerie is the youngest finisher among runners in the race categories. She won by only over a minute faster than Nice Dimple. 

Medical Associations namely, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Philippine Physical Therapy Association (PPTA), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) were also present at the event to bring their support and amplify the call for health and wellness.

 

Cancer survivors from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) have also participated and raced for their continued wellness. 

 

The Filipino’s health and wellness partner

 

Watsons is leading the way in promoting and providing access to holistic health and wellness solutions, expert care, advice, and a platform for health literacy. The health and beauty retailer accomplishes this through its wide and complete range of vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials. All these are available at affordable prices.

 

Customers can access these products through Watsons’ network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all staffed by pharmacists and specialists qualified to give expert care and advice. The Watsons Health Hub is an online one-stop shop that offers subscription plans, laboratory and diagnostic tests, teleconsultations, and more.

 

Watsons also makes it easier to access medicines and other essentials. Customers can purchase and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less through Click & Collect Express, or receive it at their doorstep through the Home Delivery Express.

 

Lastly, Watsons also drives health and wellness literacy through information and education programs, in partnership with the DOH and medical associations.

 

When asked about what's next after Race for Wellness, De Guzman shares, "At Watsons, we recognize that health and wellness come in different forms, thus we strive to cater to various interests and needs. Today, it is about running, but in the coming months it could be about biking, dancing, practicing mental wellness, and the list goes on."

 

"This Summer, for example, we'll be focusing on how Watsons can be every Filipino's partner when it comes to their complete health and wellness summer essentials. There's a lot in store that we're excited to share soon. And it's all in line with our goal to create an accessible and inclusive space for health," he ends.

 

For your beauty and health needs, go to your nearest Watsons branch, visit the official website at watsons.com.ph, or download the official website on the App Store or Google Play. Visit the Watsons Health Hub for more health information and tips.

 

 

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^[1] A healthy lifestyle - WHO recommendations. (2010, May 6). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/a-healthy-lifestyle---who-recommendations. Accessed 27 February 2023.

Biotin is good for your hair, nails, and skin

A full head of hair is commonly associated with feminine allure or masculine appeal. No matter how it’s cut or styled, thick, smooth, and shiny tresses enhance a pretty face or lend a kind of charm to plain and homey ones. In fact, nothing gives the average man or woman a better confidence boost than a lush, well-styled mane. 

Thus, it can be quite distressing for anyone to note signs of early hair loss, such as regular shedding of hair in the shower or waking up to find significant amounts of hair strands on one’s pillow. 

Providentially, before all these lead to the more visually upsetting stage such as a “receding hairline,” there is a product that’s formulated to help restore the thickness of your hair and prevent serious hair loss: Biotin (Wolvit®).

YOUR HAIR LOSS MIGHT BE CAUSED BY BIOTIN DEFICIENCY

Biotin is a key part of the body’s protein synthesis, especially in keratin production. Keratin is the most important protein that the body needs to produce and maintain healthy hair and skin—plus better nail growth. 

In a study published in the Skin Appendage Disorders journal, it was found that common afflictions resulting from biotin deficiency include alopecia, eczematous skin rashes, seborrheic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and more. This often manifests as excessive hair loss, brittle nails, or dry skin. 

These are conditions that may produce an emotional toll on the afflicted, as well. After all, excessive hair loss can cause your self-confidence and self-esteem to plunge, and feelings of insecurity to set in. 

Marco Elmer Manus, Group Product Manager at Kusum Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Brand Office, spoke on how Biotin (Wolvit®) helps those suffering from biotin deficiency. “The signs of biotin deficiency can be difficult to deal with,” said Manus. “One starts to worry about their health and lose confidence in their looks. it’s disquieting! That’s why we want to tell everyone, ‘Hey, relax! There are things you can do. A good diet, regular exercise, and taking Biotin (Wolvit®) will help.’”

BIOTIN IS GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR, NAILS, AND SKIN

Manus asserts that there’s no need to be alarmed when hair loss starts setting in. A healthy lifestyle combined with Biotin (Wolvit®) provides the body the biotin it needs to produce healthy hair, skin, and nails. 

A study conducted by the Institute of Dermatology and Venereology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine found that the use of Biotin (Wolvit®) “has positive effect on the structure of the skin and its appendages (hair, nails).” In a review of 18 cases—published in Skin Appendage Disorders—where biotin was used in response to hair loss, it was found that all showed evidence of clinical improvement.”

All this gives hope to those suffering from hair loss caused by biotin deficiency. So for those looking to prevent early hair loss, Biotin (Wolvit®) is here, reminding everybody, “Don’t lose it! Use Biotin (Wolvit®)!”

REFERENCES

A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss by Deepa P. Patel, Shane M. Swink, & Leslie Castelo-Soccio. Skin Appendage Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981. 

Optimizing the treatment of onychomycosis using products that improve the structure of the nail plate and its growth by Y.F. Kutasevych, I.A. Oleynik, A.S. Chehovskaya, I.A. Pyatikop. State Establishment “Institute of Dermatology and Venereology

of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.”

Available in all leading Drugstores Nationwide.

Jollibee Tuna Pie brings an exceptionally unique twist to regular tuna!

Aside from the main meals of the day, snack time is also popular as it helps keep us satiated and satisfied throughout the day. And with all the exciting flavors and food trends out there, Filipinos won’t settle for just any snack—it has to be delicious, unique, convenient, and affordable.

 

Jollibee ticks off all the boxes with its Tuna Pie, a surprising mash-up that works deliciously well! It has a rich and creamy tuna filling combined with a flakey and crispy signature crust, made fresh every time. This snack brings tuna to another level, making this plain, dull ingredient craveable and savory.

“Jollibee Tuna Pie brings an exceptionally unique twist to regular tuna, catering to on-the-go snackers who are on the lookout for appetizing, adventurous options which are different from their usual fare,” said Pam Reyes, AVP for Jollibee Core and Complementary Products. “Its ‘Crispy, Creamy-Tuna Sarap’ snack qualities also give us that added boost of energy we need to sustain ourselves throughout the day.”

 

Meanwhile, Tuna Pie also comes in Spicy flavor, for those who are fans of irresistibly hot snacks.

 

Tuna Pie is available nationwide for PHP 49.00 in both Original and Spicy variants. Drop by your nearest Jollibee branch and level up your snack time via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also opt to have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee delivery app, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and foodpanda!

 

For more information and updates on Jollibee’s products, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

 

#JollibeePhilippines

#JollibeeTunaPie

Cebu Pacific is running a “March Pinabongga” month-long series of promos and seat sales!

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, continues to shower every Juan with more gifts of travel as it turns a year older with the launch of its PHP 27 seat sale in celebration of its 27^th anniversary in March.

From 10AM on March 6 until March 10, 2023, CEB travelers can book their flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as PHP 27 one-way base fare, exclusive of surcharges and fees. The travel period is from April 1 to September 30, 2023.

The airline is running a “March Pinabongga” month-long series of promos and seat sales as gratitude to its loyal customers over the past 27 years. Aside from the PHP 199 seat sale all month long, CEB is also offering up to 27% off on select add-ons to make flying more convenient for its passengers.

With CEB’s low fares now made more affordable by seat sales, you’ll have more chances to go on a water-rafting adventure in Cagayan De Oro, satisfy your cravings with the delectable cuisines of General Santos and Davao, and enjoy the sights and scenes of Cebu, Clark, and Iloilo. Witness the blooming of cherry blossoms in Japan and Taiwan, and shop till you drop in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai now more accessible with direct flights via Cebu Pacific.

Passengers with existing Travel Funds may use these to pay for flights and other add-ons. Apart from the Travel Fund, other payment options such as payment centers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets may also be used.

CEB is set to restore 100% of its pre-COVID network and capacity in March 2023. It now flies to 34 domestic and 25 international destinations, spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Book your flights now via bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

AirAsia Philippines today opens the summer heat vibe with its biggest travel festival

More than 170,000 seats from as low as PHP33 for domestic and PHP833 for international destinations which include Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod, Hong Kong, Macao, Taipei, Koahsiung, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are up for grabs during the one-day travel fest.

Other than low fares, those who get to drop by the AirAsia Fly Fest get to enjoy seamless visa processing for Asian destinations from as low as PhP400 and other exciting tour packages that will complete their summer travels. 

Exciting fun games and prizes and surprise performances from the Allstar cabin crew also await those who drop by at the Fly fest until 9PM. 

AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla shares, “With the full restoration of our domestic and international routes, AirAsia Philippines aims to to provide value-for-money  deals to our guests especially for the festivities of summer season. We will strive harder to bridge the distance for all Filipinos through great value deals, seamless customer journey and world's best service.” 

Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines has officially returned to China with the reactivation of the thrice-weekly flights to Macao and four times weekly flights to Shenzhen on 2 March, and the upcoming daily flights to Guangzhou on 6 March. 

“China has always been a strategically important and integral destination in the AirAsia Philippines’ route network. Pre-pandemic AirAsia flew 750,000 guests annually to and from China, averaging a passenger load factor of between 85 to 90% for all destinations,” Isla added.

To seamlessly facilitate check-in, security, and immigration procedures, guests on international flights are also advised to be at the NAIA Terminal 3 at least four hours before their scheduled flight. AirAsia is also inviting guests to make it a habit to do their self-check-in via the airasia Super App, or via the AirAsia kiosks at the airport. 

 

The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is also advising its guests to regularly visit the airasia fly safe page, airasia newsroom, and airasia Super App social media platforms Facebook and Twitter for flight schedules and other travel advisories.  

Jollibee celebrates 45th year with a new anthem and music video!

For over four decades, Jollibee has been spreading joy across the world with its best-tasting food. From celebrating one’s first birthday party, to simple bonding moments with friends, or enjoying family gatherings with all-time favorites like the Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and Yumburger – Jollibee has always played a part in those memorable experiences. 

 

On its 45^th year, Jollibee invites everyone to continue to “Share the Joy” with a new anthem and music video featuring top celebrities Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose. 

“Jollibee has always been close to my heart even when I was just starting my career and being able to celebrate its 45^th anniversary is truly an honor,” said Valenciano, who was Jollibee’s first celebrity endorser back in 1985. “I also feel blessed to work with talented people in this project, including the wonderful Julie Anne San Jose. I’m very excited for people to hear the song and watch the video, and I hope they feel that deep sense of joy and will be inspired to continue to share that same joy with others.”

San Jose is likewise excited for people to be LSS-ed with the fun anthem. “Batang Jollibee ako and it brings me so much joy to be able to sing its 45^th anniversary anthem. This is my first project with Jollibee and sharing the spotlight with a legendary performer like Gary V. was such a great experience,” she said. “We’re very delighted to show this amazing project and celebrate sharing the joy to Jollibee fans across the world.” 

The music video shows how Jollibee has played a role in creating many memorable and joyful moments for generations of Filipinos, not just here but abroad. Viewers can also take a trip down memory lane with snippets from past decades of shared joyful experiences at Jollibee. These are interspersed with the energetic performances of Gary V. and Julie Anne which further create that positive and happy vibe of the music video. 

 

“For over 45 years, Jollibee has touched the hearts of so many people who love its best-tasting food, great service, and the brand of joy that only Jollibee can bring,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, VP-Marketing Head of Jollibee.

 

“This anthem is a feel-good and heartwarming tribute to Jollibee’s strong legacy over the years. It shows Jollibee’s commitment to keep sharing the joy, and we hope it also inspires our customers to do the same. Kaya tara, let’s continue to share the joy!” she added. 

Join the celebration of this special 45^th year milestone by watching the video on Jollibee’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel, and do stay tuned for news and announcements of special promos and activities lined-up for the year as Jollibee continues to #ShareTheJoy!

 

 

#DareToElevate your audio experience with the new JBL Soundbar Series and discover a new level of immersive cinematic thrill

With JBL's new soundbar series, you can immerse yourself in high-quality sound no matter what your passion or lifestyle may be. 

Whether you're a film buff looking to enhance your movie-watching experience, a melomaniac searching for crystal-clear audio while listening to your favorite tunes, a gamer who wants to feel like you're in the game, a dancer who needs high-energy beats to move to, a producer who needs accurate sound for mixing and mastering, a digital creator who wants to create content with high-quality audio, a girl boss who needs to unwind after a long day at work, a busy mom who wants to enjoy her favorite shows while multitasking, or a Zumba enthusiast who wants to bring the party home, JBL's new soundbar series has you covered.

Sleek, functional, and feature-packed, JBL's soundbars are designed to deliver uncompromising sound quality no matter what you're doing. With features like wireless connectivity, multi-room audio support, and voice control, you can easily integrate JBL's soundbars into your home entertainment setup and enjoy your favorite content in immersive sound.

@lola_lamon Meet @Raymond Lauchengco from the Bagets days pa. 😍😉Yes, he is the new brand endorser of @JBL PH Official . It was nice seeing and listening to him after 3 decades. Brings back memories from the 80s. #daretolisten #jblph #daretoelevate ♬ original sound - Lou Sv

 

So why settle for mediocre sound when you can have JBL's new soundbar series? Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, playing games, or just relaxing at home, JBL's soundbars will take your entertainment experience to the next level.

The lineup consists of five new models, each with its own curated components to meet the needs of a diverse market: JBL Bar 1300, JBL Bar 1000, JBL Bar 800, JBL Bar 500, and JBL Bar 300. Whether it be for a fully-furnished home theater, a family flick in the living room, or a casual screening in the bedroom or study, JBL has the perfect sound just for you. 

Feature-packed soundbars for movie theater quality everyday

Grab your popcorn! It’s time to bring the movies into your home. Gone are the intrusive background noise, audio distortions, and incomprehensible dialogues. JBL presents an innovative range of soundbars all with built-in Dolby Atmos® technology for that immersive, jaw-dropping 3D surround sound. What’s more, all soundbars have Purevoice technology, a voice enhancement feature that optimizes voice clarity for crystal clear dialogue even when loud sound effects take over. You can also personalize the sound through the JBL One App, which lets you control your speakers and stream your favorite tracks quick, fast, and easy. Moreover, the soundbars can be operated through a voice assistant-enabled device such as Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. Essential for everyday leisure and practical use, the JBL Soundbar Series can connect with your go-to channels like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Apple Music, AirPlay 2, Alexa MRM, and Chromecast built-in™.

The lineup: JBL Soundbar Series

The JBL Bar 1300 has the ultimate 3D surround experience that will blow you away! Complete with high-tech features that create bold, powerful sound, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to a whole new world–be it an action flick or a 90s romcom!

Get the most ecstatic rush with the JBL Bar 1000! Game rooms and man caves can’t be complete without it–it’s the ultimate audio essential that lets you experience movies, music, and games with sound that puts you right in the middle of the action. 

Looking for a smaller setup without compromising on sound? JBL has it for you with the new JBL Bar 800. Offering a 3D cinematic experience with the simplest setup, it’s definitely an audio must-have that goes above and beyond!

Get up and move to the beat with JBL 500, which reveals amazing 3D sound with thrilling bass! A home essential that keeps you groovin’—whether you’re working, studying, exercising, playing video games, flick-viewing, or whatever you’re in the mood for.

Finally, the JBL 300 is an easy-to-setup, all-in-one soundbar with extraordinary sound packaged in a sleek compact design. It’s exactly what you need for your home office, study, or the bedroom–just put on your favorite show and take a quick escape from the daily grind!

#DareToElevate your audio experience? Shop the new JBL Soundbar Series and discover a new level of immersive cinematic thrill. 

For more information, visit https://www.jbl.com.ph/. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on JBL Philippines’ social media pages:

/JBLPhilippines on Facebook, @JBLPH on Instagram, @JBLPH on Twitter, and @JBLPH_official on TikTok.

Sony officially announces pre-orders of the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens (modelSEL50F14GM)

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM is an e-mount lens that expands Sony’s offerings with a premium 50 mm prime lens packed into a remarkably compact and lightweight design. Even at F1.4, FE 50mm F1.4 GM delivers first-class image quality, including high-resolution and naturally rendered bokeh known to Sony’s top-tier G Master™ series. When paired with the latest Sony cameras, it is an ideal option for a wide variety of uses in both still and video including portraiture, landscape, travel, and wedding.

“At Sony, we are continually listening to the needs of today’s content creators and are proud to announce the newest innovative option with the FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens, the latest addition to the E-mount lens line-up,” said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “This prime lens is a great option for both photography and videography use and delivers excellent image quality at 50 mm, one of the most popular focal lengths. Being able to pack our latest G Master technology into such a compact form factor brings ultimate versatility to a 50 mm for Sony.”

Sharp Imagery and Beautiful Bokeh

The advanced optical design and elements unique to Sony’s top-of-the-line G Master™ series brings outstanding image quality to FE 50mm F1.4 GM. Spherical aberration control at both the design and the manufacturing stages contributes to beautiful bokeh. The lens offers naturally rendered bokeh with an 11-blade circular aperture and sharp realism is offered throughout the maximum aperture range. Deep, creamy bokeh at F1.4 is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios including making portrait subjects stand out from their surroundings.

 

In addition, the minimum focusing distance of FE 50mm F1.4 GM is just 0.41 meters and the maximum magnification is 0.16x when autofocus is used. This level of close-up performance provides extra flexibility when shooting both stills and videos. 

Portrait photo shot by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising, using the new Sony FE 50mm F1.4 G Master Lens

“I’ve always been a fan of portrait lenses and I remember 50mm was one of my first investments! In love with the new FE 50mm F1.4 GM lens because of the details it produces in my images, precision in AF tracking, its compact size and light weight. Definitely my go-to lens whether for travel or work,” shared by Charisma Lico, Sony Alpha Professional for Fashion and Advertising.

 

Remarkably Compact Design for Maximum Versatility

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM has Sony’s most advanced optical design technology including the precisely positioned XA elements, high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, and the latest compact circular aperture unit. These elements are critical for realizing a large-aperture, high-resolution lens that is only 80.6 mm in diameter, 96.0 mm in length, and 516 grams in weight. These measurements allow for a lens that is 33% lighter and 15% less volume when compared to conventional models with the same specifications.

The FE 50mm F1.4G Master Lens equipped in a Sony Alpha 7 IV Camera. Photo by Sherard Yu

The compact size of FE 50mm F1.4 GM paired with a Sony camera body makes this lens extremely versatile in both still and video shooting situations. With this type of mobility and low-light performance, this lens is a great choice for everything from portraits, landscapes, weddings, and travel. The compact size also makes it an ideal lens selection for gimbal and drone operation.

 

Fast, Precise, and Reliable Autofocus

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s autofocus is extremely fast and precise, making it an ideal choice for reliable content creation. The autofocus is as much as 1.9x faster than conventional models with the same specifications. The lens’s focus group is driven by Sony’s high-thrust XD linear motors and incorporates an advanced control algorithm for a smooth, responsive focus drive. When paired with the latest Sony’s Alpha cameras, this lens can quickly acquire focus and track subjects, even when using the shallow depth of field available at F1.4. 

 

Intuitive Operability and Outstanding Reliability

The lens has been designed intuitively to help provide creators with maximum workflow efficiency while shooting.Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. As an exciting evolution to the premium G Master line-up, FE 50mm F1.4 GM also features an iris lock switch, which is the first ever to be offered on a Sony prime lens. Additionally, this lens features a 67 mm thread mount, allowing for a filter to be interchangeable with the FE 24mm F1.4 G Master and FE 35mm F1.4 G Master lenses.

 

The FE 50mm F1.4 GM’s front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels and allows for easy removal of fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants.  A dust and moisture-resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. These additions allow creators to use the lens with confidence in almost any shooting environment.

 

Pre-order your own FE 50mm F1.4 GM now for only PHP89,900 and get a free Peak Design Slide worth PHP4,500! The pre-order promo is available in all Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting March 3 until April 9, 2023.  For more information, please visit: https://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/lenspreorder/ or follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram for updates.