| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
| ||
|
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Friday, March 1, 2024
THE STANDS: An Inquirer Sports Newsletter
Sharon Cuneta reminds fans: Money amounts to nothing if we’re unhealthy
By: Anne Pasajol
INQUIRER.net / 11:13 AM March 01, 2024
Sharon Cuneta recalled how she shifted to a healthier lifestyle when she turned 50, saying this decision “changed” her life and improved her well-being.
The Megastar, who has been vocal about her health ordeals, underscored the importance of prioritizing one’s health, through a vlog on her YouTube channel on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
“I lost weight when I decided I really wanted to change my life and my outlook on health, and improve the way I live every day,” she said.
The veteran actress-singer then spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a “wake-up call” not just for her but for the public as well.
“It showed us the reality of the old saying na gamit na gamit na pero totoo, ‘yung ‘health is wealth,” she stated. “Because kahit nga naman ano ang pag-aari mo, kahit gaano ka kayaman o kaligaya sa buhay mo, kung hindi okay ang health mo or you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything na meron tayo—if we’re unhealthy.”
(It showed us the reality of the old and very common saying: “Health is wealth.” Because whatever you own, however rich or happy you are with your life, if you don’t have good health or if you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything that we own—if we’re unhealthy.)
Opening up more on her realizations during the pandemic, she continued, “Sabi nila, most health conditions are caused by stress so you have to be careful about that.”
“Finding this out really made me appreciate that I thought of shifting to a healthier lifestyle. I was 50 when I made that decision,” she looked back. “I wanted to create a better version of myself and that was exactly eight years ago.”
Cuneta earlier appealed for prayers as she disclosed that some aspects of her body’s condition had worsened, and that she had to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In her most recent health update, she revealed she has been undergoing physical therapy because her leg has been in pain and that she has been limping for more than a month.
Senior citizens need not show prescription for OTC drugs
FDA CLARIFICATION Complaints about pharmacies requiring a doctor’s prescription for seniors buying over-the-counter medicines have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a clarification. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM March 01, 2024
Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including vitamins and food supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The clarification made under FDA Advisory No. 2024-0429 and signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate was issued on Wednesday. It was addressed to all drug outlets, hospital pharmacies and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion.
According to the FDA, Administrative Order No. 2012-0007-A of the Department of Health (DOH) states that those age 60 and above are not required to get a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of a 20-percent discount in “the purchase of OTC medicines.”
Under the DOH administrative order, medicines are defined as “prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, including vitamins and mineral supplements medically prescribed by the attending physician and approved by the [DOH and FDA], which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease or sickness.”
The 20-percent discount privilege for seniors is provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.Requirements
Citing the law, the FDA noted that in order to avail themselves of the discount, seniors or their representatives can present any form of identification (senior citizens ID card, passport or document) showing their birthday. They must also bring their purchase slip booklets for recording purposes (name of OTC medicine purchased, quantity, when and where it was purchased).
In an earlier radio interview, FDA spokesperson Pamela Angeline Sevilla said they had been receiving complaints from the elderly about pharmacies asking for doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing OTC drugs.
“This should not be the case, because it is clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status,” she added.
The FDA instead urged pharmacies and similar establishments to assist and educate the elderly in distinguishing between prescription and OTC drugs to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
“Let’s help our seniors instead of asking them for a prescription even if we know that the medicine they are buying is OTC and does not need one in the first place,” Sevilla said.
To determine whether a medicine is a “prescription drug (RX)” or OTC drug, the public can access verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php. which lists down all of the nearly 30,000 FDA-registered human medicines available.
Senior citizens can also file complaints before the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective local government units against pharmacies that do not comply with RA 9994.
The FDA warned that establishments which fail to honor the 20-percent discount on medicines for the elderly face imprisonment ranging from two to six years, plus a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense.
Their business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges may also be revoked by authorities.
If the offender is a corporation, partnership or company with a similar structure, its officials such as the president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer charged with managing its business affairs shall also be held liable.
Globe empowers youth creativity at CCP’s Pasinaya Festival 2024
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.
Globe has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young creatives and celebrating artistic innovation through its latest collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for Pasinaya Festival 2024.
The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.
Held on Feb. 2 to 4 at the CCP Complex, Pasinaya Festival 2024 offered an "experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can" scheme, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in a diverse array of over a hundred shows, screenings, workshops, and activities spanning music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.
"Globe remains committed to nurturing the youth, offering them opportunities to learn and improve their skills from an early age. The Pasinaya Festival showcased a variety of workshops and performances across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of creativity we support. Our partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for this festival is just the beginning of the creative partnerships we aim to build this year," remarked Giv Florida, Director and Head of Globe Prepaid.
In line with Globe's mission to empower the next generation of creators, the company's support for Pasinaya 2024 was multifaceted.
Through Globe Hangouts, festival-goers were treated to an array of enriching activities, from virtual reality (VR) on the Hangouts Bus to designing their own tote bags with Dripsplash PH.
Likewise, attendees were able to sign up for GoWATCH: Art Animation Masterclasses for free, ensuring that even those who missed certain talks could catch up via the Globe Hangouts website.
Globe also facilitated discussions with members of Graphic Artists Philippines and Philippine Graphic Artists to share insights on their communities, community-building efforts, and how the company has supported their creative endeavors.
Those who wanted to make a difference also had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of families facing involuntary hunger by donating their Globe Rewards points to the Hapag Movement via the GlobeOne app.
Globe’s support expanded beyond just experiences to include essential technological infrastructure. Provisioning a robust network played a crucial role in enabling the seamless live streaming of various festival activities and providing outstanding connectivity for all attendees.
Pasinaya Festival 2024 seamlessly aligns with Globe's "Go Lang Nang Go" core message, motivating young individuals to engage deeply with their interests, seek out new experiences, and navigate the complex yet rewarding path of self-discovery.
Globe is dedicated to being a pillar of innovation, enabling Gen Z creators driven by passion to pursue their interests and achieve significant milestones through platforms designed for genuine self-expression. Watch out for updates from Globe on similar events and activities.
YUME Sets the Stage for A More Rewarding Music Experience for Filipino Music Listeners
Manila, Philippines: Newly launched global music brand YUME is set to launch a series of roadshows in top Asian cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao to introduce its suite of services, which includes rewarding music listeners whenever they stream music on the YUME platform.
Revolutionizing the Music Landscape
Officially launched on January 28, 2024, YUME has onboarded over 1000 users and approximately 200 artists, all drawn to its distinctive music publishing and streaming experience. Music copyright holders can enjoy expedited discovery, better royalties management, career-enhancing tools, and unique global opportunities. Musicians can also publish with YUME for free, which makes the platform appealing to independent artists. Music listeners, on the other hand, are not left behind. With a YUME premium subscription, members can enjoy multiple income streams whenever they stream content or invite others to the community.
A Dream for Music Enthusiasts
Music streaming is among the top internet activities for Filipinos, with the number of music streamers forecasted to reach 6.3 million in 2027, largely due to the country's high internet penetration rate and increasing smartphone usage. Music streaming is also among the top influencers when it comes to music discovery. YUME is poised to take advantage of the growing interest of Filipino users by offering a unique rewards system.
Fintech guru and CTO Anthony Yap defines the brand’s offering: "We aim to create a platform that transcends the mere enjoyment of music - we want to make YUME a product that provides a benefit rather than just an expense.” Compared to other streaming platforms, YUME premium members can enjoy earning rewards that can be traded for merch discounts, early access content, brand partner rewards, or even cash. Premium members accumulate streaming points when they consume content on the platform and earn substantial commissions by inviting others to join the dynamic YUME music community. YUME also offers a profit-sharing program, which augments members’ earnings.
Serial entrepreneur and YUME’s CEO Edward Bruce Ybañez is positive that the platform is set for worldwide adoption. "Our business model is designed to empower individuals of all ages, ensuring that anyone with a mobile device can earn income anytime, anywhere.”
A Great Advantage for Musicians
Eric Lagrimas, Publishing Director and Berklee Music alumni, expressed his excitement about how YUME changes the music industry for the better. "YUME represents a paradigm shift for independent artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their music to a captive audience while rewarding engagement," Lagrimas emphasized. By publishing unsigned artists on the platform, users are incentivized when they listen to new music. This creates a great advantage for artists onboarded on YUME - with potentially thousands of listeners streaming daily on the platform within the quarter, published songs on the platform are in for sure discovery, and potentially, virality.
Musicians can then take advantage of their unique position, which is immediate access to their listeners. Johann Bontuyan, YUME’s president, audio engineering authority, and recording studio proprietor from Cebu, emphasized this unique appeal, stating, "When it comes to redefining streaming and music, only YUME Music offers a platform where music lovers can connect, collaborate, and earn simultaneously. Our innovative approach will reshape your streaming experience."
A Lasting Impact for Musicians and Music Listeners
Distinguished live concert producer and company’s Chief Visionary Officer Jason Purino highlighted YUME's overarching mission, emphasizing its commitment to fostering transformative experiences. "Our core values and ethical principles are the cornerstone of our venture, setting us apart in the industry. I am eagerly anticipating the positive impact YUME will have on people's lives."
YUME is currently on a roadshow across major cities in the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, culminating in a grand launch event in Dubai. This global initiative highlights YUME's commitment to making its mark on the international music landscape. To learn more about the platform or to join the roadshow, visit www.yume.global.
PRESS CONTACT
Jason Purino