Month: April 2023

Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center, a subsidiary of the country’s leading Lasik provider, Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, opens its doors to the public, providing medical services centered on diagnostic testing and preventive care.

The Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center is Shinagawa’s first specialized facility of its kind across all branches. “We saw the opportunity to expand our services outside of eye care to better cater to the holistic health needs of Filipinos. With our backbone of medical experts and advanced technology, we will provide a comprehensive, all-in medical checkup and screening experience for clients of all ages,” shared Shinagawa Philippines President Masako Uemori during the grand opening.  

All-inclusive health checkups

Shinagawa places proactive, preventive care at the forefront of its medical philosophy, as early detection of illnesses affords patients more time to seek effective medicines or procedures that can ultimately lessen or cure their symptoms. 

The Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center offers a full lineup of comprehensive checkups, together with advanced diagnostic and imaging technology, to aid in identifying the onset of diseases. These include general examinations based on Japan’s standards inclusive of specialized imaging services such as brain exams (MRI/MRA), full body exams (CT scan), digestive scans (ultrasound and endoscopy), women’s exams (mammography and ultrasound), as well as an in-house laboratory that can release test results on the same day.  

Individuals and organizations alike can welcome Shinagawa as their partner in health, as the Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center offers a complete portfolio of medical examinations and diagnostics services.

Hassle-free checkups

Patients can expect a streamlined experience from booking, to undergoing procedures, to claiming results. Booking an appointment can be done by visiting the Shinagawa website which includes a live chat feature and a patient portal to create one’s profile to track appointments, results, and other pertinent information. Patients can also contact Shinagawa’s Patient Care Lines via landline (+632) 7368-5241, Globe (+63) 917-864-6762, and Smart (+63) 962-067-3669. Customer service representatives will be readily available from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm to accommodate questions and bookings. 

Once the appointment has been confirmed, patients will be given all of the information needed to guide them through each exam. 

With ease of use for maximum patient comfort in mind, the Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center was designed so that each patient will simply go around the facility with clear directions. 

On the 8th floor, patients can find a lounge for patients and their companions, as well as facilities for a few medical tests (CT scan, MRI, endoscopy). The rest of the general medical checkups (right wing), as well as the women’s exams (left wing), are conducted on the 23rd floor.

Directory map of the 8th floor and 23rd floor of the Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center.

Apart from the screening and imaging tests, Shinagawa also practices double reading and consultation with Japanese medical experts to ensure high precision of diagnosis and treatment plans. Patients can expect no waiting time as the Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center delivers same-day results. This is made possible through the Japanese Health Checkup Information System, which increases operational efficiency. 

The Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center is in the process of obtaining accreditation with all major HMO providers in the country to make its services more convenient. “Shinagawa continues its commitment to making quality, world-class healthcare accessible for Filipinos through expanding our roster of HMO partners,” said Masako. 

The Shinagawa Diagnostic and Preventive Care Center is located at 8/F and 23/F Ore Central Building, 9th Avenue, cor 31st Street, BGC, Taguig City. Those who are interested can learn more by visiting the official website at https://shinagawa-healthcare.ph/.

Even the simplest of household decisions impact how communities safeguard the environment. In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) encourages Filipinos to make more mindful choices on how valuable resources like water, energy, and oil are consumed and managed. The exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, PCPPI reaffirms its sustainability commitments ahead of Earth Day, which is observed worldwide on April 22. According to Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI president and chief executive officer, adopting sustainable lifestyle habits affects people and planet for the better.

“The daily decisions we make can help reduce household waste, save expenses, and improve our well-being. Living ‘sustainably’ does not have to be complex, as we can all start with the choices we make at home,” he said. Re-use and repurpose. It often takes a fresh perspective to see our everyday tasks differently. One of the ways to reduce household waste is through repurposing old items, like plastic water bottles which may be transformed into plant holders or vases. Used boxes can also be turned into organizers, while brown paper bags can be used as craft paper for school projects. Meal planning. Apart from selecting healthier food options from the market or grocery, meal planning has the added benefit of consuming just the right amount of food—thereby cutting down on excess and food waste.

Planning meals ahead of time also helps manage one’s budget, as well as electricity costs. Unplug when not in use. Turning off that are not in use, using enough water to wash hands, or unplugging fully charged devices are some good practices to manage resource consumption at home. These also help maintain the health of electrical appliances, helping them run properly for longer. Go digital, go paperless. One of the shifts accelerated during the community lockdowns was the move towards paperless transactions.

Mail and bills are now accessed electronically, minimizing the need to consume paper. With further advances in technology, the possibilities are endless with how the world can help preserve and protect trees. As PCPPI supports the practice of these sustainable practices, the organization continues to work on its own sustainability initiatives that demonstrate its long-term commitment towards care respect for the environment. PCPPI aims to reduce the use of virgin plastic and reach 100% recyclable packaging. The company continues to expand its efforts in lightweighting and exploring alternative packaging sources.

Since early 2021, PCPPI has also transitioned to renewable energy use to supply the energy requirements of its plants. Solar panels are installed in its Batangas, Cebu, and Davao manufacturing facilities. In line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Adopt-an-Estero Program, PCPPI has organized clean-up drives near bodies of water in the communities where it operates. PCPPI has adopted key waterways across the country, including those in San Fernando, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Cebu, and Zamboanga.

Partnerships with agencies like the Laguna Lake Development Authority allow PCPPI to regularly meet with other community stakeholders on how to best address environmental concerns and develop innovative ways to protect local ecosystems. PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It distributes well-loved brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari, and Premier. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Luminisce unveils first class line of laser treatment for skin care.

Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations, one of the Philippines’ leading dermatology clinics, recently introduced a new advanced laser technology for skin care called Pico Suite, providing a more precise method in addressing Filipino pigmentation problems.

Laser technology has revolutionized the field of dermatology, leading to a host of results that used to be achieved only manually. Current laser technology uses nanotechnology, which fires laser beam energy at skin imperfections in nanoseconds, or a billionth of a second.

Despite nanotechnology lasers being highly effective, patients must go through periods of downtime and problems such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, burns, and blisters. These lasers also tend to be selective with pigments, making some lasers less effective for certain skin tones.

Developed by the U.S.-based aesthetic and medical treatment systems manufacturer Cynosure, the Pico Suite line fires laser beam energy in picoseconds, equivalent to a trillionth of a second. This lessens the risk of laser-related complications and speeds up the visibility of results.

“We are extremely happy to finally offer our patients the Pico Suite solution. With three of the most advanced in-clinic devices, the Pico Suite offers safe procedures and accelerated results on pigmentation problems,” says Dr. Kaycee Reyes, founder of Luminisce.

Because these laser beams are shorter in pulse duration, its photo-thermal effect on the skin is lower and therefore is less damaging to the surrounding skin tissue. Additionally, a picosecond laser breaks pigments into much smaller particles, speeding up results.

The Luminisce Pico Suite

The Luminisce Pico Suite is composed of three world-renowned in-clinic gold-standard devices: PicoMajesty, PicoPlus, and PicoSure Pro.

Of all the Pico Lasers in the market, PicoMajesty has the shortest pulse duration in the aesthetics industry with 250ps at 1064 nm and a peak power of 2GW. PicoMajesty is specifically made to address tattoos and treat other pigment-based skin conditions such as acne and scars. Its high peak power and high laser energy shatters pigments much easily.

Meanwhile, PicoPlus is one of the most versatile Pico lasers in the market. It has both nano and picosecond pulse duration at 450ps, 2ns with the peak power of 1.8GW. PicoPlus is an ideal option for gentler treatments.

The third of the Pico Suite is PicoSure Pro, which is the second-generation pico laser created by Cynosure. PicoSure Pro has a wavelength of 755nm Alexandrite, 750ps to 650ps pulse duration, the wavelength that’s considered the “sweet spot” for most pigments. PicoSure Pro is versatile for different skin types and aids in skin revitalization. It is the only FDA-cleared picosecond device to treat melasma pigment, Nevus of Ota, and Hori’s Nevus.

Other than pigments, PicoSure Pro also reduces wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and pore size. Its unique fractionated lens redistributes the picosecond energy into low and high intensities to create elegant injury in the superficial skin layer. Called intra-epidermal Laser Induced Optical Breakdowns, these create pressure waves that expand into the dermis and activate the body’s natural healing response to stimulate collagen and elastin production without thermal side effects (e.g. redness and damages on the surrounding tissue or downtime of other lasers).

Book a consultation with a Luminisce dermatologist today by calling 0977-804-4601 to get your own bespoke customized treatment plan for your pigmentation concern.

Luminisce provides a wide range of skincare solutions through its BGC, The Podium, Ortigas and Molito Alabang branches. To know more, visit Luminisce’s website at https://luminisce.com/ or follow https://www.instagram.com/luminisce_official/

As the seventh Compliance Period for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) for members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines closes in April 2023, new and exciting programs start to line up for the opening of the eighth period. Most compliant lawyers now enjoy more options as online, traditional, and hybrid learning setups comprise the interesting mix that prioritizes their convenience and personal choices. Like law practitioners across the globe, learners in the country consider four major factors when choosing MCLE programs to enroll in—topic or content, cost, reputation of MCLE facilitators, and the learning setup. Always ahead of the times and leading its industry,

ACCESS MCLE, a duly recognized learning institution facilitating MCLE courses for local attorneys, has started opening new programs that learners can sign up for the Eighth Compliance Period. Currently, there are nine available courses, with 16 more to be uploaded. It is the proponent of online MCLE as it presented the setup for virtual learning for lawyers to the Supreme Court even before the onset of the pandemic. ACCESS MCLE has even introduced a new version of the online class or synchronous setup.

The Flexi-Synch option makes MCLE program schedule identical all year round. Learners who miss a session can catch that same lesson on the same day and time on the following month. Topics and carefully-selected facilitators “We aim to make fellow lawyers realize that MCLE is worthwhile and necessary,” said ACCESS MCLE Co-Founder Atty. Ma. Louella M. Aranas. “It has always been our commitment to set the standard higher.” Since Day 1, ACCESS MCLE has been prioritizing the requirements, needs, and interests of Filipino lawyers. It is continuously working with numerous law experts and legal luminaries to identify and develop programs that would further enrich local attorneys amid significant changes in the judicial landscape. So far, ACCESS MCLE has offered numerous MCLE courses in seven different categories—updates on substantive and procedural laws, MCLE prescribed subjects, legal and judicial ethics, alternative dispute resolution, legal writing and oral advocacy, trial and pre-trial skills, and international laws. “ACCESS is committed to delivering new curated topics for the Eighth Compliance Period on top of the courses for the Seventh Compliance Period that remain to be available.

Some of our current popular topics are the laws of war; hunger and the right to adequate food, and even the right to die,” Atty. Aranas said. The institution is equally proud of its roster of lecturers, which include legal luminaries and some of the most credible subject matter experts. ACCESS MCLE has a deliberate selection process for inviting the best lecturers who are real authorities in their respective legal practices. “We take most of our recommendations for lecturers from Dean Ada Abad of Adamson University College of Law,” Atty. Aranas disclosed. Costs and learning setups Being the first accredited online on-demand and synchronous MCLE provider in the Philippines, ACCESS MCLE has been instrumental in democratizing continuing legal education for lawyers.

It was among the proponents of online MCLE as it had started introducing the virtual learning setup for lawyers even before the onset of the pandemic and before the Supreme Court formally endorsed online MCLE as an option for those meeting compliance. ACCESS MCLE has even introduced a new version of the online class or synchronous setup. The Flexi-Synch option makes MCLE programs available all year round. Learners who miss a session can catch that same lesson on the same day and time on the following month.

Aside from the reasonable fees per course, online sessions logically help lower compliance expenses by eliminating the need to spend on transportation. Thus, learners from all local regions don’t need to fly to the metro just to attend sessions. “A huge factor that makes lawyers enroll in an MCLE seminar is the program schedule. It can be hard for a working professional to find time to attend a lecture that directly conflicts with their schedule. Moreover, the lineup of lecturers, topics to be discussed, and rate or pricing are other points that lawyers factor in when making the decision to enroll in a program,” Atty. Aranas summed up. To learn more about ACCESS MCLE and its programs, visit https://accessonline.ph/.

Oral care is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene not only ensures fresh breath and a beautiful smile, but it also plays a critical role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. This is where Luster, the leading teeth whitening kit brand in the Philippines, comes in. Luster’s teeth whitening kit consists of 4 gel pens that contain carbamide peroxide, which helps produce the chemical that makes teeth whitening possible.

The LED mouthpiece further enhances the process by speeding up the whitening process, so you can achieve the best results in as early as 7 days. While teeth whitening is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of your teeth, maintaining healthy oral hygiene is just as important. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping your teeth and gums clean to prevent dental problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here are some tips to maintain healthy oral hygiene: Brush Twice a Day using Luster Foam Toothpaste: Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is crucial for removing plaque and preventing tooth decay. Brush for at least two minutes and use a circular motion to reach all surfaces of your teeth. Floss Daily using Luster Charcoal Floss: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss daily to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Use Luster PAP+ Mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and prevent gum disease. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash and use it after brushing and flossing. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.

Limit your consumption of these foods and drink plenty of water to rinse away any harmful acids. By incorporating these oral hygiene practices into your daily routine, you can prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy and confident smile. Luster’s teeth whitening kit is an excellent addition to your oral care routine, giving you the extra boost you need for a brighter and more confident smile. In conclusion, oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Incorporating Luster’s teeth whitening kit into your oral care routine can enhance the appearance of your smile, giving you the confidence to take on the world. Remember to brush, floss, use mouthwash, and limit sugary and acidic foods to maintain healthy oral hygiene. Try Luster’s teeth whitening kit today and achieve a healthy and confident smile!

Ride for Valor Commemorates Heroes of Bataan Death March on Araw ng Kagitingan Mariveles, Bataan – Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Manila and other parts of the country, join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites. The ride coincides with the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March.Mike Villa-Real, first vice president for marketing and communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), said the event, organized by PVB in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.”The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War.

It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March,” he said.The ride is open only to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said the event starts at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during the event.

He noted that the event implements a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese forces in 1942. Thousands of soldiers survived but many also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors. The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism that occurred during that period.PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter signed into law, the Bank’s ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.Ride for Valor 2023 is supported by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc, Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar.For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.