Lovely Kim Chiu seems to be on a roll as her career comes into new heights with the recent movie entitled "Always". It's a Korean film adaptation which she has done with real life partner Xian Lim, sort of a comeback piece for KIMXI fans worldwide.
Aside from that, she's the face of Lifestrong Hairfix together with Ms. World PH 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez and current Miss Hispanoamericano PH 2022 Queen Ingrid Santamaria. They were flanked by several influencers from the beauty niche and shared their experience in making Lifestrong Hairfix the perfect solution to wavy and straight hair. Kim knows she had to make sure whenever she's out of her house, she still had to look good out in public. Kim also took part in the recognition of European Hair Factory and our very own Philippine General Hospital as the brand is also supporting cancer patients who are undergoing therapy through hair donations for cancer patients that the brand is also sternly supporting to this day.
Kim says "I've been witness to the goodness of Lifestrong and Ms. Margaret Lee. Her wish to have great hair for all was a noble cause and knowing how hair is needed by cancer patients, I'm glad they are helping a worthy cause so they too could bring back their self confidence. I'm very happy how this brings hope to those who are going through chemotherapy and treatments."
Congratulations Kim and here's to more good endorsements in the future!
Hi guys! I said that because this is for you. Have you ever checked yourself for any prostate problems? Chances are, you’ve probably passed off when you had your previous Annual Physical Exam because you’re too shy to do it. The deal is, you have to know. In the Philippines, 24% of men from ages 50-59 suffer from BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It’s when their prostate increase in size, so they get issues and discomfort in the flow of urine.
You enjoy your usual outdoor activities but with this, you’re surely going to be limited. You’re also going to be officially TITO zoned when this happens. Dr. Jay Javier of GSK’s Medical Affairs for Urology says “GSK’s mission to provide quality medicine points to doing more, we are pioneering the BPH day as 24% Filipino men have it and changes the quality of their life. This advocacy even falls on women so you can tell the men in your lives and help them get checked.”
GSK’s Emerging Market Expert for Urology Ms. Maria Capitan adds “More men should see a doctor to get relief from symptoms, when men get to age 40, the prostate gland grows and tightens the urethra - and eventually makes it difficult for them to urinate, a big discomfort when it becomes severe. The worse case scenario, they won’t be able to urinate at all. A good percentage of them would need surgery, it’s very important to diagnose early not when it starts to give them problems. There are lots of symptoms, you need to be checked for medical history, urinalysis, ipss, dre, psa and an FVC bladder diary (we score and monitor when it gets better or worse upon treatment. Inserting our finger in the rectum and feeling a bulge in that area will give us an idea, these are the things they have to go through in first consultation, we follow up with other treatment options aside from surgery. Lifestyle changes, medical treatment can also be done can significantly improve your symptoms. It can change the course of the disease so you won’t even need surgery in the long run. They can also be combined, otherwise you would need to have non invasive surgery, I hope it gives you an idea what it’s all about.”
For men ages 50 and up, you should get checked for BPH, it isn’t cancer. Frequency, urgency, nocturia, weak stream, intermittency, straining, incomplete emptying, it isn’t a small thing, so see your doctor if you know one of these symptoms.
I had an officemate a few years ago who always had charred barbecue and pigs innards for dinner quite often and he suddenly got diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He had family, a young daughter and a really good future ahead of him but he passed away at a very young age of 35. It was heartbreaking to say the least and the diagnosis really came a shock to those who knew him because everybody thought he was fine and dandy one day and suddenly meted with a few months to live the next week, nobody was really ready for that. We didn't even know if that was really the cause but we knew it was going to be a hard fight. His life was remembered, a lot of friends helped, we didn't know it was going to be that fast and this event I'm covering now felt really close to home because of that experience.
If you didn't know, the Philippines ranks among the fastest increase in mortality rate in this type of cancer in the world. Gastroenterology experts during a Colon Cancer awareness talk in Diamond Hotel announced this, and fear for people who have not been able to get screened yet for the disease. Dr. Frederick Dy laments "Colorectal Cancer rates has become really worrysome in the Philippines. It's the third most common type of cancer after lung and breast for men and women worldwide. A survey in 2012 indicates 4,901 deaths out of 8,553 incidences which means more than half diagnosed from it have perished, a very sad phenomenon." Westmont Pharmaceuticals which is a division of UNILAB partnered with the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology in building awareness for Colon Cancer, to tell about symptoms, diagnosis and treatments about this dreaded disease. They have one thing in particular that contributes to it, which delves more on the individual's lifestyle and diet.
Filipinos are still reluctant to get this screening, or even getting a checkup in general so we are prone to this type of cancer even more as we have been adapting to a more western diet. The need for information, a healthy lifestyle and early screening is the key and if Filipinos get to understand this soon, then those numbers probably would go down in the next few years. Heaven forbid something happens to you and your family, we don't want that to happen. Colorectal Cancer is preventable, treatable, remember that!
I see he's still one of the most underrated actors in the Philippines today.
Don't put any weight on that statement yet, because from where I'm seeing it, there's still a LOT of things people don't know about Derrick Monasterio. He just turned 21 a few days ago but he didn't spend it outside on a drinking spree like what's expected of young men who may have come of age. He did a good deed and decided to visit the Lung Center of the Philippines's Onco ward so he could get to spend time with kids that are suffering leukemia and other ailments. You might think this is actually a small thing he's doing but no, I saw with my own eyes how their faces lit up seeing a celebrity visit the hospital in his own time. I think in some way, the kids were a little inspired just by seeing him. He said something quite nice too during that small program they prepared for the kids.
Derrick also visited a couple of rooms because some of the kids were still a little weak and couldn't walk that much. Parents were so happy taking photos of them and their kids, it's not everyday that this happens!
"Being sick is NOT going to be a hindrance, please remember to get well and study, try to still get to school because when I was not doing anything, I thought I would still get further by studying well. It's like giving back for all the hardships of your parents. I know you are on your way to get better." said Derrick Monasterio.
This cute kid gave Derrick Monasterio a big surprise, she sang a song for him and she was good!
Some of the kids were too shy to approach him so Derrick went to them instead. Some of them literally just came in from chemo therapy and couldn't move that much so they skipped some parts of the program where they needed to play. Pretty heart wrenching to see them in that condition, but I'm hopeful they will be better.
Some of the Moms and Dads were actually excited, took selfies and shots with the GMA Artist even after the event.
Thanks to GMA Artist Center, Unisilver Time (who gave the kids really cute watches!), Belo, Bench, Skechers, Aura Ruz and Omizu Beautifying Natural Spring Water for giving the kids food, drinks and gifts. They are Derrick's sponsors too for the event.
Derrick personally inserted the straws on the doy packs. He must have wanted not to hurt those cute little hands.
Then when it was time for lunch, Derrick didn't just sit in one corner, he made sure to make it a point to talk to the kids while they were eating. It was honestly cute to see him give them encouragement knowing how hard this is for them. The treatments, the things their parents are going through, it's a lot. It was a bit sad but the general feel was positive, I felt that moment was reinforcing the kids so they would feel encouraged to be better. I think that's what they need now.
We then interviewed Derrick about this, his future plans, the GMA Heart Over Hate campaign, and his recent addition to Regal Film's roster of artists. Here it is on video.
Derrick as he said on the video will be performing with other GMA Artists on OH BOY! together with Aljur Abrenica, Jake Vargas and Rocco Nacino. It will be at the Music Museum on September 23, 2016. He's also set to be in his own film with Regal Films, but have yet to confirm this with Mother Lily, Ms. Roselle Monteverde real soon. Derrick still has a LOT to offer and who knows, if he keeps this up he would get blessed even more in the coming years. He also hopes people would go and help these kids and their families too because you can just imagine how much they need to spend for treatments and stuff. His wish includes that the kids get better as well. You did good on this day Derrick!
He's a gentle soul, has a good heart and a very down to earth guy. He isn't your average joe because he's special. Happy Birthday Derrick! Thank you for always being so nice to me, it ain't getting unnoticed!
I always believed in this guy. He's one of the most genuine people I know in the entertainment industry. He's celebrating his birthday this month and he did it with a purpose. We went and visited a small non profit organization in Manila called Bahay Aruga. They take care and provide shelter for Cancer patients who live from faraway provinces and need to be in Manila so they can get the care that they need. Judging from the looks of it, Bahay Aruga is in dire straits. They were in a rough situation because they couldn't even get the funds to pay for their electric bills. They also have problems with food supplies because they couldn't get enough of it with the donations they get from people. It's tough and the situation with the patients are not that good either. This cause is very close to Rocco's heart because his own Mom is a cancer survivor. They've dealt with this in the past and you feel they understand the patients as much because they've been through it.
Proud Mommy Linda has nothing but good words with her son Rocco. He's been a very good example to the youth and does a lot of things and charities which he doesn't publicize because he secretly does these things in the past. This time, he really thought that Bahay Aruga could really get at least publicized so a lot more people could get the help they needed because they really need more sponsors.
This also is much like a family affair because his equally good looking younger brother Kyle and Dad Ralph was also there to join them. Kyle even joined Rocco in one of the dance numbers because they really felt they had to at least give these kids, their families and guardians something to be happy about during Rocco's birthday. Kyle was a really good sport too.
Here's a short video of Rocco's arrival, that dance number and a short interview with him.
Mommy Linda was also very happy that a lot of people showed interest in helping them help the shelter by bringing in presents for the kids, school supplies, food and even money to purchase medicines for them. The family, some of their friends, Mommy Linda's alumni friends from abroad, their family and the Roccofellas contributed what they can so they can help Bahay Aruga and the patients there. She also shared her experience and continued to encourage the kids not to lose hope because they too will get better and survive this ordeal. Mom Linda went through the same things these kids are going through. It was the opportune time to make them realize it was possible with God's grace!
The Roccofellas are not like fans for Rocco, to him they're his friends who have sternly supported them all these years. There are professionals, students, teens who have always been there for the charitable work he's done in the past. They also helped a lot in preparing this event together with the folks from GMA Artist Center. They also gave a speech to thank Rocco and his family for giving them the chance to help them during this celebration. They also promised to help in the future ones in support of their man, Rocco Nacino.
The people from Bahay Aruga couldn't even hold back their tears when they received the supplies and gifts that Rocco gave them during this occasion. They need all the help they can get and wishes more people would be able to help them help more kids in the future. The place is pretty small and aside from rice, they were given school supplies, food and toiletry for which they need now. They also need funding so they can pay for the electricity bill of the shelter since they use light and electric fans to keep the place habitable.
Rocco then began thanking all his sponsors including Nisce, Zagu, Pandelton, Fernando's Bakeshop, Bench and other people who gave their unconditional support so he could help kids in the pediatric cancer shelter which is located right beside Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Rocco would also like to thank his Mc Donald's family for sending over lunch for the kids and getting a fun guest to appear and dance for the kids. Hello Grimace! Rocco says the smiles of these kids are really priceless and you can't trade that for anything else in this life. He finds comfort in knowing that he has inspired and helped them in his own little way.
We didn't see Lovi Poe during that afternoon as she might be still busy with other projects. I asked Rocco if he thinks Lovi is the one and he answered very hopeful that she is the one. He's also given interest in saving up for the future and says for now, they're both going to be busy with their careers preparing for that. He wants to also buy a house of his own and get more projects in the next few years. They're both enjoying what they have for now and he only wishes to be able to help more charitable institutions like these in different places in the Philippines. He will work hard for the meantime and see what the future holds for him, his family and future with Lovi.
Aside from that, Rocco is busy with Balut Country. This is their entry to Sinag Maynila, a film festival headed by Brilliante Mendoza. It is still showing today in major SM Cinemas. Please see SM website for schedules!
Happy happy birthday Rocco! Stay blessed and grounded. I am so happy to see you where you are now!
For those who would want to help Bahay Aruga, please proceed to their office which is right beside Emilio Aguinaldo College in Manila. It's the second door on the street so you won't miss it!
We went back to CHILDHAUS in Mapangakit Street, Quezon City to celebrate the birthday GMA's Lauren Young. She's part of the hit show "Hiram na Alaala" which she's doing together with Dennis Trillo, Rocco Nacino and Kris Bernal. She wanted to be with the kids who are in dire straights so she could actually help, or just simply spend time with them. These kids have different ailments including cancer and this shelter caters to them so they don't have to go to far flung provinces to get treatment for it. They are indigent and when Lauren arrived (straight from school) the kids welcomed her by performing on stage, they were good, that made Lauren even cry a bit.
It included a song to thank her too so that part made Lauren get touched even more. This was really a sweet gesture from the kids!
Since it's Lauren's birthday, she had sponsors help her give gifts to the kids. All the things you see here, will be given to the foundation, the parents and the kids. Lauren thanked GMA Artist Center for preparing this event. She also thanked Monreo Biscuits, Thai Tea, Mogu Mogu, Sun Cellular, Active White, Zagu and Kambal Pandesal who chipped in to make this event possible.
She also started to sit down with them and do a little story telling. It taught the kids how to love their parents which was so fit in this occasion. They also joined the games GMA Artist Center prepared for them. Even if some of them looked sick, the smile on their faces tell us otherwise. There were several survivors in the center too that told us their story and how CHILDHAUS helped them during the toughest times. It only means that this place put up by private organizations is doing it's purpose, to ultimately help those who need a place to stay when undergoing chemotherapy.
Lauren couldn't thank the people enough for giving her a meaningful way to spend her birthday. Her wish is for everyone, including herself to have a better year ahead. She also wishes the kids could get better and have their family behind them all throughout their battle with cancer. Some of the kids we visited there a few months ago were gone but they said some got to get home already. That was great news, but for some who we still saw in the shelter, they still need our help. I hope this Christmas, you could get to celebrate the holidays with them too. Or if not, try to help you local charities as much as you can, not only in material things, but time.. precious time.. that would be a great thing to make them heal faster, I'm sure of that!
Happy happy birthday Lauren Young and I hope to get to interview you soon for Hiram Na Alaala. I wish I could visit their set again sometime soon. Thank you to GMA Artist Center for having us once again!
