NEW Pampers Sensitive Wipes make cleaning poo a breeze for parents

_{NEW Pampers Sensitive Wipes is ultra-soft and strong and does not tear easily – for a gentle but effective clean that helps protect baby’s delicate skin from skin rash} 

Manila, Philippines – Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced parent, it’s a known fact that with every precious baby also comes a lot of mess to clean! Everything from feeding your baby, playing, and especially diaper changing, comes with its fair share of mess, but it doesn’t mean cleaning up can’t be easy.

To make cleaning a breeze for you and your baby, Pampers, the No.1 diaper brand in the world, is here to help you with the launch of the NEW Pampers Sensitive Wipes that offers gentle but effective clean for your baby.

Pampers Sensitive Wipes comes with soft and thick fluffy sheets that enable gentle, effective cleansing without easily tearing. Every sheet is guaranteed to be PH-balanced, paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free, and alcohol-free with Pampers’ unique formula that helps protect your baby’s skin from diaper rash. It is dermatologically tested to be suitable for sensitive skin making it safe for your baby’s bum. 

“Pampers continuously aims to deliver the best products for baby's healthy development such as providing quality diapers suitable for baby's delicate skin,” said Akhil Meshram, Pampers Country Leader. “This is why we are launching Pampers Sensitive Wipes, to offer gentle and effective cleaning for baby especially when diaper changing.”

For beginner parents, it’s important that you have these essentials when doing a newborn diaper change: a clean and dry surface, clean diapers, sensitive wipes.

Using baby wipes to add to your diaper-changing routine leaves the baby feeling fresh after every wipe. Use wipes to clean the baby’s diaper region, wiping from front to back without missing out the sides and the outside areas, and then wait for the skin to dry before putting on a fresh diaper. 

With every diaper change, using a trusted sensitive baby wipe like Pampers helps in minimizing the risk of diaper rash. Because not all wipes are created equal, some easily tear apart. A good tip for parents is to choose wipes that are gentle and strong enough to properly wipe baby’s poo without tearing, so you use less wipes as you clean more.  

Pampers Sensitive Wipes offers parents that advantage to clean up poo and wipe’s baby’s bum with its safe ingredients and effective cleaning feature, which are also gentle to use on the hands and body too. 

  

“From my eldest hanggang sa bunso, laki sa Pampers ang mga yan. I’ve always believed that Pampers is the best diaper brand for my kids because they understand parents’ sentiments on what babies’ need, like how to avoid baby diaper rash and importance of diaper change. Trying the new Pampers Sensitive Wipes, super satisfied ako kasi ang gentle sa skin ni Marius and super effective! It was love at first wipe,” candidly shared by experienced mom Pehpot Pineda who is a well-known mommy blogger and a Pampers Ambassador.  

“It definitely made cleaning baby poo’s mess easier and faster for me. Thanks to Pampers kasi I don’t have to use more wipes than I should, so I’m sure I’m getting a quality product, no harsh chemicals pa! I definitely recommend this to mommies, especially rookie moms!,” Mommy Pehpot urges new moms to use the new Pampers Sensitive Wipes too. 

Whether you’re at home or outdoors, add the new Pampers Sensitive Wipes to your diaper-changing routine so you have peace of mind that you only give total protection to your baby’s delicate skin. 

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About Pampers® Sensitive Wipes 

• Protects Baby’s Sensitive Skin: Helps maintain skin's natural pH ·  
• 0% Phenoxyethanol, Paraben, Perfume & Alcohol: Specifically designed with your baby's skin needs in mind 
• Our Thickest and Extra Soft Wipes: 20% thicker to help clean delicate skin gently 
• As Mild as Washcloth and Water: Ideal for baby's sensitive skin
• Clinically Proven Gentle: Designed with your baby's delicate skin needs in mind 
• Dermatologically Tested and Hypoallergenic: To ensure they are gentle against your baby’s skin 

Pampers Sensitive Wipes minimizes the risk of diaper rash and makes sure your wipes are free from harmful chemicals that may irritate baby’s skin. Available in 2 different sizes for a suggested retail price of Php 139.00 for a pack of 56 sheets and Php 260.00 for a pack of 112 sheets. Wipe counts per pack vary by size and pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer. The wipes are now available online and at major retailers nationwide.  

To learn more about the product and information on how to keep your baby’s skin dry and healthy, check out: https://www.pampers.com/en-us/diapers-wipes/pampers-sensitive-wipes. 

   

About Pampers®  

For more than 50 years, parents have trusted Pampers to care for their babies. Pampers is a part of The Procter & Gamble Company and is the #1-selling diaper worldwide. Every day, more than 25 million babies in 100 countries around the world wear Pampers. Pampers offers a complete range of diapers and pants designed to provide protection and comfort for every stage of baby’s development. Visit www.pampers.com to learn more about Pampers products, and find ideas and information to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play.  

About Procter & Gamble  P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

Call for Applications: 2020 S&T Undergraduate Scholarships

World-class natural remedy for Filipina beauty & wellness expert’s crowning glory

Hair loss is a concern for both men and women. It can have a devastating effect to anyone who experiences it. 

According to Web MD, the average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair and loses up to 100 of them a day, which is normal. As people age, their rate of hair growth slows, and they can experience losing more than hundreds of strands which is quite alarming. So what can you do to prevent it? 

For beauty and wellness expert, Cory Quirino, embracing wellness is the first step to help improve the hair’s condition and make people look younger. 

“If you choose to have a wellness lifestyle, then expect wonderful changes such as radiant skin, energy, and a general sense of well-being,” she emphasizes. “In time, you will realize that you have successfully delayed the aging process.” 

The beauty and wellness expert says that choosing wellness as a lifestyle includes eating nutritious food, exercising, getting a good sleep, drinking generous amounts of water, managing stress, getting enough sunshine, and above all, staying positive. 

On top of a daily healthy regimen, a supplement is necessary to maintain a healthy hair and scalp. Many people opt to use chemical-based products. But for her, the use of natural products is a must and the best solution for hair loss. 

“There are hair treatment products in the market today that claim to be effective but their ingredients could contain chemicals that may prove harmful with long-term use,” she enthuses. “Choose natural. Say NO to harsh chemicals and let nature do the makeover,” she emphasizes. 

Natural ingredients such as virgin coconut oil (VCO) and aloe vera are loaded with beneficial properties, which boost the health of the scalp and hair. These and much more natural herbs and essential oils can be found in NOVUHAIR, a topical scalp lotion with 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss, which the beauty and wellness expert approves of. 

“Even if I have been blessed with thick hair, I know that it has to be cared for,” she maintains. “I use NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion once daily in the evening before bedtime. Next morning, I apply it on my scalp again, then a shampoo after 30 minutes. Those who wish to further thicken the hair, it is a must to also use the shampoo and conditioner daily.” 

Eventually, she noticed impressive effects after using this breakthrough product: significant lessening of hair fall, abundant growth of tress, and the return of locks’ luster. 

Apart from being effective, it’s a very safe solution, too. A local clinical study has proven that NOVUHAIR has no adverse side effects with continuous use. 

Moreover, NOVUHAIR is not just for those who experience hair loss. Younger people, especially the millennials, can use it for maintenance or prevention if hair loss runs in the family. 

Cory recommends NOVUHAIR to everyone, especially to those who want to maintain their hair the best way they can. For her, this globally-competitive natural product answers the needs of a discriminating, health-conscious public. 

Born on August 11, the granddaughter of the late Philippine President Elpidio Quirino is an author, and television and radio host. She has been a strong advocate for natural health, beauty, and wellness for more than two decades. 

“Twenty years ago, it was as simple a goal as weight loss. But when I saw the dramatic effect it had on my vitality and complexion, I knew that this was the good path to take. For those who wish the same things I wanted then, this would be just as easy to embrace,” Cory recalls. 

She wrote a series of best-seller books entitled “Forever Young”, which feature beauty and health tips as well as her own workout programs. Likewise, she also made a fitness video called “Cory Quirino’s Celebrity Workout for Beginners”. 

For her, living in the 21st century has its challenges. She says: “The best way to live long and be well is to live a natural life.” 

Truly, for a natural woman like Cory, her crowning glory deserves nothing but a world-class natural remedy that is NOVUHAIR. 

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. You may also have the product delivered right at your doorstep through Lazada at https://bit.ly/2Jc92Vk

For more information, contact NOVUHAIR hotlines at 413.6570 and 0922.8830575, visit www.novuhair.com, and Facebook Page:  Novuhair Official. #choosenatural #ichoosenatural #novuhair #naturalwoman

Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts: Spreading Autism Awareness, 1 Shirt at a Time

Even though the word Autism is commonly heard, still there are several speculations about Autism and of the people affected by it. In the Philippines, it is estimated that there are around 1 million people living with Autism, yet not everybody can understand what it it’s like. The Autism spectrum Disorder is a condition where a person who is diagnosed with it will not have the same experiences but are noticed by the core symptoms. 

Meet Calel, he is a 6-year old who was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of four. A year ago, he discovered his love for animals and drawing and once he starts on a sketch pad he just cannot stop – his mother Marie, started posting his artwork on Facebook, when a friend commented that if in the case the drawing is produced to be printed on a t-shirt – he definitely would buy.

 

After a few months, Marie launched Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts for 3 reasons: to help with Calel’s therapy needs, to develop the business to eventually be taken over by Calel (when he gets older) and to spread Autism awareness. 

Anybody would know that Occupational aned Speech therapy is costly, plus there are limited specialists in the Philippines. Kids with ASD need to attend SPED (Special Education) classes which can cost up to 60,000Php a year. For every shirt purchased, this will help Calel’s parents to make sure he gets the special treatments that he needs. 

Calel’s future is still unclear at the age of 6, he shows signs of progress but it is hard to tell if he will be able to live a normal life or yet alone become employed, if this becomes a success, Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts may become his own business to handle. 

With the first batch of t-shirts printed and distributed, people that order have started to ask about Calel and his condition – this helps Marie to talk about Autism and educate them on what Calel and their parents experience day-to-day including the highs and low.

 

There are so many designs to choose from and each is unique which you will surely love. T-shirt’s come in kids, men and women’s sizes. 

Calel’s Wacky Art Shirts are being offered at introductory prizes for the first 100 customers. 

Please visit their Instagram account for updates and designs: Instagram.com/calelswackyartshirts 

You may help calel by purchasing a shirt through their shoppee account: https://shopee.ph/mamaneesshop

Imagine life’s possibilities with SAMSUNG Digital Appliances

Appliances have been an integral component of households for many years. We rely on them to meet our everyday needs, from keeping our living spaces comfortable and clean to ensuring we have tidy clothes to wear and fresh food on our tables. Now, Samsung Digital Appliances, a world leader in technology and innovation, goes beyond the basics and introduces a whole new dimension of function and care from these trusted devices. 

“At Samsung, our goal is to provide not just tools that help homemakers carry out chores but home partners that elevate their quality of life,” says Ann Dy, Marketing Manager for Samsung Digital Appliances. “We want to offer meaningful solutions to the evolving needs of our consumers and their families.”

This insight is evident in the tech giant’s portfolio of home appliances. Equipped with superior technologies and state-of-the-art features, Samsung Digital Appliances deliver more than just a great user experience; they make room for life experiences.

“Beyond fulfilling your household duties, it’s about having time for moments that truly matter,” says Dy. “You can certainly express your love for your family by cooking for them and washing their clothes, but nothing can replace quality family time. Samsung Digital Appliances are engineered to help you do all that and more.”

The brand invites consumers to imagine these possibilities through a series of ads that depict the wonderful moments enabled by its products, as seen through the eyes of a child.

“Children have a natural sense of wonder. They look at you and believe there’s nothing you can’t do,” says Dy. “We at Samsung want to empower consumers to believe this is possible, too. Samsung Digital Appliances are here to help them achieve a more balanced life, so they can do more for their loved ones.”

The smart devices are designed to address common challenges faced by homemakers—like having to run multiple wash cycles for different clothes items and taking back-and-forth trips to the supermarket to get fresh ingredients—without compromising quality.

They are built to perform with maximum efficiency, so users can focus less on the house work and more on creating meaningful moments with their families. With Samsung Digital Appliances, no amount of chores will come between you and your loved ones, especially the kids, ever again. You can prepare delicious and nutritious meals every day, keep their favorite toys perpetually clean, their clothes ready to wear, and still have time to play with them without breaking a sweat.

To get a preview of these possibilities, check out the brand’s latest ad at https://www.facebook.com/SamsungPH/videos/1907807079306228/. And to create these special moments in your own home, find out how and where to get your very own Samsung Digital Appliances at http://www.samsung.com/ph/home-appliances. 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com

The Search is on "Bantog" the Science for the People Media Awards

BANTOG AWARDS

The Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), the information arm of the Department of Science and Technology, aims to strengthen its partnership with the media through the recognition of the media's contributions in the promotion of science and technology information either as an individual or as an institution, whether public or private sector. DOST-STII also acknowledges the significant role of DOST regional information officers in helping achieve the Department's thrust of promoting S&T information and bringing science for the people.

Bantog: The Science for the People Media Awards is given in recognition for the important role of media practitioners (print, radio, TV, and online), in government and private practice, who made significant contributions to the promotion of science and technology information.

CATEGORIES

Bantog has four categories. The Institutional Media Award is given to an institution or organization that has served as a vital link between the science and technology (S&T) sectors and its clients through informative advocacy. Meanwhile, the Outstanding S&T Journalist Award is given to an individual media practitioner who has been an ardent advocate of science and technology whether in print, broadcast or online. Further, the Outstanding Regional Media Practitioner Awardis given to an enthusiastic regional media personality who has shown strong support in promoting science and technology information. Finally, the Outstanding Information Officer Award is given to exemplary information officers in DOST working in the area of communication production and dissemination.

GUIDELINES

Nominees should be Filipinos or Filipino-owned media companies which have broadcast and published S&T information in January 2017-March 2018. Nominees for individual practitioners from print, broadcast, and online media shall be judged according to substance, form, style, relevance of works and additional requirements by the board of judges. Meanwhile, nominees for institutional awards shall be judged according to innovativeness, relevance, and commitment to S&T reportage. The DOST Information Officer Award shall be based on his/her accomplishments in print, broadcast, online media, and public relations.

PRIZES

All Bantog awardees shall receive trophies while the individual category winners shall receive additional cash prizes. The Outstanding S&T Journalists for online, print, radio, and TV will all take home P100,000; P50,000; and P25,000 for the first, second, and third prizes respectively. The sole winner of Outstanding Regional Media Practitioner will receive P50,000 and the Outstanding DOST Information Officers will get P30,000; P20,000; and P10,000.

NOMINATION PROCESS
Candidates can either apply or be nominated with the following requirements to Public Affairs Unit, CRPD, STII Building, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, on or before April 30, 2018:

1. Fully accomplished nomination form

2. Comprehensive bio-data

3. Copies of published write-ups, articles or programs on S&T.

Please submit seven (7) copies of the said requirements for each entry.

For queries and further information on Bantog Awards, please contact STII Public Affairs Unit at doststiipr@gmail.com or call (02) 837-2071 local 2146 or mobile no. 09493039998 and look for Ms. Ma. Lilibeth P. Padilla.

Source: http://www.stii.dost.gov.ph/786-the-search-is-on-bantog-the-science-for-the-people-media-awards

DOST-SEI extends scholarship aid to Marawi's STEM students

Helping Marawi rebuild. DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña leads in the signing of the memorandum of agreement with MSU System President, Dr. Habib W. Macaayong (second to right), and MSU-IIT Chancellor, Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggo (leftmost), for the implementation of the DOST Bangon Marawi Program in Science and Technology Human Resource Development, which will provide scholarships to students enrolled in STEM courses who were affected by the Marawi siege. The ceremony was held last January 26 in Iligan City.

When Nestor Acala decided to head back home to Marawi after completing his Doctorate in Mathematics as a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), he was full of hope for his would-be students at the Mindanao State University (MSU) – Marawi Campus.

However, the siege that began in May of 2017 and lasted five months left severe damages that have taken aback thousands of lives in the area. Acala and his students, for one, had to put their respective growths on hold at the onset of the war. What was supposed to be a time for moving up turned into chaos in an instant.

The war is over and the rebuilding begins for Acala and his people. Thankfully, the government's Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Recovery, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program is going full swing to help rehabilitate infrastructures and restore peace and order in the city. In support of this national program, DOST through the Science Education Institute (SEI) is initiating DOST Bangon Marawi Program in Science and Technology Human Resource Development (STHRD) as an educational assistance strategy for students affected by the conflict.

Seen as a "long-term and sustainable solution" to uplift the lives of Marawi residents, the specialized program seeks to assist displaced students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses at MSU Marawi as well as open opportunities for local S&T professionals to pursue advance degrees.

"With the heightened need to help rebuild Marawi and the greater Mindanao area, we shall provide opportunities for our children to continue their tertiary studies in STEM and achieve a future that is far removed from the effects of the war," said DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña before officials and students of MSU Marawi and Iligan campuses during the program launch held last 26 January.

He said the project is designed to help restore and rehabilitate the city's human and social infrastructures, especially in the S&T sector.

The DOST Bangon Marawi Program in STHRD has two scholarship components, namely, Sagip Mag-aaral, which is meant for third, fourth, or fifth year students enrolled in STEM courses at MSU Marawi; and Graduate Scholarships, which shall offer full-time and part-time programs for Master's and Doctorate studies. The Program assigns 225 slots for the undergraduate courses and 30—20 for MS and 10 Ph.D.—for graduate degrees.

SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, said the slots would follow the same list of priority degrees for its regular undergraduate scholarship programs as well as the same financial benefits.

"We feel that helping students get back to the university to pursue the dreams they had before the war will provide a more lasting impact to their lives and to the whole city—much like what Nestor had experienced when he was our scholar from his bachelor's to his doctorate degrees," Biyo said.

Other key components of the DOST-SEI's initiative include the implementation of the Patriot Project, which, according to Biyo is, designed to "inculcate a deeper love for the country among the scholars," and the S&T Learning Assistance Program (STLAP) that focuses on capability development trainings and establishment of a Learning Resource Center at MSU Marawi.

"This is a comprehensive program that can help Marawi Cty bounce back, but the DOST correspondingly looks at this as concrete way to boost the S&T human resources of the whole archipelago. We hope that this sparks the rebuilding of Marawi and of the nation as a whole," de la Peña disclosed. (30)

Source: http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news-archive/213-dost-sei-extends-scholarship-aid-to-marawi-s-stem-students

Achieve a Healthier Body and Soul this Lent

Researches support and confirm that certain diets could offer genuine health benefits. As we celebrate the start of Lent, let us look at the health benefits that comes with the different practices we have in observing Lenten traditions.

Fasting

The practice of refraining or limiting the consumption of food or drink for a period of time is observed during Lenten season. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting, but unknown to many, the digestion process has its disadvantages for the human health. According to the Harvard Medical School, the practice of fasting provides our body a rest from taking in toxins found in food and helps in significant weight loss if practiced properly.

Fasting has two common types. Regular, also called full fast, wherein only liquids are consumed, and partial fast, wherein consumption of solids is limited. The norm during this season is the partial fasting wherein an individual decreases food intake by eating one full meal or two smaller meals that are not equal to a full meal in a day.

A word of caution from doctors, if you consider fasting this Lent, make sure that you have no preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, as fasting causes electrolyte abnormalities.

Abstinence from meat

Abstinence from eating meat such as beef, pork, and chicken is observed during Fridays and Saturdays of Lent. Instead, fish and vegetables are chosen as substitutes. Fish such as salmon and tuna, is a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health.

Research proves that eating 1-2 servings of fish per week could help cut the risk of dying from heart diseases by 36%. By cutting down the consumption of red meat and processed meat, the risk of taking in less-beneficial fats and high sodium meat is also lessened.

Another popular substitute for meat is egg. An egg contains vitamins A, B, and D and a little saturated fat, which is about 1.5 grams . Nutrients found in the egg such as lutein is good for the eyes and choline good for the brain and nerve health.

According to Harvard Medical school, consuming an egg a day is safe for people without preexisting conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. When eating scrambled eggs or omelets, opt for healthier choices to add to your eggs such as spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Always remember that the saturated fat in butter, cheese, bacon, sausage, and bread could raise your blood cholesterol much more than the cholesterol present in your eggs.

Other protein sources, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds could lack one or more fatty acids, so maintaining a proper balance and variety of alternative sources of protein is recommended.

Lenten season is not only a perfect time to take care of our spiritual health, this is also a perfect opportunity to focus on our physical health. With a positive attitude towards sacrifice and devotion, a healthier body and healthier relationship with the Almighty is within reach.

Source: http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/6339-achieve-a-healthier-body-and-soul-this-lent

Wyeth Nutrition Promotes Healthier Living With Promil® Organic

It’s no surprise that going organic may have multiple benefits that help us lead more healthy lives. Taking the more natural approach or ‘going green’ has even been proven to help conserve the environment and improve the lives of farmers. Indeed, the organic lifestyle is steadily increasing in popularity among more and more Filipinos. With the recent launch of an organic milk brand in the market, Filipino moms now have the option to provide their children with better nutrition that will help develop their minds and bodies.

Wyeth Nutrition debuts the new Promil® Organic in a fun-filled and informative launch at Palazzo Verde in Las Pinas, gathering moms, trade partners and subject-matter experts. The latest innovation from the leading nutrition firm is made from the best of nature and expertly designed to nurture children’s gifts. 

“Promil, moms’ trusted partner for the past 30 years, recognizes the growing needs of moms to provide a healthier foundation for their child through the organic lifestyle. We developed Promil® Organic to address the growing demand for organic products. It is made from 100% organic dairy milk from certified organic European farms,” says Theresa Chong, Marketing Director, Wyeth Philippines Inc.

Promil® Organic contains docosahexaeonic and arachidonic acid (DHA & AA) and is also a source of zinc and selenium to support brain and body development. It is the only organic formula milk expertly designed with these key nutrients.

According to surveys, the global organic food and beverage market is expected to reach USD 211.44 billion by 2020. More people are realizing the benefits of organic consumption and that they can still meet their daily dietary needs.

Proud moms Andi Manzano, Cat Ledesma, and Hindy Weber Tantoco hosted the event, sharing their own inspiring stories about motherhood to encourage parents to try an organic lifestyle. “We are proud to be joined by these women who pursue a healthy lifestyle,” says Patricia Cuna, Brand Manager for Promil® Organic. “They are dedicated mothers who only want the best for their children. We hope that their support could help us to inspire more parents to try a healthier lifestyle for their family, starting with Promil® Organic.”

Visit the Promil® Organic Pop-Up store starting February 3 in Trinoma Mall, near Activity Center and know more about Promil® Organic or visit www.lazada.com.ph/promil-official-store.

Note: Breastmilk is still best for babies up to two years of age. Promil® Organic is not a breastmilk substitute. Product is intended for preschoolers 3+.

DOST-MIMAROPA SPEARHEADS THE INNOVATION FAIR IN THE 2017 MIMAROPA FESTIVAL

The Innovation Fair is one of the highlights in the 3rd MIMAROPA Festival which gives the audience a unique and immersive experience through physical exhibits and accompanying information boards of DOST's flagship programs and services. Products from assisted micro- and community-based enterprises through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) were also available for display and purchase. Some of the products featured were Neneng's Peanut Butter, Nutrigold (a complementary food made from sesame, rice, and mungbean good for children aged 6-36 months), and NutriSnax (a healthier alternative to junkfood made from rice, corn, and mungbean).

The Science and Technology Academic Research-based Openly Operated Kiosk or STARBOOKS was also part of the exhibit. STARBOOKS is a digital library which contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text & video/audio) that people, especially students and teachers can access with or without internet. This tool aims to provide the public with free information access and create interest in the field of science and technology.

Concurrent to the innovation fair was the celebration of the Science Film Festival organized in collaboration with DOST Science and Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Students, parents, teachers, and other attendees of the festival coming from different island municipalities of Romblon and from other MIMAROPA provinces have enjoyed more than 25 science videos about different science trivia, latest discoveries, and environmental know-how, among others.

The Innovation fair was part of the Tourism-Trade-Agri-Innovation Fair hosted by several regional line agencies which ran for 5 days. Other activities include battle of festival street dances, a street party or Pasagudar sa Banwa, techno-investment fora, and a coronation for Ginoo at Binibini MIMAROPA Festival.

The celebration was graced by several dignitaries including Romblon Governor Dr. Eduardo C. Firmalo, Odiongan Mayor Trina Alejandra Firmalo- Fabic, Department of Tourism Regional Director Danilo B. Intong, and DOST-MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Ma Josefina P. Abilay.

Source: http://region4b.dost.gov.ph/dost-mimaropa-spearheads-the-innovation-fair-in-the-2017-mimaropa-festival/

The Science and Technology behind Herbs

Philip Cruz, President of Herbanext Laboratories, Inc., awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for being a research speaker during the Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Research Institute of the Philippines last March 16, 2016.

Herbanext Laboratories, Inc. was launched in 2001 by aquaculturist and agriculturist Philip S. Cruz after his quest to better his  health. Mr. Cruz had concerns with high cholesterol and high uric acid that pushed him to study about the "King of Herbs" in traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lucidum.

He was successfully able to cultivate the mushroom in 1997 and began to team up with natural product researchers and medical practitioners in developing the mushroom into a nutraceutical product.

Due to inefficient processing methods of harvesting and drying, the company desperately needed an upgrade. It availed of DOST's financial assistance through the Innovation System Support Fund (ISSF) amounting to Php 1.54 million that provided for its acquisition of new technologies, consultancy services on food safety and productivity enhancement through the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) program, and training on current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

DOST's help resulted to reduced drying cost by at least 20%, increased production volume by 150% and a 200% increase in sales. Herbanext was also able to produce consistent quality products and expand product range.

The company currently studies 20 different medicinal herbs including Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), Cat's whisker (Orthosiphon stamineus), Five-leaved Chaste Tree (Vitex negundo), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Green Chireta (Andrographis paniculata), Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Likewise, it continues to work with DOST and other research institutions to create more herbal supplements and drugs under the brand name "Daily Apple".

Source: https://news.oneexpert.gov.ph/article/science-technology-behind-herbs/

NOVUHAIR turns favor with Holiday bash promo

So you’ve got your festive outfit set and the fancy gift wrapped for your “monito” or “monita”. All that’s left undone is a party season-perfect hairstyle. 

The fresh out of the shower look can be seductive yet temporary. Blame it to tropical climate, it can spoil your appearance, besides making you feel sweaty and stale. The heat and humidity brought about by extreme weather condition, likewise, dries out the locks easily and make it more fragile. 

Adding damage to your delicate strands are the chemical contents of various products on hand. From shampoo to conditioner and hair treatment, down to styling goods to groom it to your liking, their harsh synthetic materials jeopardize the natural oil and luster of your mane.

Because you are what you eat, the fate of your crowning glory is in the plate. Your diet must have the correct balance of vitamins and minerals to supply hair with all that it needs to become shiny and strong. So don’t overindulge, especially this time of the year when gastronomic feasts are spread almost everywhere you go. Be careful on what you take in, thinking that it’s also what you feed your ‘do.

Even stress can wear off the beauty and health of the tress. And that’s exactly what you should avoid this Yuletide season. Never put pressure on yourself just to please everyone. Just take it easy, let your hair down and party all night long. 

In this time of gratitude, NOVUHAIR makes everyday “a good hair day” for its valued patrons like you with its Christmas and Year-End Promo. Get an extra NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo 200 ml. worth P1,040 for FREE if you buy a NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack at participating WATSONS stores nationwide (DOH-FDA CCRR Permit No.: 967 s. 2017).

Packed with 19 natural ingredients—mostly standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients—NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion does not only help prevent the hair fall malady, but also aids in stimulating hair growth. NOVUHAIR helps prevent hair loss, improve overall appearance, promote nourishment and rejuvenation. It is clinically-tested and proven safe and effective.

Opt for the best with this Christmas and Year-End promo. Whether it’s a luxury gift for your loved ones, or a self-indulgent treat for you, NOVUHAIR has the perfect gift to inspire and keep you party-ready this Holiday season, while providing you with the ultimate styling result.

For inquiries, please call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575. You may also visit www.novuhair.com or Novuhair’s Facebook page – Novuhair Official.

Why you need to wash kangkong longer

Vegetables are known as healthy food. However, not all of them are. Some vegetables may contain heavy metals and bacteria that may cause sickness when ingested.

In the study Lead, Cadmium and Bacterial Determination in Kangkong Sold in Selected Markets of Bacoor, the results show that there are fewer bacteria in kangkong (water spinach) sample that has been washed longer.

Image from the web

Vegetables are known as healthy food. However, not all of them are. Some vegetables may contain heavy metals and bacteria that may cause sickness when ingested.

In the study Lead, Cadmium and Bacterial Determination in Kangkong Sold in Selected Markets of Bacoor, the results show that there are fewer bacteria in kangkong (water spinach) sample that has been washed longer.

The study investigated the levels of lead, cadmium, and bacterial contamination in kangkong (Ipomoea aquatic) sold in selected markets in Bacoor City. The researchers randomly collected fresh kangkong. The samples were tested after being washed for one minute, three minutes, and five minutes. Bacteria were cultured and incubated for 24 hours. The findings show that there are fewer bacteria on sample that has been washed for five minutes.

"The study is very interesting bacause kangkong is consumed by most Filipinos. However, further studies and more samples are needed, so we can determine if what we are consuming is within acceptable limits," Joselito A. Carteciano, head of the information section of Department of Science and Technology-National Research Council of the Philippines, explains.

The results of these studies were exhibited in the last 17th Conference of the Science Council of Asia which was jointly organized by the DOST-NRCP, the Science Council of Asia, and the Science Council of Japan. (By Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin, S&T Media Service).

NEVER LET LOSE A STRAND OF YOUR PATIENCE

Have you ever experienced a day wherein nothing seems to go well, that no matter how you try to choose the right path, you keep making the wrong turn? Just like having a bad hair day, no matter how many times you comb your hair, it just would not budge.

Life can be challenging at times but there will always be a way to resolve these challenges and come out victorious. Having this in mind will be easy to keep your patience and continue to move forward.

Just like losing strands of your hair due to factors beyond your control, you too can do something. 

· Eat healthy – Eating the right food can alter your mood. Having low-level of folic acid in your body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.

· Stay calm – Listen to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help switch you to a calm mood.

· Exercise – Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve you from stress and anxiety.

· Supplement –Taking in Vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.

Don’t let your stress factors contribute to your hair loss. Letting yourself succumb to anxiety will definitely show up to your follicles and this can lead to more hair loss.

Hectic schedules and pressure from work, not to mention the pollution and filth outside easily make you feel unease and, at times, irritable. Slow down a bit, have fun and relax. There’s no better way to begin with your mane. 

Tip 1: The stroke of a comb can give you a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the natural oil of your hair.

Tip 2: Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress your hair.

Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to your locks.

Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply liberal amount on to your scalp and hair. Massage it gently for -10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip. NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote growth, nourishment and rejuvenation of your tress.

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm or visit www.novuhair.com

Senate passes bill institutionalizing 'Balik Scientist' program of DOST

The Senate on Monday, Nov. 27, approved on final reading a bill which seeks to institutionalize benefits and incentives for scientists, engineers, and innovators of Filipino descent residing overseas to encourage them to stay in the country and work for national development

Senate Bill No. 1533, also known as the Balik Scientist Act, was principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV. It was approved on third and final reading with 13 affirmative votes, no negative vote and no abstention.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, Richard Gordon, Grace Poe, Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito and Cynthia Villar also served as co-sponsors of the measure.

Aquino said the measure would institutionalize the Balik Scientist Program, which was first launched in 1975 "to bring back Filipino scientists, engineers, and technology entrepreneurs to work in various fields, including heath, food and agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), and even alternative energy."

"It is about time that we institutionalized and strengthened the Balik Scientist Program so that more brilliant Filipino minds residing abroad can help our nation move forward into prosperity," he said.

Among the benefits, incentives and privileges to be made available to Balik scientists under the program are tax and duty exemptions to importation of professional equipment and materials, exemption from licensing or permitting requirements, free medical and accident insurance "covering the duration of the engagement awarded by the Department of Science and Techonology (DOST), reimbursement of expenses for baggage related to scientific projects, and even exemption from "renouncing their oath of allegiance to the country where they took the oath."

Grantees can participate in Grants-in-Aid (GIA) research and development projects of the DOST with an initial lump sum research subsidy of P500,000 for short-term program, P500,000 to P2,000,000 for the medium-term program, and P2,000,000 for the long-term program, in accordance with relevant government rules and regulations and the need of the program involved.

The benefits also include special working and non-working visas, a round-trip business class airfare from a foreign country to the Philippines "exempt from local travel tax," and DOST-subsidized visa applications.

Aquino said the bill sets different incentives and benefits for Balik scientists who would either work for the Philippines under a short-term program (minimum of 15 days to maximum of 6 months), a medium-term program (more than 6 months but not exceeding 1 year) or long- term program (1 to 3 years, subject to DOST renewal).

The bill also mandated additional benefits and rewards for "long-term" Balik scientists, such as the grant of special non-immigrant visas to the scientist, his or her spouse and their dependents as well as exemptions from requirements like immigration clearance certificate, alien employment permits, and payment of multiple entry fees.

Under the bill, long-term Balik scientists awardees would enjoy relocation benefits, such as support in securing job opportunities for the spouse of the awardee, and admission support for the children of awardees in preferred schools, relocation allowance and monthly housing or accommodation allowance, and funding for the establishment and development of a facility or laboratory.

According to Aquino, the array of benefits and incentives aim to help address the lack of scientists working in the Philippines, caused by their exodus for greener pastures abroad.

During the public hearings held by the committee on the bill, it was discovered that the Philippines has only 189 scientists per million population, far from the ideal target of 380 per million population.

Aquino said that the country "pales in comparison" with other countries. For instance, he said, South Korea and the United States have 5,300 and 3,500 scientists per million, respectively, while Malaysia has 2,000 scientists per million.

"We cannot stress enough that science and technology, engineering, and innovation can help solve some of our nation's biggest problems, like disaster preparedness, effective delivery of healthcare and other social services, hunger and nutrition, poverty and unemployment," Aquino ended.

Source: http://newsbytes.ph/2017/11/28/senate-passes-bill-institutionalizing-balik-scientist-program-of-dost/

DISCOVER WHY CHEMICAL-BASED PRODUCTS FOR HAIR LOSS MIGHT NOT WORK FOR YOU

Desperate times call for desperate measures. When you’re losing tufts of hair or seeing bald patches on your scalp, it’s but natural to feel the need to do something about it. 

Will you tell a friend or go immediately to a doctor? Will you hide the “shame” under the guise of a wig? While it’s quite hard to decide, there’s no way but people still find themselves falling in line over-the-counter (O.T.C.). And what’s on their hands? Chemical-based hair loss products. Here are some of the reasons why they impulsively buy these items:

a.) They claim to be effective.

b.) They say the healing effects are felt quickly.

c.) They are widely available.

d.) They appear to be cheaper.

e.) They claim to be safe.

Sounds tempting, though, be wary enough that once you delve into the nitty-gritty of these products available to allegedly promote hair growth, you’ll see why they may not exactly be a perfect fit. These are some of the negative possibilities when you use chemical treatments:

1. Serious side effects like tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and swelling of the hands and feet. These are actually some of the possible side effects of the hair loss drug Minoxidil, which is said to cease hair loss and promote hair growth.

2. Most chemical products say they can “treat” alopecia, but reading the fine print will lead you to discover that it actually just slows the progress of hair loss. Little is said as well about these chemical treatments actually promoting hair growth.

3. These products or “treatments” usually contain a variety of chemicals that may or may not cause allergic reactions. It pays to check the labels. Some chemical-based products may actually be presenting the side effects as the main effects. Let the internet help you on your personal research.

There may be safer and effective alternatives out there, but NOVUHAIR is a stand out among the rest. It has 19 natural ingredients—standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients that work in synergy and have been clinically proven to help stop the progression of hair loss, aid in stimulating hair growth, and reduce excessive hair shedding. 

NOVUHAIR is available in the Philippines at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide, Seafood City supermarkets and other Filipino/Asian stores in the USA and online at www.novuhair.us and at BeeOrganic in Kuwait. International online orders are also possible through regaloservice.com. For more information, you may visit www.novuhair.com or contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575.

Don’t make yourself fall as the next victim of the trap. Be smart; choose natural.

ALL PSBank branches OPEN during the 31st ASEAN Summit Holiday

ALL PSBank branches will be open on November 13-15, 2017. This includes branches in Metro Manila and the Provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, which are covered by Malacanan’s declaration of a special non-working holiday due to the 31st ASEAN Summit.

All our more than 600 ATMs will be online and PSBank Mobile and PSBank Online (Internet banking) facilities will also be available for your banking needs.

Thank you.

For inquiries or concerns, call our 24/7 Customer Experience Hotline at (02) 845-8888 or email us at customerexperience@psbank.com. ph. You can also reach us via the PSBank LiveChat by visiting www.psbank.com.ph.

About PSBank

PSBank is a key player in the Philippine consumer banking industry. The Bank emerged as the 2nd strongest bank in the Asian Banker's AB500 annual ranking 2016-2017 edition. PSBank is the only savings bank that has consistently cornered a spot in the list of the top 10 strongest banks in the country for six consecutive years. We have expanded our network to 250 branches and more than 600 ATMs nationwide.

PSBank Holiday Advisory

In observance of All Saints’ Day, all PSBank branches will be closed on October 31 and November 1.

Meanwhile, all our 609 ATMs will be online and PSBank Mobile and PSBank Online (Internet banking) facilities will be available for your banking needs.

Further, please take note of the following:

Payroll	All payroll crediting on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 will proceed.
Automatic Debit Agreement	For bills payments, accounts with due date on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 will proceed. For PSBank loans, payments will be value dated on its original due date and accounts will be debited on Nov. 2.  Accounts not debited on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 due to insufficient funds should be funded by Nov. 2 to avoid penalties.
Check clearing and settlement	Clearing will be suspended on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Checks received after cut-off time on Oct. 30 will be processed on Nov. 2. No penalties will be charged for checks dated Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, intended for PSBank loan payments.
Time deposits	Maturities on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 will be processed on Nov. 2.

For inquiries or concerns, call our 24/7 Customer Experience Hotline at (02) 845-8888 or email us at customerexperience@psbank.com.ph. You can also reach us via the PSBank LiveChat by visiting www.psbank.com.ph.