Habitat for Humanity Philippines hosts the 6th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum with the theme: Housing at the Center

PRESS RELEASE:

Various stakeholders in the housing sector are coming together for the 6th Asia Pacific Housing Forum (APHF6) organized by Habitat for Humanity Philippines to be held on July 25-26, 2017 at Novotel Hotel in Quezon City, to discuss the growing challenges of urbanization and diminishing resources for human settlements, as well as share best practices to ensure that no one would be without roofs over their heads.

The APHF6 with the theme “Housing at the Center” will serve as an Urban Thinkers Campus under the UN Habitat’s World Urban Campaign. 

The Urban Thinkers Campus is an initiative of UN-Habitat conceived as an open space for critical exchange between urban researchers, professionals, and decision-makers who believe that urbanization is an opportunity and can lead to a positive transformation.  The agenda of APHF6 is also in line with the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), which was recently held in Quito, Ecuador. 

The two-days forum has enlisted veritable thought leaders in the housing sector across the region as speakers and panel resource persons to share their insights and jointly analyze problems besetting each country and how some have successfully licked the homelessness situation in the urbanizing centers.

“As a collective group, advocating and relentlessly pursuing a single purpose of totally eliminating poverty housing in the Philippines, we can do a lot. It is not an impossible dream because it has been done in other countries at a time when they were still developing. There are successful models in other countries where the poor were given a chance to break the cycle of poverty by providing them a decent, affordable home which become a platform for their development,” said Charlie S. Ayco, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

The two (2) days program with an anticipated attendance of 500 multi-sector thought leaders and stakeholders in housing will focus on four themes/tracks: 

Technology for affordable housing: Presenting the latest technologies that can bring social good, ranging from construction materials to satellite mapping methodologies and web applications.

Innovative partnerships: Highlighting the potential or multi-level partnerships in achieving goals related to poverty alleviation and the provision of affordable housing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Resilience and social development: Focusing on how affordable housing can lift entire communities out of poverty, protecting people from natural disasters and generating livelihoods.

Sustainable urbanization and housing: Discussing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda which serves as the roadmap for global sustainable urban development in the next 20 years as well as initiatives that focus on housing as central to proper urban development.

To register and get more information on the program and speakers, visit aphousingforum.ph. 

FWD Life Philippines champions FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge…

FWD Life, one of the newest players in the life insurance industry, is pushing its advocacy on wellness by being one of the champions of the Fit Filipino Movement’s FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge. Having been operating for the past three years in the country, this global brand enterprise is on high gear supporting this noble endeavor to encourage Filipnos who are overweight and with high risk of lifestyle diseases like heart attack and diabetes to switch to healthier lifestyles.

“As an Insurance industry pioneer in the space of health and wellness, FWD Life Philippines is delighted to partner with the Fit Filipino Movement  and coaches Jim and Toni to inspire Filipinos in leading healthier lives with a series of fitness-centered events. ‘ said FWD Life Insurance Head of Marketing, Rochelle Vandenberghe. "Through our Live to Move fitness parties, in collaboration with FitFil and the challenge’s partners, we hope to inspire a new wave of awareness for the health benefits of keeping fit. For us at FWD, living life to the fullest starts with being healthy." 

The FitFil Weight Loss Challenge is a nationwide campaign that rallies not just individuals but also institutions and brands to pledge and commit pounds of unwanted fat to contribute to the overall collective target of One Million Pounds in six months. Last May 23, 2017, the FitFil National Weight Loss Challenge was launched at the Edsa Shangrila Hotel where lead supporters such as FWD and other organizations expressed their pledges by signing a banner of support. 

Last June 24, 2017, FWD Life Insurance hosted the biggest fitness party at the SM Mall of Asia By the Bay area. The fitness celebration was led by the proponents of the FitFil campaign, coaches Jim and Toni Saret of the Fit Filipino Movement. The Fitness celebration was attended by various groups like the Philippine National Police, which sent a big delegation and committed the biggest pledge to lose 500 thousand pounds to be spread throughout all the police force all over the country. 

The fitness party was also participated by representatives of universities and colleges, medical societies, and members of the media. The event featured non-stop upbeat zumba and metabeat workouts spearheaded by Coaches Jim and Toni along with members of various gyms and fitness centers in the metro. Highlighting the fitness party was the unveiling of an oversized tarpaulin banner held by representatives of the campaign partners to signify their spirit of support. Everyone also expressed their energetic enthusiasm by participating in the series of heart pumping workouts. 

Start your fitness journey, too! Take part in the FitFil National Weight loss Challenge and make your weight loss pledge by logging on the campaign’s official website: www.fitfil.ph .

  

Robinsons Supermarket’s Wellness Festival Celebrates Healthy Lifestyle Choices

The month of July is when fitness enthusiasts celebrate wellness month. As many people are now gearing towards healthy living, Robinsons Supermarket is likewise relentless in supporting it. Yesterday, Robinsons Supermarket along with its supporting brands kicked-off this month-long celebration with its loyal costumers, members of the media, and various partners.

Ms. Aja Totanes, Robinsons Supermarket Marketing Manager

The festivity also coincided with the ongoing fitness campaign by Fit Filipino Movement headed by coaches Jim and Toni Saret – The FitFil National Weight loss Challenge. As this fitness campaign batters in full-swing, Robinsons Supermarket encourages everyone to register,  accept the challenge, commit to pledge and lose pounds of unwanted fats, and become part of the national target of 1 million pounds in six months.

Coaches Jim and Toni Saret leading the crowd in a Metafit workout...

One highlight of the fitness festival that was held at the activity center of Eastwood, is the Ninja Academy’s parkour course. This type of fitness activity does not only builds physical strength but also improves agility, flexibility, and endurance. For those who want to try a radical type of workout, the parkour courses is one alternative that allows everyone to try a whole new way of losing weight. Personally, parkour is a skill that piques my interest. It’s quite scary and the same time exciting. I guess it would be another outdoor sport that I need to put in my bucket list this year.

A "Ninja Warrior" in the making? :)

For now, shedding a few pounds is a priority every FitFil pledger needs to focus on, that is why I have come up with a physical regimen that is a combination of running, metafit, and jumping rope. The focus of the FitFil campaign is to lose as many pounds of unwanted fats as much as we can. That is why Coaches Jim and Toni Saret are relentlessly going around the whole country to teach people an effective way to lose weight through the Metafit exercises. In just four minutes, one can burn as much as 600 calories throughout the day.

Wall Climbing is another good way to lose weight...

I was introduced to this exercise by no less than coach Jim himself and I can attest that it’s really effective. Later on, I got learn other fat burning exercises as well that I incorporated into my metafit workout. Watch this video demo of one complete circuit of Jump Rope and metafit, which is a high intensity workout.

For those who registered at FitFil and committed to shed those unwanted fats, this circuit exercise is for you. The Calisthenic exercises are simple but the jump rope is a little bit tricky. Tripping is normal for those who are just starting to learn but later on, as you grow stronger, consistency will follow soon. Try to learn the “bounce” style first before learning other styles of jumping rope. As for me, I was able to learn the jump rope in two weeks of regular jumping rope, doing it as often as four to five times a week.  

CIRCUIT PROGRAM: 

Jump Rope and Metafit Circuit

1. Jump Rope (fast bounce)             1min
(10 Sec. rest)
2. Mountian Climbers                      30sec
(10 sec. rest)
3. Jump Rope (Alt. foot Step)         1min
(10 sec. rest)
4. Half burpees                                 30sec
(10 sec. rest)
5. Jump Rope (Fast bounce)             1min
(10 sec. rest)
6. Jump lunges with mid tap             30sec
(10 sec. rest)
7. Jump Rope (Alt. foot step)           1min
(10 sec. rest)
8. Jump squat                                    30sec

Note: Do this in three cycles with one minute in between cycles

Fit Filipino Movement Challenges the Philippines to lose 1 Million lbs.

After the phenomenal growth of people who are now involved in the running culture which started almost a decade ago, many have completely transformed their lives for the better and have become staunch advocates of its benefits to our holistic wellbeing. One classic example of that transformation is me when I decided to have a complete turnaround from the unhealthy lifestyle I was into before with 182 lbs. on a five-foot five height. In short, I was overweight .

A challenge for a fitter and healthier Philippines...

The other day, I stumbled upon some not-so-old pictures of me and I was surprised at how I changed through the years. My journey was not easy and its not over. On many occasions, I tend to be so consistently driven but, after a while, the preoccupation of busyness from work tends to pull me back to sedentary living again. When I fail to be conscious about it, kilograms are gained back just as quickly as I lost them.

Me, at 180 lbs. (Circa 2009)

Along the way of my fitness adventures, I got to learn some valuable lessons in losing weight. Before, I was stuck on one form of physical activity: running. But, later on, I discovered the importance of cross-training that involves other muscle groups which are essential in losing significant amount of calories and fats in our body. In many ways, these cross-training exercises optimize other muscle fibers which tend to be in “rest mode” during running. That is why, a variety of cross-training exercises are important to weight loss because more muscle fibers that move constantly mean more fats attached to them will be burned. 

Members of the Philippine National Police taking in on the challenge and committing to pledge 500,000 lbs. 

Over the years, I have incorporated several cross-training activities with my running regimen, most especially during rainy season. Some indoor workouts I do are: wall climbing, jumping rope and Metafit exercises (I also play ultimate Frisbee on Thursdays). Sometimes, I'd combine jump rope and metafit on days when I can’t run. To find out more about this metafit exercise, you can read about it here in my blog. For jump rope, you can watch my video in another blog post for an actual demo.

Fit Fil proponents, Coaches Toni and Jim Saret with Fit Fil brand supporters, Phil. Med. Association president, Dr. Raul Lapitan and Robinsons Supermarket Marketing Director, Ms. Angela Tatones... 

The metafit exercises were introduced to me by a friend who is also a very popular fitness coach Mr. Jim Saret. According to fitness experts like Coach Jim, Metafit exercises can actually burn as much as 600 calories in four minutes of high intensity execution. It is a combination of “simple” callisthenic exercises such as Half-burpees, Jumping Jacks, and mountain climbers. On the other hand, Jumping rope has also proven to be a very effective to weight loss. By jumping 120 revolutions per minute, one can actually burn 13 calories in just one minute.

120 revolution per minute can burn 13 calories in one minute. 

This year, Coach Jim Saret and his wife, fitness coach Toni Saret, offer the Filipino people a challenge to lose I million pounds in six months in a campaign called the Fit Fil National Weight Loss Challenge.  The National Challenge is the first activity for the Fit Filipino Movement's vision of one million fit Filipinos by 2020. According to Food and Nutrition Research Institute's (FNRI) Mario Capanzana, “Three in 10 Filipinos are overweight or obese. Of these three, one overweight adult can be found in the National Capital Region.

FNRI President, Mario Capanzana

“We want Filipinos to see that getting fit and healthy can be easy and fun when you have the whole nation rallying together for this cause, “ said Coach Jim Saret. 

Recently, the Fit Fil Challenge was launched during the Philippines Heart Association Convention at the Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong City. The PHA, as one of the lead convener of the event, presented some medical facts from Cardiologists, Endocrinologists and other specialists about the effects of living a fit and healthy lifestyle. Likewise, they also talked about the adverse effects of being overweight as well as proper and safer weight loss programs to those who wish to lose pounds. The Symposium ended with public pledging from the audience that publicly announced their support and the number of pounds each group wishes to commit that will be counted for the One Million lbs. target in six months.

“We want Filipinos to see that getting fit and healthy can be easy and fun when you have the whole nation rallying together for this cause, “ said Coach Jim Saret. 

Among the groups that were present and showed their support were: Robnisons Supermarket, Far Eastern University, Conrad Manila, Anytime Fitness, Fitness First, FWD Insurance, Nurture Wellness Village, and the Philippine National Police, who committed half of the target which is 500 thousand lbs., to be spread out to the entire police force in the country and various Pharmaceutical companies and LGUs of different municipalities across the regions. 

Ms. Cathy Turvil forging her commitment to pledge 1,000 lbs. for Nurture Wellness Village 

For individuals who want to participate in this noble health initiative, the registration is free from June 5 to December 5, 2017. Everyone can visit select Robinsons Supermarket branches every Saturday to register and submit their official weight. After their final weigh-in, participants can avail of a reward if they achieve their wellness goal.

Members of the academe of Far Eastern University also pledge their support...

Regardless of your physical regimen, it is important that you start somewhere. I would also recommend not letting yourself be stuck on just one form of sport or exercise. Try to learn other physical skills or activities so that more muscle groups will be optimized to burn those unwanted fats. And again, weight loss is always 20% exercise and 80% diet, so always make sure to watch the food you eat.  

Robinsons Supermarket with “Learn Wellness": Be scholarly healthy and fit all year round

I have noticed recently that there have been frequent rain showers pouring in the metro and it's still May. In some part of Visayas, residents even had their first dibs of monsoon that flooded some parts of Metro Cebu. It seems that summer is about to end and rainy days are coming our way much earlier this year, even before classes start in June. But this does not mean we should rest and hibernate while waiting for the rain to stop to stay healthy and fit. Because in Fitness and Wellness, there is no such thing as “Off Season”.

On stage are the representatives of particpating brands...

In the last NatGeo Run 2017 where I ran a full marathon, my time was unexpectedly faster and I was able to recovery more quickly. I give the credit to the new cross-training regimen I started early this year, which includes Jumping Rope. According to jump rope experts I’ve come across in many articles and instructional videos, this is one of the best training exercises that can shed calories and fats in a short span of time. Imagine, one can burn as much as 1,000 calories in just 15 to 20 minutes of Jump roping, with high intensity interval callisthenic exercises.

Pre-schoolers are not exempted to start early to a healthy lifestyle...

Of course, the visible results will vary depending on your physical condition and fitness goals.  But whether one will start as overweight or lean, the sustainable results of jump rope will only work if we give a huge amount of attention on the food we eat. I’m not talking about just the quantity of calories we take in but also the quality of the food we choose.

If the weather is not cooperating for a good run, Jumping rope is one better alternative

I am glad that the summer vacation gave the opportunity for a lot of young students to take care of their health and many did get involved with running. But I'm quite anxious to know who among these millenials will continue when they start to become busy with school work. I'm sure as soon as classes start, many of these young fitness newbies will relatively have lesser time to continue pursuing what they started as they need to devote more time to school stuff. If it’s too rainy and wet to run, jump rope is one alternative and get awesome results. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes a day to do it.

A 15 to 20 minute jumping rope can burn as 1,000 calories (under 120 rpm) with high intensity interval training exercises

Again, nutrition plays a key role in achieving fitness goals and, more often, school environment offers fast food nutrition and students have lesser options where to eat while spending more than half of the day away from their parents who can serve them better food. For the moms and dads who wish no less but optimum health and nutrition for their growing kids, preparing them with lunch bento boxes of good food, filled with all the healthy goodness that fast food rarely offers, is a better alternative.

Robinsons Supermarket's We Love Wellness Campaign involves a holistic heath and fitness... 

This month, Robinsons Supermarket celebrates the Health and Wellness season for people who consciously consume and advocate for healthier food selections. From May 1 to June 30, 2017, shoppers will get P100 off coupon for a minimum single purchase of P3,000 at Robinson’s Supermarket. Purchases must  be inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, CDO, Splash, Wyeth, or Purefoods . Loyal shoppers can also earn additional 10 Robinsons Rewards Card Points when they buy select Nestle products during this promo.

Know the products by just simply looking at the yellow price tags...

When visiting Robinsons Supermarket just look for the yellow tag prices of selected participating brands to make sure you are buying products that support healthy living. Robinsons Supermarket’s Route to Wellness campaign affirms its commitment to strengthening the “We Love Wellness” advocacy that enables it to provide healthier food options and alternatives to Filipinos. And, as the new school year starts this June, students are encouraged not just to study hard but also set aside time to learn more about heathy living and getting fit. 

   

RUNRIO Launches the Premier Running Series in the Country…

The running and fitness culture in the Philippines has grown exponentially in the past seven years. I remember way back in the 80’s, only a handful of running events was being organized in Manila and most of these runs were either half marathon or full-marathon and it was very rare for race organizers to put up short distance races. Only in the last seven years, organizing races have evolved into accommodating newbies to experience running as a lifestyle. And among the pioneers of organizing fun runs in the country is RUN RIO EVENTS INC., headed by its iconic president and coach, Mr. Rio dela Cruz.

adidas race shirts for all categories...

Brought up with humble beginnings in the province of Camarines Sur, Coach Rio pursued his college education through the scholarship he got from UP Diliman as a member of the UP Varsity Track and Field team. As a young athlete, he always dreamt of competing in the Olympics but, due to the lack of resources and support for trainings, his dream fell short in becoming a reality.

Coach Rio dela Cruz came a long way to where he is now...

After competing in countless of marathon races here and abroad, his passion radiated to his community where, during his time, very few were into running and fitness. Soon after, he decided to organize fun runs in Metro Manila for beginners and intermediate runners with categories of 3k, 5k, and 10k races. Just after a few years, the few hundred of participants who crowded the starting line became tens of thousands of running enthusiasts, covering several blocks of various streets in Metro Manila.

RUNRIO Run Trilogy will start on June 25, 2017... 

Now, RUNRIO Events Inc., is one the most sought-after race organizers in the country. Over the years, the running community who started as fun runners before have become seasoned and loyal RunRio runners. Indeed, RUNRIO is one of the catalysts that made the running phenomenon in the country grow larger and larger every year. Because of this development, Coach Rio created the RunRio Trilogy where runners are offered to elevate their running prowess one notch higher every time they join a race.

The RUNRIO Events Inc. Managing partners. Mr. Andrew Neri, Coach Rio dela Cruz and Mr. Dingdong Dantes...

The concept is a series of three runs with each leg offering a graduation of difficulty that can prepare a runner for the pinnacle of his or her running and fitness lifestyle – the 42 kilometer Marathon. The RUNRIO Trilogy has been in the race calendar for six years but, this 2017, they decided to make a re-launch to feature the new brand partners of the company and to also introduce the new faces that make up the new RUNRIO Events Inc. 

Finishers Medals for 21k, 32k, and 42k categories...

After a series of transformations in almost a decade of organizing races, the company decided to raise its bar of excellence by bringing in two new managing partners namely, Mr. Andrew Neri  (formerly of Milo Marathon) and fitness celebrity heartthrob Mr. Dingdong Dantes. The new RUNRIO Events Inc., made their debut race last month where they staged the annual running event of National Geographic Channel, the NatGeo Earth Day Run 2017, that hauled in more than 13,000 runners.

 The new RUNRIO Events Inc.

As they officially rolled out the new RUNRIO, the Trilogy is the one that they are more excited about because of the series will also feature new sponsors that were not part of the trilogy before. For the longest time, the trilogy series was also closely associated with RUN United series. Recently though, the Run United Active Health owned by UNILAB decided on a new direction, which made them no longer part of the whole trilogy but just a portion of it. However, new brands were dove-tailed into the series namely, adidas, Gatorade, Summit Water, and Garmin Philippines. 

Just among the improvements for a more quality service...

The first leg of the series will feature a half marathon 21k distance. This leg is for the 10k runners who wish to level up but it will also offer the shorter distances like 5k and 10k categories. It will happen on June 25, 2017 covering the whole stretch of Roxas Blvd. The second leg on August 13, 2017 will feature the signature distance concept of Coach Rio himself, the Afro-distance 32k kilometer run. This leg will also use the same route, only longer. The Afro-distance is more of a "self-assessment"  category if a finisher can already run a full-marathon. And finally, leg three will be the Milo marathon.

"We are excited to launch the RUNRIO Trilogy race series because there are many running enthusiasts out there who are looking forward to this event. This year marks the 7th year of RUNRIO Trilogy, whose main objective is to educate runners to train and race progressively," said award winning actor Dingdong Dantes. "Part of the proceeds of this year’s race series will go to the YesPinoy Foundation to support the organization’s philanthropic works," Dantes is the founding chairman of YesPinoy Foundation. 

The support of RUNRIO Trilogy Series will go to youth’s development for young aspiring athletes who also wish to dream to compete in the Olympics. In a special way, I believe it also revives the dream of Coach Rio, but this time in the life of another young Filipino athlete.  

HOOQ Celebrates 2nd year anniversary with brand new TVOD shows…

The Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD) has certainly revolutionized TV entertainment on another level of viewing pleasure. A few decades ago where internet was just a figment of everyone’s imagination, home video entertainment on VHS tapes were a big hit, creating a huge business in movie rentals. At least for a few decades, it held up high until the advent of the World Wide Web that radically changed every aspect of our lives. And the world bids goodbye to the analog VHS tapes.

Happy 2nd Year Anniversary, HOOQ!! From: Trails Unlimited and Write Breath Live...

Today, with the increasing demand on blockbuster movies and Hollywood award winning TV series, loyal audiences relentlessly find ways to get hold of quality copies of the latest shows, thus the movie pirating business in the black market sites was born. But despite illegal implications on such practices, many are still doing it and it’s more like an “open-secret” practice. 

Tarzan and Jane Cosplayer. Promoting the newest movie TARZAN, exclusively from HOOQ

With the increasing market, business opportunities were spotted immediately over the horizon. Later on, the creation of innovative way of enjoying movies and TV shows is readily available anywhere you want it, when you need it. 

HOOQ Philippines Executives...

Soon after, several SVOD digital apps immediately offered their services, partnering with various movie production outfits, TV networks to bring movies and TV shows on a subscription basis. But among the competing TVOD brands available online, one app has withstood the tight competition and has exceeded clients expectations in bringing not just the latest but also the some of the hottest award-winning TV series and movies. 

Mr. Peter Bithos, HOOQ CEO...

HOOQ, with just over two years of bringing quality SVOD in the market, is constantly pushing the boundaries to evolve and stay committed to deliver the best entertainment to its customers. Celebrating its 2nd year anniversary, HOOQ is bolstering its line-up Hollywood studio partnerships such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Disney, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, Miramax, Starz and over a hundred Asian studios. 

The host of the night, Mr. Tim Yap...

Recently, HOOQ launches another innovation of the SVOD for non-subscribers but wish to try out new movies, three months from their theatrical release.  Furthermore, existing HOOQ subscribers can enjoy one movie a month form the TVOD library with no additional cost.  And as it continues to innovate and delivers quality entertainment, HOOQ will bring more ways to give the best shows that hit both TV and silver screens.    

"six pack - Dave" with media friends and bloggers

How to get HOOQ’d…

It’s easy to get OOQ’d. Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or Log in, to access HOOQ’s library of top Hollywood and Asian Hits anytime, anywhere and on any device including computers , smartphones, tablets, set-up boxes, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and Apple devices. 

Wishing HOOQ for more exciting shows in the coming years!!! 

Globe At Home customers can get up to six months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while globe mobile customers can also get up to six months trial selected prepaid and postpaid plans. You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for seven-day free trial.

Jollibee and Philippine Rugby Football Union MOA Signing…

Jollibee, the country’s  leading fast food household brand is relentlessly engaging its market not only among kids but more so with the sports. With its countless endorsements and sponsorships in athletic events, it made sure that the brand’s support will always include a room for one more group to the team.

This time, Jollibee support goes to Rugby Football, a contact team sport that is starting to gain popularity among Filipinos. More than a decade ago, this sport has struggled to gain traction among Filipino athletes which generally has smaller built, compared to its European counterparts, who are originator of the game.

(Fr. L- R) Mr. Jake letts, Mr. William Baily, Mr. Francis Flores, Ms. Arline Adeva

But I guess this notion was proven otherwise with many members who happen to have Australian decents which made their built fit for Rugby.  Now, the sport is becoming known to several regions which formed Rugby teams and is holding tournaments all over. With its popularity on the rise, the youth sector is becoming curious to try it out.

Ms. Cat the Emcee... 

Recently, Jollibee and the Philippine Rugby Football Union, Inc. (PRFU), authorized by the World Rugby as the official governing body of the game of Rugby Union in the country, has forged a partnership agreement with the country’s leading fast food chain, Jollibee Foods Corporation, in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on April 10, 2017.

The MOA signing was witnessed by members of the media and some Jollibee executives. Representing the partnership are Treasurer Mr. William Bailey of the PRFU and Mr. Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer. Among the entourage are PRFU National Teams Head, Mr. Jake Letts and Jollibee Philippine Brand Communications and PR Director Ms. Arline Adeva. 

With PRFU prime goal which is to promote Rugby among younger generations, which made the group hold numerous Rugby Clinics in schools, and communities all over the country. With this as their primary program, the support of Jollibee extends to the participating youths as well,  and Rugby as very strainious full-contact sport, Burgers and Chicken joy are expected to flood every Rugby game in the plyaing field.   

Cordlife’s One Blood: A Fight Against Leukemia

The condition of my son James, who has cerebral palsy, is a story that we always share with others, hoping to bring hope and joy to people who are experiencing the same journey. As much as we believe that God has allowed this to happen in order to minister not only to us but also to other people, there’s always a moment that my wife and I thought of other possible ways that we can still improve James’ way of life, even though doctors have already told us that there is nothing much to be done anymore in order for him to be normal again. 

Over the years, after James’ ordeal, we are amazed how medical technology has developed to improve the condition of children with irreversible life conditions and life threatening diseases such as leukemia. One breakthrough is the development of Stem Cell treatment which became a controversial issue in the US and in some countries. 

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) or simply STEM CELLS are known as ‘precursor’ cells’, as they have the ability to differentiate into the different types of blood found in the body, namely: Red Blood Cells which are responsible for transporting oxygen; White Blood Cells which are responsible in producing anti-bodies and fighting infections; and Platelets which assist in blood clotting. The Cord Blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after birth and it contains the healthiest Stem Cells that can replenish blood, regenerate damaged bone marrow, treat blood cancers, and correct genetic defects. 

This medical breakthrough is now being offered in the country through Cordlife Philippines. It is the country’s first and only private cord blood processing and cryopreservation facility aimed to give Filipinos the chance to benefit from the advantages of having a readily available supply of cord blood. 

Cordlife is the only stem cell banking facility in the Philippines that provides total Stem Cell Banking Solution for the family’s complete protection against diseases which are genetically acquired such as Retinoblastoma which is cancer of the Retina (Eye) that is commonly passed on from mother to womb, Leukemia, Hereditary Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome, Inherited Red Cell and Platelet abnormalities, Inherited Disorders of the Immune System, and other Metabolic Disorders. 

The success rate of Stem Cell treatment in other countries is remarkable when using the patients’ own harvested stem cells. However, clinical trials are still in progress for patients being treated with other people’s stem cell. Currently, there are reports of promising results for Cerebral Palsy patients who underwent Stem Cell treatment in other countries using stem cells of other patients. Another clinical trials which Cordlife is pursuing is the treatment of other illnesses such as Kidney Transplant, Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack), Ovarian cancer, Traumatic Brain Injury, Hearing loss, HIV, and others. 

With all these developments and innovations in medical science, it’s hard not to wonder if such technology was already present at the time when James was born. I can’t help but imagine all the things he can do, now that he is already 19 years old. As of now, we can only wish and pray that someday, new innovations and developments may arise so that more miracles can come to the lives of people who are inflicted with unfortunate conditions.