Know the Signs: Protecting Filipinos from the Dangers of Encephalitis

 Early recognition is emerging as the front line in the fight against encephalitis, as global health experts highlight the urgent need to identify warning signs sooner to prevent death and lifelong neurological disability ahead of World Encephalitis Day on 22 February.

In neurological emergencies, minutes shape survival, recovery, and long-term quality of life. This reality defines encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain where early symptoms often resemble common illness, yet delayed recognition leads to severe disability or death. 

As World Encephalitis Day approaches, Encephalitis International is drawing attention to the critical gap between first symptoms and accurate diagnosis. To help close this gap, the organization is introducing FLAMES, a structured recall tool designed to support earlier recognition in both clinical settings and everyday community awareness. 

FLAMES highlights six urgent warning signs: flu-like symptoms, loss of consciousness, acute headache, memory problems, emotional or behavioral changes, and seizures. These symptoms appear across infectious and autoimmune encephalitis and signal the need for immediate medical attention. 

“Encephalitis progresses quickly, yet awareness remains dangerously low,” said Dr. Ava Easton, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International. “When warning signs are missed, diagnosis is delayed, and the risk of death or lifelong disability rises. Early recognition remains one of the most effective ways to protect brain health and save lives.”

A growing but under-recognized global threat

Encephalitis affects three people every minute globally, yet almost eight in ten adults remain unaware of the condition, contributing to delays in diagnosis and poorer patient outcomes.  

The World Health Organization has recognized encephalitis as a leading cause of neurological health loss in children under five and a growing public health priority across all age groups. Although relatively rare in incidence, encephalitis carries a disproportionately high disease burden due to severe acquired brain injury and long-term disability when diagnosis or treatment is delayed. 

In many countries, encephalitis incidence exceeds that of motor neurone disease, bacterial meningitis, and multiple sclerosis. Anyone can be affected regardless of age, location, sex, or ethnicity, and survivors often experience life-changing cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges that disrupt education, work, family, and community life. 

Why this matters in the Philippines

In low-to-middle-income settings such as the Philippines, the encephalitis burden is intensified by limited neurological services, long travel distances to treatment centers, and restricted access to essential medicines. Families frequently face prolonged caregiving, financial strain, and lifelong disability support needs for survivors.

Local studies show that prior to routine immunization, Japanese encephalitis exposure increased with age, reaching 65.7 percent among adolescents. Case fatality reached up to 21.1 percent, while neurological complications affected as many as 81.8 percent of survivors. National surveillance recorded at least 0.7 Japanese encephalitis cases per 100,000 children, with seasonal peaks during the rainy months and a higher burden in northern regions. 

Emerging evidence also indicates increasing autoimmune encephalitis among children in Philippines hospital settings, reflecting evolving neurological risk. 

Recent regional monitoring linked to Nipah virus, a zoonotic infection known to cause severe encephalitis, has heightened public health attention across Asia. While no confirmed Philippine outbreak exists,  the situation underscores the importance of surveillance readiness, rapid symptom recognition, and informed public awareness.

“From a clinical perspective, timing changes outcomes,” said Ferron F. Ocampo, M.D., FPNA, specialist in Adult Neurology and Neuroinfectious Diseases. “When encephalitis is recognized early, treatment begins sooner and the chances of recovery improve. Delays often lead to preventable complications, long-term disability, or death. Strengthening symptom awareness in communities and among frontline providers is essential.”

From awareness to urgent action

Health experts are urging the general public and non-specialist acute medical providers to engage with the FLAMES acronym and recognize warning signs that could indicate encephalitis, a step that may save lives through earlier treatment. 

Communities are encouraged to participate in World Encephalitis Day by learning the warning signs, sharing awareness messages, and supporting global efforts to reduce death and disability from encephalitis. 

Encephalitis International leads World Encephalitis Day on 22 February each year and urges people to wear red, take photos or videos, and share them on social media using #Red4WED and #WorldEncephalitisDay to raise global awareness. A World Encephalitis Day Appeal launched today, bringing the FLAMES symptoms to life through a series of case study videos (www.encephalitis.info/wed-appeal) and aiming to raise £50,000, $61,000, or €60,000 by 22 February in support of a world without death and disability from encephalitis. 

World Encephalitis Day 2026 reinforces a clear message: Encephalitis is time-critical. Earlier recognition supports faster diagnosis, earlier treatment, and improved survival and recovery. 

“FLAMES gives the public a clear signal of when to act,” Dr. Easton added. “Knowing the signs can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong impact. No family should lose a loved one because encephalitis was missed.” 

Because when the brain is in FLAMES, every minute counts.

Disney+ Brings Fans Together with Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide

New Trailer Featuring Never-Before-Seen Backstage Footage Available Now 
‘Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour – The Live Album’ To Be Released Digitally on Feb. 20

LINK TO TRAILER: HERE

 The “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide: Concert Special” is coming to Disney+ and will be available to stream on Feb. 20.

Celebrating the high-energy music from the iconic “Descendants” and “ZOMBIES” franchises, the “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour” thrilled sold-out crowds in over 40 arenas across North America last summer. Now, families and fans of all ages can relive the excitement, singing and dancing along with their favorite stars from the comfort of home.

Starring Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife, the special delivers show-stopping performances, exclusive backstage access, never-before-seen footage, and a front-row seat to the electrifying concert — and fun on the road. 

The concert event also includes special guest performances by Meg Donnelly, Milo Manheim, Liamani Segura and Rita Ora.

“Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide: Concert Special” is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions, the acclaimed team behind the Emmy^Ⓡ-nominated Disney concert specials “The Lion King Live at the Hollywood Bowl,” “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl” and the Emmy Award-winning “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.” Gabe Turner, Sally Wood and Lou Fox serve as executive producers, with Paul Dugdale directing. Disney Concerts produced the AEG Presents-promoted live concert tour. Amy Tinkham served as the tour’s creative director, with video direction and choreography by Scotty Nguyen.

Get ready for the concert special by watching all your favorite “Descendants” and “ZOMBIES”  movies and series. All available to watch now on Disney+. 

In conjunction with the Disney+ debut, Disney Music Group will release the “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour – The Live Album” on Feb. 20across all major digital platforms, capturing the excitement of the blockbuster 2025 North American tour. The album features mash‑ups and high‑energy performances across 24 tracks, showcasing the spirit of a tour recognized as Best Family Tour in Billboard’s Year-End Touring Report 2025. The tour also earned a nomination for Pollstar’s Family Event for Non-Music Tour of the Year, highlighting its breakout success with audiences nationwide. Fans can now listen to the official “Worlds Collide” playlist here. The album will include the tracklist below.

• “Worlds Collide” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
•  “Red” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall
•  “The Place to Be” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton
• “Fired Up/Did I Mention” – Performed by Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “Rotten to the Core/BAMM” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “Perfect Revenge/What's My Name” – Performed by Dara Reneé and Joshua Colley
• “Life Is Sweeter” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “Like the Zombies Do/Chillin' Like a Villain” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
•  “Someday” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton
• “Dream Come True” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton
• “Good to Be Bad” – Performed by Malia Baker and Mekonnen Knife
• “Love Ain't It” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall
• “Flesh & Bone/It's Goin' Down” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “We Own the Night/Call to the Wild” – Performed by Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
•  “Don't Mess with Us” – Performed by Freya Skye and Malachi Barton
• “Ways to Be Wicked” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “Queen of Mean” – Performed by Dara Reneé
• “Alien Invasion” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “If Only” – Performed by Malia Baker
• “Space Between” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker
•  “My Own Way” – Performed by Freya Skye
• “Shuffle of Love” – Performed by Malachi Barton, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
• “Legends in the Making” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife

“Set it off (Encore)” – Performed by Kylie Cantrall, Freya Skye, Malia Baker, Malachi Barton, Dara Reneé, Joshua Colley and Mekonnen Knife
 

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Find Your Flavor Match: Dewberry Yogurt Cake and Its Ideal Beverage Pairings

Match your favorite Dewberry Yogurt Cake flavor with the perfect drink for a sweet, refreshing treat anytime.

Some days call for something sweet and satisfying—a little pick-me-up that feels indulgent but easy to enjoy. Whether it’s after lunch, during a mid-afternoon break, or while watching your favorite show, there’s always that craving for dessert. But who has the time to bake, prep, or wait in line at a café?

With Dewberry Yogurt Cake, you can enjoy a café-style dessert experience wherever you are. Each pack combines soft, fluffy cake layers with tangy yogurt cream and a luscious fruity topping, perfectly balancing sweetness and refreshment in every bite. Available in three delicious flavors: Strawberries, Blueberries, and Mangoes, Dewberry Yogurt Cake makes dessert moments effortless.

And because every dessert deserves a drink to go with it, we’ve rounded up three easy pairings that bring out the best of each Dewberry flavor. Whether you’re winding down or looking for a quick energy boost, these duos are made for your relaxation moments.

Swiss Miss + Dewberry Yogurt Cake with Strawberries

For cozy afternoons or cool evenings, this pairing feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The rich, chocolatey taste of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate blends beautifully with the fruity, slightly tart notes of Dewberry Strawberries. Together, they create that café-style indulgence you can enjoy right at home—perfect for rainy days or winding down after work.

C2 Green Tea + Dewberry Yogurt Cake Mangoes

If you need a refreshing mid-day mid-day pick-me-up, the clean and crisp taste of C2 Green Tea balances the tropical tang brought by Dewberry Yogurt Cake Mangoes. The result is a light, revitalizing combo that keeps you energized without feeling too heavy, which makes it great for office snack breaks or study sessions.

Vitasoy Original + Dewberry Yogurt Cake Blueberries

For mornings or snack time, pair Vitasoy Original with Dewberry Yogurt Cake Blueberries. The smooth, nutty flavor of soy complements sweetness and creamy texture of blueberries, creating a balanced bite that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s a duo that fuels your day while satisfying that dessert craving.

Each of these pairings proves that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. With Dewberry Yogurt Cake, all you need is your favorite drink to turn any moment into a sweet escape: simple, delicious, and perfectly satisfying.

Try all flavors of Dewberry Yogurt Cake, available at select convenience stores and drug stores nationwide. For more information and update, please follow Dewberry on Facebook. 

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. The newest addition to Dewberry – Dewberry Yogurt Cake brings a balanced sweetness and fruity flavor for a delightful snacking moment. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

Your Dinner Plans This Love Month, Now With 20% Cashback When You Pay With Your Maya Credit Card

 February usually means more dinner plans than usual. Some are dates. Some are catch-ups. Some are just excuses to go somewhere good. And if a solid night out for you means great food, good company, and a bill that doesn’t kill the vibe, this one’s for you.

This Love Month, Maya, the #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform in the Philippines, is adding a little extra value to your nights out. Credit Cardholders can enjoy 20% cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱3,500 at participating restaurants, capped at  ₱1,000, when you pay with your Maya Credit Card.

 

Whether it’s an intimate table for two, shared plates with friends, or finally checking out that restaurant you’ve had saved for months, the idea is simple: enjoy the night, and get something back.

 

It works across the kinds of places people usually gravitate toward this season. Think dining at Antonio’s, Gallery by Chele, Toyo Eatery, or Hapag. Intimate, chef-driven spots like Helm, Celera, or Den by Nikkei. Classic go-tos for a dressed-up night out such as Blackbird, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky, Mamou Prime, or CRU Steakhouse. 

 

And because good nights don’t always end when the plates are cleared, Maya is extending the same 20% cashback to Manila’s bar scene. This month, cardholders can enjoy cashback on a minimum single receipt of ₱2,500 at participating bars, capped at ₱600.

 

The bar list includes some of the city’s most familiar late-night fixtures such as Blind Pig, After Hours, El Gato, Three Dots, and The Opal Bar, places where one drink is rarely the last.

 

On top of the cashback, cardholders continue to earn their usual rewards. Maya Black Credit Card users receive up to 10x Maya Miles, while Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders earn 2% cashback points on eligible transactions.

 

For the full list of participating restaurants and bars and complete promo details, visit maya.ph/curateddining.

 

Follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

IKEA Releases GREJSIMOJS Collection in the Philippines

 If you find yourself putting away your children's toys to keep your home looking neat, consider toys that are designed to be part of your home furnishings. IKEA's GREJSIMOJS collection is a thoughtful example of this approach: toys that fire up children’s imagination, made in soft, sculptural forms and neutral tones that double as decorative objects for the home. 

IKEA’s 2024 Play Report found that play has a much bigger role than just filling in children’s idle time. Rather, it’s a way for the young ones to help build trust, self-confidence, empathy, creativity, and imagination — all leading to their well-being.

 

IKEA’s Play Report is a large-scale international study that explores the role of play and playfulness in children’s lives and family well-being. It draws on extensive quantitative and qualitative research that includes surveys of 7,000 children and their parents in seven countries, and 36 in-depth family home visits to understand how play is perceived, prioritized, and experienced in the home. 

 

“We live in a turbulent time and children are more worried and stressed about grown-up things than they were just a few years ago. But there is an antidote — play,” IKEA said in the report. “At IKEA, we believe that children are the most important people in the world — we take play and a playful everyday life seriously.” 

 

Play revolution

IKEA designed the GREJSIMOJS collection, bringing play front and center for families who want children to simply be children — carefree, curious, and connected.

 

Anna Granath, Range Identity Leader for IKEA, said, “GREJSIMOJS is meant to be a visible part of the home furnishing, with objects that are beautifully designed to fit the home, even after the children have gone to bed.”

 

GREJSIMOJS is not only a playful collection, it was also designed in a playful way. Despite its open-ended invitation to think freely, which initially brought together more than 20 designers with 12 designers featured in the final collection, GREJSIMOJS is firmly rooted in the research of play.  

 

The designers were given free hand and encouraged to draw from their own experiences as children to create the range, bringing both the perspective of an adult and a child, like “how might an adult perceive a statement rug, and at the same time, allow it to be a wild landscape for a crawling child to explore.” 

An alternative to gadgets

Locally, children’s play being replaced by technology has been a growing concern for many years. According to a 2024 study, Filipinos rank third highest globally in screen time, spending nearly nine hours a day across devices. A bigger concern is the excessive screen media use among Filipino youth — including preschoolers — with many exceeding World Health Organization recommendations and linked to developmental and sleep issues.

 

Now, Filipino parents are being offered an alternative, one that brings play and toys back into the home without adding visual chaos.

 

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro said, “GREJSIMOJS is meant to celebrate the joy and importance of play for everyone in the family. These pieces are designed to spark imagination and invite children to play freely, while also blending beautifully into the home. Play doesn’t have to be packed away, it can be part of everyday living for the whole family. When families play together, it strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories that go far beyond the moment.”

The collection features a range of playful and colorful furniture pieces for children, including uniquely shaped chairs, whimsical rocking toys, character-inspired lighting, and creatively designed stools. It also offers smart storage solutions such as multifunctional boxes and decorative containers in fun, stylized forms. Soft furnishings like carpets, cushions, and covers add comfort and texture to the space, while toys such as building blocks encourage children to explore shapes and sizes and support the development of logical thinking skills.

 

IKEA’s GREJSIMOJS collection will be available at IKEA Pasay City and on IKEA.ph starting February 13. Check out IKEA.ph for more.