DANGmusings

6 Essentials to Prioritize When Moving In To Your Own Space

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BIR Registration for Freelance Writers and Other Non-Licensed Professionals (2021)

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My Dormitos Cubao Capsule Pod Experience

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Lifestyle

HISTORY HD on CIGNAL launches “Photo Face-off”

By on October 13, 2014

Calling all photography enthusiasts! HISTORY™ launches its first original reality competition series, Photo Face-off. This exciting 6-part reality series features professional lensman Justin Mott pitted against five amateur photographers. Their goal is to make use of the story-telling power of high-impact photos to revisit and explore the rich history of key destinations across Asia. See the show in high definition as it premieres on September 23, Tuesday at 10:30PM on Cignal Channel 118.

Face-off-CignalTV

In Photo Face-Off, Mott embarks on a journey around the region, learning through the different lenses and unique perspectives of the amateur photographers he’s pitted against. Challenging him are Tan Jia Jun, an events company intern from Singapore; Singyuin Christy, a humanitarian and documentary photojournalist from Malaysia; and Hoang Thi Lan, fashion and retail maven from Vietnam. Completing the group are Willy Lesmana from Indonesia and Richard Silaraks from Thailand, both of whose works have won and been awarded at photography contests.

From camera techniques and equipment, to knowledge of the local places, Mott and the amateur team battle it out in three challenges (Speed, Theme, and Extreme), with the final round set in Kenting, Taiwan – an unfamiliar place to all five contenders, and where Mott sits as one of the judges. Joining Mott in the judging panel are resident judge Kevin Ou, together with Singapore’s celebrity photographer Russel Wong, Malaysia’s Teoh Peng Kee and tech blogger and photographer Brian Chong, Indonesia’s Rodrigo Ordonez and Dewandra Djelantik, Thailand’s creative director Joey Aung, and Vietnam’s film producer Kathy Nguyen and photographer Olaf Mueller.

The winning lensman will win the ultimate amateur photographer’s dream: an all-expenses paid trip to glamorous New York City to photograph some of the world’s biggest stars, and a trip to Japan’s Canon Photoclinic.

Viewers of the show can also show off their photography skills for a chance to win amazing prizes from History HD and Cignal! To join, participants must send in their most creative photography shot and a short write-up about their photo inspiration to marketing@cignaltv.com.ph together with their complete name, home address, age, contact number and Cignal account number. The top 10 most creative entries will win a cool digital camera from History HD. Special premium items from Cignal and History HD will also be given away as consolation prizes. The promo will run from September 23,2014  to October 28, 2014.

 

About HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™
HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destinations for entertaining hit series and revealing, award-winning event specials that connect history with viewers in an informative, immersive and fascinating manner across multiple platforms. Programming covers a diverse variety of genres ranging from real-life characters who bring history to life every day, to natural history, contemporary history, technology and science, as well as archaeology and pop culture. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, Ancient Aliens, , Vikings, Counting Cars, Hidden Cities Extreme and Ride N’ Seek. Watch History HD on CignalTV Channel 118.

For more info and details, log on to www.cignal.tv and www.historyasia.com/photofaceoff. Like Cignal TV and HISTORY™ on Facebook!

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Lifestyle

The Medical City brings technology and expertise closer to local healthcare industry

By on September 30, 2014

I’m a fan of American medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Most of the time I do not understand the jargon thrown here and there but their actions make me understand what they’re about to do. I supposed it’s not a direct reflection of what happens in a hospital but to see the characters recognized for their skills and research.. do our medial practitioners also get the same exposure to advanced technologies and mentorship?

Through our friends at AMPR, my question was answered. I was able to be part of the launch of a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary training center by premier health institution, The Medical City (TMC). The Center for Advanced Skills, Simulation and Training Innovation, otherwise known as CASSTI, provides a controlled and safe environment for skills acquisition. It is headed by Dr. Deogracias Alberto G. Reyes, TMC surgeon and associate professor at the Ateneo School of Medical. According to him,

“CASSTI was brought about by the need to effect a change in medical and surgical training. The traditional Halsteadian mindset of ‘see one, do one, teach one’ is not ideal as it does not give the trainee the opportunity to achieve mastery before patient contact.”

TMC President and CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon adds that “this offers physicians and trainees the ability to assess and achieve proficiency through simulation and an ideal learning environment that is pace appropriate and structured with expert supervision.”

The main feature of CASSTI is simulation training, where technical errors do not have clinical consequences and do not involve morbidity or mortality. The ability to repeat and train in the skills laboratory makes training pace appropriate, responsive to the individual’s learning aptitudes and schedule limitations.

TMC-CASSTI

Ribbon cutting, blessing and tour of the CASSTI facility was followed by a short program at the Augusto M. Barcelon Auditorium.

TMC-CASSTI3

TMC-CASSTI4

Dr. Salud (Head, Department of Surgery) gave the welcome remarks, Dr. Sarmiento (Chairman of the Board, PSI-The Medical City) gave his prefatory remarks, followed by a messaged from the President & CEO Dr. Bengzon, a message from the CASSTI Consultant Director Dr. Reyes, a message from the Guest of Honor Prof. Sir Alfred Cuschieri and closing remarks by Dr. Ramos.

TMC-CASSTI5
L-R: Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon | Dr. Deogracias Alberto G. Reyes | Prof, Sir Alfred Cuschieri | Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos | Dr. Augusto P. Sarmiento | Dr. Jose Antonio M. Salud

Facilities

CASSTI’s facilities include endoscopic stations, virtual reality, roo, simulation room, teleconference ability for live surgery transmission to CASSTI and remote locations, animal laboratory, lecture rooms, video editing stations, and a research room.

Courses Offered

Healthcare professionals who desire to strengthen and refine their clinical and surgical skills are welcome to enroll in CASSTI courses. List of short 1 to 5-days clinical courses:

  • General Surgery – Minimal Access Surgery: Fundamental Knowledge and Skills, Mastery of Laparoscopic Suturing Course, Essentials of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Course, Laparoscopic Appendectomy Course, Laparoscopic IOC and Choledochoscopy Course, Simbionix – LapMentor VR Simulator Course
  • Colorectal Surgery – Stapling Workshop in Colorectal Surgery, Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery, Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) for Rectal Cancer, Hemorrhoidal Master Class
  • Head and Neck Surgery – Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) Course, Phonosurgery (Laryngology) Course, Basic Facial Plastic Course, Pediatric Airway Endoscopy Course (Pediatric Otolaryngology), Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) of the Head and Neck, Temporal Bone Dissection Course
  • Breast Surgery – Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Workshop
  • Orthopedics – Basic Knee Arthroscopy, Therapeutic Arthroscopy of the Knee, Surgical Approaches to the Hip
  • Urology – Intensive Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Course
  • Gynecology – Hysteroscopy Course
  • Airway Management – Critical Airway Management: In a Training Institution
  • Critical Care – Basic Assessment and Support in Intensive Care (BASIC), Basic Clinical Skills

The facility also offers short technical courses in Instrument Reprocessing and Maintenance (1 day) and Operative Nursing in Minimal Access Surgery (1.5 days). Plans to offer a Certificate / Diploma course and Masters Degree in Minimal Access Surgery are underway as of this writing.

I believe trainings like these are worth the investment, especially in the field of health care where one’s life is on the line.

CASSTI is located at the lower ground of The Medical City in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. For inquiries, you may call 998-1000 or 988-700 ext. 6801 or email at mail@themedicalcity.com or visit www.themedicalcity.com. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

About The Medical City
The Medical City is a tertiary care hospital with over 40 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. Its world-class health care complex serves some 40,000 in-patients and 400,000 out-patients annually. TMC has a medical staff of over 1,000 physicians who are established experts in their various fields of specialization. This core of professionals is complemented by a 2,00-strong human resource complement, engaged in allied medical, administrative and support services. TMC is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for international healthy care organizations.

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Business

Filipino investors optimistic on pensions, but based on some risky assumptions – Manulife Survey

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The majority of Filipino investors are satisfied with their government pension – but that sentiment is based on specific assumptions and a cash-dominant approach to retirement working out, according to the latest Manulife Investor Sentiment Index.*

Two-thirds of respondents said that they are confident that their government pension would be enough to meet their needs upon retirement – the highest level of all surveyed markets. In contrast, across all surveyed markets the proportion of confident investors was less than 40 percent, and as low as one-in-ten in some markets.

While such optimism seems positive, the survey shows it is based on some risky assumptions. First, investors expect their retirement income to be relatively high, at 92% of their current income – the highest estimate among all surveyed markets (Asia average 69%). Second, they expect their retirement expenses to be relatively low, at just 61 percent of their current income, at the lower end of surveyed markets (Asia average 66%). Third, nearly all (95%) said that in retirement they expect to rely on private healthcare – by contrast, in every other market only a minority expected to rely on private healthcare (Asia average 38%).

“Filipino investors have high estimates of their retirement income. Even if these turn out to be right, they may not be enough to cover their actual costs,” said Ryan Charland, CEO of Manulife Philippines. “Today, people generally expect their retirement to be active, and that means expenses will likely be much higher than what many realize. In addition, healthcare tends to cost a lot more than people expect. In Asia healthcare costs have risen about twice the rate of inflation over the past 10 years. Of course, it’s even more expensive if you go private.”

The survey highlights that Filipino investors have a high degree of reliance on their government pension, with only one in five owning an additional, private pension plan. Instead, many expect to fall back on other, less assured, largely cash-forms of income, notably savings (which they expect to make up 37% of their retirement income) and inheritance (12% of their retirement income) – in both cases the highest reliance of any surveyed markets. This cash-dominant approach to retirement is reinforced by the finding that, on receiving their pension, Philippine investors plan to deposit nearly half into the bank, the second-highest level of all markets (Asia average 35%).

“We know that Filipino investors like to hold cash and are among the most cash-heavy investors in Asia. The latest survey shows us they also plan to be Asia’s most cash-reliant investors when retired,” said Mr. Charland. “Keeping cash in the bank provides minimal returns, which may not even keep up with inflation. Their retirement optimism would have a sounder basis with a more balanced portfolio, especially given that retirement today can last 30 years or more.”

*About Manulife Investor Sentiment Index in Asia
Manulife’s Investor Sentiment Index in Asia is a quarterly, proprietary survey measuring and tracking investors’ views across eight markets in the region on their attitudes towards key asset classes and related issues. The Index is calculated as a net score (% of “Very good time” and “Good time” minus % of “Bad time” and “Very bad time”) for each asset class. The overall index is calculated as an average of the index figures of asset classes. A positive number means a positive sentiment, zero means a neutral sentiment, and a negative number means negative sentiment.

The Manulife ISI is based on 500 online interviews in each market of Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore; in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines it is conducted face-to-face. Respondents are middle class to affluent investors, aged 25 years and above who are the primary decision maker of financial matters in the household and currently have investment products.

The Manulife ISI is a long-established research series in North America. The Manulife ISI has been measuring investor sentiment in Canada for the past 15 years, and extended this to its John Hancock operation in the U.S. in 2011. Asset classes taken into Manulife ISI Asia calculations are stocks/equities, real estate (primary residence and other investment properties), mutual funds/unit trusts, fixed income investment and cash.

About Manulife
Manulife is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were approximately C$637 billion (US$597 billion) as at June 30, 2014. We operate as John Hancock in the U.S. and as Manulife in other parts of the world.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

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Lifestyle

FYI™ COMING TO ASIA IN FALL 2014

By on September 23, 2014

A+E NETWORKS ASIA REBRANDS BIO CHANNEL TO FYI IN

SOUTHEAST ASIA, HONG KONG AND TAIWAN

FYI-Logo

SINGAPORE, August 27, 2014 – On October 6, BIO™ Channel will rebrand to FYI™, a contemporary lifestyle network reflecting how people live their lives today, across Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Pacific Islands, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. The announcement was made today by Alan Hodges, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, A+E Networks.

BIO was also rebranded to FYI in the US on July 8th.

For your inspiration, for your imagination or for your innovation, FYI will be a personalized experience for each viewer. The network embraces the way audiences really live their lives – proudly-hyphenated and not constrained by one passion or interest. Never an instruction manual and always an inspiration engine, FYI offers viewers a more adventurous, personalized and non-prescriptive approach to programming with a range of stories that reflect how people actually live their lives today, not defined by just one passion or interest.

“FYI’s mission is to inspire personal creativity that emphasizes improvised living, while reflecting our authentic slate of programming,” says Michele Schofield, Senior VP, Programming & Marketing at A+E Networks Asia. “And with its rich mix of inspirational content, the new channel’s Asian premiere is sure to bring its viewers a season of quality entertainment.”

FYI will feature over 300 hours of original content each year across four programming genres – taste, space, look, and journey. FYI will include locally-commissioned productions and local acquisitions.

FYI’s primetime premiere line-up in Asia includes:

In Tiny House Nation, renovation experts and hosts, John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, travel across America to show off ingenious small spaces and the inventive people who live in them. They also help families design, construct and prepare to downsize into their own mini-dream homes no larger than 300 square feet!

TINY HOUSE NATION, Mondays 9pm (SIN/HK)
TINY HOUSE NATION, Mondays 9pm (SIN/HK)

Rowhouse Showdown featuring renovation expert, Carter Oosterhouse as he leads three teams who battle it out to transform dilapidated homes. The team that increases the appeal of their home the most, wins the grand prize of $50,000.

ROWHOUSE SHOWDOWN, Mondays 8pm (SIN/HK)
ROWHOUSE SHOWDOWN, Mondays 8pm (SIN/HK)

Destination Flavour: Japan: From the frozen ponds of Hokkaido in the north to the southern multicultural island of Okinawa, we savour the cuisine from local legends and master chefs while watching Adam Liaw immerse himself in a vibrant food culture that embraces innovation and cherishes tradition.

Destination Flavour: Down Under: Host Adam Liaw continues to unearth hidden flavours, this time those nestled in the Australian and New Zealand landscapes.

DESTINATION FLAVOUR: DOWN UNDER, Thursdays 8.30pm (SIN/HK)
DESTINATION FLAVOUR: DOWN UNDER, Thursdays 8.30pm (SIN/HK)

Travels with the Bondi Vet features Dr. Chris Brown, a charismatic vet who leaves his practice in Sydney to begin his exploration of the world’s most beautiful and bizarre places, cultures and animals!

TRAVELS WITH THE BONDI VET, Tuesdays 9pm (SIN/HK)
TRAVELS WITH THE BONDI VET, Tuesdays 9pm (SIN/HK)

 

About A+E Networks Asia
A+E Networks™ Asia is owned by the award-winning, global media content company, A+E Networks™, which is dedicated to offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television networks to websites, to home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks Asia is comprised of Lifetime®, HISTORY®, FYI™ (formerly bio.®), H2™ and Crime & Investigation™. A+E Networks Asia operates and distributes its portfolio in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Fiji, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. Globally, A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 330 million households in over 160 countries.

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Advocacy

GSK takes action against dengue with (Paracetamol) Calpol®

By on September 18, 2014
  • GlaxoSmithKline, makers of doctor-recommended (Paracetamol) Calpol®, partners with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society for effective dengue fever management with “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue”.
  • Paracetamol is recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line treatment for dengue fever.
  • Doctor-recommended (Paracetamol) Calpol®, is a mom’s trusted and caring partner in providing effective fever relief for children and well-tolerated when used as directed.
  • “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue” caravan is set to visit barangays within Metro Manila identified with high cases of dengue incidence.

Manila, 29 August 2014 -Do you know that the most dangerous animal bite in the world is also the most common and often go unnoticed?

Caused by the deadliest insect in the world, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines.

Dengue affects more children than adults, with kids one to nine years old as the most vulnerable victims because of their predilection to mosquito bites. In some regions, dengue has reached epidemic proportions.

Unite Against Dengue

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joins forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” as well as a Barangay Caravan that will bring dengue fever awareness efforts to the grassroots level.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever. Aspirin or ibuprofen is not advised as these drugs may aggravate bleeding.

Calpol®, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol® also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

GSK-Calpol-Products

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Managing Dengue

Dengue is serious and potentially fatal. Quick and accurate detection is needed to arrest this disease.

“Dengue is a clever and cunning disease,” declares Dr. Sally Gatchalian, secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society. “It can disguise itself as other diseases. So, during the rainy season, which is when we usually see an increase of dengue cases, it is important to be on the lookout for fever that is at least of two days duration”.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

“While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”

GSK-Calpol-Dengue-Gatchalian-Yulo-Perez
Dr Sally Gatchalian PPS Secretary, Jeoffrey Yulo GSK Consumer Health GM and Evelyn Perez of DOH
Ms. Rachel Gamboa, Group Product Manager for Calpol
Ms. Rachel Gamboa, Group Product Manager for Calpol
Ms. Gikki Martija, Marketing Director, GSK Consumer Health
Ms. Gikki Martija, Marketing Director, GSK Consumer Health

Engaging the Barangays

Eliminating dengue must be a community effort. One such remarkable initiative is the partnership of the DOH, the PPS and GlaxoSmithKline, maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol which targets selected barangays within Metro Manila with identified high cases of dengue incidence.

The DOH will initially be facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

GSK-Calpol-Dengue-moms
Moms taking their commitment against dengue. Ms. Suzi Entrata hosted the launch.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol®  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol®, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol®, and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/CalpolPH.

About GSK
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.  For further information please visit www.gsk.com.

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