You will need to be wealthy to be healthy

By: Moira G. Gallaga - @inquirerdotnet

I flew in to the Philippines more than two months ago to attend to some family business matters. Two weeks into my stay, I experienced frequent bouts of nausea, fatigue, an outbreak of rashes and blemishes on my skin, vomiting, and difficulty keeping down food. As I have autoimmune and gastrointestinal issues, it appears that these symptoms were being triggered all at once.

Then, just a little over a week prior to my scheduled departure back to Sweden, I fainted and dropped to the floor. I was out very briefly. This has happened to me before, the most recent being in February this year. As soon as I could, I went to the emergency room of a private hospital to get myself checked.

My three-day hospital confinement made me think about and raise questions related to the health-care system in the Philippines. First of all, I wish to point out that we have very good and capable medical professionals and staff, and a number of both public and private hospitals are, likewise, of good quality. While there continues to be significant gaps and issues concerning the health-care system and services in the Philippines, there has been growing improvement over the years. The passage of the Universal Health Care Act in 2019 has strengthened PhilHealth’s ability to provide better coverage as the country’s public health insurance provider. Efforts are also underway to pass additional public health-care-related laws to further improve the situation, though these are currently facing funding challenges.

Given that quality health-care services and treatment are available in the Philippines, what came to my mind, in light of my hospitalization, is access to them. Perhaps, in terms of preventive and primary care and services, there are more options and opportunities for access, especially in cities and large towns. What I would like to focus on though are cases involving serious and life-threatening diseases or injuries that require highly specialized treatment and facilities. In this situation, the options are mostly narrowed down to private hospitals, access to which will be significantly hampered by the costs involved.

I am fortunate that, in addition to my PhilHealth, I also have private medical insurance coverage. As of 2019, there are around four million Filipinos with access to health maintenance organizations, 90 percent of which are under corporate plans. Then again, not all medical insurance policies are the same. The better and more comprehensive the coverage with higher benefit limits and lower out-of-pocket expense and deductibles, the higher the premium. If you work for a company that provides a generous health-care package, then good for you. Then again, even if the policy isn’t that comprehensive, it is far better than having none at all.

Furthermore, while 90 percent of the population is reported to be registered with PhilHealth, a study has shown that Filipinos still shoulder 34 to 44.7 percent of out-of-pocket expenses even as members of this state health insurer. So just imagine what patients and their family go through if they don’t have any insurance coverage at all.

Aside from worrying about the effects of the disease or injury and the outcome of any treatment administered, there is the added stress and pressure of scraping up the money to cover the hospital bill, the doctors’ fees, and cost of medication. Even after the money is somehow raised and the treatment is successful, the family will most likely be saddled with considerable debt.

These issues need to be tackled. For many families and individuals, all it takes is for one member to develop a very serious disease or get life-threatening injuries for them to lose everything they’ve saved up for, and get their lives upended. How all these can be effectively addressed, I leave to those who know better about these matters. As they say, “health is wealth,” but given the current state of things, it appears that you will need to be wealthy in order to be healthy.

Moira G. Gallaga served three Philippine presidents as presidential protocol officer, and was posted as a diplomat at the Philippine consulate general in Los Angeles, and the Philippine Embassy in Washington.

Cloudy skies, scattered rains to prevail over parts of Visayas, Mindanao

Two weather systems are expected to bring cloudy and rainy conditions to parts of Visayas and Mindanao in the next 24 hours, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, July 1.

IRONMAN 70.3 Davao returns with new course, stronger support

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Jun 30, 2024 10:55 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• With an exciting new course, new backers and full support from the host city, the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines promises to surpass all previous editions of this premier endurance race in terms of participation, prestige and challenge when it is held on Aug. 11.

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With an exciting new course, new backers and full support from the host city, the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines promises to surpass all previous editions of this premier endurance race in terms of participation, prestige and challenge when it is held on Aug. 11.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte (second from right) poses with (from left) Davao City asst. City Administrator Atty. Tristan Domingo; RLC Residences Trade and Events officer Jackie Lou Tolentino; RLC Residences Brand Management head Dan Carlos Torres; and Princess Galura, general manager of the organizing IRONMAN Group Philippinesm, during the launch of IRONMAN 70.3 Davao.

“The event has proven to be very successful in the past three stagings, not only for the city government but also for the business sector. We truly value hosting the event and will give our full support,” said Davao City Assistant City Administrator Atty. Tristan Domingo. “As the athletes are doing their training, the team in the city government is also preparing to be in top shape for the event.”

Aboitiz will be the event’s presenting sponsor, following the signing of a three-year contract in Davao City. Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink joins as another new partner, along with the continuing support of RLC Residences for IRONKIDS Davao and 2GO for the Gwapa Dabawenya event. This strong backing is expected to attract a banner field across various age categories. 

A highlight of this year’s race is the brand-new course along the new Davao City Coastal Road. Athletes will face a new challenge as they swim 1.9km parallel to the coast, bike 90km towards the MacArthur Highway, and return to the coastal road for the 21.1km run to the finish line.

Since its inception in 2018, IRONMAN 70.3 Davao has been well-supported by the local community. The city comes alive with cultural shows, festivities and a competitive team spirit, attracting athletes from all over the Philippines and other countries. In fact, Davao City was recently recognized as the second safest city in Southeast Asia in the Numbeo Southeast Asia Safety Index for 2023, making it an ideal destination for global events like this.

“We have been here in Davao for 78 years. We are proud sponsors of many events and efforts of the city, and we thank Davao for their forward-thinking and promotion of a healthy lifestyle,” said Jokin Aboitiz, Deputy COO of AboitizPower Distribution Utilities. AboitizPower, an energy solutions company providing reliable and affordable power across the country, champions sustainability initiatives that improve the quality of life through the positive impact of sports and a healthy lifestyle.

The official inclusion of Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink in the IRONMAN Group Philippines events this year will greatly benefit the athletes. Ikigai Nutri Sciences Inc., the distributor of Ion+ in the Philippines, will provide hydration for athletes, ensuring they achieve their goals with a balanced mix of sodium, glucose, and other essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Adding excitement to the event is IRONKIDS on Aug. 10, a duathlon featuring a run-bike-run competition for athletes aged 6-15 years old. A special IRONKIDS run will also be held, with a 1km course for kids aged 6-10 and a 3km course for those aged 11-15.

The 2GO Gwapa Dabawenya Run on Aug. 9 will kick off the big IRONMAN weekend. This 5k fun run has already drawn an impressive 2,000 participants just three days after registration opened.

Meanwhile, listup for the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Davao powered by Aboitiz and the RLC IRONKIDS Davao is ongoing. For details, visit ironman.com/im703-davao-philippines.

Backers of the event, organized by The IRONMAN Group, are VinFast, Active, HOKA, ROKA and Breitling (global premier partners); Athletic Brewing Co., FulGaz, Hyperice, Qatar Airways, Santini, AG1 and Wahoo (global technical partners); Always Advancing, Compressport, Ekoi and Nirvana (Asia supplier partners); and media partners Outside+ and Sportograf.

Geraldine Jennings excited to debut in movies, beauty pageant

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Aside from her film career, Geraldine is set on entering a national beauty pageant.

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Geraldine Jennings 

Newbie Irish-British-Filipino actress Geraldine Jennings stated that she is fully committed to pursuing a career in the Philippine showbiz industry after obtaining her college degree in London. However, that's two years away. She is determined to graduate from the University of London with a degree in economics and finance.

During a mini press conference in Timog, Quezon City, Geraldine recently expressed her excitement about her debut film, "La Isla Babuyan," which is now in post-production.

"La Isla Babuyan" tells the story of Anastassia (Geraldine), a young half-Filipina and half-European girl who comes to the Philippines to be with her Filipino mother, Rose (Lotlot De Leon). 

Anastasia meets and falls in love with the handsome Jordan (Jameson Blake), who is the scion and heir of a wealthy family. But the conflict begins when Jordan's stepmother (Nathalie Hart) cannot accept Anastassia and will do everything to keep them apart.

Jessie Vilabrille wrote the screenplay from a story he conceptualized with Leo Dominguez and Bam Salvani. Dennis Evangelista line-produced it, and Abdel Langit directed it.

“La Isla Babuyan” is inspired by director Bigas Luna’s film “Jamon, Jamon,” starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem (1992).

On working with Jameson, Geraldine said: “Very professional naman si Jameson. I am an actor, he is an actor, and he was super helpful to me. He was very comfortable to work with. That’s part of the job.

“He was a very good actor and a very nice person. I was really surprised at how willing he was to help. He was very mabait and very easy to talk to. I was very comfortable working with him," said the Irish-British-Filipino talent.

Aside from her film career, Geraldine is set on entering a national beauty pageant.

Of all the existing beauty pageants nationwide, Geraldine said she's interested in Miss World Philippines.

“I want to start with Miss World, not Miss Universe right away. I don’t just want to be known as beautiful. I want to show my talent," she said. The stunning 5'8" woman stated that she is willing to undergo rigorous training for the competition.

Geraldine also shared about her upcoming songs under Star Music.

“I also have two upcoming songs, ‘Pwede Ba?’ and ‘Don’t Go,’ written by Viktoria (Agbayani). She gave me the song, Don’t Go, and I will add a remix to make it upbeat for my generation. Viktoria is also under the LBD (Management) of (the late) Leo Dominguez. I miss Leo so much. I also have an original song that’s upcoming," she said.

Geraldine added: "At a young age, I loved singing. My mom enrolled me in singing and guitar classes. I just loved it. I studied it in Los Angeles. And I grew to love the craft. Finally, I got the chance to do it. It's my passion. I love the arts."

On her showbiz influences, Geraldine said: "While I was growing up, it was Miley Cyrus. I love her music. 'Party In The USA' was my favorite. I still love her now. Her new album 'Flowers.' She's my inspiration musical-wise. Right now, Dua Lipa. I love her style. I love how she sings and how she performs. Acting-wise, I will have to say Gal Gadot. She's my favorite in 'Wonder Woman,' 'Red Notice.' Also, Margot Robbie. She is amazing in 'Barbie,' very versatile. Those are my influences." 

When she moved to the United Kingdom in 2009, she returned to the Philippines thrice a year during vacation. She has a second home in Manila.

Geraldine's mom is Gina Cariaga, a Filipino housewife and businesswoman from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, and her father is Frank Jennings, a Northern Irish international businessman.

Her mom's side comes from politics and teaching. Her mom's grandfather, Nicasio Cariaga, was the police chief and a teacher who graduated from the Philippine Normal University.

Geraldine is the second child among three equally talented sisters. She also loves equestriansports, polo, clay pigeon shooting, and. fitness and exercise. "I love pilates, indoor cycling, spinning, and running."

Baguio Midland Courier to shut down after 77 years

 

A file photo of a newsstand along Session Road, Baguio City that displays a variety of local and national newspapers.

Jap Tobias - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Baguio Midland Courier, the longest-running English community newspaper in Northern Luzon and a cornerstone of the Cordillera region's media for over seven decades, announced that it will cease operations on July 22, 2024.

Citing the global decline of print media, the company announced the difficult decision through a notice posted on its Facebook page on Sunday.

“The decision to cease publication was a difficult one and the management deeply regrets any impact this may have on our esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors, and advertisers” the notice read.

In the notice, the company expressed gratitude to its readers, advertisers and the community for their unwavering support since its founding in 1947.

While the print edition will cease, the notice hints at the possibility of "new opportunities" and "different forms" to continue their mission. Additionally, they are exploring options to preserve their archives for future generations.

The Baguio Midland Courier served the community for 77 years, delivering local and regional news to residents of Baguio and surrounding areas. The company's website remains accessible, featuring articles and archives from its extensive history.

As a final farewell, the Baguio Midland Courier, under Hamada Printers & Publishers Corp., will publish three final issues on July 7th, 14th and 21st, inviting advertisers and supporters to participate.

What if I don't have the German skill A1 level and my husband wants to take me with him to Germany?

 

Maria Arango-Kure

Mexican, former Colombian, currently German

567 followers

465 following

Does it mean I won't be given a marriage visa?

Originally Answered: What if l don't have the German skill A1 level and my husband wants to take me with him to German does it mean l won't be given the marriage visa?

Exactly. The spouse visa requirements are very clear and the officials at the consulate won’t even take your application unless you have all the paperwork they have asked for including the certificate of the A1 exam.

The requirement to learn German at an A1 level comes from the idea that if you’re living in the country you need to be able to at least say your name, where you live, read the most basic of signs, answer and understand when being spoken to by the authorities and find your way home if you get lost. It seems reasonable.

Luckily the A1 exam does not require a lot of study or preparation. It’s a very basic level of German that is required. You can use online apps like Babbel (it’s the one I used to learn German up to B2) and download a number of example exams from the Goethe Institute website to prepare. A few weeks time should be more than enough to get there especially if your husband can help you study.

The listening part is arguably the toughest, you get two chances to listen to very short messages and answer questions.

The writing part is mostly about filling out forms and writing postcards.

The reading part is about reading signs and very short texts.

For speaking, it’s a group round and you mostly ask questions about a topic and answer the question that is asked of you. At the beginning you have to introduce yourself, this is something you can memorize and parrot back when needed.

Once you are in Germany, to turn your visa into a residence permit, if you only have the A1 and don’t have a higher education degree that puts you in the highly qualified range you might be asked to do an integration/German course that brings you to B1

Easterlies to bring rains over parts of Luzon, Mindanao — PAGASA

 

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

June 30, 2024 | 10:08am

MANILA, Philippines — Portions of Luzon and Mindanao will anticipate rain showers due to easterlies affecting the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday.

In its daily weather bulletin, PAGASA said Caraga, Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Aurora and Quezon may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the Easterlies. 

Residents of these areas are warned of possible flash floods or landslides during the rainy conditions.

Davao Region is also expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the same weather system.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms are expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

PAGASA advised that this weather conditions may also lead to possible flash floods or landslides in affected areas.

The state weather bureau reported that no tropical cyclones or low pressure areas are currently being monitored within or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The entire archipelago will experience light to moderate winds and seas.

When will the ‘Big One’ strike?

Testing our disaster preparedness

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 30, 2024 01:16 AM

  

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When will the “Big One” move the earth and cause massive destruction in the areas along the West Valley Fault?  The last time that happened was 366 years ago, in 1658. The fault traverses Metro Manila areas including Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, and Muntinlupa as well as nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna.

The West Valley Fault moved four times in the past 1,400 years with an interval of 400 to 600 years, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has said that the movement of the West Valley Fault may generate the “Big One” at magnitude 7.2 with a “very destructive” impact at Intensity VIII. Also, the “movement of offshore trenches particularly the Manila Trench and Philippine Trench may generate a magnitude 8.0 earthquake with ground shaking intensities of VII and VIII in Luzon.”

The result of this would be damage of trillions of pesos and “37,000 fatalities and 605,000 ‘slight to life-threatening’ injuries may be recorded in Metro Manila alone, based on the Risk Analysis Project of Phivolcs and the University of the Philippines, Diliman Institute of Civil Engineering (UPD ICE) in 2013.

That is why being prepared for the “Big One” has been a major program of the OCD, with the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) as the centerpiece program which started in 2006.

Days ago, the agency held the second quarter NSED which not only tested but also demonstrated how it has developed coordinated efforts with other units outside of Metro Manila to deal with possible scenarios.  The exercise tested the efficiency of the Harmonized National Contingency Plan (HNCP) which details the coordination efforts of the national and local governments.
A full-scale exercise lasting for hours was held in different training areas featuring various possible scenarios. Among these were the activation of a central incident management after the simulated earthquake, the establishment of emergency operations center, a search and rescue  mission on a collapsed structure, a mass casualty incident management and activation of the response cluster – all of these state that government continues to work on disaster preparedness. 

The exercise simulated the arrival of the first wave of assisting Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) in Metro Manila which are the units from Ilocos for the north sector; from Cagayan Valley for the east sector; from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for west sector; and from the Bicol Region for the south sector.

Clearly, the preparedness program has gone beyond the “duck, cover and hold” which is what has been shown each time the earthquake exercises are held. 

The exercises should not only elicit admiration from the public but should push communities and households to review their own preparedness for such a disaster scenario.  Resilience to disaster starts in the home where the first response to emergency will save lives. 

Use the day to review your preparedness.  Do you have a go-bag, or have you checked your go-bag’s contents for expired goods and needed medicines of family members?  Do you have a plan on where all members of the family should meet after the disaster because mobile signals may be unavailable for communication.  Has your house been checked recently for the integrity of its structure? 

While the government agencies continue to conduct the quarterly earthquake drills, individuals show.

Gilas Girls thump Samoa to reach U18 Asia Cup Division B final

BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Gilas Pilipinas girls team pulled away late and dispatched a stubborn Samoa side, 71-47, to reach the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B Finals on Saturday, June 29 at the Futian Sports Park in Shenzhen, China.

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The Gilas Pilipinas girls team pulled away late and dispatched a stubborn Samoa side, 71-47, to reach the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B Finals on Saturday, June 29 at the Futian Sports Park in Shenzhen, China.

Gilas girls makes their pose after marching into the Asia Cup U18 Division B final (FIBA Photo)

The Filipinas, who have been struggling with slow starts in the first three frames, finally caught fire and turned in a massive 16-2 start in the final period to shake off the hard-fighting Samoans and move one win away from earning the long coveted Division A promotion.

Ava Fajardo led the way for Gilas with 19 points built on three triples while Naomi Panganiban backstopped her with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals.

Alicia Villanueva also chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds while Sophia Canindo was a spark off the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and four steals.

Gabby Ramos also held the fort inside the paint with nine points, eight rebounds, five steals and a block for the Filipinas, who already eclipsed their third-place finish in the last edition of the tournament in 2022.

The Filipinas now await the winner of the other semifinal pairing between Lebanon and Iran to determine their final opponent.

After sweeping the group stage with a perfect 2-0 record, the Gilas Girls opened the contest ice-cold with only three points on the board through the first six minutes.  

Good thing, their defense also held on and limited Samoa to three points as well before going on a 14-2 closeout to take a double-digit spread, 17-5 at the end of the first frame.

Gilas then had to overcome some tense moments in the second quarter as Samoa trimmed its deficit to only four points, 25-21, before they somehow regained their footing to keep a 31-23 lead at the break.

Samoa threatened once more early in the third frame, cutting the lead down to just five, 34-39, before key hits from Villanueva, Panganiban and Fajardo kept their opponents at bay. 

Gilas never let Samoa come close from thereon as the lead ballooned to as many as 26 points, 71-45 with 1:39 left in the game.

'ASAP Natin 'To' features hit performances from BINI

Plus grand acts from Gary, Martin, Regine, Kim, Joshua and many more

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 30, 2024 07:55 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Close the weekend with a bang as “ASAP” icons Martin, Regine, Ogie, Zsa Zsa, Kyla, and Erik gift viewers with amazing renditions of Cecile Alarcon hits.

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The BINI fever continues as viewers will be treated with stunning performances from the Nation’s Girl Group BINI this Sunday (June 30) in "ASAP Natin 'To" on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, at TV5.

Look back on the Grand “Pantropiko” performance of BINI alongside AC Bonifacio, Chie Filomeno, Darren Espanto, Maymay, Gela Atayde, Joao Constancia, Jameson Blake, Jeremy Glinoga, Ken San Jose, and Race Matias. Continue the fun with the group’s performance of “Salamin, Salamin.” 

Catch the star-studded cowboy-themed performance from Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Vina Morales, Kim Chiu, KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, Janella Salvador, Jeremy Glinoga, Alexa Ilacad, Jona, Klarisse De Guzman, AC Bonifacio, Bituin Escalante, Frenchie Dy, Jolina Magdangal, Jason Dy, Gela Atayde, and Joao Constancia. They will be joined by dance groups G-Force, Ignite, and MNVRS Ignite.

Join the dance royalties Joshua Garcia, Kyle Echarri, Darren, Jameson, Joao, Jeremy, AC, Ken, Gela, alongside G-Force, Legit Status, and Ignite for the ultimate dance performance featuring astig OPM songs. Don’t miss an electrifying clash dance number from Vina, Chie, and Anji Salvacion, with D’ Grind.

Watch the surprise collab performance of “Stupid In Love” from Alexa and international singer-songwriter Max. Follow it up with a dazzling dance performance from BGYO.

Make your hearts melt as singer-songwriters Yeng Constantino, Nyoy Volante, KZ Tandingan, Ice Seguerra, KD Estrada, Kice, and Fana bring heartwarming performances of their hit original songs. 

More musical treats await viewers as singing champions Jed Madela, Jona, Kyla, Frenchie, and Sheryn Regis deliver touching hugot songs, while “ASAP” divas Regine, Zsa Zsa, Vina, Bituin and Frenchie bring new flavor to “Parokya ni Edgar” songs.

Close the weekend with a bang as “ASAP” icons Martin, Regine, Ogie, Zsa Zsa, Kyla, and Erik gift viewers with amazing renditions of Cecile Alarcon hits. 

Accompanying the Kapamilya artists on stage are “ASAP” hosts Robi Domingo, Janine Gutierrez, and Edward Barbers.

Watch all these acts from the country's longest-running and award-winning musical variety show, "ASAP Natin 'To," this Sunday, 12 NN on local TV via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, A2Z, and TV5, online through Kapamilya Online Live and iWantTFC, and worldwide via TFC.