AFN 2026 Releases "Asia Pacific Declaration" in Manila

 

Took a really early trip to the city of Pasig to witness some of the most remarkable gathering of experts for the Asia Forum on N|c0+ine as they discuss matters and push for larger efforts in T0bacc0 Harm Reduction and advocating safer N|c0+ine utilization especially in Asia. 

The event was attended by Clarisse Adriatico of the Coalition of Asia Pacific T0bacc0 Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), Michael Ellis formerly of Interpol (discussed Illicit Trade), Professor Marewa Glover the Director of the Centre of Research Excellence Indigenous Sovereignity and Sm0k!ng, UST's Professor Jay Jazul, Dr. Hiroya Kumamaru of the AO1 Universal Hospital, Nancy Loucas of the Coalition of Asia Pacific T0bacc0 Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), Dr. Lorenzon Mata the President of Quit for Good, Heneaege Mitchell the founder of factasia, Commissioner Ariel Nepumoceno of the Bureau of Customs, Gabriel Oke, Professor Tikki Pangetsu, Professor Young Bum Park, Asa Saligupta, Sairah Salim Sartoni, Jagannath Sarangapani, Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Ron Christian Sison of the UST and convenor of HARAP.

They chose the Philippines for something specific and told us "We chose the Philippines because organizations here have been very supportive of the work that's being done in the entire region. So this is a kudos to them and that is why we are here."

They see a huge challenge when it comes to implementing T0bacc0 Harm Reduction (THR) measures in the region and also study the implications of it and how it causes activity in illicit markets. They also discussed this with consumers and asked for the issues they face. While THR is not accepted in most Asian countries, they are doing this to provide information so adults can give informed decisions when it comes to staying off the habit. They are advocating for availability of options for lesser harmful products and its regulation. Their call is for a broader access to safer products across the Asia Pacific region and hope that other countries would learn from those who have successfully implemented it. The 2 day forum was held at Astoria Hotel and streamed live on the CAPHRA YouTube channel.

Here's the whole press conference on video:

They presented the Asia Pacific Declaration which is  call for stakeholders (including government and public health officials, the WHO and folks in this region) to recognize risks posed by high risk combustible T0bacc0 products and show how lower risk n!c0+ine alternatives can provide options with regulated adult access with youth protection measures. This is used as an advocacy tool which participants can carry to their respective countries and submit to WHO regional offices and further their cause. They mentioned how this is evidence based, scientific, and hope governments listen to it. More materials about the cause can be found on afn.asia if you need it. 

Visit their website and social channels to participate in the discussion and to know more about it. 

Play, Learn, Grow with OATSIDE Kids

Parenting ain't a chore for most that are raising kids the right way. They want them to be well rounded, to not just stare at screens and tablets the whole day, but have ample time to also play outside, talk to other kids and build relationships too. 

According to Fred Rogers and Maria Montessori, play is like work for kids. This activity makes them learn things, like socialization, good manners, right conduct, and do simple research. It is also where human intelligence unfolds, form their imagination, and more. Powering them during these times require energy and nutrition that can be found in OATSIDE Kids. Their OATSIDE Kids Original Milk Drink alone has been fortified with calcium, Vitamin D, E, B1, B3, B6, B12 for their bones, muscles, joints, nerves, to get the nourishment they need before they go out and play.

Millennial Moms PH founder Bernadette Zulueta wants to make sure that her daughters would get the right amount of nutrition they need. She also stresses how one should give them ample amount of time for it, and would in turn become important for them as they grow. In the Philippines and clubs, OATSIDE Kids have been trusted by Moms. If you want them equipped before they go out and play, you know what to get off the shelves right?!

INOUE Health and Wellness Clinic Opens Doors in Quezon City

Good news for people in Quezon City as INOUE Health and Wellness Clinic finally opens its doors today, August 2 at their premier branch at the 2nd Floor of Casswyn Building in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. It sits right in front of GMA Network's main gate so you wouldn't miss it. This place is classy, very pleasing to the eyes and very comforting (I could say that because I've had treatments done during their soft opening). But overall, I'm glad they're finally opening their doors for the general public. 

INOUE isn't just for aesthetics (which they've got in the bag) but more of health and wellness, so the vibe you're getting here is YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF (if you haven't been doing that for ages). CEO Jiane Yu and COO John Mark Calinao says "We wanted this to be in a holistic approach so when you do come here, you will do something for your wellness. It's also about skin health, cellular health, something you could do overall. Before we even put something on the services, we tried it ourselves. We have something for aesthetics, resurfacing peel facials (without downtime), which you can do today and just go out the same day. We also have laser treatments, hair removals, botox, wellness drips, where you can go about your daily routine after it."

They talked about it lengthy on this video: 

They are FDA approved and also have doctors on site for most of their procedures. They also have hair procedures which I've done a couple weeks ago, and for those who are still contemplating of going to a place for pampering, you definitely should give this a try. They're accessible but feels very private since they're at the back of the building. The grand opening had Mayor Joy Belmonte's representative Councilor Vincent Belmonte, former PNP General Rommel Marbil and his wife, a few artists, suppliers, partners, all who wished them well in this very new venture. They know what they're doing, have the latest machines to do it, and do consultations before doing it. I feel comfortable there.

Now it's your turn to do the same. Congratulations! :)