As mothers, you will do anything for your child.  Even way before they are brought into this world, your instincts kick in and you tirelessly worry about your baby.  You want to learn everything there is to learn and more importantly, you want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them be it the common cold or a fever; and if you had your way, you would gladly get sick for your child.  And your anxiety is not without reason, since there are many childhood diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to children. 

Leukemia is perhaps the most common type of cancer compromising 47.8% of all childhood cancers1.  Hodgkin’s Disease1 or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the third childhood cancer comprising 9% of childhood cancer.  Aside from these types of cancers, certain brain disorders are also common in children. These include cerebral palsy and neuroblastoma.  Cerebral palsy severely impairs the development of the motor functions and afflicts 1-2 percent of the Philippine population2.  Neuroblastoma, on the other hand, causes the sufferer to lose the ability to empty the bladder, experience paralysis of the hips, feet, legs and uncontrolled movement.

Research into the use of cord blood and cord lining stem cells have been ongoing since the 1980s and has shown promise of saving lives and treating life-threatening diseases.  More than 30,000 cord blood stem cell transplants3 have already been performed since 1988. 

“The strides made in cord blood transplantation has made this manner of treating diseases more widely accepted by people,” said Dr. Arvin Faundo, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director. “Currently, umbilical cord blood transplant is considered as one of the standard forms of treatments for leukemia, among others. Also, many clinical trials4, 5 worldwide are ongoing for which the results are encouraging. In fact, Duke Medicine is studying the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells6 to treat autism and related brain disorders. While the trials are still in the initial phases, we are hopeful that these will yield positive results.” 

Last June, Duke Medicine received USD 15 million funding by Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation. Apart from treating patients based in the United States, Duke Medicine has also opened its door for possible participants from outside of the country provided they meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria7 to be considered, patients must be aged between 24 months and 72 months old. The patient would also need to travel at least three times to Duke Medicine in the United States – at the infusion, the six- and 12-month follow up stages. A stipend worth U$1,000 will likewise be provided to the trial participant per trip to help defray travel expenses.

When popular reporter, Niña Corpuz, decided to bank with Cordlife, she knew it was an investment in her baby’s and her family’s future.  Like any mom, Niña wants to give her baby the best that life has to offer and her baby’s long-term health and well-being was the primary reason for her to consider banking her baby’s cord blood and cord lining. 

“Having my child was the most fulfilling moment of my life.  I never thought I’d be capable of so much love and sacrifice until I gave birth to my wonderful kids.” said Corpuz.  “Every day is just a joy and as early as now, I think of the many things my child and I will do, experience, and share.  I invested in my baby’s cord blood and cord lining because I want to be sure that my baby is given the best investment I could ever give.”

Today, Cordlife has served over 3,000 families in the Philippines alone and is trusted by 100,000 parents8 worldwide.

“We are definitely seeing a growing acceptance and openness of the Filipino market to the idea of umbilical cord lining and cord blood banking because I believe that the parents are now more proactive in finding better means to complete their family’s health protection plan.” said Michael Arnonobal, Cordlife Philippines Managing Director. “More importantly, today’s mothers see investing in their children and families as paramount to ensuring their legacy and their well-being.”

For more information, download Cordlife’s free infopack @ www.cordlife.ph or call (02) 3321888 to know how you can invest in your children’s future.  

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

Depression is a psychological condition marked by prolonged periods of lethargy, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, which often manifest in loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, and suicidal ideation.

As of 2012, the World Health Organization announced that more than 350 million people from all over the world are suffering from depression. Sadly, many have very little understanding of the disease, which does not help in curbing its prevalence.

MediCard, a leading HMO in the Philippines, hopes to dispel several myths about depression, in the hopes of creating a more positive and helpful environment for people who are suffering from the condition.

Depression is nothing but “the blues.” Most people dismiss other people’s symptoms with the classic “You’re just having a bad day” or “Just shake it off,” and it certainly does not help. For one, it trivializes depression, an actual illness caused by an imbalance of a person’s endorphins and neurotransmitters. For another, such remarks prevent the person from seeking professional help, until their emotions spiral downward even further.

Just pop some pills and it will go away. Depression is a complex psychological disorder that results from any number of causes, such as abuse, loss of a loved one, family history, or a serious illness. Seeking a prescription from a doctor to allow you to “pop some antidepressants” only addresses the biochemical aspect of depression. But an effective approach to the condition considers all its facets, and may constitute non-medication-based solutions, such as behavior therapy, or lifestyle change.

You can self-diagnose and self-medicate. The Internet has spawned a lot of self-tests with titles like “Are you depressed? Take this 10-step quiz!” and online medical references that list down possible treatments for different diseases. But effectively diagnosing depression requires a comprehensive and objective examination by a professional. By doing it yourself, you run the risk of misinterpreting your symptoms, and possibly make it worse by delaying proper treatment.

Don’t talk about it so it doesn't get worse. Related to Myth #3, many hesitate from talking about their symptoms of depression with other people, in fear of stigma, but also of making it worse. Key to addressing the condition, however, is a strong support system of family and friends, which will not be available if those suffering from depression kept it to themselves.

 

To learn more about depression from the standpoint of a medical professional, consult your doctor today, or visit www.medicardphils.com.

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

Next week, Canadian reggae-pop breakout band MAGIC! will be coming to Manila for the very first time! MAGIC! will be performing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (of Resorts World Manila) on October 22, 2014 (Wednesday), singing their worldwide smash hit “Rude”, plus follow up singles “Don’t Kill The Magic”, “Let Your Hair Down” and more! Brought to you by Wilbros Live. Check out the TV advert here: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=892301664114632

               

MAGIC!’s music distills a gentle Caribbean flavor with arena-size bombast sound that is driven by its expansive approach to songwriting and a strong musical chemistry. Nasri (lead singer) and Mark Pelli (guitar) deliver elements of reggae with a pop and rock vibe; while Ben Spivak (bass) and Alex Tanas (drums) inject the rock attitude to create an intoxicating musical experience.

The band is not really new to the business. Lead singer, Nasri, is an award winning songwriter and one-half of the Messengers (the songwriting team who have composed hit songs for artists such as Justin Bieber, Pitbull, and Chris Brown).

“Rude” success

“Rude” entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at number 97 on May 10th. On July 26th, the song reached Number One, then spent six consecutive weeks at the top spot. MAGIC! is only the 6th Canadian band to top the Billboard Hot 100. It is also the 9th reggae song to reach the summit.

Locally, “Rude” was a big hit as well! In Metro Manila, the single hit Number One in Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, Play 99.5, iFM 93.9, Radyo Natin 105.5, as well as peaking at #4 in Mellow 94.7. Currently, it is #2 in RX 93.1 and Barangay LS 97.1. The song is also charting across 26 key provincial radio stations. The track is presently also #1 on iTunes Philippines.

The band has already received a number of Platinum awards for “Rude” including Australia (4x Platinum), the U.S. (3x Platinum), Canada (3x Platinum), Denmark (2x Platinum), New Zealand (1x Platinum), Sweden (1x Platinum), while Gold status in Italy, Spain and the U.K. among others.

And just recently, “Rude” has been nominated in the category Single Of The Year in the upcoming American Music Awards 2014.

The debut album “Don’t Kill The Magic”

Don’t Kill The Magic is the band’s major label debut album. USA Today made MAGIC! one of their On The Verge Artists and said that the album’s “musicianship and a charming, lyrical civility make it stand out,” while Yahoo Music stated, “Their instrumentation falls right into place with a fun, ska groove reminiscent of Sting's classic '80s material... but it's also perfect for summer 2014.” Rolling Stone also called the album, “a shiny collection of breezy pop tunes often accented by laidback reggae rhythms, especially on song-of-the-summer contender “Rude.”

The album is led by the carrier single “Rude”, title track “Don’t Kill The Magic” and U.S. follow up single “Let Your Hair Down”. Other notable tracks include “One Woman, One Man”, “No Way No”, “No Evil” and “Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool”. There are a total of 11 tracks in the album.

The album is released by Ivory Music & Video – the exclusive licensee and distributor of Sony Music products in the Philippines. Now available in major record stores nationwide, and also on www.SPINNR.ph and iTunes.

MAGIC! Live In Manila ticket inquiries:

Tickets to MAGIC! Live in Manila can be purchased at Ticket World outlets and online at www.TicketWorld.com.ph or call them at 891-9999. Ticket prices are: P4,334 / P3,258 / P2,178. For VIP tickets, please call 374-2222 or 374-9999. Concert is brought to you by Wilbros Live.

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

Mass Media touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives. It plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions on a variety of important issues, both through the information that is dispensed through them, and through the interpretations they place upon this information. When journalists or talk show hosts are insightful and judicious in their reporting, citizens can play a more informed role in the many issues and debates that shapes their communities.

For the fourth straight year, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) is holding the PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence to honor members of the mass media (TV, radio and print) for their outstanding works, columns, features and contributions that enhance public understanding of the role and impact of good people management in both the public and private sector in the country.  

PMAP is a non-stock, not-for-profit professional association of human resource management and industrial relations practitioners with a membership base of around 1,300 corporate and individual members and 23 Chapters across the country. Collectively, the organization has an extended sphere of influence is 11 million strong, around 6 million of which are qualified voters nationwide. 

Employees based in the Philippines are invited to cast their vote and help PMAP choose this year’s winners. Just go online and visit http://www.pmap.org.ph/content/events/makatao-awards/ for the view the complete list. Voting period is until October 31, 2014.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thirteen (13) awards will be given namely: TV Station of the Year; Radio Station of the Year; Newspaper of the Year; Best TV Public Affairs Program; Best TV Public Affairs Program Host; Best TV News Program; Best TV Female Newscaster; Best TV Male Newscaster; Best Radio Public Affairs Program; Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host; Best Radio News Program; and Best Radio Newscaster; Best Columnist.

Through this national award, PMAP hopes to encourage continued coverage of people management and other related people issues that promotes a harmonious relationship between employers and their employees. 

The following criteria were used in selecting nominations and judging for the Makatao Awards for Media Excellence competitions. All criteria were given equal weight.  Nominated individuals and programs/ works must:

Advance public knowledge and understanding of HR professionals and people managers, the profession or the issues that they impact;

Engaged with or featured HR professionals/ people managers (PMAP or non-PMAP members);

Cover all sides of the people management issues fairly;

Effectively explain how sound people practice or issue impacts the community or country;

Accurately describe or present people management or issue; and

Clearly describe the HR professionals or people manager's role in nation-building.

The PMAP PR and Publicity Committee supervised the nomination and selection process of the shortlisted nominee. An email blast containing the list of nominees was sent to all PMAP member companies and to non-members through PMAP’s social media accounts to cast in their votes through. Winners will be awarded during the PMAP Awards ceremonies this coming November. 

Some people only know the stories of others tell them, but for the first time in Philippine television history, GMA News and Public Affairs brings one of the nation's heroes to a new light - one that portrays him as human, someone people could understand, and most of all, love once again.

Ilustrado takes a step back and shows the man that embodied the positive qualities that Filipinos aim to be. The series showcases Jose Rizal's journey from his childhood, his colourful travels in Europe, his adventures in love, and most of all - the sacrifices he made for the love of his country.

What makes this series interesting is the incorporation of a variety of fictional characters that assist in highlighting and bring more life into the original storyline, making it more beautiful than it already is; for what is the hero without a villain? Though they are fictional, they are just as real as humans can be: capable of hurting other people, but at the same time showing that even people born into bad circumstances are worthy of redemption. That it is in the human spirit to learn and change for the good.

Top billing this momentous series is one of the most promising actors today, Alden Richards as Jose Rizal, Kylie Padilla as Leonor Rivera, together with Solenn Heussaff and Max Collins as her European lovers Nellie Bousted and Consuelo Ortiga. What gives the production an even higher quality is the presence of top–calibre actors including this year's Cinemalaya's best actress Eula Valdes playing the role of Rizal's mother Teodora Alonzo, three-time Urian best actress Jaclyn Jose as Conchita Monteverde, Ricardo Cepeda as Francisco Mercado, Freddie Webb as Don Jose Alberto, Polo Ravales as Venchito Monteverde, Mailes Kanapi as Donya Teodora Formoso, among others. 

Behind this production is the same team who made the award-winning series Katipunan, and is filmed using the sophisticated Arri Alexa camera, along with equally high-end lenses provided by CMB Film Services Inc. To achieve the grandeur of the 19th-century Europe that Jose Rizal knew and had adventures in, modern visual effects will be used to show the never forgotten decadence of the places where he completed his two most famous novels--the Noli Me Tangere, and El Filibusterismo.

Ilustrado, ang kauna-unahang bayani serye sa Philippine primetime is set to make history this October 2014 on GMA Telebabad. 

Jose Rizal

Alden Richards 

One of the nation's heroes, Jose Rizal's humble beginnings and deep roots of love for his family shaped him to become the man that inspired a nation. A man as passionate for his country as he was with the women in his life, he sought for reforms for the country due to the injustices done to his fellow countrymen and women. What cemented his name into history was the two books he published that woke the nation from oblivion. He is a writer, an artist, a lover, and a nationalist. He is Jose Rizal.

Leonor Rivera

Kylie Padilla

Called by some as Jose Rizal's true love, Leonor Rivera is often overlooked in history and is known as the inspiration for Maria Clara. Steadfast despite the distance between her and Jose, Leonor shows that no matter what, the heart never gives up, even when his letters stopped coming from Europe. Wed to an Englishman named Charles Henry Kipping, the ashes of the letters between her and her beloved Jose were sewn into the hem of her wedding dress, scattering the lost sweet words exchanged between Jose and his 'Taimis'.

Teodora Alonzo/Donya Lolay

Eula Valdez

An intelligent and empowered woman ahead of her time, Donya Lolay is the epitome of the unbreakable and resilient human spirit. Unjustly arrested twice in her life, she was made to walk from Calamba, Laguna to Sta. Cruz, Manila as part of her punishment. And yet it was in her quiet suffering that she gathered her strength--not only for her, but for her family. Most importantly, she was the sole reason for shaping Jose Rizal into the man who became the hero of a nation.

Conchita Monteverde

Jaclyn Jose

She is the snake that lays hidden in the grass, ready to strike. Her venom is deadly and in her path lays the destruction of all who stand in her way. Conchita Monteverde, a woman with spite as blood that flows through her veins and envy that pulses in her heart. Selfish, heartless, and conceited, she would do anything in her power to stay on top, even if it means not fighting fair.

Nellie Bousted

Solenn Heussaff

Daughter of a wealthy British businessman, Nellie Bousted received the affections of Jose Rizal quickly after he learned of Leonor Rivera's marriage to Charles Henry Kipping. It was also because of Nellie that Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna almost had a deadly duel that unfortunately did not push through. The beautiful Nellie and Jose spent time together and she made his stay in Biarritz memorable as well as helped him finish his second novel. However, their relationship did not last due to differences in religion, as well as Rizal's unwillingness to convert. The parting between them was far from bitter, and the two remained good friends afterwards.

Francisco Mercado/Don Kikoy

Ricardo Cepeda

The rock of the family; Francisco Mercado remained strong for his family despite their tragic circumstances. Intelligent and wise, he took care of his family singlehandedly throughout Donya Teodora's arrest; something that is no easy task to do. Determination was the key to keeping his family together; along with the already existing deep relationship between him and his children.

Jose Alberto

Freddie Webb

Jose Rizal would not be the confident man he was if it were not for his namesake--Jose Alberto. Brother of Donya Teodora, he taught his young nephew to wrestle as well as ride a horse to boost Pepe's confidence. An educated man from Europe, he was learned in many things. However, even he was not spared from bad luck when his own wife accused his sister for poisoning her.

Venchito Monteverde

Polo Ravales

Taught on from an early age to be better than everyone, Venchito Monteverde is a man who is the opposite of who Jose is--spiteful, smug, and filled with nothing but hate. His appearance is cruelly deceptive; behind that sweet smile lays malicious motives, and his words are a silent venom that bring nothing but harm.

Paciano Mercado

Marco Alcaraz

He is the steady lighthouse against the strong beat of the waves against the rocks; the ever faithful brother who never gave up until the very end. Paciano Mercado is proof that family is important and always comes first. Blessed with emotional strength, he endured banishment and torture at the expense of his brother, accepting pain instead of surrender. Perhaps the most enigmatic of all the Mercado siblings, Paciano however is eponymous with the words strength, but most of all--love.

Padre Amado

Lito Legazpi

Padre Amado is a friar who resents those beneath him and treats them even far worse. Sharp-tongued and domineering; people respect him not because of the good he has done but the fear he has instilled to the people.

Young Rizal/Pepe

Jhiz Deocareza

Curious and imaginative, Young Rizal's world was filled with nothing but a sense of wonder for the world that was just waiting for him to discover. His education started from his own mother, who filled his world with wonderful stories that had lessons in them and instilled the values that he carried on throughout his life.

Young Venchito

Sean Ross

Raised to be the best, Venchito Monteverde knew from an early age that he is superior to everyone else. The rival of the young Rizal, he was drilled from boyhood to be exactly like his mother--rotten to the core with a heart full of envy and eyes blinded with the false promise of victory against his archenemy from Calamba.

ILUSTRADO PRODUCTION TEAM

Marissa L. Flores

Senior Vice-President for News and Public Affairs

Nessa Valdellon

Head, GMA NewsTV

First Vice-President for News and Public Affairs

Nowell M. Cuanang

Program Manager

Jayson Bernard B. Santos

Executive Producer

King Mark P. Baco

Director

Eleazar L. Del Rosario

Production Manager/ Associate Producer

Mary Honeylyn Alipio

Writer

Norberto 'Nor' Domingo, FCS

Director of Photography

Ericson Navarro

Production Designer

Jhoalyn Nieva

Production Administrator

Michael Charleston 'Xiao' Chua

Victor Torres, PhD

Lars Ubaldo, PhD

Historical Consultants

Marjorie Darunday

Assistant Director

Maita Lupac

Second Unit Director

Victoria Mostoles

Second Unit Assitant Director

Regina Valenzuela

Script Continuity Director

Noel Solis

Production Manager for Art Department

Lady Alias

Mark Jason Jose

Art Directors

Patrick 'Pong' Ignacio

Mico Manalaysay

Juan Lorenzo 'Pao' Orendain

Samantha Sabrina Palomares

Second Unit Cinematographers

Gibson Gordola

Camera Operator

Margie Sorio

Wardrobe Supervisor

Georginna Desuasido

Head Make-up Artist

Marinette Zara Unson

Researcher

Ana Martha Zamora

Annalyn San Pedro

Production and Logistics Support

Lexter Tarriela

Location Manager

Marichu Ibarrientos

Talent Coordinator

Carlos Barrios

Assistant Camera Operator

Jericho Paul Abalona

Post Production Supervisor

Emmanuel Payumo

Master Editor

Jackriz Cabanayan

Eric Fernandez

Alelie De Guzman

Linear Editors

Dianne Delgado

Jed Allen Macaraya

Mark Kevin Reyes

Mark Louis Sayat

Production Assistants

Maria Lourdes Geronimo

Assistant Location Manager

Martin Aaron Castro

Assistant Talent Coordinator

Dhalia Galvan Onath Cruz Michael Munoz John Glen Aquino Boombee bartolome Chrystal cotibar Abbet Soriano Raymond Miguel Celia Aninao

Make-up Artists

Asiana Mago

Wardrobe Coordinator

Veron Malana

Billy Jean

Wardrobe Continuity

Hazel Ocampo

Mark Anthony Zambra

Mary Ann Antonio

Rodel

Wardrobe Assistants

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

Suppose you were walking in the mall, minding your own business when suddenly you hear screams as you see children trying to have their picture taken with a pony with a cowboy hat, horsing around in the aisle? Possibly you've also noticed kids clutching pastel pony toys in their arms, a free toy from a meal? Maybe you've stumbled upon several hilarious memes with a unicorn theme online? Perhaps you've even glimpsed a blue Pegasus transforming in the big screen? What’s up with these colorful ponies in the periphery? Not to worry, you've just had a small taste of the bright and vibrant world of My Little Pony.

My Little Pony is a popular franchise from Hasbro about talking ponies in the fantastic world of Equestria. Their merchandise is composed of collectible pony figurines that come with various accessories, notably their brushable hair. My Little Pony was also one of three classic Hasbro brands to receive an animated movie in the 1980’s, the other two being Transformers and G.I. Joe.

The latest televised incarnation of My Little Pony is ‘Friendship is Magic’, about how one pony visits the town of Ponyville and the adventures that occur between her and her new friends. The stories range from exciting quests to slice of life but the clever writing and quality animation caught fire online and became an internet sensation that captured an audience beyond the targeted demographic.

This sparked the creation of the Philippine Bronies, an organization of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic fans brought together by their mutual admiration of the franchise. The Bronies are a creative and talented set of artists, musicians, writers, designers, gamers and such who regularly meet up online or congregate in malls. The group has had several conventions dedicated to MLP and will be celebrating their fifth convention on October 25, 2014 at Megamall’s Megatrade Conference Center on the 5th floor of Mega B from 11am to 8pm. The PHB Ponycon 2014 is not just for little kids or fans of the show. It’s also for those young at heart and parents looking to spend a fun day together with the family. Each hour starting from 12noon up to 6pm will highlight one particular pony of the ‘mane’ six characters of the show, starting with Twilight Sparkle’s trivia contest and ending with Rarity’s cosplay catwalk. There will be performances at the start of each hour, including several mascot appearances of Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle. A demo area is set aside for free play and a special maid café is ready to serve your culinary needs. There will be fun games for both children and of the older crowd and prizes will be had for all.

The PHB Ponycon is free for children aged 10 years old and below. Regular tickets are P300. If you’re looking to party with the ponies this Halloween, be sure to drop by Megatrade Conference Center on the 5th floor of Mega B in Megamall this October 25, 2014 from 11am to 8pm. And don’t forget, Friendship is Magic!

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to

Thank you for always being here amazing peeps! Hope it wouldn't take much of your time if I'd ask you to