Smile Train Wins a Silver for the First-Ever Filipino Mobile Speech Application at the 57th Anvil Awards

In the Philippines, where more than 5,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate every year, access to various cleft-related treatments such as speech therapy remains vital. This is especially true during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when ensuring patients can continue their speech therapy sessions became a pressing concern. 

Standing by its commitment to continue promoting comprehensive cleft care, Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft-focused organization, endeavored to bring its speech therapy programs direct to patients by launching the country’s first Filipino speech therapy mobile application. The platform allows more patients born with a cleft to continue receiving comprehensive cleft care with greater ease using their smartphones. (The Smile Train Filipino mobile speech application is free and downloadable on both Apple and Google Play Store. Visit https://smiletrainspeechapp.com/ for more feature details.)

The impact of this innovative application as well as Smile Train’s telehealth services were recognized at the 57th Anvil Awards, winning the Silver Award.

“As Smile Train strives to create a brighter future for Filipinos born with a cleft, we are grateful to receive this recognition for the second time as this is a testament of our organization’s efforts to bring uninterrupted care and convenient access to patients amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Vice President, Smile Train South East Asia. 

Since the programs were launched in 2020, Smile Train’s speech telehealth and therapy programs in the Philippines have treated over 300 patients, providing them with more than 2,000 cleft care-related sessions—including speech therapy, nutritional support, breastfeeding guidance for mothers of babies with clefts, pre-surgical consultations, and psychosocial care. From 2020 to 2021, Smile Train and its 26 partners supported a total of 2,125 sessions for over 223 individuals for speech services alone. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, patients still have access to Smile Train’s services and are still able to schedule surgeries in partner hospitals.

“Smile Train has always been committed to exploring various avenues and utilizing technology to provide comprehensive cleft care to reach more patients and communities in the country,” shared Flaviano. “All these programs built on the earlier successes of Smile Train’s efforts at the onset of the pandemic, notably Speech Camp 2020, which is a series of virtual therapy classes and discussions conducted by speech language pathologists and medical professionals.”

 

To know more about Smile Train’s global efforts and to donate, please visit smiletrain.org. To learn more about Smile Train’s local programs in the Philippines and to refer a patient in need, please visit smiletrain.ph/get-help. Follow Smile Train Philippines on Instagram @SmileTrainPh, and like us on Facebook at @SmileTrainPhilippines

Try these new products from Purefoods!

Purefoods Deli Breakfast Sausages are made with a unique blend of seasonings and spices to delight your meal, whether for breakfast or even snacking. 

If you love to add bacon to just about everything, then it’s time you give Purefoods Deli Beef Bacon a try! Prime cuts of beef cured with spices and smoked to perfection for a more delectable and premium bacon experience

Available in supermarkets nationwide and at https://thehub.sanmiguel.com.ph

First-time parents Elisse and Mccoy reveal Pampers Overnight as the solution to their sleepless nights

A few days ago, netizens and fans expressed their support to new parents Elisse Joson and Mccoy de Leon after seeing the couple’s cryptic posts on Facebook and Instagram stories, hinting that both had enough already.

After much probing, we found that the real cause was the couple’s lack of good night sleep. While most people can relate to having sleepless nights, first-time parents like Elisse and Mccoy are nodding their heads and saying, “We hear you.”

Parents’ Partner for Uninterrupted Sleep

McLisse, in a Pampers Power Parents Show Facebook Live with Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro on Monday, revealed that they had to wake up in the middle of the night to their daughter, Felize McKenzie, crying because of the discomfort and leaks caused by the previous diaper brand they were using. They recalled that the most difficult time for them was during Felize’s first six months – Elisse would get up in the middle of the night to feed and to change diapers multiple times. To prevent this from happening again, Elisse and Mccoy have taken shifts in changing Felize’s diapers which eventually left the couple tired, frustrated and not having enough sleep. For working parents like Elisse and Mccoy, a restful sleep is important. And when your baby is uncomfortable and does not get enough sleep, that also means that the whole family does not either.

Apparently, this is a common struggle for parents. Most nighttime diaper changes are either done before baby sleeps or around the parents’ sleeping schedule to reduce the need for parent and baby to wake up at night. However, parents still experience instances when they wake up in the middle of the night to check their baby’s diaper. They oftentimes worry of “babad” or the soaking in free liquid on diaper’s topsheet.

But after hearing recommendations from fellow Pampers parents, McLisse decided to try the new Pampers Overnight and saw the difference in their daughter’s sleep: comfortable, uninterrupted, and free of leaks. All thanks to its superior Zero Babad Night Lock that absorbs baby’s pee all night and helps prevent rashes! It has Zero Babad Technology that can absorb up to 1 night’s pee based on average overnight loading and Zero Babad NightLock belt to prevent nighttime leaks.

Call to Equal Parenting to Ease the Load for New Parents

During the same Facebook Live show, the couples discussed how parenting is not easy and how listening and supporting each other is essential. Saab pointed out, “Diaper problems man or other complex challenges, whether emotional, physical, mental - those are valid, and you can also always ask for help… and for us, let’s continue to give them support.”

Mccoy and Elisse said that amidst parenting struggles at home, they are both grateful that they equally share the caregiving duties which helps in lessening their parenting loads and worries. Saab and Jim added that having the support of other family members also helps alleviate stress as well.

The concept of equal parenting rings even more relevancy now with the celebration of the International Women’s day as it emphasizes that caregiving and housework are the responsibility of both parents, and they mentioned how we need to break outdated stereotypes that women are the sole, full-time caregiver in the early stages of a child’s life.

Procter & Gamble on Promoting Equal Parenting

Last year, P&G launched a program called “Share the Care” that gives its employees, regardless of their gender and marital status, 8 weeks of fully paid parental leave and offers all kinds of parents different opportunities to care for and bond with the children new to their family – biological or adopted. This is beyond the standard 7 days that is mandated by the Philippine law for fathers. Meanwhile, mothers continue to receive 105 calendar days of fully paid maternal leave.

Join the Pampers Power Parents and promote healthy sleep by giving your babies the night diaper that offers better value with zero babad protection. Shop the new Pampers Overnight Pants today by visiting our Lazadaand Shopee stores and other major retailers now.

‘Ayoko na. Gabi gabi na lang akong walang tulog’: Elisse and Mccoy foreshadow break-up in cryptic post

Elisse Joson and Mccoy de Leon, or “McLisse”, were first discovered through the popular reality television show Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7 back in 2016. Both contestants were very expressive of their feelings, especially Mccoy. And fans were also quick to notice that they have an undeniable connection and chemistry. As years went by, the two showbiz newbies went from close friends to being first-time parents to 10-month-old daughter Felize McKenzie.

Many fans follow the two PBB alums on their social media platforms, and they were left shocked and wondering what happened to the two especially just after Elisse’s birthday surprise party for Mccoy and Felize’s baptism. In the afternoon of March 04, 2022, Elisse published a cryptic post. 

According to the actress, “Akala ko okay na pero nakakapagod pala. Gabi-gabi na lang akong walang tulog. Babad sa isip ko kung paano matitigil yung paghihirap namin ni baby. Ayoko na.”

This post did not sit well with fans of the couple. They shared theories on what could be the source of this tension. Some say there could be issues within their families, financial problems, and many more.

Later that day, Mccoy also took a jab at the issue and posted what he was feeling.

 

Mccoy expressed how he also feels weighed down by the situation, “Nahihirapan na din ako.” Regardless of how hard things are right now, the young father is not giving up on his partner and daughter saying he will find a way to give them protection, “At sana kahit ganito, hindi tayo bumitaw dahil gagawin ko ang lahat mapasaya at maprotektahan lang kayo.”

We have reached out to both camps about this issue, and they are still yet to respond. 

Babangon Ka Sa Flu at Iba’t Ibang Sakit Ngayong Flu Season!

While the country has officially gone past the flu season—which usually takes place in the chilliest months of the year—one can never be too complacent. With summer fast approaching, we still have to watch out for symptoms associated with having the flu: sniffles, sneezes, headaches, and fevers, plus a few body aches here and there. And because the flu shares many symptoms with COVID-19, catching the former also means that the average Pinoy will have a little less peace of mind.

In short, flu symptoms aren’t just more common these days—they’re also a lot heavier to deal with. 

That’s why it’s generally a good idea to get tested for COVID-19 in case one experiences flu symptoms. In the event that it’s confirmed to be COVID-19, one can start practicing the necessary isolation and treatment protocols. 

On the other hand, if that cough turns out to be a symptom of the flu, it isn’t enough to stop at the negative COVID-19 results. Flu symptoms still need to be treated ASAP, as they may lead to more serious health complications. 

When a cold or flu creates a blockage in the sinuses, for example, this can trap bacteria and viruses inside through the mucus. A bad enough infection can lead to sinusitis, which in turn causes severe headaches, fever, facial pain. 

The fluid buildup from the flu can also cause bacteria or viruses to infect the space behind the eardrums, leading to a painful ear infection. In people with asthma, flu symptoms can trigger asthmatic attacks, or cause difficulty breathing among people without asthma. 

Flu symptoms could also make it more difficult to sleep. Studies have found that a lack of sleep can have a negative effect on the immune system, making someone more vulnerable to different illnesses. 

Given how important it is to immediately treat flu symptoms, medication for these symptoms is a must- have during the country’s flu season. For many Filipinos, the ideal fix is to have a multi-benefit solution like Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) at home. 

Unlike other medications that address only one or two flu symptoms, Phenylephrine HCl Chlorphenamine Maleate Paracetamol (BIOFLU) is specially formulated to provide relief for all common flu symptoms. It helps relieve fever, colds, clogged noses, sneezing, headaches, body aches, joint pain, chills, sore throat, and cough due to post-nasal drip. It can also help reduce itching in the eyes and treat a runny nose. 

Its formula was also created to treat the symptoms of other ailments like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, making it a valuable multi-purpose medication for every household. At just PHP7.50 SRP per tablet, it’s also one of the most sulit solutions available to Pinoys. The medication provides relief for multiple illnesses and prevents complications from their symptoms at a cost cheaper than a cup of coffee.

And because a lot of the symptoms that it treats are also common side effects from COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the medication has also proven to be helpful for people who need to get back to work soon after getting their shots. 

With flu season in full swing and a pandemic still hitting Pinoys where it hurts, it’s always good to keep medication handy that can help people bounce back more easily from the symptoms. When it’s a multi- benefit solution, it’s more than just helpful—it’s sulit.

Home-cooked Goodness Made Easy with Magnolia Chicken Timplados

Get ready to enjoy the Sarap ng home-style goodness with Magnolia Chicken Ready-to-Cook Timplados.

• Selyado Sigurado – Packed at Magnolia chicken plants to ensure safety and quality.

• High in Protein – To help boost immunity.

• Pre-marinated and Ready-to-Cook in less than 30 minutes – Pre-marinated and packed at its peak of freshness, for a delicious and healthy meal in less than 30 minutes.

• Delicious Hoemstyle Goodness – Delicious ready-to-cook homestyle meals that your family will surely enjoy.

Here's the easy cooking instructions

1. Thaw chicken in the lowest part of the refrigerator overnight.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. When oil is hot enough, coat chicken with breading and deep-fry for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Drain excess oil on rack or on paper towels.

Happy Eating!!!

Not even the cold hearted can resist Dairy Queen’s limited-edition Valentine’s Day treats

Valentine's Day is upon us once again! Have you finally decided on what you want to give your SO to show them how much they mean to you? If you still don't know what gift to surprise them with, then you'll never go wrong with these two new offers from Dairy Queen, available for a limited time only!

First is the Dairy Queen Heart Blizzard Cake. Get them mesmerized with its beautiful and intricate rose and shell piping, and then show them how sweet you can be with 100 real ice cream cake underneath—truly a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Plus, it's cake and flowers in one package!

If you want to give them something simpler yet equally sweet, you can also go for the Nutty Heart Dilly Bar. A satisfyingly snappy chocolate shell, made even more crunchier with generous sprinklings of crushed roasted peanuts, coats a rich vanilla soft serve pop, a cold dessert that can melt even the coldest of hearts.

The Dairy Queen Heart Blizzard Cake is available in 6" round cakes and is priced starting at P599. The Nutty Heart Dilly Bar, on the other hand, is priced at P64 for a single serving (available for dine in and take out only), and starting at P384 for a box of 6.

The limited-edition Dairy Queen Heart Blizzard Cake and Nutty Dilly Bar are both available until February 21, 2022 only. Whether buying sweet treats on Valentine's Day for that special someone in your life, or even just for yourself, order now so you won't miss these offers!

You can always enjoy your favorite desserts anytime by visiting your nearest Dairy Queen branch for dine in and take out orders, or by calling the 8911-1111 hotline and logging on to www.dairyqueen.com.ph so you can have them delivered straight to your doorstep. You can also order with a tap on your smartphone through Dairy Queen's official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo.

Stay updated with the latest promos and offers from Dairy Queen by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or by visiting the official website at www.dairyqueen.com.ph.