Memories of Sunset at Manila Bay

After touring around Manila Zoo last Saturday, my friends and I decided to take our snacks as well as our dinner at Harbour Square, Roxas Boulevard in Manila so as to witness the beautiful sunset at Manila Bay.

My attraction to sunset's beauty began when I discovered my love for travelling. Despite being a Manila-born, lived in Metro Manila for thirteen years, worked in Metro Manila for nine years, my first witness of Manila Bay sunset happened only in March 2013. The awe inspiring view of the golden ball of fire setting from the sky really captured my heart. From then on, whenever I am at Mall of Asia, I passed by SM MOA by the Bay to ogle at the picturesque sunset.

This time around, I witnessed this golden sunset at Harbour Square near the Yacht area. A different view but it offered the same mesmerizing beauty. What made it special was that I was with the company of my closest friends back in college. Being with them was special already but making us see the view of the sunset added to another lifetime of unforgettable memories to cherish.

I am sharing with you the sunset photos I have taken using my ever reliable smartphone.  Thanks to technology, I was able to capture such scenes with ease.

The golden horizon

Such a lovely sight!

After sunset, the color of the horizon swiftly changed from golden yellow to pinkish hue.

From a panoramic perspective

Yes, Manila Bay has been a witnessed to variety of historical events in the country. Amid the bay's situation, (the water's cleanliness, reclamation issues, among many others), this bay remains a scenic attraction for its beautiful sunset. We cannot count how many magnificent sunset has occurred in this place yet it continues to create memories that cannot be easily forgotten.


-Riz-

My Own Time

It was on April 2013 when I first wrote this Facebook post. I think this was my longest status in my account. It reads:

"What makes having your "ME TIME" the best? You are free to do things on your own, in your own pace without thinking what other people will have to say. This means the liberty to pursue things that you really want in the first place. Being alone does not mean you are sad but you just want to spend some quality time with yourself. It releases tension, the fear inside you while discovering that you can act on the things you do not normally do. 

I have embraced this "me time" for several years already but I have not regretted doing this kind of activity. 

I love it every time I will spend my own quality time. I have done a lot of things alone like eating in a fancy restaurant; watching a movie while crying buckets of tears for those touching scenes; catching a basketball game (championship round for that matter) solo while witnessing how my favorite team celebrated a victory; traveling alone; capturing photos of the best places I have visited in; shopping for myself; and I did as far as bringing myself to the emergency room, having a blood extraction because of severe dizziness. 

Recently, I did my own Visita Iglesia and I really loved that experience. Another solo experience was viewing the beautiful sunset in Manila Bay. That was the only free time that I could catch the picturesque sunset of the famed Manila Bay. I have more in mind which I can do in the future. 

So, who says being alone is so sad when in fact you can do a lot of things when you are alone."

Yes, after writing this long status for more than a year, I keep on valuing this time for myself. Only when I have time for myself, I get to reflect on areas to change or to improve. I get to realize things better. I see things on a clearer picture.

But don't get me wrong, I cherish the people I loved most in my lifetime, that is my family and my friends. I highly regard and respect their opinions and several advice given to me. Though, sometimes, I am too hardheaded to heed some of them, I still value what they feel for and speak of me. I remain a firm believer of this saying, "No man is an island" especially in a generation where social networking earns greater importance. 

No matter how I value my relationship with others, I find time to immerse with myself once in a while. This attitude keeps my sanity intact. I own this time for myself because I put importance of me, being God's greatest masterpiece. 

Off to my next destination! 

~Riz~

Thoughts about Thirty

One day to go and it is already my birth month – June.

Filipinos associate the month with rainy season, opening of classes and weddings. For me, whenever this month comes, I feel tensed at the same time excited because I am getting older by age. Later on, I will realize that age is just a number and be proud of it.

My entry to thirty

Nineteen days from now, I will bid goodbye to 29 and will soon embrace that big 30! Most women who enter this stage will ignore the fact that they are already in their 30s. Some will stop counting their age or shut their mouths whenever they were asked for it.

What are my thoughts of becoming thirty? In all honesty, I am scared. The thought that I am turning another year older entails me to become wiser and more responsible everyday. My siblings consider my age as old yet I do not consider myself as one because I am still young at heart and in appearance (wink).

I am scared, yes. But in truth, I am thankful that I am able to reach the age of 30. I consider myself as blessed because at this age, I never seem to look like one. Thanks to the good genes.

Entering thirty means, more blessing will still come my way. So many opportunities will be present because I am ripe with valuable experiences of which I have surpassed for the past 29 years. Despite being ripe for the age, I am still thirsty for I want to learn and grow more as an individual.

In journalist’s jargon, 30 means end of a news or broadcast story. For me, my story is just beginning. Better yet, I should say that a new chapter of my life is just unfolding. Nevertheless, I am still keeping my high hopes of a flourishing career, living a financially sound life, staying fit, healthy and fabulous as well as having a blooming relationship.

Thankful at 30

At the end of the day, turning another year older is a blessing that I have to be grateful of because things and situations will be different every single day.

On that note, I have to live my life to the fullest and keep thanking God for the blessing of life and being alive under His care because I am His greatest masterpiece. 

-touRIZta-

My Very First Press Release Published in Newspaper - July 2007

If there's any article that is very significant to me during my press release writing journey, it has to be this one. My very first PR published in Philippine Star, July 2007. 

I am getting nostalgic reading this one. Good thing, Philippine Star has article archive. :)  

First PAD Awareness Day marked

 Updated August 16, 2007 - 12:00am

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People across the country gathered in different hospitals and health centers to participate in the first-ever “Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Day” celebration last  July 20.

Recently, President Arroyo, in Proclamation No. 1321, declared July 20 as PAD Awareness Day. This is to emphasize the need to educate Filipinos about PAD, recognize its risk factors, and prevent the hazards it will bring to one’s health and well-being.

PAD is one of many complications of diabetes which is often under-diagnosed and under treated.

Dr. Araceli Panelo, executive director of Institute for the Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDFI) said, “In the Philippines alone, about 20 percent of the 87 million population is suffering from PAD. This is why we (ISDFI), together with Otsuka Philippines Pharmaceuticals Inc., are collaborating to expand our mission of preventing PAD through the PAD Awareness Day.”

The PAD Awareness Day is dedicated to patients with PAD or those who are at risk of PAD. Through this activity, patients received free ankle brachial index (ABI) screening, a patient-friendly, inexpensive technique that compares blood pressure between the patient’s arms and ankles. It is a very useful tool in detecting PAD.

Aside from free ABI screening, patients also got free sample medicine for PAD. There were lay forums conducted to educate them about PAD.

Several hospitals, health centers and diabetes centers participated in the event. Among were the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City, Pasig City Health Office, Antipolo City Health Office, Caloocan General Hospital, Mandaluyong City Health Office, and Pasay City General Hospital.

PAD is a problem with the blood flow in the arteries due to the build-up of fatty deposits. The most common symptom of PAD is claudication or leg pain. This happens when there is insufficient supply of blood in the muscles due to blockage.

Patients with diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol problems and even smokers are at risk of developing PAD. 

PAD is also associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and even premature death. Thus, early detection is needed in order to prevent PAD.

The PAD Awareness Day aims to improve the ongoing information and public education campaign of ISDFI and Otsuka to further benefit PAD patients nationwide.

For more information about PAD, call the i-PAD connect hotline at 811-i-PAD (811-4-723) for Metro Manila or 1-800-1-888-i-PAD (1-800-1-888-4-723) for provincial areas.

http://www.philstar.com/science-and-technology/13158/first-pad-awareness-day-marked

A MESSAGE OF THANKS TO EHEADS

Re-posting my multiply blog. This was written a week after watching the FINAL SET concert in 2009.

This was my unforgettable concert event I had witnessed.

MARCH 7, 2009

MALL OF ASIA CONCERT GROUNDS

ERASERHEADS: THE FINAL SET

Dearest Ely, Raimund, Marcus and Buddy,

O mga PARE KO, gusto kong sabihin sa inyong umaapaw ang puso ko sa LIGAYA matapos kong mapanood ang una at huling sulyap ko sa concert ng pinakapaborito kong banda, ang ERASERHEADS!

Naisip ko noon KAILAN ko kaya masisilayan ang bandang nagpasimulang humubog ng pagkahilig ko sa musika. It was HARD TO BELIEVE but that very day finally came. I thought that the REUNION CONCERT was the final concert of the band. Ito ay isang MALING AKALA. THE FINAL SET CONCERT HAPPENED!

Thanks to MTV Philippines and SMART Communications that organized this historical musical event.

Hindi man sa MAGAZIN ko kayong unang nakita at nasilayan ngunit salamat sa simpleng song hits na pumukaw sa aking kamalayan. Sa mga awitin ninyong hindi matatawaran nang talino at galing. I was TOO YOUNG (TOYANG) then, but you SHAKE MY and other HEADS to your simple but rock tunes.

MINSAN naisip ko, ano nga bang meron kayo at napakarami ang humahanga sa inyo. Isa lang ang masasabi ko, ang mga simpleng salita sa awitin ninyo at sinabayan pa nang tugtog ng mga instrumentong kay sigla ang siyang nagbigay buhay sa bawat awit at nagdulot ng iba't ibang damdamin sa bawat isang tagahanga at kabilang ako roon.

Hindi ko na kailangan maghintay ng SEMBREAK at CHRISTMAS PARTY para masilayan ko kayo. Hindi isang MASELANG BAHAGHARI o ulan ang hahadlang para MAKAPILING KAYO (TUWING UMUULAN AT KAPILING KA). Dahil sa FINAL SET CONCERT, napa-EL BIMBO at napa-OVERDRIVE ako sa saya. Parang naTIKMAN ko na ang langit sa inyong masasayang awitin. Hindi matatakpan ng MASKARA ang ganda ng inyong mga awit dahil ito ay tulad ng isang HARANA minsang kong minahal. Para ding isang FRUITCAKE ang makukulay na himig na nagbibigay tamis sa minsang maasim at masalimuot kong buhay.

Ang sarap balik-balikan ng mga awitin ninyong nag-iwan ng isang magandang alaala. Tulad ng isang SPOLIARIUM, naging makasaysayan ang mga tugtugin pati na rin ang buong banda. Ang mga pangalang ELY, RAIMUND, MARCUS at BUDDY ay nakatatak na sa kasaysayan ng Philippine Music. Ang mapabilang sa libo-libong manonood ng FINAL SET CONCERT ay maihahalintulad din sa pakiramdam ng nasa ALAPAAP ngunit ang LIGAYAng dulot nito ay hindi masisira ng ALKOHOL kahit pa buhol-buhol ang buhay.

Hindi ako isang TORPEDO. Isang pasasalamat lamang ang inihahayag ko. HUWAG MO NANG ITANONG kung bakit kayo ang aking pinakapaborito.

Yes! WITH A SMILE, I will forever cherish the day I witnessed you perform on stage. It's a TRIP TO JERUSALEM journey bago ko kayo masilayan

PARA SA MASA kayo pa rin ang bida! You are still the ERASERHEADS!

LONG LIVE EHEADS! Thank you for sharing the greatest music of all times.

YOUR ONE OF THE BIGGEST FAN,

RIZ

Another published press release

One of the many press releases I've written for Otsuka Philippines Pharmaceuticals, Inc. during my stay in my previous work at FAME, Inc. 

This was one of the memorable articles I've done because I was the one who covered the event. Transcribing had been difficult just to come up with this kind of article. 

Drug proven safe in managing PAD 
Thursday, 05 June 2008 17:09 

A royal-inspired event gathered specialists in diabetes, cardiology and endocrinology in witnessing the recent grand unveiling of “CASTLE,” an acronym for Cilostazol: A Study in Long-Term Effects. 
The results of this latest study provided added data on cilostazol’s safety in the long-term management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which has been reported to be prevalent among Filipinos with risk factors such as diabetes, cholesterol problems, hypertension and smoking. 

An estimated 20 percent of adult Filipinos suffer from PAD whose common symptoms include pain in the lower extremities when walking, relieved by rest. In more severe cases, it can lead to leg gangrene and amputation. 

The CASTLE results showed that in almost 1,500 patients with intermittent claudication secondary to PAD, there was no increased risk of all-cause or cardiovascular deaths and PAD-related disability. 

The study also demonstrated no increased risk of bleeding with cilostazol as compared to placebo, either alone or with concomitant antiplatelet therapy. 

Dr. Augusto Litonjua, acknowledged as the father of Philippine endocrinology, discussed the results of CASTLE during a recent presentation for the Philippine medical community held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City. 

“It (CASTLE) is a study that shows the durability, efficacy of cilostazol and its safety over a period of time,” he said. 

In terms of safety, the drug poses no serious adverse effects. “The CASTLE (study) reconfirms the safety of the long-term treatment of intermittent claudication patients with cilostazol,” he said. 

The CASTLE was conducted to investigate the long-term effect of cilostazol in patients with intermittent claudication secondary to PAD. Its primary aim was to evaluate the rate of deaths from all causes, while the secondary aims were to assess both the cardiovascular deaths and the tolerability to cilostazol over a three-year period of continuous drug intake. 

This phase 4, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm study involved almost 1,500 males and females with intermittent claudication secondary to PAD who were followed up for a period of three and a half years over a two-year enrollment period. 

It also included patients aged 17 and above who were already on aspirin, clopidogrel, pentoxifylline and other anticoagulants (blood thinning agents) in the management of PAD. 

In CASTLE, 37.8 percent of patients with diabetes took cilostazol, while 33.7 percent were placed on placebo. In patients with other conditions (heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure), 44.3 percent took cilostazol while 44.4 percent took placebo. 

These patients underwent a 30-day single run-in phase before the start of the study. The study had a relatively big number of dropouts (lost to follow-up), but this did not stall the study. 

“So, what they did was anyone who was exposed to either placebo or the drug (cilostazol) was observed for an additional one month,” Litonjua said. 

Most of the specialists who attended the presentation agreed that the overall outcome of the CASTLE study strengthened the evidence of the use of cilostazol among patients with PAD. 

Diabetes mellitus is a disease with multi-systemic involvement particularly of the vascular system. It is highly prevalent with 500 new cases of diabetes diagnosed in the Philippines every day, according to Dr. Ricardo Fernando, founder of the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. 

With the prevalence of diabetes, it is alarming to note that there may be an impending increase of PAD incidence in the country for it is one of diabetes’ many deadly complications. 

Diabetes is only one of lifestyle-related diseases that contribute to PAD. Others are smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), collagen vascular disease (connective tissue disease) and heart disease. 

PAD is usually associated with significant long-term illness, disability and death, hence, it should be managed during the early stages of the disease. It can pose a serious threat to life and limb if left untreated. 

Despite the grim complications PAD is associated with, experts contend that it remains a manageable disease. The CASTLE study proves that cilostazol is an effective prescription medicine for improving the prognosis or outlook of patients with PAD. 

For more information on PAD and its treatment, call the i-PAD hotline at 811-4723 for Greater Manila Area or 1-800-1-888-4723 for outside GMA. 

source: Philippine Star 
http://philstar.com/index.php?Science%20and%20Technology&p=49&type=2&sec=36&aid=2008060439 

Press Release (Sunday Reminiscing)

Press release I wrote for Trianon International for ImmunoCAP in 2008. 

Allergic rhinitis prevalent among Pinoys 
Written by Philippine Star 
Friday, 20 June 2008 03:49 

Summer is over but allergic attacks remain a threat among Filipinos. 

Allergic rhinitis is prevalent in Filipinos. Frequent sneezing, runny, clogged or itchy nose, itchy, watery red eyes, and itchy throat are symptoms of allergic rhinitis that cause a lot of discomfort. 

Many Filipinos have perennial allergic rhinitis, caused by pollution, house dust mites, animal dander and molds. This occurs anytime during the year and may even occur with unpredictable degrees of severity. 

Since allergic rhinitis is considered a chronic disease, Dr. Ruby Pawankar of the Nippon Medical School in Japan emphasized the need for more training programs for doctors and public education on allergy prevention and treatment. 

According to allergy experts, one way of controlling rhinitis is to avoid the allergens that trigger rhinitis attacks. The latest approach is through early and accurate diagnosis of allergies. 

An allergy diagnostic procedure called ImmunoCAP IgE (Immunoglobulin E) blood-testing aids in ruling in and ruling out an allergy and in identifying allergic triggers. 

This information is needed to differentiate between infection and allergy as an underlying cause of any disease, and is vital to prevent over- and under-treatment of allergies with antihistamines and antibiotics. 

Local health experts note that many cases of colds and coughs are being treated with various types of antibiotics with no apparent response because they are allergic in nature. 

These cases can be easily detected by the ImmunoCAP test and the patient can be saved from unnecessary expense incurred due to improper treatment. These patients can also be saved from developing antibiotic tolerance due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics. 

ImmunoCAP is the first allergy diagnostic system to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a reliable quantitative test for identifying allergens. 

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology demonstrated that ImmunoCAP is the standard for accuracy and reliability for quantitative IgE testing. 

ImmunoCAP was developed by Phadia AB, in Uppsala, Sweden, the world leader in in-vitro IgE diagnostic research and product development. 

This advanced technology for allergy diagnosis is now available in Philippine hospitals and laboratories. In Metro Manila, this latest innovation is available in the following hospitals: Medical City, Makati Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, National Kidney Institute, Philippine General Hospital, Fe del Mundo Medical Center, Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center and Clinica Manila. People living outside Metro Manila can visit these sites for the allergy test: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center (Pampanga), St. Patrick’s Hospital Medical Center (Batangas), Laguna Health Services Coop Lab (Laguna), Wellcare Clinics & Lab. Inc., (Cavite and Laguna), and Our Lady of Mercy Diagnostic Center (Davao City). 

The Philippines has the highest prevalence rates of common allergies such as rhinitis and asthma, topping other neighboring Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia and South Korea. 

In the International Study of Allergy and Asthma in Children (ISAAC) involving 38 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific, it was reported that Filipino teens aged 13-14 had one of the highest incidence rates for allergic diseases. Allergic rhinitis was found in 32.5 percent of teens in this age bracket. 

These findings are contained in the latest report released to the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) by the World Allergy Organization (WAO). 

Allergic rhinitis is serious and debilitating. According to Prof. Ralph Mösges of the Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology of the University of Cologne in Germany, allergic rhinitis is a major chronic respiratory disease due to its prevalence, impact on quality of life, impact on work/school performance and productivity, economic burden, and its links with asthma. 

A study published by Dr. Pawankar in the medical journal Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology concluded that patients with allergic rhinitis have three times greater chance of developing asthma in their later years and observed that the development of asthma is often preceded by rhinitis. 

For more information or other inquiries on allergy testing and ImmunoCAP, call the Trianon hotline at 815-3239 or visit www.phadia.com. 

source: Phuilippine Star 
http://philstar.com/index.php?Science%20and%20Technology&p=49&type=2&sec=36&aid=2008061853