EA Regenerative Medicine Center Of Excellence: Bringing reputable stem cell therapy to our shores

Stem Cell Therapy, which is a part of regenerative medicine in general, is one of the most exciting branches of science. The potential is tremendous as it deals with tissue regeneration and biological healing. A quick look for its definition on the net reveals this from Wikipedia: "Regenerative medicine is a branch of translational research in tissue engineering and molecular biology which deals with the "process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function".

Taken from Wikipedia.org

I'm no medical expert, but common sense dictates that cell therapy could be the future of medicine. Think of it this way. If you watched any of Marvel's X-Men movies, the regenerative powers of the popular comic hero Wolverine is the closest concept you can find on-screen on this. In real life, remember when your friendly, neighborhood household lizard accidentally broke off his tail? And after a few days, you see him again with a brand new, spanking tail? That is in a nutshell what regenerative medicine is all about. In a layman's definition, it is basically the study & science on how to heal or grow back damaged human body parts or tissue.

Stem cell treatment has been controversial as of late because of news about some congressmen dying from it. And generally, the topic is controversial in nature since it deals with altering what nature has naturally given us. In our society, anything that tampers with the natural course of things is almost always a magnet for controversy. The controversy generated is partly due to ignorance on the subject or because society in general is not yet ready to fully comprehend the vast opportunities stem cell therapy can offer.

First regenerative medicine center in the country

I was invited to the 1st anniversary event and presscon of EA Regenerative Medicine Center of Excellence, probably the first clinic of its kind that offers integrated cell therapy treatments in the country, and was impressed with its ultramodern interior and state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities.

EA's well appointed, stylish & sophisticated lobby

I have never seen a clinic that looked so good and classy. You feel like you're in a five-star hotel lobby! But the husband and wife tandem of Dr. Eder G. Dizon (the managing director of EA) and his amiable wife Dr. Aenelle Dizon, a dermatologist by profession, never showed any high society vibe. They were very gracious with the guests including the media people and bloggers. They were always ready to answer difficult questions about EA's services. The friendly staff, headed by EA's  competent general manager Abigail Biruar, were very helpful and accommodating. Suffice it to say that customer service is topnotch in this area. The partner doctors who presented were experts and known in their respective fields such as Dr. Florencio Lucero, the center's resident plastic surgeon and Dr. Miguel Ramos, the resident internal medicine/geriatric specialist.

Dr. Eder G. Dizon, managing director of EA 
Regenerative Medicine Center of Excellence
with his wife Dr. Aenelle B. Dizon, a 
dermatologist.

To know more about the center and its services, I have published an official literature from them right after the jump:

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EA Regenerative Medicine: A Hope for Alzheimer's, Depression & other brain disorders

Can you relate to these scenarios? When you were still a bubbly kid, you excitedly go to your grandpa to greet him when suddenly he forgets your name or recites all the names of his apos before getting yours right. Or you got the shock of your life when you heard the news about the unexpected suicide of a relative or a friend. You were just talking to her a couple of days ago and she seems to be full of life.

These two scenarios are just some of the most common exposures we've had with brain and psychiatric illnesses. The grandpa most likely has dementia, a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, a condition where the brain gradually loses its memory overtime due to old age or disease. While suicide is an aftermath of a psychiatric illness which many refer to as depression. According to medical studies, everybody goes through some form of depression in their lives. But the most harmful is severe depression which if not diagnosed immediately and properly can lead to suicide. The Philippines' National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that suicide has steadily risen in the past 21 years which gravely shows that psychiatric problems are also on the rise due to society's advancement and the complexities of life that come with it.

The Brainsway Deep Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation equipment

But there is hope and good news. "These brain and psychiatric disorders can now be treated with the right interventions and medications," says Dr. Eder G. Dizon M.D., Managing Medical director of the newest, high-end, multi-specialty regenerative medicine clinic called EA Regenerative Medicine Center of Excellence during its recent presscon and first year anniversary event. EA is first in South East Asia to offer the most advanced regenerative medical procedures utilizing state-of-the-art processing, delivery, and preservation of medical-grade Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells (ADRCs) that follows the most stringent clinical protocols, registries and standards of operations. It utilizes Cytori Therapeutics technology, a world renown and reputable cell therapy company, for its cell therapy services.

It recently offered Brainsway DTMS or deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, a recognized, breakthrough treatment for various kinds of serious brain and psychiatricological disorders such as Depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Bipolar Disorder, Autism and even addictions such as smoking and drugs.

Driving Forces behind EA Regenerative Medicine Center of Excellence (L-R): Udi Lowy – Manager, Brainsway Asia Inc., Dr. Antonio C. Sison – Psychiatry, Dr. Florencio Q. Lucero - Plastic Surgery/ Fat Stem Cell Surgery, Dr. Aenelle B. Dizon – Dermatology, Dr. Eder G. Dizon – Managing Director of EA, Dr. Kathleen P. Garcia – Anesthesiology, Dr. Pompeyo R. Bautista – Medical Director/ Nephrology, Dr. Ferdinand V. Alzate -  Interventional Cardiology, Dr. Miguel A. Ramos – Internal Medicine/ Geriatrics

"TMS is a deep but non-invasive treatment that was extensively developed in Israel by Brainsway. We brought this technology, probably a first in the country, to help patients who are most likely resistant to traditional forms of medicines or who have tried out every available treatment unsuccessfully," says Dizon.

The Brainsway Deep TMS is a non-invasive treatment which stimulates the brain region responsible for the neurologic or psychiatric symptoms and brings significant improvement to patients. It is an outpatient procedure which does not require hospitalization or anesthesia, and entails no memory loss or systemic side effects.

In each session, the patient is comfortably seated on a chair, and a cushioned helmet is gently placed over the head. The helmet generates brief magnetic fields, similar to those used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. These magnetic fields briefly stimulate the targeted brain area and improve the symptoms. The procedure requires 4-5x/week sessions of 20 minutes each over 4-5 weeks depending on the indication. After each session, patients can return home independently, and follow through their normal daily routine.

The Shockwave Therapy treatment being done to a patient

"Our DTMS treatment is highly regarded and tested by credible and renown medical scientists and institutions such as Harvard University, American National Institutes of Health, John Hopkins University, Columbia University among many others," Dizon proudly states.

The treatment is safely and conveniently conducted by reputable Neurologists and Psychiatrists in EA's well appointed and modern clinic.

Aside from DTMS, the clinic also offers a comprehensive and complete geriatric assessment program specially designed by EA's resident geriatric doctor Miguel A. Ramos. During his presentation, Dr. Ramos says that majority of the country's old people (60 years old and up) die early due to neglect. "People in this age bracket can still have a fulfilling and good quality of life if they just go to a geriatric doctor and be honest about what they are feeling and about their medical history. But majority of them don't because they are afraid of the truth. They don't realize that neglecting their health makes them more prone to diseases which in turn shortens their lifespan," explained Ramos.

EA's extensive geriatric program is holistic in approach and considers every aspect of an elderly's needs. The program conducts nutritional and psychological assessments, functional and physical tests and interventions like stem cell therapy if needed.

The StemSource Cell and Adipose Tissue
Bank cryogenic facility

EA also introduced the Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave is an acoustic wave which carries its high energy to the painful spot and provokes healing and repair processes. It is used to treat tissue, bone and muscle problems and helps regenerate them through a series of controlled applications much like the effect of hand massage.

On top of these services, the center also employs its own world class ambulatory surgical complex and a StemSource Cell and Adipose Tissue Bank cryogenic facility, the first and only one in the country to date. With this facility, patients no longer have to go out of the country to avail of the Cytori Cell Therapy. The clinic allows patients to harvest and immediately benefit from these cells, or they can opt to bank their cells or excess fat tissue for future use.

To know more about the center, visit  www.earegenmed.com , e-mail edergdizon@earegenmed.com, abiebiruar@earegenmed.com, pompeyo_bautista@earegenmed.com or call +63 917 599 9385.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4: Tablet Heaven!

Before I start my review on one of the latest and greatest from Samsung, let me first sum up my verdict in one description: NEAR PERFECTION!

Now that you have a very good idea where my review is heading, let me go into specifics why I call it as such. You see in its class or in the higher 9 to 10 inch spectrum, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is probably the best in terms of specs: screen quality, processor, power, software, operating system, design, portability, quality etc. I could go on and on)

My Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 is perfect for holding with one hand.
Its just like reading a medium-sized book.

POWERFUL FOUR CORE PROCESSOR

Ok lets go hands on. This baby rocks a very powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor. Although this is not the latest, it still is one of the best up there in terms of performance, stability and quality. After all, Qualcomm is still by far the leading manufacturer of mobile device processors in the world. When the Snapdragon 800 was introduced a few months ago, it was hailed as a breakthrough in the micro-processing world due to its power and unique architecture. The Tab Pro 8.4 is one of the few devices that uses this meaty processor. It is in fact the most powerful processor used in a tablet by far.

Not only does this baby rocks, it runs very fast. It is clocked at 2.3 Gigahertz, again one of, if not the fastest in the slate category. And it has four cores as opposed to the two cores which is a standard in most tablets today. And true enough, according to real time tests conducted around the world, it lives up to its hype.

I myself didn't have problems with it. Imagine this: I'm surfing the net with multiple windows open while watching a full HD movie (in a separate micro screen) and doing my blog entry in a word processor all at the same time without any hiccups. On my last tab, also a Samsung, running a full HD video while checking my e-mail is already a burden for the processor. Most of the time the video processor crashes.

I also play the latest NBA 2K14, a resource and graphic intensive game, smoothly and with no major problems.

HIGH QUALITY DISPLAY

Samsung's Tab Pro line has the highest quality screens in the tablet world. In fact, its 2560 x 1600 (359 PPI) pixel density is higher than the Ipad's Retina Display, considered the holy grail of mobile, tab and laptop screens.

Although its 8.4 inch, super LCD screen technology is not as bright as the super AMOLEDs of Samsung's smart-phones, it's as very fluid and vivid. Its color saturation is one of the best in the industry. My full HD films rendered perfectly on it. This is perfectly so since full definition movies must be appreciated in full def. screens period. I haven't tried it outside during high noon but knowing Samsung displays (I have been a Samsung user since I got an S3 in 2012) they are relatively visible under direct sunlight.

The Tab Pro's rear features a faux leather, a design element introduced
in the Samsung Note 3. The leather helps in the high grip factor of the tab

To sum up the display quality, I'm lifting an excerpt from a recent review by Engadget.com:

"The Galaxy Tab Pro's display is gorgeous. I was dazzled from the minute I turned it on. Like the rest of the Galaxy Tab Pro line, the 8.4 boasts an impressive 2,560 x 1,600 resolution. But, because the 8.4-inch model has the smallest screen of the lot, its pixel density is the sharpest, topping out at an impressive 359 pixels per inch. That makes the Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 the most pixel-dense slate we've ever seen, and it shows. Icons and images are so crisp and lifelike that they look painted on. Further, the Tab Pro utilizes a TFT LCD instead of the Super AMOLED found in previous Samsung tablets, which results in much more natural colors, a welcome change from AMOLED's hyper-saturated hues."

The Tab Pro's 8 Megapixel rear camera
takes decent photos & videos while its
front facing 2MP shooter is good for
video chats & selfies

CLASSY AND ULTRA-THIN DESIGN

Its design is hewn from Samsung's latest smart-phones. I would say it's the classiest and most stylish design I have seen in a tablet. The great thing about it is it still maintains its minimalist attitude. The back is made of faux leather that is actually plastic. But it really feels like the real thing and the leather pattern has a premium feel to it. The other great thing about it is it produces a grippy texture. This simply means the tab is very comfortable to hold even with just one hand, which is reinforced more by its ultra-thin size. There is non of that fear of dropping it compared to earlier iterations made of glazed plastic which feels like it could slip out of your hands anytime. The fake stitching on the sides of the faux leather reinforces more the premium element of the tab.

The sides are covered in aluminum metal which again reinforces the classy element. The front is mostly covered with glass with the proprietary Samsung brand and the physical menu button with touch buttons on its sides. However, I found out from Samsung Philippines that the glass is not Gorilla but only tempered glass, this means there is no scratch resistance protection. But the best innovation in front is the very narrow bezel especially on the sides which makes it very compact. Other surprising innovations are its being lightweight at just 11 ounces and its thinness at just 0.28 inches. I call them innovations because it takes engineering and design marvel to squeeze all these wonderful technology in a very compact and portable tablet.

OPERATING SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE FUNCTIONALITY

The Tab Pro 8.4 is designed with the businessman or professional in mind hence its carries the latest and greatest mobile OS from Google that is Android KitKat. Of course common sense dictates that if you target the businessmen, then you are targeting the most discriminating and highest end market. The free softwares include Hancom Office Suite, the closest thing to Microsoft Office and a whole slew of new productivity apps not found in the regular tablet lines of Samsung such as the Tab 4 and Tab 3.

The Magazine UX interface is also a noteworthy addition to the usual Samsung TouchWiz layer for Android. I have been working on my documents using the Hancom apps and I found them almost similar in terms of features to the widely used Microsoft Office suite. Its better than the Polaris Suite which Samsung incorporated in their earlier and lower end tablets.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY FEATURES

The tab comes with a slew of very vital features such LTE connectivity, USB To Go, Micro USB, MicroSD card slot, multi-spectrum WiFi, Infrared, Bluetooth 4.0, High quality stereo speakers, 8MP auto-focused camera with LED flash, 2MP Front Facing camera, Gyroscope, Sensors, Light Ambient Sensor, Microphone with recorder and HDMI function which needs a third party adaptor.

VERDICT

I highly recommend this tab to professionals and business people. Likewise to people who are techies and very discriminating when it comes to features. The only minor drawbacks are its non Gorilla Glass screen and its hefty price tag. For the price I should say it depends on the buyer. For me, the price equates to its premium and top end features hence it is forgivable. For the glass screen however, I'm completely at a loss on why Samsung had to leave this very important feature. My guess is that it could be a strategic business decision known only by the company.

The key to the Tab pro 8.4's success lies in its portability and functionality. Portability in the sense that it is easier to bring than a 10 inch tab or ultrabook. Functionality in the sense that it brings with it the same business and multimedia features that can be found in a laptop or netbook.

To sum it all up, let me lift an actual quote from a review of Yugatech.com, one of the leading tech review sites in the Philippines:

"It’s the complete package. There’s not a lot of things that we can complain about the tablet; its got a marvelous display, its engine performs well even under heavy pressure, the camera is great and, to top it all, the battery life is very impressive. Needless to say, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is a keeper"

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

BLUEMAX LAHAR DREDGING PROJECT COMMENDED BY DENR & PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY

Bluemax Tradelink Inc.'s lahar sand export project in Zambales was highly commended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) local offices in Region 3 recently.

Speaking over at radio station DZBB in the program 'Boses Ng Balita', Lormelyn Claudio, Director of DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 3, said Bluemax's dredging and extracting of lahar sand along Bucao River channel, one of the main river systems in Zambales now heavily silted, was sort of like a miracle for the people of Botolan Zambales as it is expected to decrease more incidence of floods. It will also deepen the channel and will provide passage for overflowing flood waters.

"This project is supposed to be the work by the National Government with the participation of the Local Government but now private companies like Bluemax assumes all cost related to dredging and desilting, and agreeing that it is just right  for the Government to allow Bluemax to export the lahar sand for commercial purposes because Government doesn't need to pay private contractors like Bluemax   to do the job but even requires Bluemax to pay taxes from the sales of the said sand. It is now a very good opportunity to solve our problem with  Lahar sand," explained Claudio.

Bluemax' lahar dredging site in Zambales

Claudio clearly explained the positive impact of the projectand that it went thru Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review and evaluation pursuant to PD 1568. For his part, Reynaldo Cruz, OIC of the DENR's Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 3 explained in the same radio program that Bluemax has obtained all     the necessary legal procedures. "Their permit to export the lahar sand is regularly cleared by our office. Suffice to say the whole operation is above board and  legitimate," Cruz stressed.

A dump truck delivers tons of lahar sand to a large barge

The DOTC's Philippine Ports Authority (PPO) also recently recognized Bluemax for its immense contribution in the development and smooth operations of the sea port in San Fernando, La Union. The award was bestowed during the local PPO's 38th founding anniversary celebration.

The lahar is graded, processed whenever required, and exported by Blumax to Singapore for its massive reclamation project meant to sustain its fast economic growth. The company was awarded the contract to provide lahar sand back in 2011 says its president Clark Zapata in the same program.

Bluemax Tradelink President Clark Zapata (in yellow shirt) with DENR officials at DZBB Radio after their guesting

"Before, Singapore used to import sand from other much nearer countries. But these countries stopped it due to lack of supply and issues. But blessing for us, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo left us an endless supply of lahar sand," said Zapata.

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted, endless tons of lahar sand were spewed out thereby creating havoc up to this day in the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac and its surrounding areas. Whenever it rains, lahar would flow down from the mountains and would clog rivers, destroy properties and lives and bring down the local economies.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

Topnotch Lab Can Detect Immunologic Causes Of Failed Pregnancies

Blood is one of the most important elements of the human body. Whenever there is suspicion of disease or infection, the usual first course of action is to test the blood for definitive evidence.

There are numerous tests for the blood to determine a person's state of health. The most common tests are the complete blood count (CBC), fasting/random blood sugar, cholesterol, lipid profile, blood urea nitrogen, and dengue.

Moreover, there are special blood tests that determine one’s immunologic condition. Since these blood tests are important tools in diagnosis, they should be readily available and results should be accurate and prompt. Most hospitals and laboratories, with their large number of patients, usually take a few days to release test results.

Bloodworks logo

But there is a reputable laboratory in Katipunan, Quezon City that guarantees fast results , i.e. within 24 hours from blood extraction, and which can be electronically sent to the patients. Moreover, it offers home service to patients in the surrounding communities. 

Bloodworks Lab offers extensive immunologic tests which have been significantly used by obstetricians in managing patients with unexplained, repeated miscarriages and those with difficulty in conceiving. Immunologic tests conducted in Bloodworks include:  APAS , Basic and Comprehensive Immunology Panels, Lymphocyte Subset Enumeration Panels, and other Immunology / Serology tests.

Bloodworks uses the latest, state-of-the-art equipment in its 
lab along with new design elements to provide a relaxing 
but professional ambiance

Bloodworks Lab is the only stand alone lab in the country that offers these extensive immunologic tests. It has the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, among which is its own 4-color flow cytometer (the third of its kind in the Philippines) and employs competent, professionally certified medical technologists. It takes pride in its topnotch and professional staff led by Immuno-Pathologist Dr. Arvin C. Faundo, a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine Class 1996, specializing in Hematopathology and Stem Cell Transplantation with training from  Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA; and Bloodworks’ Chief Medical Technologist, Mary Antonette Menciano, who is trained in the Clinical Immunology Laboratory of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago, Illinois, for reproductive immunology testing.

The facade of Bloodworks lab in Katipunan

The BD FACSCalibur™ Flowcytometer platform (above in Bloodworks) offers a unique modular approach to flowcytometry and allows users to perform both cell analysis and cell sorting in an innovative single bench-top system. Designed with multicolor application support in mind, the BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer provides flexibility to support a wide variety of research and clinical applications. The system supports a wide variety of research and clinical applications and is complemented by a broad suite of intuitive software solutions to streamline analysis for a wide range of applications including enumeration of lymphocyte subsets, stem cells, residual white blood cells, and reticulocytes.

The Lab  also offers routine tests for blood, urine, and stool. It also offers special packages designed for  specific sectors  like the Well-Being Package, Diet/Weight Management Package, Senior Citizen's Check Up, Pre-Employment Package, and Cancer Screening Tests such as Prostrate, Ovarian and Colon.

The J&J Vitros 250 is a fully automated chemical analyzer
and one of the hi-tech equipment found in the lab

Bloodworks has already served numerous, satisfied patients in the past two years since its opening in September 2012, because of its comprehensive and efficient services and the convenience it offers in the delivery of these services.

Bloodworks Lab is conveniently located in Elizabeth Hall, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City with a satellite office at Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For further inquiries, call 426-0237, 0925-3795611 or visit their website at www.bloodworkslab.com and Facebook page BLOODWORKS.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda with Bloodworks PR as basis

SINGAPORE'S OWL COFFEE CREATES A STIR IN PHL

I have to admit I'm an addict! To coffee that is. I cannot resist its aroma wherever I go. Coffee is part of my life. Whether in a meeting, chillaxing at home, working on my desk or just watching TV, you will mostly see me with a hot cup of joe. Heck I even do it while dumping! But I'm more fond of coffee in a sachet because of its convenience. And it's easier to prepare than brewed.

Just recently, I got an Owl Coffee complimentary pack from a business partner who flew in from Singapore. He said he normally brings this as pasalubong (Filipino term for homecoming treat) for family and friends. The kind that I got was Nanyang White Coffee that comes with creamer and sugar just like the photo below borrowed from Kumagcow.com.

I was immediately hooked. I used to buy loads of 3 in 1 white coffee from a local brand but now this is my guy.

As I'm composing this blog entry, I'm sipping on one :-)

OWL STORY

Owl Coffee if you search on the net is a known coffee brand from Singapore. It also has strong presence in the underlying regions of Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

I was surprised they've a lot of variants. They even have ginger tea which to us Filipinos is good old Salabat. This is good news since Filipinos like to try new flavors and things.

Here are the different variants as culled from their online press release:

"OWL Coffee comes in several variants such as Everyday Favorites 3-in-1 Strong, and 3-in-1 Regular Low Fat for diet conscious individuals.  They also have the Kopitiam Roast selection deriving its distinct taste from Singapore’s coffee shop culture that includes Kopi Siew Dai with Less Sugar, and Kopi-C which features evaporated milk as its creamer giving it a creamy smooth taste.  Next in line is the Nanyang White Coffee line.  Known for its strong, robust flavor without the bitter aftertaste, OWL’s White Coffee Gula Melaka is sweetened with coconut sugar for a unique aromatic blend.  For those who are not too fond of coffee, OWL has its Teh Tarik (Milk Tea) and Ginger Tea w/ Honey which are both great for a soothing morning and afternoon beverage."

Some of the popular variants of Owl.
(Borrowed from LivingMarjorney.com)

I also saw in their Philippine Facebook page that they're launching a mascot called Boy Owl. Oh boy, he has lots of cute photos doing human things such as exercising, working on a laptop, drinking coffee etc. I think he'll be a hit with the girls and kids.

Here's a glimpse of Boy Owl in Action.

I think the mascot symbolizes the brand's advocacy for living a full and balanced life.

Check out more of their latest media release below for more info. You can also like their official Facebook page here Owl Philippines and get updates on products and promos.

They are also running a contest in this blog The Peach Kitchen. 

CATCH THE OWL!

One of Singapore’s most well-loved brands, OWL Coffee & Tea, has something up its feathery sleeves. The OWL brand, known in Southeast Asia for its assorted gourmet coffee and tea concoctions in a pack, introduces its cute, cuddly and responsible mascot simply named Boy Owl.  He exudes the inherent brand values of OWL such as  living a full life as well as being an advocate of a balanced lifestyle.“By drinking OWL Coffee to keep him on the go, Boy Owl engages in a lot of everyday  activities.  With a mantra of work hard-play hard, it’s no surprise that on any given day you can catch him working in the office, traveling to new places, playing sports, doing exercises, or just simply helping people in need.  He embodies the best of what we can be.& says Daniel Lin, OWL Export Manager for Southeast Asia.

So if you see this large feathered friend around, get your smart-phones or digital cameras ready and be sure to practice that perfect smile before clicking those selfies.  He’s gonna be in the malls, in parks, in schools, and on the street.

As a bird, it’s easy to get around with those wings.  Keep your eyes on the lookout.  Who knows, you might also get the chance to get OWL Coffee samples from this generous bird if the timing is right.  Check out more photos of Boy Owl in OWL Coffee Philippine’s official Facebook fan page by simply liking (https://www.facebook.com/OwlCoffeePhilippines) and keep up to date with what’s happening in the world of OWL.  There’s the usual information and tidbits on the various flavors of OWL Coffee & Tea as well as regular giveaways - so don’t forget to take a peek from time to time.

OWL is proud of its famous, traditional brewing methods since 1956.  Its blends owe their unique flavor and aroma to the world-renowned coffee growing regions along the straits of Malacca, the prevalent coffee culture in Singapore, as time-tested recipes crafted for your enjoyment.

The brand was recently launched in the Philippines through a press-conference made  more interesting with a coffee talk and various, fun games.

OWL Coffee comes in several variants such as Everyday Favorites 3-in-1 Strong, and 3-in-1 Regular Low Fat for diet conscious individuals.  They also have the Kopitiam Roast selection deriving its distinct taste from Singapore’s coffee shop culture that includes Kopi Siew Dai with Less Sugar, and Kopi-C which features evaporated milk as its creamer giving it a creamy smooth taste.  Next in line is the Nanyang White Coffee line.  Known for its strong, robust flavor without the bitter aftertaste, OWL’s White Coffee Gula Melaka is sweetened with coconut sugar for a unique aromatic blend.  For those who are not too fond of coffee, OWL has its Teh Tarik (Milk Tea) and Ginger Tea w/ Honey which are both great for a soothing morning and afternoon beverage.

OWL is available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide.  The &Owl Made Me Do It& just wrapped up its 1^st wave of 13 buildings in the metro’s various business districts.Keep an eye out as the 2^nd wave starts soon probably in a venue near you.  The campaign sets up sampling booths and information kiosks in major business hubs, BPO centers, corporate  buildings and food parks where classy baristas serve free OWL Coffee & Tea blends.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

TRANSFORMERS AGE OF EXTINCTION: A PRIMER

Optimus Prime rides Dinobot leader Grimmlock

Optimus Prime, the charismatic leader
of the Autobots

The Metal Mayhem has begun! I know everybody's eager to watch the latest spectacle of Michael Bay that opened today. But before doing so, let me give you a primer on what to expect from this steel and shrapnel theatrics.

1. Director Michael Bay, unintentionally or otherwise, showcased the economic might of the World's second superpower China through the colossal battle in Guangdong. The film subliminally highlighted China's most progressive province, home to most of the World's valuable brands. As a backdrop and through sweeping imagery, Guangdong's towering buildings and huge production facilities figured prominently, demonstrating the highly touted Chinese economic invasion. I saw glimpses of corporate structures of Philips and Samsung during the massive fight sequences. Fortunately, they weren't destroyed 😉

2. The movie kinda harks back to its earlier permutations. Early in the film and similar to the first installment, sweeping camera angles and country and 80's music fittingly accompanied the relationship narrative of new recruits Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz who played his daughter.

Superstar Mark Wahlberg topbills the latest
Transformers film

3. I was silently and fervently hoping for a romantic sub-plot similar to the first film, which I think was one of the biggest selling points of the franchise, but sadly there is non. The initial awkwardness and clumsiness of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) in courting bombshell Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) was a hit. I think because average people can definitely relate to his character. It even made Fox a poster girl for hotness for a few years. It also made 80's New Wave music hot again.

4. I'm quite disappointed with the Dinobots' bland introduction and limited roles. They were relegated to beasts of burden by Optimus Prime. To make matters worse, they don't speak but growl. This is farthest from the original 80's classic cartoons where the Dinobots have different, funny and interesting personalities albeit short in IQ, which a dinosaur should be, given their pea-sized brains. Their one liners were the comedic highlights in that series. In fact, the presence of the Dinobots in the show got the highest ratings and was highly anticipated.

Meet the new and menacing Dinobots!

5. The screeching metal noises that were very prominent and irritating in the second and third installments were toned down a bit here. Now it was a pleasure to watch the transforming and battle scenes. The shrill noises made by clashing and rubbing metals were turned into ambient (background) sound.

6. Despite some of its few misses and its  exaggerated storytelling, I must say the actions scenes and compelling imagery and CGI were the best in the series.

So go ahead and watch it! Immerse yourself in the pure pleasure of a true cinematic experience. After all, this is the essence of watching a movie.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

Want Whiter Teeth? Do this very simple trick!

Everybody wants whiter and clean teeth. Who doesn't? Maybe the unhygienic few. I know you can relate to this scenario: Walking towards you is a hot and attractive woman, you were spellbound until she smiled, with a hepatitic teeth (yellowish darn it)! It has been proven that having clean and attractive teeth can increase one's charm level tenfold. Believe me. Just ask any chick!

Anyways, I will veer away temporarily from my usual blog topics and instead give my huge contribution to mankind: My own Lifehacks...

This very easy trick is guaranteed to make your teeth whiter, cleaner and attractive, not to mention healthier. And of course, you can save on toothpaste costs.

Ready? Here goes....

When applying toothpaste, make sure to squeeze it as deep as you can in your toothbrush. See my own illustration below (pardon for the low quality photo).

The secret here is that the deeper the toothpaste, the more you utilize its cleaning power because the brush holds it better. This is in contrast to just applying a pea-sized paste on top of the brush which is a common practice. Most of it is just wasted when you brush. Even the dental industry promotes this pea-sized practice, just look at the instruction section of your toothpaste tube.

Makes sense right? If in doubt, I got this idea from one of the most reputable and popular toothpaste brands when I was shopping for a new one. {source}

Of course combine this with your usual at-least-twice-a-day brushing regimen and avoidance of highly colored drinks such as coffee, tea, chocolate etc. and you're on your way as the next Close-Up model!

Happy brushing!

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

MOCHA GIRLS BEWARE, BATCHMATES ARE HERE!

The Batchmates

The hotness of summer was a very good backdrop for the launch of a hot, new all girl, sexy sing-and-dance group! The Batchmates are out to conquer the profitable male entertainment scene in the mold of the Mocha Girls. In fact they are out to prove that they are better and raunchier than the Mocha Girls!

I was invited to document their press launch recently as a blogger. It was held at the old Padis Point bar in the Timog Circle area. I was with a group of bloggers and my staff Mae in a PR agency when we came in a tad late. I was quite surprised that the venue was jampacked with veteran reporters and writers from different traditional media outfits such as from TV, broadsheets and tabloids. They were already performing when we got to our comfortable ringside seats. I was impressed by their dance moves and choreography. I wasn't surprised since I was told two of them came from the Mocha Girls. Their main choreographer Aura Balington previously from the Mocha Girls is one hot chick and burns the dance floor with sleek moves. I think she is schooled in the hip hop genre judging by her steps.

 

The Batchmates

Being in marketing I've seen girl groups come and go but it's safe to say that Aura, Sophy, Marie, Cath, Jonah and Vasy will be here for the long haul because of their talents, both individual and as a group and their beauty. Not to mention their oozing sex appeal! I also saw some of the numerous write-ups after the press launchand I should say their PR machinery is doing good at the moment.

 

During their album press launch at Padis Point Timog

Their self titled album has cuts that are danceable and I think would sell well with the masa market. The songs are a cross between Sexbomb Dancers and Mocha Girls. Mostly are original novelty songs while some are revivals. Cuts include Feel Like Dance, Boom Para Boom, 'Dina Mahal, Hora at Giling.

 

Me with one of the members after the event

Given the right exposure which I think they are doing now, the Batchmates can easily glide to stardom. Of course it will be an uphill battle given that they dont still have the support of a major network or major product endorsements. But because of the backing of their popular manager Lito De Guzman who has a proven track record for discovering great talents such as Ynez Veneracion, the Baywalk Bodies, Hazel Espinosa etc. I think they are on the right track.

During the prescon you can see that the girls are all business. They were prim and proper while being interviewed or should I say grilled by the naughty entertainment press. Among them I think Aura and Sophy commands stage presence more than the rest.

They were also packaged right with the right kind of curves and bossoms (hehe) you know what I mean and talent. Although I would say their customs during their launch was a bit too exaggerated for my taste. They should've worn more revealing but tasteful outfits. Nevertheless I enjoyed their performance and overall I would say that given the right publicity, opportunity and image management, these girls will definitly reach success soon.

 

With Sophy, one of the Batchmates
and a good friend

For news, more info and show schedules, like their official Facebook Page "Batchmates".

By Paolo Angelo Florenda