NOVUHAIR LAUNCHES ENHANCED FORMULATION: Topical scalp lotion boasts of 19 natural ingredients

Say goodbye to hair loss and scalp problems with the newly-enhanced formulation of Novuhair. With 19 natural ingredients, the leading medicated topical scalp lotion is now almost 100% natural.

“The Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion used to only have 12 natural ingredients. Its improved formulation has a much better fragrance and a cool and minty feel. It also has anti-dandruff properties, as well as nourishing and moisturizing effects on the hair and scalp,” said Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, developer and distributor of Novuhair.

Aside from producing a more effective solution for hair growth, the changes were necessary to make the product 100% compliant to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive ACD. 

“Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders with Novuhair. It is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a
homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive. ” added Velilla.

Made of herbal ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint, Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching.

Acer provides channel partners with further training

Channel partners are important elements in its success which is why Acer Philippines continues to provide them with enough selling skills through continuous training under the tech titan’s Channel Partners Enablement Program (CPEP). The program was designed to equip Acer’s commercial sales partners with the latest updates on Acer products and solutions together with Microsoft Philippines. CPEP also lets channel partners be further trained to develop not just their selling skills but also their personality through a soft-skill trainer. Later, the attendees were given a certification examination and qualified channel partners received sales certificates from Acer Philippines, Inc. Company officials such as Manuel Wong, Acer Philippines Managing Director welcomed the participants, while Microsoft Philippines Windows Marketing Client Specialist Eufer Pasion, provided Microsoft Windows 10 Professional updates. Jofel Riofrio, Acer Philippines Product Lead for Commercial Products presented product updates for Acer commercial products, Laura Lu, Business Development Manager from Acer headquarters lectured on Smart City Solutions while Alex Araneta conducted the soft-skills training session.

In photo is Jofel Riofrio, Acer Philippines Product Lead for Commercial Products,

during his presentation on the latest Acer commercial products available in the market.

For more about Acer Philippines’ innovative products and other updates, go to www.acer.com.ph, follow Acer via Twitter or www.Facebook.com/AcerPH.

About Acer 

Established in 1976, Acer is a hardware + software + services company dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of innovative products that enhance people's lives. Acer's product offerings include PCs, displays, projectors, servers, tablets, smartphones and wearables. It is also developing cloud solutions to bring together the Internet of Things. Acer is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016 and is one of the world’s top 5 PC companies. It employs 7,000 people worldwide and has a presence in over 160 countries. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

BPI, DOST Award Young Scientists for the Year 2016

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presented the Best Project of the Year Award to Jerome Alan S. Japitana, a BS Chemistry student of the University of Santo Tomas at the 2016 BPI-DOST Science Awards, held at The Mind Museum in Taguig yesterday April 5, 2016.

Also the winner in Basic Research Award, Japitana’s study “Using Non-Precious Materials in the Development of a Cost-Effective Cathode Catalyst for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells”, studied the use of cobalt to improve the efficiency of fuel cell performance. Fuel cells are viable option for environmentally-sustainable and economically-feasible source of energy.

The Best in Applied Research Award winner Joselv E. Albano is a BS Biology student from Ateneo de Davao University. His project “molecular Detection and Expression of merA and Mercury Reduction by Pseudonomas putida”, demonstrates the promising ability of the mercury-reducing bacteria in the bioremediation of contaminated areas. Bioremediation can be a less expensive and more efficient method of alleviating elemental mercury that pose a great danger to human health.

With the aim to generate and reinforce the interest of our youth to pursue science and technology as a career, BPI Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, launched the BPI-DOST Science Awards a decade ago to primarily inspire, recognize, and support the most outstanding young scientists and innovators from across the Philippines.

Against the backdrop of global warming and climate-defined future, our team for the search for the 2016 Best Science Project: “Engineering our Future through Environmental Sustainability” has resulted in the identification of 30 brilliant young scientists from 11 partner Universities whose research projects focus around the discovery and use of sustainable materials, solutions for agriculture, disaster mitigation, health, technology, and many more.

Preceding the Awarding Ceremonies, a short Environmental Forum focused on “Engaging the Youth for Environmental Sustainability” took place to discuss the pressing environmental issues, the Phililippines currently deals with. The panel included Atty. Gia Ibay of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines, Mr. Tony Lambino, Head of Public Policy, Ayala Corporation and Mr. Carlo Delantar, Country Director, Waves for Nature and Founder of Floreia. Moderated by Mr. Glenn Banaguas of the Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, the discussion tackled the delicate water, energy and food nexus, currently being threatened by effects of climate change.

Now on its 27th year, the BPI-DOST Science Awards has recognized over 800 outstanding science awardees from its partner universities nationwide: Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, De La Salle University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Saint Louis University, Silliman University, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of the Philippines Los Baños, University of San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas and Xavier University. Up to three exceptional students are selected per partner institution every year. An awardee is selected on the basis of his academic performance and must be nominated by the school.

The Best Project of the Year and Best in Basic Research Winner Jerome Alan S. Japitana received P75,000.00, while the Best in Applied Research winner received P50,000.00. All regional finalists received P10,000 while the national finalists received P25,000.00.

Aside from the cash awards, all awardees went through a Technopreneurship Workshop facilitated by Ms. Maoi Arroyo of Hybridigm, and her team last April 4, 2016, in the hopes of planting the seeds of entrepreneurship in young budding researchers and innovators as a career option.

BPI Foundation will be holding awarding ceremonies at the campuses of its partner universities in the months of April and May 2016 for the awardees to be locally recognized for their achievements and contributions to nation-building.

Please visit http://scienceawards2016.bpifoundation.org for more information on the speakers and the 2016 awardees.

Film on chemical bonds, young love wins 1st Indie-Siyensya

Apparently, Chemistry can be well explained through ‘hugots’ or catchy-romance terms.

Combining simple terms and some romantic flavor, student-filmmakers from Mapua Institute of Technology succeeded in explaining the complex topic of chemical bonds in their film entitled ‘Bonding Tayo’ earning them the Best Film Award at the first ever Indie-Siyensya Competition.

In an awarding ceremony held at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Taguig City, the team composed of Marvin Nofuente, Nikkei Bernal, and Charles Ongchangco beat out 15 other science film entries to claim the top award along with a P50,000 cash prize. Indie-Siyensya is a pioneering science filmmaking competition organized by DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI).

‘Bonding Tayo’ is a film about two Chemistry students who were working on a research paper. The male character named Nito tries to explain chemical bonds to his partner, Elisa, through ‘hugot’ lines that also served as his way to express his feelings towards her.

The board of judges composed of scientists and filmmakers thought the movie chose an effective treatment in discussing a complex topic such as chemistry as it “meets the language of the Millennials.”

“[We] liked it because Chemistry is hard to explain and [the filmmakers] found such an effective way to make the subject appealing to the young audience especially in this era of AlDub, JaDine and the like,” said Pauline Mangilog–Saltarin, Creative Director of Jesuit Communications at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), who was one of the judges.

Other members of the board of judges were former DOST Undersecretary Prof. Fortunato T. dela Peña; University of the Philippines Assistant Professor Dr. Aletta Yñiguez, former Sineskwela Producer, Ms. Marcela Claudette Villanueva; Museo Pambata Executive Director, Ms. Maricel Montero, and ADMU’s Communication Department Chair, Dr. Severino Sarmenta.

Placing second were Jasmin Robert Bansil, Aira Jill Brosas, and Danielle Andrea Ferrer for their film entitled ‘Bathala,’ which was about how a student was able to develop a prototype of a technology that can produce energy and potable water for the Dumagats. The film netted them a P30,000 cash prize.

Lastly, the trio of Princess Bacani, Angelica Mateo and Cristina Tula won third place and P20,000 for ‘Pwede Bang Red Uli?’, a short film on scientific ingenuity in addressing color blindness and how a person’s concern for another can push one to look for solutions using science to help.

DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, said she was impressed about the quality of entries describing them as “effective and entertaining means in communicating science” to the public. “We have proven that Filipino-made science films are indeed effective means of bringing science and technology (S&T) closer to the people,” said Biyo.

Lastly, dela Peña urged the filmmakers to keep making films and discovering science as the field offers unlimited topics that can be tackled thru artistic methods. “I hope that this activity marks the start of your own story whether in film or in science. We hope that you really use your gifts for the best cause, that is, to serve the nation,” he said.

Meeting Mark Zuckerberg and My Facebook Friends Day Experience

Last January 31, 2016, Fellow Filipino Abby Asistio flew to San Francisco and had the wonderful opportunity of being chosen as one of the eighteen invited by Facebook on their 12th Anniversary Friends Day celebration with California-based Alopecia awareness advocate, Rachel Regal. Alopecia is an autoimmune condition which results in partial or total head and body hair loss. Abby Asistio have had it since she was four while Rachel just developed it sometime in 2012, the same year she discovered that her 10-year-old daughter, Eliana, had it, too. Six inspiring stories were picked by Facebook among its 1.64 billion users and Abby’s friends were all amazed when theye’ve found out that Abby’s Alopecia story was one of them. Imagine that!

Abby and Rachel met each other through the double A hand sign campaign that Aby started in 2012, and They've been "connected" since then. Last year, Facebook Stories featured how these two were able to build a friendship, as well as campaign for disease awareness through Facebook! And last February 1st, Abby and Rachel had the chance to tour FB headquarters in Menlo Park, San Francisco, meet and chat with the people behind Facebook (Founder & CEO Mark Zuckerberg, COO Sheryl Sandberg, CPO Chris Cox, and a whole lot of awesome people), get crazy cool gadgets and have one of the best experiences of their lives.

Abby recounted that it was such a surreal feeling to be in the same room as the creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Z was wearing his trademark look (jeans, sneakers, shirt and a big smile on his face), and had such a friendly, approachable aura and demeanor about him. Not at all intimidating! He shared stories about how the company started, its mission-vision, the ups and downs that come along, and their future plans. Those invited also had the chance to ask him questions. When Mark Z was asked about achieving success and life’s “impossibilities”. He said, “There’s a difference between impossible and things taking a really long time. Even if you’re not going to be able to do something in a short time period, if you care about something, you want to see the world to move into that direction… So the best thing to do is just get started and not be discouraged. It’s tough because this stuff is hard, or else people would’ve already done it.”

Abby Asistio got the chance to ask a question to one of the world’s 50 most powerful, successful women in business, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Aside from Alopecia awareness, Abby is also an active Real Beauty advocate with girls and women struggling with various insecurities, being so consumed by the world’s unrealistic and sometimes superficial standards of beauty. So Abby asked Sheryl about her perception of it. Sheryl said that beauty is just like success and that no one could really define it for you. We are all unique. We have different stories, dreams and desires. We should
explore our own inner and outer beauty, believe and embrace that we are beautiful, and never allow anyone to tell us otherwise.

Mark capped off his talk by sharing their company philosophy with everyone present. Though already having over 1 billion subscribers, there are still 7 billion people all over the world without access to all the meaningful connections and information that Facebook brings. One thing that the company stands by is that “things are always 1% completed”. It keeps them grounded, reminding them that there is always so much work, growth and progress to be done, and so many people to reach out to and help.

Everything about the Facebook trip was overwhelming and inspiring according to Abby. More than anything, it reminded her about “responsibility”. We are all given our own platforms, in this case “accounts and connections”, to make a dent in this world. It is up to us to become complacent and take these vehicles for granted, or maximize the opportunities and use them to make a positive impact in this generation. Abby is grateful that Facebook has become a medium for her to communicate disease awareness and touch people beyond the confines of her tiny room and her country. Abby is also glad that she and Rachel are two out of millions of people choosing to recognize the importance of social media in contributing to making this world a better place, and actually doing something about it.

Truly, God plans the best adventures and creates the most beautiful surprises. Abby knows that she wouldn't have been handpicked for this if it weren't for Him, as well as the countless individuals who have cared and showed support for my advocacy. Abby would like to leave a positive thought to everyone that we should really take the time to search for and identify our “purpose” – that one unique, very specific calling that is the result of our talents, dreams, desires, passions and experiences. Once you find it, be faithful to it no matter how long or difficult the journey towards its fulfillment may be. You’ll never know where it could lead to, how far it could go and how large it could grow. Abby is also thankful that her campaign continues to spread and reach new heights and she is particularly grateful to Facebook for giving her this opportunity and to Novuhair, Nature's Answer to Hair Loss (www.novuhair.com), for always being so supportive of her advocacy and endeavors. Abby is proud and honored to have represented the Philippines and the Alopecia community in this once-in-a-lifetime, international event.

The Toddler Travels Book Launch Invite

Inviting everyone to the Toddler Travels Book Launch happening this coming 8th of April 2016 7:30PM at The Forum, 4/F Fully Booked, Bonifacio Global City.

This is all about the authors adventures and misadventures (I think) when she travel abroad with her little one.

The event is for FREE, therefore anyone can come. See you!

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos join McDonald’s 4th National Breakfast Day

March 14 was definitely McDonald’s best Monday ever! For the fourth year in a row, McDonald's National Breakfast Day delighted Filipinos across the country with free McMuffin sandwiches.

With over 400 stores nationwide who took part in the event, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos enjoyed a free and delicious McMuffin to start to their day.

From 6:00AM to 7:00AM, families, groups of friends, and individuals woke up extra early and flocked to participating McDonald's stores for their free breakfast treat via dine-in, take-out, and drive-thru. 

McDonald's Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth S. Yang took the lead in welcoming Filipinos to the much-awaited morning event. McDonald's Chief Happiness Officer Ronald McDonald was also present, along with McDonald’s endorsers and National Breakfast Day ambassadors. The brand’s most recent endorsers Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, popularly known as "AlDub", gave McMuffin sandwiches to customers in McDonald’s Bluebay Walk, Pasay. Other celebrities who were present in different stores around the metro included Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, Janine Gutierrez, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Alwyn Uytingco, Vin Abrenica, and Shaira Mae Dela Cruz. 

"We celebrated our first National Breakfast Day in 2013 to share the goodness of a McDonald's breakfast to more Filipinos," said Yang.

The National Breakfast Day experience goes beyond March 14 through a “breakfast surprise.” Participating McDonald’s stores nationwide further spread the morning cheer by giving 100 free McMuffin sandwiches to groups or organizations who are unable to enjoy a good breakfast because of their early or different work schedules. Examples of these are security guards, hospital staff, and public school teachers.

Watch McDonald’s beautiful surprise here.

“We are happy to continually delight our customers with a beautiful breakfast experience for the fourth time in a row—it’s McDonald’s best Monday ever,” said Yang. “We hope to see everyone every day at McDonald’s to enjoy our delicious and affordable breakfast offers,” he added.

Keep on sharing about your beautiful morning on McDonald’s Facebook page, facebook.com/McDo.ph, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #NationalBreakfastDay.

Staycation at Club Balai Resort in Talisay

Yes! After several years I was back to full-time work.  My little boy is now in grade school, he has become independent (yep! I trained him to be one).  It was my desire to keep my mind up and going again, amidst work stress and braving the metro traffic.

And so after quite sometime, I think I need some relaxation.  So today, me and my little boy Ivan headed further south for our weekend staycation at Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas.

Club Balai Isabel is located right on the shore of Taal lake, overlooking the world famous Taal volcano of course, and its less than an hour land travel from Calamba City via the South Superhighway extension.  Coming from Metro Manila, including the usual traffic, maybe add another one hour and half travel time.

It used to be a private subdivision but over the years, it was developed and expanded into a resort community.  So now it has become one of the favorite tourist destinations in the south, more so, within the Taal Lake area.  The resort now offers amenities and facilities to suit corporate events, family holidays or any special occasions, and its just perfect for our mother-and-son staycation.

It was my little boy’s first time here and he was really excited with the inviting atmosphere running back and forth along the lake shore feeling the cool breeze of the wind at mid-morning. But you know, when I myself got here for the very first time some years back, what I did look for? Where did the videographer hang the wedding gown of that famous celebrity actress when she was wed here.

Before heading to our room, we had a quick breakfast, afterwhich we explore the different facilities of the resort. Oh by the way, I have some friends who are also here so we had time to bond with them as well.

Our accomodation is a 5-bedroom villa that’s good for 10 or more persons.  It has 2 toilet and bath, a mini-kitchen with fridge, dining and living room area and a balcony overlooking the lake.  There’s also a flat screen TV with cabled programs, cabinet, dresser, and a writing table.  Accordingly, we can have the option to cook, but we just forget about it.  Instead, we indulge ourselves with the resort’s food buffet and those other delicious and tempting items on their menu.

After the late lunch, we headed to the lake area where we tried their water sports activities.  Yes, one of the reasons we’re here.  Need not go to Boracay to enjoy jet-skiing, kayaking or the banana-boat ride. Accordingly, they will soon open for para-sailing  and the flying.  Ha! Ha! I am not familiar how its being done but it seems exciting as well.

Ivan was sad because he too small and young to try these activities nor was he allowed to board the speed boat.  But anyway, isn’t he cute in his pink floral life vest.

During the night, we were able to watch some fireworks display at a wedding event happening here at the same time.  Also spent some time chatting and catching up with one another while listening to their acoustic singer Ms. Cath Manansala, calls herself a one-man band. She’s really good doing all those yesteryears songs like the hits of “The Carpenters”. It was almost midnight when we retire to our room for the much-needed rest after a long enjoyable day.

Next day, we attended the Sunday mass at the Spousal of Mary and Joseph Chapel inside the resort.  Then we took time to enjoy the swimming facilities, Club Balai Isabel has three swimming pool areas. At the Kumintang Pool, you need not bring towel, its provided. Just leave it there after use. Ivan rented a bike to explore more the area, which is so tiresome because I need to follow him around (ha!ha! why didn’t I rent my own bike?).

Its time to go after a hearty buffet lunch.

It was a short stay and we wish we had more time.  But anyway, my little boy liked the idea of going back here some other time.  Maybe next time we can tag along his cousins if they are not so busy at all.

For me it was a relaxed weekend.  I had time to unwind, think not much of my duties at the office.  Yes! Hopefully we’ll come back.

So if you’re planning some staycation, relax moments, Club Balai Isabel is it.  Check out their website at http://www.balaiisabel.com. They are also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More photos here.

Michelin Innovation: Driving the search for new technologies on Road Safety and Better Mobility in Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2016

Michelin has joined hands again with Shell for the third staging of the Shell Eco Marathon Asia (SEMA), now on its third and last year in the Philippines from March 3 to 6, 2016.

This year, MICHELIN focuses on Innovation as the driving force that ensures road safety and better mobility on race tracks and ordinary road conditions. In 2014, the key word for MICHELIN at the Shell Eco-Marathon was Michelin Total Performance, underscoring the need for tires to deliver multiple performances, to be safe, energy-efficient and long-lasting.

This year, with Innovation as the key word, participating student teams are looking for new approaches to create safe and energy-efficient vehicles that promote sustainable solutions.

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an international competition that challenges student teams from various parts of the world to create economical, environment-friendly and dependable prototype vehicles. MICHELIN continues to be the Official Global Partner and Tire Supplier of the SEMA in 2016andwillprovidetechnical assistance and support to the participating teams throughout the competition.

“Innovation is Michelin’s key strategy and driving factor for the search of new technologies, leading to ideas, products, or methods that improve road safety and mobility for all motorists, passengers and pedestrians. Michelin’s alliance with Shell furthers this search by seeking out the ideas of students in the Shell Eco-Marathon.", said Damien Hallez-Gozzard, Michelin Group Technical Communication Director.

"Shell and Michelin have partnered anew in the Shell Eco Marathon Asia because we share the same values to put innovation at the heart of developing better mobility. Michelin wants to demonstrate our innovation in sustainable mobility by providing ultimate energy efficient tires to students. We also want to share our technological expertise by giving advice about car suspension," said Michael Nunag, Chief Representative of Michelin Philippines.

The 2015 SEMA drew a record number of 127 participating student teams from 20 countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Teams from Philippine schools also broke records for fuel and energy efficiency. Winners of the different Shell Eco-Marathon this year in Asia, Europe and the Americas may join the first world championship series in London.

The public is invited to visit the Michelin Safety City at the Fanzone on the SEMA grounds on March 4, 5 and 6. On display at the Michelin booth are its Michelin Innovation tires like the Michelin Primacy SUV Tire which was launched in the Philippines in February 2016. The Primacy SUV tire has 2.2. meters shorter braking distance on wet roads, 6% improved grip in wet cornering and 1.9 meters shorter braking in dry conditions.

All visitors are encouraged to join the Michelin #SaferMobility Facebook photo contest by sending pictures that depict how road safety rules are followed by Pinoy motorists. Visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sem16michelin to check the contest mechanics and know more about Michelin’s quest for safer and better mobility. All participants will receive tokens from the Michelin Fanzone booth, and winning entries will receive a grand prize at the Shell Eco-Marathon.

DOST-SEI, Intel, FIT-ED announces ‘innovation prize‘ for the youth

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) recently partnered with Intel Technologies Philippines and the Foundation for Information Technology Education and Development (FIT-ED)—a non-profit organization advocating ICT learning among communities—to launch a project that will bank on creativity and innovativeness among teenagers.

Dubbed as “imake.wemake”, the project seeks to unleash the creativity of young Filipinos in innovation using accessible technologies that can address a certain community issue or social problem. The competition, which is launched this February, is open to teams with 15-18 year-old members who can propose an innovation or a product that can “solve a problem” using the Intel Galileo platform.

The Intel Galileo is a microcontroller board that can be used as a development tool in building simple to complex projects such as LED lights, robots, automation features in appliances, and many others.

“The technology empowers people, most especially the young tech savvy ones, to imagine and create something out of that imagination,” said SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo. “Through this initiative, we want to make them think and be creative in utilizing the technology in making their innovations or products in mind become reality.”

Biyo added the imake.wemake project also intends to hone the students’ skills in communication, critical and analytical thinking, engineering and technical proficiencies, as well as the value of risk and failure analysis.

Submissions will come in the form of a project proposal stating the rationale, problem statement, objectives, methodology, and plan for the development of the innovation. A team from DOST-SEI, Intel, and FIT-ED will lead the assessment of the proposals.

Ten team-projects will be selected and will receive technical assistance and a unit of the Intel Galileo board from DOST-SEI. They will also undergo training, to be led by Intel Technical Consultants, before the build-phase, which can be up to three (3) months.

After the build period, teams will have to present their products and demonstrate their functionality through Poster and Project Presentations to the Jury.

Three prize awardees will emerge among the 10 and shall be conferred with the Youth Innovation Prize by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo including a P50,000 cash prize.

“As we aim to produce more scientists and engineers it is important that we let our students make something out of their imaginative minds. This competition will certainly be a good platform for creativity and we hope that they find their niche in innovation and become great ones in the future,” Biyo remarked.

Philippines' win most int’l science & math medals in 2015

Filipino science and mathematics wizards just keep getting better.

After setting a record 484 gold, silver and bronze medals from international science and mathematics competitions in 2014, our national contingents collected a total of 614 medals in 2015, stamping another memorable mark in the history books.

Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awardees filled the stage at Phivolcs during the awarding ceremony held on February 4, 2016.

At the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) Awards—an annual event organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) that recognizes students who win gold, silver and bronze medals in world science and mathematics contests—some of the medalists from Metro Manila and nearby provinces received their badges of honor from no less than DOST Secretary Mario Montejo. The ceremony was held on February 4, 2016 at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Diliman, Quezon City.

Of the total tally, 321 come from the national capital region, while 293 come from the other regions.

Philippine Science High School – Main Campus garnered the most number of international medals with 52, followed by St. Jude Catholic School and Grace Christian College with 28 and 23, respectively.

Montejo lauded the historic achievement of the awardees, citing efforts of DOST in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among the youth as reinforcements in the said feat.

He said that while a lot of issues and challenges remain to be faced in terms of S&T, the excellence of YES medalists prove that there will be great minds to drive the field in the future.

“Each year, the YES Awards reminds me that despite the difficult task of creating solutions to various challenges, the future of the Philippines is bright knowing that we are developing the future leaders well,” said Montejo who urged the medalists to choose STEM fields when they go to college.

Montejo cited the increased scholarship slots and strengthened benefits to motivate the students to go into STEM fields.

“The scholarship slots have soared since 2010 and we have indeed helped produce scientists and engineers in the process. We hope to capitalize on this improvement by encouraging all gifted students to go into sciences and make their mark in the field,” he added.

An Awardee from the historic 2015 batch receives his YES Medal from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

An Awardee from the historic 2015 batch receives his YES Medal from DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.

Meanwhile, one of the YES Awardees, Bryce Ainsley Sanchez of Grace Christian College addressed his fellow awardees and urged them to continue doing great in competitions.

Finally, DOST Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara encouraged the students to follow into the foot steps of the likes of DOST scholar-graduates, Reinabelle Reyes, Gay Jane Perez, and others who are now “impact scientists” today.

“We have all the reasons to believe that you will be like them, if not better, in the future,” said the Undersecretary.

DOST-SEI, UPLB agree to host 5th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey

The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to jointly organize the hosting of the 5th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APTJSO) in June this year.

SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo and UPLB Chancellor Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr. lead the signing ceremony held at DOST in Taguig City, Wednesday, 13 January 2016, before members of the Working Committees. UPLB Graduate School Dean, Dr. Jose Camacho, served as witness in the signing.

SEI-UPLB inks partnership. SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo and UPLB Chancellor Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. lead the signing ceremony held at DOST in Taguig City last Wednesday 13 January 2016, before members of the Working Committees. UPLB Graduate School Dean, Dr. Jose Camacho (leftmost), and SEI-STMERPD Chief Ms. Ruby R. Cristobal (rightmost) served as witnesses in the signing.

The event is now set on 12-18 June 2016 at UPLB and carries the theme, “Climate Change and the Rainforest.”

Dr. Sanchez said the hosting was a “no brainer” for UPLB as it seeks to strengthen its partnership with DOST and showcase the facilities and environment of the campus, known as the heart of the Los Baños Science Community.

“We immediately said yes to this partnership because science and technology, and mathematics education are mutual obligations and advocacy of UPLB and DOST,” said Sanchez. “UPLB is ready and in the coming months leading to June, we will prepare even more for this international endeavor.”

The ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) is an annual competition since 2012 to develop gifted and talented students aged between 13 to 15 years in science and technology fields and to nurture future scientists and engineers. It is participated in by the ASEAN member states, and China, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, and Sweden.

The event is primarily composed of a poster exhibition, a laboratory skills competition, field exposures and project pitching. The host country has the task of finalizing the specifics of each activity, including the theme, topic, rules and mechanics. SEI and UPLB together with other units of DOST compose the Technical and Working Committees.

In its four-year participation, the Philippines remains an undefeated champion in the Laboratory Skills Competition, a feat that could as well add some pressure to this year’s national contingent, according to Biyo.

“Our teams, ever since, have come from different campuses of the Philippine Science High School System and we remain confident that we have the capability to perform well and win,” said Biyo.

The hosting will be the Philippines’ share in nurturing gifted students in the sciences from the ASEAN region as well as from other countries. The ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS), based in the Republic of Korea, is the overall organizer of competition, in cooperation with the ASEAN-member countries, China and Japan.

Heads up! Gary V on Novuhair: putting energy into prevention

​Heads Up! The hair is considered to be our crowning glory thus, it should always look proper and nice to look at. Just like Mr. Pure Energy. Nothing describes Gary Valenciano quite like his moniker “Mr. Pure Energy,” He is the very image of youthful vibrance, whether onstage or not. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he values the way he looks the same way that he values the core of who he is: a prayerful, faithful husband, dependable father, and an outstanding entertainer. 

​Part of what makes Gary stay young looking is his head of hair. What many people don’t know is that, like all other men his age, Gary once worried about hair thinning and hair loss. That’s why, at the first signs of the problem, Gary sought to find ways to prevent it from becoming worse.

​“I first noticed the hair loss in the shower, after I toweled my hair dry. Then one day, my team of hairstylists noticed that my hair was thinning, too. That’s when they told me to look for the product that Fanny Serrano was using, a product called NOVUHAIR,” remarked Gary on his journey to regaining control over his hair loss.

​NOVUHAIR is a topical scalp lotion that is a unique combination of 14 different natural ingredients and essential oils for a healthier hair and scalp. One of the factors of hair loss, according to studies, is stress, something that Gary experiences on almost a daily basis. Other factors include hereditary disorders, a
persistent illness, major surgery, hormonal problems, childbirth & delivery, medications, infections, pollutants, and even excessive exposure to sunlight. And contrary to popular belief, hair loss is as much a problem for women as it is for men. In many cases, hair loss may be prevented or alleviated through early detection. In the case of Gary, his decision to try NOVUHAIR to prevent his symptoms from worsening made a big difference, and within a few months, he saw remarkable results.

​Gary shares his experience with NOVUHAIR as he tells the story of their family hair history: “Hair loss runs in our family, too, even if it sometimes skips a generation. My brother and grandfather both lost their hair, but my dad still has a full head of hair at 87. I just wanted to make sure I take control of my symptoms. Now, I use NOVUHAIR everyday, and I’ve noticed that I don’t shed as much hair as I did before, especially after toweling my hair dry. And my hairstylists noticed it, too. I love using NOVUHAIR because it has this minty, cool effect that makes me feel like my hair is always clean and fresh.”

​“In less than a month and half, I already saw results even if I was told to wait three to four months before I can see a difference. The effects on me were much faster. There were fewer strands on my white towel, which basically was within the normal boundaries of hair loss for an average person. Before using NOVUHAIR, I used to shed more.” This is due to the fact that NOVUHAIR penetrates deep to help rejuvenate, nourish, & maintain moisture in the scalp and hair. By improving the blood circulation in the scalp, NOVUHAIR helps stimulate hair growth and aid in preventing further, excessive hair fall, while also improving the overall appearance of the hair.

​“I never endorse a product that I did not experience first. I have to make sure it is really effective. With Novuhair, I can say that it has really contributed to my peace of mind and overall well-being. And, heads up, as Novuhair is now part of my daily routine, which includes prayer, diet, and medication. God has truly lived up to his promise in my life, and as he says in Psalm 92:14 ‘I will keep you fruitful even in old age. Fresh and green.’ I am very happy now that Novuhair is a part of that.”

NOVUHAIR, Nature’s Answer to Hair Loss is available in all Mercury Drug outlets, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, South Star Drug & Manson Drug, Metro Gaisano Pharmacy, The Landmark (Makati & TriNoma), J Centre Mall (Cebu), KCC Malls (Gen. Santos City & Koronadal City), NCCC Malls (Palawan & Davao), Gaisano Malls (Davao & Gen.Santos City) and online at www.regaloservice.com and www.lazada.com.ph. For inquiries, call 413-6570 or 0922-8830575.

Herbalife Health Poll: 9 in 10 Filipinos ”highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause

Nine in 10 Filipino consumers surveyed by global nutrition company Herbalife are “highly concerned” about the potential diseases that an unhealthy lifestyle can cause them, with the same number believing that simple lifestyle changes can help improve their overall well-being.

A good number of the respondents expressed willingness to adopt a healthy lifestyle; 79 percent said that they would cut down on unhealthy foods, 78 percent expressed their willingness to exercise more regularly, and 72 percent said they would make better nutrition choices.

“We welcome the results of the survey. It gives an understanding of Filipinos becoming even more health conscious and self-aware that they need to make some lifestyle changes to improve their overall well-being. It also gives Herbalife an idea where we are needed, because as the survey revealed only four out of 10 would spend 10 to 30 minutes a day to make simple lifestyle changes,” said Rosalio Valenzuela, Herbalife Philippines General Manager. The respondents, however, cited the following as the top obstacles to achieving a healthy lifestyle: lack of time for exercise (75 percent), lack of time to make proper nutrition choices (64 percent), and high cost of healthy food (62 percent).

The same health poll likewise showed that the top three aging-related concerns in the country were heart, brain, and eye health.

Better knowledge and understanding 

“The findings from the Herbalife survey clearly show that the majority of people in Asia Pacific that we questioned believe in the value of good nutrition and exercise as contributing to their overall well-being. We aim to play a greater role in providing practical tips and information to people to help them understand that the journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle is not difficult to achieve. With as little as 10 minutes a day, consumers can take positive steps to improve their nutrition and be more active, which will improve their overall well-being,” said William M. Rahn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Herbalife Asia Pacific.

Herbalife conducted the survey in September 2015 in the lead-up to its Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour. It surveyed 1,200 respondents across six countries, including the Philippines, on perceptions towards their health and current lifestyle. Respondents from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand were likewise included in the survey.


Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour

Now on its fourth year, the Herbalife Asia-Pacific Wellness Tour aims to deepen people’s practical understanding of the various aspects of living a healthy active lifestyle. Its previous tours in the past three years saw close to 60,000 participants across the region.This year’s Wellness Tour will feature five members of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board simple lifestyle changes that will enhance their well-being.

Herbalife’s NAB experts will likewise share their views on a wide range of health-related topics, including weight management, brain health and aging; heart health; immunology; and skin care at the medical symposia being held in Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Herbalife NAB experts participating in this year’s Wellness Tour include Dr. David Heber, who incidentally will be coming to Manila, is a leading expert in the field of nutrition and named as one of “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” by Thomson Reuters in 2014 and considered one of “The Best Doctors in America”; Dr. Lou Ignarro, a Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for his discovery of nitric oxide’s health benefits; Dr. Gary Small, a specialist in brain health and aging who has authored over 500 scientific works and has received numerous awards and honors, including the “Senior Investigator Award” from the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry; Dr. Marion Fltechner-Mors, a health nutrition specialist who is currently heading the nutrition and obesity research group at Ulm University, Germany; and Dr. Wang Jae Lee, a physician and academic specializing in immunology and a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine.

Dr. Heber, who is the founding Director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, will be conducting a symposium for free to Filipino medical practitioners on October 23, 9am, at the Manila Hotel. The symposium will gather a group of 100 doctors, nurses, physical therapists and medical practitioners. The title of the symposium is “Obesity: More Than Just Being Overweight and Nutrition Forecast for 2020.” Seminars of Dr. Heber are recognized by US hospitals as part of Continuing Education Studies, which are often required of applicants. The following day, Oct. 24, Dr. Heber will be holding seminars for thousands of Herbalife Independent Members in the same hotel.

This is the first time Dr. Heber, who is also the Chairman of the NAB and the Herbalife Nutrition Institute, to conduct a seminar in Manila since the company was founded in the Philippines 22 years ago. 

About Herbalife

Herbalife is a 35-year-old global nutrition company that sells weight-management, nutrition and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in more than 90 countries to and through a network of independent members. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to help bring good nutrition to children. To learn more visit Herbalife.com

World Space Week Philippines

In celebration of the 17th World Space Week, 12 public and private high schools in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna participated in the first ever CanSat launch competition which was held at the UPLB-CTTE grounds in Los Baños, Laguna. Annually celebrated every month of October, the World Space Week is commemorated to provide a venue for students and educators to learn more about space science and its benefits to humankind as declared by the UN General Assembly in 1999. This year's celebration follows the theme "Discovery" and will feature deep space exploration such as the discoveries of new galaxies, exoplanets, asteroids and comets.

Launched in August this year, the Can Satellite Competition aims to entice students to go into space science studies by letting them experience actual satellite development process, launching, data collection and transmission, and mission data analysis that will teach them the basics of weather forecasting.

There was also a water rocket competition wherein my little boy Ivan, did not satisfy himself by being a mere observer. He was allowed to try himself to do a water rocket launch with the help of my friendly officemates, Jules and Anton.

He also got amazed by a mini-plane flying demo by some Filipino experts like Dr. Rogel Sese, who is one of the Philippine experts when it comes to space education program.

The week event concluded with Grace Christian High School emerging as the grand winner. Second place is Philippine Science High School (main campus), third Makati Science High School. They will represent the country to this year 's APRSAF Water Rocket Event to be held in Bali, Indonesia. Congratulations to the future space and aero engineers of the Philippines!

Look Young and Say Goodbye to Grey Hair

A breakthrough product that will bring back the natural color of your crowning glory! Grey Away is for people with visible grey hair that brings back the natural color of hair strands and prevents it from turning grey without the risk of the harmful effects of colorants.

For only Php 995.00, Grey Away is available in all leading drugstores, selected supermarkets, and department stores nationwide. For more information like Grey Away’s official facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Grey-Away-101783003500982/timeline/
and follow @greyaway on Instagram.

2015 DOST-SEI Scholars/Qualifiers under RA 10612

In support of the government’s objective to strengthen the quality of education in the country, a total of 1,030 third year college students aced the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) exam administered nationwide on 12 July 2015.

The JLSS is a scholarship program of the DOST-SEI under the Republic Act (RA) No. 10612 titled, “An Act Expanding the Coverage of the Science and Technology (S&T) Scholarship Program and Strengthening the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools.” Otherwise known as the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013”, this law builds on the current S&T scholarships offered by the DOST-SEI as provided for in RA 7687 or the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994.”

The implementation of R.A. 10612 supports the execution of Section 8 of the K to 12 law which urges the hiring of teachers from among the graduates of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses.

“I believe that this scholarship program will not only help produce quality teachers right away but will also ensure dynamic and effective science and mathematics teaching in many schools in the country especially now that the K-12 will be implemented,” Dr. Josette T. Biyo, SEI Director, said.

Qualifiers of this scholarship program will get to enjoy a 2-3 year S&T scholarships with privileges following the existing financial assistance of the RA 7687 scholars. They will be entitled to subsidy in tuition fee and other school fees, monthly living allowance, book allowance, among others, in the last 2 or 3 years of their undergraduate studies.

Upon graduation the scholars are required to serve as STEM teachers for a minimum of two years in any public or private high school in the country, preferably in their hometown. They will also be made to undergo teacher training by the Philippine Normal University (PNU). To ensure that graduates under the program would be able to serve, the Department of Education (DepEd) will assist in the job placement and hiring of qualified graduates with a starting salary equivalent to that of the Special Science Teacher 1 position at the Philippine Science High School. Other incentives include relocation allowance if they would be assigned to teach outside their home region or province; and they would be allowed to teach initially without LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) eligibility provided that they take and pass the LET within five years of hiring.

Dr. Biyo believes that by fast-tracking graduates in STEM courses, the RA 10612 will strengthen the country’s science and technology education and hopes to inspire more scholar-graduates to pursue a career path in science teaching.

The new JLSS scholars under RA 10612 will get to enjoy the scholarship effective the First Semester of AY 2015-2016.