Welcome the latest change in McDonald’s—the new and improved Burger McDo

Young people nowadays want their most precious things, including their tried and tested products, to evolve with them—to grow as their taste and preferences mature over time. When they look for change, they don’t want something new, but improved; not different, just better.

Keeping up with the changing times, McDonald’s introduces the latest change in one of its all-time favorite products. Your beloved Burger McDo is now made with beefier and juicier patty, tastier and sweeter sauce, sandwiched in a soft bun. Like you, it has also changed and evolved over time.

The new Burger McDo is the perfect treat for simple or big life changes that you will go through—may it be a new school year, friend, love life, or trip destination. Embrace these changes warmly with every bite of the new Burger McDo. You can enjoy it with a regular drink for only Php55.

Grab a bite of the new and improved Burger McDo in all McDonald’s stores nationwide. Share your photos enjoying it with your friends via facebook.com/McDo.ph or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter or Instagram with #WelcomeChange.

The Power to Protect Yourself and Your Dreams

We may be living in an era where women not only rule our homes, they also run the world—from being leaders in the government to managing business enterprises, women now have more opportunities to realize their dreams.

The sad fact, however, is that every day, seven Filipino women die of cervical cancer, and may never get to complete their life goals, may be stripped of the chance to fulfill a successful career, start a family or even just find Mr. Right. All because of a disease, a kind of cancer that puts every woman at risk, regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status.

Cervical cancer continues to be a major threat for Filipino women. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas. What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years. Since culturally, Filipinas are known to be caring and selfless for others but tend to dismiss concerns about themselves, those who may have contracted cervical cancer may have been diagnosed at a late stage, when the chances of recovery are slim.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus.  This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV).

It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Majority of HPV infections may come and go, some may clear spontaneously within two years, however if the immune system is weak, the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer.

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmission,,. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of cervical cancer, such as being conscientious about one’s sexual activities. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your OB-GYN, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.

Who is at risk?

The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19.  One is at a greater risk of cervical cancer if one had her first sexual intercourse at a young age; have given birth for multiple times; have or have had sexually transmitted diseases; have HIV or whose immune system is weakened; a smoker; long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more and those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old,.

For older women, the risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.  Thus, screening is recommended starting age 21 to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer.  Studies further show that vaccination remains to be beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, research-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.

The campaign aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer.

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.

In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment,” she adds.

“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated.

GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts.

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

ABOUT GSK

GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. At the core of GSK’s business model is the use of knowledge and development of intellectual property. We create value by researching, manufacturing and making available products that improve people’s health and well-being. A healthier society enables people to live life to the fullest, allowing them and their communities to prosper. A sustained flow of innovative products enables our business to grow and replenish our value to patients and consumers.

GSK manufactures and distributes more than four billion packs of products to 150 countries around the world. With this extensive global presence, GSK is striving to make our products as widely accessible as possible.

To increase access to GSK products in the world’s least-developed countries, we have held prices of our patented medicines in this region at no more than 25% of our developed-world prices and we reinvest one-fifth of the profits we make from sales in these territories back into local healthcare infrastructure projects.

Our vaccines business is one of the largest in the world, developing, producing, and distributing over 1.9 million vaccines everyday to people across the world. In 2015, we distributed more than 600 million doses to over 150 countries. We believe that the protection from life-threatening diseases provides opportunities for improved healthcare, not just for individuals but for the communities in which they live.

Over the last forty years, the medicines, vaccines, and devices we have developed, together with insights from our scientific programs and our collaboration with healthcare professionals, have played a fundamental role in improving disease understanding and patient management.

For further information, please visit www.gsk.com.

The top germiest spots you need to clean

Did you know that aside from your toilet bowl, kitchen counter and pet cage, there are other spots and things inside your home – such as makeup, yoga mat and headphones – that rack up tons of germs?  It is crucial to keep these things clean and dirt-free to have a healthy body and prevent sickness.

“Contact with dirty everyday items such as mobile phones, kitchen sponge and sink  increase your risk of having illness-causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus and influenza virus which might cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Here are some of the germiest places and personal belongings that you must clean:

Dish sponge. The irony here is that sponges are supposed to ‘clean’ dishes and countertops and yet it is the dirtiest thing in most homes. According to a study, 77 percent harbored coliform bacteria, 86 percent contained yeast and mold, while 18 percent had staph bacteria. To disinfect a sponge, soak it in water then heat it in the microwave for one to two minutes, or just pour boiling water over it. It is also best to replace your dish sponge every two weeks.

Makeup and makeup brushes. Imagine putting on grimy makeup and brushes on your face. Numerous studies found that approximately half of all makeup brushes and mascara tubes are harboring germs. Make sure to keep and use makeup for about 6-months maximum and clean brushes using a disinfectant cleaner frequently.

Kitchen sink. Did you know that the kitchen sink is dirtier than most bathrooms? It has typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain. Clean your sink with an antibacterial product after preparing or cleansing food such as raw meat, fruits and vegetables.

Cell phone. Cellular phone has been a considered a necessity for people. But did you know that mobile phones are one of the risk factors for infection? According to a study, 1 in 6 cell phones is contaminated with fecal matter. That is why it is advised to shut down your device once a week and clean or wipe it with a disinfectant cloth. 

Yoga mat. Practicing yoga is a relief for those who want to relax and calm their mind and body. However, yoga mats, especially communal ones, harbor sweat and microbes that can linger for days if unwashed. It is best to invest in a yoga towel to keep sweat off the mat itself or occasionally scrub mats with a bit of dish soap and water.

Headphones. Using headphones or earphones for one hour has been shown to coat them with bacteria from the ear, and increase the germ level in your ears by nearly 700 times. Keep your earphones dirt-free by simply cleaning your earbuds using a soap solution, or replacing detachable silicone covers.

Awareness of the dirty spots inside and outside your home and getting check-ups are important in preventing diseases.  MediCard has 13 free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, diagnostic tests and specialty medical services. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.

The Russian Romanticism of Manila Symphony Orchestra

The beauty of Russian Romanticism is that it’s hard to pin down. Sensuous in certain parts, exuberant in others, it is both textured and simple, intense, but controlled. To define it into a word or a phrase is a disservice to its identity and heritage; so what better way to showcase the true qualities of this genre than by attempting to breathe life into it?

On June 4, 2016, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, with acclaimed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Professor Arturo Molina, highlights the beauty of Russian Romanticism with a performance at the Power Mac Center Spotlight.

As the Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 90th year, the performance ushers in the season for  #90YearsYoung—a celebration of a new decade in music that cements the country’s most revered orchestra’s legacy of Filipino musical heritage.

With Maestro Arturo Molina at the helm, they are putting the spotlight on the saxophone—a novel addition to traditional orchestral programs that speaks of the genre’s heritage and Molina’s mastery of the symphonic repertoire of the great Russian composers.

The evening will draw works from two of the five great composers of the Romantic era, namely Borodin and Mussorgsky. The pieces selected have been curated around the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto, a 15-minute piece, keeping with the themes of Russian Romanticism – colorful, passionate, and exotic.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a great milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra and to be able to share their genius and talent to music and theater enthusiasts around the city,” says Mel Ignacio, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President. “We look forward to seeing you at Power Mac Center Spotlight to witness this great event live.”

For ticket inquiries and more information, like and follow Power Mac Center Spotlight on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PMCSpotlightOfficial

Instagram: pmcspotlight_official

Flash Plus: Truly More than Metal

Flash breaks the boundaries between functionality and sophistication with new the Flash Plus 2

We loved the record-breaking Flash Plus smartphone (http://flash3c.com/ph) when it was first introduced in the Philippines mid-2015. Now that its sequel is set to hit Lazada’s e-commerce site starting this May 31, 2016, you can finally satisfy your cravings for an elegant device that’s only priced at P6, 990.

“Most people are looking for a sophisticated phone that doesn’t break the bank,” said Lei Zhang, Flash Philippines Country Manager. “With our new flagship phone in place, they will be able to get their hands on a smartphone that’s not only sleek and stylish, but also functional.”

The new smartphone is eyed to offer pioneering innovative functions such as fingerprint recognition technology, Hi-Fi sound effects and fast battery charging—and it’s all boxed in sleek, metal case that transcends beauty and style.

“Flash is one of the most successful smartphone brands that always introduces something new to delight customers. We are privileged to be the exclusive distributor of Flash Plus 2 to our online shoppers,” Inanc Balci, CEO of Lazada Philippines said. “Together, we can bring exciting products closer to Filipinos.”

The Flash Plus 2 adopts a metal framework for better feel of texture, but the phone underwent a series of complex processes to achieve what it is today. It came through horizontal wire-drawing, high-speed side sand-blasting, ultralight rim diamond cutting and twice anodization—with this, you may now have a sense of warmth and vigor for the cold, hard metal work in every touch.



New fingerprint feature

Zhang said that while the new Flash Plus 2 is equipped with the best photography features, it also adopted a fingerprint technology which sets it apart from its previous version. This allows users to have the “perfect assistant of life and office efficiency in just a flick.”

“From accurate fast unlocking to one-stroke app launch, the frontal fingerprint recognition function gives users the ultimate satisfaction of owning something that transcends functionality. It’s secure and aesthetically appealing, at the same time,” Zhang said.

The fingerprint recognition of the new flagship phone offers a 0.5s unlocking mode under “switch off” screen status and all-round accurate recognition. It also allows for personalized app launch options that correspond to the users’ fingerprints. For added security, Flash Plus 2 has a documents protection cabinet where privacy information is stored and encrypted with fingerprint.

Immersive music experience

If you are more into music streaming than photography, then you’d be glad to know that Flash Plus 2 also upgrades its entertainment functions by offering an immersive sound experience.

The new phone has high-fidelity, quality-retaining earphone acoustics, high sound volume effects, and MIX music production to satisfy your entertainment needs. It has an independent AKM4375 audio decoding chip coupled with state-of-the-art IRD sound digital filter, with value-retaining signal output measuring up to high-fidelity acoustic effects.

While the speaker is being used for playing music, the NXP980 power amplification chip and built-in DSP algorithm drives speaker power to reach 3.6 watts—and it is eight times greater than the volume of average smartphones.

Same photographing DNA

Following the same photographing DNA that runs across the whole Flash product roster, the new Flash Plus 2 upgrades your shooting skills to the next level with its light of fast focal adjustment and dark light shooting capabilities.

What’s more, the phone’s camera adopts the integration of PDAF and contrast focusing with merely 0.1s of focal alignment. This will allow you to take better snapshots of fleeting moments—from taking a picture of a skateboarder down to snapshotting a flapping swallow.

But the new Flash Plus phone’s rear lens is not the only upgraded technology; you’d be glad to know that Flash also innovated its front lens, adopting LED flash lamp with CRI up to 80 while the red spectrum is intelligently enhanced for selfie or video chatting conditions. With ruddy facial effect, the Flash Plus 2 offers over a hundred percent real-time facial enhancement function to capture beautiful moments.

With these excellent camera features, the new Flash Plus 2 allows “Picture-in-Picture” capability. This happens when the front and rear lenses work simultaneously, giving you a creative photo-in-photo experience.

“To complement the photographing and music streaming needs of our users, we are proud to say that our new phone has fast-charging capabilities. Users can already enjoy 50 percent of battery after merely 30 minutes of charging time; charging this for two hours lets you call someone for 10 hours,” Zhang said.

Finally, Flash is giving you a free hand in choosing between Luna Silver and Venus Gold.

Zhang concluded, “Product innovation has always been at our core. With the young users in mind, we are proud to introduce another product that breaks the boundaries between functionality and aesthetics. Truly, Filipinos can have the best of both worlds with our new Flash Plus 2.”

For more details, please visit the website at http://www.flash3c.com/ph.