Sanofi Philippines partners with Connected Women to raise awareness on family health!

June 30, 2021, Manila, Philippines — Dedicated to protecting the health of Filipinos, Sanofi Philippines has partnered up with Connected Women for a three-part online forum series to raise awareness on family health and lifestyle diseases. As Connected Women’s official healthcare partner, Sanofi is providing education materials and training to women, to empower them on the healthcare decisions.

The partnership was officially launched on June 30, along with the first installment of the forum series. The event, entitled FAMHEALTHY with Connected Women Online Health Forum discussed kidney health and overall family health. 

“Sanofi’s Panata is to help Filipinos live healthier, and through this partnership, we are able to reach out to more women, who play the biggest role in family health. We want to empower these women, not just in their careers, but in health as well, and we hope to educate them on how they can better protect their families,” shared Dr. Amal Makkhloufi, Country Lead and General Manager for General Medicines for Sanofi. 

“Women have so many responsibilities, and we often have a bad habit of taking care of everyone else but ourselves. With this partnership, we aim to highlight how to prioritize our own health, and to continue to spread the word about common health issues. So we are very excited to be working with an expert in the space of health, with passion in helping women,” said Connected Women Co-Founder Gina Romero.

I was truly grateful to attend this webinar and listened to these inspiring and amazing women for this wonderful and exciting collaboration! 

During the discussion, Dr. Lynn Gomez,  past President of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, talked about the basics of kidney health and how to prevent kidney diseases. “If you are able to detect kidney diseases early, then we can treat it. It's preventable, and like we always say, ‘Everything in moderation’”. 

I learned that the more diabetic and highblood you are, the more likely you'll have a kidney failure. 

There are reasons to get kidney failure but there are more ways to prevent having kidney failure. I truly enjoyed the talk and I was able to discern the facts and relevant information from the brilliant Dr. Lynn! 

The next two installments of the forum series will be held in the upcoming months, and will tackle discussions on other relevant lifestyle diseases. 

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About Sanofi Philippines

Committed to helping Filipino families in building a healthier Philippines, Sanofi is a multinational healthcare company that promotes a holistic approach to patient care. With top of the line products innovated to provide the best for patients, and health programs that empower and educate, Sanofi continues to be the thought leader in managing lifestyle diseases and improving access to medicine.

About Connected Women

Connected Women helps women reach their goals by enabling their access to connectivity, technology, training, and job opportunities. They aim to increase household incomes and create livelihood opportunities for Filipino women in both urban and remote areas through entrepreneurship, freelancing, and remote work. 

Hey Pau, what's in your face?

I have sensitive skin. Erase. A very sensitive skin. Sadly, I didn't learn from what happened to me last year.

The worst part now is that the skin problem is right in my face.

The redness on my right cheek. 

I didn't know exactly the cause or what triggered for me to have an Irritant Atopic Dermatitis. Probably because of the beauty kit I used at the beginning of the month or because I interchanged skincare products and I didn't do a patch test first. Either way, it gave a negative effect on my skin.

What did I do? 

Attending seminars really help because I was able to hear from a skincare vlogger about Philippine Dermatological Society. When you check out their FB page, you would see a list of hospitals and organisations that offers free skin consultation. Wow! 

I immediately look for one. There was a derma organisation near in our city yet I tried another one. So whichever replied first, I'll tell them my concern. It was USTH Department of Dermatology who contacted me after I left a message on their page asking if they have a slot for that day. Luckily, I was assessed after a few minutes. They would give you options and you have to answer some forms.

I followed the prescription of the Dermatologist and had a follow-up after three days.

Unfortunately, the cream didn't work and it actually became worst. The irritation spread all over my face. At that time, I was getting worried. I asked my family if I should have a second opinion and they pushed me to get one.

I contacted the Valenzuela Medical Center Dermatology but it took them some time to reply to my message. What I decided in the end was go back to my Dermatologist last year. She was the one who told me about the Irritant Atopic Dermatitis.

I'm in my third day of taking my medicine and first day of putting another cream. But I think the redness of my face somehow subside because I've only been using Cetaphil facial wash. No other skincare products even sunblock was not allowed.

One week face 

This blog feature is for everyone who has sensitive skin, dealing with skin problems like mine and spreading awareness. Yes, free consultation is absolutely good but when you feel like things are not doing okay, have yourself check by a professional. Though you have to shed money, rest assured that the best medicine and cure will be given to you. 

Don't comprise your health especially the largest part of your body. 

Let's support: The Voice Kids' Gaea Salipot with her first virtual concert!

The much-awaited concert of The Voice Kids Season 4 finalist and World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) Champion Gaea Mischa Salipot will happen online this June 27. 

Titled “I Believe: A Virtual Concert for a Cause,” the virtual concert aims to raise funds for the benefit of St. Rita Orphanage in Parañaque, a small sanctuary for children who have been left abandoned by their parents.

“I’m thankful that God has now given me the opportunity to share my talent and be an instrument to help others,” said Gaea. “This pandemic has taught us kids to be more caring to our family and to others in our community. I believe that all of us can do something for each other in our own little ways. I want to be of help to fellow children especially those who need extra care and support. And I hope that more people can join in to help.” Great job to this girl!

Produced by Ditse Productions, Inc and Rose Sheane TV Finland in collaboration with CyberPinoy Radio Canada, “I Believe” will be held online via Gaea’s official Facebook Page and YouTube Channel on June 27 (Sunday) at 7PM PH Time. Under the musical direction of ECHO MUSIC, Gaea’s special guests include YouTube celebrity and singer-songwriter Mikey Bustos and the OLPGV Choir. 

Gaea Mischa is a multi-award-winning performer who is best known for being The Voice Kids Philippines Season 4 finalist from Team Sarah of Sarah Geronimo and Team Lea of Lea Salonga. Gaea has also been named the WCOPA 2018 Champion and SM Little Stars 2017 Girl Grand Winner.

Latest Scoop: The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang opens doors to diners!

Are you excited to visit your favorite hotel restaurant again? Which food station will you be making a beeline for? Which favorite dish will you be asking for first? Well, we have good news for you!

The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang has once again opened its doors to valued clients. Yay!

The hotel has been responding to queries about the outlet’s reopening. After reviewing the guidelines, as well as heightening health and hygiene protocols, the decision to open Café Ilang-Ilang is an answer to persistent inquiries from its loyal guests and those who have yet to experience it.

The food stations will once again be teeming with exciting dishes, and the aroma of your favorites will surely call out to you as you approach them.

As the world-class chefs are busy behind glass enclosures, diners can go around the restaurant in their face masks and face shields to check various food stations. Because of existing guidelines for dining establishments, Café Ilang-Ilang has implemented the Order & Eat-All-You-Can System, where guests can point to what they want from the spread, and it will be plated for them.

Café Ilang-Ilang serves international selections from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Korean to everything in between; even Halal.

Mouthwatering!

Fresh and yummy!

You can get your grilled meats at the popular Churrasco station or the beloved Lechon at the Filipino station. You will surely be spoiled in this gourmand’s haven.

US Roast Beef you can't resist!

See if you can resist the selection of desserts, or the local fave and Halo-Halo—the perfect treat to beat the heat!

A gastronomic feast also awaits guests with an amazing gift voucher deal, giving you more reasons to come and visit us. For just P3,000 nett (lunch) and P3,500 nett (dinner), diners can indulge in our vast array of culinary creations. These non-expiring dining vouchers for two are available for purchase until June 20, 2021. They can be redeemed anytime at Café Ilang-Ilang but prior reservation is recommended.  

Café Ilang-Ilang still implements physical distancing and reduced capacity measures that are compliant with the IATF and DOT guidelines for restaurants, so you can be sure that #YouAreSafeHere when you come and visit.

The outlet opens for lunch at 11:30am, and dinner at 5:30pm with last call for orders at 8pm. For more information and reservations, please call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912 or email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. You may also book via https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/dining/cafe-ilang-ilang/.

Book one now for you and your family!

My 30 Days Low Carb Journey

Up to the last minute on April 30, I wanted to back out with the Eat Fit Challenge. 

Honestly, I joined Just Go Low Carb's Instagram contest because I really wanted to try their products. What I didn't expect was I would be one of the winners chosen by Miss Angel Jones and the prize was not only trying out their box of goodies but doing the biggest and most challenging task in relation to being healthy.

At the top of my mind, can I do it? Surviving without rice, pizza, pasta, and sweets for a whole month? I was not sure yet I pushed myself, no one is backing out from us (ten ladies) then why should I?

Here is the Eat Fit Starter Pack contents and some of the dishes I made with them:

Seasoned Seeded Crisps with Egg 

Low Carb Porridge ala Arroz Caldo

Tortilla Wrap with tuna, cucumber, and tomatoes

Avocado with Berry Granola and Cream Cheese

What did I discover and learn from the 30 Days Low Carb Challenge?

~Cook. I do not usually prepare my meals. But having a Keto diet, I was required to cook for most of my meals. The kitchen had been my best friend and I was awesome in experimenting with dishes!

~New Found Veggies. Gosh! I did not know Zucchini is a vegetable and I'm really over the moon finding this gem! Plus Cauliflower is a great alternative for potatoes if you like Corned Beef. And Broccolli is amazing to add to your dish.

~Alternative Products. Do not use Iodized Salt but instead Himalayan Salt. If you are Soy Sauce dependent, you should switch to Coconut Aminos which is a way tastier and healthier! You need to be hydrated so G Active is good.

~Check the Nutrition Facts. I'm very guilty of not reading the labels with the Tuna and Corned Beef, thanks to this challenge, I know to check the Carbohydrates and Protein contents of anything that I buy.

~Be mentally and physically prepared. Yes, I have to eat healthily but there was a lot of temptation from the supermarket to the office. One day, someone brought Muffins to our workplace and the other day, it was a birthday celebration of my colleague and the Ube Cheesecake looked delicious. Yet, I didn't have a bite. I gave my part to them and surprisingly, I was okay. The exercise was very important but I wasn't able to perform the routine because my body was aching. 

The Eat Fit Challenge changed me in a way that I no longer scared of hearing the Keto Diet that I fully embrace and accept that it had been good to my body.  More than losing five pounds from my body weight, I'm more disciplined with what I eat and drink and I feel more confident with my body. I enjoyed the journey!

I'm very grateful to accept the challenge that totally changes my perspective of being healthy. I thought I was doing okay back then but I was wrong. Thank you to Jeannie of Just Go Low Carb for this wonderful challenge and creating healthier products, Miss Sally for being the best nutrition Coach for checking and explaining the foods that we should eat and remind us about the food contents, and Miss Tin for the incredible exercises that I would definitely practice. To the nine hardworking women, congratulations to us! It was nice seeing the food photos that inspired me more and for all the incredulous support and cheers.

And to you who is doing the Keto diet or who wants to start the Low Carb journey, you are on the right track! Keep up the good work! Fighting! I hope that my 28th-day picture motivates you more. 

The Manila Hotel Café Ilang-Ilang offers halal-certified food for Takeout and Delivery

Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the fasting period of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast this May 12, 2021. It is celebrated through prayer, gifts, and lavish feast. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Islam is the second-largest religion in the country. No wonder, Filipinos have become fond of Halal foods.

Halal food is prepared following a set of Islamic dietary laws and regulations that determine what is permissible, lawful, and clean. Any dish can be halal, as long as the meat used is religiously slaughtered and no pork or alcohol is involved.

The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang Ilang has a Halal kitchen certified by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board. This kitchen dedicated to Halal food preparation serves Indian and Middle Eastern-inspired halal dishes that will whet your appetite and pay homage to its traditional roots.

Designed for proper breaking of the fast, The Manila Hotel’s Ramadan Special Halal Home Buffet set comes with dried dates and juice, chickpeas hummus, Fatoush mixed salad, roti and naan bread, vegetable biryani, tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable samosa, and baklava. The set is just one of the three choices for the Halal Certified Home Buffet.

Vegetable Samosa and Baklava

Vegetable Biryani

“Our Lamb Rogan Josh is a must-try. It’s imported from Australia and it has the spices and sharpness that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. We can also customize the food according to our customer’s requests. Say you don’t like chili, we can make it milder. We can tweak a dish to please your palate while still being true to its authentic taste,” says Chef Kiran Singh, the hotel’s Halal-trained chef.

Celebrate Eid Al Fitr by ordering any of The Manila Hotel’s Halal Home Buffet sets or dishes, available for Takeout and delivery. Visit https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/ for the full menu, or call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912.

Penny for my Thought: Judging Time

For this month's personal entry, I decided to share with you my thoughts and experiences being a judge for a writing contest. You may or might not be one someday yet I included some pieces of advice that hopefully inspire you.

Last year, I was invited to be one of the judges of Jahric Lago Presents: Misty Moon. The JLP series is a yearly event under TBC Publications that caters to newbie writers and seasonal authors to be part of an anthology. There is a common theme, word counts, and other requirements that need to be followed.

It was my first time being a judge of a writing contest. It was a wonderful experience reading incredible stories from the imaginative minds of my colleagues. I gave insights to the writers because I know being rejected and in a small way, I hope I have given them something to be inspired of. It was heartbreaking cutting them to fit for the 20. But I needed to do the task. 

A few months after a friend who is also a professor of Pamantasan Lungsod ng Muntinlupa sent me a PM. He asked if I can judge his students' essays. I was hesitant because I'm not really good with essays but he convinced me that I could do it. He told me that I should think of it as a project. I agreed when I saw that theme was how the students define leadership during the pandemic. A very relevant topic especially nowadays. Reading through the entries, I really learned how youth thinks and most of them tackled mental health which is good.

And recently, a fellow author and a bibliophile dropped me a message asking if I can be part of the judging panel for the Short Story writing contest of their school. Rizal Technological University is celebrating its National Literature Month and I'm very honored to be invited to this amazing celebration. I'm actually finishing reading entries and so far, I am having fun.

If one of these days, you are given a chance to be a judge for an online contest, here is my simple advice.

*Be humble enough to accept the responsibility.

*In giving critics, make them see that they are opportunities to improve and end it by motivating them.

*Be more open-minded.

*Don't be so hard with yourself and meet the deadline. 

*Enjoy the moment.

That's it. I'm going back with checking the short stories and hopefully will finish judging them in time.

Thank you to Jahric, Jeff, and Zandro for the marvelous chance of being a judge!